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 Recent Posts
All right: @Richard: It would seem that yes indeed, specializations are x2, so pay no head to what I said before, you can buy it as you wanted to. *feels sheepish* This:
Or would it be more likely to get influence in these areas by controlling mortal proxies? Is the way to tackle that. As for breaking it down for local government, I’ll let you brainstorm that one with, and you can come back to me with your ideas. I’m sure I’ll approve them, though, of course, you’ll have to roleplay out any merits you purchase. The start of the war is exactly as how you’ve described, considering that this is our current fear for N.Korea’s nuclear capabilities. Instead of sleeper agents, it would have been cyberspace based attacks that shut down America’s infrastructure, and coming through a drug-cartel controlled Mexico is also exactly what I had in mind (and it is why I’ve been telling people for years we need to get more involved in our neighboring country’s corrupted government. When dealing with illegal immigration, a wall is only managing the symptom, not curing the disease. I mean seriously, if over 20 beheaded bodies showed up in your neighborhood, wouldn’t you want to get the f out of the country that isn’t protecting you? Mexico is the USA’s biggest defense weakness, and if we ever do get involved in a land war with China, they’ll come through our southern border. And now I'm talking about stuff that I couldn't actually defend very well, so I'm shutting up...) The combat in space is incredibly dangerous for so many reasons, but also incredibly necessary for just as many. I think that the war’s end, publicly, comes because a US Space Marine squadron, in a desperate last ditch effort, sacrificed their lives to remove all of China’s satellites and space based defenses, which left both sides in a Mexican standoff, causing negotiations to stop the ‘Warm War’ (a ‘Hot War’ would involve nuclear Armageddon). As the game progresses, the background elements will show that the war is now the Second Cold War. Important to note: Sections of Chinese-held America were left untouched by the invaders because businesses negotiated their own terms with China. National pride means less than one’s pride in one’s company.
@Saki @Franics The Club V Bouncer growled in his throat. He stood up straight and looked the Vampire straight in the eyes. “Get…in…line…”
@Richard Nikos pauses on the phone. You can hear a voice in the background: "Boss, um, he can't see you make that hand gesture..." Another pause. "Well, Richard, are you going to tell me?"
Before I answer, let me assure you, these are easy for me to respond to; in game posts can take me, sometimes, 3 hours or more to type, but setting questions I sometimes can just copy paste. I am still here, watching, but I'm also trying to get a bunch of assignments done, and this helps me unwind like you wouldn't believe. What is the division of responsibility for law enforcement in Pendros? The business sectors watch their own areas with their own security forces, and dispense their own justice if the criminals live or move through their areas, in their own courts, with their own punishments. In other areas, like the Casino and Clubs districts, Vampires om nom nom a lot of human garbage, like rapists and murders, and the gargoyles, infused capes, and sometimes the kappa, sin-eaters or werewolves, they clean up the rest. The police are a JOKE, a point I can't emphasize enough. In most areas, they are no better than bullies and protection racketeers, and for some places, they don't even enter (the Latino Quarter is a great example of this). The best they can do is protect the government sector, and it is here that police work more or less like normal cops, in regards to street crime; corruption is almost never investigated by anyone outside of the DA's office, putting a lot of work on them; but, like in many a comic book with superheroes, they do get convictions because of Capes and Gargoyles. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the current DA's office seems incorruptibly, and amongst the supernatural, there is a huge suspicion that everyone at that level is a supernatural being with conviction, like a fallen, an immortal, or a Cape. In general, the courts exist to protect big business, and it is not unusual to always find a court case between two companies suing each other for one reason or another. What are the roles of Barkovia and of city police? I think I answered the second part of that question, but define what you mean by the Barkovia. How much influence does the Camarilla have for covering up breaches of the masquerade? The Queen lets them get away with anything, as long as it doesn't get in her way, or require them to ask anything of her. The rest of the supernaturals give the Camarilla most of their resources, and for this reason, they more often help them as well, when not scrambling to cover up breaches. Ironically, the Camarilla also have a LOT of ghouls working for them throughout the city, helping to 'clean up' these breaches. How do the local Invictus work? Are there regular, formal meetings? Do we have an overall agenda? The overall agenda is to stay alive, wait for the Queen to fall, and be of the best service they can be to her in the meantime, while discovering how to kill her. After that? The Invictus will probably want to purge the city. But that is another goal entirely. What sort of government does Pendros have on the mundane side? How much power does the mayor have as opposed to the city council? What sorts of boards and commissions exist and are there any unusual rules to keep in mind about being appointed/elected to them? Sadly, I am not well versed in my own local politics, but my best guess is that everyone is a puppet to a corporation. Why, even the current mayor is a puppet for Barkovia and the Vampires. But she certainly isn't acting like it, is she? Anyways, they pretty much just make sure legislation that helps businesses gets passed, and approving city beatification, tourism, and higher education policies, as these are also large income generators. Shockingly, the local and big businesses push for more legislation for preserving the natural landscape. Why? Who knows... What about at the county/state level? Are there any other regulatory bodies that wield significant influence in the city? (I'm thinking of the gaming commission in particular, but there could be others...) Well, outside the city, federal and state laws also help to promote and protect business interests. In Colorado, strip mining is constantly battling tourism. On a Federal level, the government exists to protect national interests; tax revenue pays a lot to the armed forces. On all levels, the government also pays for transportation services like roads. For the rest, I fall to "What would John Locke do?"
