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Dark Ages Vampire - Bloodlines

Game Master Dennis Harry

Bloodlines is a continuation of the now defunct table top Dark Ages Vampire game wherein the PC's have created lineal descendants throughout the ages.

Attendees seeking a seat or have a seat in the Inner Circle:

Assamite - Lord Bajazet al Nasir.

Brujah – Lady Meridie de Chancie, Lord Criatas, “Dark”Selena, Robin Leeland.

Cappadocian – Lord Benne.

Gangrel – Milov Petrankov.

Lasombra - Prince Narses the Archbishop of Nod

Malkavian – Antione le Fanu, Lutz von Hohenzollern.

Nosferatu – Cristo Petradon, Simon.

Salubri – Brian Stack.

Setites – Sadir.

Toreador – Rafael de Corazon, Francois Villon, Helene la Jouste.

Tremere - Radek, Mistress Fanchon.

Tzimisce – Myca Vykos.

Ventrue – Alyssa Gilbert, Lady Jadviga Almanov, Lanzo von Saschen, Prince Alexander.

Remember - only those listed get votes. Of course influencing their Childer can go a long way to getting a vote.

Social Combat:

Let me first thank Sir Dunstan and his excellent Game of Thrones campaign as the inspiration for this rules tweak. A shout out to Vitaliano who also does an excellent job as a player in that campaign.

Game of Thrones has a Social Combat system that, while not translatable directly, I used as inspiration for this campaign.

This is a proposed rules set and I am more than happy to hear feedback from Players before I implement it in full.

Roleplaying is still required to get your point across. However, I think a mechanical system could be beneficial for this scenario, a scenario quite unlike anything I have ever done in a Vampire game before.

Making My Case

To convince a “voter” to side with your Sire, you may roll the following set of Attributes and Abilities:

1. Against someone who is clearly NOT in your favor --- Manipulation+Subterfuge+Politics
2. Against someone who is NEUTRAL – Charisma+Expression+Politics

The difficulty of all rolls is that Cainites Willpower. You will need to score as many successes as they have Willpower to win the contest. Once you engage the voter, you will only have three rounds to make your case and can only attempt do so one time per night.

If you have Presence – Awe or Enrancement, you may attempt to use these powers in conjunction with the above roll. Each success utilizing that Discipline gives you one more success on your total roll.

Beware, failing in using Presence in Elysium can lead to Sanctions by Thomas Brexiano.

Also beware, Cainites may try to turn this system around on you…

But What if Someone Else Tries This on a Voter I just Brought to my Side?

Amount of successes is a key factor here, you will want to score as many success as you can to ensure that a rival does not try to take that vote from you!

Certain NPC’s already believe that others are in their favor and would never change their votes. Those will be the toughest cookies to break.

Note this system cannot be used on:

Your In-Clan rivals, no amount of sweet talking or bribes will change their minds they all want this position badly.

Prince Narses, he simply will not entertain such discourse. Of course, this does not mean you cannot try to get into the ears of one of his Childer to have them speak with him…

Discerning My Quarry’s Intent

How can I tell if someone is for or against me despite what they are saying?

Make a Perception+Empathy+Politics roll.

The difficulty is 10, less that Cainites Humanity score. Those closer to the Beast are much harder to read. For every Century over 300 years that Cainite has lived, the DC will be increased by 1, topping out at 10, as these Cainites have well and truly mastered this game to have existed for so long in the first place.

Once you engage the voter, you will only have three rounds to ferret out their intent and can only attempt do so one time per night. You will need to score as many successes as they have Willpower to ascertain their intent.

If you have Auspex – Read the Soul or Invade the Mind, you may attempt to use these powers in conjunction with the above roll. Each success utilizing that Discipline gives you one more success on your total roll.

How else can I make my case?

The use of Presence, while frowned upon, is much less cause for censure than using Dominate. Dominate does not work on a Cainite whose blood is closer to Caine than your own. If you seek to use Dominate to convince a voter (or perhaps one of the Childer?) to vote for your Sire, it would be best used elsewhere in the city.

Boons – the boon system of quid pro quo can also be used to gain votes. You will need to offer something of course that that voter does not have or cannot get from another candidate.

Eliminate my rivals. This one is obvious though failure to do so without detection may subject YOU to the Final Death!


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Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Xing Shi Prologue:

Xing Shi smiles brightly at the man.

"I'm looking for Luigi Vespucci. Is he home? We are old friends."

She bats her eyes at him as if trying to be as feminine as possible.

The Volkovs:
Sergei will be going to the meeting, with Wilhelm, and Brice in tow. They will be fully armed. The other 2 can stay with Katriana.

Storyteller Shadow:

:
Gunther looks at his wife, his eyes somewhat distant and vacant.
"It's nothing.", he fibs as he feigns a smile.

Fiona purses her lips in disbelief.

