SchreckNet Data File
- Real/Birth Name: Katrusia Anna Jakobson
- Known Identity/Mortal Alias: Katheryn Jacobsen
- Place of Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Height: 5'5"
- Occupation: Martial Arts Instructor
- Apparent Age: Early-40s
- Embraced: 1956
- Kindred Status: Ancilla
- Sire: Youssef El Idrissi
- Notable Descendants: Vivian Gosiengfiao (Childe)
- Clan: Assamite (Vizier caste)
- Clan Status: Respected Vizier
- Sect: Camarilla
- Sect Status: Assamite Whip
- Player/Type: NPC
Appearance
With clear blue eyes, long blonde hair and an impressive physique from a mortal life dedicated to sports, exercise and martial arts even before serving in Israeli Intelligence means Kat is an imposing figure. She typically dresses casually, with jeans or leather trousers and t-shirts or blouses being most common, and is fond of leather jackets - especially since she is somewhat of a biker. Although she is not naturally paranoid enough to assume she is going to be attacked at any moment, her clothing is not just comfortable, but practical enough to give her a good range of motion and flexibility in a fight. She usually wears some light make-up, typically of lighter shades and colours, to enhance her femininity.
When dressing more formally, Kat is fond of dresses that are typically one-piece, shoulder-less and a hemline around knee-length (allowing for her to have available a concealed-carry inner-thigh holster, which would be hard to conceal with a shorter skirt). Black is her most typical colour, although gold, red and the occasional blue dresses are sometimes worn when they may suit the occasion or fancy takes her. Kat spent many years carrying out espionage for the Danish Resistance and, later, Mossad and knowing how to dress to get the right kind of attention (or knowing how to dress to avoid unwanted attention) were useful skills which she still applies but to a more social-political purpose.
Background
Katrusia's (aka "Kat") father was a Ukrainian-Jewish writer and linguist who emigrated to Denmark to escape increasing antisemitism. There he met and eventually married a Danish-Jew teacher. Shortly after Kat was born in Copenhagen during a time where Danish laws promoted equality for women in education, sport and employment, and sports were heavily promoted socially and educationally. Kat identifies as Danish, with Ukrainian heritage, and grew up inheriting the best of both worlds - well educated and active in sports, excelling in linguistics and Escrime, which she thoroughly enjoyed. This led to her father taking her on a surprise trip to Paris in 1924 to watch the Olympics, after the announcement that women's foil was added to the games (Kat notices that the first female Olympic champion was Ellen Osiier, a fellow Dane). Whilst there she witnessed a relatively new demonstration sport called Savate and was enthralled by it and began practising it shortly after. L'Escrime and Savate would be Kat's introduction to martial arts, which would become a life-long passion. This interest in sports led to her doing a degree in Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Copenhagen. Shortly after, she began working as a fitness instructor at a local gymnasium until she acquired enough capital to fund the opening of her own gymnasium, which in addition to normal gymnasium sports and wellness services also taught savate and l'Escrime.
Life was generally good until the Second World War, when Denmark was invated and occupied by the Nazis in 1940. The Danish Resistance Movement formed soon after but was slow to build as, overall, the Nazi occupation was considered benign in comparison to Paris and occupied countries and for a while considered a "model protectorate" by the Nazis. But slowly, unrest began to build, especially when in 1941 the Nazis insisted that Denmark not avoid "the Jewish Problem" and began imposing curfews, sanctions and restrictions in response to the Danish Government's leniency towards Jews. It was around this time that Kat began to get involved with the Danish Resistance - initially helping train agents in self-defence and conducting subtle spying and information gathering but, as the Nazi oppression worsened, got more active in direct espionage and sabotage activities.
When plans were leaked by German diplomat Georg F. Duckwitz for Nazi plans to capture the Danish Jews during their Rosh Hashanah (New Year) service to be deported to the concentration camps, Kat and the Danish Resistance were actively involved in helping Jews go into hiding then being smuggled out of Denmark to neutral Sweden, as well as the "Rescue of the Danish Jews" operation. Although she could have fled along with her family to Sweden, Kat chose to stay in Denmark despite the risk in order to continue aiding the Danish Resistance in its increasingly-aggressive espionage, assassination of Nazi targets, and sabotage of Nazi materiel and Danish infrastructure the Nazis relied on for the war effort elsewhere in Europe.
