Vladislav Valescu

Vladislav Valescu (born c. 1970) is a Romanian-American criminal who became a prominent figure in the underworld of the United States after immigrating to the country in his early twenties. He later became a vampire, after being embraced into the Clan Ventrue.

#### Childhood and Teenage Years

Vladislav Valescu was born into a family of modest means in Romania, surrounded by a web of family and friends who played significant roles in shaping his life. His parents, Vasile and Maria, were hardworking individuals who faced immense challenges in the years following the fall of the Ceaușescu regime. Together with his younger sister, Ana, they fought tirelessly to make ends meet, determined to provide their children with opportunities they themselves never had.

The Valescu family endured the harsh realities of poverty, living in a cramped apartment nestled within a rundown neighborhood. Their daily existence was characterized by a lack of basic necessities, forcing them to make difficult choices to survive. Despite the constant struggle, Vlad's parents harbored an unwavering resolve to ensure their children received a good education and a chance at a better future.

Within the Valescu household, Vlad emerged as a figure of both intellect and cunning from a young age. He possessed a sharp mind and a quick wit that earned him a reputation among family and friends. Yet, Vlad's childhood was overshadowed by the specter of instability plaguing the country. Moreover, his familial ties introduced him to a world that lay beyond the boundaries of legality.

Vlad's life was shaped by the enigmatic presence of his Uncle Mihai. Mihai, a high-ranking member of the Russian Bratva, recognized Vlad's potential from an early age and took it upon himself to mold him into a his protégé. As Vlad grew up amidst poverty and instability, Mihai became a captivating mentor, offering him a twisted education in the intricate workings of the criminal world. His uncle, Mihai, held a prominent position within the organization, and Vlad inadvertently absorbed knowledge through overheard conversations between his father and uncle.

Uncle Mihai would often visit the Valescu household, regaling Vlad with tales of his exploits with Vlad's father, Vasile. These conversations served as a sinister apprenticeship, indoctrinating Vlad into a world far removed from societal norms. Unbeknownst to the young Vlad, Mihai skillfully manipulated his curiosity and desire for a better life, drawing him deeper into the seductive allure of criminality.

Starting with petty crimes and minor thefts, he gradually escalated his involvement to more serious offenses. Vlad's smooth-talking ability became his trademark, allowing him to charm his way out of trouble and cultivate connections with individuals who could prove useful to him in the future.

Uncle Mihai's influence on Vlad was a double-edged sword, shaping both his character and his choices. As Vlad pursued his own path, Mihai's presence loomed in the shadows, always ready to offer support from a distance. Through discreet correspondence, Mihai kept Vlad informed about the ever-evolving landscape of the Bratva, cunningly ensuring that his nephew remained tethered to their criminal endeavors.

At the age of 18, driven by a desire to break free from his criminal past, Vlad sought a fresh start by enlisting in the Romanian military. However, the violent tendencies that lurked within him resurfaced, leading to his discharge and subsequent confinement in a military prison for an assault incident.

Life behind bars proved challenging for Vlad as he struggled to adjust to the unfamiliar environment. Yet, his inherent charm served as a shield, affording him some measure of protection among the other inmates.

Even during Vlad's time in the military prison, Uncle Mihai continued to exert his manipulative influence. Through clandestine visits, Mihai played the role of a puppeteer, pulling the strings of Vlad's psyche. He would offer carefully crafted words of encouragement and advice, carefully weaving a narrative that would keep Vlad loyal to the cause. Mihai understood the importance of maintaining a sense of honor and control, ensuring that Vlad remained a valuable asset within the criminal underworld.

Forging connections with fellow inmates who held ties to the Bratva, he gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of the organization. These newfound alliances and acquired knowledge would eventually prove instrumental as Vlad embarked on his ascent through the ranks of the Bratva.

Upon Vlad's release from prison, Uncle Mihai welcomed him back into the fold with open arms, eager to witness his protégé's rise to power. While Vlad's sister, Ana, looked upon him with disapproval and his parents grappled with moral conflicts, Mihai remained unwavering in his belief in Vlad's abilities. Proud of the success Vlad had achieved, Mihai saw his young protégé as a reflection of his own shrewdness and cunning, even if it meant embracing the darkness that accompanied their treacherous path.

#### Adulthood

In his early twenties, Vlad's immigration to the United States with forged papers set the stage for a life filled with danger and deceit. As he settled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, his ambition propelled him to ascend the ranks of the Bratva, solidifying his reputation as a rising star within the criminal underworld. It was in this treacherous landscape that Vlad's path intersected with Batir, the formidable Pakhan (crimelord) of the region's Bratva.

At first, Batir couldn't help but acknowledge Vlad's exceptional qualities—his razor-sharp intellect, his magnetic charm, and his innate leadership skills. They formed an unlikely alliance, a partnership that yielded power and prosperity for the Bratva. Together, they became a force to be reckoned with, dominating the west coast with an iron grip.

