Cindy Walker (WoD)

SchreckNet Data File

Real/Birth Name: Cynthia Aguilera
Known Identity/Mortal Alias: Cindy Maria Walker
Place of Origin: Staten Island, New York City, New York, USA
Height: 5'2" (158 cm)
Occupation: Sports Manager
Apparent Age: Late-20s
Embraced: 1964
Kindred Status: Ancilla
Sire: Keith Karloff
Notable Descendants: Mackenzie 'Kenzi' Dubenenko (Childe)
Clan: Gangrel
Clan Status: Respected
Sect: Camarilla
Sect Status: Consul to Clan Gangrel
Player/Type: NPC

Appearance

To the unaware, Cindy is often mistaken for a Brujah, Senya or possibly Ventrue neonate due to her appearance - she doesn't typically fit the stereotype of a Gangrel. Those expecting a menacing, feral-looking demi-human would be disappointed, as Cindy typically looks like a striking young woman in good physical shape, typically wearing attractive but comfortable clothing fairly in fashion. Whilst she would rarely be seen wearing the latest trends as a Toreador might, she has her own style and knows what works for her, and likes to look appealing. This isn't simply a concession to vanity, but from a career as a Sportscaster where let's face it, people tuned in to watch her commentary at least as much for her looks as her sports knowledge and a lifetime of working in the service industry where an extra button undone and a sexy smile got you better tips.

Cindy is actually quite petite, standing below average height, but her slender form, voluminous hair and preference for wearing roller skates or heels often makes her look taller than she is - and certainly, she is an imposing figure. She is a natural golden-blonde, with naturally wavy hair that reaches to about shoulder length - though it's common for her to have it cut shorter, or styled in a curly way that makes it appear shorter. The curls and thick volume maker her face look larger than her otherwise slender face would be. She is also fond of seemingly dyeing it to whatever colour takes her fancy that day - both natural-looking brunette and auburn hair have been done, but she is far more likely to change her hair to a shockingly bright red, blue, pink or green seemingly at random for no reason other than she felt like it that day. Her eyes and tan complexion seem to occasionally change the same way, though less starkly - making some wonder if she is using cosmetics or if she may have access to a Discipline such as Vicissitude or Apparitionem. Either of those disciplines would be a concern to many as they may indicate she could be a Senya masquerading as a Gangrel, or a secret Sabbat agent, but Clan Senya has denied this as proposterous, and if mentioned to Cindy she laughs loudly, then tears whoever said it a new one (with her claws, very literally). Her actions during the recent Sabbat Crusade have left no doubt as to her loyalties, so few who have considered this rumour even care.

She has clear blue-green eyes and thick lips, and almost always wears a strong, blood-red lipstick and mascara, with more make-up for appropriate social occasions. As mentioned, she favours fashionable off-the-shelf clothing which looks good for her figure and varies in colour and style, with reds, blacks and whites being marginally more commonly favoured than greys, greens and other colours. Typically, she prefers strong colours that make her stand out, but not garishly. Her clothing looks good on her, but is typically equally accomodating if she suddenly took out her claws and got into a fight.

When dressing up for nice occasions, she is fond of white, black and green dresses, usually of styles that compliment her figure, as well as her hair and eye colour. They tend to be short and glamorous, although fairly conservative. There was a time she would have worn more provocative outfits, along with wild hair colours and styles, but she has tried to appear more "respectable" in both respects in order to better fit in and be taken more seriously by Elders in the salons of Elysium, especially now that she is an official Consul to the Gangrel Clan.

