#vtmb maximillian strauss

[vampire-the-askerade]

Angry Strauss x Tremere fledgling reader

[TW- emotional manipulation. This came from me realizing there’s nowhere near enough fics for him and also not enough of him actually showing the cruel side of his nature totally not me saying I want him to be mean to me]

There was little that upset Maximilian Strauss. Even when there was he wasn’t the type to show those emotions outwardly. However, even he had his limits; the times when circumstances and his own disposition of the day aligned such that he was a bit more vocal about his feelings than he usually ever would be. And, as you were about to find out, when he was pushed too far there was a reminder of why he, though usually carrying himself as a quiet scholar was feared by many of the other kindred. He was going to make you aware of that; gently, but you were going to be made aware.

Strauss would say that he is at least partially to blame for this, as he had appointed you to be the go-between for himself and the Anarchs. He knew that you being younger than he and closer to the age of the people in their group would be a better fit and that the Anarchs would be less inclined to antagonize someone that wasn’t higher in the ranks of the Camarilla. This would likely be because if you proved yourself as non-threatening to them and perhaps even friendly, they might be inclined to recruit you; though Strauss was convinced that you would never, knowing that your loyalties lay with the clan. It seemed he didn’t take time to think of all of the possible outcomes for this as you and those brutes down in that dive bar were starting to become quite close. A side effect of that was you taking on some undesirable characteristics of theirs, namely thinking that you could do whatever you want whenever you wanted. If word were to get out that you were acting in such a way while you were under his supervision, his reputation would be ruined. More important than that, however, was the fact that he refused to be disrespected like this.

The door to the chantry opened and Strauss knew it was you. The two of you were the only ones living here at the time. The ever-changing corridors were very straightforward tonight, almost as though they could feel his dark mood and the chantry itself was getting out of his way to avoid it. You, however, seemed to be wholly unaware of how serious the situation was as when he entered the foyer you greeted him with a cheery, “Good evening.” Strauss didn’t respond, he only commanded, “Come speak to me in the main study.” Still not comprehending the situation you landed yourself in, you replied, “Of course. Just let me-”

“Immediately.”

Strauss didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to. The fact that he was demanding rather than politely asking let you know there was something big going on. Without another word, you wouldn’t dare to try another, you followed him. When you got to the study, you could have sworn that he had the flame in the fireplace burning hotter and more noticeably and dangerously brighter than it usually was. But, this could be your natural disposition to fire as a kindred mixing with the nerves of what he might want to talk about. When the both of you were in the study Strauss gave a curt, “Sit,” without even turning to look at you and motioning to one of the decorative sofas. When you hesitated, he then turned just enough to eye you, those eyes burning like the fire he was standing in front of. “Sit.” He repeated unkindly and there was no longer any hesitation on your part.

“Before we begin our talk, let me make something clear. We will not be actually talking. I will be reminding you of how you are to behave yourself and how you are to represent your clan when you are out of this chantry, and you will be still and listen quietly until I am finished.” You went to affirm that you understood what he had just said, but were cut short as soon as your mouth opened. “I said quietly.” Strauss scolded.

There was silence for a time. Strauss was facing away from you once again. The smoking jacket that he was wearing tonight was black with silken patterns shining a dark silver, the shadowy tones of it making his already pale skin look ghostly. The glimpse you caught of his eyes earlier, burning amber tempered only by red lenses let you see the anger that the rest of his face stoically hid. This bout of silence was terrifying, harrowing, and it was meant to be. You were supposed to sit there and stew in the unknown ramifications of whatever it was that you had done to upset him to this extent. Your nerves were stinging, eroding, eating you from the inside out, making it so that Strauss wouldn’t even have to say a word to make you frantically search through all of your actions to find and apologize for the offending ones. Unfortunately for you, he still had plenty to say.

“There was a certain level of trust that I gave you when I appointed you for such an important task. I believed that I could give you that trust and that you would respect that privilege.” Strauss then turned to look at you fully and his leer made your entire body tense up. “It seems that trust was misplaced and that respect was disregarded.” Strauss stepped from the fireplace and in front of you. There was never a time when you felt so small, shrinking back into the corner of the sofa even more than you already had. “How do you suppose I should react to such a blatant disregard for myself as a person?” If there was one thing that he could commend you for it was that you remembered instructions and didn’t try to answer. Strauss did not make any effort to answer either; much more effective to have you think of your own fears than for him to try to guess at them.

