SchreckNet Data File
- Real/Birth Name: Leslie Arjona
- Known Identity/Mortal Alias: Morena "Mo" Arjona
- Place of Origin: Santurce, Puerto Rico, USA
- Height: 5'5"
- Occupation: Custom motor Shop Owner/Mechanic
- Apparent Age: Mid-20s
- Embraced: 1925
- Kindred Status: Known Ancilla
- Sire: Hélène la Juste
- Notable Descendants: None known.
- Clan: Toreador
- Clan Status: Known artiste
- Sect: Camarilla
- Sect Status: Known ancilla
- Player/Type: NPC
Appearance
Morena (aka Mo) is a study in extremes. Most would describe her as a naturally attractive latina female in good physical shape, with long, dark hair and eyes and appealing curvature that could make her quite the bombshell if she tried. She rarely does. Most of the time Mo is encountered wearing dark jeans and t-shirts, with her signature black leather jacket. She has nothing against lighter-coloured jeans or clothing, but prefers darker clothing because it hides the dirt and grease from her automotive art to some degree. When not working on her art Mo makes somewhat of an effort to look appealing - and her typical style, whilst predominantly for comfort, does accentuate her natural appeal and is changed regularly depending on mood, but typically tends to be biker-style clothing. But when inspired, she has been known to go several days, even weeks without getting changed or brushing her hair. It is considered a blessing by the kindred that know her that kindred do not sweat and so Mo only looks like a homeless hermit and crazy woman during her inspiration streaks, as any kine would be repugnant in odour if they attempted the same. On typical day-to-day situations, she rarely wears any make-up and typically only a little lipstick if that, usually when hanging out at the Rusty Forks and hunting (ie she acknowledges a little makeup makes it easier for her to hunt lusty bikers).
Mo doesn't much care for fashion, but does take some degree of pride in her appearance as, raised working class, she rarely had money for luxuries and nice clothing, nor opportunities to wear them anyhow - but her family did still instill a sense of personal pride in her appearance (especially her father, who was the most likely to take her to any events requiring nicer clothing, and purchase for her the occasional dress). Therefore when she makes the effort to actually go to a social occasion, others tend to be surprised at the Cinderella effect with her going all out on straightening or styling her hair, wearing more notable make-up and lipstick and dresses or suits that make the most of her curves. Whilst this would be a good thing to most, Toreadors and the highly-fashion-conscious tend to make fun of her choices as being no longer in fashion (if it ever was) and on occasion not entirely appropriate for the circumstance (a little too glamorous or too casual for an Elysium function, for example). Of course, Mo really doesn't care less about what the other Toreadors or Harpies say about her fashion sense - she wears what she's comfortable with and thinks looks good on her, and the only people who she'd care as regards their opinion on her looks are likely kine and kindred from clans that would appreciate how she looks, not the make and price tag on her outfit.
Background
Mo's father was the renown Lieutenant Colonel Teófilo Marxuach. When Teófilo returned home to Puerto Rico after studying at the Academy of Military Engineering in Guadalajara, Spain, and found it now under US rule having been anexxed in the 1898 Spanish-American War, then cended in the Treaty of Paris, he resigned his commission in the Spanish navy and became a civil engineer. Whilst history would recall he eventually married Carolina Acosta and had three sons, it slipped the history books that in 1901 he became lovers with Monica Arjona, a Puerto Rican artist, with who he had a daughter, Leslie. The relationship did not work out in the long run, but Leslie always had a close relationship with her father, who used to call her "mi pequeña morena." They would spend much time together as he worked on engineering feats, and Leslie developed a love for mechanical engineering, but also had her mother's creative streak. This culminated in her eventually, on getting US citizenship after the 1917 Jones–Shafroth Act, going to the University of Wisconsin–Madison and doing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1922. Shortly after, she gained employment with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company which was undergoing expansion and needed qualified mechanical engineers, of which there were few - and a female engineer even more so, and her insight into aesthetics and female considerations was a benefit to the company. Her blend of artistic design and mechanical practicality intrigued a Toreador who had become fascinated by this growing new motorcycle culture, and he gave Leslie the Embrace.