But as Vlad's star continued to rise, Batir's admiration turned into a consuming jealousy. He grew paranoid, constantly fearing that his position of power was under threat. Batir's mind became a breeding ground for suspicion, scrutinizing Vlad's every move and perceiving threats that didn't exist. This toxic atmosphere of uncertainty poisoned their once-solid bond.

There was a woman, Sophia, whom Batir had developed romantic feelings for. He couldn't shake off the nagging suspicion that she was drawn more to Vladislav's charm and success. The thought tormented him, fueling his jealousy even further. He became obsessed with watching their interactions, searching for any sign that his fears were valid.

The mentor-protégé relationship, once built on trust and respect, now stood on shaky ground. Vlad remained loyal, dedicated to the organization and the man who had guided him. But behind his unwavering loyalty, a storm brewed—a realization that Batir's mistrust was eroding their bond, inch by inch.

As the tension reached its peak, Batir's erratic behavior infected the entire criminal hierarchy. He became a volatile presence, lashing out at anyone he perceived as a potential rival. The slightest whisper of discontent could invite Batir's wrath, turning lives upside down.

Amidst the turmoil, Vlad's star continued to shine. He orchestrated daring heists that expanded the Bratva's influence, accumulating wealth and power with each success. His reputation as a strategic mastermind grew, earning him the admiration of both allies and enemies alike.

But Batir's malevolent plan began to take shape in the shadows. Paranoia had twisted his mind to the point where he saw only one solution to his perceived threat—eliminating Vlad completely. With a chilling detachment, he devised a treacherous scheme, secretly tipping off the police about an armored truck heist that Vlad was orchestrating.

The ambush unfolded with meticulous precision, bullets tearing through the air in an eruption of violence and betrayal. Vlad found himself caught in the chaos, gravely wounded and teetering on the edge of life.

#### The Embrace and Later Life

Vlad found himself in a dire situation, rapidly losing blood, as he desperately tried to reach the outskirts of the city to bandage his wounds and make it back to the Bratva. Unaware of Batir's betrayal, he reached out to his mentor for assistance, hoping for a lifeline. Concealing his fury at Vlad's escape, Batir promised to send someone to pick him up, all while his mind raced with thoughts of vengeance.

Seeking refuge in an abandoned building, Vlad caught his breath, relieved that he had managed to survive. Yet, an unsettling feeling gnawed at him. Batir's reaction to his escape was too restrained, lacking the expected fury. It was as if something more sinister lurked beneath the surface, something Vlad couldn't fully comprehend.

In a desperate moment, Vlad reached out to his neighbor, Grace, seeking information. Her confirmation that the police had raided his apartment only deepened his suspicions. The pieces of the puzzle began to align, and Vlad's heart sank with the realization that Batir had turned against him.

Despite his weakened state, Vlad steeled himself and awaited Batir's envoy. Khazam, the hitman sent to end his life, arrived with a drawn gun, a bittersweet sight for Vlad, who had once held a genuine fondness for him. Forced to defend himself, Vlad engaged in a deadly confrontation. As Khazam fell, his phone rang incessantly, a cruel twist of fate that led Vlad to answer, only to hear Batir's voice on the other end. Maintaining his composure, Vlad informed Batir of Khazam's "unfortunate accident" and assured him of his imminent return.

With Khazam's keys in hand, Vlad tenderly carried the fallen comrade's body to the car. His code of honor demanded that he show respect for a fallen member of the Bratva, regardless of the circumstances. The weight of the lifeless body tested Vlad's resolve, but he persisted, determined to fulfill his duty. Time was of the essence, and Vlad sped towards his final destination—Batir's warehouse.

Dmitri, a loyal member of the Bratva, stood at the edge of the dimly lit warehouse, his heart pounding in his chest. The air was heavy with anticipation and the acrid scent of gunpowder. He glanced at his comrades, their faces etched with a mix of determination and unease. "What's the plan, Boss?" he whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the silence.

Batir turned to face them, his gaze steady and unwavering. "This is it, my brothers," he declared, his voice filled with a sense of finality. "The time has come to confront this traitor. Stand tall and ready, for there will be no turning back."

The sound of footsteps echoed through the warehouse as the doors swung open. The room fell into an eerie silence as Vladislav strode in, blood dripping from his sleeve. His eyes locked onto Batir before passing over the others. "Pray tell, what is all this about then?"

"I see you've finally gathered the courage to face us, Vlad," Batir spoke loudly, making sure all those gathered could hear. "But your overconfidence won't save you now."

Vlad's expression remained unchanged as the tension thickened with each passing second. "So, this is how it ends." he said, his voice filled with grim acceptance.

