Ha-Joon
There are multiple versions of Ha-Joon's history. Some claim he was born in the 1400s, while others insist he spent a century as a ghoul before his Embrace. Whatever the truth, Ha-Joon himself acknowledges and defers to Madame Guil, Justicar of Clan Toreador. Yet, whispers persist that there is more to his story than he lets on.
The gaps in his past remain known only to Ha-Joon and perhaps the eldest of Clan Toreador, but one thing is undeniable—since his rise to power as Madame Guil's Archon, he has served the clan with unwavering, unshakable loyalty. His tenure as Archon was marked by numerous successes, solidifying his place as a formidable force within the clan.
::• London (1897) – When the Sabbat attempted a resurgence in London, Ha-Joon led a decisive counteroffensive that ended with the Toreador reclaiming control of the city’s artistic and cultural heart.
::• New York (1929) – During the stock market crash, opportunistic Princes sought to abandon the Camarilla for personal gain. Ha-Joon executed the most treacherous among them and installed more loyal Toreador leadership.
::• Berlin (1945-1947) – With the city in ruins after WWII, Ha-Joon worked with other Justicar allies to reestablish the Camarilla’s grip, ensuring that Kindred society rebuilt alongside the mortals.
::• Madrid (1973) – He played a pivotal role in dismantling a deeply entrenched Sabbat presence, eliminating a rival faction that threatened to push the Toreador out.
Though with the successes, there have been failures tied to his name:
::The Sabbat Takeover of Mexico City (1920s) – Ha-Joon was part of an effort to maintain Camarilla control in Mexico City as the Sabbat gained power. Despite his expertise in politics and strategy, the sheer brutality of the Sabbat’s forces overwhelmed the Camarilla presence. He was forced to retreat, marking one of his most bitter defeats.
::The Cataclysm in Montreal (1950s) – Ha-Joon attempted to lead a Toreador resurgence in Montreal, a city already on the brink of being lost to the Sabbat. The mission ended disastrously, with several prominent Toreador elders falling in battle. The loss solidified Montreal as a Sabbat stronghold, and Ha-Joon still considers it one of his greatest failures.
::The Betrayal of Antwerp (1976) – A Camarilla-aligned Prince in Antwerp secretly negotiated with the Sabbat, selling out his own city. Ha-Joon was sent to deal with him, but the Prince anticipated his arrival and ambushed his forces. Many of Ha-Joon’s trusted allies were lost, and he barely escaped with his unlife. This hardened his resolve against betrayal, making him utterly ruthless in dealing with turncoats.
When every Kindred in Houston mysteriously vanished, the Camarilla was left in disarray. Madame Guil sent Ha-Joon to investigate. Arriving in 1994, he found a city devoid of its former Kindred residents, its supernatural ecosystem in disrepair. As Archon, he began his work—unraveling the mystery, restoring order, and ensuring that the Toreador would once again hold dominion over the arts and politics of the city. His mission was clear: to uncover the truth, eliminate threats, and, if necessary, build anew from the ruins left behind. Thus, he decided he would step in as Prince of Houston.
Ha-Joon serves as the NPC Prince of Houston. The decision to have him as an NPC is based on the belief that it provides stability within the faction. He is accessible to any of the PCs who need to see him and acts as the primary "Plot Giver" for the sect. My approach with Ha-Joon is to make him a Prince who is both approachable and genuinely invested in both the city and the Kindred who reside there. I aim to make him hands-on and engaged, allowing him to lay out plotlines for the players while ensuring they take center stage in figuring out solutions. Ha-Joon is always there to offer a nudge or direction if needed, but ultimately, the PCs get the glory for overcoming challenges. Outside of requested scenes, he is available weekly during Court on Thursdays.
A few notes:
Since the Camarilla places heavy emphasis on status, those who wish for private audiences with the Prince must possess the necessary political standing or clout. If they do not, they will be directed to approach their Primogen or contact the Seneschal for assistance in setting up the meeting.
Ha-Joon’s availability is generally consistent during Court on Thursdays, but his schedule can shift depending on the demands of the city or ongoing plots. Should the situation arise, he may also be available for more urgent matters outside of Court times, though this is by appointment only.
Anna Wintour - Anna Wintour, known for her discretion and enigmatic connections, might personally know Ha-Joon but never speaks of him openly. Their interactions happen in private salons, exclusive galas, or elite fundraisers where only the most powerful individuals are invited. Perhaps she even suspects (but doesn’t confirm) his supernatural nature.
