The Madness
In 1997, Mabelyn Arteaga and the rest of the talented staff of Scarlet Sanctuary transformed and elevated the Live Action Role-playing (LARPs) experience into a vampire theater extravaganza. Although Scarlet Sanctuary has been inactive for well over a decade, the legacy of its sessions still lives on in the memory of many an immortal.

Written by Roberto Mendoza in 1997, “The Madness” is the macabre and intimate character journals of Dr. Jonathon Jacobz, a brilliant psychotherapist with certain “Malkavian” tendencies. A synopsis for two LARP sessions, as well as selected character correspondences follows the brief character history.

I was born in 1621, deep in the dark heartlands of Spain, my mother's beloved country. My name then was Juan Carlos Viscaya. I grew up without a father. He abandoned my mother and myself shortly after my birth and left us in disgrace. We were poor, hungry and homeless.

We spent most of my childhood begging for whatever scraps the generous folk would throw at us. I was twelve years old before I knew what the inside of a house looked like.

I also remember how suddenly our fates changed, but didn't understand what had truly happened at the time. My mother had disappeared one terrible stormy night, while she had gone scavenging for food. There were horrid screams pouring out of every broken window. I was in a state of complete panic; I knew that on my own I would not survive for very long. The nights were cold without her, and I shivered as much as from fear as from the cold. Then on another stormy night, many frightening and lonely weeks later, she returned...

That moment has been carved into my mind for all eternity. Never will I forget what I saw upon the night my Mother came back to me. The moon was full, larger and brighter than I had ever seen it before - it is said that on such nights, lunatics and madman run amok in the shadows looking for hapless wanderers and the unwary to ensare them into the curtains of their madness.

It was thundering when she stepped out of the night fog. She unhesitantly walked toward my small huddled body. Her hair was flowing and again bore the bright golden color it once wore in her youth. Her skin had become soft, silken smooth and as cold as a sheet of ice. My Mother's eyes, once green and full of spring's love and passion, now gleamed with a crazed unknown kind of fire. It seemed as though the heart of all madness had kissed her upon the lips and took her as its bride. She raised me from the ground in her arms and cradled me close to her beatless heart. Effortlessly she carried me into the night, and whispered into my ear, that I shall never again know the pangs of hunger.

Mother then took me into the richest house I had ever seen or could even in my wildest childhood fantasies imagine existed. Jewels, pearls and coins of gold seemed to dance in the very air like angels laughing at the moon's shadow. There were others in this house as well, although my mother denied it. Yet I knew otherwise, I heard their voices whispering in the walls and the wild giggling of starving jackals running in the hallways. Though I never saw anyone, but Mother, and then only at night.

I grew into manhood in that house, and was educated at the finest schools that Mother could afford. I became a diplomat's aid and a scholar of the sciences. I served under mighty men of power and quickly learned the ways of their ambition. I saw the truth: greater fruits and riches waited for those who served and waited patiently.

While I was still a young man, I unexpectedly met and fell in love with another man. His presence in my life would change my destiny for all time. His name was James Satin, an Englishman, and he was the most beautiful creature that I had ever known. We spent a great deal of time together, and never since have I known such happiness. I thought my life was perfect, and that nothing could bring me a greater sense of happiness. I know now that I did not even have the slightest clue as to what perfection truly was or could be.

I do now.

A horrid plague was soon sweeping over the countryside claiming lives by the thousands. It struck upon me as well. I was feverish and delirious for several months. It seemed to me, that my fate was sealed, and that death was all that waited for me, beyond the curtain of this fever. How right I was in assuming so. My survival was accomplished only by pure chance. The vengeful hand of the Black Death unexpectedly released me from its grip, but it had left its jealous impassioned kiss upon me. The nights and days of burning fever and crazed delirium had pushed me through the gateway of madness.

