It is the first day of the year of our lord twelve hundred forty two, the papal see has sat vacant for months after the sudden death of a second pope in less than a year, the princes of the church debate how to proceed.
Our story however is set in Iberia, close to the front lines of the christian reconquista and the city of Valencia, retaken by the forces of the King of Aragon in 1238 with christian vampires in tow. Many of the previous canite residents of the city have fled, fearing that final death would come with the Christians, others have gone to ground unwilling to yield to the infidel invaders.
With a new prince comes new opportunities, and most of the court is new to city. Emilo Secada is the new Lasombra prince, and most concerned with consolidating power.
A more detailed list of vampires in the area will be provided before the game starts.
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I am looking to recruit a coterie of vampires for a Dark Ages V20 game set mostly in Valencia in 1242.
Lasombra are ascendant in Iberia at this point in time, though Brujah, Cappadocian, Gangrel, Malkavian, Nosferatu and Toreador vampires are also common. Tremere, Tzimisce and Ventrue are uncommon in this area. Followers of Set and Ravanos pass through but are rarely welcome to stay. Assamites are common on the Islamic side of the border, though would be hunted down on sight in Christian Iberia. If you want to run an Assamite, Follower of Set, Ravanos or bloodline, you will need to sell me on why I should allow it.
Characters should expect a good mix of adventures, from combat to investigation to intrigue. Their plans and motivations don’t need to line up perfectly, but player vs player combat should be avoided.
Character creation will be as laid out in DA V20 except that willpower costs 2 freebie points.
I plan to leave character creation open for about a week, regardless I will give 24 hours notice at least before closing recruitment.
DOT.
I'll submit either a Lasombra or a Cappadocian. I'll have a submission up tomorrow. Buried up to my ears in the games I run tonight.
Dotting.
Thinking a Tremere. Given the new power structure and the currently limited Tremere presence, it would seem like an ideal time to try and establish a Chantry in Valencia.
Hm... How necessary is the knowledge of history for the game?
Not sure on the clan, will read to get the hang of Dark Age politics.
Cappadocian. I've never played one and I have a very offbeat idea for one.
Hm... How necessary is the knowledge of history for the game?
Not sure on the clan, will read to get the hang of Dark Age politics.
It's not necessary at least not in my opinion unless you are the Storyteller :-)
Hm... How necessary is the knowledge of history for the game?
Not sure on the clan, will read to get the hang of Dark Age politics.
It isn't necessary, but reading a couple Wikipedia pages on related subjects wouldn't be a terrible idea. Plenty of vampires would have little knowledge or desire to know about mortal politics and current events, others would be heavily invested in mortal politics.
Hey Broman, You know I am always up for a game, and will think on what I might play
I just started a Vampire 2ed Modern Thread. If you did not already, feel free to Recruit in the Discussion thread!
With Shadow deciding on a Cappadocian, I think I will switch my focus to a Lasombra.
So at this point we have the following
Storyteller Shadow Cappadocian
Talomyr Lasombra
aptinuviel unknown
Madcaster unknown
Edelsmirge unknown
With Shadow deciding on a Cappadocian, I think I will switch my focus to a Lasombra.
Well I'm no Dr. Cappelli but I'll do my best :-)
I'm sure you'll come up with something brilliant. :)
Actually the good doctor is part of the reason I chose to go away from the Tremere. Too east to make them too similar, blood magic and all...
My all time favorite Vampire character was a Lasombra so I figured I have been there done that. I've never done Giovanni or Cappadocian or Setite come to think of its but I've done all of the other 13 at least once.
I'll have my background ready for tomorrow during the day. The crunch is done. A Road of Sin Cappadocian if the Background pops like I think it will it should be fun to play him!
I have done all 13 a few times plus some odd stuff. I may just roll a 12 sided dice and not include assamites
Alexander Ramsay, of the Clan of the Moon.
In 1124, David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon was accompanied by many young Norman noblemen. Amongst these nobles may have been Symon de Ramesie. Symon was granted lands in Midlothian from David and also witnessed an important charter to the monks of Holyrood Abbey in 1140.
