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

Michele, Lorenzo, Andrew, Xing, and Alessandro hold here for the moment. Lorenzo and Xing you will both be resting until the evening, a few of the others have some afternoon events but they should be short.


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santos

Spoiler:

Gunther and Fiona look at each other bewildered.

"What NOW?", Gunther bellows as he quickly bolts to the front door. Upon opening it he is surprised to find Michael standing there.

"Oh, uh, hello Michael. How are you?", Gunther asks in a puzzled tone. "What brings you here?", Gunther adds, almost nervous to hear his reply.


"Yes let us go to Marcella's Trattoria. It is close by and relatively quiet. "


michael clears his throat, taking his hat off his head twisting in both palms as he tries to sturdy himself and formulate an apology to gunther ... peering past Mr. Thesing seeing his guest and spouse altogether ...

" Pardon me, did I come at a bad time? I just wanted to come by and apologies for all the trouble I put you through this past evening. I do hope I didnt land you in any trouble with your business prospects.


Shadow's Status

Michael - Gunther's guest just left walking past you, you see Fiona coming into your view but that is it.


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo:

Spoiler:

"Not really, Michael. It seems Sergei is worried about his sister. He believes she is missing and believes she may be at my inn since he cannot find her whereabouts anywhere else."

Gunther turns to Fiona a moment.

"Why don't you go upstairs, check on Jordan, and get some rest. The hour is late and you've had a hard night."

Turning his attention back to Michael.

"Would you happen to know where she may be? I doubt she is at Greetings."


Shadow's Status

Gunther, keep in mind it is early morning around 9 am.


Michael Loosens his grip on the hat in his hands, and relaxes his nerves a bit in relief that his friend didn't erupt in pure rage at the sight of him
"Katriana is missing? I havent seen her or sergi for that matter since we all last met at the good Dr house... Why does he suspect she would be at your inn?"
thinking back to last night .oO (we didnt see her present amongst the crew or crowd. Sergi is probably going to go berserk if she is not found)


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo

Spoiler:

"Apparently so. I myself haven't seen her, and as I said I doubt she is at Greetings. I have business with a small group of people that have reserved the entire inn to themselves, and not to be interrupted. I feel for Sergei, but what does he think happened to her? She's a grown woman who can take care of herself. He's probably on his way to Greetings right now."

Gunther sighs and shakes his head in disbelief.

"I suppose I should go after him so he doesn't anger my guests and jeopardize my business. And speaking of business, you and me?... we need to talk later, my friend."

Gunther heads to the front door.

"Well, let's go."


"Sure thing" michael waves goodbye to fiona and heads out


Shadow's Status

Gunther Thesing and Michael Santo:
Your walk to Greetings is quite brief as it is located only a mere moment away from Gunther's home just around the corner in fact.

The front door to Greetings is closed, standing in front of it is one of Gunther's employees wielding behind his back a club. His eyes look a bit glazed over as he watches you approach him, "How may I help you today Master Thesing?"


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo:

Spoiler:

Gunther looks at his employee suspiciously as he approaches.

"I am well, thank you. Everything in order, I take it? No problems or incidents, as of late, that I should be made aware of?"


Shadow's Status

Gunther Thesing and Michael Santo:
"Everything is in order. There was some fool here earlier asking to come in and search the Inn but I informed him that Greetings was closed to the general public until further notice. After that the man stormed off. Other than that, nothing unusual. Everything inside is in order. Our guests seem well contented".


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo:

Spoiler:

"Outstanding. Glad to hear it. And, of course, if any problems should arise or if anything needs my immediate attention, I expect to be notified immediately. Yes? Good."

About to turn away to take his leave, Gunther pauses and addresses his employee again.

"By the way, which way did that gentleman head off?"


Shadow's Status

Gunther and Michael

He points in the direction of your home.

Where do the two of you go from here?


"Shall we go looking for him Gunther? I have some time to kill before returning to the docks. If you believe he will be an issue to deal with I will help you find him and his sister."
Michael looks around as if expecting to see sergi or Katrianajust standing bout.


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo

Spoiler:

"Yeah, I think we should. The guy is in a panic and probably not thinking clearly. Best to catch up to him and try to calm him down a bit. No idea what a man like him is capable of doing in his current state of mind."


"alright, we know that he went to your house which is in the same direction that your man here was pointing. Did you see which direction he took when he stormed out? He did rush past me but I didnt pay attention to where he was headed? "


Shadow's Status

Gunther and Michael

Sergei could literally be anywhere, he did not say where he was staying, however, Michael you still do employ one of his men....


michael thinks to himself .oO( he could be anywhere by now tracking him might be impossible. { and by an act of providence } HIS HENCHMEN!!!)
Michael excitedly jumps with the sudden enlightenment
"I got it, I know how we might be able to find him follow me we must head to the docks"
Michael begins to exit towards the docs


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo

Spoiler:

"Well then, to the docks. Lead on."