Background

Cynthia was born in New York to an Ecuadorian father and mother of German, Irish, Welsh, and Dutch ancestry. Her father was a US Army sergeant and her mother a musician; and during her childhood moved around a lot, including places such as New Jersey, Texas and New York. In 1946 they were posted in postwar Japan, remaining there until 1952. Although the Americans were there westernising Japan, Cynthia picked up affection for modern Japanese culture in the process such as movies, manga and anime, and learnt Jujutsu and Japanese language whilst in high school. She was surprised about the popularity of Baseball in Japan, a sport she's enjoyed all her life, and participated in High School baseball and followed the professional leagues. Even to this day, she remembers this time as the Golden Years and going to baseball games with her father (both in the US and Japan) likely became the catalyst for her undying love for baseball. Things changed after her family returned to New York when her father was sent on deployment to the Korean War. Although he was only there for around a year towards the end of the war, he returned a changed man. When he was home, there would be the occasional moments where he would spend time with his daughter teaching her how to shoot, or going to baseball games together, but most of the time he was angry, aggressive and increasingly physically and emotionally abusive to both Cynthia and her mother. On the 4th of July 1954, it appears that her mother had had enough of the abuse and, whilst Cynthia was out watching the Independence Day parades, set their house on fire - killing herself and Cynthia's father. The 17-year-old Cynthia was taken to a state orphanage, but there was minimal care for her as she would be on her own out on the streets in a few months when she turned 18. Cynthia decided not to wait, "checked herself out" and began thumbing her way across America; working in places such as bars, diners (where she learnt to roller-blade, one of her passions) and baseball fields serving drinks, hot dogs, or other similar menial jobs; but they were enough for her to feed herself and keep moving. And, truthfully, life wasn't really that bad. Eventually, almost exactly a decade later, she bumped into Keith Karloff in a dive bar in San Francisco. Impressed with her refusal to take crap from drunks and assholes double her size, Keith embraced her. Then promptly abandoned her. Asshole!

Her new existence was a shock but Cynthia was a survivor and adapted quickly. The first night was the roughest - the first hunger, feeding and accidentally killing her first victim, the bloody tears of remorse, and finding a safe sunproof place for the day. It was tough, but she made it. She had to quit her day jobs, but took night shifts instead (which seemed to pay better), and found it wasn't difficult to get regulars to feed on where she worked and quickly learnt how to not over-feed. A few months later, Keith turned up again, impressed she'd survived. First thing that Cindy did was walk up to her sire and punch him straight in the face, which only seemed to amuse him. . Shortly after, once Cynthia had gotten her anger out of her system and delivered various angry punches, she calmed down enough to take him up on his offer, and began travelling with him. They travelled together for 27 years - and she claims the credit (though she's unsure now if it's a good thing) to giving Keith the idea to embrace a group of biker musicians and form the Gone Jackals group and coterie in 1985. Of this time, Cynthia says, "we got up to too much shit to mention" but it turned her into a tough and experienced survivor and huntress. On the 27th anniversary of beginning their travels together, just as Keith had suddenly left her once, she turned to him and told him that she was going her own way. He had taken her "first life" at age 27, and she had now toured with him for that same duration - her "second life". She stated that it was now time for her to begin her "third life" on her own. And whilst he was a wolf, happy to roam semi-nomadically, she was more like a wild cat, and wanted a specific territory to call her own.

She decided to settle in Ashford because of her love for Baseball, thanks to the Sam Lynn Ballpark. A design oddity meant that the stadium pointed westwards, and so the setting sun was a hazard to batters. As a result, home games began at sundown, which meant she could once again watch live matches. Granted, they were an Advanced-A team only, but it was the love of the sport, not the successes she cared for. She found it possible to do a night-time degree at California State University Ashford (CSUA) in Sports Science and followed this up with a six-month course in Sports Broadcasting Training with the SMG Sportscasters Mentoring Group. Following this, she began working for local media outlets, and slowly built up her career successfully, until people started noticing her lack of ageing, forcing her to retire from being on-screen and begin influencing the local baseball scene using her disciplines and feminine wiles. Her recent deal with Braxton Donahoe has helped her gain a new legal identity as Cindy Walker, made enough changes to her (along with a few improvements) to look different enough to appear as if she were he own daughter or sibling, and gained her ownership of her very own baseball team, who now play in her very own domain!

Cindy was upset when the Gangrels left the Camarilla but when the Sabbat launched a crusade, and various Gangrel (including her sire and his pack) opportunistically aided the Sabbat, saw an opportunity. She rallied the Gangrel who wanted to remain in the Camarilla and managed to make a deal with the Camarilla to help in the fight, taking the fight to the rogue Gangrels. At the end, she was made Consul - an ambassadorial position that effectively makes her the Gangrel Primogen, but without the seat on the council (which suits her just fine as she dislikes politics) and is now the representative of Ashford's Gangrel, but as a de facto Primogen to those who have regained membership, as well as a Consul liaison with the independent and Anarch Gangrels.