Simon Ramsey had two sons, William and Alexander. The latter was a renowned knight and in 1162 was made sheriff of Teviotdale.
However this office was claimed by the Douglases who became jealous and William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale captured Alexander Ramsay with a strong force of men, imprisoning him in Hermitage Castle, where he was believed to be starved to death.
Alexander's brother, William Ramsay, was captured by the English at the Battle of Neville's Cross but was not killed by them as he lived to tell the tale. His whereabouts are unknown at this moment.
This story is about what happened to Alexander, because it didn't end at Hermitage Castle at all. He had been watched by a secret highland clan, worshippers of the moon. They hunted at night, and had no regard for the laws of men. But Alexander had caught their attention during his time as sherrif. His strong but fair attitude towards the laws of the land, not just those of men, but towards nature as well, made him catch the eye of the Clan of the Moon.
He was deemed fit for trial. The Clan of the Moon manipulated the Douglasses into making a move on Alexanders position, and when he was locked up he was whisked away, embraced and set loose.
Alexander proved capable, and was inducted into his new clan. His old bonds towards the Ramsay clan shattered forever.
Alexander took to his upbringing, and eventually wandered off into the night, as members of the clan usually do. They're free to roam, to travel and discover. Hunt far and wide, all land under the Moon.
Alexander finds his himself in Valencia now. Having met all sorts of kindred in his travels he finds this land comfortable and it brings him pleasure roaming the hills. The kindred here are varied enough to keep it interesting and the altogether guidelines set out by the princes and fiefholders are acceptable to him. In return for the priveledge of roaming here, he accepted to defend the lands when invaded, and his aid when asked for.
Alexander himself is a calm soul of sorts. He possesses a patience unrivaled, but has a decisive nature. When he is decided on a course of action, good luck steering him away from it.
This is why it's a good thing he is somewhat amicable, and likes to listen to people's thoughts and opinions before casting judgement, or forming a plan. Alexander is by no means reckless or foolhardy, but he is resolute and unwavering.
His two meter tall, broad shouldered form stands out in these parts. His larger than life beard and scruffy hair cut a wild image and his Nordic heritage sets him apart from the local populace.
So, after a bit of reading, I decided on either a Brujah on a Road of Humanity, who was a participant of the Fifth Crusade during his mortal years and was Embraced during or shortly after the Crusade. Or a Tzimisce on a Road of Metamorphosis, who ran from the war with the Tremere after his Sire's Domain was wiped out, and now wants nothing to do with that war.
Background (subject to comments from the ST of course!) is almost ready. One more read through and I'll get it up tonight along with the crunch.
Alexander Ramsay, of the Clan of the Moon.
In 1124, David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon was accompanied by many young Norman noblemen. Amongst these nobles may have been Symon de Ramesie. Symon was granted lands in Midlothian from David and also witnessed an important charter to the monks of Holyrood Abbey in 1140.
Simon Ramsey had two sons, William and Alexander. The latter was a renowned knight and in 1162 was made sheriff of Teviotdale.
However this office was claimed by the Douglases who became jealous and William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale captured Alexander Ramsay with a strong force of men, imprisoning him in Hermitage Castle, where he was believed to be starved to death.Alexander's brother, William Ramsay, was captured by the English at the Battle of Neville's Cross but was not killed by them as he lived to tell the tale. His whereabouts are unknown at this moment.
This story is about what happened to Alexander, because it didn't end at Hermitage Castle at all. He had been watched by a secret highland clan, worshippers of the moon. They hunted at night, and had no regard for the laws of men. But Alexander had caught their attention during his time as sherrif. His strong but fair attitude towards the laws of the land, not just those of men, but towards nature as well, made him catch the eye of the Clan of the Moon.
He was deemed fit for trial. The Clan of the Moon manipulated the Douglasses into making a move on Alexanders position, and when he was locked up he was whisked away, embraced and set loose.Alexander proved capable, and was inducted into his new clan. His old bonds towards the Ramsay clan shattered forever.
Alexander took to his upbringing, and eventually wandered off into the night, as members of the clan usually do. They're free to roam, to travel and discover. Hunt far and wide, all land under the Moon.