Iranis was happy to work out the details of reinforcing Richard's house. She took the news of last night's events without flinching, as if such a recounting of such events was old hat to her; considering Iranis's past, that could be the truth. As the little robotic helicopter flew away with the phone Richard had handed it, Sam was responding to his question. She sighed heavily. "Yeah, yeah, I can try. But with the Maximoffs, you just never know how these things are going to go..." Richard heard the phone ring and ring when he called Nikos. Finally, he picked up. “Richard. So glad to hear from you. Do you have my tablet?”
Richard's phone bings with a text from Sam. He could read it quickly: "You've got to keep him talking. I won't contact you again until I get through, or I utterly fail,"
Okay, I lied. So, I'm BURIED under schoolwork until the 12th of May. This is my last bastion of sanity however, so don't worry! This posting slow down isn't a stop or loss of interest. It's just that I'm wicked busy; today I turned in a 7 page paper for a 25 page assignment. It's not looking good... Anyways, I'll try very hard to get little posts up at least. If people could maybe, um, give me a primer on what they'd like responses to, like in a list form, that'd be great, so I don't have to spend 20 minutes rereading posts. This might be a good time to ask me questions about the setting that you might like knowing, as those don't take me that long to respond to. I feel awful ya'll! I love this game, and just as Jack is getting into it, I have to put it on the side!
Response up tomorrow. Also, Jack sure does know how to piss off The Club V Bouncer (yes, that is his actual name) played by Michael Clarke Duncan's body and Kevin Michael Richardson's voice.
Richard's cab first stops at Thomas's apartment to drop the neonate off; the previous night had him worn out, apparently. The cab then stops at Richard's place. Iranis has done a great job of cleaning up the mess from a few nights ago, and seems fully recovered herself, and the house is filled with the smells of cooking; a clever masquerade ruse, and the way that the servant ate most of her meals. ---------
The club district is made up beautifully built buildings, their metal and glass exteriors contrasting the mountains and wilderness all about them. So it is almost odd that Club V looks like a simple brick building with 8 stores and no windows, especially when it is seen alongside some of the ritziest clubs in Pendros. But the Club had been pulling in large crowds since it's opening in 2022, but tonight was easily it's largest draw ever. At the entrance, two lines formed. One seemed to have an end almost at the doorway. The other wrapped around the building, which was the size of a city block. The club could easily occupy thousands of people, so to see lines going out the door is impressive. As Jack approached, he felt something tugging at him, urging him to flee, to run, to get as far away as he could. The feeling had been building as he got closer and closer to his destination, but as soon as he came within sight of the club, it almost vanished. As he walked past the line outside the club, he felt a tug deep within, as if everyone he walked by was a hungry monster, and they wanted to feast upon him. This was the beast, and if it hadn't been for the magic around Club V, the relatively calm and controlled line would have been the scene of a mass slaughter; it seemed as if almost every Vampire in the city was here. When Jack tried to get in, the bouncer, who was not a Vampire, looked at his datapad. After a bit, he shook his head. "Sorry kid. Tim Noble is on the list, but you ain't. Get in line," The bouncer pointed at the line that wrapped around the building. Jack did see that every now and then, it did move, but for the most part, it stood still.
