"We who live in prison, and in whose lives there is no event but sorrow,
have to measure time by throbs of pain, and the record of bitter
moments."
Rumours heard
A plea on behalf of Toronto
Greetings from Mary Tudor, Ventrue Justicar
The Prince: Shamus Kleo Andrews.
The Harpy: Valencia of the Tremere.
The Sheriff: Loucan Layfay of the Samedi.
The Consort to the Prince is Kate Leclaire
The Elysium of Tuesday, September the third 1996, was held at the Savage Garden, a club on Queen Street West, at the behest of Toronto's Sabbat rulers.
There was much talk this evening amongst the conquered regarding the increase in street crime since the Sabbat took control of Toronto. It was said that these callous murders were committed at the instigation of the Sabbat, in an attempt to break the humanity of their prisoners.
In addition, news circulated that Sergeant T-man, Brujah Whip, had met final death at the hands of the Sabbat. Captured after his lone attack on the Sabbat during the previous Elysium, he was considered by all to be the most valiant warrior of the Toronto Camarilla. With his passing, the hopes of the conquered were diminished even more.
Midway through the evening, the Sabbat wardens announced that next Elysium there would be a Lottery in which all of the conquered would take part. Everyone's name would be placed in a hat, from which three winners would be drawn. These winners would then participate in what was termed a "Wild Hunt" at the Elysium in Early October. The winners would be released outside the Box, and would then be hunted by a Sabbat pack for three nights.
To the surprise of all, Father Gabriel of Clan Tremere made an appearance. The Tremere were thought to be either all dead, or to have somehow fled the box, but this was apparently not the case. Father Gabriel conducted a eulogy for his fellow Tremere Calair, who was kill the night the Sabbat conquered Toronto.
Father Gabriel said that Calair had exemplified loyalty and faith, and that he had been struck down while serving Clan Tremere and the Camarilla. And because of this, Calair should not be forgotten, for he was an example to which all should aspire if the Toronto Camarilla was to survive. The Father also said that he had considered Calair to be a friend, something that was very rare within Clan Tremere, who for the most part were cold and distant even amongst themselves. And for this too, Gabriel said that Calair should be remembered, for friendship was all to rare amongst the Kindred as a whole.
At this point, Dieter Halsten, the Tremere Regent, revealed himself. The Regent, who had been in disguise, had witnessed the entire eulogy, and was very angry at Father Gabriel for endangering his own life in this manner. The Father responded that God would protect him, and in turn was angry with his Regent for exposing himself, since Dieter had no such protection.
The Sabbat wardens were, for the most part, puzzled by the whole affair, as these two Tremere seemed to be needlessly endangering themselves. But Santino, the head warden, admired the Father's bravery, and declared that Gabriel "had balls, and is not to be harmed".
There was some speculation this night that the Sabbat must have allied themselves with mages, for the "Box" that imprisoned Toronto was to large to be created by a Tremere, or even a group of them working in concert. However, in the days leading up to the Box's first manifestation, there were reports of large numbers of homeless disappearing, so there was the possibility that their life-essences or their blood was somehow being used to power this barrier.
All through the evening there were rumours circulated that other cities were planning to attack the Sabbat, and hopefully liberate those trapped inside the box. However, some speculated that these rumours were planted by the Sabbat themselves, in order to inspire false hope in their prisoners. There were also rumours of a Conclave in Brandon, Manitoba that raised money and weapons for a Toronto assault. However, at this point, they were only rumours....