Strauss placed a hand on the arm of the sofa, making you feel even more boxed in. The feeling worsened when the other hand was placed on your shoulder, hold firm, threatening, just firm enough for his nails to start to push into your skin; he wasn’t wearing gloves as he almost always did for this very purpose. “Until you have proven to me that you are in fact able to show me the proper amount of respect- respect for guiding you through your challenging first nights as a kindred, respect for taking you into this chantry as your haven, respect for risking my credibility and status by advocating for your acceptance into the Pyramid- I will not allow you to return to the Anarch’s territory. I cannot and that is your fault.” He gave a moment for these words to sink in. “Furthermore, your time away from this chantry will be limited and supervised. You have already proven that you will toe the line on your given boundaries, and I will be sure that you do not cross them entirely.” The hand on your shoulder moved to take hold of your jaw; though his grip was firm but not painful, his cold hands burned like ice. “You will learn to behave yourself properly or there will be more than talking happening if I must correct you. Am I understood?”

“Yes.” Your warbled voice did its best to answer

“Perhaps you should reconsider your wording.” Strauss’ hold did tighten now.

“Yes, sir.” You corrected yourself quickly, feeling your stomach twist in knots at this newfound, terror-inducing side of your regent.

Letting go of your face, Strauss reached into his pocket, pulling out a handkerchief. “There now. No need for the theatrics.” He admonished, but this time with a nurturing, almost babying tone as he used the cloth to dab away some bloody tears that you didn’t realize were starting to gather in the corners of your eyes and crawl down your face. “You be good and take this lesson to heart, and there will be nothing more said of it. You are my brightest pupil in the longest time after all. We just need to be sure your efforts are going in the correct direction.” Strauss took your hands and lead you to stand, and you were too dazed from the emotional whiplash to question the action. “Come, let me walk you to your room.” He knew that even though he had to make a point, being too emotionally distant would simply push you from him even more. So, now that the necessary firm hand had been introduced, the gentle one must be there to comfort its metaphorical blow. As he walked you through the halls he had an arm wrapped around you, pinning one of your arms to your side and the other to his. His free hand continued to dry your eyes with the handkerchief.

Once your room was reached, he opened the door and walked you in, leading you gently to sit on the edge of your bed. With a few more pats to your face, Strauss took your jaw to look at him once more, this time it was a cradle rather than a grip. “Rest yourself. It has been an intense night for you. I know I seemed harsh, but it’s all for your good, childe. Remember the duality of all things in life as comfort and aspiration for the future. Just as disobedience must be corrected, so shall good behavior be rewarded. Do well, follow guidance, commit to this life you were destined for, and I will be prouder of you than I already am. But, rest now.” His thumb glided along the area it rested on. “I shall return before dawn to check on you.” Strauss used this as a signal to politely tell you that you had better stay in here for the rest of the night, and you knew it would be foolish to ignore that implied command.

With that, he turned to leave. Right before the door closed him out of your view, you saw him place a corner of the bloodied handkerchief into his mouth.

[cyberobsessed]

Sometimes I stream a vtmb or my bro and it seemed to her (like me once) that Max was not keeping his distance

[bloodlinessave]

“Greetings Neonate, I’m glad you found your way here. I have been looking forward to meeting you for quite some time…”

“Strauss, Maximillian Strauss. I am the regent of this Chantry.”

“Yes, this new life in which you find yourself undoubtedly seems strange. I’m sure you have many questions young one.”

[iravaid]

I like to think this is his inaugural speech as Prince, and already the entire LA kindred population despises him

[medeaft]

Strauss in profile 2024 Watercolour on paper

So I'm working on an animation project again, which will involve Strauss riding a train; and as a part of that, I need to draw reference sketches of Strauss from different angles, to use as guidelines so that things will distort into each other correctly when he moves. But making the actual parts and putting them together will take a while. And I just wanted to make a picture of him already! So then of course I couldn't help myself and I just had to take this reference sketch I made and neaten it up and make it a tiny watercolour portrait. Because I love him, and this is my blog, and that means you have to look at his beautiful face now.

Does that mean I should tag this as a work in progress? Technically it's not; this part was not actually required for the process, and it will not become an animation asset. So I won't.

