=== A Little About "Tabitha House," The Prince's Mansion by Jason W. Tice === If it kills, I will surround myself with four strong walls I'll put my pride upon the shelf and four strong walls around me --"Four Strong Walls", Capercaillie The building in which the Prince of the Toronto Camarilla has traditionally lived is one of the biggest secrets of the entire area. Only a select few of each species is aware of what secrets it holds, and what it's importance might be. And each decade, as the years go by, fewer and fewer remember the significance of 398 Campbell Street. (1) The house is huge, first of all. it has well over a hundred rooms, as it encompasses a full city block. it has a 4-acre park within it's confines, and the house itself has an attitude. WHile the house ityself is registered to Clarissa Rotchet, at any given time, there will be between 5 and 50 people living within it. The place could easily house a few hundred. But Clarissa insists that those people who wander in need somewhere to go, and Tabitha house gives them a refuge from the outside world, if only for a little while. Those few who stay in the house long enough that it could be said they live there end up taking on some job or another, whether it's needed or not. The house acts on people, to lower their natural (and un-natural) agressions, and force them to calm down. It redirects, but does not cloud their perceptions. Eventually, most people who spend time in the house, decide to leave, to re-enter society, to once again face the world. But there are a few people who chose to stay. Some, it is rumoured among the more permanent residents of the house, have chosen to walk through the park hidden by the four walls of rooms, and have never been seen since. Considering the park is 4-acres large, this is a definate possibility. :read file "Dawnsong.txt" === Lessons to "Dawn-Song", === copied from Elizabeth Fodor's personal notes, circa, 1880. In the velvet darkness Of the blackest night Burning bright-there's a guiding star No matter what or who you are --"Over at the Frankenstein Place", The Rocky Horror Picture Show 'Lissen up, Child, 'cause there ain't too many who knows what I'm gonna tell you. And it's up to the Wendigo theurge to stay awake. So don't forget what I'm gonna tell you. It might be you who saves us all. Or damns us. Long before we kept time the way the European invaders do, there was a Wendigo Theurge, who's name translates to, "Sees beyond the wall that isn't there". Now he wasn't nothin' special, but he had this nasty habit of seein' into other realms. Sometimes what he saw came true, and sometimes they didn't. Well, one night, he was whopped out on some Peyote gifted him from an Uktena theurge from what's now Mexico. Sometime that night, he had a vision, thats greater than anythin' I've ever had. He saw before him a great army of light battling a slow tide of blackness. He saw the tide slowly drown the white wolves, turning their coats a murky, roiling black. He was powerless to do anything to help, as despair and rage washed over him, breaking the vision. Now, he kept gettin' the vision. For weeks the vision would interrupt him in his Caern-duties, invadin' his every wakin' moment. But he noticed subtle changes. Eventually, he saw a bright spear of light shoot out of the dark tide, and thrust itself deep into the endless grey void above the battlefield. Now, you know enough that there really ain't no such thing as coincidence. So when ther was a meteor shower that night, "Sees beyond the wall" knew that he had to prepare a place for these refugees. But he had no idea where. Then, from the shower, a great streaking blaze of light showed forth. He felt in his bones that where that meteor landed, would be where the refugees would gather. "Sees beyond the wall" gathered a few trustworthy members of the tribe, and set off outside of Algonkian territory. There were fights with the Iroquois, and four of the group died before the proper place was found. Only half the original company remained, but three of them were Garou. Together they purified and sanctified the grounds, and drew forth the power of the land. And it was a mighty power. "Sees beyond the wall" knew that this caern would act as a beacon to any who knew how to see it, so he set himself and the Wendigo ahroun, a big bruisin' black brute called, "Shadow-Dancer" to guard the caern, while the other two travelled back to the Algonkian people, and convince them of the neccesity of bringing kinfolk to this new caern. It took almost three years, but when the people arrived at the new site, they were greeted by two white Garou, with two brown streaks from ear to tail. However, "Sees beyond the wall that isn't there" knew that he and "shadow-dancer" had changed, and was able to convince them that all was safe. "Sees-beyond-the-wall" told them of his vision, and what this caern would mean. The Garou who had come, set themselves up as caern-warders, and the kinfolk established a settlement in the area. Now, this don't seem to be much, but it's important, so keep lissenin'. I'll make my point soon enough. Years later, just before his death, "Sees-beyond-the-wall" had