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!
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius and Vitaliano da Riva
-------
As the Brujah return to the main room of Elysium after a long time with the Ravnos, the Cappadocian Lord Benne ascends the stairs on behalf of Clan Cappadocian followed by the Childe of Milov Petrankov, Cantor.
Narses nods to Clan Malkavian, it seems that as with every other vote, his opinion has already been delivered to the crone.
Lutz scoffs at your response Vitaliano, albeit it several minutes later, "I am a fool Vitaliano! Is that still a no? If it's a yes, tell the Ravnos that our Sire votes for me!" Antoine nods to you Vitaliano, "Proceed and cast our votes on my behalf Childe".
-------
Helene smiles at you Ranerius, "You will petition the Prince to remain here in the city? If so I will voice my support for you, assuming of course that you wish me to".
-------
Michael Santo attempts to catch your eyes Veronica, he mouths the words, please. It seems this is his last ditch effort to get you to vote against your own interests.
When he is done pouring I will grab the drink and head over to the man slowly.
Assuming he doesn’t get up or leave when I get within a few feet I will speak in an even tone raising the glass slightly higher. “Can I take a seat as our mutual friend says you should be able to help me find someone who I need to help? “
Side Alley of Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses puts up a hand, "Are you seeking to enter this Inn Doctor? My understanding is that the Tzimisce dwell here... yes and no. I have been waiting for Michael for some time. He has failed to arrive the last few nights in a row".
Lydia's eyes go wide "Ah the Tzimisce, no wonder the front door is boarded up. No doubt it is gruesome within. Who are you Mortal that you should know of such things?"
Side Alley of Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
"Do you serve the fiends now, Moses? If you needed someplace to go after Brexiano's disappearance, you should have come to me, my friend. If Michael has not shown himself by now, I fear he may not. His sire, Radek, was not well liked even within his own clan."
Male Vampire Gangrel, 6th generation 0 xp saved/36 spent
the hunt
Bernardo knows the woman is dangerous so he stays hidden at a distance watching and waiting for the ship to depart so he may follow, certainly not wishing to be too close.
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius and Vitaliano da Riva
Quote:
Gustav leans into Franz who stands beside the Ventrue table, "Do you wish me to accompany you for your vote or do you wish to meet with the Ravnos alone".
"Gustav, I value your guidance, but I shall go alone. These others should not consider me a puppet on strings, and I believe it would give that impression if they only see me act supervised. I wish to earn their respect, and that starts with performing such simple tasks without someone holding my hand.", he smiles warmly at Gustav, then prepares for his turn to meet with Durga Syn.
Side Alley of Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses chuckles, "No I do not serve the Fiends.
My Lady, I am an independent, long have I serve those who need my aid. The Prince is aware of me, inasmuch as a being as powerful as he would pay attention to someone like me".
He pauses, "If Santo is dead than I suppose my terms with him are fulfilled, especially in light of his own failure to appear. I suspect what I know, or at least what I think I know may be of some value to you Doctor. Perhaps we can work out a deal?"
Side Alley of Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
"Perhaps we may be able to, depending on the value of the information of course. Before any of that can happen though, I must find a bit of sustenance. Afterwards, we can discuss such a deal. Fair enough?"
A slight smile spreads across Michele’s lips.
“Yes I have an idea. Thank you.”
Michele will turn and head back to his bar keep friend pulling out several coins and putting them on the bar.
“ 1 glass of your finest wine.” . Once he gives the wine to Michele he will grab it and head to where the patrons go to relieve themselves. Once in there if no one is there Michele will bite his wrist and pour some blood in the wine. Taking care to lick his wound like his beloved sire has shown him.
Heading back to the bar keep with the blood filled wine Michele puts it down, calls him over and once in front of him looks him squarely in the eye
“Thank you for the information. You have been most useful and you will continue to be so. Drink this wine in celebration of our friendship.”
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius and Vitaliano da Riva
-------
Helene smiles at you Ranerius, "You will petition the Prince to remain here in the city? If so I will voice my support for you, assuming of course that you wish me to".
-------
"Such generosity," Ranerius says"I see now you are encouraging the harmony for this sect I had hoped for. Still, I must ponder this kind offer a bit longer. Thank you."
I believe I have a bit longer yes? I think so. And if I can do this on my own merit, all the better.
Side Alley of Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
"That sounds a reasonable proposal Doctor. Sustenance can be found within, if you can stomach the place and what the Fiends do to those that serve them without distinction.
I'll not enter within, too dangerous for one still breathing.
