Jones Writes to Lord Antonescu Regarding Michael Montgomery #2

November 5, 2006

Regent Jones,

I am glad to hear that you have put your resources to good use in coming with a *concrete* explanation as to the identity of the Kindred in question. This is naturally to be commended. You and Apprentice Xerices may consider yourselves in my graces.

Now, as to what is to be done with this errant "Mr. Brighton." As far as I am concerned, if this individual *is* Michael Montgomery, as he well seems to be, then he has technically done nothing in direct violation of the Code of Tremere. While his consultation with the Sabbat is certainly questionable, it does not, from your description, seem that he is actively endangering the interests of the Clan or it's mother Sect through these interactions, and as long as the situation seems to remain non-volatile, I will not recommend any action be taken against him.

In fact, I would strongly argue against it in this case. Michael Montgomery is still less than a century Embraced, and yet has already proven responsible for one of the more ground-breaking Thaumaturgical innovations accomplished within that small span. Given his relative youth, the circumstances of his botched tutelage under one Ryan O' Hara (I've included a case file in case you're not up to date on that), and the trouble a few years back with Lord Piotr, it is more than understandable that he might be undergoing a phase of what I might dare to label "adolescent rebellion". I would not like to see him dead when he might well -after a few decades of experimentation- simply return to the fold.

Furthermore it is imperative that the Clan not act outside of the jurisdiction of the Camarilla without dire cause. Prince West is to be obeyed except in the most extreme circumstances, as I do not wish to have to expend my credit with him to expiate the destruction of a Clanmate.

It is still probably advisable, however, to note any actions Montgomery takes that might be argued against his case if a tribunal should come to pass. His association with the Sabbat and the rumors of the "lightning elemental" certainly strain at the Code's command to support the Camarilla and the Masquerade. Keep tabs on his actions as much as you are reasonably able, and report back to me with whatever you think I might consider important.

I can understand and perhaps even approve of the enforcement of peaceable relations through the Blood Contract, as long as all parties are willing. I see nothing wrong with the current wording of the document, save in the article regarding your “tracking” of Lucas Brighton. The Code of Tremere has specific prohibitions against Scrying upon one's Clanmates, and you should make it clear that that is not your intention.

I cannot underscore enough the importance of you and your apprentices adhering to the precepts of the Tremere Code to the letter *and beyond* in dealing with this case. If Montgomery is taken before a tribunal, it will not do if you or your apprentices have been found in violation of our same laws in pursuing him. Hence, you are not to use any Thaumaturgical means whatsoever to Scry or follow Montgomery under any circumstance, nor should you, your second, or any other Tremere take offensive action against him unless he is first declared officially Rogue in an appropriate court.

With regards to Montgomery's rank, I will not, as Lord of you both, permit him to attempt to reassert his position over New York as Regent. As he has declared himself to wish to remain relatively “independent” from the main Clan, I hope this shall not be an issue. If it is, you may inform him that I shall strip him of his superior rank quickly should any such nonsense be perpetrated.

As for the blood, I have my own means to obtain Assamite, Malkavian or any other manner of vitae whenever I should wish, although I thank you for the offer.

I will reiterate once more, that you and your second have done well, Regent Jones. I thank you both for handling the matter competently.

As it has always been for many a century, my health remains well.

Nicolai Antonescu
Primogen of the Domain of Chicago
Lord, 3rd Circle of Mysteries under Pontifex Joseph Diamond

Known to be [Acknowledged], [Devoted, [Esteemed], [Exalted], [Feared], [Influential] and [Revered] in the Domain of Chicago. PS (a middling note): While I have no ready objection to the rapid induction your Apprentices seem to be enjoying through the Circles of Mystery (You yourself, were -if I recall- elevated to your current post with a few Circles skipped), you should know that many of the more traditional of the Clan will see this as an attempt to artificially inflate your prestige, and may be hesitant to respect Apprentices who achieved higher rank with seemingly little effort. PSS (another middling note): While I applaud your attempt at the old Latinate spelling of the Thaumaturgical Paths -a traditional form nearer to my age and sensibilities-, I must correct you on your word use. "Regio" is in fact the word for "direction" or "line," and as you have used it renders the Path "Regio Vitae" as "direction of blood." The word you are looking for is "Rego," a verb meaning "I guide." This renders the name as "I guide by blood" which is more in keeping with the nature of the Path. Furthermore, I should point out that the Path of Levinbolt was never given a proper Latin title, being a strange and recently rediscovered Path most widely known for it's modern incarnation (a topic which Montgomery could no doubt enlighten you on). If I were to apply such a title to it, I would venture to call it the "Creo Fulgorem." Forgive me if this seems needling, but ancient linguistics is somewhat of a peevish obsession of mine. Especially Latin. "It melts like kisses from a female mouth" as Byron said. If you're interested in the language, I would be glad to find a tutor for you./p>

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