Veronica Chase is an american vampire who received her embrace when 22 years old, just before she finished her master in architecture in Hong Kong. She is good looking and she knows it. She is in the habit of wearing rather revealing clothing, be it with a deep cleavage, high split or both. She is not afraid to use her beauty and tease her victims to get what she wants. Or as she would say herself: "I am not prudish, but you have to earn it if you would like to see more of me." ---- Synopsis ---- Veronica started her life in Phoenix (USA Arizona) and eventually went to the university of Arizona to study architecture, with gothic architecture in specific. She wanted to be a popular girl and went out of her way to be so: Cheer-leading, running the study association and bullying any competition away. For her masters she went to Hong Kong. There she took lessons in martial arts and leaded the committee for foreign students. Her life drastically changed when she (and the rest of the students) were invited by the enigmatic and famous architect Imothhotep to a network party. Here Veronica caught Imothhotep's eye and she was invited to meet him privately. During their date a week later, he seduced her, drugged her and turned her. Using his considerable arsenal of mental disciplines, Veronica didn't remembered or understood anything of what was really happening. In fact, all she saw was that she was being desired by one of the most influential people she could dream of. Immediately, Imothhotep took Veronica to one obscure party to another, using sex, drugs and alcohol to manipulate her and keeping her mentally unbalanced. He wanted to see how long he could stretch it that Veronica didn't know she became a vampire. His friends knew Imothhotep, and most of them played along, indulging him in his little game. Every step Imothhotep kept repeating to Veronica how she was better than the rest of the world and how she only deserved the best. Proving his point by showering her with luxury and attention. Veronica believed that she was in good hands. Everywhere she could just say that she was with Imothhotep and command respect and awe. Or so she thought. Eventually, a month later or so during yet another party, he revealed to Veronica what she became. Not by telling but by having a Kine for every one and having all present feed on their own personal victim. Veronica accepted her fate and started to view mortal humans as inferior beings, destined to be her food. It was around this time that Veronica learned that she became missing in the mortal realm. But there was little she could do about that. She belonged to the elite now. One of Imothhotep's friends, Jennifer, told Veronica all kinds of stories, trying to scare her. It mostly resulted in Veronica learning a thing or two about the world of darkness. After all, Imothhotep was her sire and he would let nothing happen to her. Imothhotep and his friends also told Veronica all kinds of things regarding vampire society. How they were the followers of Seth and the most special vampires of all. It was Gary who told her to keep caution and how they are forced to keep up the masquerade. Imothhotep upped his game and started to teach Veronica his secrets of the shadows. A set of techniques unique in the vampire world and who only a view people knew. The discipline of obtenebration was their little secret and Veronica could only show it to a select set of people, lest she risked the jealousy and wrath of those who were not important enough. Every once in a while, there was a special event or party with a few people where Imothhotep encouraged Veronica to show or play with her powers. It worked wonders as Veronica felt more special and powerful than ever. Drugs, smokes, blood and two years passed. And then Imothhotep disappeared. Left alone and forced to leave the hotel she and Imothhotep were staying, Veronica went to the contacts she knew. Jennifer was a bitch and only laughed at her after closing the door in front of her. Others (acted like they) were not at home. Her first day truly alone, Veronica spend by killing a poor boy and tear him apart out of frustration. Just because she convinced the boy to lend her a ride. She survived the day in the trunk of his car she stole. Finally she went to Gary who took some pity on her and introduced her to the Prince of Hong Kong. ==== History ==== ---- life of the the not-embraced ---- In her living life, Veronica Chase was born and raised in Phoenix, USA (Arizona). She was always a popular girl. Smart, good looking, a treasure for the boys around her. She did not tolerate competition though and the other girls around her either accept Veronica as the most beautiful, smart and popular one or they would be shamed and put down by her. After high school she went to the University of Arizona to study architecture. Always being on the forefront, she became president of the study association. Of course she successfully leaded the cheerleaders as well. Getting good grades, cheer-leading, being popular, it was a busy life, but was she the perfect girl. She decided that, being the perfect girl, she needed to see the world and so Veronica went to Hong Kong for her master. Here sheFeeling the need to enrich herself with the famous asian culture, she took lessons in martial