another vision, Only this one showed a man crucified on a great white tree, while a black wolf and a white wolf battled beneath him. The white wolf had two brown streaks from ear to tail, and "Sees-beyond-the-wall" knew this to be one of the caern-warders. The black wolf, with the fiery green eyes he knew to be the Wyrm. Halfway through the battle, when it looked like the white wolf would lose, the man screamed out to it. There was such pain, such frustration in his cries, that the white wolf doubled his efforts in the battle. Great were the wounds that the white-wolf took, but in the end, he was victorious. The black wolf slunk into the surrounding woods. The white wolf bowed low to the man on the tree and left the man to die. Only, the man didn't die. Once the white wolf left, the man became a part of the tree. Now, it didn't end there, neither. See, the time had changed, and next "Sees-beyond-the-wall" saw it was spring, and many wolves of many different tribes came to the tree, and each ate of the fruit of the tree. Now it didn't happen all at once, but each of the garou that ate of the fruit of the tree the crucified man didn't die on, became a white wolf. The strange thing is, these wolves had n brown streaks. When "Sees-beyond-the-wall" awoke, he changed his name to "Sees-the-dawn". He ordered the planting of a great oak tree at the centre of the caern. Within days, though, "Sees-the-dawn" died. He never saw the tree grow, nor could he have known that centuries later, the tree would be destroyed in a war with the Iroquois. But now the land is guarded in a way that even the Wyrm itself might find difficult to take. You have two streaks of brown, to remember "Sees-the-Dawn" and "Shadow-Dancer". You have a white coat to remind you that you are bound to the land, bound to the protection of the caern. There will come a time when you are called to protect the land of the caern. If you feel the call, answer it. Now, this may be just a story, 'cause who knows where the caern is, eh? Well, it's hidden. See, after the destruction of the Oak, I had a vision. Yeah me. and no, it was not a great vision, like "sees the Dawn"'s. Sit down. I'm almost finished. The night the Oak was uprooted, I saw the caern as if the oak were there, and I saw a giant wyrm crawl around the base of the tree. Mighty were the roots of the Oak, but even it fell before the might of the Wyrm. However, the Wyrm was not unchanged. Slowly, the Wyrm changed into a white snake. And that snake settled into the earth beneath the fallen Oak. Now, I saw a couple of banes approach to suckle at it's mother's breast, but the white-snake poisoned them with it's own milk. SHe showed no remorse, and from then on, any who approached without Gaia in their hearts were destroyed or turned back. Gaia had turned the passion of the Wyrm against itself. So, somewhere out there is a Wyrm that guards a sacred caern. And no, I'm not going to tell you where the caern is. You think I'm stupid or something? You'll know when you get called. And if you get called boy, you better pray you know your history. 'cause it may be the only thing that saves you. === The early history of Tabitha House === The land on which Tabitha House is situated was a powerful site. While not in use at the time, by any of the Native American people, the site itself was discovered by the Algonkian Indians, and became the center of "Etobicoke". It is said that the house is buried on an Indian burial ground, and that the Algonkian Indians gave their blessings for the house to be built. There is evidence that the park surrounded by the house may have actually been the landing site of a rather large meteorite many many years ago. Trace metals will show deposits of Silver and iron in quantities not normally seen in this area. Any Werewolves that come into contact with the silver within the park area will find themselves unharmed, as long as their intentions are peaceful towards Gaia. :read file "note1837.txt" === Except from The Diaries of James McDiarmuid, Volume IVL, May 1833 - June 1837 Prince of the Kindred, in the town of Toronto, in the colony of Upper Canada. === -- From library of Gregori Tolvanov, Prince of the Kindred, in the City of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Don't turn your back - one chance to save her Don't turn your back - keep her out of danger Don't turn your back - she'll return the favor She wants you so, don't say no --"Don't Turn Your Back", Blue Oyster Cult September 23, 1834 So many sacrifices. The wolves came for me again last night, but they could not breach my position. Perhaps they are unaware of my true location, perhaps they are playing with me. I have lost my house and all that was stored within. My identity among the mortals is strained in its' credibility. I may not be able to maintain the masquerade here for very much longer. I am making plans to leave, perhaps flee to Anna's contacts in the United States. It may be time to pay off all my debts. But there is one last possible hope. If I can stay together for two more nights, I will meet with the mayor of Toronto, and the one of the mages, to see if a peace can be