Thaelius Kane
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
| |
| Always in style, dressed to kill. | |
| Thaelius Kane | |
| Player: @Void Storm | |
| Origin: | Magic |
|---|---|
| Archetype: | Stalker |
| Threat Level: | 45 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Unknown |
| Known Aliases: | Confidential |
| Species: | Generation Seven Vampire, Clan Ventrue |
| Age: | 400+ (Majority spent in torpor) |
| Height: | 6'1" |
| Weight: | 180 lbs. |
| Eye Color: | Grey |
| Hair Color: | Black |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | Bohemian |
| Occupation: | President of Kane Industries |
| Place of Birth: | Prague, Holy Roman Empire |
| Base of Operations: | The Rogue Isles |
| Marital Status: | Single |
| Known Relatives: | All Deceased |
| Known Powers | |
| Claws, Dark Armor, Flight, Fitness | |
| Known Abilities | |
| Fortitude, Dominate, Potence | |
| Equipment | |
| Wrist Blades, PDA, Kane Industries Wristbands | |
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Thaelius Kane grew from a number of concepts that have swam around in my head since I first began roleplaying in Virtue. The type of character that Kane is today really reflects me, and what I love to see and read in a good story. He's a very decadent character, bring driven by the Hunger, lust, greed, and power but by the same token appearing compassionate and even loving underneath. The Vampire aspect also appeals to me. I had seen many WoD RPers running around, and wanted to join the fun. I made an attempt at getting on the Vamp scene in Virtue, but it didn't work out. But three months later, I'm back, with a solid understanding of WoD, and the ambition to learn more.
NOTE: This page is full of spoilers, but some things are left for the reader to ask Kane himself. The History sections are very revealing, but the in-depth account will come later, and will reveal even more. So, in summary, this page has its share of spoilers, but only for the purpose of outlining who and what Kane is. Many details are things that will only be revealed through IC interaction.
Contents |
Thaelius Kane in depth
Physiology
Vampiric Nature
Thaelius Kane is a creature of the night: a vampire. His physical state is radically different from his former self, let alone living organisms. The following characteristics apply to Kane just as they do to ALL vampires:
Kane's organs and glands are not functional anymore. Breathing, eating, sighing, swallowing, blinking, etc. do not happen (though some can be imitated for disguise purposes).
Kane's blood does not circulate, nor do his cells operate like living cells. Therefore, Kane is cold to the touch. It is quite noticeable to all but the most oblivious.
Kane's only bodily fluid is blood. Semen, sweat, tears, saliva, etc. are all gone. The only way to emulate these is to force blood through respective orifices, and even then, it's still blood.
Granted there is enough vitae in his body, Kane operates at peak condition from sundown to sunrise. He is never fatigued. The explanation for which being that his cells no longer burn energy, and so no longer create waste product.
Kane no longer desires or requires food. At least not in the human sense of the word. Food poses no temptation or appeal for him, but blood does. Blood is what Kane feeds on, and humans smell like food. This makes it easy for Kindred to distinguish between other Kindred and humans, not to mention the Beast-to-Beast reaction when one Kindred meets another. When two Kindred meet each other for the first time, the initial reaction is fear or excitement. Depending on Generation, age, potency, or standing, Kindred will perceive others as threats to their condition,
Kane's skin is extremely pale and smooth, like a corpse. This results from lack of blood circulation.
Kane's unliving nature lifts the restrictions of living beings. Kane no longer faces fatigue (as mentioned above), and therefore operates at maximum capacity at all times during the night. He can exert his max strength without abandon, and run at top speed almost limitlessly. His senses are also more valuable. Due to the lack of ocular impairments (wetness, dryness, blinking, strain, irritation), eyesight is very clear and sharp. His body is completely silent, therefore lessening internal noise processed and conditioned to hearing. And since Kane doesn't breath (and therefore doesn't breath OUT), Kane's sense of smell is much more accurate, as molecules required for the olfactory system remain in the nose for transduction. All this and more contribute to his seemingly supernatural abilities. Kane, just as most vampires, is quite superior to his mortal counterparts in many respects. Also, the fact that Kane was in superior physical condition before his Embrace accounts for an even wider gap in physical power.
Disciplines and Training
Kane has trained in a few Disciplines, and nearly mastered one. His time in torpor gradually increased their power, making Kane a highly formidable Kindred.
Fortitude- Kane's mastery of Fortitude goes far, leaving him almost indestructible by normal means. Kane can resist almost all conventional weapons, nearly any amount of force, and can even resist staking.
Dominate - Kane is proficient enough in this skill to control those he needs, when he needs. Kane can compel others to obey him with one word commands, and implant false memories or thoughts into one's mind.
Potence- Kane possesses incredible hand strength, able to imprint steel with his grip, or cling to any surface (provided his hands and feet are bare).