Presence is used to make an immediate impact upon a person. However, trying to use someone's name and get yourself through the door, that is manipulation. Majesty cannot be used on more than one person, and turning it on in front of so many people net's you a -4 to the check. You could instantly add the successes from that check to influence everyone who witnessed your awe. Additionally, I just realized something. However, I will use it in my next post. I will have a post up in 24 hours, but it will likely be Monday.
Also: I finally finished creating or otherwise fleshing out all of the Invictus in Pendros. This should show you them all Richard. Of note to you should be George Walton.
Richard's phone: Tina Smalls:
Tim Noble:
Nikos Maximoff
Oh Rich! Michael sure looks ravished! Maybe we should let him have a go at her? Yes, I think so. *Sound of buttons being hit, and body dropping to the floor* Oh, he's getting up...*Sound of woman screaming, and then gurgling* MOMMY! MOMMY! Oh, that isn't good for a child to see! I didn't even know teeth could rip through a person's throat like that! And I just had the walls washed…tsk tsk…I wonder if he’ll get those stains out?
*Crying can be heard* no...no...damn you you monster. Damn you... Call me!
Iranis:
Zack Hawkins:
Michael Miller:
Sam
Michael Miller
Nikos
Saki's Phone:
Unknown Number
Michael Miller
Well, to her credit, she did do one thing I think is clearly Carthian: The magistrates are all elected, except for the club and underpendros areas. From there, they oversee their territories as they see fit. The election process is very complicated, and I'm trying to bust out what is easily the longest post yet. Once I am done, I'll type out the election process.
@Oroku
1 XP for the cursed flaw coming up in play. 10 XP for registering at the wiki. 3 XP for a wiki portrait; although, he doesn’t look very Chinese… 3 XP for adding a good description of your character to the wiki 3 XP for adding a good description of your character’s appearance to the wiki (I like the bit about the protean claws) 3 XP for adding in your character’s background. I edited a few spelling errors. I might suggest making it prettier, but I feel like you plan on doing so. Remember, you must spend XP with in game experiences. --------
I'm flooding the character section with characters. True Carthians for Jack, Invictus for Richard, Martial Artists and Dragons for Oroku.
Can you copy paste the text for the Cursed flaw? I might reward 1 XP depending on the wording. I'm okay with the 2xp for the Translator; mention how you download the latest app in character, and it seems to fix the damned thing, and there you go!
As Richard looks over the article about the Imp, and reads the description, he almost instantly knows what the man actually saw; one of Pendros's Kappa. The Kappa of Pendros were not to be f&!%ed with, and Richard knew that the turtle-like beings only dealt with two issues: Things of a spiritual nature, and protecting Pendros's children. Considering that this man spotted a Kappa near a school, it was likely that they were tracking down someone or something that was, or intended to be, harming children. Richard knew that no matter how he felt about it, it was best to stay out of a Kappa's business. The cab came to a stop in front of the Glitterdust club. The Glitterdust club was notable for two reasons: First, it was Pendros's most popular gay club. Secondly, and more importantly, it was were Nathaniel Gorgeous held court for the Changelings. As was typical for the fair-folk, many changelings were simply walking straight into the club, charming their way past the bouncers. For whatever reason, the changelings of Pendros could be seen for what they truly were by anyone 'in the know', if they didn't take extra precautions against being detected. Upon leaving the cab, the Vampires instantly noted something very odd; most nights, there were at least a few Vampires in the club, or trying to get in, and considering the Glitterdust club was located in an area that was considered Pendros's best club scene, there should be at least some Vampires in the area. There weren't any to be seen at all.
Richard and Saki's phones suddenly came back to life, having been charged on the way over. Each got what seemed like enough text messages and missed calls to take up a lifetime. In order from most recent to oldest came from: Richard's phone:
Saki's Phone:
There are indeed areas in any district (except the park) for anyone to live, at any price. I just realized what an ass I sound like! My apologizes! :) You are of course welcome to allow your character to grow and evolve from where you have started him. I love these games because I find asking players to write a paragraph about different aspects of their character are rarely, if ever, requests that are met with optimism, but adding in the reward of XP seems to make people become writing geniuses! You have set up Jack in such away his potential excites me, and seems built in to explore aspects of Pendros I have never looked at. Actually, everyone's character is built like this, which is another reason I adore this game. Expect a lead in for Jack later on today.
