C3 S7 - The Tide of Souls

Although this was the seventh session of chapter three, this tanker mission was scheduled to be played during session 2.  I can't even imagine wrapping up the chapter within the next three sessions.  I was glad to see some of the major plot points that I had planned for finally see the light of day, and be given the chance to drive home how evil Vernon is on a more personal level.  

The session began right where things left off during the previous session, with the group barricaded within the rear broadcasting and informations room of the tanker.  Oliver showing a bit of his prophetic side gets a bad feeling off of the front door, and not wanting to back out onto the rear of the boat the group discovers a hidden maintenance shaft leading down into one of the auxiliary holds of the boat.  A fight with a horde of infected mortals ensues, with the group taking minimal damage.  Exploration of the space reveals that the back half of the auxiliary hold has been torn open (presumable by the infected inhabitants) and leads into the hollowed out cargo hold of the ship.  Much more of the bluish sludge is found lining the bottom of the chamber, as well as a horrifying singular item.  

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Standing alone in the hold is a large darkly tinted crystalline pyramid.  Those with occult knowledge know this to be the prison of the powerful vampire known as Zacherias.  Upon closer inspection of the 15 foot tall, 15 foot wide artifact the following is observed : 

1.  Black liquid three feet deep rests on the ground within.  
2.  A singular bullet impact can be seen on the interior of the chamber, no damage has been done to the exterior surface.  
3.  The body of Zacherias seems to be unconscious or dead beneath the surface of the liquid. 

While inspecting, a figure dressed in a long black coat and a wide brimmed hat wielding a long range weapon begins taking sniper shots at the group.  Although return fire is immediately attempted the figure quickly ducks out of cover.  The shot however seems supernatural in nature, dealing minimal damage but caring the side effect of divorcing the soul out of Kilgore's body.  

Once on the ethereal plane the true nature of the boat can be witnessed.  The emaciated soul of Zacherias has been set free from his prison, and has created a ethereal vortex.  Thousands upon thousands of souls can be seen wandering up out of the cold dark of the Atlantic, seemingly drawn to the vortex and compelled to cast themselves in.  Thankfully before the pull of the vortex becomes too strong Kilgore is able to return to his corporeal self.  

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In the meantime a continued firefight has been waged between Giuseppe, Oliver, Rick, and Darren and the remaining Watchdog crew.  Battling their way back up to the helm of the ship, Giuseppe with the help of the rest of the group begin the process of destroying the broadcasting antenna and shut down whatever information is being transmitted and received.  Additionally Darren and Rick come closer to the mysterious sniper and learn his identity.  The sniper is none other than Jack Eddows wielding the Devil's Eye Musket.  Jack is battered and bruised from the constant torment of his master, his weapons and equipment seeming almost insubstantial up close.  Despite ferocious rage and devastating attacks from Kilgore and Darren both Darren and Rick are divorced from their bodies several times before the wreckage of the tumbling antenna knocked loose by Giuseppe sends Eddows crashing down into the waters below.  

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The watchdogs attempt to flee with Zacherias's prison, but are cut down before they are able to make it off of the boat.  Not knowing what to do with the artifact the group consults one of Kilgore's contacts and Veronica Bell who is it learned still holds an office in Blood Tower.  The Camirilla scramble helicopters escorted by Justicar Cutter to the scene to pick up the dangerous item.  

Just as that phone call ends however Cassius Ordun, Arturo and an assault team of Sabat can be seen making their way to the tanker aboard a multitude of small vessels.  It is quickly learned by Darren that the Sabat have been tipped off about what has happened on the boat, and are coming to claim the prison before it falls into the hands of the Camirilla.  The group has a hard choice to make, give the pyramid to the Camirilla or the Sabat? 

After much debate it is decided that the item should go with the Sabat with the explicit instruction that its investigation and care should be approached as a joint endeavor by both they and the Camirilla.  The fear of the prison's contents is effectively used as a catalyst to set down weapons and end much of the needless bloodshed.  

It also should be noted that a large pink package was recovered on the bridge of the tanker, addressed to Oliver.  This is definitely not Vernon's style, so who could have left it and what could possibly be inside?