Thaumaturgy- Kane has only very recently gotten this ability. He has acquired knowledge and understanding of the Path of the Levinbolt . Kane can direct the energy in arcs of red lightning, use it to power or short circuit electronics, illuminate darkness, and fry his enemies.
Kane's history provided him with many opportunities, including weapons training and martial arts.
Martial Arts- Kane has trained in a variety of martial arts, including Taekwondo, Fu Jow Pai, and variants of the so-called "Monkey Kung Fu". His rather advanced mastery and combination of such has evolved into a style of hand-to-hand combat all his own. He utilizes the hybrid style to optimize his efficiency with his trademark wrist blades and his Disciplines. Kane is a deadly opponent in hand-to-hand combat.
(OBSOLETE)
Kane Industries Mark VI (DISCONTINUED)
Kane Industries Bracers - Abandoning his suit line, Kane has opted for a more subtle and more efficient form of protection. Concentration his apparatus into two arm bracers, he now commands nanites with the wave of his hand. They fit neatly under a sleeve, and are lightweight. He has increased the storage of nanites, and modified their programming. The protection offered by his "shield" is now absolute, as opposed to the partial cover it offered with his armored suit. The bracers are powered by an experimental process, carried out by the nanites themselves. They can be powered by battery or even vitae if the need arises.
Psychology
Personality and Drives
He would have made Machiavelli proud. Kane is a Ventrue, through and through. Despite the fact he has no clan affiliation, his aristocratic background and his blood make for a truly archetypal Ventrue. Kane likes power, Kane likes wealth. Kane will do most anything to acquire wealth and power, and KEEP it.. His background is heavily influenced by Machiavelli's The Prince and Kane has adhered to its base principles since his mortal days.
Thaelius also has an affinity for decadence. He enjoys physical pleasures of many kinds, having a fascination with seeing his effects on others. He loves to see a woman cave to him, give in to him completely. The pleasure may simply be a psychological effect brought on by the rush of power he feels. Emotions of life still echo in his soul, those of his days as a romantic but somewhat twisted young aristocrat. Bottom line, most pleasures are derived from the dominance entailed, but Kane's indulgences are many.
With Kane's past comes a deep seeded loneliness, along with multiple ongoing reactions, and a remorse still echoing throughout his unliving soul. It takes a very insistent soul to get them out of the stoic shell of darkness he has taken on, and Kane very much prefers to be alone for the most part. After spending over 400 years of his existence in self-enforced solitude, mostly dealing with business associates and enemies, he only recently has he found souls able to challenge his shell. Kane suffers from something close to the human Anti-Social Disorder, caring little for others...except those who can dig deep. Will Kane kill? Sure, easily. But will he save someone? It is possible. He is far from any redemption, but it is possible...for now...
Mental Faculties
A very smart and experienced man in his own right, he excels at tasks involving technology, and problems dealing with combat. He is also strong in the areas of economics and politics; a good businessman. Thaelius is an avid reader, using most of his free time for devouring each word of a particular book. Novels, religious scripture, technical manuals, memoirs, manifesto's, biographies, and more; Kane enjoys them all. His quest for knowledge is only beaten by his quest for power and wealth. Kane is a rather eloquent man, speaking in a more modern vernacular, but often above the vocabulary and diction of common stock. Being a businessman and a scientist in his own right, Kane prides himself of being of higher intellectual standards, but out of politeness and diplomatic tact, tends not to emphasize his superiority. He is educated enough to carry out intelligent conversations on just about anything, and always loves to acquire new knowledge. His crystallized and fluid intelligences (psychology terms for stored information/facts/thoughts and reasoning/logic, respectively), are well above average.
Sociology
Most of Kane's relationships are business-related. He has only recently allowed closer friendships to blossom.
Associates
These are simple business associates, acquaintances, or partners. Not friends, though there is room for these relations to go beyond business.
La Belle Mort - Sophie Moreau, a Frenchwoman with a knack for sword fighting, was recently hired by Kane Industries' Intelligence Division, showing a knack for infiltration skills and tactfulness in general. However, Sophie has discovered Kane's secret, and what he decides to do with her is yet to be known. She has promised to remain silent about it, but whether or not Kane will buy it...well, that's coming in the future.
Elina Mercuriali - Recently hired by Kane Industries' Magic Division, Kane saw promise in her knowledge of reanimation techniques, and her relations to Dr. Vazhilok. Kane's motives are unclear, but it is obvious he means to do something with her research.
The Financier - Kane's first true business partner in the Rogue Isles, and the leader of the archaeological society known as the "The Relic". The Financier and Kane have yet to make any particular deals, excepting the partnership deal made to share profits earlier this year.
Glass Outcast - A bother one night, customer the next. After appearing to annoy Kane greatly during an outing at Pocket D, the next night, Jeff came to make a deal with Kane. The transaction stands at this: Dr. Aeon's nanotechnology assets for Magic Division merchandise. It is not known whether or not the Garou has anything in store for Kane (or visa versa) besides a simple transaction of arms.