Shortly after the war ended, the state of Israel was founded and a post-Holocaust Aliyah occurred. Like many Jews displaced by the Holocaust, Kat's family emigrated to the new state and began new lives in their ancestral homeland. Kat applied to join the newly-established IDF (Israel Defence Forces), intending on enlisting for a few years until her family were properly established and the disruptions of the wartime/post-Holocaust Aliyah settled. With her experience aiding the Danish Resistance, however, on finishing basic training she was recruited as an agent by the new Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, or Mossad, as it was more commonly known. With Mossad, she underwent further training in self-defence which included Krav Maga and Kapap, which would end up (especially Kapap) becoming her main combat styles, as well as further espionage and counter-espionage training.
Kat served her new home and Mossad successfully for several years, in various theatres, until 1956, when she died. Kat was on operation in Morocco, helping Mossad establish a network to smuggle Moroccan Jews to Israel after a ban on immigration to Israel had been imposed by the government. Although the operation was successful, her activities brought her to the attention of an Assamite Vizier who ultimately ended up recruiting her to a new form of service.
It took a while, but eventually unlife as an Assamite made her lose much of her faith, though not entirely. Overall, she prospered - she got along well with her fellow Viziers and was more active in assassinations than most Viziers due to her accumulated skill set which garnered her more respect from the Warrior caste than Viziers typically get, especially as she was at least as proficient as the Web of Knives' recruits after their 7-year training. Still, she discovered that she was in a Clan that was run by a fanatical cult that was overall hostile towards women, towards Westerners, and increasingly towards Jews. Kat could see the writing on the wall and so when Mira, one of Tegyrius' people started to sound her out about joining their Preservationist Conspiracy, Kat interrupted her to tell her quite a few things she'd already figured out that Mira didn't know, then asked what she could do to help. Kat followed Mira to Ashford and pretended to be a Toreador linguist and writer, as well as establishing a self-defence school in Ashford. In 2011 she Embraced Vivian Gosiengfiao, a young Filipino-American eGamer, Cosplay model and social media influencer to aid her in understanding and dealing with the rapidly-changing technology, and youth culture of the modern nights.
The 2016 Sabbat Crusade was a turning point as it resulted in official sanction and Camarilla membership of Mira's group of Preservationist Assamites, something that was slow and erratic to gain acceptance in the Camarilla as a whole, but gained steam since the Gangrels seceded from the Camarilla. Like almost all of Mira's Preservationists, after membership Kat and her childe Vivian came out as Assamites, to the surprise (and in some cases, resentment) of the Toreador clan who they had masqueraded as for several years. Although the clan itself had no similar formal internal position, seeking to remodel into Camarilla structure what are commonly referred to as the Ashford Assamites, Mira decided to follow Camarilla tradition and formally select a Whip to assist her as Primogen, as well as serving as Envoy to the Camarilla. The Ashford Assamites were predominantly of the Vizier and Sorcerer castes, as was common throughout the Preservationist Conspiracy and Dispossessed Assasmites, but there were still various warriors. Although Kat was not the eldest Ashford Assamite (after Mira, who is the eldest), her role as a Vizier would naturally garner the respect of other Viziers and Sorcerers, whilst her combat ability and espionage history gathered the respect of the Warriors, who were used to a structure where a warrior was in charge even over much elder and wiser Viziers. Whilst Mira is the Primogen and eldest Ashford Assamite, it is unusual to find a member of the Sorcerer caste in charge and Mira knows this. For this reason Kat's position as Whip is a prudent one that all three castes, for varying reasons, support. Indeed, many of the Warrior caste look towards Kat as their leader rather than Mira, almost as though Mira is the official figurehead and Camarilla representative, whilst Kat is the actual Clan leader. Many wonder if Kat will attempt to usurp control from Mira but, of course, Kat will refute this vehemently and has shown nothing but respect and loyalty to the elder.
