Mr. Johnson is an 8th Generation Toreador Prince of New Orleans.
Biography[]
Born out of wedlock a few years before World War I, the boy who would become the vampire prince of New Orleans had, from earliest childhood, a fascination for the blues. By his early teens, he was already playing in the roadhouses, and astounding the men he played with - legendary names like Charlie Patton, Son House and Willie Brown. By his mid-'20s he had forever defined the art of the Mississippi Delta slide guitar.
It was in the early '30s, during the first bloom of his mature creative genius, that Johnson was noticed by a Toreador elder. As Toreadors are wont to do, the vampire became fascinated – almost obsessed - with the brilliant young artist.
The vampire decided he could not take this remarkable protege by force. Instead, he called Johnson to a meeting one night at an isolated rural crossroads, revealed his true nature, and offered the musician the gift of eternal life. Johnson replied that he needed to think about it.
And think about it he did, for several years. During that time the weight of his choice produced some of the most anguished and soul-shattering songs ever to glory in the name “blues.”
At last, towards the end of the 1930s, his life an increasingly insane round of shows, fights and destructive romance, Johnson returned to the crossroads and accepted the elder's offer.
A few nights later, at a roadhouse before a performance, he drank poisoned whiskey and was pronounced dead.
The new vampire and his sire took up residence in New Orleans. The Toreador provided his new ward with a top-flight education, as well as a thorough introduction to the ways of the Camarilla. Johnson found he was good at being a vampire, and for a poor black boy from the Delta, the very real respect he received from his generational standing was a gift beyond price.
After a decade or two Johnson's patron found a new obsession, and the two parted amiably. A few years later, the reigning prince of New Orleans retired to Europe to pursue Golconda. Johnson resolved to make the position his. After a brief and civilized, but intense power struggle, he succeeded.
Johnson has one dramatic failing as a leader of vampires - he really does want every vampire in New Orleans to be part of his brood. There are less than a dozen Camarilla vampires in the city (not counting Samantha's illicit brood), and Johnson is sire to seven and grandsire to two more. He has get in other cities as well.
Johnson is not overtly unfair to local vampires not of his brood, but he encourages them when they think of leaving, and does nothing to encourage them to stay. Once they're gone, he creates another Childe before a replacement can move in from out of town.
Still, as a leader Johnson is cautious and always upholds the Masquerade, and he has no apparent aspirations to expand his domain beyond the city, so the Camarilla leaves him alone. In addition, the very low generation of Johnson and his brood make the New Orleans vampiric community potentially one of the most powerful anywhere outside of Vienna.
Character Sheets[]
Mr. Johnson, Prince of New Orleans
8th-Generation Toreador
Age 80, 5' 10", 150 lbs., black skin, black hair and brown eyes.
ST 10, DX 14, IQ 15, HT 12. Basic Speed 7, Move 7.
Blood Pool 22, Humanity 15. Dodge 7.
No armor or encumbrance.
Advantages: Appearance (Attractive), Generation (8th), Kindred Status 2, Musical Talent +10, Vampire Package, Wealth (Filthy Rich).
Disadvantages: Absent-Mindedness, Sense of Duty (to his Brood).
Quirks: Wants all the vampires in New Orleans to be his brood; Likes to stay up late and play guitar.
Skills: Administration-16; Area Knowledge (New Orleans)-16; Boating-17; Carousing-13; Diplomacy-14; Driving (Car)-15; Guns (Pistol)-15; Musical Instrument (Guitar)-29; Occultism-14; Politics- 16; Savoir-Faire-14; Sex Appeal-17; Singing-20; Strategy-15; Writing-17.
Disciplines: Auspex (Power 2), Height- ened Senses-14, Aura Perception-15; Celerity (Power 1); Presence (Power 3), Awe-17, Dread Gaze-14, Entrancement-16.
Weapons: Colt .44 pistol.
References[]
- VTM: GURPS Vampire: The Masquerade, p. 155-156