negotiated. I have spent too much time developing this land, creating this town, to destroy it. But there is war on three sides right now, and I cannot afford to lose the land. I have a few secrets left. But will I get a chance to use them? The damn howling. It makes it so hard to think. They smell me I think, but still cannot find me for the rest of the rubbish. To have shone so bright, and be brought so low at the end. It is not right. September 25th, 1834 I've come early. I've eluded two packs of werewolves, and have, for the first time in weeks, a blessed silence. There is a true chance at peace. My people will not be happy, but Robert always said that a man is made not from his deeds, but from his sacrifices. If I am successful, we, as a people will have taken a giant step forward. Our greatness lies in our sacrifice. and no peace agreement can be reached without sacrifice. I am afraid, though. It is possible this is all a trap designed to separate the prince from his scattered supporters. So many of the primogen have died recently, and I have been unable to do anything about it. Retributive actions have been taken, but destroying their homes does not seem as honorable as direct combat. But we cannot hope to stand against the fury of the Werewolves. Not directly. so, we destroy what they cherish most--their families. There has to be an end to the warfare some time. Someone comes. I can hear hooves in the distance. September 25th, 1834 Rapture. Against all hope, I have succeeded. Now, I need only rally the kindred into a workable society again. I am undaunted. I am fierce with energy. September 29th, 1834 It occurs to me that more than anything, the secrets I have held have bargaining value in the future. How much would a the Garou sacrifice to learn of a true Howler caern that is still intact? And how would they react when they learn how it is protected? Dmitri, in his sleep, wards the land, but something more is needed. I am without my house, and my identity among the mortals is unlikely to bring any favors, so I must rebuild. Perhaps the Order of hermes will lend me Tabitha to help rebuild. I believe that ruling from exile would be best. I need to give the mortals at least a full generation before I reappear among them. How long can fifty years be? October 1st, 1834 I have met with the primogen, and they are, for the most part, supportive of the non-aggression pact. There is some concern that the more paperwork that is done, the greater the chance of a breach in the masquerade. This is a valid concern. Santiago, the Brujah elder was perhaps the most strenuous in his objections to the pact. I have advised him that control over one's clan is understood when he took the role of the Brujah elder. I believe he understood my intention. The only other voice of concern was from the Tremere elder. But I expected as much from Thomas. He has never profited from peace. October 10th, 1834 The plans for the house are monumental. However will I justify something so monstrous? In the middle of nowhere, one does not generally come across a mansion. I must have new plans drafted. Already the ground grows hard. If nothing suitable is developed, I may not be able to build until next spring. This is infuriating. I have been offered refuge by Tabitha. I do not know how the rest of the Order of Hermes would take it if they knew I were to sleep in her cellar. I am unsure of whether I should do so. I do not wish her to live the life of an exile. It can be quite painful. October 20th, 1834 I must work on developing this region, as I did with York. In time, like London, York will grow so large, there may even be direct contact between the two towns. The Algonkian call this place "Etobicoke". I think, that as a gesture of peace with them, it must remain so. The Algonkian and the Huron are particularly helpful. But there are still enmity with the Iroquois. One would think that the wars between the savages would pale compare to our own efforts, but they can be just as extreme as the Gangrel, or even the Garou. January 15th, 1835 Tabitha desperately needs rest. She has taken ill, and I am too unskilled in medicine to heal her. I have called on Thomas, but I am loathe to subject her to his presence. I suspect that there is so much more between their animosity that even I could guess. I have called on Alain Rogers, an eminent doctor. But I worry. I doubt even his vaunted ability. Again, I fear. February 14th, 1835 I no longer see things as I once did. No longer do colonization and growth concern me as much as does the health of my beloved. I've gone far too long, and seen too many people die. I cannot let her die. If Tabitha's condition grows worse, I may embrace her. Even Thomas is unsure of what the effect of embracing a pregnant woman might be. I do not wish to curse her to an eternity of pregnancy, nor do I want her to die. I dearly hope she can hold on. She has been sedated. My concern grows by leaps and bounds. Santiago has raised the question as to whether I am fit to rule the Camarilla in this region, but I suspect he has Sabbat leanings. and the Sabbat are so very close. Lower Canada forces have made a number of