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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Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Robin turns to Edwarde, "Sure. Sure. Let Edwarde finish his business first. It's the last contract he'll close after all..."


Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

on a gondola

Onfroi looks at the man for a long time wondering if he simply cannot shut up but then says who is your Master?


Shadow's Status
Onfroi wrote:

on a gondola

Onfroi looks at the man for a long time wondering if he simply cannot shut up but then says who is your Master?

"My Master has soooo very many names. Which one I can give to you depends on your Clan you see. Who is your Sire?"


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

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

House of the Giovanni to Way of Kings - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michael Santo

Lorenzo leaves Andrew's question about "house cleaning" left unanswered outside of a small smirk.

"I am afraid I know little of this so-called Beshter beyond what was said to me by Katrina."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

House of the Giovanni to Way of Kings - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michael Santo

Michael as well nods that he does not recognize the name.

Andrew shrugs, "So it seems tha' tow of us 'ere err sittin' pretty while ye have a problem wit' tha' Lady Fanchon Michael.

As we knew each other in life I'd support ye' but ah've not the confidence in my Sire that he will. Tha' French from wha' I understand err givin' tha' Templars a hard time an yer kin is a Lord o' Paris. So ye ken why he might not be too quick ta' support yer or more truthfully yer Sires claim.

What's yer position in tha' matter Dr?"


Gangrel Blood Pool 13/10

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

The Streets of Venice - Luca Marano

"What's happened to them?" Luca asks, gesturing to the oddly behavnig people.

When answered, he moves on to bring up the details of taking on a shipbuilding job.


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

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

House of the Giovanni to Way of Kings - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michael Santo

Lorenzo smiles. "The very fact that Lord Benne has offered asylum to Michael and his sire should tell you everything you need to know about my position on the matter, Lord Andrew."


Male Italian (Toreador)

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

La Serenata Notturna - Ranerius Bernerius

Quote:
After five minuets there is no response. With the second knock a man opens the door a peek, "Sign says closed. If you did not know how to read..." The man attempts to quickly close the door again.

"My name is Ranerius Bernerius."I am here to see Lutz von Hohenzollern. Who did wish to discuss with me the very important matter of chairs about a table. I bring with me, an inquiry, and more sense," he puts his hand to the door to keep it from being closed, "Relay that to him before you deny me."


Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

on a gondola

I am Ranarius childe of Francois Onfroi says his appearance not so far off but not anywhere close enough.

manipulation+performance: 6d10 ⇒ (9, 7, 6, 9, 8, 9) = 48


Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Somewhere in Venice - Durdona Checheg

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

"Next we attend Court. I shall present you to the Prince. Then we shall have a struggle with one who was a long time ally of mine.

Are you ready to step into the belly of the Beast my dear?"

Am I not already here?

"Lead on."


Clan Malkavian Blood Pool 19/30

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

Vitaliano stepped forwards towards the individual. "Ah, forgive me I have been attempting to settle some deals with a few business partners to move the clinic to a larger building, unfortunately I am also having to look into changing my hours and deal with the more difficult cases. Give me time and I am sure you will see me back at my job." he said trying to smile and reassure any of the doubts the man had.


Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

House of the Giovanni to Way of Kings - Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew

"I do appreciate your support if there is any way that you could convince your sires to vote in our favor we would prive to be great allies. Should our cause fail worry not for Fanchon would prob have us executed on the spot. I know that was a bit dramatic yes, but she clearly wants to rise in power and see us destroyed.

As far as Beshter that is the first relevant clue I have found out in my search for Katriana. Dr. Did she give any reason for alluding her brother? Is she trying to become a being of the night? I know she was having relation with her brothers man Francois which he was not fond of. Sergi quest to find her is what brought me to that swamp that night."


Storyteller Shadow wrote:

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Khadaji Household - Edwarde Ashedown & Alessandro Khadaji

Apologies for the misunderstanding, gentlemen. Of course, yes... wood for the ship. I always haggle, it's the Egyptian in me... But, I only haggle after the quality has been proven.