As the Whip Kat has proven that her intelligence-gathering and espionage skills lead well to her coordinating with her clanmates; her social skills and Vizier abilities give her the ability to keep her clan-mates in check (her combat skills helping when a heavier touch is required to keep an errant troublemaker in line), as well as proving to be a good envoy to the other Camarilla Clans. Whilst Mira's age, timeless grace and elder status all aid good relations with the Ventrue, Toreador, Malkavian and Nosferatu elders, her being a sorcerer (or in the case of the Brujah clan, being black), causes some conflicts with the Brujah and Tremere Primogen. Kat, however, seems to be able to relate better with the Brujah, Tremere and Senya Primogen than Mira (in trugh, Kat relates well with all the Primogen, with her main issue being that many of the elder Primogen have an innate disdain for politically unproven Kindred of such young age).
Mortal Society
Kat is known as the friendly-but-intense owner of the Kat Kai Self-Defence school. It mainly runs the following self-defence classes for women:
- Tuesday and Thursday 4.30pm-5.00pm "tiny feet" class for 4-6 year olds
- Monday through Thursday 5.30pm-7pm "junior" class for 7-13 year olds
- Monday through Thursday 8pm-9.30pm "adult" class for 14+ year olds
- Tuesday 2pm-3pm, Thursday 3pm-4pm and Saturday 10am-11am "wellness" classes
- Saturday 8pm-9.30pm special "Amazons" class for specially-invited advanced adults (not advertised and only Kat can invite people).
for adult females (16+). Pricing varies and is negotiated depending on length of contract (ie if paying per-session without commitment, or a 1, 2, 5 or 10-year commitment) as well as frequency (weekly, thrice-weekly or daily adult classes) to cater for varying levels of interest and time availability for members. The classes are generally aimed at women but boys are allowed in the Tiny Feet and Junior classes as Kat feels that at these ages her classes will help make them better, more respectful and compassionate people and therefore ideologically help reduce the need for why women need to take self-defence classes. Her adult classes are for women only, however, although Kat has made exceptions for men that need it (such as teens that have been bullied, or have progressed through the junior or younger classes, or adults who are victims of abuse or phsycical harm from enemies). They can also be hired to deliver courses to Law Enforcement agencies (they have a contract with the Ashford Police Department to provide some self-defence training to their officers) and other organisations - Kat decides whether to accept or not on a by-case basis.
The daytime classes and courses are delivered by several qualified kine instructors, led by Gabriel "Sarge" Garcia (Kat's ghoul retainer) but Kat typically delivers or oversees the night classes, which begin after sundown even during the longest-daytime summer month (sunset at approximately 8pm). She will occasionally participate in the junior or special classes from mid-November to mid-February when sunset is earlier (approximately 5pm), but not as actively as with the evening classes. The mission statement of Kat Kai is to promote self-defence and self-confidence in women, and their Kat Kai website and Kat Kai Facebook page reads:
Mission
KAT KAI's mission is to arm women of all ages with knowledge, strength, and courage using our self-defense techniques of preventative measures, and verbal defusion. This program will mentally, spiritually, and physically empower, protect, and promote self-development.Our distinctive self-defense program was developed out of the need to proactively address the threat of harassment and violence against women. These special training methods harness the physical and psychological uniqueness of women.
KAT KAI Self-Defense does not teach Martial Arts. Instead, it provides straightforward and highly effective lessons in psychology, biomechanics, verbal defusion, aggression and assertion tactics, and, above all, instils self-confidence.
This is a multi-dimensional program which incorporates not one, but many solutions to different scenarios and encounters.
- Author note: Kat Kai is conceptually based (very loosely) on the real-life Win Kai Self-Defense school founded by the actress whose picture is also being used to portray Kat - the mission statement above is directly borrowed from Win Kai's Facebook page and adapted for our purpose - this is intended as a nod of respect.