attacks already. There are only perhaps a dozen kindred in Upper Canada. Can we hold out against the madness of the Sabbat? I dare not contact the Order of Hermes for consultation, for fear of revealing the relationship between Tabitha and me. And the Caern must be protected at all costs. February 26th, 1835 A gift was left outside last night. Even in her weakened state, it made Tabitha smile. Why a number of feathers, and a bears claw would make her happy, I do not understand. She said something about someone or something called, "Wendigo," but I did not understand. I am feeling isolated. From her, from the Camarilla. I miss Scotland. I miss Robert. And the irony of the situation is not lost on me. Like father like childer... Robert gave his life for a pregnant prostitute in London, and here I am, a century later, sacrificing everything for Tabitha. I have decided that I cannot act as Prince any longer. March 1st, 1835 The primogen was shocked. I have opted to remain a part of the Camarilla, but no longer part of the primogen. I have even refused the seat of Ventrue elder. All that matters is Tabitha. March 7th, 1835 Good news. The ground is soft enough to start work on building the manor. I have outlined the 200 acres that will delineate the farmstead. Tabitha is better today. She even made it out of bed. She has been "holding court" with the Algonkian and the Hurons, and even, occasionally, the Iroquois. Apparently, this land has been fought over for ages. And the very fact that we are here is a good sign. No, let me amend that. The very fact that she is here is a good sign. While the Indians generally do not lose any love over the Kindred, they seem to respect Tabitha. She says that there is a good mixture of Uktena and Wendigo among them. But the Shamans have told them that our presence here fits in the workings of all that is. We have the Indians blessings to build here. For some odd reason this makes me feel better about what I plan to do. March 16th, 1835 Tabitha is dreadfully ill. I fear for her and the children. I cannot imagine life without her. I must take steps to guarantee her survival. But how. she has denied me the right to embrace her, and she has no abilities in Life magic. She has asked me not to send for the Order of Hermes until after the children are born. I will do so, but I worry. March 30th, 1835 The Huron Indians have joined the workmen erecting our house. Tabitha has sent word asking that "a few favors be returned" from a group called "The Cult of Ecstasy". She has some odd affiliations, for one so reserved. April 10th, 1835 Tabitha's friends have arrived today. Of the ten that came, only two have remained. They are at her bedside. I am ashamed. I have grown to fear entering her room. She is so thin, and so cold to the touch, that if I did not know better, I would say she were Kindred. She is finding it hard to speak, now, and it seems as if it's getting worse every day. April 12th, 1835 One of Tabitha's friends, a Cultist named George, has determined that her sickness is due to a magical effect. Apparently, a spell was enacted upon her before we first met for the development of the non-aggression pact. He seemed a little awed by the fact that she is still alive. He said that by rights, she should have been dead months ago. If Tabitha is anything, she is stubborn. April 27th, 1835 I went today to view the house. Imagine my surprise when I see Algonkian working next to Huron, working next to a plethora of people I've never seen before, and people I certainly didn't hire. The house was much further along in its development than I expected. It looked ready to live in. Among the workers, I find a few familiar faces--Tabitha's friends. And as I watch, whole portions of the house seem to "fade into existence" if you will. Truly we are blessed, and this is a magic house. May 3rd, 1835 After 3 hours of labour, Tabitha gave birth to twins. A boy and a girl. We have agreed that they should be called Angus, after my mortal father, and Clarissa, after her mother. Tabitha and the children are resting. There are so many mixed emotions. Love, tenderness... fear. I have contacted the Order of Hermes. Christopher Cordick insisted that Tabitha be sent immediately to him. When I refused, he said he would send people to pick her up. I spoke to Tabitha, and she refused to go. I have readied the wagon, and now I wait for George to finish preparing Tabitha. We are moving into the house today. Her recovery is Miraculous. Tabitha is still thin, but she actually danced across the floor to the nursery today. I don't know who to thank for her life. I don't care. I can finally express my love for her, my admiration. When Christopher Cordick's men arrived, she herself told them that she would have no more to do with murderers. She sent them flying with a bolt of pure fire. I saw it. And I wonder... exactly what kind of person have I fallen in love with? May 8th, 1835 Tabitha died this morning. May 13th, 1835 Tabitha is buried on the very edges of the caern. I feel desolate. The children have been sent to live with Samuel Greene and his wife. Samuel is an acquaintance from Scotland. He is a coach-line