Right after doing some reconnaissance for Prince LaCroix on the deck of Dane, you receive orders from the Ventrue prince to visit the mansion of the Malkavian primogen, Aleistair (or Aleister) Grout. The reason for such an errand lies in the sudden absence of the primogen. Without knowing the importance of this investigation you arrive at the entrance of the mansion. Something bizzare is going on inside the residence of Grout. Minutes later you find yourself unable to believe what you are hearing through Grout's own recorded diary. In almost every major room of the mansion lies a recording device unravelling the inner struggle of the Malkavian primogen as he observes (and at the same time suffers from) his "vampiric condition". Let's read what he found out, throughout the years of studies and observation.

«It is quite peculiar, the happenings I've been made to witness for my supernatural longevity. I'm thinking of one unfortunate phenomenon in particular, of unique interest to my station both as a professional and as a sufferer of this vampiric condition. It seems the stream of time has begun to erode the moorings of my chosen course of study, for the methodologies that gave birth to psychology are slowly disappearing. I find myself in an era that overlooks the physical component of psychological pathology time and again in favor of the sophistic practices of Freud. Phrenology, Dactopindalism and the rest of the old guard has fallen by the wayside; it's champions all silenced in death with my unique exception. Would that I could make my voice heard again, although it may be suspicious should I return to popular medical discourse fifty years after my apparent death. (Grout sighs) No, better that I continue my studies into the psychoses in secret. One day, may I hold up my own cure as validation of the methods. I am confident no cure for my condition or that of my beloved wife lies within our figurative minds, waiting to be unlocked by the correct combination of memories recovered from our childhoods, and I am most certain it has nothing to do with the relationship between myself, my parents and my... genitals. Sorry Sigmund, but I choose to stay my course. In time too, may your star fade and disappear».

«Another unfortunate casualty to tide of time: insane asylums. I lament their loss not only as brokerage houses for the breadth and depth of human psychoses, but also I shall mourn the disappearance of that peculiar environment present only in an insane asylum.That palpable atmosphere of blistered brains and churning bowels, the odiferous mélange of freely flowing bodily humours, that gently rolling cacophony of distant sobs and screams, the muttered cursing at perceived enemies and the blissful gurgling of the lobotomized. Like a new-born babe discovering the sky. (brief pause, Grout mutters) I shall still find test subjects as surely as I find bloody sustenance in the night but this climate, I fear, may never be replicated».

«Often I reflect, with great regret, on the missed opportunity that was my infector. Had I been conscious after the attack, I could have stopped the orderlies from locking her in the roaming pen. What I would give for just one interview, a few simple questions of the plague ridden woman who met her end that dawn. Of course there is no guarantee she would have been any more helpful than my current crop of test subjects: mewling wretches! Few could be called 'enthusiastic'. Given the nature of the tests, I cannot expect the same fervor from all, but a modicum of cooperation would be appreciated; animals! The one called 'John' went so far as to gnaw off his arm and escape into the floorboards like some feral rodent. I still hear him scurrying about at night, he must be making an atrocious mess in there».

«My studies proceed at a languid pace. I'm mired in a foul ennui as my wife's illness advances. My subjects grow restless without proper supervision, but I cannot pull myself back from this black depression. How many nights I've wasted now, gazing from the tower walk, pondering the frailty of existence».

«After decades of solitary study into this affliction, I have learned that it is by no means mine alone. Indeed, this city is home to an entire society of similarly afflicted individuals with whom I've only recently made contact. They are an understandably standoffish sort, by and large, but I have been able to confirm with them that the condition is indeed vampirism, which apparently comes in a multitude of strains, each with a spectacular set of symptoms such as invisibility and even a sort of lycanthropy. (brief pause) Through numerous official interactions with the governing body of this secret society, I have concluded that their fundamental understanding of the vampiric condition is woefully lacking and mired in suspicion and pseudo-religious dogma that would make a Turk balk for its strictures. Indeed, they seemed impressed with my studies and the eloquence with which I was able to present them. Apparently the typical sufferer of my particular strain of vampirism is far from the vanguard of the King's English. So impressed were they, that they even offered me an office in their government, a rather high office, by the sound of things. I believe I shall accept. If nothing else, it should provide a lofty vantage point from which to observe the breadth and epidemiology of the affliction so that I may move more expeditiously toward a cure».