You come recommended and I see no reason to doubt you as a man, the good will speak for themselves. Please do drop off a proposal and timeline. We can find all manner of shipwright to assist your team. No worries. Does that arrangement agree with you?

Alessandro offers a hand.

Once the business with Edwarde is complete, Alessandro will turn to Robin.

You've come this way to tell me something, by your reckoning it is of some import. It would be rude to turn you away, Mr. Leland.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

The Safe House of the Gangrel - Luca Marano

The man seated across from your Sire speaks, "They have been adversely effected by a very evil Cainite though he has done so for our benefit. These wretches were slaves and are now barely functioning humans. They and their fate need not concern you".

Your Sire stands and approaches you to hear what you have to say.

The man speaks again snarling, "The matter is not settled Yenshun!" Yeshun merely waves him off and listens to your tale.

He then turns to the stranger, "Khadaji, does that sound familiar?"

The more composed stranger seated next to the fierce looking one responds, "Yes, he is a new Embrace as well though I've not spoekn to him much".

Yenshun turns back to you, "Leave Adria here and go to this meeting. It may well prove worth our while if the counter-party is a creature like us...

I will tell you more of what has taken place here later".


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

House of the Giovanni to Way of Kings - Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew

Andrew chuckles at Lorenzo's statement, "Or ye 'n yer Sire want them as easy prey ta turn 'em over to Fanchon if it suits yer Sires needs".

He then turns back to Michael, "I suppose yer second set of wuestions is fer the good Dr. As tah the first sure, I think I'll tell yer Sre ta support ye and yers. Ah think that Fanchon is one not to be trusted among the multitude of those we shouldna' trust, and that I think is really saying something".


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

The Canals of Venice - Onfroi

The man bows, "A pleasure to meet you Sir. In that case my Master's name is Talisman". He keeps on pushing the Gondola along.

Talisman you believe is a Malkavian and the envoy of Geoffroy & Goratrix from France if you are not mistaken.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

La Serenata Notturna - Ranerius Bernerius

A few minutes later the door opens a crack and a new man stands there, "You still can't come in, it's a members only establishment and you are not a member, at least I don't remember you being one. Lutz says that he will meet you outside if it is really, really, really important. But not if it important or just really important. Or even really, really important".


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

A Gondola in Venice - Durdona Checheg

Your Sire leads you from a building in a district you have never seen before. The area has a beach so you believe it to be the east side of the city. He walks you through the streets and you pass people as if they do not even see that either of you are there.

Finally he heads down the steps of a side canal and addresses a driver who nearly leaps in the water he is so startled by the sudden appearance of you both.

Soon enough you are on board a Gondola and moving through the canals in silence. Well except for the sounds of the city that you pass by. The people seem on edge, especially as you pass through the heart of the city.

You then pass through a few darkened waterways near buildings that seem abandoned. Then you see it, an island with a small building atop it, neither look like much but there is something about it that captures the imagination. You cannot believe you never saw it in all your travels around this part of the city before.

Soon enough you land and the Gondalier pulls up his pole and steps upon the dock as if he intends to wait for you both.

Rodrigo approaches the front doors and they open before he and you. He turns to you, "Wait here. I must speak with the Prince alone first".

Do you agree or follow him?


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

The man winces in pain, "Alright doc but I got a cut that really needs lookin' at". He opens his coat and you see a nasty bloody dagger wound. You and Xing both see it.

Self-Control roll DC 6 to resist jumping on this snack...


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House - Michele Querini

You arrive as fast as you legs can carry you. As you open the door it smells and looks like an opium den. Everyone here appears to be intoxicated as if it were a non-stop party.

As you pass through the room soon enough you see Sadir sitting with a female Kindred you do not recognize.


Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

these gondola rides will one day be missed...but not this day

Onfroi nods to the fellow but gives him no further encouragement nor words but to wish him well when he arrives at the princes domain once more and he will exit the gondola and take a look around.


Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House - Michele

I will walk over calmly to Sadir and the woman, nod a bit in deference.

"Sadir, may we have a moment in private? "


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

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

House of the Giovanni to Way of Kings - Lorenzo Cappelli & Andrew

"Yes, I do believe that was the case, Michael. What I do not know definitively is if the choice was truly hers or if this Beshter had simply used the power of the Blood to influence her mind."

Lorenzo slowly blinks a few times, hearing the news of Katrina's "relationship" with Francois. "It seems that perhaps Katrina is a bit...indiscriminate."


Male Italian (Toreador)
Storyteller Shadow wrote:

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

La Serenata Notturna - Ranerius Bernerius

A few minutes later the door opens a crack and a new man stands there, "You still can't come in, it's a members only establishment and you are not a member, at least I don't remember you being one. Lutz says that he will meet you outside if it is really, really, really important. But not if it important or just really important. Or even really, really important".

"I quite understand, please tell him it's really, really, really important, and I said thank you. And thanks to you for passing it on."


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

self control: 4d10 ⇒ (10, 1, 2, 7) = 20 DC 6


Clan Malkavian Blood Pool 19/30

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

Self Control DC 6: 4d10 ⇒ (7, 9, 5, 1) = 22


Gangrel Blood Pool 13/10

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

The Safe House of the Gangrel - Luca Marano

Luca wasn't sure when he started listening to this man he had met not even a week ago, but he strongly suspected it was tied to his survival.

He nodded.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Outside of the Prince's Domain - Durdona Checheg & Onfroi

Durdona as you watch Rodrigo literally vanishes into the darkness. The sound of a Gondola behind you alerts you to the arrival of another. On the Gondola is a man of average height and appearance along with a man who is more physically appealing who is the driver. The passenger steps off onto the dock.

Onfroi you see standing half way between the dock and the front door of the Elysium a woman you do not recognize.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House - Michele Querini

Sadir smiles at the woman, "Do excuse me my dear. My Childe does so need my attention".

The woman smiles, "No bother Sadir, I shall head to the Elysium now then".

She leaves and Sadir motions for you to sit. "Have you news?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Way of Kings Inn - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michael Santo

Andrew shrugs, "What she does and why is certainly nah clear ta' me. I would be surprised if she fell victim ta' one o' err kind if she n her brother are the fearsome hunters they are rumored ta' be. I bet tha' Michael may be on ta' something o her intentions.

Still if this Beshter is a powerful one o err kind anything is possible. Perhaps we should check with those who spawned us as ta' the identity of this Beshter.

Anything else ta' discuss or should we head to Elysium fer tha' night?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Alla Vigna Inn - Ranerius Bernerius

Before your eyes the mans appearance transforms to a familiar face, Lutz.

"Alright then, what it it that is so important? Uh what is your name again?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

You both manage to resist the urge to rip the man's throat out and feast on his blood.

As Xing brings you to her humble home Antoine looks around and under everything until he nods seemingly satisfied with the location, "Tell me Fledgling, have you any influence among your new Clan?"


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

"Perhaps, but first now that we are here you must tell me where I can find the one I'm looking for."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Outside the Khadaji Household Luca Marano

Through the streets once again you go as you set out to the house where you are supposed to finalize the building contract. What just the night before would have brought jubilation now only brings dread for you wonder whether you can even perform the task you are agreeing to by Night.

Your preoccupied thoughts keep the noise of the streets from truly sinking in until finally you arrive at your intended destination. Before you are wrought iron gates blocking the path leading to the manse. Inside you see a few guards mill about.


Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House - Michele Querini

With some excitement in my voice and eyes. I believe she is in Gunther's house right now - the owner of Greetings. We need to get there right now as I was not able to do more and didn't want to take the chance to spook her. I was able to enthrall Gunther but his wife and daughter are skeptical.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

"Who again? The Malkavian asks.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House to Gunthar's Home - Michele Querini

Sadir grins like you have never seen him grin before, "Well done my Childe. Indeed let us hurry!" He rushes into the night with you and soon enough you arrive at the front door of Gunthar's Home.

What now?


Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House to Gunthar's Home - Michele Querini

" I had tried using the blood to determine how many people in the house but couldn't. So I decided to enthrall Gunther and use the guise that I wanted to open an Inn with him as a silent partner with him managing it. Gave him some coin as an act of goodwill. Then starting asking for her and he told me he couldn't tell me about her so she must be in there. I can knock on the door and can you sneak in, subdue her and leave while I keep Gunther busy? I would like to do it quietly if possible to keep him as an "ally" because he could be useful. Could this work? "


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

Xing sighs. "Bagrat"


Male Nosferatu 6th Generation; BP 28/30, xp saved: 0, spent 155

the prince's domain

Onfroi bows in a gentlemanly fashion his eyes on the woman in question staying a polite distance and not approaching to sprak unless invited.


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

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Way of Kings Inn - Lorenzo Cappelli & Michael Santo

"I have nothing else. Unless Michael has something else to say, we should be on our way."


Shadow's Status
Onfroi wrote:

the prince's domain

Onfroi bows in a gentlemanly fashion his eyes on the woman in question staying a polite distance and not approaching to sprak unless invited.

Durdona:
This was a bow towards you as there is no one else here. Well except for the boatmen.

Male Italian (Toreador)
Storyteller Shadow wrote:

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Alla Vigna Inn - Ranerius Bernerius

Before your eyes the mans appearance transforms to a familiar face, Lutz.

"Alright then, what it it that is so important? Uh what is your name again?"

"Ranerius Bernerius" He says, somehow now as surprised as he should be, "It is regarding something you said earlier, information you may have... knowledge on who is running for Toreador Primogen. Do you recall what you said of that? "


Clan Malkavian Blood Pool 19/30

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Narses Court - Out Front to the Streets of Venice - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

Vitaliano looked around the room a bit disappointed in it's furnishing but it would do. He looked at his Sire when the two exchange words "The Tzimisce's ghoul, Monsieur Myca Vykos." he said trying to help bring his Sire's attention back to matters.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House to Gunthar's Home - Michele Querini

Sadir smiles, "That plan is certainly a good one. She may have the blood of an ancient running through her veins but she is still mortal..." He vanishes before your eyes.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Alla Vigna Inn - Ranerius Bernerius

He remains in the doorway and grins, "I don't remember everything I say but then again I say a lot of stuff to a lot of people.

Wait I recall something, you did not seem to believe me at the time. What made you change your mind?"


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Xing's Humble Abode - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

Antoine eyes light up at Vitaliano's voice replies, "Ah yes. Indeed I do know that I do indeed know that but I asked you a question did I not Fledgling girl? I wonder about your influence among your own Clan".


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Xing's Humble Abode - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

Xing shakes her head. "We had an agreement. I brought you here and you would tell me where to find who I need to find. My influence in my clan is limited being a 'fledgling' as you call me but my Grand Sire does listen to what I have to say."


Shadow's Status

Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Xing's Humble Abode - Xing Shi & Vitaliano

Antoine chuckles at the mention of an agreement, "Indeed we did but I have no incentive to honor it...

Still I will do so not because of your position in the city, which appears to be negligible but because my Childe seems to take favor of you.

A word to the wise. This Bagrat seems to have the favor of the Prince. He is also the property of one Myca Vykos. Be careful in your dealings with one so lowly with friends I such high places.

You will find Bagrat at the Inn known as Greetings..."


Venice by Night – Wednesday March 26, 1309

Setite Safe House to Gunthar's Home - Michele Querini

I will steady myself and knock on the door of Gunther's house.

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