"You think you're the only one betrayed, Vlad?" he retorted, his tone laced with bitterness. "You were always the favored one, the golden boy. But I was left behind, forgotten, while you basked in the glory of our so-called brotherhood." "One last thing, if you would indulge me," Vlad requested, his voice tinged with resentment. "We've known each other for a long time. What asinine delusion led you to believe that you could pull this off?"

Dmitri and the other loyal Bratva members standing behind Batir shifted their stance, their guns now aimed at him. A flicker of disbelief crossed Batir’s face, his mouth agape with shock. "Hold on—" he pleaded, his voice desperate, but it was too late.

A glimmer of betrayal and disappointment flashed in Vlad’s eyes as he swiftly raised his weapon, his finger tightening around the trigger. A single gunshot rang out, tearing through the silence as it found its mark, piercing Batir's chest. He stumbled backward, his body crashing to the ground.

"You were my brother," Vlad whispered, his voice laden with a mixture of grief and pain. Stepping over Batir's fallen form, he continued, "Close your eyes now. It will all be over soon." Without hesitation, a second shot shattered the air, severing the ties that once bound their brotherhood. The warehouse reverberated with the weight of their shattered alliance, forever marking the end of an era.

Ensuring that Batir's dishonor remained a secret, Vlad ensured the well-being of his former mentor's family, even extending a heartfelt gesture by sending Batir's granddaughter a thoughtful graduation gift—a final act of respect amidst the chaos that had consumed their lives.

In the aftermath of the coup, Vlad took control of the Bratva's west coast operations.

Unaware of Edwin Cook's supernatural nature, Vlad's criminal activities had caught the attention of this enigmatic man. Edwin, a shadowy figure with a penchant for manipulation and control, recognized in Vlad a kindred spirit—someone with the same ruthlessness and cunning that he possessed. Intrigued by Vlad's potential, Edwin decided to approach him with an offer that would change his life forever.

It was on a moonlit night, when the streets were cloaked in darkness, that Vlad received an unexpected invitation to a clandestine meeting. Curiosity and a touch of caution led him to a secluded location, where Edwin awaited him. As Vlad stepped into the dimly lit room, he could sense an aura of power and mystery enveloping the atmosphere.

Edwin, his gaze penetrating and calculating, explained the truth of the supernatural world—of vampires who walked among mortals, manipulating the strings of power and control. At first, Vlad's skepticism was palpable, his mind recoiling at the idea of such mythical creatures existing. Yet, as Edwin spoke, unraveling tales of immortality and unimaginable power, a flicker of fascination ignited within Vlad.

The proposition Edwin presented was bold and audacious—to grant Vlad a life that would never end, a chance to wield power beyond his wildest dreams. In exchange, Vlad would be bound to Edwin, serving him with unwavering loyalty. It was a pact that offered eternal life, but at a price that Vlad could only begin to comprehend.

Intrigued by the possibilities, Vlad weighed the risks against the rewards. The allure of immortality, coupled with the promise of limitless power, gnawed at his ambition. Despite his reservations, the temptation proved too potent to resist. With a mix of curiosity and a hint of disbelief, Vlad reluctantly accepted Edwin's proposition, convinced that he was engaging in a pact with a deranged visionary.

Under Edwin's guidance, Vlad was initiated into the intricate world of vampires. He was taught the ancient rituals of feeding, the delicate balance of maintaining the secrecy of their existence, and the labyrinthine politics that governed their kind within the Camarilla. Edwin, recognizing Vlad's innate potential, invested significant time and effort into molding him into a formidable member of the undead society.

Vlad proved to be an astute pupil, absorbing the knowledge and skills bestowed upon him with remarkable speed. He honed his abilities, delving into the dark arts of manipulation and seduction. With each passing night, his understanding of the vampire world deepened, and his thirst for power intensified.

However, as Vlad immersed himself in the machinations of the Camarilla, he found himself growing increasingly disillusioned with the stagnant nature of the sect. The rigid hierarchy and stifling traditions chafed against his ambitious spirit. He yearned for a realm that embraced innovation, where individuality and self-expression were valued over archaic rules.

It was during a particularly contentious gathering of Kindred that Vlad's gaze fell upon the Anarch Movement—a faction that dared to challenge the status quo. The Anarchs championed freedom, rejecting the shackles of the Camarilla's authority. Intrigued by their audacity and thirst for change, Vlad saw an opportunity to embrace a path that aligned with his own desires for true power and autonomy.

The call of the Anarchs resonated within him, promising a world where strength and individuality reigned supreme. Vlad's allegiance began to shift, as he questioned the validity of the Camarilla's dogma and contemplated the possibilities that the Anarchs represented. It was a decision that would test his loyalties, forcing him to navigate a treacherous path where betrayal and danger lurked at every turn.

## Trivia

* Vlad is fond of chewing gum, even as a vampire.
	+ His preferred brand is Juicy Fruit.