operator. He has invested heavily in the Canadian Railway, and I believe it will pay off for him. He and Margaret are good people. Angus and Clarissa will have a better upbringing than I could provide for them. June 12th, 1835 I am not alone in the house. There's something more, something I'm not seeing. I don't want to write down what I think, for fear that I am only deluding myself. But I think I can see a way to be with my beloved truly, forever. May 23rd, 1837 Fools. Santiago set Mackenzie up. He should never have revolted. The Sabbat are crawling across Toronto. Everything I had worked for is going down in a whirlpool of decay. Except the house. === Kindred History, and Tabitha House. === The Prince, McDiarmuid, was too preoccupied with his love for Tabitha, and, later, his need to protect the house, and then his adopted children. He had withdrawn from Camarilla politics at a time when it needed a strong leader. As a result, Sabbat influences from both Quebec and the United States were able to take over Toronto in 1837, immediately after the revolt against Britain led by William Lyon Mackenzie. Little is known about what happened between the years of 1837 and 1872, but we do know that Angus and Clarissa returned to the house for a brief period in 1852. It is likely that McDiarmuid was still there. There are accounts in farmers logs that the fields of the McDiarmuid land were always properly taken care of, and they always had a crop--but no one was ever seen doing the work. In 1858, Angus was declared officially missing. a service was held for him, in the house, in late November. His sister, Clarissa, married the following year, and left the house. However, McDiarmuid had found a housekeeper, a Christina Rowe, to take care of the place. Christina Rowe still lives in Tabitha House. In 1872, when a trio of kindred from France, Britain and Italy descended upon Toronto, McDiarmuid is known to have offered his mansion to the newest prince, on condition that the Kindred Prince of Toronto always reside there. He said, "The house itself will know if this has been violated, and will actively seek to harm anyone who does not follow it's aims." A young Ventrue Soldier, part of a multi-species infiltration unit called Storm Watch, took on the mantle of princedom. Hrolfgar served for only three years before finding a replacement in Gregori Tolvanov. Gregori has been prince since 1875. In 1878, he asked Clarissa Rotchet to act as his personal secretary and house-keeper. She has remained with him ever since. :read file "draft1.txt" === Except from the original manuscript for "Oddities in Families & Architecture: Toronto"* === By Dr. Russell Nash, Verbena elder of "The Wandering Hand" Chantry. Verbena Eyes only. Creator; destroyer; victory; defeat; I did not come to bring a sleep. Black flag; red flag; space and time; The future is my mind. --"When the War Comes", Blue Oyster Cult Another interesting structure is the mansion owned by the Vampire Prince of Toronto. I was able to stay in one of the adjoining town houses for nearly a week during the summer of 1979, and I made a number of curious discoveries. Built originally in 1835, the building itself seems to have many supernatural qualities, not the least of which is the fact that much of the structural material is composed of a Tin/Copper alloy that analyzed segments show as being stronger than most tempered steel. Finding such peculiarities as shattered windows that repair themselves, and floors that are always dust-free despite an immense lack of cleaning supplies in the house, I decided further investigation was warranted. The house was built originally under the direction of a Mr. James McDiarmuid, a financier in Toronto. Now, there are records of many strange happenings around Mr. McDiarmuid, and Toronto society had more or less decided that he was not what he was appearing to be--namely human. McDiarmuid was then, the Prince of Toronto. This is the same McDiarmuid that signed the initial non-agression pact with the Order of Hermes. Apparently, He took care of Tabitha, the Order of Hermes representative to the original pact signing during the final days of her sickness. Apparently, a number of Cult of Ecstasy, Dreamspeakers, Sons of Ether, and Verbena helped to build the complex that is now the Prince's mansion. It is believed that Tabitha gave birth in this house to Angus and Clarissa McDiarmuid. Their real father's name has never been revealed. ** It is said that she is buried somewhere on the original grounds. Originally an almost 200-acre farm, the estranged prince had to sell much of the land adjoining the manor-house and the barn, between the years 1837 and 1872. It is known that there was a large oak tree immediately behind the house--and this was the very first reason I explored the house. I beleive this is the same site the Wandering Hand Chantry used when it first came to York. The house itself stands on the Northeast corner of Campbell Street and Royal York Rd. It is directly adjoined to all of it's neighbor's houses, so that no access can be attained to any of their back yards. In effect, the mansion, and its neighbors have created