Shadow's Status

Gunther and Michael:
After boarding Michael's Gondola and traveling for 30 minutes you arrive at Michael's boat house. Once there you see that only one of Michael's empoyees is present, it is your policy to at least have one man present here at all times if possible. Half of the fleet is in the docks as you are well aware the men are tired from the night before and you siply can;t afford to have all the boats out at the same time. Besides constantly repairing the boats keeps them in much better shape.

The employee soon I will name them all reports that the man you hired from Sergei's retinue is not due in until the evening and he has not reported his location within the city. It looks like you will not be able to locate the Volkov's living quarters until erly evening at best. What do you do now?


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini:
Lunch ends with Gino and you part company knowing you have the day free and a busy evening ahead. You realize that the night before ended quite strangely. Sadir left in a most unusual manner. Hans an employee of Michael Santo wanted you to collect information on Sadir's plans here, why? Why did Santo show up in the Inn later that evening with the Owner? Also, where is the slave that Sadir promised for you? Sooo many questions....


Storyteller Shadow:
trying to remember how to contact Sadir. I can look back if you don't remember. I will probably just head home to rest and get ready for my dinner with my parents tonight along with me listening in.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini:
He will contact you.


I will head back to my house to rest.


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo

Spoiler:

"Alright Michael, what do we do now, stay here and wait or move on?"


"I have a few errands I do need to run. Sergis man will be in soon enough we can rendezvous back here when its time for him to work. Then we can see if we can locate him. Unless you have any other means of tracking him." michael will prepare to take a Gondola out a days fill of work

story teller shadow:
I do not know how to contact Michele Q. Directly So I will work a day worth of work in the general area where the doge, city officials are more inclined to be around. Plus as to add to personal story. Will pick up a dress some accessories for the wife to curb her anger


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo

Spoiler:

"Alright, fine. Do what you need to do. My main concern was that Sergei didn't cause any trouble, for my business or for himself. When we meet up with him again, hopefully he'll have found his sister, but if not maybe I can help lend a hand in trying to locate her whereabouts.
In the meantime, I'm heading home. If you need me, you know where to find me."

Gunther turns and takes his leave.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day - Saturday Afternoon March 7, 1309

Lorenzo Cappelli

As the sun begins to set you head home feeling utterly relaxed and at peace with yourself. As you turn the corner your relaxed state of mind becomes quickly burdened by the sight of Dominic standing at your front door carrying two large sacks. He has yet to spot you.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day - Saturday Afternoon March 7, 1309

Michele Querini

The day draws to a close and you head to your fathers house to grab a quick dinner. The guards let you in with a deferential bow and you greet your mother in the foyer. Your father calls you into his study.

Michele:
[b] "Tell me my son, any idea why someone would want you to head out of the city to make a deal? While we are a traveling people by nature I do not remembr you ever traveling out of the comfortable confines of our fair city to close a deal".


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day - Saturday Afternoon March 7, 1309

Alessandro Khadaji

After a hopeful meeting with some prominent trading citizens you srrive home for prayers. Despite the good news of the morning the dark tidings of the previous night weigh heavily upon you.

Luckily your right hand man attends to you late in the day with news.

Alessandro:
"It seems this Greetings tavern you have asked me to locate is in a fairly prominent position on the waterway. A location on the lesse canal does not make it as desirable as other locations but it is profitable. It caters to sailors and travelers from outside of the city though many dock workers also frequent the place. The owner is one Gunther Thesing, his residence is next door to the Tavern/Inn. His daughter Jordan, is the same woman who was caught between the Dandolo's and the Querini's in the fight at the cafe' a few nights past. The daughter may very well be marrying into teh Dandolo line. My informants tell me that Greetings is closed for a private party until further notice".


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day - Saturday Afternoon March 7, 1309

Xing Shi

You wake in the afternoon not even realizing that you had dozed off! It is probably a good thing though, with a long night ahead rest during the day becomes quite important. Your contact still is not here as the sun sets. You decide to perch yourself in a spot on the ceiling waiting for him to arrive, you will not be caught unawares again!


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day - Saturday Afternoon March 7, 1309

Andrew the Hardy

The sun is setting as you, Donnach, and Federico have picked the remnants of the pipeweed from Federico's harvest. "Signore, the weed must dry out before we can properly roll it but a pipe smoke could be quite satisfying especially so fresh", exclaims Federico.

Donnach points to a set of distant figures approaching, "Who do you suppose they are?"