It was then, that Mother walked into my room. There were shadows dancing behind her, clinging to the curtains, and hanging off the walls. She sat by my bedside and placed her lips onto my throat. I remember going to sleep almost instantly, dreaming of storm clouds and black diamonds and of naked winged demons running, singing, and dripping with blood. I woke up several nights later, feeling stronger than ever. I was new and healed, alive yet beyond life, beyond death, beyond divinity. I was a God, and I was not alone in Heaven.

I was right, the house was full of voices, the voices of the divine and beautiful children of the night. Mother was here too, her voice was one of the strongest. Imagine how I felt when I learned that my James was here as well! In secret, we drank of each other's blood, a private pact of fidelity to each other. Our love was to be eternal. The taste of him was sweet, and warm like rich, gold honey. Oh, the feeling was beyond the grasp of mere words. Words have always fallen short of describing the true power behind my emotions.

The moon was my queen, and the stars about her, were the court in which I ruled.

I loved to drink, and to kill under her silver light.

But I soon discovered that even divinity have their flaws. The plague had left me week. I was destined to be a barren god. I could not make others of my kind, but at the least, I had Time. Time was my precious sweet child, and it loved me.

Even in the gardens of Paradise, there were problems among the angels. A "civil war" broke out among our clans. I didn't truly understand what was happening, or why. I only knew one thing... that a wild radical group called The Sabbat were behind it and my beloved James was now one of them!

In truth, a great part of me wanted to stand beside him, but I feared the fury of Mother's retribution. She had grown stronger in these past few days. At Mother's request, I tried infiltrating the dark clan of the Sabbat. She knew I could not be swayed by their twisted bonding rites. I used James as a doorway to their world. I was amazed at how easy it was to enter and walk among them. I was fairly successful and popular in their ranks. I learned their ways, their customs, and their dark secrets as well as their unique powers. I reported back to Mother on occasion and informed her of my findings.

When full scale war finally broke out in the darkness, Mother worried for my safety and did not want me involved in the conflict. So, she and I conspired to construct a way in which I could exit the battlefield before the blows were even struck. Our plan was a masterpiece, an act of absolute brilliance. We would play out as though she had discovered that I was a Sabbat and a traitor to our clan. She sought me out in the dark catacombs beneath the graveyards of Madrid and set upon me as though she were the devil himself. Her claws raked through me and split my skin apart. James was there by my side, a convenient audience to our theater play. She would let him escape, so that he may report back to the others of my fate. Mother would then take my body away and hide me, leaving me in a state of suspended sleep for centuries, until a time when the war would finally be over.

After an eternity of dreaming, I awoke again to the loving embrace of the darkness. My eyes saw out into a new moonlit world and I felt a great hunger within me. I hunted that night and sought out my kindred. I soon found what was left. We had won the war against the Sabbat, but at a horrible price. Half of our number were dead. The Masquerade had broken. Vampire hunters were now sweeping the land. They were nothing more than arrogant mortals who taken up the cross and sword and claimed themselves as holy warriors. HA HA HA HA. They were gnats biting at the elephant's heel. Their blood tasted, oh - so sweet.

Mother had survived, as had James. According to her sources, he had tried to stake himself, and now lies in a profound sleep somewhere deep in the Gypsy infested mountains of Italy. He was always so over-dramatic. I soon discovered that my efforts as a spy had indeed been very beneficial to the clans, but things were not yet eased among us. There was a new strife between the clans. I had left one war to be pulled into the folds of another. I decided to leave Spain. I left our family's house, changed my name, and went to the Americas, determined to begin a new life there among others of our kind.

Mother sent a "caretaker" with me, a ghoul, a personal servant of hers, to insure my safety. His loyalty, she states, is assured. His name, although no longer of any importance, is Savan. Mother told me to simply call him Father. Ironic, isn't it? The man who abandoned us to suffer alone so long ago is now forced to serve us mindlessly forever. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha...... Glorious. After almost a year of wandering about, I settled in the area of Palisades. I was able to convert a large building near the local hospital into an asylum and set myself up as its in-resident psychologist. Many young interns were eager to join my staff, but they did not have the proper "look" or "feel", that I was seeking.

