Edinburgh

British Isles -x- Scotland

History

There has been a settlement on the site of what is now Edinburgh since at least the late 1st century, when the Romans first mapped the area. By the 7th century, the city was the largest north of Hadrian's Wall, and a growing power in the isles. As William the Conqueror consolidated his power in England, forces in Lothian (what would later be called Scotland) consolidated behind Edinburgh to resist. By that time, Robert the Scot was already firmly in control of the domain.

As Mithras's forces consolidated his control in the south, Lothian signed a non-aggression pact with Avalon. A yearly tribute of goods and vessels ensured Robert's independence. However, Robert never trusted the Methuselah's ambition, and assumed that the Ventrue would turn his attention north once he had pacified England and Wales. For centuries, Robert worked tirelessly behind the scenes to undermine Mithras's influence with his Barons. Toreador agents could be found in most Baronies, blandishing flattery and whispering of the rights of sovereign rulers. Over the centuries, Anarchs and Sabbat found subtle succor within Scotland, so long as they vented their destructive impulses south of the border. While Mithras remained attentive, Toreador agents found little success. As the Methuselah's attention wandered, Robert's envoys found attentive ears. Rumors of the height of Roman culture remained strong among the undead: Princelings aging along with their drafty keeps were eager to hear of a better life.

Robert's campaign was never more than a delaying action, designed to put off the inevitable day when Mithras's hordes would arrive at his doorstep. He combined the his external agitation with strong internal security. For the most part, only native Scots have been allowed to remain in Edinburgh. Others have been allowed to remain for a time, but sent on their way to do whatever mischief to Avalon the Prince could arrange.

Things changed when his envoys found receptive ears in the Duke and Duchess of Amber. The opening they provided proved to be a disaster. The Ambers were exiled from power, and Mithras sent his warlord Aethelwulf, to subdue Scotland. Killing the warlord may have been necessary, but it brought Mithras personally to Robert's door. The ancient Ventrue personally destroyed Robert's most powerful retainers, and cornered him in his own haven. Robert did the only thing he could do: He knelt and pledged himself as one of Mithras's Barons and Satraps. He pledged to remain out of the affairs of England's monarchy, and increase the yearly tribute he sent to London, and severely restrict the actions of the Tremere within his domain.

Since then, affairs have cooled down again. Robert has re-built his base of power in Edinburgh, but lost control of half of Scotland to the Fief of Glasgow. Robert's acts of rebellion must be subtle indeed, as Edinburgh is the first place Mithras turns his gaze when he detects something amiss. Today, the Kindred of Edinburgh are a close-knit community, suspicious of outsiders, and united in their opposition to Ventrue dominion over the Isles.

Population

2025 Scotish Census

• -- City (550,000)
• -- Metro Area (1,000,000)

Vampires of the City

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Once powerful, Edinburgh has declined over the last few centuries as more and more power has become concentrated in London. Today it is more or less a ghost-town, and only Clan Toreador is present in any strength. It has earned the contemptuous nickname "City of Elysium" among the Kindred of other fiefs, but this is not entirely fair. Toreador from across the British Isles look to Edinburgh for leadership, and although both Ventrue and Tremere have tried to force their rule on the city over the years, the Toreador have maintained their grasp on power and their independence.

While not as freewheeling as the new Liverpool-Manchester fief, Edinburgh encourages any freedom which does not threaten its independence. The fact that the Toreador Prince of Edinburgh is apparently secure enough in his power to allow anarchs to reside openly in the city is taken as an indication that any trouble could be crushed swiftly and effortlessly.

Toreador domination of Edinburgh has created a remarkable effect upon the city's kine. Edinburgh's extensive Elysium fosters a cultural life which can be compared favorably with that of any city in Europe. Still, tremendous social and political problems wrack the city. Ventrue have been known to comment smugly that Edinburgh is a classic example of Toreador values in action. (Pg.55 -- A World of Darkness #2)

Clan Toreador

• -- Robert the Scot -- Toreador Prince of Edinburgh and Baron of Lothian. {During the Dark Ages -- Fate Unknown
• -- <<Besse Dancort>> -- Toreador and Lady Baron of Edinburgh during the War of Princes and Dark Renaissance. {Killed by Angus -- Victorian Age}
• -- Angus the Red -- The Baron of Edinburgh from the middle of the Victorian Age to the present.
• -- Andrew Campbell -- Sire of Lorna Dingwall, the Toreador hostage in London (circa 1897).
• -- Lorna Dingwall -- Progeny of Andrew Campbell and former Toreador hostage in London -- provided she survived the Sabbat takeover of 2015.