a "safe-zone" on the inside of the block. A full city block, dreary and run down on the outside, but on the inside, a park overflows with life. The Prince, now Gregori Tolvanov, has Tabitha's daughter, Clarissa in his employ. Clarissa returned originally to the house in 1878, after the death of her husband, railroad inspector, Dennis Rotchet. She has resided in the house of her birth for over a century. While the intensity of her relationship with Gregori cannot be doubted, I was surprised to uncover that a Mrs. Clarissa Rotchet was briefly indoctrinated into the Sons of Ether, in the middle of the 19th century. She has, however, disavowed any relations with this order. Clarissa's brother went missing in 1858. Thought to be dead, an empty grave lies beside his mothers, somewhere on the original acreage. However, I have sufficient reason to believe that the exiled Gangrel elder is the same Angus McDiarmuid that was born that sad day in 1835. It is interesting to note that the deed to the entire city block is owned by Clarissa Rotchet is allegedly the granddaughter of the original Clarissa Rotchet. However, being Verbena, we are aware of many ways to extend our natural lifespan... even though it would be unnatural. Clarissa herself has refused to offer comment other than the suggestion that we may take our weird ideas and do some rather lewd things with them. === The more recent history of Tabitha House === There is little to say about Tabitha house, except that during World War I, it was used as a convalescent house for returned soldiers. Many soldiers died here, and many recovered. Their souls have added to the houses defences. In 1942, Gregori successfully bought out the opposite side of the block, and renovated the entire mansion. The mansion is not just the building on the corner, but rather, the entire block. There are 55 separate addresses on the block. Not all the doors work, but all the mail-slots do. Since that time, Gregori and Clarissa have lived in relative peace. === What Tabitha House is all About === You may find yourself in another part of the world And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife And you may ask yourself-Well...How did I get here? --"Once in a Lifetime", Talking Heads Tabitha House hides a 4-acre park within its confines. This park is the bare minimum of lands required to keep the sanctified land of the White Howler caern active. The House itself, made with magical material, acts as a buffer, effectively hiding the caern/node from any scrying eyes. The Gurahl and Nuwisha Rites and Blessings don't hurt either. A mage must roll a perception+awareness roll against a target of 9 to even see that there is something strange about the house. They will not guess that it is a node. However, if the mage is directly in the park, they will know this as per an easy perception+awareness roll. A werewolf will roll a perception+Primal Urge roll, against a target of 9 to tell that there is something spiritually up about the house. They will not immediately identify it as a caern. If they are directly in the park, they will know this as per a normal perception+Primal Urge roll. The house itself holds the souls of many people. First those that were crucified upon the great Oak, then those who have died in the house. it is not a spiritual trap, rather a choice on the part of the dying to become part of the house. The most dominant spirit of the house is Tabitha. Tabitha house tends to have an odd affect on its denizens. First of all, it has a calming effect, unless the house itself or the caern is threatened. There is a +2 modifier to the difficulty of all rage rolls while within the house. All Gnosis rolls have a difficulty modifier of -2. All Self-control rolls have a -2 difficulty modifier. Basically, frenzy and rage are highly unlikely occurrences within the structure of the house. The house reacts to everyone a little differently. If the house does not "like" someone, they will have numerous little accidents, and problems within the house. They will eventually become frustrated and leave. However, usually the house only "lets in" people it likes, or people it recognizes as necessary for the protection of the caern. The house tends to do something to the people that makes them unconsciously clean up after themselves (while in public areas), and fix broken items (dishes, furniture, hearts). All characters, after having spent a full sleep cycle in the house, must roll a willpower roll against a target of 9 to resist cleaning up. They must gain at least 3 successes to choose not to clean up after themselves, put dishes in the dishwasher, whatever. In times of great stress, the house itself has the cumulative abilities, disciplines, gifts and sphere knowledge of all the spirits that have died in the house, and chosen to merge with the house. The exact number of spirits in the house, and thus the extent of the houses ability to act is unknown. It is believed, however, that the entire house may be able to move itself to another spiritual realm, if necessary. It is believed that the Cult of Ecstasy and Dreamspeakers worked a spell to allow it to move through the spirit