Finally, I decided upon twelve young medical school dropouts, to become my disciples. Their uniforms will consist of high-collared black satin robes with armored shoulder plates and blue lensed glasses. I was a god again, and I had finally created my own private world. I set up my Haven, my Eden, deep beneath the asylum and had one hundred closed-circuit televisions installed in the east facing wall, so that like God, I may watch over the world, and the people within it. Slowly, I was able to have patients transferred from other institutions and the local penitentiary. Thanks to my persistence, I currently have seventy-two permanent residents. My goal is to have an exact one hundred patients being, a perfect representation of a perfect century. They are and will allways be my children - the next generation, and next step in the plan of my ascension.

Memoirs - 05/17/97
The Conclave: The Gathering of the Kindred

Despite my extensive political background, I have never actually attended a conclave. The gathered kindred were presented to the city's new Prince, a fellow Spaniard, by the name of Armando, a very handsome yet simple man. The conclave was generously held at his private residence. Although only a few kindred actually attended, it was, I believe, an altogether impressive event. I met many of those there, but very few were actually as interesting enough as to leave a lasting impression upon me. I was greatly disappointed that I met less than a mere handful of fellow Malkavians. Where were my clan brothers?

I found myself later in the evening conversing with a blind Nosferatu woman. I believe her name was Ofera. The poor wretch quickly took me into her confidence and told me much of her life. Afterward, somewhat pitied, I felt obligated to share some of my history, as well. She claims to be a "survivor" of the Holocaust atrocity. She lost her eyes as a result of the cruel experiments conducted upon her by the resident nazi physicians. She also informed me that she possesses the unique ability to sense danger or dangerous intentions. Her horrible ordeal may have evolved her senses to a superior level. Curious, that may come in very useful to me, I will do well to keep her very close-by.

I also met and briefly spoke with the Prince of Jersey City, a chilling man. His presence left an uncomfortable feeling in the air. There is far more to him than meets the average eye. A bear out of its den is usually hunting. He should be watched, and carefully.

There is an enigmatic individual named Martin, whose name was tossed around by many - yet, who he is, wants or does, is unknown to me. But that will change.

Then there was Marko, a fellow Malkavian, as beautiful as my once dark lover. A strange paranoia seems to curtain him, unfortunately; an obsession that he is being watched or that others are upon him. He is an investigator of sorts, and a novice chemist with an interest in poisons. It may prove beneficial to me to keep this young demon under my wing, as well.

Although there were only officially two of us, we had to choose a representative for our clan before the night was over. He & I decided to flip a coin. It seemed to us, to be the most logical, unbiased way to decide who was better suited to speak for our clan. I won, of course. There would have been no other acceptable outcome.

In a private meeting with the Prince, I & the other newly elected clan representatives were told what was expected of us and the members of our clans, and were assigned feeding grounds. Luckily, my Asylum falls neatly into the grounds assigned to the Malkavians. Armando also informed us that no new kindred or ghouls are to be made without his permission. At a later private interval, I informed the Prince of "Father". I thought it would be best to let him know upfront about my ghoul, rather than discover it upon his own and assume I was hiding him. After the meeting, Marko and I built a house out of my business cards upon the meeting table and discussed what I had heard, and was told.

Unfortunately, it was at this time that I was paged from the Asylum and had to leave early. A patient has escaped. I have placed myself in a position from where I can do much to accomplish my desires. I must make allies quickly, and dispatch my enemies even faster. The others are useless and of no interest to me. I am the sun to the Darkness, and she alone commands my will. She alone will lead me back to the light...

Memoirs - 11/09/97
The Before

Things have been quiet since the conclave, fortunately. That has given me time for several necessary preparations. Construction on the asylum is finally finished. I now "live" in a virtual fortress.