Meet me tonight at the place where we first met and we can discuss further details of my potential service to you. I suggest you tread carefully in this area, you may wish to return here soon once you hear what I have to say".
Moses withdraws back down the alley the other way from the canal.
Lydia grins, "Doctor, you are so good with people. Shell we enter within and see what we can see? Durdona are you ready?"
After your trip to the privy the bartender duly drinks but spits some out, "That's terrible, we'll have to replace the bottle. Ugh, I am surprised no customers have complained. Go now, friend. I get the sense the House no longer wants you here..."
Taking your leave you head to Elysium.
Give me a Dexterity + Stealth roll DC 7 - 2 successes to arrive at Elysium after all, there are those out looking for you...
As Michele is heading out he will place his hood up and once he gets to a suitable spot he will use Mask of a Thousand faces to throw off anyone looking for him.
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius and Vitaliano da Riva
Vitaliano stayed silent after Lutz's answer. He stood up with purpose and swept from the room when his Sire gave him the rights to offer their vote. It was to no one's surprise that he proceeded to vote for his Sire once he found the crone.
He delivered it with less gusto as some of his prior votes, doing so quietly as per the normal for most of the votes. It wasn't to say that pronouncing his vote loudly would help any matters. Unlike the other times, showcasing his support would garner no potential benefits so he simply did not do so.
You successfully navigate the streets to return to Elysium by Gondola of course. However, as you move through the streets you see an old rival of your cousin, Christopher Dandolo, walking with a large armed group.
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, and Michele Querini
---
Franz
Gustav whispers a reply, "Agreed. You will be the only member of Clan Ventrue present for the forseeable future. Padua, while close, is not so close that I can step in for you with ease".
---
Ranerius
"Take what little time you have left to decide Fledgling, it would be my pleasure to instruct you in the ways of our Clan whilst your Sire is unavailable in Paris".
---
Michele
"I take it your initial travels this night have borne at least some fruit?"
---
Maria
You return to the table with Criatas, without any other Brujah present the table feels quite large. Indeed, the entire space feels larger now with so many that were once in attendance now gone. You wonder just how many of your kind stalk the night considering there are at least two to three dozen of your kind present here and now...
Criatas sighs, "Durga Syn is correct, before I can leave you here alone to minister in my stead we must speak of the Whys..."
---
Onfroi
Petradon turns to you, "When the Malkavian returns, you will vote for me. It is hubris to vote for oneself".
Ferdinand remains silent at the exchange.
---
Veronica
Michael speaks, "Veronica, do you see me?"
Fanchon chuckles, "Fledgling, you were dying when Radek rescued you for his own gain. These borrowed nights you should be thankful for. Who knows, perhaps I shall find some use for you after my victory".
---
All
Michele Querini enters the room while the Malkavian is still upstairs voting. He takes a seat next to his Sire at the Setite table.
Side Alley of Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
You head to the back door and find an armed man standing outside of it, he wields a crossbow. The bolt is sharpened wood and not metal. He raises the crossbow, "'Fraid Signore' an Signora's that this place is closed for repairs, too dangerous to enter.
I will have to ask you to find another place to find a drink".
Xing purses her lips, "My Sire is the Man with No Name. Childe of Alejandro the Exiled Prince of Jerusalem who is Chidle to your own Sire Uncle. Is that the proper honorific to refer to you as, Uncle?
Why not ask this question of my Grandsire who is no doubt in Court right now? I've little use for these politics".
Savio, she is not lying. However, you have never heard of any Lasombra that goes by the Moniker, the Man with No Name.
Andrew begins packing a pipe, "Ah right, tha' man wit' no name, Ah remember ya' mentionin' that name ta' me.
Seems like yer a long way from yer own home tho' Xing. Are ye' intendin' on stayin' 'ere a while? If so, ah'd like ta' ally meself wit' ya'. I think we work well tagether"
"We have our suspicions and have requested an audience with Narses but he refuses us until the Conclave is over. We sent one of your own to secure the vote in Simon's stead but we believe that he will lose as though Ferdinand is beloved by us, he is not well known nor an Elder who would garner support from the other Clans Elders, especially with such little time.
Why do you care? Why should we trust you to aid us?"
"Indeed, the same one who murdered my Father and Mother. Tell me Sir Knights, if I spring a trap for this one, will you aid me in closing it shut?"
Geoffroi looks grave
“While I am hesitant about involving myself in a conflict that I have little information on, what I have seen these past few days has driven home to me that there are evil forces on the streets of this city. I can not stand by. If you have need of my blade it shall be yours”
Simon's tale intrigues me for a start, what he can teach me if he were willing would be enough, truth be told.