realms. This, however, is strictly a theory, and has not been tested. === The Roles of Each Species for playing with Tabitha House === Why the sadness? Why the sorrow? Maybe there'll be a better tomorrow. --"Ballad of a Crowfoot", WIlliam Dunn Werewolves: Generally, This is a werewolf caern. it is a caern that is awaiting the arrival of a true White Howler to activiate it. So, There will be mixed reactions to the caern on the part of varius tribes. Some will want to destroy it, for fear of the possibility of it becoming a Black Spiral Hive, while others will greet its existence with awe and wonder. In Toronto, Here are what each tribe's party line is: Black Furies: They generally would treat this caern with some neutrality. They are more likely to want to see it destroyed, but would want to test it for a while, to see if they can convert it to their uses. Bone Gnawers: They would see the caern as a good thing, and some might even set themselves up as caern-guardians. Not that a free room would have anything to do with it. Children of Gaia: This tribe would probably be most offended that they had no knowledge of this caern. They would probably seek its destruction for that reason. Fianna: Would welcome the possibility of a chance to fight beside a true white howler sept again. Get of Fenris: Would want it destroyed. Glass Walkers: This tribe would support and defend the caern. Red Talons: This tibe would want to see the destruction or conversion of this caern. It is an affront to a lost tribe. The caern should be used where it will do some good--with a real living tribe. Shadow Lords: This tribe would seek to understand the caern, before trying to control or convert it to their means. In the end, they would destroy it. Silent Striders: This tribe would support the caern, and would act as defenders, if necessary. Silver Fangs: This tribe would seek the destruction of the caern. It poses too much of a threat to the fragile peace and unity gained over the years in Toronto. Stargazers: The Stargazers would vocally support the caern, but be hesitant to supply aid, if needed to defend the caern. Uktena: The Uktena tribe would support the caern, fiercely, and willingly giving their lives to ensure its safety, even against the other tribes. Wendigo: This tribe would defend the caern with their lives, if more of them knew about it. Vampires: Most vampires don't really see the point of Nodes or Caerns, so it really wouldn't make much of a difference to them what happens. However, the house itself would be of some value to them. A house which defends itself. hmmm. Mages: Most mages would probably give their eye-teeth to get access to a node of this level of power. The Tass alone from this node would keep them high for some time. However, given the history of the building and the land, some of the orders in Toronto might have a rather varied reaction. Akashic Brotherhood: They would find the place tranquil, but eventually might become disturbed by the very nature of the house itself. Celestial Chorus: I think they would be a little put off by the house. Cult of Ecstasy: The Cultists would love this house. Many CoX mages built it, and their influence is within the very walls itself. Besides, one of the denizens grows some pretty good marijuanna in the park. Dreamspeakers: Oh, they'd love the place. The conversations with the spirits of the house alone would make for great evenings. However, there is even a possibility of getting in contact with dead White Howlers, if they can get right into the node itself. Euthanatos: I don't think the Euthanatos would see the node as anything but a quintessence source. Order of Hermes: Perhaps the biggest problem they would have with everything is that Tabitha left them, and died in this house. Some of the Hermetic mages still beleive that Tabitha was murdered, others see her as a traitor to the Order (for the signing of the pact), and beleive her death was ordained by the very oaths she took when joining the Order. The house may not think much of Order of Hermes, but the caern would be a wonder to them. Sons of Ether: While the sons of Ether are welcome, usually, in the house, they would find a lot more interst in the house itself, than in the node. Verbena: Verbena would find a fair bit of interest in the node. Having once been a verbena site, where McDiarmuid allowed human sacrifice (the verbena crucifictions), the Verbena would find themselves quite comfortable in the confines of the house. Virtual Adepts: I suspect the house and node wouldn't do a whole lot for them. The Current Denizens of Tabitha House A broken soul stares from a pair of watering eyes uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile --"Uncertain smile", The The Gregori Tolvanov, Kindred Prince of Toronto Gregori moved into the house in 1872. He was made aware of the houses history, and its purpose in being. It has been his aim to protect the caern until such a time as a wolf matching the description comes to him, and tells him the apocalypse has come. He truly hopes that time never comes. Gregori resides primarily in the original Tabitha House. Clarissa Rotchet, Ghoul & Mage Clarissa was