Although Kat believes in Kat Kai's mission statement, Kat secretly also uses it as a way to scope out potentials for recruitment into the clan (either for herself in future or as recommendation to other Assamites; she hopes to encourage the growth of females in the otherwise male-dominated Warrior caste), a source of herd as well as - by gradually encouraging the loyalty of her most capable into the secret Amazons class - building up a group of very loyal and well-trained group of Kapap practitioners that she can call on as, effectively, a small military force if she needs some group muscle (she has sufficient martial arts weapons - and some [illegally-obtained, yet ironically California-legal] pistols - to equip the entire group. Kat jokes "the first rule of Amazons club is don't talk about Amazons club" (parodying the famous line from the movie Fight Club)
Personality
Kat is naturally gallant and friendly with a protective and competitive spirit. She always enjoyed interacting and socialising with people, and saw martial arts as a way to do this as well as to teach people to protect themselves. She initially got into martial arts as a hobby and, at heart, she still considers it a sport (albeit with practical applications). Like any sport, she takes it seriously - there is room for fun but, if not taken seriously, accidents can happen, and she is competitive, leading to her being often called "intense" as a trainer, which otherwise contrasts with her naturally bubbly and friendly personality.
Other Notes
Martial Training
Kat began her martial arts life with Escrima and Savate when she was young, then later formal training in Krav Maga during Mossad. Asian martial arts were relatively unknown in Europe until after WWII and so she did not encounter them until during/after her Mossad time. As Krav Maga has techniques sourced from boxing, wrestling, aikido, judo and karate, it is natural that as they grew in popularity in Europe, that Kat would seek to learn more about them, and Kat ended up studying Tae Kwon Do and Karate during her Mossad days (and after her Embrace) as they became increasingly popular, all of which she incorporates into the practice of Kapap. She currently holds the following official gradings:
- Savate - Technical Silver Glove 1
- Krav Maga - E3 (3rd-level expert) black belt
- Kapap - Senior level Instructor certificate
- Taekwondo - 3rd degree black belt
- Karate - 2nd degree black belt
- Aikido - 4th degree Dan black belt
Kat has also dabbled in various other styles (including kung fu, as there are various kung fu schools in Ashford she could exchange-train with) and is actually better than her already-impressive official ratings - but becoming Kindred has made it difficult for her to get official recognition without attracting attention that could affect the Masquerade (an inconvenience even for non-Camarilla kindred, but more a factor now that they're in the Camarilla) and setting up new identities means having to get the new identity to re-earn accreditations. This is also a reason she prefers to leave the running of her school to kine staff and her ghoul retainer, as it will make it easier for her the day she steps back from the kine world in order to have to create a new identity.
Vivian Gosiengfiao
Full Article: Vivian Gosiengfiao
Although Kat is smart and socially capable, modern technology is quite alien to her. She has learnt basic operation of computers, devices and the Internet, sufficient for her needs, but since becoming a Vizier has been out of the espionage game long enough to now be considered "old school." Modern kine culture (especially youth/geek/pop culture) is so varied and dynamic it almost gives her a headache just thinking about it. For these reasons, Kat embraced Vivian in 2011, who is knowledgeable in these things.
Vivian is a versatile Vizier - she is creative and artistic, and very knowledgeable in modern technology, the Internet, and modern pop- and geek culture. Kat finds Vivian's social media videos amusing and entertaining.
Although Vizier's do not have to carry out active assassination contracts like the Warrior caste are expected to, Kat trained Vivian out of a belief that even Vizier Assamites should at least have some skill in combat/assassination - especially since the schism, which has set the Web of Knives and the official main branch of the Clan as enemies of the Preservationist Conspiracy faction that seceded. Whilst Vivian has been slowly making headway on learning Self-Defence (Kat is focusing her training on Krav Maga and Kapap, as she wants Vivian's skill to be deadly in potential application) and is satisfied that Vivian is decent enough for general self-defence (though inadequate to take on any reasonably-experienced Web of Knives Warrior). When it came to firearms training, however, Vivian had a natural hand-eye coordination due to an active sporting childhood, way too many hours playing competitive eSports, and participation in Paintball leagues which led to her quickly grasping and excelling with firearms. Within the decade (approximately) that she has been kindred, Vivian's natural ability and a focus and effort that surprised even Kat, have made her surpass her sire's ability with firearms and is now comparable in level to professional military snipers.
Overall, Vivian has already exceeded Kat's expectations, making Kat a rather proud [and somewhat protective] sire who relies on Vivian as an advisor to modern culture and technical assistant for any needs beyond Vivian's norm.