The politics at play here are a very complex thing, taking on a life of their own like waves and undercurrents in the ocean. Ebbs, flow and rip currents. I hold a not so common worldview of abundance, many can benefit and one individuals benefit is not another's loss, well it doesn't have to be.
You know who I am, and that I am new to this... existence. But, I am a quick learner. I am loyal to the Traditions, to the Ventrue, to my Sire. But, then there is me. And, I will not allow my individuality to die. I will always make my own way within all the parameters forced upon me.
I seek allies, not enemies... the enemies will come on their own. I seek the comfort of what's raw and real... I am Ventrue, but see admirable qualities in your clan and other clans deemed less noble.
But, your kind know and control more than half of my beloved Venice. Lesser canals, tunnels, sewers and catacombs. It's a side of her I've not experienced in mortality. I wish to see her in her totality, I wish to walk along her lesser known pathways and be friend to your kind.
I have said too much. If her were mortal, he'd be catching his breath.
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, and Michele Querini
---
Storyteller Shadow wrote:
Ranerius
"Take what little time you have left to decide Fledgling, it would be my pleasure to instruct you in the ways of our Clan whilst your Sire is unavailable in Paris".
"The legends have spoken of your beauty, they failed to mention your magnanimity. May your night tonight be as pleasant as your kind intentions."
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, and Michele Querini
Michele leans in a bit to his sire. yes some fruit. A man has tasked one of our own who is here tonight - Vitaliano. So I shall see what he knows. Also the bar keep was not one of us but not human. He seemed to have a human visage on top of his true one. It took much from me to sway him to help but he did. Also in 2 more nights time he will be completely under my thrall. He will be useful I am sure.”
Side Alley of Greetings Inn - Durdona Checheg & Lorenzo Cappelli
The guard stiffens and seems to want to step within but hesitates, "You were asked to come by the Master? I would need to check on that..." He seems a bit non-committal as to whether he can enter and trust you all to stay without...
Narses Court - Elysium - Franz Albert Capsali, Veronica Acqua, Sister Maria Bellarosa, Onfroi, Ranerius Bernerius, Vitaliano da Riva, and Michele Querini
"Not human? A lupine then?" Sadir retorts in a whisper.
The still invisible man remains quiet for long minutes, "A flowery speech. But I would still need some way to verify that your words match your deeds. How can we do this? Have you any suggestions?"
I don't let rolls stand in the way of well written narratives...
"Perhaps, at least you will know where to come back to and wait when you want to "meet" with me once more".
Another long pause, "Very well, a loyalty test.
Clan Nosferatu has sought control over a particular water way in this city since it was wrested from us by the House of Giovanni. Petition the new Lords of the Mausoleum, the Cappadocians, to grant us this territory as our Domain once more.
If you fail, at least we shall know you are an ally in our endeavors.
If you try and succeed, then I shall tell you my identity and a bond of trust will begin to be formed between us".
This will be the discussion forum for the Dark Ages Vampire PBP based on V20 rules. I will list essentials here such as Clan availability, Rule Changes from Revised Vampire, etc. etc.
Hi Talomyr. Yes I have some players who are interested, I want to see who is in or out before I open it up to Recruitment. I will keep you in mind though.
Just an FYI I will be using V20 rules BUT the history of the WOD will be one from my home campaign so things are a bit different. We may be starting the group as Humans and then entering the embrace.
Based upon (offline) discussions. Everyone will be starting as a human. Some of you have already chosen the Clan into which you will be embraced. You do not have to choose I can choose for you and then through roleplaying you can figure the Clan out. One of you has already chosen this approach.
We will be starting in Venice (I have not decided the year.
Available clans based upon location in Venice.
Cappadocian (or Giovanni Bloodline),
Follower of Set,
Laibon,
Lamia,
Lasombra,
Nosferatu,
Salubri,
Samedi,
Toreador, and
Ventrue
Other clans are obviously available in general but NOT in Venice during the time period in which we will be playing.
Talomyr. Two more players besides the ones who have posted will be playing so if you are still interested you are in. I will be adding more detail over the next week or two. We probably will not be fully up and running for three weeks as work is crazy busy for me right now and it will take time for everyone to make charcters.
Please use this format when creating character profiles. A standard format will make it easier for me to review your charcters once creation is complete.
