Gus "Gutterball" Elgin

Unobtrusive master of Elysium & regent of Bywater

Description:

“The Nosferatu in the modern era, particularly in the Americas, are quite interesting. They’ve slipped in amid every crack on the street, and because most are humble or reserved, many Kindred don’t realize just how long their reach is even as they simultaneously wonder to themselves how the Nosferatu always seem to know what’s going on in the city. Master Elgin is a fine example of the trend—and a fine enough Kindred.”
Jonathan North

Description

Appearance

Gus Elgin is a stunted creature with a rounded, crushed-in head—crushed in by the same streetcar he operated during his mortal life, and the origin of his nickname ‘Gutterball.’ His block-like nose and pudgy jowls remind people of a bulldog’s, and his large frame hovers in a nebulous area between fat and muscled, like a retired prizefighter who’s spent too many hours channel-surfing and guzzling beer on the couch, but still hasn’t completely let himself go. He stands a full head below somewhat tall men, which together with his girth and triangular-shaped frame, make him seem built like a dwarf—short and stout.

Attire

Elgin normally dresses simply, the better to blend in with his prey. Working man’s blue denim jeans and boots, thick black jumper and brown leather jacket make up his common ‘uniform’, with his huge forearms usually on show with his jacket and jumper pushed up to his elbows. When not in Kindred company he wears a battered, wide brim trilby pulled down over the right side of his face. He dons a priest’s black clerical vestments for religious functions on Sundays.

Demographic Profile

Name: Augustine Caleb Elgin
Aliases: Gus, Gus Elgin, Gutterball, Gutterball Elgin
Gender: Male
Race: Mixed (50% African-American, 50% Caucasian)
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: African-Scottish-American
Date of Birth: November 20th, 1821 (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Date of Embrace: January 14th, 1859 (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Apparent Age: Late 30s
Real Age: Approx. 200
Height: 5’6"
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Bald
Complexion: Pale
Religion: Monachal Sanctified

Bio:

History

A former streetcar operator, Gus Elgin earns his nickname of “gutterball” from a grotesquely crushed-in head that was caused by an accident with his own streetcar. Well-versed in scripture, history, and etiquette, Elgin serves as one of the Sanctified’s priests, Vidal’s quietly unobtrusive master of Elysium, and regent of the equally quiet parish of Bywater. He’s also a fixture in Antoine Savoy’s court due to the sheer number of sites in the French Quarter that are declared Elysia. Since the Toreador would-be prince wants to be seen respecting the tradition of Elysium, he reluctantly allows Elgin freedom of movement. Although he almost certainly tries to limit what Elgin can see, the Nosferatu priest is an observant creature who takes full advantage of his free access to Savoy’s territory. As a result, he may well be the most informed Kindred in the city about both factions’ nightly social activities. He’s not without enemies, though, as Caitlin Meadows savagely attacked him several months ago for reasons known only to herself. The Nosferatu barley survived and remains quite paranoid of her.

Influence

Domain

Gus Elgin is the regent of Bywater. It’s a quiet, mostly residential neighborhood, and Elgin enjoys its character. He intentionally has no more than a handful of vassals, as he limits the parish’s residents to similarly quiet and unobtrusive Kindred who won’t cause trouble. He’s considered a good regent to live under, if he can be convinced that a given Kindred is a good tenant to keep.

Pawns

Gus Elgin worked as a streetcar operator in life and maintains some influence over the city’s streetcar line, more as an affection than anything else. His most useful pawns are among a variety of janitorial and cleaning companies that have after-hours access to many Elysium sites. He’s also thought to have some sway over the fire department and sanitation workers in Bywater. Like many Nosferatu, Elgin sees much value in people who perform the menial labor that no one else wants to.

Status

Gus Elgin is well-respected as the city’s master of elysium. He’s polite, unobtrusive, and keeps everything running smoothly. He’s held his position for as long as many Kindred can remember. Most neonates find it difficult to imagine anyone else in the role. (Camarilla Status •••)

Being master of elysium has plenty of perks. For one, it means Elgin has unrestricted access to Elysia in Vidal’s and Savoy’s territories, and frequent cause to involve himself in the goings-on at important sites. Elgin spends every Friday and Sunday night, as well as many Saturdays, listening to the conversations of a wide variety of Kindred—it’s an inevitable result of his duties. This knowledge has probably made him the best-informed Nosferatu in the city after Miss Opal herself. Among the sewer rats, information is everything. That Elgin is the clan’s oldest member after its primogen doesn’t hurt either. (Nosferatu Status ••••)

Elgin is an ordained priest who’s faithfully served the Sanctified for many years. He’s also been the city’s oldest priest since Clarice Barabet’s final death during Hurricane Katrina. (Hardline Sanctified Status •••)

Genealogy

• 9. Unknown sire
　• 10. Gus ‘Gutterball’ Elgin (e. mid 19th century)
　　• 11. Marcus Addington (e. mid 20th century, l. 2005)

Lineage

Unknown. Gus Elgin has not spoken of his sire. He is believed to place himself at the tenth generation.

Campaign of the Month: October 2017

Blood & Bourbon