As Richard perused the commencement speech, he finds it to be oddly worded. At most occasions, it sounds as boring and dry as a standard politician's speech "I'd like to thank my loyal supporters, who stuck it through with me when my critics my would have tried dragging me down..." Some of things stated were typical for a celebrity politician "Now, the cameras won't be trying to catch every bad moment of my mayoral career, as did my time on national television did, so I hope you didn't elect me to hear about sorted affairs and family problems..." But a few times, she would make mention of something that would have been offbeat with the local voters, but those in the know would completely understand "Some have said that the nights have been without respite. That there is no hope, and no moving forward, and that we are moving towards an end. But I say nay to those who have given into this nihilism. I tell you today that a new age has dawned on Pendros, the light will shine, and the rats will scatter! We shall prevail against the darkness! Come, let us gather, and we shall help guide each other towards a brand new day! Bring to me your ideas, and like a thousand flowers blossoming, these new schools of thought will allow for progress in the arts and the sciences, and for a brand new culture to arise throughout our grand city! Who is with me!? How will you create the change of a thousand flowers blooming?"
@Oroku, Richard, & Thomas:
Virtue
@Sigz:
For your motivations, I will tell you this; you get XP for rewarded for a paragraph for each individual one. You’ve done a good job of describing each in one albeit in one total paragraph; I think that as the character evolves, those motivations will either change or become better defined, and then you could get another paragraph in there, warranting more XP. Cool? Also, you can never get more than 1 XP and Willpower in the game for an action that occurs; meaning that if an action activates both Jack’s Duty and Faith, he’ll be rewarded only 1 XP and Willpower for one of those motivations, not both. Make sense? Residence:
Once we've addressed these, I will reward you XP for your wiki-entry details. Note, however, that XP must be spent based on events that occur in game, and you must note how you are using and spending this XP when you spend it. @Richard:
@Jack: I'm going to bed soon, so I haven't finished reading his bio on the wiki, but otherwise, *Stamps* Character approved! My quite long post tomorrow will have a way to bring you in... @Richard:
@Oroku: Should you wish to grind for XP, adding details to your character on the wiki will do you wonders!
I personally am all for only touching Vampires with sticks. Preferably pointy ones, where the sharp end goes into their chest. However, when I am the Vampire in question, well, you can touch me all night long. That's right ladies. I sparkle in the daylight. I'll show you in the morning. But right now, let's go upstairs...(god I love Vampire LARPS. You get more tail than Mario getting a tanooki suit...)
Oh, just remember, motivations are one word. I have listed more information about motivations here Edit:
@Jack: For your Masquerade, while you do choose your initial specialty from one of the listed asset skills, just be aware that you do get both as asset skills. Also, the name of the Masquerade is scholar, not student. (I guess that’s kind of nit-picky, huh?) While you are perfectly allowed to spend your character’s attribute points as you will, I’m letting you know now that you’ve placed everything into the ‘Power’ stats, which means you will not be very good at maneuvering your way out of and into situations/events, or defending yourself against attacks, although you will be quite good at using force; I should point out, without well placed maneuvering, force is useless (Even the strongest man cannot move a mountain). However, since you are in situations with Richard, his character could set up the situations for you to do well in, and help you avoid those situations you wouldn’t do well in. Of course, two dots makes your character average, not awful. So maybe I’m speaking too soon. Your health is an 8, not a 7. You can start with 5 Vitae. You have not selected your motivations. Please do. You have 1 more skill dot to spend. Not that I’m saying your discipline choices are bad (they aren’t) but you only need to spend 3 of the 5 dots on Clan, Covenant or Requiem disciplines; you are not restricted to them only. Just fyi though! No need to change them! The language is Spanish, not Hispanic. I know, I know, I’m being nit-picky again… Please divide up your haven dots. (Size, Security, and Location) You’ve set up your character to be this:
I like it quite a bit. You’ve set up your character to grow as a social character, even though he doesn't start that way. I LOVE it.
I am always looking for people to play in my Vampire: The Masquiem PbP game but that is certainly not most Pathfinder players cup of tea. I am also trying to get a Vampire based Pathfinder game set in the city of Sharn up and running here. I'm glad I've made enough of a positive impact on you that ask! I once tried to get a Roman-esque Steampunk game off the ground here as well, but it faltered and failed without any interest. I might revive it one day, for that game was quite interesting to me.
I'm sorry all. I'll spare you all the long agonizing explanation about why this game has faltered and failed, but it comes down to the fact that I'm just no good with AP games. I'm so much better at games I have designed myself, in my own worlds, that are Sandboxes. I'm dropping this, but if someone is willing to pick it up as a GM instead, I will happily transfer it. Again, I'm quite sorry.
