Subspecies: Bloodline - Act II: Dead Cat Bounce

Recap:

Tyrion failed, with a chilling display of Ash's power.

Remember:

A master vampire is completely immune to surprise attacks, except for when he is filled with bloodlust.

SCP, Delta Green, and many groups and Hunters have tried to kill Naomi for centuries.

Opening Scene:

Agents, you are hidden for the moment, and must now navigate the viper's nest of Club Muse, not knowing one comrade lies wounded and another is a puppet of Ash's.

Behind closed doors, Tyrion’s face is a mask of anguish as he plunges the ancient Sword of Laertes into Naomi’s chest. She is pinned to the wall, a dark stain blooming on her elegant attire. Ash watches with an air of detached amusement as the legendary sword, moments before hanging as a trophy on his wall, now drips with Naomi’s blood.

“A fitting end to sentimentality,” Ash remarks, his voice carrying a chillingly calm tone through the stunned silence. Ash’s gaze sweeps over the room, a knowing glint in his dark eyes, though he doesn't betray any awareness of Tyrion's plan.

He turns his attention back to the devastated Tyrion. “You see, agent? Even the most righteous tools can be turned to serve a master. A lesson your… associates should take to heart, wherever they may be lurking.” With a final, dismissive glance at Naomi’s still form, Ash signals to his vampire underlings. “Attend to our guests. Ensure the premises are returned to order. Our other guests,” he adds, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, “will be departing at dawn, one way or another.”

Hidden vantage points intelligence gathering opportunity:

1. What are the security measures within the club?

   
   

2. Who are Ash’s key subordinates?

   
   

3. Are there escape routes or hidden areas you can identify?

   
   

New Intelligence and Implications:

Knowing Zachary is alive, albeit a prisoner, offers a potential new objective: rescue.

1. Where is he being held?

   
   

2. What is his condition?

   
   

3. Could a rescue attempt be a suicide mission?

Ash’s display of the Sword of Laertes’ and his taunting words suggest a level of arrogance and confidence in his dominance.

1. This might be a weakness the team can exploit.

   
   

2. He may underestimate your resilience or willingness to fight back even from a compromised position.

Securing Naomi’s Remains/Turning:

Depending on the extent of Naomi’s injuries and the effects of the Sword of Laertes, the team might need to decide whether to try to rescue her or secure her remains.

1. You may need to prevent them from falling into Ash’s hands.

   
   

2. Even consider if there's any possibility of her turning into something hostile.

New Threats and Challenges:

Following the attack, Ash may increase security within Club Muse and his other holdings. The team’s window of opportunity for infiltration might be rapidly closing.

1. Ash might continue to manipulate Tyrion, using him as bait or a tool to lure out the other agents.

   
   

2. Remaining hidden within Club Muse is a temporary solution. Your disguises might not withstand close scrutiny, and any misstep could reveal your presence.

   
   

3. Perhaps in Ash’s arrogance, he takes no action against insignificant opponents.

   
   

4. Has the attack on Ash voided your truce, your a night of peace he promised. Or will he still honor it for the remaining Delta Green team?

DM Note:

The team must make a desperate decision:

1. Attempt risky rescue missions.

   
   

2. Make a break for freedom from the club, and leave the country.

   
   

3. Attempt a daring infiltration deeper into Ash’s organization based on the intelligence they’ve gathered from their hiding places.

   
   

4. Try to obtain the sword and assassinate Ash.

   
   

5. The players will need to weigh the immense risks against the potential rewards of each path, knowing that one wrong move could be their last.