Nature -
Demeanor -
Generation
Sire -
Max Blood Pool /Current
Max Trait Tating -
Blood points Per Turn -
Sounds good, thanks for letting me in. Based on the presence of the Salubri, even though you haven't chosen an exact year, I assume that this is before Tremere put the big bite on Saulot?
Storyteller Shadow:
I assume clan selection is being kept secret, or is it common knowledge among the players? Depending on what you already have, first thoughts are around either a non-Giovanni Cappadocian, a Lasombra, or a Warrior Path Salubri. If any of those work better for you than another, please let me know and I will start tailoring a concept appropriately.
Hi Talomyr. OK great. Yes, that is one of the things that changed in my "revised" WoD history. Instead of locating and Diablerizing Saulot, Tremere found the location for Ravnos instead, he traveled to India with Etrius (and other clan members). In the attempt Ravnos awakened and everyone but Tremere (and a Clan member who has shielded his identity) perished (this includes Etrius). Tremere entered torpor and Goratrix was given leadership over Clan Tremere. As a result Tremere now have Auspex, Chimerstry, and Thaumaturgy as Clan Disciplines and it is the Ravnos who are hunted in the west. The Salubri Clan is thriving quite nicely still.
Other historical events have changed as well but that is probably the most significant.
Talomyr:
It is up to you whether you want your Clan identity known or not. If you do not, simply leave your Clan and all known Disciplines blank and PM me that information, I will keep it in files off line. All three of your selections are fine by me, I want players to play what THEY want and not worry about what anyone else is doing.
As everyone is starting with a Human, your concept is important. Spend at least a little bit of time considering this and post a brief history based on your concept for me, thanks.
Freebies - 15 (You may only select 1 non-clan Discipline and it must be approved by me first).
Max Trait Rating 4.
Miscellaneous
You may select up to 7 Flaw points. You may select some flaws during Human creation (if appropriate) but the Freebies generated will be spent post Embrace.
You may also select up to 10 points in Merits (obviously only freebies can be used to purchase these) again choices must be approved by me.
Generation
As some of you have chosen to be embraced by your prior characters this will be a LOW generation game. No Backgrounds should be spent on Generation, as I will choose your sires, I will set your generation. To offset the imbalance (and there will be an imbalance as Lou will be starting out at 5th generation) I will award extra freebies to the players who are higher generation. No one will start out lower than 7th.
Starting Location
Initially we will be starting in Venice and probably moving on from there at some point. Your humans can be from anywhere you want, so long as they have either moved to or are planning to go to Venice.
Miguel, I already have an idea for your new character I will run by you when I have a chance to call you this week.
I am setting the game in the year 1309 in Venice. This week I will send out an overview of what is going on in and around Venice during this time period. I will also give a brief overview of what is going on in the rest of the world as well. That should be able to help you flesh out your concepts.
So far we have:
Talomyr - Human (Clan Unknown),
Loucypher - Human Twins (Bloodline Blood Brothers - we need a new name for that line, that name is cheesy),
Thesing - Human (Clan Storyteller Choice),
Nethru - Human (Clan Undecided)
Miguel - Human (Followers of Set)
Curtis - Human (Clan Undecided)
We may have one or two more players joining I am not sure yet. If they do NOT join, I will open a Recruitment thread for one more player.
As everyone is starting with a Human, your concept is important. Spend at least a little bit of time considering this and post a brief history based on your concept for me, thanks.
You may select up to 7 Flaw points. You may select some flaws during Human creation (if appropriate) but the Freebies generated will be spent post Embrace.
You may also select up to 10 points in Merits (obviously only freebies can be used to purchase these) again choices must be approved by me.
Could we perhaps, take non-vampire related flaws for points to be spent on non-vampire related merits prior to embrace, or failing that have say 3-5 of the 15 freebies prior to embrace?
The reason I ask, is because under V20 rule, additional language is now a 1 pt merit and no longer a knowledge ability. With the concept I am working toward it would seem reasonable and almost expected for him to know more than just Italian.
Could we perhaps, take non-vampire related flaws for points to be spent on non-vampire related merits prior to embrace, or failing that have say 3-5 of the 15 freebies prior to embrace?
Both of these positions seem reasonable. I approve up to 5 Freebies to be spent prior to Embrace and I also approve Human Flaws to be used to purchase Human Merits.
how am I supposed to remember all the natures and demeanors, and the skills.......lol
No access to a book I take it? The V20 natures and demeanors are the same as revised and 2nd edition. Skills are a bit different for V20. I would think even a few of these would change for a Dark Ages type of game.
Talomyr has the abilities correct including the changes for Firearms to Archery and Drive to Ride.