«I have accepted the role of Primogen for clan Malkavian, the dreadfully winsome label applied to the particular strain of vampirism I suffer. So named for some supposed vampire father figure of old. More poppycock grown from a backwood culture that seems interminably drawn to children's tales and the fiction of Victorian romance when it should concern itself with the science behind their suffering. No matter, for I have taken this office for no greater reason than the advancement of my research. I must make mention however that even among my would-be peers in this governing body of vampires, the level of paranoia and superstition is frightening! Their intelligence is not the question; no, indeed, as they courted me for this appointment, I had to suspect that their overtures were hand-tailored for what must be my obvious infatuation with reason, for the devil would do well to have such honey-tongued tempters. Even so, I could not help but notice the dressing of language these vampire leaders chose for their 'siren song'. Whether it is born of habit, from addressing their unwashed, ill-educated subjects or from their own deep-seatet beliefs, their linguistic flourishes belie a faith in superstition over the providence of empirical reason that must be an all-pervasive theme in this society of darkest night. Damn it all now, I'm doing it, too!».

(Grout's voice tone changes compared to previous entries revealing anxiety and confusion within his mind)

«As I expand my dealings with the vampire government, I have encountered a disturbing new symptom of this affliction. Frequently, in conversation, I will hear voices emanating from other vampires; voices that are not their own but which seem to have insight into their lives beyond what I could gather from simple conversation. These voices seem to echo from deep within my fellow vampires and I cannot be certain if this symptom belongs to my strain of illness or theirs, for the voices are various and inconsistent. I dare not mention this symptom to my vampiric peers, for they have proven themselves true predators to whom I could be loathe to reveal any sign of weakness. Indeed, these voices have counciled me against confessing their presence and until I can confirm their source, I will listen. The information the voices have given me ranges from curious to... frightening. The latter case is especially true of one powerful vampire whose name I shall not commit to recording in the interests of self preservation».

(Grout's voice betrays a 'manifestation' of panic and fear in his mind and psyche along with his inner struggle against the final stages of his malkavian transformation)

«The voices have increased in frequency and direction of late. They have begun to stay with me long after conversation has ceased and are serving as quite a distraction. I fear others are beginning to notice my preoccupation at the vampire gatherings. I am thinking again of the particular vampire of whom I spoke of previously, who I dare not name for my growing fear. If the voices are to be believed, then my caution is warranted, for they speak of his blackest crimes both past and future. More than once I have seen the suspicion in his eyes and heard the distrust in his voice when speaking with me! The fear must register on my face as it is all I can do in these moments to keep from crying out in chorus with the voices!».

«I am no longer safe; I know it!The voices have proven themselves authentic, and I have withdrawn from the vampire society entirely. My absence will no doubt draw attention, but I could no longer hold my fragile composure around the ravenous eyes of my vampire peers, especially not around him! The voices compelled me to make what I fear is a Faustian bargain. But I had to, for their demands are constant and merciless! I have secluded myself within the mansion. I know he will strike out at me. He will go to any length to achieve his ambitions, and he knows that I know!
(brief pause – Grout tries to stay calm) I have taken precautions to protect my beloved wife. A cure will have to wait until our immediate safety is guaranteed. The mansion was constructed with security in mind, but at that time I was not privy to the full range of vampire capabilities! The voices echo in the twisted corridors of my psyche, dark whisperings of a macabre and formless menace, the approach of which portends an end, an end to all of this!».

These were the last words of Aleister Grout known to Kindred up to these nights. Regardless of your sect I hope you appreciated this malkavian diary of one of the few known Kindred in the Masquerade universe who treated the "dark gift" as a disease and tried to find a cure for it through psychology and experimentation. But let us remove our masks for a bit and return to the world of the Kine for a bit, shall we?

I played Bloodlines for the first time a long time ago. I'm not willing to present the reasons why I consider it my favorite game. What I shall do instead is to admit that I'm still fascinated and mesmerized by its wonderful story, unique characters and gothicpunk theme. Of course, neither Grout nor his brilliant voice actor are the only two whom I should thank for this wonderful accoustic monument but Troika games aswell. Because if those antediluvians hadn't decided in offering us this raw gem we call Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines none of the above would matter.

I must not forget Wesp5, our honorable Methuselah who managed to make this game free of glitches and bugs, and who also created extra content for it!

Ultimately, it's because of White Wolf Publishing that for almost fifteen years I'm absorded in the universe of the World of Darkness, "masquerading" my existence as an autarkis Nosferatu along with millions of players all over the globe.

Understanding that most players log into Steam for gaming purposes and not for reading threads and logs, I feel obliged to all of you for your time spent on reading my guide. I hope it served as a relaxing reading or a nostalgic view on one of the best games ever created. I'm aware that Grout's audio logs were presented in written form again in the past on the internet, but I assure you that I created this guide from scratch with no back up or prêt-à-porter solutions. Thank you all very much for reading this guide. I'm open to creative judgement and suggestions in order to make this or any of my other guides even better:
http://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=215066276
http://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=178356498
https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=741725311
https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2342240194
Also, do not forget to express your preferences in a poll I submitted to Steam community! Good night.