Mortal Society

Cindy was once known as Cynthia Aguilera, a KASH CBS 29 Sportscaster with some renown - but after around a decade of sports reporting, hosting news programs and participating in sports chat shows, people began to notice her lack of aging. Not that she was known to be old, but mortals seem to notice a woman's enduring youth more than that of men - and when the "has Cynthia had plastic surgery?" posts and columns started circling, Cindy knew she had to retire from the public eye. She still remained involved in sports in her own way - partipating in roller skating events and supporting the Ashford Blaze baseball team, which she exerted influence by seducing and ghouling the lecherous manager of the company that owned them and the Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Sam Lynn Ballpark was a historic baseball ballpark with a history of financial instability. After a series of wranglings and manipulation of Kern Country politics, Braxton Donahoe, the Senya Primogen purchased it in 2012. It has undergone a major refurbishment and is now home to the Ashford Armadillos, a Pecos League Baseball team. Secretly, at the time Braxton was saddened by the mass-exodus of the Gangrels in Ashford when the Clan left the Camarilla, and sought a way to retain some of them and improve his ties with them. He recognised that one of the most influential (or at least, one of the most sociable) Gangrels was Cindy (then still going by the name Cynthia, although she'd been out of the public eye for several years now) who he knew had exerted influence over the Ashford Blaze baseball team for a while, as well as a former KASH CBS 29 Sportscaster and lifelong baseball fan. So, under the umbrella of the newly-formed Emerald Sports Group (ESG) company, Braxton bought the Ballpark and offered Cindy a job - he asked her to be the CEO of the ESG and both run the ballpark (with appropriate staff to handle all the legal and financial burdens, of course) as well as build a new Ashford baseball team, which would have the Ballpark as its guaranteed home. This was like achieving a life's dream for Cindy - being able to run the team and stadium as she saw fit, without having to seduce corrupt old managers to exert subtle influence over the team. Construction and building the new team was delayed a little by the events of the Sabbat Crusade, in which Cindy proved loyal to the Camarilla and ensuring several other Gangrel remained so too, proving Braxton's instincts and intentions about the Gangrels (or at least, Cindy) to be correct. As the Ashford Blaze team was owned by the previous owner and unwilling to sell to ESG, the Blaze played their last game in 2016 after which ESG did a major refurbishment of the Sam Lynn Ballpark and built a new baseball team - the Ashford Armadillos. The new team and refurbished Ballpark were ready in time for the first games of the Pesos League in May the following year. Although Braxton sees this venture mostly as both a form of community charity, and a way to have a connection (and influence) with Cindy (and, by extension, the remainder of the Gangrel clan loyal to the Camarilla), under Cindy's leadership the Armadillos have done surprisingly well and, by extension, local Ashford support for them has grown, resulting in the Ballpark not being the financial drain he was fearing - at least drawing even if not proving profitable, especially with the Ballpark being employed as the venue for a variety of other events such as concerts, dog shows, and drive-in movies. Although Braxton legally owns the Ballpark and Armadillos, the territory itself is recognised as Cindy's domain (or as the Gangrels prefer to call it, "hunting ground") and other kindred enter there only at her pleasure.