Sky-Scar - Robin and Kane have traded words more than once, mostly concerning their mutual friend, Paola Flusso. Robin is Paola's ghoul, and has given Kane rather insistent statements concerning her, making sure Kane spends more time with her, and treats her right. Kane has upheld his promises so far.
Capelton Fox - A Garou who made it a point to intrude on conversation between Kane and Michelle St. Clair on night. Kane is extremely wary of Garou, and this one had it's pet sniffing around. Not to mention Michelle St. Clair's phobic fear of Garou. Kane recently made some peace with him, but it's not clear where the situation will go after that.
Close Ones
This is a smaller category, and will perhaps expand, depending on Kane's disposition in the future.
Michelle St. Clair - Michelle and Kane first met in the D, after a rather tense meeting with Armando de le Vega's Scourge. After multiple random encounters, they began to enjoy each other's company. Having a lot in common, they were fast meeting each other in Pocket D many nights at a time. One night led to a rather heartfelt discussion, breaking both of their cold, business faces, and each seeming to reveal feelings for one another. This is a momentous first since his early days. Kane and Michelle quickly became lovers after that, and business partners. After months, a conflict ensued, in a sort of love triangle between Thaelius, Paola, and Michelle. Before Kane could announce his decision to them both, Michelle had left the Isles, never to be heard from. Why she left, exactly, is still a mystery.
Paola Flusso - Kane and Paola met not too long ago, and have come a long way. Paola also happens to be a Ventrue Autarkis, but is in many ways completely different from Kane. Paola is a warm and playful person, and motherly. Kane is attracted to her in more ways than one. After weeks of spending time together, speaking, hunting, and resting together, they have become even closer, entering a romantic relationship. The two Ventrue will be seeing MUCH more of each other. Kane has a deep affection for her, though, Kindred can only feel echoes of their past emotions of life. The fact that they are both Ventrue raises the question of when one will use or betray the other for gain.
Saaliha - To Kane, Saaliha al-Faqadi's relationship to Paola Flusso is unclear, but her relationship to Kane is even more so. Her odd behavior has brought questions to Kane's attention, which he intends to be answered somenight. Kane's acceptance and interest of her has grown considerably since he and Paola have become closer, however. For now, the only reason she is under this category is because of her closeness to Paola.
Rivals
As of yet, Kane has no real enemies or nemeses. These are simply potential threats, or people Kane does not currently get along with.
Armando de la Vega - The Camarilla Prince of the Isles domain. A recent meeting, though interrupted and yet to be ended properly, seemed to indicate conflict between the two. Kane has lost interest in meeting with him again, seeing no reason to bother, especially after Michelle's departure.
Opinions
((I like this idea, thanks to Saal & Paola's pages. A place for anyone to edit in IC opinions or thoughts about Kane))
....Signor Kane? Ah, we are companions... 'e's a rather bright, inquisitive man. So full of ideas. If you can get 'im to talk...'e's well worth the listen. - Paola Flusso
Kane Industries, Law, and the Media
Kane commits crimes daily (rape, assault, murder, kidnapping, forgery, etc.), but as of now, is not on any police record, anywhere. He makes it a point to keep his every action secret to the authorities, or making sure information is retrieved and informants are silenced, especially concerning his conduct within the company. Kane Industries is basically his own army of metahumans, mercenaries, mages, scientists, researchers, businessman, brokers, and more. The Board of Directors (the other major stockholders; Kane owns 52% personally, and keeps it that way) are a collection of people directly under his control. How he maintains this is unknown. Being the majority stockholder, and controlling the other major holders, he is in full control of the company, and has been since it's creation in 1972. Kane makes sure that governments, government agencies, rogue powers, and especially vampire hunters are oblivious to his activities. This requires a great deal of money, and sometimes a great deal of time. Being a very rich and patient man, Kane can afford both, fortunately.
Kane makes it a point to remain out of the spotlight, rarely even posing for a front page photo, playing his vampire nature off as a horrid melanin deficiency. Video and photo coverage is absolutely avoided, and Kane does his very best to silence information leaks and censor articles by buying out editors or silencing the journalists themselves. He has succeeded for thirty-eight years, and his progress seems to indicate it will only get more efficient.
Vampire Society
As Kane exists now, he is in no way officially affiliated with any sect of Vampire Society. He is an Autarkis. Kane is very wary of both the Camarilla and the Sabbat, though being more sympathetic towards the Camarilla. Kane avoids contact with affiliated Kindred as much as possible, usually seeing them as threats to his own masquerade in the company. Confrontations with aligned Kindred have even ended in horrible violence, and things Kane is quick to cover up and erase from history. He is adamant about remaining free of restriction, and offers up his own civilized countenance (and Masquerade) as a compromise to Camarilla; usually his wrist blades to Sabbat. And outcast and potential threat to most, Kane's isolation is self-imposed as well as forced. More can be learned from his history.
History
Life
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