Background of Alan Browne
The only son of a pair of office wage slaves of 1950's New Bremen, Alan found himself learning to cope with independence early on. As a child he delved deep into the many books of the local library. In particular he found the past fascinating, especially the history of the Mediterranean. His interest in learning making him somewhat an outcast amongst the other youths of his age, he excelled himself in school. While the other kids called him "nerd" and "teachers pet" he worked hard, realising that to reach those far away lands he would need to accomplish something worthwhile to get there. As college approached, he focused on history as a subject, and combining it with a love of science and thus chose Archaeology as a degree.
Continuing to focus on his academic progress at the expense of his social life, he had few friends outside of those in his chosen discipline. Realising he could never hope to travel to all the places he'd dreamed off as a child, he focused on the Middle East, North Africa & the Iberian peninsula, taking extra classes in order to learn the language and the customs of the countries. Acting on this, Alan acquired his knowledge of Arabic and Spanish. A field dig of some Roman ruins in the south of Spain reinforced his commitment and he qualified with a good degree. The University was suitably impressed and kept him on to further its own research.
Several months later, a representative of a wealthy dilettante approached the department. He claimed a love of ancient Arab history and asked about the possibility of funding an expedition. Delighted by this chance the University asked if there were any strings attached. The answer came back; saying that, given the choice, the team would be partially selected by the gentleman in question. Eager for the chance to apply for such an opportunity, Alan filled in his resume and sent off for a position on the group. Receiving an offer for dinner as an informal interview, he gladly accepted.
He was surprised to find his potential sponsor was not the middle-aged tycoon he'd expected but a man barely older than he was. Over the small talk and somewhat spartan meal, he found that his interests and dedication were what were required. Offered a place, he impulsively agreed to accompany this benefactor to the distant shores of foreign lands. Shaking the somewhat cold hand of the gentleman in question, he threw his heart into refreshing his knowledge of the region.
Weeks later and several days into the dig work was going well. The camels used as transport proved themselves as grumpy and full of bile as ever, but troubles were thin on the ground. The sponsor of the dig was mysteriously absent throughout the day, but one of his assistants explained that he had business matters to attend to in the upkeep of his financial empire. He would, however be pleased to meet with them that evening to discuss the progress of the project.
That evening around a table with brandy, and the winds flapping the tent walls, Alan and the other archaeologists explained that the work was going well and showed the artefacts they had uncovered so far. All told, the information provided to them had seemed to be accurate. As the leader of the team launched into a final summary, the camp erupted in chaos. Shouting and sounds of panic coming from outside; many of the people present left the tent, to check on the situation. This left Alan alone with the backer and his three aides, the latter whom were looking extremely edgy. Two men wearing flowing Arab robes entered the tent, moving silently across the canvas floor. As Alan turned to ask these strangers their names and reason for being here, they stopped and threw back the scarves covering their faces. Both had deep ebony skin. As the room suddenly erupted into a mass of blurring shapes, Alan felt the blow of a fist to the back of his skull, then nothing.
Alan awoke to find himself seated in a chair facing one of the men of a much darker complexion than he'd ever seen before. In a few hours his worldview was shattered as the existence of the Kindred was revealed to him. Ghouled into a period of service to ensure his silence, he joined the two Children of Haqim (for they revealed themselves as such). Journeying to the area near the fortress of Alamut he met Children of Haqim who'd lived through the periods he'd only ever studied about. Whenever possible he tried to further his learning, speaking to any who would answer his questions. In time he drew the eye of a vampire of similar interest, and duly received his induction into the ranks of the Viziers.
With the resurgence of ur-Shulgi in 2000, Alan found himself torn between camps in the Clan. Recognising that none could oppose the Methuselah, yet not agreeing on his doctrines, he reached the conclusion that he must leave the East and return to the New World. Making up an excuse to be on a seeking to recover some titbit of knowledge from the University there, he returned to the town of his birth in early 2001.
In New Bremen, Alan presented himself to the Prince of the city, at that time one Toreador named Aurelie de Vassiogne and was accepted into the ranks of the Camarilla. During the next few nights, Alan learnt that he was not the only member of Clan Assamite (as the other Kindred refer to the Children of Haqim) to have journeyed to New Bremen following the Schism. Among the others he met such ones as Jack Mac Manus, at that time Scourge of the city; Ahlam Kafir, then Eldest of the fledgling faction; Saladin Aman, Dima Carter and several others whose names are but now memories of the past, just as some are now but ash on the wind. Within a few months, Alan took on the mantle of Eldest, as Ahlam departed to another city.
During the praxis seizure by Benjamin Nobles, Alan did as the other Schismatics: kept his head down. Once the Ventrue was settled in, Alan presented himself once more, becoming recognised as the representative of his clan (the Schismatic portion of it, at any rate), able to sit at the Primogen council’s table – but lacking a vote the 6 longer serving Clans representatives receive. To this night, he continues in this role as the Final Night draws ever closer.