Personality

Cindy is a people person. She spent much of her early childhood moving around various cities, which meant she had to quickly learn to make friends, or be alone all the time - especially as social media did not exist back then and so her only friends were whoever she befriended wherever she was. She even spent several years in a strange land, but still recalls her time in postwar Japan as a good time that exposed her to another culture and way of life. Then shortly after returning to America, she ended up going on the road, hitchhiking her way across America and surviving by taking waitressing and similar jobs to finance her stay until she moved on. And all the time, a sports fan. So dealing with people is a norm for her and she is used to quickly making friends - but also moving on and leaving them behind. Why she chose Ashford as a place to settle down, no-one knows (likely, not even Cindy) but it is only there that she began to make anything close to permanent roots and friends. Except now she's aware that any kine friends she has she must always lie to, be on guard that she doesn't turn them into an accidental midnight snack and, if all goes well, eventually leave as they either will realise Cindy does not age, or grow old and die themselves. As such, although Cindy liked the kine and being around them, enjoying the buzz of their adrenaline and emotions at sports games, she keeps them at arm's length - but has begun making kindred friends, especially amongst other Gangrels and the Nosferatu Clan. She even has a few friends amongst the Brujah and Toreadors - who may occasionally talk down to her and subtly make fun of her fashion choices, but at least appreciate Cindy tries... and doesn't tear their faces off for the taunts as most other Gangrel would. She doesn't particularly get along well with either the Tremere or Ventrue, however. She'll say "it's not me, it's them" and that their natural tendency to talk down to anyone not of their own Clan (especially Gangrel, who they often treat much like the kine treat domesticated dogs) tries even her patience. But even then, she is normally cordial to them and doesn't dislike the Ventrue as much as she did when she was younger. She often has much in common with many of the other Clans. She'll enjoy talking about sports and debating current affairs with the Brujah, discuss fashion and pop culture with the Toreadors and Senya, or have a laugh, watch a game, or play with animals with the Nosferatu and Malkavians. She is often asked to mediate events, possibly a reason for her becoming Consul to the Gangrel Clan, known to be generally honest and keeps her word, more expressive and skilled at debating than would be expected. In fact, Cindy was actually a naturally highly intelligent mortal - at one time a member of Mensa after doing a logic puzzle during a work break that stumped most people - and other Clans often stereotype and think that because she's a Gangrel she must be a dumb barbarian savage - and she delights in proving them wrong, although the delight is personal and done by deed, rather than a Toreador/Ventrue-like attempt to gain personal status at the expense of others.

She is naturally caring and quick to defend her friends and causes she cares about - often violently and irrationally so - especially animals. No matter how dark things get, she always seems to see the glass half full, and helps her allies get through dark times, although there is a fine line between supporting her allies, and coddling them. At heart, she is still a Gangrel - she is a caring mentor to her progeny, there for her if she needs her, but normally standing by and letting Kenzi make a mistake Cindy perceived a mile off, and then laughing at her before helping her learn from the experience. She's caring, but she's not a charity.

Also, Gangrel are renown to develop animal features after uncontrolled frenzies. A presumed side-effect of their closeness to the Beast and the influence of their Protean Discipline. Normally, these parts eventually go away - but over sustained periods, or particularly bad frenzies, could become permanent. Rare is the Gangrel elder who does not have some permanent animal features. Onlookers would be forgiven for thinking that Cindy has somehow avoided this - but that is because they are seeing only the pretty exterior. Cindy's personality has become subtly altered to a more feral mindset. She innately takes mannerisms similar to that of predator cats, often subconsciously scratching things to mark them as hers or part of her territory, and her body stance, manner of walking, and attitude are more cat-like. This has actually given her a certain additional feline-like sex-appeal to mortals but is something she is careful to try to control lest she instinctively slash in the face a Toreador or mortal who surprises her with a common greeting kiss on the cheek, or if splashed with water. Lilah Fox has specified she must remain several feet away from the bar at all times, as Cindy has a tendency to unexpectedly tip people's drinks off the bar for no apparent reason.

Other Notes

Protean Forms

Bobcat form

Nighthawk form

Cindy has the ability to change into Protean forms, but they differ from the common Wolf and Bat forms of most Kindred. She can change into a form resembling a Bobcat, although physically the size of its larger cousin, the Lynx. Whilst unusually large, this rarely causes any more attention than the sighting of a lynx or bobcat would normally do - and less than a wolf sighting as, unlike wolves, Bobcats are not unknown to be seen in urban areas, and are quite common in California.

Instead of a bat, she can change into a Nighthawk form, a predatory bird about the same size of a bat, but swifter. Like her bobcat form, the Nighthawk (both common and lesser Nighthawks) are a common predator in California, nocturnal in nature and commonly seen even in urban environments.

Many have commented that Cindy's protean forms are a synthesis of her bestial and predatory nature, but her urban personality.

