Aidan Mitchell (WoD)

SchreckNet Data File

• Real/Birth Name: Ross Mitchell
  
• Known Identity/Mortal Alias: Aidan Mitchell
  
• Place of Origin: Clondalkin, South Dublin, Ireland
  
• Height: 6'0"
  
• Occupation: Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, California State University Ashford
  
• Apparent Age: Early-20s
  
• Embraced: 1917
  
• Kindred Status: Ancilla
  
• Sire: Dietrich Weissmuller
  
• Clan: Brujah
  
• Clan Status: Respected Ancilla
  
• Sect: Camarilla/Anarch Movement
  
• Sect Status: Clan Whip (Camarilla)/Emissary (Anarch)
  
• Player/Type: NPC

Appearance

Aidan is a tall man who is often described as having rakish good looks. In his mortal days he came from a working class background and so led a physically active life with little luxury, then a physically demanding job and street boxing for entertainment, until he was called up to the Great War, where he died. As such, whilst he is not physically huge in size, his body is that of a person in excellent physical condition and more muscular and toned than his clothing gives the impression of. His hair is naturally fairly long and curly, and if stretched would likely reach his shoulders, although the curlyness keeps them appearing fairly voluminous about half-way down his neck. During life he generally left his hair naturally unkempt, at best using grease to style it back, and in the trenches of the Great War there was little incentive to do anything otherwise. As such, he didn't get into styling his hair for fashion reasons until well after his embrace and, as he is not prone to vanity, rarely does so except for specific events or purposes. So his hair typically seems a little dishevelled. In the trenches he would regularly shave (because beards and gas masks are not a good combination) but being out on patrol, had not been able to shave before his embrace, so he has a natural amount of facial hair that can be considered heavy stubble or light beard depending on your perspective. All this adds to give him what is considered to be a rakish look, which is often considered ironic by those who know him, as his temperament and personality are more of a scholar than a "bad boy". Because kindred hair grows back the following evening, he rarely makes the effort to cut or style it lavishly as it won't stay that way for long - and as a well-known local face, people would likely notice the instantaneous regrowth unless he takes pains to hide it... and most of the times he feels it simply isn't worth the risk.

The irony is that Aidan was not really able to "be himself" and live the kind of life he would have desired until after his Embrace. So whilst his physique and looks are very much working-class rake, his day-to-day clothing typically resembles either that of academics (tweed suits, often with long coats during colder/rainy days), especially when working or in formal situations; or the fashions (stylish suits and tuxedos) popular during his favourite era (the roaring 20s) for social occasions. For casual use, his background becomes more apparent and he prefers leather or denim jackets, jeans, along with anything from t-shirts dedicated to causes or his favourite bands, to stylish shirts. He knows that he is considered attractive, and his clothing when out in public typically compliments him and adds to his sex appeal - even when not actively hunting, he likes to look good because he was (and still is) a "ladies man" and he knows that letting those he would hunt see him regularly looking good over time, makes them easier to hunt via his favoured "Cassanova" method than approaching them out of the blue and attempting to seduce them.

Background

Aidan was a proud Irishman from a working-class background and so despite being quite intelligent could not afford an education beyond the bare minimum, and he grew up toiling the fields with his family. Once an adult, he worked as a hospital orderly for a while and took to street boxing, both for entertainment and a little money on the side, until the call to arms in 1914, when he was drafted into the Irish 10th Division to fight in the Great War. He served in the Macedonian front, surviving various disastrous assaults but, in the process, earned a promotion to Sergeant due to his tactical prowess and leadership qualities. He made friends from the Greek, French and Russian soldiers that were on the front, and learnt their languages as well as studying German and Turkish, the language of the enemy - discovering that he had a natural flair for languages.

Whilst out in a patrol his company was attacked by a pair of individuals that moved faster and were stronger than humanly possible and refused to go down despite being shot repeatedly. They pinned the surviving members of his group down and realising what they were, he offered himself to them willingly if they would let his remaining men go. They accepted, impressed by his valour and honour and though they took his life, they gave him a new one back. They remained with him only long enough to teach him the basics before sending him away. He stumbled around for a while but managed to survive the war, and Kindred society.

Having grown up in a society that chafed under English rule, it was no surprise that Aidan took part in the Irish revolution, and the turmoil it caused the Camarilla establishment in Clondalkin with Ireland's Independence. But he became enamoured of the "roaring 20s" in the USA and moved to America shortly after both to make a new start, and an awareness that people were beginning to notice his lack of ageing. After travelling around a bit, he settled in Los Angeles for a while, participating in the turmoil of the 2nd Anarch Revolt in 1944, which led to his meeting and developing a surprising camaraderie with the Brujah elder Thomas Wingfield; who helped him get "a decent education" and, in 1965, gave him employment as a professor in his newly-established California State University Ashford, prompting Aidan to permanently relocate there.