"Gunther, I know you, and I know how you are when something is troubling you. You can tell me. Now what is it?", Fiona asks softly.

"Let's just have a nice dinner and we'll discuss it later tonight.", Gunther replies.

With that, Gunther bends down to kiss his wife on her forehead and goes off to get ready for company.

Michael + Lorenzo + Gunther + Volkovs:

"I will be in attendance this evening. This is getting more interesting by the second. Gunther I will take you back to your dinner now can't have you being late. Fiona would never forgive me this time around. "
Michael thinks to himself..oO(I need to go home there after check on wife and children)

story teller shadow:

is there anyway to find any folk lore, or information about these predators of the dark?

5th Generation Cappadocian | Bloodpool: 26/40 | Willpower: 6/8

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:
"No, no, no. I think you mistake my intentions, Dominic. If I were to do anything, it would be re-open my practice. These people are those that I had met via a former colleague of mine. They had mentioned that they were in need of warehousing and I had simply told them that you owned a number of them in the city and might have space available for the right price."
Shadow's Status

Michael Santo:
Make an Intelligence + Hearth Wisdom roll at a Difficulty of 7 to see what you know about Vampires
You return home after a long day of rowing quite tired and mentally exhausted. Your wife has already put the children to bed and she sits down with you at the table. "Michael what have you been doing all day long? Two of your employees came to the hosue with disputes with fares and they could not locate you". Her eyes bore into you with an accusatory gaze.

Michael Santo and The Volkov's:
Will you attend the meeting at Dr. Cappelli's house together or seperately?

Shadow's Status

Xing Shi Prologue:
The man looks you up and down and replies in your native language, "You are far from home, flower of the East. For what purpose do you seek my father?"

Shadow's Status

Gunther Thesing Prologue:
You prepare yourself for an evening with you daughters suitor and her family. Despite what should be a joyous and somewhat awkward meeting you watch with fear as the sun sets in the west as creatures of the night will soon be free to roam. We will stop here for a pause. FYI I like the interaction between you and Fiona but be careful about speaking for or attributing actions to NPC's outside of solo prologues :-)

Shadow's Status

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:
Dominic smiles, "Ah well I tell you what if this lead turns into real money I will send something your way, we will see if that does not change your mind. I will accompany you to your home to meet with these clients. Shall we dine first or do you have something you can whip up for dinner?" The sun begins to set at Dominic's back there is perhaps enough time to reach your house before sun down.

Shadow's Status

Venice by Night - Monday March 2, 1309

5th Generation Cappadocian | Bloodpool: 26/40 | Willpower: 6/8

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:
"Perhaps we should stop somewhere along the way. I doubt the meager bits of food I have at home would satisfy your tastes, brother."

Michael Santo and The Volkov's:
I guess we can go with Michael

Sergei Volkov and Storyteller Shadow:
Weapons concealed of course
Shadow's Status

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:
"Good, I know a nice place not far from where you live. Let us go there for a quick bite before meeting these new clients".

Shadow's Status

Volkov Twins:
What are the concealed weapons you will be carrying?

The Volkovs:
Sergei will have a dagger and a little sap type weapon. Brice and Wilhelm will both have 2 stakes and a dagger. Also 2 torches and stuff to light it with. Is this acceptable? We also have a decent amount of money to procure a warehouse space.

Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Xing Shi Prologue:

Xing Shi looks surprised at him speaking her language and blushes slightly as she stares at him.

After a few seconds she says "We have done buisiness together in the past and I require some assistance with something."

Michael + Storyteller shadow:

{int + hearth wisdom} 2d10 ⇒ (8, 9) = 17

Michael walks up to his wife and wraps his arms around her giving her a loving squeeze and a kiss flush on her lips...
"It is good to see you my dear. Sorry to have kept you waiting for me all day but you will not believe all that has happened. come sit down with me" Michael takes his wife by the hand and sits down at the table and motions for her to sit on his lap. Michael takes amoment to recap the past two days events. Takes a deep breath and begins to explain.

"There has been a murder. My employee has been found dead a few nights ago. I had discovered his body in the canal as i was working a fare. Strangely the people on board the fare were not moved in the slightest bit almost jaded by death. I took the body to the doc and he had a friend examine the body of course with the conscent of Hans next of kin his sister Anya who now lives alone in this city. Now here is the interesting part. The body was found without blood in its veins and the fare I had discovered the body with Exclaim this is the handy work of Vampires... 2 Scientific minds could not produce a ration answer and the Twins The Volkovs as they are known as with unshakeable faith that the vampire that has killed their parents are behind this. I tell you the tension in the room was so thick I almost believed them... but we are to assemble together once again to find the meaning behind this mysterious killings. I will settle the disputes with the employees first thing tomorrow. Now tell me how was your day"

Michael begins to rub his wifes shoulders waiting for a response...