arts instead of cheer-leading. She also led the comity for foreign students. After her first year, she was presented with a golden opportunity: The famous architect, mister Imothhotep, was operating in Hong Kong for a while now and hosted a big party to celebrate his new project. The master students from the university were invited as well as a network opportunity and Veronica couldn't let this pass by. Her appearance at the party made quite an impression on Imothhotep and at the end of the party she received a personal invitation to meet him again next week! Normally Veronica would play hard to get, but for this opportunity she would let it slide. She could not help but brag the whole week how she got a personal invitation from mister Imothhotep and anyone who would like an opportunity in the world of architects as well better stuck up to her. Some girls blamed Veronica of lying just to be popular, but they would be blackmailed as being jealous and having too inferior grades to mean something in the world. A week later some time before dusk, she arrived at the hotel were Imothhotep was staying. He rented a rather large suite with multiple rooms. She was received by his butler and asked to wait a moment for Imothhotep was still busy working. Veronica sat quite anxiously in the large suite and could not help but to be in awe of the grand suite. After sunset Imothhotep appeared out of his study. She was immediately captivated by his deep eyes. That night, they had exquisite drinks, talked about the beauty of gothic architecture, and finally the beauty of each other. Veronica's head was getting foggy 'it must be his eyes' she thought and eventually the visit ended in his bed. ---- A life of drugs and manipulation ---- The next day, she awoke extremely late and drowsy. In fact, it was already dark outside. "Oh my, I had a meeting today with the foreign student comity!" "Don't worry," Imothhotep assured her "I took the liberty of canceling the appointment for you." 'Of course he has', Veronica thought drowsy, 'we must have talked about it yesterday.' The fact that Imothhotep might be lying did not ocurecur to her. Imothhotep handed her a glass of a strange red fluid: "You must be thirsty, I have something most exquisite for you. I wanted to safe it for today." She had no idea what it was but the drink smelled truly delicious. In fact, she noticed now her head was getting less foggy, she was rather ravenous. Yet, she forced herself to slowly drink and truly enjoy the taste. After all, you wouldn't accept mister Imothhotep his most exquisite drink and then down it like an ordinary glass of water. "It is truly delicious, what is it?" "A very special drink for a very special girl. Would you like some more?" "I'd love it, gimme!" "Now now," Imothhotep laughed, "don't be impatient, that is unbecoming for a girl like you." Yet he disappeared to the other room and returned a moment later with the glass refilled. This time, Veronica had a lot more trouble to contain herself as she was truly ravenous. The mysterious drink helped a lot to still her hunger though. Imothhotep looked at Veronica: "I have this evening a very special party with some friends, and I would like to invite you as well." Being invited to a private party by the famous Imothhotep? How could she say no? "Then get dressed, we leave as soon you are ready." Her head was still foggy but Veronica got dressed as quickly as she could. At the party, the people, al in expensive gowns and suits and all from a variety of ages and races lay around on sofa's and pillows. People were all drinking what looked like the same red juice she had earlier. There was a damp atmosphere since there was a lot of smoke from incense in the air. And just as Veronica's head was starting to clear, it immediately became just as foggy again from the smoke. The people seemed not surprised to see a new invite from Imothhotep, as one of the lady lazy gestured towards Veronica: "Oh my, my dear, you must be Imothhotep's new friend. Here sit, and please, accept this drink... No don't worry, take as much as you want. It is a party. we are not saving on something silly like the quality of our refreshments!" After her first drink, Veronica couldn´t remember anything from the party or how long the party lasted, it was all a big haze. It could be a night, it could be a week or even a month for she cared. All she remembered was that at one point she woke up half naked on top of Imothhotep between the people al scattered around, many of which were scarcely clothed as well. The time that followed felt like going from one party going to another. And not before long, Unbeknownst to Veronica, she was reported as missing by her, now former, fellow students. Every time Veronica started to feel hungry, Imothhotep gave her that mysterious scarlet juice and it made her feel wonderful, filling her with a drowsiness and bliss. At many occasions, she only needed to say that she was with Imothhotep and she could enjoy immediate recognition. For the first time in her life, she was not missing the busy life of being the local popular girl between the students.trying to be a successful daughter. In fact Veronica believed that she was led into the world of the elite by the most influential man she could dream of., and it was of her own