Leslie struggled to maintain familial connections, but practical difficulties, and Camarilla rules, made this increasingly harder. Her mother died of Tuberculosis in 1928, and after her father's death in 1939, she returned home one last time for the funeral, then severed any connections she had left with her mortal life, took the name Morena Arjona after her father's childhood nickname for her (though all her friends shorten this to just Mo), and moved to California where she eventually set up her own business with the assistance of Genevive Montclair her clan Primogen - who never lets her forget it, even well after she paid off the financial aspect of the loan. Genevive was a good patron for a while until she lost interest (especially as Mo had little interest in status or fame) and moved on, and their relationship has been complicated ever since, although there is mutual respect, if not actual admiration (though neither kindred is likely to admit that more than grudgingly).
During her time being promoted by Genevieve, Mo met Lilah Fox and the two became gradual friends over a shared love of motor vehicles - especially after Mo became free of Genevieve's direct influence; and the two women agreed to a business arrangement whereby Lilah would cede a small part of her domain for Morena to set up a haven and custom motor vehicles dealership, which would work alongside Lilah's own biker bar and motel to attract bikers and other roadsters. This would be not only a sound business decision for both kindred, but would be the formation point of the Midnight Motors coterie.
For now, Morena's garage is doing well and always has more commissions than Morena can handle (typically she allows her kine staff to handle these and only takes jobs that inspire her, or makes her own inspirations which are then sold almost immediately they are put on open sale). She has few, if any, kindred enemies, and is respected for her political neutrality and willingness to provide the benefits of her art to all who can pay her not insubstantial fees. But as Morena has recently developed the ability to use her power to literally imbue her art with emotion that can be felt by kindred and kine alike who witness it, she is in demand once again, although this is beginning to make some of Genevieve's latest discoveries seem less... impressive.
Mortal Society
Mo is known as a bit of a recluse who owns the Three Dogs Customs garage, but mostly lets others run it whilst she works quietly on projects out of sight. Three Dogs is known for specializing in custom paint jobs and vehicle (mainly bikes, but custom car jobs are occasionally done) modifications and custom creations. It shares a lot with Lilah's Rusty Forks Saloon (having been a part of Lilah's domain and lot that Lilah ceded - legally and politically - to Mo) along with the Rusty Forks' gas station, motel and auto repair shop (Mo has more extensive contacts in this regard and helps supply the Rusty Forks auto repair shop with parts they may need quickly which Mo is more likely to have or can obtain faster).
Three Dogs has a small autoshop selling common automotive spare parts, helmets, motorist clothing and other consumables typically popular with bikers and roadsters, and the main showroom where visitors can view the showcase works (usually Mo's most recent creations which she can't bear to part with and leaves on display until she has been inspired by another idea and allows someone to pay a silly price for her previous creation). The garage work area can be viewed from behind a glass pane, but is off-limits without staff accompaniment (which is usually just a case of asking) although Mo's special projects area is in a day-proofed and private area only Mo has access to - made after a nearly-disastrous incident where an idea-obsessed Mo failed to realise the dawn was approaching and was nearly incinerated by the sun, and she still regularly obsesses over an idea and works on it until she literally falls asleep almost where she stood, collapsing onto her couch when overcome with daysleep, then rising from the couch and continuing working as soon as her eyes open (sensors on the windows automatically close the blinds when early dawn light is detected). Mo's actual haven is on the second floor, mostly just a cosy office/lounge and a bedroom as she has no need for a kitchen of her own, but would use the staff kitchen facilities of the showroom if needed. The lot has a bike storage area for people to leave vehicles overnight, which is often used by transient Kindred as a safe place to remain overday whilst their vehicles are worked on by Mo's kine staff, before moving on once the sun comes up.
Personality
Mo isn't antisocial, or a loner, although that's the reputation she has. She just has little interest in politics and intrigue. Passionate about her art even before the embrace, she gets lost in her current endeavours, which can take her several days at a time for quick things, and can disappear for months at a time when inspired with not so quick ideas. Factor in time required for hunting, and she spends much of her time alone. Whilst she quite enjoys company of those with similar interests and cares nothing for Clans as she counts both Gangrels and Brujah amongst her closest friend and coterie-mates, whilst there are plenty of kindred from her own clan she actively dislikes, but she doesn't like wasting time on pointless social intrigue which could be better spent creating, and spent in the company of those who's company she actually enjoys.