Michael + Volkovs:

We can meet up together. I prefer to be in their company to hear more of this vampirism

Shadow's Status

The Volkov Twins Prologue:
Wilhelm looks at Sergei dubiously, “Don’t you want to move to the new location first?”
Francois jumps in, “You already showed me where it is. I will deliver the girls there safely. Tomorrow I will have someone come repair the window. Since you know where it is after your meeting we can all meet up there and strategize”.
I assume that you, Brice and Wilhelm wait for Michael Santo to arrive?

Shadow's Status

Xing Shi Prologue:
The man smiles at your blush continuing in your language, "Very well then come on in. Wait I did not catch your name". He stops you at the door awaiting a response.
As he moves back you see that the inside of the house is quite lovely. The furniture in this front room looks quite expensive though it is a strange mix of east and west.

Shadow's Status

Michael Santo Prologue:
She sits forward pulling away from your grip, Vampires? You are talking abotu monsters roaming the city and you ask me how my day was? Do you believe in these wild stories? You wife is clearly upset.

5th Generation Cappadocian | Bloodpool: 26/40 | Willpower: 6/8

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:
"That sounds good, Dominic.?"

I will assume that Dominic and Lorenzo enjoy their meal and proceed on to Lorenzo's home from there.

Michael Santos + storyteller shadow:
Michael grabs hold of his wife firmly but with gentle care.
" clearly these stories are fabricated but I set out to obtain answers and this was all that was given. Medically sound minds failed to bring reason to the subject so I am left with mysteries and a story of mythical beings that roam the night."

Michael thinks to himself .oO(but the conviction of the twins makes this story seem plausible)

"I am just looking for an end to a riddle set before me. There is no need to panic I'm sure there is a reasonable explaination for all this... "

did I make my knowledge roll to find a source of info on camps?

Shadow's Status

Michael Santo Prologue:
Yes you did make it sorry I missed that. I will post a reply when I have some time later.

Volkov Twins:
Yes, we wait for him
Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Xing Shi Prologue:

Apologetic "Sorry where are my manners. I am Xing Shi" and she holds out her hand as she learned is custom out here.
Shadow's Status

I am taking a break today and I will be posting again tomorrow as I have my weekends back.

Shadow's Status

Sorry about the delay. I will update tomorrow.

Shadow's Status

Damn. This is a bad week. My apologies, I will get things moving again on Wednesday.

Shadow's Status

I will be updating the thread tonight.

Shadow's Status

Michael Santo Prologue:
Vampires are the revenants of evil beings returned to life from beyond the grave. While you are unsure at the how and why they are created you have heard of a few ways to defnd against them. Wearing a cross will prevent them from attacking you. Hanging a mirror on your front door will ward them away. Striking them with a branch of wild rose or hawthorn bush injures them. They are also unable to cross running water.

Your wife gives you a ong hard stare, "Go out then and settle your mind. Then tomorrow pay this business no more mind. You need to focus on work and not on crazy tales of travelers".

You smile and assure her it will be alright then you head out again to meet with the Volkov's.

Shadow's Status

Michael Santo and Sergei Volkov:
Sergei with Brice and Wilhelm watch as their companions take to the streets with their belongings to the villa they have rented.
Later too much later for Sergei's taste, Michael arrives on his gondola.

Shadow's Status

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:
You and Dominic eat a fabulous dinner and head back to your place. Despite Dominic having one too many glasses of wine, you arrive before any of your guests do and you settle in the front room waiting for them to arrive.

Shadow's Status

Gunther Thesing Prologue:
As you come down from getting ready the smell of the aroma of dinner reminds you of how hungry you are. Jordan sits on the couch with barely restrained excitement. Fiona is in the kitchen humming away the sound of her setting plates clinks into the front room. Jordan stands and grabs your hand, "Oh daddy I am so excited for this night. I hope you like him".
Before you respond there is a firm knock at the door.
"It's him! Daddy answer it!"

Shadow's Status

Xing Shi Prologue:
The man takes your hand and again responding in your language states, "I am Adelchi and I am pleased to make tyour acquaintance".
He walks into the far room where the old man sits he turns to the two of you the other person who was in the room is now nowhere to be seen.
"My son did you frisk her before allowing her in?"
Adelchi looks at his father strangely and then turns to you with an curious look.
The old man chuckles, "Not to worry but next time check her, don;t assume simply because she is a woman she is not dangerous".
He stands and walks over to you hobbling, it seems the past few years have not treated him very well.
"My dear I never expected to see you here. Now that you are how can I help you or are you just comig to visit an old friend?"

Gunther Thesing Prologue:

:

As Gunther stands behind the couch looking down at his anxious daughter, he smiles endearingly. Hearing the heavy and abrupt knock at the door momentarily catches him off-guard. He makes his way around towards the front door and finds...