After his move to Ashford, Wingfield introduced Aidan to Gideon Monroe, who became somewhat of an unofficial mentor to him. Both elder Brujah respected Aidan's desire to leave his working-class roots behind to become a serious academic, and his strong spirit and anti-English background naturally made him resent the Ventrue and fit perfectly within the ranks of the Anarchs. Despite being a staunch anarch, he does not hate the Camarilla as an institution - order is better than chaos and there is nothing innately wrong with governing institutions - but hates the Ventrue and similar-minded kindred who control and abuse those under them because of an arrogant belief in the "right to rule" because of their birth (bloodline), and fought against them in an honourable and respectable way. He dislikes the Tremere for the same reason, but at least respects that those with the ability CAN move up the pyramid if they are ambitious enough.

But the Sabbat Crusade has changed everything. Now the Prince is a Brujah and the Anarch Movement has greater, official, power and influence in Ashford. He is proud to have recently been named Brujah Whip, and believes that this position can help push the ideals and principles of the Anarch Movement to improve Ashford society for all Kindred, regardless of their Clan or Sect affiliation. Whilst the Iconoclasts rank a little at the Brujah leadership (and the Prince) being Idealists, those who push him realise learn "by the school of hand and foot" that Aidan was a former soldier from working-class roots, and an iconoclast for much of his earlier years, and he is often considered to be one of them; indeed although the Iconoclasts respect their Prince and Primogen for their roles as Brujah and Anarch leaders, now that they have become "the institution" more Iconoclasts follow Aidan (or Lilah Fox) as their moral representatives.

Mortal Society

Mitchell is known as a friendly and cool professor at California State University, where he teaches various languages, anthropology and history-related modules. He is popular with students for his casual style and the way his classes about 20th-century history and the Great War are told almost as if he'd actually been there.

His youthful appearance - seemingly only a few years older than most of the students - makes him very approachable to his students, with who he easily builds connections, even hanging out at the student union or other university bars on occasion. It is even said that, occasionally, he ends up taking students back to his home for presumed romantic reasons... but that's just a rumour!

He is, however, more than just a professor. He is the Department Chair for Modern Languages and Literature, as well as the Director for Interdisciplinary Studies, and via his connection to the other kindred at CSUA, one of the controllers of the University - though this is typically only known by those who have to relate to him on a regular basis at CSUA, as most of the time he functions via middle-managers and aides.

Personality

Many people find it hard to pin down Aidan's personality, as it seems contradictory. He can be a very happy-go-lucky person enjoying a night with his friends of drinks (in his case, the blood of the inebriated), games, and laughter, along with fun tales - like in his youth back in Ireland. But he can also be a highly intense person, fighting for a cause with a passion that can be as frightening as it is inspiring. Ultimately, he is an idealist and a pedagogue - striving and yearning for an ideal society and world, and willing to die for it. His entire life was one of being shoved into a life determined by his social class, with little to no prospects, to be sent to fight and died in a war started by the elite classes, most of whom sat back safe in their mansions whilst men like him died for their avarices and follies. As such, he has a strong dislike for those in power and the elite classes who have elitist attitudes. In his early unlife, finding that the Camarilla is yet another elitist club, his Brujah blood gave him the drive to say "no more" and be willing to fight and die for the right to freedom. To live and die by his choices and desires alone, not the whims of those in "upper classes".

This is why he enjoys his mortal job - teaching history and linguistics. It allows him to impart knowledge to those willing to learn - and he feels education should be a right for everyone, not just those with the money to pay for it - as well as to combat ignorance and effect societal change. It is a slow process, but that's the benefit of immortality. Those students he teaches he can use methods of teaching language with imparts knowledge and understanding of other cultures, attitudes, as well as history - which can change the mindset of often America-centric students who knew little about the outside world and believe the American exceptionalism bullshit that the US is the greatest country in the world, and does everything better than everyone, and refuses to see another way... An attitude sponsored by the modern elite, which in this day and age are the corrupt politicians and their corporate "sponsors", who would allow thousands to die because of lack of healthcare, be killed in school shootings, or become homeless and live on the streets even after serving in wars for their country... all so the elite can keep their high profit margins and remain in control. With education, he can make people see the other ways, and then they can CHOOSE what THEY believe is best, not be sheep led by those above them.

And, unsurprisingly, this idealism and "fight the elite" attitude made him a natural Anarch, and he became an official (if there is such as thing) member the moment he learnt about them. He sees the current situation in Ashford with the Anarchs in charge as a game-changer (both in Ashford and, if they can make it work, it could affect change in other Camarilla and Anarch-oppressed areas), and his appointment as Whip (plus Anarchs holding the Princedom and Brujah primogen seat) as ways he can further the Anarch cause. But he is no fool. He knows rebellion and change without purpose or reason just invites chaos and can be harmful. But change is necessary, and systems that may have worked back in the Dark Ages may not work now. Just like the democratic systems that became popular in the last century may need to evolve and change again for the next century. He is an instrument of change, with the purpose that change should better lives (both mortals, and the kindred). And he wants to use his position, his life, and even his death (if it is worth it) to further this cause.