Theo Bell - Ha-Joon and Theo Bell were often assigned to different aspects of Camarilla enforcement—Ha-Joon handled the political and social maneuvering, while Theo dealt with problems through sheer force. Despite their vastly different approaches, they occasionally found themselves forced to work together. Theo never trusted Ha-Joon’s penchant for manipulation, but he grudgingly admitted that the Toreador had a way of resolving problems before they escalated into outright war. Meanwhile, Ha-Joon respected Theo’s effectiveness but found his straightforward approach frustratingly shortsighted.
Dmitra Ilyanova (Brujah) -Dmitra and Ha-Joon often disagreed on how to handle Camarilla threats. Dmitra, with her warrior’s mentality, favored direct confrontation, while Ha-Joon excelled at dismantling enemies through political sabotage and social control. Their debates in Justicar meetings were infamous, with Ha-Joon arguing for patience while Dmitra advocated swift action. Despite this friction, they shared a begrudging respect—Ha-Joon could admit that sometimes force was necessary, and Dmitra occasionally conceded that Ha-Joon’s methods had merit.
Godefroy (Ventrue) - Godefroy viewed Ha-Joon as a dangerous competitor, despite the latter lacking Ventrue lineage. The two were often assigned to similar cases that required political finesse, leading to an unspoken contest of who could resolve the situation more favorably for their Justicar. Ha-Joon’s charm and adaptability made him a frustrating opponent for Godefroy, who preferred a more traditional and rigid approach. On several occasions, Ha-Joon outmaneuvered him, leaving Godefroy seething but unable to act without losing face.
Katarina Kornfeld (Toreador) - Their rivalry was less about hostility and more about competition—who could navigate the halls of power more effectively? Who could influence the right Kindred at the right time? They often engaged in a game of one-upmanship, sometimes working together when their interests aligned but always keeping an eye on each other’s moves. Their interactions were laced with wit, flirtation, and the ever-present tension of two people who knew they were both playing the same game at the highest level.
Gustaf Breidenstein (Ventrue) - Gustaf, an elder with centuries of experience, viewed Ha-Joon as an interesting but ultimately unproven force. During Ha-Joon’s time as an Archon, he had to negotiate with Gustaf over European Camarilla affairs. While Gustaf was initially dismissive, he quickly realized Ha-Joon was more competent than he appeared. Their relationship was tense but professional, with Gustaf occasionally providing Ha-Joon with cryptic advice that seemed useless—until later, when its meaning became clear. Ha-Joon took careful notes, knowing that one day, he would have the upper hand.
Petrodon’s Archons (Nosferatu) -As an Archon, Ha-Joon often had to work with the Nosferatu, particularly those still loyal to Justicar Petrodon before his assassination. His interactions with them were subtle, often handled through intermediaries or brief, whispered meetings in dark corners of Elysium. Some Nosferatu Archons found Ha-Joon’s charm distasteful but acknowledged his usefulness. When Petrodon was assassinated, Ha-Joon had already sensed a shift in power, though he never voiced his suspicions openly. Some former Nosferatu Archons suspect that Ha-Joon knows more about that night than he lets on.
Helena - IIt was alongside this prodigal Tremere that the Prince reformed the Camarilla of Houston. A pivotal figure in the Praxis, she played a crucial role in helping the Prince uncover the truth behind the Bayou City Massacre of 1993. During her tenure as Seneschal, she served the Praxis faithfully, aiding the Prince in overcoming numerous foes during its rebirth. Though destiny has now led her down a different path, the bond of loyalty between them remains unwavering.
Sonja - Sonja arrived in Houston shortly after Ha-Joon, coming alongside the current Sheriff. With the assistance of the then-Seneschal, Sonja, Abraham, and the Elder Gangrel Samuel successfully eradicated the lingering presence of the Tal'Mahe'Ra in the city. Following this victory, she became the first Ventrue Primogen. Since her rise from Ventrue Primogen to Seneschal, Sonja has proven herself a loyal and efficient aid to the Prince. Her trustworthiness has led him to delegate several important matters to her, including overseeing the weekly gatherings of the Council of Primogen.
Abraham - The Elder Brujah has been one of Prince Ha-Joon's most steadfast allies. From the moment he arrived in the city, the Brujah has taken a proactive role in securing the Praxis, even before his ascent to Sheriff. His leadership has proven resolute as he has confronted some of the city's most dangerous and lethal adversaries. A pillar of the Camarilla in Houston, he remains dedicated to serving the Prince and ensuring the safety of the city's Kindred.