Ok Dennis... who does Gunther find on the other side of his door?
Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Xing Shi Prologue:

Xing Shi takes Luigi's arm to assist him with walking and leads him someplace to sit.

"Yes it has been quite some time old friend." She speaks in Italian.

"Just arrived in town not long ago and wanted to see a familiar face in a strange place." She smiles at him. "But I also have a favor to ask of you as I'm not familiar with the writings here."

She hands him the paper she stole from the marks house.

"What can you tell me about what is on here?"

Michael santos + Sergei + Bruce+ wilhelm:

Michael parks his Gondola and approaches his expecting parties.
Gentlemen ready to "Hunt"
Michael looks around
"is this it? Is this our party?"

Shadow's Status

Gunther Thesing Prologue:
You opens the door and standing on the other side is a small group of very well dressed people. The eldest male wears clothing at the height of the current fashion with a rapier at his side, his face is clean shaven and he is probably about your age. The look on his face is barely held contempt. On his left shoulder is stitched a crest which is familiar to you. Intelligence + Hearth Wisdom Difficulty 5
Standing next to him is a very elegant woman about Fiona's age though she wears far more makeup it is likely she is just as beautiful, her face is shocked for only a plsit second as she sees your eye but the smile returns as quickly as it dropped.
Standing behind her is another female younger than Jordan who is peering into the house with great enthusiasm. As her eyes meet yours she asks far too loudly, "What happened to your eye!"
Her mother turns and hushes her.
The last person standing in the doorway chuckles, "Forgive my sister Senore Thesing she is a very curious child. I am Christopher and I am pleased to make your acquantance". This young man also wears the hghest fashion of theday with a rapier attached to his waist as well, and he appears much older than Jordan, likely in his mid twenties. Obviously no one in this crowd stands as tall as you.
Shadow's Status

Xing Shi Prologue:
Adelchi still stands in the doorway as Luigi looks through the paperwork taking his time in doing so. Responding in Italian he asks, "Where did you get this?"

5th Generation Cappadocian | Bloodpool: 26/40 | Willpower: 6/8

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:

"Well Dominic, my guests should be arriving at any time now. Time to sober up a bit." he says with a wink.
Shadow's Status

Michael Santo & Sergei Volkov Prologue:
A man you do not recognize replies, "Were you expecting someoen else? I am Wlihelm and this is Brice, you obviously know Sergei. Let's get going."

Shadow's Status

Lorenzo Ceppelli Prologue:
He smiles, "Yes sobering up for potential clients does make sense. Do you have any bread available to soak all of this up? Antonietta says I have a problem that I like to drink too much. Ah what the hell does she know".

Gunther Thesing Prologue:

:
Intelligence(2) + Hearth Wisdom(2) = 4d10 ⇒ (7, 9, 2, 8) = 26
Gunther smirks at the curious girl, but chooses not to answer her, at least for the moment.
"Nothing to forgive, Christopher, and the pleasure is all ours. Please, everyone, come in and make yourselves comfortable. I believe my wife Fiona has something prepared for us to sate our appetites until dinner is ready."
Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Xing Shi Prologue:

She smiles slyly at Luigi. "You know I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't important and I need to produce and I believe this paper is the key to what i'm looking for. Can you help me?

Michael Santo and Sergei Volkov Prologue:
"Ok, good, you all know each other! Lets get going!"
5th Generation Cappadocian | Bloodpool: 26/40 | Willpower: 6/8

Lorenzo Ceppelli Prologue:
"Certainly, brother. I will be right back." he says as he leaves to retrieve a bit of bread to soak up the excess alcohol.

Returning, "Here, this should help sober you up a bit."

Michael santos + Sergi+ story teller shadow:

"No not expecting anyone but our interested party of this particular matter seem to have change in number and people who are willing to investigate. I am Michael santos by the way.

Shadow's Status

Gunther Thesing Prologue:
The family crest is that of the Dandolo one if the most prestigious families in Venice!
The older gentleman clears his throat, "I am Rafael, this is my wife Margherita and my daughter Filomena. Tell me Signore what exactly is it you do?" he asks as he moves past you and into the living room. Before you can answer he has a noticeable intake of breath as he spots Jordan, "My dear you are every bit as beautiful as Christopher described".
Christopher's face changes as his father speaks, a look of anger washes over him but passes as he sees you look in his direction. As his sister and mother move past he stops in front of you and kisses you on both cheeks, "Thank you for your hospitality this night".

Shadow's Status

Xing Shi Prologue:
"I can help you once I know what exactly it is you seek to produce, there is no way you picked these papers up off of the street".

Shadow's Status

Lorenzo Cappelli Prologue:
"Have I ever told you how much I envy you brother? Oh I certainly do not envy you for what happened to your wife for that I am sad every day. No I envy you for the life you have free of responsibility, this family business is an albatross, how I hate it!"

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