Paradox Interactive has officially revealed the first faction in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: The Pioneers. Not to be confused with a vampire’s clan, a faction is a group of vampires who have united under a single banner, some more tightly knit than others. In Bloodlines 2, the Kindred factions of Seattle are vying for control over the city and each have their own history, characteristics, and motivations. Choosing which faction allegiances to build, break, or pit against each other can dramatically impact the future of Seattle.

The Pioneers were among the first to settle and rule Seattle. Led by Lou Grand, the longest reigning prince of the area, their control over the city has weakened in recent years. They are a collection of individuals from different clans, unified by an idealistic notion of Seattle as the last frontier, a city without a centuries-old power structure and a place where they could shape their own future.

“We made this city and we will never let anyone forget that,” – Lou Grand.

The Pioneers are passionate and have a strong independent spirit, but they refuse to identify with the hot-headed Anarchs. While the Pioneers dream of ruling the city again, they have been forced to accept another’s rules. In exchange, the remaining Pioneers have been allowed to keep control over some minor parts of Seattle.

Defining Characteristics

• Past Glories – Having built the city, many of Lou’s vampires are in love with their memories of what Seattle once was. Having known each other for a long time, they are intensely loyal. The Pioneers fight tooth and nail to preserve whatever remains of their old world – and of one another.
• The Insider’s Club – The Pioneers held Seattle for the longest part of the city’s existence. That’s almost unheard of on the West Coast. Having lost so much in the last 20 years, they have become skeptical of the changing world, including any fledgling looking to join.
• Old Money – There’s a lot of wealth in ruling a city for more than a century. The money of the Pioneers would earn a lot of influence almost anywhere in the world. In the modern boomtown of Seattle, though, all it seems to afford is a more comfortable slide into irrelevance.