Alexander finds his himself in Valencia now. Having met all sorts of kindred in his travels he finds this land comfortable and it brings him pleasure roaming...
Did Alexander stop anywhere for any length of time before traveling to North Eastern Spain from Scotland? Who and where is his sire?
What does he consider his territory for the purposes of his flaw?
Has Alexander had any issues due to Grip of the Damned? Also you are a brave man for having that flaw with no disciplines or background to mitigate it.
So, after a bit of reading, I decided on either a Brujah on a Road of Humanity, who was a participant of the Fifth Crusade during his mortal years and was Embraced during or shortly after the Crusade. Or a Tzimisce on a Road of Metamorphosis, who ran from the war with the Tremere after his Sire's Domain was wiped out, and now wants nothing to do with that war.
Both of those sound interesting and have several potential plot hooks.
Shadow's submission.
Nature - Thrillseeker
Demeanor - Mercenary
Concept - Intellectual turned Hedonist
Clan - Cappadocian
Sire - Lord Camden, Chamberlain of Mithras
Generation 7th.
Attributes:
Physical - Strength 1 - Dexterity 2 - Stamina 3
Social - Charisma 4 (Eloquent Speaker) - Manipulation 4 (Well Reasoned) - Appearance 2
Mental - Perception 3 - Intelligence 2 - Wits 3
Abilities:
Talents - Alertness 2 - Athletics 1 - Awareness - 1 Brawl12 - Empathy 2 - Intimidation 2 - Leadership 2 - Subterfuge 2
Skills - Animal Ken 1 - Etiquette 1 - Performance 2 - Survival 1
Knowledge - Medicine 3 - Occult 3 - Politics 2 - Theology 1
Disciplines: Auspex 1, Necromancy - Grave's Decay (Primary) 2, Sepulchre 1, Celerity 1 (7 freebies), Dominate 1 (7 freebies), Anamilism 1 (7 freebies)
Rituals: (1) Final Sight, (2) Hand of Glory
Conviction 2 - Instincts 3 - Courage 5
Road of Sin - Path of Pleasure 5 & Willpower 5
Flaws:
Ragged Bite
Prey Exclusion (Clergy)
Sire's Resentment
Apostate (Road of Bones)
Initiate on the Road (Sin)
Charles’ fathers death though had an impact on him because he witnessed the event. Saw the man injured by the fall from the horse and watched in equal parts horror and fascination as the light in the man’s eyes died. It was as if he was here and in the next world simultaneously.
Once at seminary, Charles began to study death, last rites and some forbidden books at the monastery to learn all he could of death. There was a lot to learn as the studies of it were not conducted in a scientific manner prior to this most feared death as the retribution of God, feared for their souls based on what evils they perpetrated their whole lives. Charles on the other hand was fearless, he had never, not once, ever broken a Commandment to God. He never lied, never lusted after another, Charles was unique in that way.
Thus, even in seminary, the priests would call upon Charles to administer last rites to the worst of the worst that would die. Plague, tuberculosis (not that any knew what it was at the time), rotting flesh disease? Charles was called upon to tread where others feared. Yes, he observed the death of many people in many different ways. His studies took him into rudimentary medicine and on occasion he even saved the life of someone hovering over death’s door.
Soon the young priest was placed in Temple Church of London due to his gift with the healing arts. Soon his skills at last rites and funerary proceedings had become legendary. Despite his bookishness he was also affable and able to put at ease commoners and nobility alike. He was chosen in 1205 though BECAUSE of his interest in death. Chosen of course to become something so much more than human, to transcend death.
Lord Camden came for him after hearing about him and made him a member of Clan Cappadocian. Charles now had access to the true halls of power, the tomes and wisdom of the ancients. He could now see what was behind his father’s eyes when he died.
Soon enough his studies leveled off as Charles gained something at Court that he had never experienced in life, attention from the opposite sex. A major source of power in the Cainite world came from prestige, something Charles now had in spades with a Sire who was the Chamberlain of the mighty Mithras, Lord of Avalon. Charles began to pursue interests other than death, such as political power and pleasure.