Other Notes

Ghoul: Melanie Tomlinson

Melanie is known publicly as Aidan's TA (teaching assistant), who dotes on his every word - and is very good at her job, and popular with their students, who often find her easier to get hold of and less temperamental than Aidan. What is known only amongst the kindred is that she is also his ghoul, and has been for a few years now - which, considering the Brujah proclivity to get upset over something, frenzy, and kill their ghoul during the red haze, means that either Aidan has great control or Melanie has mastered how to keep him happy and avoid the Brujah temper.

Melanie is a graduate student of Anthropology, and one of the top in her class. She is smart, congenial and likeable, with enough understanding of social and political systems, issues, and debating skills to be a pleasant and knowledgeable conversationalist and companion in almost any social or academic situation. There are rumours that she is romantically involved with Aidan, but that could simply be the salacious rumours of gossipy and jealous students. But considering the rumours that he invites other students to his home, if there is any truth to their relationship it would seem it's not an exclusive one.

Combat Style

Although Aidan has tried to leave behind his soldier/working-class past and dedicate himself as an academic, he's not naïve enough to think that the world will leave him be. The Sabbat Crusade was proof enough of that. As such, he typically keeps his M1911 on him. It's an original, and so considered historical in value and therefore legal in the state. Having fought in the Great War and being involved in the Irish War of Independence and later on the 2nd Anarch Revolt, is an experienced combatant and skilled with his pistol. His modern, usually smart appearance and reputation as an academic belies that Aidan was a street-boxer in his youth and has kept up the practice, in addition to finding many recourses to use it over the years in many wars and Brujah Raves. As such, he generally prefers to use his fists over the gun, employing his pistol only when he feels a need - typically as an intimidation factor or to keep a distance from threats. He will generally seek cover and shoot for effect, much as he did during his mortal days.

But against serious threats, he has learnt how to combine his inner fury and disciplines for deadly effect if he needs to take down deadlier threats. Through a combination of speed, potence and raw rage, his punches can be imbued with supernatural force to be almost as deadly and penetrating as a Gangrel's claws - and with his expertise as a boxer, this makes him very surprisingly deadly in close combat, easily able to take down threats that would mean the end for most kindred. But although he is both fast and powerful, he does not have the ability to take supernatural punishment like the Gangrels and others, and so relies on fast and hard attacks to take his opponents down quickly.

Social Style

Although Aidan is now the holder of a Camarilla position of title, he still thinks of himself as one of the crowd. His zeal and passion for his causes have always made him a rabble-rouser and do many of the activities common to whips by default (ie making others toe the line to his side's activities) except now he has an official title to back it up. But he is aware that he could easily become "one of the elite" using their positions to subjugate and control those under him, and he is determined not to do that. Therefore, he far prefers using the carrot over the stick (although he will use the stick when he feels the cause is just and the need is warranted). He is friendly and amiable, and far more intelligent and educated than his working-class appearance (in casual clothing) might give the impression, and he is happy to discuss and debate (in fact, some say he is not likely to be satisfied with a conversation, deal or treaty UNLESS there's been some debate). He is a man of honour who keeps his word - and this can be relied on. Conversely, he expects others to do the same - but is not naive enough to expect those in power to do this. He knows full well the elite will lie to get their way, and break their word; whilst using contracts and legal means to enforce compliance to the things they wanted. Suing you to provide a service, then using a bullshit excuse to refuse payment whilst blaming it on you after, is such a typical "elder" tactic. As such, he reacts favourable and is loyal and supportive of those who prove they keep their words, and are people of honour - especially if they show education or culture (which is not the same thing as intelligence - he more respects someone of average intelligence who is fairly knowledgeable about a period of history, than a scientist genius who knows little about the world and has an ego complex). If they are or support the Anarch cause, even moreso. Those who are duplicitous and break their words will quickly make an enemy of him.

He acknowledges Camarilla titles and status, but does not respect them. This is to say, he will follow societal conventions because it is expected of him - but that is akin to calling someone "at once, my lord" but said in a way that makes it more like "if I have to, asshole" dripping with venom. People should not expect Camarilla status to have much weight over him, although Anarch Movement or general "personal achievement" status are more valued. He respects that Elders are wiser and knowledgeable because of the experience that comes with age, and he respects that, but believes that doesn't give them the right to be arrogant twats.

Signature Equipment

• 1962 Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor
• Ford Fusion (typically only used when it rains or there is need)
• Colt M1911 (original issue)
• Leather Jacket

Signature Quotes

• "Where do I belong? Where do I fit? Who are my people? Where do my loyalties lie? We all choose our tribe. It’s that need to belong. To live within boundaries. ‘Cause it’s scary on the outside; on the fringes. Some labels are forced on us. They mark us, set us apart ’til we’re like ghosts, just drifting through other people’s lives. But only if we let the labels hold. You can piss your whole life away trying out who you might be. It’s when you’ve worked out who you are that you can really start to live."

Gallery

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