The figures are dressed in brown robes and move quite slowly pulling what appear to be makeshift body carriers behind them, with the marshy surface, the pulling cannot be easy work.


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day - Saturday Afternoon March 7, 1309

Michael Santo

You work an afternoon shift but unfortunately only servants running errands and messages take a trip aboard your Gondola. s the day winds down you head back to your boathouse to try and catch, Wilhelm was that his name? to see if you can discover where he and Sergei are staying.

As you arrive you are in luck, Wilhelm is just about to leave the boathouse!


Shadow's Status

Venice by Day - Saturday Afternoon March 7, 1309

Gunther Thesing

Finally having returned home from your travels with Michael Fiona sits you down in the front room. "Husband, with all of the danger surrounding this Christopher should we truly allow her to continue to see him? While marrying into such a prominent family woud set her well for life is it worth it at the risk of her very well being?"


"Aye we shall find a place tha weeds ken hang and cure, mayhap an unused smokehouse.

Notices the figures.....

"Err they moving in already?"


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

Seeing his brother, Lorenzo groans as he approaches his home.

"Dominic, you assume too much. I told you I would speak with those that I travel with and ask if you could accompany, I have promised nothing else. My contact is to be here shortly, if he should see you bags in hand, it is sure to hinder what you hope for."

Placing a "comforting" hand on Dominic's shoulder, Lorenzo continues, "Go home for now, brother. Allow me a chance to speak on your behalf and I will come to you when I have an answer. Pushing things any faster than that is only to guarantee disappointment for yourself. You do understand, yes?"


Thank you, Galeel. It seems I must pay this Gunther Thesing a visit. He may be my access to Dandolo, who in turn may be my get me to the Doge.

Refreshed and hopeful, Alessandro leaves his home and begins towards Greetings, more specifically the attached residence.


Michael the Magnificent:

Michael brings his boat to the dock and settles it in
"Wilhem, ... Wilhelm" michael calls waving his hand to gain his attention. Moving towards him in a hurried fashion.

"May I have a word with you good sir" Michael doubles over placing each palm on his knees as to catch his breath from running to catch his subordinate before his departure. " have you seen your master around today? " michael says in a hush tone looking around making sure none is around to hear


Shadow's Status

Andrew the Hardy

"I mainly use my humble home to do so though I must confess I usually harvest much less than this. Any suggestions?"

Federico turns towards the figures, "Well they do own a great deal of the land perhaps they are here for other purposes".

The lead figure drops its burden and heads towards your direction. As the figure nears it raises its hands to its good revealing its face. Underneath is an old man with milky white eyes, it is a wonder he can see at all. He regards you grimly, "You are trespassing on lands not your own, I must ask you to leave".


Shadow's Status

Lorenzo Cappelli

Dominic looks quite disappointed but nods his head and picks up his bag, he begins to walk away but turns back towards you, "You promise not to leave without giving me an answer?"


Shadow's Status

Alessandro Khadaji

You make your way across town to meet with Signore Thesing.

Hold there on your journey, I will prompt you when you arrive.


Shadow's Status

Michael Santo:
Wilhelm stops and smiles at you. "Good evening Signore Santo good to see you. No I have not seen Sergei all day I have been out on the Gondola. Is something wrong?"


"Yes yes, this is Fedirico, who jus sold this land o his, we had agreed tah clear tha pipeweed outta here. In case yah kent tell it leavin is what we err in tha midst o doing."


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

Lorenzo offers a reassuring smile in response to Dominic's question, "Of course, my brother. You will hear an answer, no matter the result, before I leave. I will see you soon."


Max Blood Pool/Current = 20/10

Xing Shi will wait for her contact watching all corners of the room patiently.


Shadow's Status

Andrew the Hardy

"I do not know of such dealings. If you are leaving that is for the best".

The man walks back and lifts his burden dragging it past you all and into the marshes beyond.

Andrew make a Perception + Alertness roll please.


Shadow's Status

Lorenzo Cappelli

You enter your home shaking your head at the problem that Dominic is creating. Before you can ponder exactly what to do your eyes focus on a sunbeam across the room which seems to shine like a spotlight upon a figure sitting in your front room.

The figure clears his throat, "Good afternoon Dr. Cappelli. You were not home so my companion and I took the liberty of making ourselves comfortable. You have a very interesting... basement. I did not realize a city on the water could hide such a place, I appreciate that it is something I can now be on the lookout for". The voice of the figure is quite familiar, it is Sergei Volkov!

Standing next to him in the shadows is another figure which seems to be female but it is hard to tell.


Shadow's Status

Xing Shi

The waiting game begins, for one trained such as Xing Shi this matter should be child's play. The sun sets and still no sign of your contact....

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