A visit from the nascent Giovanni bloodline is what started him down the path of the Apostate, Lorenzo Giovanni asked whether finances were more powerful than spirits. Charles debated him and soon became convinced that the Giovanni had a point. So strong was their friendship while the Giovanni visited that he began to learn the rudiments of the Sepulchre path while teaching his fellow neonate the rituals that Lord Camden had shared with him. Why spend immortality in a crypt like the dead asked Lorenzo? Charles had lived as the dead while a living man and now he should live and would live is life to the fullest blessed as he was by God! After all, was he not a model Christian in life? Was this existence not more of a blessing than a curse? It was, it was!
Though still only an initiate on the Road of Bones he abandoned it for the Path of Pleasure and the Road of Sin at the urgings of a Toreador Harpy visiting from the Courts of Love that he had fallen in love with. Charles’ star was on the rise. Many owed him favors and from those favors he curried influence and began utilizing the boons to gain personal power in the form of more Disciplines. After all, Mithras’ power stemmed from his power in the blood which also flowed from the supernatural Gifts that the blood gave to all Cainites. Pursuit of these powers became Charles’ goal.
From the Nosferatu he pried the art of power over Animals, at least as good a spy as spirits and easier to summon and control in exchange for aiding them in feeding. From the Ventrue, the art of manipulating the minds of the weak in exchange for disposing of the bodies of those who would otherwise be missed. From his Toreador love did he learn how to move like the wind as taught her to be as iron. He was in negotiations to learn ever more powers but it was not to be.
Lord Camden’s questions about his progress into the study of death were gentle at first, then came the rebukes, finally, he lost his Sire’s favor altogether. His failure to show up at and assist in the experiments that Lord Camden wished him to aid in, indeed specifically Embraced him to aid in was the last straw.
Had he not been so promising, Charles would have been destroyed by his Sire. Instead was he released to find his way back on track in no uncertain terms Lord Camden made clear that on track meant the original purpose for which he had been created, to study and master the secrets of death. Overnight, the goodwill he had gathered at the Courts of Avalon disintegrated, entropy built up and released all at once.
With his Sire’s enmity, his power base had shriveled. Charles’ realized it had all been an illusion, it was not his favor that those around him sought but his Sire’s favor. Even his beloved Toreador Lady abandoned him.
Then word came of the success of a Reconquista in Iberia. With his faithful family bodyguard and now ghoul, Trent, in tow, Charles spent the last of his resources to book passage to Valencia where he would start anew his own powerbase and live out the life of excess his Sire sought to deny him…
Shadow's submission.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
I don't see a list of your backgrounds.
Being the Apostate Childer of Lord Camden is interesting, very interesting. But be aware that such things may come back to haunt you, even if not at Lord Camden's bidding.
Has Ragged Bite ever caused Charles issues?
Is his ex-lover still in London, or has she returned to Paris or traveled somewhere else?
Does his brother or his descendants still live? Did they question his disappearance/ death when embraced?
What do you think other Cappadocians in the area would think of Charles? How would they react to knowing his past?
Shadow's submission.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
1. I don't see a list of your backgrounds.
2. Being the Apostate Childer of Lord Camden is interesting, very interesting. But be aware that such things may come back to haunt you, even if not at Lord Camden's bidding.
3. Has Ragged Bite ever caused Charles issues?
4. Is his ex-lover still in London, or has she returned to Paris or traveled somewhere else?
5. Does his brother or his descendants still live? Did they question his disappearance/ death when embraced?
6. What do you think other Cappadocians in the area would think of Charles? How would they react to knowing his past?
1. Whoops. Generation 5 and Retainers 1 (Freebie).
2. Oh I know, else what is the fun in the game?
3. Yes, it has forced him to have to destroy victims rather than just feeding and moving on. It is part of the reason why he seeks mastery over Dominate despite the fact that the Paragons of the Road of Sin generally take a dim view of the power.
4. Charles believes that she returned to the Courts of Love but in southern France not Paris.
5. Yes. His Brother and Brother's family yet lives. Charles was easily able to fake his death due to disease after all, he was around the dead and dying with such frequency, was it not just a matter of time? Charles died a virgin and had no heirs.