born in this house, in 1835. She studied magic with the Sons of Ether, the Cult of Ecstasy, the Akashic Brotherhood, before finally settling in to work with the Ahl-i-Batin. In 1878, she returned to Tabitha House, and became Gregori's Secretary/Housekeeper, and the house's guardian. Clarissa is probably the only person who truly knows what the house is about, and how it works. Clarissa resides on the second floor of the original Tabitha House. Christina Rowe, Kindred of the Hermetic bloodline Christina Rowe works at the Red Cross Blood Donor Clinic as a night watchman. She is quite shy, and tends to keep to herself. She has a few rooms in the North-West tower. She can be called upon if any medical assistance is necessary. Glen "Blue" Farley Blue is a fairly large man. An ex-biker, he now spends his time acting as security for the house. This entails the entire block. WHile he admits that the house really doesn't need it, he feels that it gives him something to do, to make him feel like he's not sponging off of Gregori and Clarissa. Blue is an excellent auto-mechanic, and a fair gunman. He is in excellent physical shape, and may actually be kinfolk, for all that he doesn't flinch when a garou goes crinos around him. The Spirits within Tabitha House Tabitha Fodor, Order of Hermes Mage Tabitha was a correspondance mage of the Order of Hermes. She is by far the dominant presence in the feel of the house. She is feisty and whimsical. But by far and wide, she is stubborn. If the house wants something, it will let you know in many different and vociferous means. She does not appear in physical form. Paul Schaeffer, Verbena Mage The man crucified on the oak tree, as a means of sancitifying the site. He volunteered to act as a ward for the land. He spent three days on the Oak tree. He watched three sunrises, and three sunsets, and became one with the tree, and one with the land. He is much more the spirit of the park, than the spirit of the house, but he is also quite capable of making his needs known. He does not appear in physical form (at least he has not been known to). Shadow-Dancer This fierce looking white wolf has two streaks of brown running one from each ear to the tip of his tail. Once the caern is activated, he must be beaten in an unarmed combat to first blood, before access to the caern will be granted. He was originally a Wendigo Lupus Ahroun. Sees-The-Dawn If the caern is successfully breached, Sees-The-Dawn will appear as an old Indian man sitting cross-legged on a mat, on the top of a small hill. He will ask three questions of any who make it through to him. Depending on their species, the questions will differ. The questions are as follows: To Kindred, he will ask: 1) "Would you die a second time to protect the future of everything you know?", 2) "What is it you fear more than anything else in the world?" 3) "What do you want?" To Mages, he will ask: 1) "Would you sleep, knowing you would awaken others by doing so?" 2) "What is control?" 3) "What do you want?" To Garou, he will ask: 1) "Would you let the wyrm sleep, if it encircled your salvation?" 2) "What is your salvation?" 3) "What do you want?" To any White Howler, or any who claim to be White Howler, he will ask: 1) "Who are you?" 2) "What do you want?" 3) "Would you die to bring salvation?" The spirit will then consider their answers, and if they are acceptable, the being may have access to the caer/node's power--including the moon-bridges. Note that if they individual is successful, they will not have to repeat the ritual, but they will have to talk with "Sees-the-Dawn" for future access. If they are unsuccessful, the caern/Node will not be of any use to them. Some time must pass, and the character must have undergone some Role-playing changes before the ritual can be enacted again. Lt. Tommy Valens, Corp. Jones Holiday, Lt. Michael Johnson, Pvt. James Winfred, Pvt. Marcus Delienne, Pvt. Charles Hammer, Sgt. John Ross Jr., Pvt. Julie MacTaggert, Cpl. Cameron Dynes. These spirits are all house spirits of soldiers who died in teh house during the first world war. They are all from the same unit, which was stationed at the battle of the Vimy Ridge. Their names can be found in a plaque on the first floor, in the hallway outside the rooms they each stayed in. They are fiercely protective of the house, and if any overt physical problems occur in the house, they may appear, in full battle dress. They will act as a combat unit. CPO Cameron Dynes will act as a communications officer in the background, and Pvt. Julie MacTaggert will act as a field medic. Each spirit has a health pool of 15, and will be treated by MacTaggert, if their health pool reaches 7. They will disappear when their health pool reaches 0. Cedar Holmes A street kid who wandered into one of the town houses in 1986. He broke into the house to die, from a heroine overdose. He was 17 years old. He can be particularly violent if any type of chemical drug is used as an agent of addiction. He has been known to help three separate people kick a drug addiction. There is a room on the second floor dedicated to him, in which drug addicted people can stay, until they are healed.