Tremere of Istanbul
On the first night of the conflict, the public leader of the Tremere in Istanbul, Lord Darzaleus, died in his haven, two peripheral chantries burned, and acolytes and apprentices died en masse. Yet somehow the main chantry held against Assassin, rioter and bulldozer. It became apparent that someone behind the scenes had enough power to resist concerted assault. In the months that followed, it became apparent that someone also wields a great deal of influence, as reinforcements arrived from across the globe to drive back the Assamite assault. Still, things looked dire: reinforcements died more quickly than they could be brought in, and despite everything, the chantry looked on the verge of collapse.
Then Abertorius showed his hand even more strongly. Even as the walls of the chantry collapsed inward, suddenly Assamites could be found. Whether they moved through the streets or through the Sewers, they were assaulted by mixed squads of Tremere, Giovanni and Settites, overwhelmed and destroyed. The Assamites soon learned to rely more on their own native abilities and less on the assistance given by their Sorcerous clanmates, but the damage has been done: The lines have stabilized, and the war has become a siege rather than a blitzkrieg.
Abertorius now operates from a secret location, and his Tremere are rumored to have built and fortified half a dozen strongholds ringing the city.