6. Charles believes that Lord Camden's name would hold some weight. He would drop the name if pressed but would try initially to withhold it, if pressed state that he wished to make his own way in the world. Charles believes that the younger Cappadocian Cainites would look past his choice, especially the Giovanni. Older members of the Clans, especially those who survived the Feast of Folly would take a dim view of him as one who "would have been left behind with his attitude and lack of discipline". Left behind of course meaning trapped for all eternity beneath the mountain...
Talomyr checking in. Mechanically, Alejandro is complete. I will be adding the background and personality bits to the profile over the next few days. I'll post with the profile again when it is done.
Did Alexander stop anywhere for any length of time before traveling to North Eastern Spain from Scotland? Who and where is his sire?
What does he consider his territory for the purposes of his flaw?
Has Alexander had any issues due to Grip of the Damned? Also you are a brave man for having that flaw with no disciplines or background to mitigate it.
- I imagined him travelling through the UK for a bit, then through France before making his way down south to Valencia. This place is the first place he stayed for longer than a few weeks.
He might have spent some time in the UK with his sire, who I see as someone more involved with his pack up north, in Scotland.
I don't have a clear idea for the sire, other than this image of a gnarled old man, grey, and with the history of the world etched into his skin.
A shrewd old Scot, a pack-leader, a pagan druid of old.
His name could be Angus the Stormcrow perhaps?
- At first I had this idea for his territory being a lighthouse on a small island, but seeing as it should also be a part of his hunting ground and an isolated island is not going to be frequented much, perhaps I should change it to a hunting lodge out in the hills.
A piece of land that the powers at be cared nothing for, and needed defended.
Although I like the image of this large Nordic Gangrel tending to a lighthouse, enjoying the warm breeze drifting in from Morocco. Perhaps he is allowed to hunt certain ships coming in and is territorial about that, along with the rock that his lighthouse is on?
I took two points in domain, so it shouldn't be a big domain (that wouldn't make sense here anyway) But at least it's recognized by the locals.
- I was hoping to put Alexander on the road of the beast.
Like the pig squealing when being attacked by a large cat, or a chicken going insane when a fox is near, I feel that Grip of the Damned has a similar effect and it might be why he has taken to this road, in a way to rationalize it.
He'll need to single out his targets more, really feeding on the weaker ones in the herd, those left behind. Or those that in his mind deserve it. The bad apples that need taught a lesson.
It also gives him extra cause to be careful about who he feeds on.
But come to think of it, it might be a bit rough playing it like this, without something like dominate. It would probably require him to kill a lot in order to keep the masquerade. I don't know how that holds up against his path?
You got me thinking of changing it.
Road of the beast makes sense.
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So far everyone seems to be going with lots of flaws for a bunch of extra bonus points, which isn't a problem but people should be aware of the ramifications those flaws have. Life unlife could be very interesting if everyone has difficulty feeding and other significant flaws.
Road of the beast makes sense.
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So far everyone seems to be going with lots of flaws for a bunch of extra bonus points, which isn't a problem but people should be aware of the ramifications those flaws have.
Lifeunlife could be very interesting if everyone has difficulty feeding and other significant flaws.
Certainly! Some of the best scenes I have been a part of in Vampire games were botched feeding attempts. :-)
Updated character list
Storyteller Shadow Cappadocian Charles Tacitus
Crockoclock Ophone Alexander Ramsay
Talomyr Lasombra Alejandro de la Rosa
aptinuviel unknown
Madcaster Brujah or Tzimisce
Edelsmirge unknown
Alright, I am going to go with a koldonic sorcerer way of fire lv 2 and auspex 2 to start with.
Occult 4 specialty koldonic sorcery
Good start still workingon crunch
Dragoslav Ranković, a Tzimisce, is ready.
The more I think about him, the less satisfied I am with the Lasombra concept I had been working on.
Back to the drawing board...
Alright already have a Tzimisce, so back to the drawing board for me too
Hm, I'm not sure about spending freebies on Charisma... Dragoslav isn't really the social type. Maybe additional Strength or Appearance? Or a few Merits.