Most of it has been redesigned to resemble a large church, including some quite dramatic stain-glass windows, that I have acquired over the years. I have armed my 12, with nightsticks and tranquilizers. I am pursuing the possibility of turning certain members of my staff into a herd, or even, at one point turning them all into Ghouls. I have begun work on my first pet project - "Dawn's Kiss" - a sweet little mixture of chemicals designed to release that certain fire in a Kindred's soul.

James is still sending his sweet little love letters. I will have to address this matter. He is beginning to annoy me, but I cannot deny the fact that he can be a very potent ally. I have kept in touch with the other Malkavian that I had met at the conclave. In fact, I have convinced Marco to assist me in my project, as I intend to expand the laboratory of my Haven. He possesses a unique child like quality that makes him almost trustable. Therefore, in theory, that means he CANNOT be trusted. The first slip-up he makes, he dies.

The Auction
The kindred were cordially invited to an auction at Kearny. Armando politely urged us to attend. I have often found myself giving up much of my time, money and effort to various charities. I was actually looking forward to the event, especially after receiving the Auction Hall's invitation and the impressive list of items and artifacts up for sale. I was incredibly happy to see so many other kindred at the auction. Marco attended. He brought along "Billy", a simplistic hand-puppet of Beelzebub, that I have often used during therapy sessions with my patients. He spent the entire night rambling with it. Ofera was there; I was glad to see she had managed to make her way safely to the auction hall. Xavier (Gen-X), the Brujah Clan Representative was also at the auction. The poor dear seemed somewhat out of place.

As I was inspecting the items up for auction, I seem to remember, a strange event; a man, walking with the aid of a cane, growled at me. Had I done something to offend him?

The auction was going quite well, a great deal of money was being raised. Then, Chaos showed its trump card. A glorious man, with lunacy in his eyes, and madness in his heart wanted to dance with the hungry night jackals... and dance most divinely he did. He pulled from his jacket, a gun, and in his hands grabbed the auction's beautiful receptionist as a hostage. Her screams swept fear and terror through the gathered mortals like a great wave sweeping over the shore and scattering the burning hot grains of sand. I must confess, it gave me a tingly warm feeling in the "heart". Then the brave and courageous heroes decided to pull out their weapons and shoot at the little spider and his fly.

The Auctioneer was shot and killed. Another mortal was wounded.

The hostage then flung herself into a corner.

Later, I tried to Dominate her mind into a state of relaxation, and it seemed to be temporarily successful. Marco reacted instinctively by pulling out his weapon, as did the detective that I had met and spoken with earlier. (Side note - the detective had come to the auction to speak with me in regards to my missing patient, Michael Kos. We spoke briefly, and I informed him that I believed that Michael had violent tendencies, even more so now, since he was off his medication.)

Within seconds, the situation at the auction was silenced; the mad mortal (which I now suspect was on Canary, a potent new drug being circulated on the streets) was dead, (a shame his bodied was destroyed, he would have made a glorious Malkavian.) My detective was also killed. (I will now have to look for another possible contact within the police - DAMN - I hate when others interfere with my plans.)

Now that I remember; there was a certain kindred at the auction. He was tall and imposing, and tried to take charge of the situation. He might have been the sheriff of Kearny. I may be mistaken, but he seemed far too anxious to cover things up. I believe that he knew what was going to happen. Could this individual somehow benefit from a strife between Kearny and the Palisades? Hmmm... Why do I see images of Jersey City in my mind? Could the Prince there be responsible? Could he possess links with Sabbat that have gone unnoticed? Could the assailant from the auction originated there? I seem to have many questions, to which answers must be found.

I have to add, that Marco, was so pleased with his performance, that he has decided to take on the role of my protector and bodyguard. How cute. He used to be a member of the F.B.I. He may be able to supply me with the answers I seek.

Oh, but wait, Sweet Chaos was not finished with us yet. She had far more planned for this enchanting evening of bidding. Armando barged in, along with his Sheriff, Claudius, a large and intimidating Nosferatu. Claudius grabbed a stunning woman from the crowd and left with her in his arms. Armando scolded the gathered Kindred for their hasty and uncontrolled behavior. Before we realized what happened, the mortals were all dead, and the auction house was set ablaze. All inside was destroyed. Glorious. Wonderfully glorious.

