Davik Chekmanov
Davik Chekmanov is a Setite in the Independent Alliance.
History[edit | edit source]
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Davik Chekmanov was born on September 7th, 1960, in Kursk, Russia. From an early age, Davik displayed an exceptional aptitude for science and technology. His parents, both engineers, nurtured his talents, providing him with the tools and resources to explore his burgeoning interests. By the time he was 14, Davik was already constructing rudimentary robots and engaging in complex scientific experiments far beyond his age group.
Davik built a robotic arm capable of performing delicate tasks with precision. This invention won him numerous awards and caught the attention of a local tech company, which offered him an internship. The experience solidified his passion for robotics and set the stage for his future studies.
After graduating at the top of his class, Davik was accepted into a high-tech university in Russia, where he majored in Robotics. His professors quickly recognized his brilliance, and he was encouraged to apply for further studies abroad. Davik seized the opportunity and was accepted into the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
MIT and Doctorates (1982-1990)
At MIT, Davik thrived in the rigorous academic environment despite the language barrier. He completed his undergraduate degree in Robotics with distinction and went on to pursue doctorates in Cybernetics, Rocket Science, and Robotics. His work in these fields was groundbreaking, and he became known for his innovative approaches to integrating cybernetic systems with robotics and aerospace technology.
While at MIT, Davik developed a prototype for a cybernetic interface that allowed a user to control a robotic arm with their thoughts. The project gained international attention and was featured in several scientific journals. This achievement not only showcased his ingenuity but also established his reputation as a leading mind in his fields of study. But because he was a Russian citizen the US Government forced a moratorium on his research and manipulated the legal system to gain ownership of the patent. Davik always suspected there was some sort of shadow corporation pulling the strings.
Return to Russia and Bear Ring Dynamics (1990-1999)
Upon completing his studies, Davik returned to Russia, where he joined Bear Ring Dynamics, a prominent tech company. His expertise quickly propelled him to a senior position within the company, where he led several key projects aimed at advancing the company's robotics and cybernetics programs. Under his leadership, Bear Ring Dynamics made significant strides in these areas, attracting the attention of international clients.
One of Davik's notable projects at Bear Ring involved developing a series of advanced drones capable of autonomous operation in hostile environments, something way ahead of it’s time. The project was a resounding success and resulted in a lucrative contract with the Russian military. This accomplishment further cemented Davik's reputation as a visionary in the tech industry. But yet again, he felt the shadowy manipulations of someone or something pulling strings that ended in the military abandoning the project being shut down and all his research notes and blueprints stolen.
United Arab Emirates and the Setite Embrace (1999-2000)
In late 1999, Davik was sent to the United Arab Emirates to work on improving the robotics program of a local company. Unbeknownst to him, this company, Airitrum Integrated Networks (AI-N), was controlled by the Followers of Set, a clan of vampires with a vested interest in advanced technology. When a deal between Bear Ring Dynamics and AI-N fell through due to a betrayal by the Ventrue CEO of Bear Ring Dynamics, the Setite leader, Abbas Adib, took drastic action.
All Bear Ring Dynamics personnel, including Davik, were kidnapped and held for ransom. During his captivity, Davik was embraced by Abbas Adib, who saw potential in Davik to enact his vengeance. Davik was blood-bonded and subjected to months of brainwashing and conditioning in the ways of the Followers of Set.
During his captivity, Davik experienced a series of intense, drug-induced hallucinations designed to break down his resistance and reshape his psyche. In one particularly vivid vision, he saw himself leading an army of robotic serpents, each one representing a different aspect of his fractured soul. This vision, orchestrated by Abbas Adib, was instrumental in cementing his loyalty to the Followers of Set. By the time he was released, he was a changed man, loyal to his new clan and determined to tear down Bear Ring Dynamics from the inside.