Bruja only make more Bruja. Malkavians only make more Malkavians. And since this is a Masqueim game, I have changed what all the Clans do. Make sure to take a look at the wiki's Clans to make sure you know where to go with the character. Of note, btw, is that Malkavians are not crazy all the time, and are quite different in this setting, as I focus more on their ability to tell the future than their going nuts qualities. And I disallow Fishmalks right out. Malkavians go insane because they catch glimpses of the future, but can be generally anything anyone wants them to be otherwise. As for the dots: • I just copy paste them.
As Richard began looking through his phone, he didn't note any significant events that had occurred the day before. There had been some heavy trading the day before involving new technologies, and in the entertainment industries, and in vacation companies...and that's when Richard knew something was up. His business report typically showed high purchasing of 'essential' markets, but to see so many leisure industries doing so well...when he tried loading the headline story, it kept buffering and buffering. Finally, it popped up. Headlines: "THE WAR WITH CHINA OVER!" "USA DECLARES PEACETIME!" "SPACE MARINES HELPED MAKE FINAL PUSH!" "FINALLY, I CAN ORDER BROCCOLI AND BEEF AGAIN!" Sports "BRONCOS WIN SODA BOWL, 15-24" "CAPTAIN FREEDOM KILLS FAN FAVORITE RICHARD. LAST WORDS REPORTEDLY “I’LL BE BACK!” "IN RECENT SURVEY, CHILDREN AGES 8-13 DECLARE SPEEDBALL THEIR FAVORITE SPORT" "JOHNATHAN E. LEADS THE ENERGY CORPORATION'S HOUSTON TEAM TO WIN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. CEO BARTHOLOMEW SEEN STORMING OUT OF ARENA" Home and Entertainment “BARKOVIA INDUSTRIES PRONOUNCES NEW LINE OF BOOMERS WILL COST LESS THAN THINKBEST’S NS-5 LINE OF ROBOTS, WILL WORK TWICE AS LONG WITH LESS ENERGY” “X-MEN 20: REVENGE OF THE X BEST SELLING MOVIE” “SAYS CRITICS: ROCKY 31 THE BEST ROCKY YET!” “LUCAS’S LAST WISHES REVEALED WITH THE NEW EDITS OF EPISODE I: MAUL WAS ALWAYS SUPPOSED TO WIN” Local “PENDROS HAS STATE’S LOWEST HOMELESS RATE” “MAYOR ANNALIESE TAKES VOWS, COMMENCEMENT SPEECH: A NEW AGE HAS DAWNED ON PENDROS, THE LIGHT WILL SHINE, AND THE RATS WILL SCATTER” “MAYOR’S CRITICS WONDER IF NEW MAYOR WAS ADDRESSING SOME OTHER CITY, PENDROS WAS ALREADY FINE WITHOUT HER” “IMP SPOTTED NEAR PENDROS SCHOOL; PARENTS FEAR FOR THEIR CHILDREN'S SAFETY FROM INSANE WITNESS”
I think myself and the group as a whole are willing to overlook that...also, the group was about as up to speed on Vampire's rules as it sounds you are currently when they started! Just be aware, this is Requiem, not Masquerade; I enjoyed many elements of Masquerade, but not it's Metaplot, which has been tossed out the window, and we use Requiem's rule system and world as a template, not V:tM's. If this is okay with you, it's okay with me! I am more than happy to help you into the system and setting. Here is the wiki article page to start you on character creation, if you are still interested! I encourage you to play a freshly embraced Kindred, to help ease you into the rules and setting. How's that all sound?
For registering an account on the wiki, Richard is awarded 10XP! Note: It seems difficult to register an account on the wiki. To become a member, you'll need to make an Obsidian Portal account, and then PM me there. From there, I can send you an invite to wiki. This seems to be the only way to register an account.
As Richard takes in the smells of his companions, he notes that Thomas's clothing 'reeks' of oranges and mangos, which is to say the normal human nose wouldn't be able to pick it up, but Richard finds that his particularly enhanced Vampire senses are able to discover that the smells are coming from Thomas's large orange stain. He also notes that the fur on Saki's clothing, and the burns on his, both smell strongly of ozone, the smell of which stings and offends his nose; if it were not combined with the fruity smells coming off of Thomas, the horrible stench would be overwhelming, and Richard thinks it fruitful to not take another snoot-full without the open air.
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