Gabriel "Sarge" Garcia
Gabriel resembles a Latino male in his mid-30s in good physical shape, although he has been a ghoul for over a decade now - a long time for Assamite ghouls as the Warrior caste usually embrace their ghoul recruits after 7 years of training and testing, whilst the Vizier and Sorcerer castes tend to use and abandon ghouls much like kindred of the traditional Camarilla clans. That is to say, they typically abandon them once their utility has been reduced.
Gabriel was born in Ashford and got into martial arts in his teens, studying Karate (and later, Taekwondo) at one of the many martial arts schools in Ashford. From a working-class family who could not afford to send him to College, nor performing well enough to get a Scholarship, Gabriel enlisted in the US Army straight out of high school. He showed aptitude during basic training and completed advanced training in 92A Automated Logistical Specialist and became a Quartermaster. He served several tours of duty in various theatres of war and achieved the rank of Sergeant before he decided to leave the army and return home for good to his wife and son. During his time away, Kat set up the Kat Kai Self-Defence school in Ashford and, always interested in improving his martial ability, when Gabriel heard about this school applied to join. He was initially rejected by Kat - as the school does not typically take adult males - but instead was surprised to find Kat offering him a job. As the school's style had a whatever works practical aspect over-focus on a specific style, his focus was not an issue - and under Kat's tutelage, he learnt Krav Maga and Aikido, combined into Kapap practice as Kat did. The reason why she offered him the job, however, not due to his martial prowess but because of his quartermaster background. Kat knew that she would require a ghoul to run the school to kine perception (and during the daytime) and Gabriel's training and experience in stock record management, material management, stock control, issuing, receipts and financing in addition to his martial arts, firearms and combat experience, all made for an ideal ghoul that could both serve as a bodyguard (mainly during the daytime), as well as run the business for her when Kat was in daysleep or otherwise occupied.
Gabriel served Kat faithfully. She even allowed him to have somewhat of a life, maintaining friendships and his marriage - as long as they did not interfere with his responsibilities to his domitor, of course. Gabriel believed that one day Kat would Embrace him but was devastated when seemingly out of the blue, Kat embraced Vivian Gosiengfiao who Gabriel feels is a naive and silly child completely undeserving of the dark kiss. If asked about it, Kat will claim that she never lied to or misled Gabriel to encourage his belief that he could earn the embrace, though admits she didn't actually clearly state will never happen either. The simple fact is that Kat thinks he is a useful retainer and a good martial artist and instructor, but that he does not have the edge she feels would be required for an Assamite of the Warrior caste (ie to recommend him for recruitment to another Assamite, of the Warrior caste), and certainly not socially, artistically or intellectually capable enough for her own Vizier caste.
Gabriel was initially actively hostile towards Vivian in his jealousy, but proper discipline put him in his place and he now watches his words around Vivian, although his enmity towards her is obvious to anyone who spends enough time around him and brings her up in discussion, or an interaction between them is observed. Kat actually quite likes this enmity because she thinks Gabriel's enmity will help keep Vivian sharp. Unbeknownst to Gabriel, Kat has already given free permission to Vivian to discipline (or remove him) if Gabriel becomes too much trouble/inconvenience or oversteps his place. Gabriel essentially over-values his own self-worth, believing that his domitor values him as an equal business partner and protege - and that Vivian is another test for him to prove his worth by rising above his jealousy. He does not realise that Kat has already realised that Gabriel is pushing the limit of looking younger than he really is - especially as he is married - and is soon going to start becoming a Masquerade issue that will need to be dealt with... and at this point, even kept at arm's length about kindred affairs, he knows too much about kindred (and Kat's activities) to be allowed to be a loose end that Kat's rivals could exploit if he's set free. It is a strange irony that the kindred he sees as a rival and despises is now the compassionate voice whispering in her sire's ear convincing Kat to not yet abandon Gabriel's service as Kat's ghoul.
Combat Style
Although Kat is of the Vizier caste, she has always loved sports and martial arts and was forged in the fires of war - therefore she is quite deadly, although she is more of a spy/assassin type of threat than a front-line soldier.