[ansticia]

VTMB chat-bots

Chatbots I made:

Damsel.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=PfPf79ykjXAK8tP0ums6IqTaAKPwGovwdbEGhXiYP0c

Imalia.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=U1t8lwWXCwyyeHWLrFfUazkCBrUYd-HOMsYRwK8-Mow

Vandal Cleaver.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=LFX5Xm8SCSm9qpo9w6urxWvP-lxWfo_ripxiH9pQOYU

Pisha.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=8s_zNAtDDjF63X2_9Kpdq5H3pecf_FtkTJ8AN0mJow8

Ash Rivers.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=HVkVy1F3ttqNFykWRG0JgAN6HBwVEmgYjA6J45UrTw8

Heather Poe.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=A5uvph_VlrDkG3XLjbvjwoHlvkmCQwMPHNQ5MVwwTRI

Ming Xiao.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=4zhIrPaKO4EZ-xV3jj6qpTiAOOqMnlo5GkOczjsPq3Q

Therese Voerman.

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=T5h7tPBZCLTmqkzzSVxsiawNWaNh3LMczxzRVWH_4rM

Chatbots made by Exofia:

Andrei the Tzimisce

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=CA4RbrGJja3FRmcZMcsLVMda9YF7-VRffEpSzJWu5XE

Gary Golden.

https://beta.character.ai/chat2?char=vcPVHkSSHV--w5ryXYO9qxU9zkHJIZlExRR1WEbpJdI

Jeanette Voerman

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=3R-lh5FL2Jx2yL65TY0KCBp0rcI5_CTbeL-JHVJr4k4

Maximillian Strauss

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=iXRD9IB_lQ1PlXRIgnlhrSvOYV-qoxnqGwEek-vgVzI

Nines Rodriguez

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=NMdY137q_bcpllwRiTrzUKGgSHU5yW_YW2E9Vt6zXFA

Sebastian LaCroix

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=yKsoXFbgviim_AkJiWDAu7ZNRu1U77WiTNT8Nvr9TW8

Velvet Velour

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=ztJD4AxuIC5po3TUxMzpoiM7-vHpouekf9a5elLvom8

A bot made by Tenebrissi, Smiling Jack

https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=3V8-C7ZYcDWG4hid9Up8Cu0fK7PwAzXIHDnuoOyhy8U

[girlnextvore]

This is how Strauss talks to tremere neonates

[oso-nan]

i can imagine anything..

[fujikos-gun]

california, show your teeth

[vampemoqueen]

Here's comes an important question in the history of VTMB discourse

[vampire-the-askerade]

*shakes tin can* penny for some magic dad headcanons?

[here you go, witchery parent, Maximum Stroganoff]

While he may seem stern, and he absolutely is, there are plenty of times where he lets things slide. Sometimes he wants to wait and see if his pupils will realize their mistakes and correct them. Other times he simply does NOT have the energy to deal with this nonsense. As long as it’s nothing that will either violate the masquerade or get the attention of his superiors he will be in his study until further notice.

The king of looking at something, walking out of the room for just long enough for everyone still in the room to get nervous before coming back into the room like nothing happened and sighs, “Very well. How can we correct this?”

Seems like he would be one of the more technology opposed kindred; but, while he might not be the most fond of it, he will at least give most things a try to varying success

Refuses to try video games, simply sees them as a waste of time. Doesn’t get too vitriolic with them unless they are actively intruding on his charges’ study time.

While he won’t send anything that he deems to be sensitive information, he actually is getting rather used to text messages or other messaging systems. Though, he doesn’t quite get how they’re supposed to go. Mostly, sends letter sized messages instead of being concise.

<( 🛝 )

( ??? )>

<( I have placed a slide in your direct messages. )

<( Is that not a gesture that is sent to comrades? )

(… the neonate is typing …)>

Puts charms on the more potent/ dangerous materials needed for experiments and rites. Basically the Tremere version of a childproof medicine bottle.

Has a blue blood/ elder vitae cabinet that he’s had to move to his room because they are only for special occasions or rites and until this chantry can learn not to sneak things from that pantry he will have to keep an eye on it! (Also so that he can sneak things from the pantry without being caught by someone else.) [also also chantry and pantry rhyme]

Though he might not show too many signs outwardly as to not betray his cool, calculated demeanor, you better believe that if he finds that someone outside the clan has been targeting his students and or close allies if he has them, it is not going to be pleasant. You know, he’s been meaning to create another gargoyle, a very, very, deformed one. What master wouldn’t commit vampiric war crimes for his apprentices after all.