Mo's a working-class girl at heart though and the subtleties of high society do actually elude her. She doesn't deliberately mean to stick her foot in it, but she never really learnt the intricacies during her mortal days, nor made much effort beyond the essentials Genevieve drilled into her (to prevent her own embarrassment, not for Mo's benefit); she knows enough to get by, and that's enough as far as she's concerned. She's quite introvert, however, although this isn't easily apparent when hunting, with small groups of close friends, or discussing her art with prospective clients... but in a social environment, she's not good at small talk and doesn't like social spotlight and prefers to avoid it whenever possible. Mo therefore generally only socialises outside of her coterie when there is a need, grudgingly, and is uncomfortable in large groups (which is why she describes her promotion tour with Genevieve to have been a living hell.
Other Notes: Toto
Mo rarely goes anywhere without her ghoul dog, Toto. Toto is a tan and black German Shepherd that was formerly known as K9 Arras, a trained K9 service dog for the Ashford Police Department (APD). He was once the K9 partner of APD Officer Joseph Gray, an APD K9 officer who used to frequent the Rusty Forks and Three Dogs and once commissioned Mo to create a motorcycle with sidecart for K9 Arras. The officer was killed in the line of duty, beaten to death by a gang of drug-smuggling bikers, and K9 Arras was badly injured and nearly died. He miraculously survived the operation but was medically retired from duty - and Mo adopted him after Joseph's family turned down the opportunity, claiming that Arras would be a painful reminder of their loss. After several years (when people began to notice Arras' longevity) she kept him out of sight awhile, mourned his passing and eventually revealed herself having adopted another dog that reminded her of Arras because of the physical similarity which she named Toto after the dog in her favourite childhood novel.
Several years later, by chance, Mo discovered that Joseph Gray had actually survived his death by being Embraced by the Nosferatu after he'd dragged his broken body into the sewers that were unknowingly part of their domain. It took a few years before Shady was proficient enough with Obfuscate to venture out of the Nosferatu sewer warrens and, unaware that Mo was kindred herself, had no reason to risk the Masquerade by approaching her. Just as everyone believed Joseph died in the gang attack that officially had him declared dead, Joseph also believing that his faithful partner had been killed - as the last he saw was Arras being stabbed and kicked whilst trying to defend him, which was the opener that gave Joseph the opportunity to crawl into an open maintenance manhole and fall into the sewers. As their circles don't typically coincide, it was not until a few years later and a surprise to both Mo and Shady (as Joseph was now known Post-Embrace) that Shady came across them and discovered his old partner was now her ghoul companion. It was a bittersweet reunion. Time had passed and Arras, now renamed Toto, had now bonded with his new owner (both naturally and due to the blood bond), and Shady himself now had two hellhounds (ghoul dogs he was training to guard, spy and attack) of his own, so it was mutually decided that Toto had long earned his retirement, and would likely have a happier and easier existence with a Toreador business owner than a "Sewer Rat Extortionist" - as well as that, by this point, had been with Mo longer than he'd been with Shady. Nonetheless, Shady and Mo have become allies over their mutual affection for Arras/Toto and Shady is welcome to visit whenever he wants. On occasion, if there is a need, they have been known to care for each others' dogs.
Toto is well trained and behaved, which is good as it helps to keep his ghoul urges in check, making Toto less of a hell-hound than ghoul dogs are often reputed to be. Mo learnt the rudiments of the Animalism Discipline from Gangrel friends in order to be able to communicate with him, and this helps to keep him better behaved. Overall, he appears a friendly, attentive and intelligent dog who usually barks briefly to alert Mo to arrivals, but otherwise is not aggressive unless he notices Mo becoming agitated or is commanded to. But should anyone attempt to enter Mo's haven whilst she is in her daysleep, he truly becomes a hellhound and stuff of nightmares. Lilah Fox is the only person who can enter Mo's haven without risk of attack (and is unlikely to do so once Mo is in daysleep anyhow, as she herself would already be) - although he is not aggressive to those who were already in the haven when Mo entered daysleep (he is trained and intelligent enough to understand they have been allowed to be there - although he will still stay close to Mo to protect her).
Combat Style
Mo isn't a fighter and has no interest in fighting. She is renown as an artist and introvert. Which is why those who would pick a fight with her are likely to get a nasty surprise. She is highly dextrous and has respectable levels of the Celerity Discipline (which she favours not for the speed it brings, but because it helps her artistry) so is naturally fast and agile. Growing up a working-class girl in a poor district, she has been in her fair share of brawls and therefore would surprise those expecting a wallflower.