We were told to meet at Armando's home within the hour.
This, I believe, was a drastic overreaction to the situation.

The After
And so, an hour later, we arrived at Armando's home. Ofera and I sat together, as usual. She and I compared notes as to what had happened at the auction. I have discovered that Ofera's sensitivity breaches the physical world. She sensed a great energy emitting from one of the items up for sale at the auction - a stained-glass window depicting an epic battle between good & evil, recovered from a church that had burned to ground (Ironic - how it was lost again in another building that also has been burned to the ground, after an emotional struggle of wills between good and evil.) This fact terrified Ofera, but fascinated me. Ofera believed that the window was not destroyed, but rather it merely... vanished - turning itself into ashes.

I believe that there is no such thing as a coincidence. Chaos plays a beautiful symphony,
and all its notes are perfectly dropped into place.
There is no chaos in Chaos.

Armando, demanded explanations.

I, and Ofera spent most of the night talking to the others gathered. I met and spoke with the beautiful woman that Claudius had carried out. Her name was Isabella. She and I sat and talked for short while. She too grew up in the beautiful hillsides of Spain. She carries the glimmer of its lakes in her eyes, and the sweet breeze of its skies upon her lips. Her beauty is moving. She seemed distraught and appalled by the current "type" of people gathered at Armando's house. She referred to them as unworthy lowlives. Isabella didn't know who they were... (She was not a KINDRED! She was mortal! Why was she allowed into the meeting hall, while Armando spoke openly about what had happened at the auction? He was placing the masquerade in great peril. Careless. VERY very Careless.) She also had mentioned how he had raised her. I believe that she may be his ward. Regardless, I have found a powerful weapon to use against Armando, should I ever need one. His love for this woman, and his need to protect her will be his undoing. Hmmm, or is it? Perhaps she is merely his pawn in this, to see if any of us would try to actually use her against him; a ploy to discover where our loyalties truly lie. Brilliant.

I have finally met Martin, he is Caitiff, a clan-less Vampire. Caitiff - Interesting, how that word has come to hold so much crazed prejudice and hatred. The others have forgotten the truth that the Caitiff are not clan-less, they are a clan; the clan "Caitiff". Through the centuries, we, the other clans have cut them down, scattered them, and branded them exiles. In truth, we fear them. They are all unique individuals capable of doing unique and individual things. They are as unpredictable as the thunder storm... unlike the rest of us. There is a certain sameness found within all clan members. A Malkavian is a Malkavian is a Malkavian. A Nosferatu is what he is, regardless of what mask hides his face. A Gangrel is a Gangrel, despite the form they take, and a Ventrue is a Ventrue, in or out of their suits. Do not underestimate the "underdog", for it is from their ranks that rebellions are born. Martin was part of the Nazi Regime, and now feels compelled to redeem the horrid acts he performed during his life.

His presence sent Ofera into a fit of wild flashbacks, that threw her into a near-catatonic state (the same had happened to her during the conclave). It took quite some while for me to relax her, and bring her back to her senses. He apologized greatly for what happened, and I believed his sincerity. I did not believe that he wanted to harm Ofera. (I have decided to read more into the Holocaust, and discover what possible smells, sounds, and tastes might trigger a flashback episode in Ofera, should I ever need to incapacitate her, and this Martin - his need for redemption is an open wound to his soul.) Martin has petitioned for acceptance into the Brujah clan.

I have met even more kindred on this evening. A handsome demon named Trent, caught my attention, as did another night-brother, Lexander, who seemed quiet and apart from us. He was a journalist, I believe. He refused, however, to tell me what clan he belonged to, saying that clan distinctions are irrelevant (another Caitiff perhaps?). The Gangrel also had a strong and definite presence this evening. Curious. They growl.