[saintchevre]

vtmb warmup sketches

[bloodlinessave]

Household - Strauss

Tremere Chantry - Windenburg (Downtown)

Maximillian Strauss

Bookworm - Proper - Genius

Adult - Vampire

Male - He/Him

As Primogen and Regent of the local Chantry Strauss has quite a bit of influence in L.A. His age and knowledge also adds credit to him as a powerful kindred in his own right. He has no doubt mastered the blood magics of his clan. His allegiance lies with the Tremere. Which means he places his loyalty to the Camarilla, but certainly not to the young Prince of L.A, LaCroix. And he is not shy about the fact. Strauss is a mysterious man, choosing not to share much about himself and knowing many things. He can often seem very cold and will speak his mind blatantly. Yet many secrets seem to hide behind his words.  He likes to give off the impression that callings of the flesh and romance aren't his cup of tea, but his connection to VV implies otherwise…

Download (sfs) | Gallery ID: Losieee

All my sims are CC free, have 1 or more outfit per category, likes + dislikes, traits, aspirations, pronouns, skills, career/school/ect.

[robotslenderman]

Do you have any suggestions for writing Strauss? I was thinking of doing an LA by Night fanfic and I’m a little unsure of how to incorporate his old characterization from Bloodlines with the characters introduced in the series. Thanks a bunch!

So I wouldn't know about his LAbN characterisation, but I'll comment with what I've noticed of VTMB!Strauss and hopefully that will help!

He's a very rare character in that he's both very stoic, but also very expressive. His emotions don't really bleed into what he's saying, he keeps an even and professional tone... but his body language is something else entirely. He speaks with his hands, he leans back and forth, he moves his body around. When he's excited his voice will continue to have a bit of a calming drone to it, but his hands would probably act completely differently -- moving around quickly, maybe a clap, head moving all about the place.

He likes fledglings, he likes to teach, he likes to guide. He'd be a sterner teacher than most, I think, but would also adapt his technique to the student, and in exchange expect more from them. That part is speculation though.

He's a very good example of Nice Is Not Good. In VTMB he's the only person that treats the fledgling with an ounce of respect, but... he's also the character (that we know of) that's done the worst deeds, second to only Andrei -- he made a gargoyle, and gargoyles are made in a process that involves torture and agony for the Kindred that are made into one.

Along those lines he's also pragmatic. He doesn't see the point in swinging his dick around just because he can like other elders do. He treats people with polite respect regardless of whether or not they can do anything for him. He's also opportunistic -- when they can do something for him, he uses that respect to his advantage.

Wants power, but not in ways that are immediately obvious; he remarks that he's not interested in becoming Prince of LA (but will go for it when the opportunity presents itself later), but mentions that he aspires to far greater heights. We never find out what those heights are.

A lot of people suspect he's in LA either because he's in the "naughty corner" (LA seems to be the place that Camarilla send their most annoying members), or because he deliberately wanted to be away from the scrutiny of the rest of the Pyramid. Given that Kindred are pretty evil as a baseline, and that the Tremere are eviller still, this would indicate that Strauss would have to be a whole lot worse if he's either in trouble with or afraid of getting in trouble with the Pyramid. Like holy shit how depraved would you have to be to be worried about them getting mad at you? (Some have pointed out it might be because of the gargoyle, which could be true but also doesn't disprove my point here either.)

(That, or he's a potential defector, which is unlikely given that a Malk Fledgling comments on his loyalty to the Pyramid; he is clan before sect to the end.)

TL;DR: Affably Probably-Eviller-Than-Most-Tremere-Which-Is-Seriously-Saying-Something nerd who likes to teach, is very calm and controlled but very expressive with his body language and hands. Very chill, and strongly loyal to the Pyramid. Would torture your best friend to death For Science but be exceedingly polite to them in the process.

Not sure if that helps at all lol.

[medeaft]

Reading on a bench (originally: Padon olvasva) 2024 Ink on paper

Strauss from Bloodlines.

This I imagine to be in the garden of the Chantry (which I headcanoned exists: here is my thought process of how I came to think that even though there is no way it fits into the street).

I know that having my signature and the year on the book looks a little suspicious; I promise he isn't reading my diary. He respects secrets more than that. I just like signing somewhere that the text fits into the picture.

[w98pops]

a fanart for my old vv/max drawing (top left corner)