Mackenzie 'Kenzi' Dubenenko

Full article: Coterie: The 1337 5kw4d: K4mik3nzi22

Mackenzie 'Kenzi' Dubenenko, Cindy's Progeny

No-one knows whether it was an impulse or desire she finally acted on, but a few years ago Cindy created her first Progeny. She had requested permission beforehand and was granted it by Prince Kratus - perhaps because she was a sociable Gangrel who generally followed his rules and gave less trouble most Gangrels (or Brujah, for that matter), or perhaps as an olive branch for her being one of the few Gangrels to remain in Ashford after the Clan seceded from the Camarilla. Regardless, she did not specify who she intended to Embrace at the time, simply pre-requesting the desire to do so in the not-distant future. As Gangrels are known to be impulsive about the Embrace, it was likely felt that this was about as planned and respectful a Gangrel would get to following the Traditions in this matter.

Kenziwas a fitness model - born in New York City like Cindy herself had been, but of Russian descent. She was a computer geek and active video gamer, who had become quite successful as a fitness model and eGamer, building quite a following (and income) via social media platforms. And yet, ironically, this had nothing to do with her being chosen. Kenzi had always been into sports, especially roller skating. Before becoming successful as a model, her family struggled and one of Kenzi's few outlets for her frustrations was participating in Roller Derbys. This led to her being discovered by a talent scout who got her a break as a fitness model, launching her career. After her success had helped ensure her family's financial stability, she moved to California - a place she'd become enamoured with during model shoots - but still participated in Roller Derby events. This led to her crossing paths with Cindy, who saw a kindred spirit in Kenzi, Embracing her shortly after. Then, after barely a couple of weeks of Essential Grangrel Training, Cindy dumped her progeny in the middle of Death Valley National Park without any money or weapons, and told her to get back to Ashford by her own means, or have a good final death trying. Avoiding the Lupines and other dangers, finding daytime shelter, and transportation for the approximately 220 mile journey was not easy for the fledgling, but she made it, and Cindy welcome her progeny back with open arms. Then her progeny called Cindy a bitch and punched her in the face. Strangely, Cindy just smiled, wiped her blood off her lip, and said, "like sire, like progeny."

Stinky

It is well known that Cindy is an animal lover - her best friend is a Nosferatu who owns a pet store/rescue centre. There was even a time she refused to feed off animals and would likely frenzy if she saw another do so in front of her, although she has since matured as a kindred and understands the predatory nature of the Kindred (and nature as a whole) better now - although she still hates animal cruelty and suffering, and has been known to literally carve up kine (and even neonates) she sees being unnecessarily cruel to animals.

It is therefore not a surprise to anyone that she has a pet Pomeranian named Stinky. The surprising part is that Stinky lived most of his life with Cindy without being a ghoul, but as he began getting old Cindy ghouled him mostly because of her attachment to him and fear that he would soon begin suffering age-related health issues. She has had him since 2001 and he is devoted to her. He is friendly and well-trained thanks to both Cindy's natural ability and understanding of animals, and thanks to the use of Animalism. He makes a good daytime guard dog as he is always close to her, but is curious and alert - and has a surprisingly loud bark. He has been trained to perform tricks and be a good companion, as well as to both alert her and then hide when there is danger, such as a daytime intruder. For his size, he is surprisingly fast and tough. Messing with Stinky is equal to provoking Cindy herself. She would quite literally kill anyone who messes with "her baby".

Combat Style

As a Gangrel, most expect Cindy's combat style to rely on using her Fortitude to absorb damage as she uses Protean Claws to tear apart her enemy. This is actually pretty accurate - except Cindy tries to fight a bit more intelligently. She was an army brat, and grew up learning how to shoot with her father, and got an early start in Jujutsu during her time in Japan, which she maintained somewhat passively. It was hard to keep it up when she returned to the US, as Japanese martial arts didn't come over to the USA and become popular until about the time of her Embrace, but what she did learn in her 6 years in Japan gave her enough self-defence knowledge to be able to defend herself when she was on the road. More than one drunk patron who put his hand where he shouldn't ended up regretting the decision when Cindy put him in a very painful joint lock and face smashed against the table (although it also cost her more than one job). As a kindred, she found her expertise with strikes and grapples beneficial for both defence, as well as feeding (ie grappling the kine for her to feed off). 27 years of travelling with her sire, a veteran of the American Civil War who essentially "lived by the claw" in what could reasonably be considered a kindred version of Bonnie and Clyde, has only made her more proficient. But thanks to her interest in sports and roller skating - and her preference for her feline and avian Protean forms - she is agile and has reasonable levels of Celerity and Potence to back up her physique. So rather than simply take the hit and strike back, she attacks much like a predatory cat - limited stealth followed by charges and leaps for quick kills over up-front charge and brawl.