choice! After all, he invited her to stay permanently in his hotel suite. "If I am going to stay here, I need some of my stuff." She needed some practical clothes, her papers, and her study notes and make-up wouldn't hurt either. As always, Imothhotep was most helpful: "Leave that to me." Veronica had no idea how he pulled it of, but the next night two bags with her stuff lay in the bedroom. (Imothep senthotep send two of his minions posing as detectives, who went to Veronica's dorm roomitory for some follow-up questions and to collect evidence in regards to her disappearance.) In the occasional night Veronica was left to her own devices by her lover and she was clear headed enough to actually think a little, she continued her study on her own. After all Imothshe wanted to become an architect and Imhotep was still the great architect and she wanted to impress him further. Although she didn't realize it, those nights were rare as most time she just enjoyed the feeling of lying around in the hotel suite, needing or wanting to do anything. Let her mind wander in what felt like a perpetual blissful haze. ---- Facing reality ---- Then there was that one fateful party. Veronica couldn´t really say what it was, but there was something different. The air was off so to say. To begin with, the actual air didn't had as much smoke as normally during these parties, there were other people and they looked... off... like to colorful? To warm? There were no drinks, not the usual glasses with the scarlet juice. And was it her or were the friends of Imothhotep giving her strange looks? Then, when it felt like the party was about to get serious, Jennifer grabbed one of the new people and put her teeth in his neck. She started to drink his blood! Like a vampire in the movies! All around Veronica, Imothhoteps friends started to grab one of the new guys and started to drink their blood as well. Veronica was appalled, what was happening here? She started to back of but bumped into one of the last colorful guys, he was held in place by the firm hand of Imothhotep who was standing there and laughing: "Here my dear, I have a gift for you. This one is for you." Veronica couldn´t believe her ears. "Who... what... what is this?" she demanded to know. "Tell me, what is happening?!" It was then that Imothhotep finally told her. "I am a vampire?" "Yes my dear, I have given you the blessing of immortal beauty. You are one of the few lucky ones who ascended the futility of mortal flesh." It all made sense now: the night time activities, the strange parties, the scarlet juice. "And these people are?" "But inconsequential mortal humans. Inferior. They are ours to feast upon." For a moment, Veronica's head started to spin. But then and there, she made her choice: If she was going to be special, to be perfect, than she is going to better than a mere mortal, fated for weakness and decay. And she put her teeth in the guy presented to her by her Sire. ---- A new life ---- Now that Veronica passed what felt like a ritual of initiation, people started to talk to her about other things. How there was a whole vampire society. One night, when the guys left the girls alone for a while, Jennifer turned to Veronica. Jennifer was the same woman who gave Veronica her drink at the first party. "Did you know," Jennifer said conspicuously, "that there are ancient vampires around. Lurking in the shadows, no //being// the shadows. Ready for any poor little vampire who make even the sligthest little misstap and then... SNATCH! They //eat// you!" "You better watch out then." Veronica wasn't intimidated by Jennifer, after all, Veronica was with Imhotep. But if Jennifers stories were only a bit true, then there was a lot more to the life of a vampire than Veronica knew. Veronica confronted Imhotep, wanted to know more: "I just heard that there are vampires around, stronger and scarier than you." She said with a mischievous smile. When where you going to tell me? "My dear. We are the followers of Seth. The eldest of among clans. Descendants of the most ancient and prestigious of all vampires." Another friend, Gary Chang, an architect as well Veronica knew intervened: "Still, we are not alone. There are other clans and together the clans decided on secrecy. After all we cannot share our lavishness with everyone. Despite our unique position in the world, the Masquerade must be honored." And Gary told about the rules of secrecy the supernatural order agreed upon. One evening, Veronica saw a newspaper lying on the table. 'I haven't red the paper in ages.' She thought, and started reading. Most of it was not really interesting: some disaster here, a scandal there, the usual. Then her eye felt on a particular message, since it was written in both Cantonese and English: *Missing[letter:paper] **Missing** Veronica Chase American, black hair, 22 years old. After more than a month, Veronica Chase is still missing, her whereabouts unknown. She was last seen at her dormitory from where she disappeared without a trace. Anyone who has seen her or has a tip that might help finding her are asked to contact the local police station. A picture of her was placed next to the text.