Kat lacks the "more powerful" physical Disciplines of Fortitude and Potence - she is not a warrior and her primary unlife-long roles of espionage and assassination have not required them to be developed. She is a master martial artist, however, having spent her entire existence studying various martial arts and how to integrate them - both in unarmed combat and, to a lesser degree (although still to expert level) with melee weapons - and coupled with high natural physical attributes, high levels of the Celerity Discipline and some combination Disciplines, she is a very fast, precise and deadly combatant who is a threat against even large groups of kine or supernatural creatures that - although possibly able to kill her with a single blow - are not fast enough to actually land a blow on her.
The fighting style she employs varies depending on the situation. For common brawls she will usually rely on techniques based on Aikido or Karate, as they are softer styles and can disable without unnecessary harm (or breaking the Masquerade, as use of Celerity often equates to accuracy and timing rather than blatant speed). Against more serious threats she will rely on her Kapap training, which combines more aggressive combinations of Taekwondo, Savate and softer Krav Maga moves with the intention of taking down targets faster. Against the most serious threads her style is heavily Krav Maga and Taekwondo based, with lethal intent, typically employing the use of weapons, when available.
Although she prefers to fight in melee, Kat learnt to use pistols during her time with the Danish Resistance, primarily carrying out assassinations and sabotage, with the occasional direct firefight - and was further trained by the IDF basic training and later Mossad advanced training - and she has kept up regular practice. Although she is not an expert marksman with firearms, she is very competent and experienced and, when combined with her high dexterity and Celerity, makes her a deadly shot. She does not typically carry (or need to) special ammunition, but has the ability to get hold of incendiary or silver rounds for her firearms if needed. For typical defensive purposes she prefers to use her 1948 Mossad-issue FN Browning Hi-Power 9mm pistol for its proven reliability; but she has a Kimber Ultra Carry II .45ACP for concealed carry on when more stopping power is required.
Through these factors, Kat makes for a good ambusher or hit-and-run attacker, or backup support/protection for vulnerable assets, rather than a stand-up tank in combat.
Social Style
Kat is an outwardly friendly and gallant person who is quick to joke, laugh, dance and have fun with others. She actually quite likes politics, although understands it and its necessity. She craves a quiet, simple life whilst being innately disposed to always be at the forefront of defending those she cares about or considers herself responsible for. Whilst she much prefers dealing honestly with people, she is not beyond using subtler means to do so - and an existence-long career of espionage makes her far more deceptive and manipulative than people expect.
The bottom line is that she is driven to act in the best interests of her clan first and foremost, and then herself or those she cares about second. Dealing with her in a way that positively affects those aims are good ways to court her favour. Kat is unlikely to trust kindred of various clans (Toreadors, Tremere and Ventrue especially) until they have proven by actions that they can be trustworthy and not go back on their word or fail to deliver when the time comes.
Signature Equipment
- Kershaw Launch 4 knife - California-legal 1.9" automatic blade.
- FN Browning Hi-Power (9mm) - Although in its default 13-magazine configuration the Browning is of debatable legality (it would be illegal but as an old pistol can be argued to fall under an exemption), Kat has purchased two magazines with a Magblock limiter that reduces them to the California-legal 10-round capacity, simply to avoid the hassle. This is the most common configuration she can be encountered with, but when going on combat/assassination operations, she will use both the original 13-round magazines as well as a suppressor.
- Kimber Ultra Carry II (.45ACP) - California-legal concealed-carry compact pistol.
- Leather Jacket
- 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier - painted candy red. Although this model is old and discontinued, Kat is reluctant to replace it because, like her Browning, she refers to it as old faithful.
- 2019 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200 - Kat enjoys riding her motorcycle for leisure use, and often for greater convenience than her car (especially when requiring stealth) and is more likely to be encountered using her new motorcycle (she upgraded after her previous motorcycle was destroyed in an encounter with the Sabbat - turned into an improvised explosive to good effect) than her car, which is more commonly used when expecting multiple passengers, or carrying more goods/equipment than is feasible on her motorcycle.
Signature Quotes
- "Unlock your potential and realize your abilities."
- "When I was growing up, there were times I had to compete against boys in Savate, and I'd show them right away that I wasn't someone to mess with.
Gallery
Kat in typical attire
Kat in formal attire
Kat in action
Kat in attractive wear
Kat with her Iron 1200