There was violence in the sewers, a Nosferatu, Claudius's prodigy, was beheaded. It is not certain, who or what was responsible for his death, although it is suspected that the Sabbat are behind it. Armando has forbidden anyone to go down into the sewers, so I have offered Ofera the use of my Haven. She graciously accepted. The gentle butterfly has flown itself into my web.

It is worth mentioning that Armando seems to be having difficulty with one of his ghouls (which by the undisciplined behavior he demonstrated suggests to me that he may also be on Canary. Who is behind this new drug? Who is distributing it to the masses? The Sabbat?) It was after this tragic incident, that I decided to inform Armando (as well as Ofera), in private, about my past associations with the Sabbat. I informed him that I know their ways, and may be of use to him. I also told him that their bonding rituals have had no effect on me.

I realize that he will distrust me at first, but that will change. I will prove my sincerity to him.

I intend to set myself up as his advisor, in matters of the Sabbat, and later in all things.
(I have managed to turn, my possible weakness into a possible foothold of power)
I am a GOD. Now, to deal with James.

Private Correspondence

05/20/97
Xavier, My dear friend, the doors of my world are always open to those who can see its light. I would readily welcome the company of another brother, but only when he is ready to do so. I do bid you to be cautious, my friend. The others may not take kindly to your impersonation and may see an insult in it. Should you ever need my aid, you know where I can be found. Until then, stay out of the sun.

~ Dr. Jonathan Jacobz
Malkavian Representative

05/27/97
It has been awhile, my friend. I hope all is well. I have a proposition for you. You claimed to posess an interest in chemistry & I could use the assistance of a "kindred" spirit.

P.S. Have you uncovered any additional information on this "Martin"?

~ Dr. Jonathan Jacobz
Malkavian Representative

05/29/97
Dear Doctor J,
Marco here... I wish I could send this transmission coded. I should speak with Xavier and see if he could create something to scramble my messages to you. You never know who is monitoring us. I would like very much to get a tour of your asylum and lab. The lab may prove fruitful in testing some of that drug "Canary" that is all over the streets.

Xavier tells me he could aquire some samples for us. We should find the source of this poison! Perhaps it was planted by the Prince of Jersey City to infect all of our herds... and then us! I must investigate him and the studio which he no doubt harbors... filled with Sabbat ready to crawl down our throats! I will watch him close, you need not worry about that! It is obvious our own Prince thinks lightly of the matter, not to worry, I see the lies, the charade, I will take care of things.

Have you turned up any sign of those missing psycho patients. Have any attempted to grace your hallowed halls? Watch your orderlies, those people are always sneaky and up to something. Don't think that excursion into the sewers without me was not on purpose; they didn't want me to know the truth - I am thinking some of our own little coven are in on the Sabbat-Jersey City connection... With enough time and I will know.

My contact in the media has let me know that unknown ships have been spotted in the area, be careful - they can mate with earthlings, look like them, and become a kindred, I have seen it, they are cagey so watch the skies! Trust no one, Doctor. Please contact with a time for seeing your facilities.

~ MM

05/30/97
Greetings, my dark friend. Again I hope that all is well with you. I deeply thank you for your concern about the well-being of my Asylum, its patients & staff (& myself). I assure you, that I have everything under control. As for a visit... You are welcome at anytime you wish. The doors of my world are always open to a fellow kindred spirit. My facilities are also at your disposal. I am glad to hear you will be able to acquire a sample of that drug we briefly spoke about at the conclave. If Xavier requires funds for the endeavor, I can supply him with whatever he needs. Be as kind as to inform him so. I have a great need for your talents, my friend. I am grateful that fate has crossed our paths. May the dark shadows of the night keep you safe within their curtain.
Visit me soon.

~ Dr. Jonathan Jacobz
Malkavian Representative

11/06/97
Dr. J... I cannot talk openly. The "blackops" have aquired access to my other address. I had to start anew but they may still be watching. We should communicate soon. Send all to this new location, but wait for my signal.

A friend is working on a program to encrypt our transmissions from prying eyes.