Cindy is a lifelong gun enthusiast and carries her S&W Model 29 revolver pretty much anywhere she can get away with, typically kept inside her jacket or in her handbag. Whilst she'll admit she's no Navy Seal, she's practised at the gun range enough, and has good hand-eye coordination, that she's a very respectable shot easily comparable (or better) than most police officers and army regulars. She knows that some threats - especially Lupines - are simply too powerful to rely on Fortitude to prevent you dying for more than a few seconds, so sometimes keeping a distance and blowing a big hole in things isn't a bad idea. Plus, against mortals, a big revolver is often a better option than her claws. Not that she believes she can't handle a group of would-be muggers/rapists, but her claws tend to leave bloody messes which upset the Sheriff and need to be covered to protect the Masquerade, requiring her to kill to protect herself, when a big revolver scares off most mortals, avoiding problems.

Social Style

Cindy was always easy to get along with, naturally gregarious and with enough varied interests to usually have common ground with everyone - but this is especially the case now that she is a Consul. Although the amount of Camarilla-loyal Gangrels in Ashford is too low in number for them to have a seat on the Primogen council, the Primogen acknowledge the support of Cindy and the Camarilla-loyal Gangrels she united during the Crusade. As such she was made a Counsel - a position akin to that of an Ambassador, typically a go-between between two sects, enjoying a certain degree of status in both (as long as there is not an active war) as a mediator. In this regard, Cindy now represents the Gangrels - both the Camarilla ones in Ashford as a form of unofficial Primogen, as well as representing the Primogen when dealing with the now-Independent or Anarch Free State-affiliated Gangrels. This position is a matter of pride for Cindy, and she tries to live up to it. She believes if she does her best it will improve the situation for her Clanmates, benefit the Camarilla, and improve her own personal status (with both the Gangrels and the Camarilla/Ashford Kindred).

As such she tries hard to represent both herself and her Clan positively. Whilst she's a blue-collar girl at heart, she tries to be polite, pleasant and follow etiquette and conventions. She actively does what she can to restrain her Clanmate's more bestial actions and mindsets, whilst trying to make the Camarilla accept and understand those differences and urges. When it comes to dealing with other Clans, she's especially always keen to help when she can, both because as a kindred having others owing you boons is always of benefit, but also because it improves her Clan's position by extension. She is more Clan-unity-minded than most Gangrel, treating all of Ashford's Gangrel as one large (if disjointed) pack, rather than most Gangrels' attitudes of being self-sufficient and independent, or just to their own coteries.

As such approaching her is easy, as is dealing with her. Honest dealings and shows of respect will easily curry her favour (fawning, however, will often either be interpreted at worst as an attempt to subtly insult her, or at best make her uncomfortable from the attention) and make her a good ally to deal with. Betrayals and lack of respect are usually met with swift and often violent retribution. She is smart enough to know the Camarilla's laws, and just how far she can push things - especially with her position giving her certain protection as, although most of the Gangrels don't really much care for her position as any kind of real authority, any attack on her would get a surprisingly unified and nasty response from a large number of vicious Cainites, most of whom are nowhere near as pleasant or high-humanitas as Cindy.

Signature Equipment

Cindy's Bigfoot Monster Truck

Suede, Denim or Leather Jacket
Bigfoot Monster Truck (painted in an MLB baseball theme).
Roller Skates (Quad skates)
Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver (.44 Magnum)
Remington Model 870 shotgun (typically at her haven).
Baseball Bat (signed by some baseball star)

Signature Quotes

"The roughest road often leads to the top."
"I'm not just another bimbo. But I want to look good when people see me. I have fun being sexy and tough at the same time"
"I have a lot of aggression in me that needs to come out in a not-very-precise or articulate way."
"I think it's really great when you stand up for something that you really believe, even if you get heat for it."