Her biggest edge, however, is that in addition to introducing her to mechanics, her father also taught her to shoot and this is a hobby she quite enjoyed during her mortal days (and she loves the mechanical side of firearms design). As their domain is on the outskirts of town, which could be at risk from Sabbat or Lupine incursion, the members of the Midnight Motors coterie (Mo and Eve, in particular) regularly practice shooting. This makes Mo a surprisingly good shot. Since the Sabbat Crusade, she had taken to carrying her H&K USP40 with her most of the time (in her jacket or vehicle glove compartment), although at her haven she keeps a Remington Model 870 pump-action shotgun, which can make her a credible threat against those who threaten her
This also precludes the fact that Mo is unlikely to be anywhere without Toto (even if she goes to Elysium he is likely to be waiting nearby). A large, trained police dog, he is both strong, fast and tough - and as a toreador ghoul for a long time is empowered by both the Potence and Celerity Disciplines, making him a threat to any would-be attacker - and Mo and Toto have practised fighting together (as well as putting this to use during the Sabbat Crusade).
Social Style
Mo is incredibly easy to get along with. Whilst she gives the impression of being a loner who dislikes company, that is far from the truth. She actually enjoys the company of others, especially when discussing automobiles (or engineering as a whole) or art (whilst custom automobiles and paint jobs are her favoured art style, she is an artist at heart and appreciates most types of art - especially modern, pop and fantasy art). She is easy going with everyone and only unpleasant or arrogant when given cause to be.
That said, she is notably introvert - even if she may not seem it - which means there are things that those trying to get her favour should take into account:
- She feels uncomfortable around strangers. Kindred who do not know her and approach her will naturally get her nervous and defensive (again, this may not be noticeable but is still occurring internally and will influence her). This is doubly true if approached by a large group. Approaching individually and spending some time discussing her interests (even if that may result in a 3-hour discussion on the application of colour theory to motorcycle art, and having to return another day to discuss what was intended) will help make her "comfortable" around the person that would begin to not be considered a stranger for long.
- Never, ever, make her the centre of attention of a large group or social event with the intention of embarrassing her (whilst she would dislike it if it was for praise or similar positive reason, she would at least appreciate the thought); this is a very quick way of getting her enmity, possibly making an enemy and, in extreme cases, perhaps even causing her to frenzy.
- Appreciate that whilst she isn't a socially repellant person, she is occasionally oblivious and tactless to social niceties and therefore struggles with Etiquette beyond the most basic ability to not offend; ridiculing or forcing her to have to act in high decorum are good ways to court disaster.
- She finds being in social situations (especially with strangers) mentally exhausting. After a while she will naturally become irritable and best to leave her be and pick up where you left off another day, or she will become increasingly uncooperative.
- Like any Toreador, complimenting her art always gathers sympathy. Complimenting her beauty is likely to get a negative reaction (making her feel self-conscious at best, or wonder what the angle and reason for the compliment is and get defensive) unless it originates from the kine (in which case she likely sees it as an invitation to dinner).
- Mo is generally honest and dislikes deception and intrigue. She is not as easily fooled as people often think she would be (she's quite perceptive) and if she realises they're trying to manipulate her will likely react negatively, and if she realises after the fact (ie double-crossed or discovers the manipulation after she has done her part) will not easily forget it. Being treated with respect and honesty are the best approach and she will reciprocate. She does not mind foul language, somewhat rudeness or the likes - she grew up in a rough community and hangs around with bikers and truckers, after all - because at least she knows where she stands and does not have to struggle with the mentally-exhausting exercise of trying to gauge what she says and figure out others' intents.
- Never, EVER, attempt to disrupt her when she is in a inspired mode as this will upset her at best, and provoke a frenzy at worst.
Signature Equipment
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- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (Pick-Up Truck) - Highly customised with adjustable suspension and custom paint job. Is used casually as well as for work purpose; has a Rampage Power Lift and clamps for motorcycle recovery and transport
- Custom-made Harley-Davidson-based chopper motorcycle - used for leisure riding; typically gets sold off whenever she is inspired with a new idea.
- HK USP40 pistol
- Leather jacket
Signature Quotes
- "My dad gave me the best gift anyone has ever given me. He gave me wings to fly."
- "I’ve been called many names like perfectionist, difficult and obsessive. I think it takes obsession, takes searching for the details for any artist to be good."
- "The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work."