Dragoslav Ranković, a Tzimisce, is ready.
Was he blood bonded to his Sire? If so how has the bond suddenly breaking when his sire was killed effect him?
How did Dragoslav survive the attack? Did the Usurpers let him live for some reason?
Why did he choose Spain to flee to, essentially trading one supernatural war zone for another.
What retainers does he have?
What is his territory for the purposes of his flaw?
I know time is running out. I can't decide between a former scholarly monk turned Tremere or a bastard son of a noble turned thief who ended up embraced by the Lasombra .
Would the Tremere cause too much IC party conflict with the Tzimisce?
I know time is running out. I can't decide between a former scholarly monk turned Tremere or a bastard son of a noble turned thief who ended up embraced by the Lasombra .
Would the Tremere cause too much IC party conflict with the Tzimisce?
That is probably a question that only Madcaster can answer. It would probably be easier if you did the Lasombra.
Also
Recruitment will close at noon eastern standard time, Monday May 22.
That is probably a question that only Madcaster can answer. It would probably be easier if you did the Lasombra.
Easier sounds good. I'll get to work on him, thanks.
@Browman - How would you feel about a Warrior Salubri?
@Browman - How would you feel about a Warrior Salubri?
Why would a warrior Salubri be in eastern Spain? Aren't they busy trying to wipe out the Usurpers and protect their healer brethren?
I am not saying no, but I need a good backstory.
Following the fall of the clan proper, there was quite a bit of disagreement between the warriors and the healers. While the over arching goal of the warriors is to wipe out the Tremere, the warriors often spent time wandering conflict to conflict. The Reconquista itself would be a fine reason for a Salubri Warrior, particularly a walker on the Road of Heaven to be in Eastern Spain.
Following the fall of the clan proper, there was quite a bit of disagreement between the warriors and the healers. While the over arching goal of the warriors is to wipe out the Tremere, the warriors often spent time wandering conflict to conflict. The Reconquista itself would be a fine reason for a Salubri Warrior, particularly a walker on the Road of Heaven to be in Eastern Spain.
That seems reasonable to me.
Hey Browman, you ok with Charles as is? Just want to make sure before Recruitment closes.
Back to mechanical completion. Alejandro the Lasombra is no more. In his place is Matthias the "Ventrue" (Salubri Warrior)
I'll get the background on the sheet in the next day or two.
Was he blood bonded to his Sire? If so how has the bond suddenly breaking when his sire was killed effect him?
As most of Tzimisce progenies, he was blood bonded to his Sire. Full third stage blood bond at first, but by the time of Tremere attack, Dragoslav was on the second stage blood bond, with a bit more freedom given to him.
Sudden break of his bond shocked him. As if some big part of him was torn apart. It took a few month to get back to normal.How did Dragoslav survive the attack? Did the Usurpers let him live for some reason?
They left a few of the weaker and younger Tzimisce to spread the word and act as a warning to other Voivodes. They showed that they can kill or let live on a whim.
Why did he choose Spain to flee to, essentially trading one supernatural war zone for another.
There is less Tremere presence in this part of the world. He decided that Reconquista can't be worse that what's happening in the Carpathians.
What retainers does he have?
Two ghouls. Alejandro and Filipe. Alejandro is a servant, he keeps the mansion clean and guards it from uninvited guests, if he can handle them. Filipe is a merchant and runs errands.
What is his territory for the purposes of his flaw?
His Domain. A two-storeyed mansion in the town's limits.
Would the Tremere cause too much IC party conflict with the Tzimisce?
I'm not exactly sure. Do Tremere and Tzimisce kill each other on sight? Maybe in the Carpathians, but in other parts of the world I doubt that.
I guess there will be a great deal of tension. But if you're making a Lasombra, that doesn't matter.Instead of Charisma, I'll take Darksight merit (2 pt.), +1 Willpower and +1 Domain for security.
Hey Browman, you ok with Charles as is? Just want to make sure before Recruitment closes.
Charles is good to go.
Hey Browman, you ok with Charles as is? Just want to make sure before Recruitment closes.Charles is good to go.
OK, profile ready!