Early Unlife[edit | edit source]
Upon returning to Bear Ring Dynamics, Davik began systematically sabotaging the company's operations. Using his intimate knowledge of the company's systems and protocols, he orchestrated a series of failures that crippled key projects and tarnished the company's reputation. The Ventrue owners, suspecting foul play, initiated a purge to root out the saboteurs. Most of the former kidnapping victims were killed, but Davik managed to survive and complete his mission.
In one of his acts of sabotage, Davik introduced a seemingly minor bug into the company's flagship robotics project. The bug caused a critical malfunction during a high-profile demonstration, resulting in a public relations disaster and the loss of several key contracts. This event was a turning point in the company's downfall and showcased Davik's cunning and technical prowess.
Despite his transformation into a vampire, Davik retained a unique connection to his mortal life. His "Whisper of Life" allowed him to register as a mortal on all attempts to determine his creature type, and his aura remained unnaturally bright for a vampire. Animals could not sense his Beast, and he moves through the mortal world with an ease that belied his true nature to this day.
In addition, Davik developed an oracular ability, granting him glimpses of the future and insights into current events, and the reason he was able to remain one step ahead of the deadly purges at Bear Ring Dynamics. These visions, often induced by rituals or drug-induced trances, provided valuable guidance and allowed him to navigate the complex world of vampire politics with a keen edge.
During a critical moment in his sabotage campaign, Davik performed a ritual using ancient Setite methods. In a trance, he saw a vision of a boardroom filled with panicked executives, their faces twisted in fear and anger. He recognized this as a sign that his latest act of sabotage would soon come to fruition. The vision proved accurate, and within days, the company's leadership was in disarray, unable to stop the cascade of failures Davik had set in motion.
The Ventrue CEO of Bear Ring Dynamics has vowed to discover and destroy the one responsible for his company’s woes.
After the fall of Bear Ring Dynamics, Davik sought refuge within the Setite clan, using his skills to further their goals. He became known for his technical expertise and his ability to foresee potential threats and opportunities. His reputation spread beyond the boundaries of his clan, earning him respect and caution from vampires of other sects and groups.
In 2007, Davik was approached by a Toreador who sought his assistance in developing a cutting-edge security system for her art gallery. Using his reputation and skills, Davik not only created a state-of-the-art system but also embedded subtle weaknesses that he could exploit if needed. This dual approach ensured his client's satisfaction while maintaining his leverage over her, showcasing his strategic acumen and technical brilliance.
Recent Unlife[edit | edit source]
Davik's outspoken nature often led to friction with other vampires, particularly those in positions of authority. His willingness to question decisions and challenge established norms made him both a valuable asset and a potential liability. Despite these challenges, his reputation for brilliance and foresight allowed him to navigate the treacherous waters of vampire society.
At a clan meeting in 2021, Davik openly challenged a decision made by a high-ranking Setite elder, arguing that the proposed strategy was short-sighted and would lead to unnecessary conflict with the Camarilla. His bold stance initially drew ire, but when his predictions proved accurate, his reputation was further solidified. This incident highlighted both the risks and rewards of being outspoken. But speaking up and being proved right made him a powerful enemy within the clan.
As of the present day, Davik continues to work on advanced technological projects, both for his clan and for personal enrichment. His oracular abilities guide his actions, and his unique status as a vampire who can pass for mortal provides him with unique opportunities. Davik remains a formidable figure, respected and feared in equal measure, always seeking new ways to expand his influence and further the goals of the Followers of Set.
Recently, Davik received a vision of a catastrophic event that would threaten the stability of the vampire world. Acting on this premonition, he has begun to gather allies and resources to avert the disaster. His efforts have already uncovered a plot by a rogue faction to destabilize key vampire cities, proving the value of his oracular abilities and setting the stage for his next great challenge.
His enemies within his own clan were far more politically savvy than Davik and their manipulations resulted in having him banned from the city he came to think of as his own. Worse than that, the banishment extended to every continent with the exception of North America.