{{gallery>veronica_chase#Missing advert|Missing}} [/letter] Her first thought was to call her parents, saying that she was okay. But then, what was she going to say? "Hi mom, I am okay, I have met this great guy and live in his hotel now. Oh btw I am a vampire and a creature of night. Anyway, miss you. Bye!"? That sounded crazy. No the world of the mortals and hers were incompatible. It was best if her parents forgot about here and moved on. She actually surprised herself by how easily she could left her former life behind. How logical it felt to let everything fall and embrace her new life. But then again, she actually begin doing so already more than a month ago according to the newspaper. ---- All alone ---- And then one day, he was gone. Imothep told Veronica that he wouldhotep was nowhere to be on businessfound. Veronica waited two days in the hotel suite when the hotel manager came to her door. The rent for the room was expiring at the end of the day and she needed to leave. Confused, Veronica packed her bags and before she knew it, she stood outside, not really knowing what to do. Hotel management was kind enough to lend a locker for her two bags, her partner was rather lucrative for the hotel after all. But now what? The vampire girl decided she needed money first. There was not much left in her wallet. Lets try the ATM? Success! luckily her old bank account in Hong Kong still worked. Apparently her parents didn't empty it after she went missing those years ago. Or more likely, the bank was not allowed to touch the account of a missing person. She better not think of the implications of signs of life on her account after so long, instead, she withdrew as much money as she could, assuming this would be the last time she could do so. Next Veronica took a taxi to Jennifers house. Although she didn't particularly liked her, Jennifer apartment was closest by and maybe she knew what was going on. "Oh my, my dear," Jennifer said when opening the door. With one look, Jennifer already knew what was going on. "Are you without your precious Sire? Well good luck to you!" And the door was closed in front of Veronica's face before she could even say anything. Veronica tried calling a few times again, but the only sign of life from Jennifers apartment was malicious laughter. The next friend Veronica tried didn't answer the door at all. Veronica had the strong feeling she was called by Jennifer. The third person Veronica misremembered where he lived. She tried a few houses but none of the people knew the person she was looking for and Veronica didn't recognize any of them either. It was getting early and Veronica needed to make a plan for the coming day, lest she would burn to ash at daybreak. While strolling over the street, a Chinese boy called to her: "Ehey chicky! Wat is such a nice ass doing alone on the street?" He talked in chinese and probably thought that she couldn't understand him. He looked rather surprised when she answered: "This lass is looking for a gallant man for a ride. Are you a gallant man?" It worked, as the boy quickly straightened his hair. "I have a car nearby." Veronica walked into a dark alley. The boy followed her trying to get her attention. Veronica turned and asked: "And where is this car of yours then? Is it a big car?" The boy explained it was parked right around the corner, he was just getting it after a late night snack. "Perfect." Veronica was in a foul mood and wanted to feel strong and in control again. She unleashed the power which made her feel strong and unique: The Arms of the Abyss. Her victim had no chance and she drank him completely dry. When she left the ally, all that was left was a drained body, mangled and teared apart by tentacles beyond recognition. Following the explanation, Veronica had little trouble finding the car of the boy. She drove back to the hotel, retrieved her belongings and drove into the night city. Without a place to stay, she did the only thing she could think of at the moment: She sought an underground parking garage, parked her stolen car and went lying in the trunk for the day (after she ensured she could get out again.) The next night, her hair a mess and clothes wrinkled, she did the only sensible thing: going to the next place she knew: The house of Gary Chang. She finally struck luck as he was home. He looked at her with a look of pity and invited her in. After Veronica cleaned and tidied herself, Gary explained what he knew: "Imothhotep's project is finished and he left the city for his new project." "Leaving without saying a word? No that is impossible, he wouldn't just left me like that." "I sorry, I'm afraid he has done it before. That's just how he is." "So now what? I am just dumped here in Hong Kong and left on the street to die?" "No, not necessarily. He wouldn't have left you like that if he thought that would happen." In fact, that is exactly what Imothhotep would do Gary knew. But he wasn't going to tell Veronica that. There was no point in unsettling her like that and in fact, the followers of Seth could use more people. "My advice, find a place to settle, create a base of operations and see from there. Remember, you are part of the clan. You will always find a someone among the followers of Seth willing to help you." "I do not need help." "Nevertheless, I can introduce you to the prince of Hong Kong." And so Veronica ended up at the court of the prince with the question: What next?