Other relevant abilities which will change I will try to post tonight when I get home.
Before we begin the game I will post all house rules with time for you all to review and determine if you agree or disagree.
Natures and Demeanors I can also list Lou, I will include the Dark Ages as well as the modern ones as the Dark Ages N&D are somewhat limited.
I do not remember what we discussed as Clan Disciplines for Blood Brothers (soon to be renamed!) I believe that we houseruled that to include Sanguinas, Vicissitude and Valern (Obeah). Let me know if that is accurate. Not having Potence of Fortitude could hurt.
I know for sure that Monkeygod here on the boards is interested in playing. Hopefully by the end of the week I will also have an answer from a few other established players. Once I have all of the numbers finalized I will determine if I want to open a recruitment thread. My top number will be 7 (perhaps 8 if people from the old table top campaign ALL join in).
Finally caught up on this. Definitely plan on playing, I will PM you some info in a bit.
I have a concern though, regarding the above post: Unless there is a spectacular plot reason, Blood Brothers should absolutely not get Valern. It's a mystical discipline Saulot learned while on his path to enlightenment in the east. Also, unless you're really changing what the Blood Brothers are fundamentally, they should very much have at least one of the physical disciplines.
Personally, I am always of the mindset that unless there is a very, very, good reason, a character should never have more than 1 point in clan specific disciplines(Quietus, Valern, Obtenebration, etc). Me, I lump Protean in there as well, due to the nature of Gangrel and how I feel Protean reflects that, but obviously that's just how I run things.
Hey Monkeygod. I understand your concern regardding Blood Brothers. The reason for Valern is a plot reason based on what Lou's character from a prior game did so direct character action is what caused this. I am not 100% sure what Lou is going to pick yet but I suspect it will be those three. Personally I would pick Sanguinas, Fortitude and Valern but it is up to him. I think we are fundamentally changing Blood Brothers (even their name) especially considering they were not created for centuries to come based on canon.
Alrighty Nethru. As your last character was a Giovanni (who formed the Samedi) I will stay away from that clan for you.
Monkeygod has asked me about "splat" books for this game. I pretty much own everything so everything is available for splat even though I want the core rules to be V20. Let me know before you pick something though as I want to check it out first and see how the mechanics of the old rules balance versus the V20 changes.
Attributes. Here is a list of the revised attributes. I will be using Dark Ages Vampire for the swapped out Attributes.
Talents
Alertness:
Athletics:
Awareness:
Brawl:
Empathy:
Expression:
Intimidation:
Leadership:
Streetwise will simply be called Carousing
Subterfuge:
Hobby Skill: This category encompasses anything the ST deems is mainly self taught - examples in the book Diplomacy, Fortune Telling, Scrounging (choose one)
Skills
Animal Ken:
Crafts:
Drive is Ride
Etiquette:
Firearms is Archery
Larceny:
Melee:
Performance:
Stealth:
Survival:
Professional Skill: This category encompasses anything the ST deems to be taught examples include Fast DRaw, Forgery, Game Playing, Navigation, Torture (choose one)
Knowledges
Academics:
Computer is Hearth Wisdom which will include Local Knowledge
Finance: I am leaving this alone as monetary economies are now coming into prominence, the first world bank is operating in the form of the Knights Templar
Investigation:
Law:
Medicine:
Occult:
Politics:
Science is Seneschal the knowledge of how to run a household Technology is Theology
Expert Knowledge: This category encompasses anything the ST deems intellectual or mental in nature and must be studied examples include Archaeology, History, Military Theory, Psychology (choose one)
Venice in 1309
While the rest of the Italian City States are ruled by autocratic despots Venice is still an Oligarchy. Currently Doge Pietro Gradenigo and the members of the Great Council guide the city though this turbulent time period. Recent changes to the law have much of the citizens still grumbling about the dangerous turn the city has taken, through deft political maneuvering the Doge has closed the Council to those who have either already sat on the council or who can prove that relatives were on the council in the past. Though there are still plum positions to be sought by those who are not “included” much of the citizenry has been closed off from having an effective voice in the administration of the city.
Current Noble Families: Dandolo (supporters of the Doge), Gradenigo, Soranzos, Querini, Tiepolo, (last two opponents of the Doge), Ca’Grande.
There are people from all walks of life and all cultures in Venice at this time, merchants and skilled laborers hold great prominence in the city not just the Venetian “nobility”.
Traditionally the East was the concern of Venice. Her founding fathers were as much Byzantine Greek as they were Latin. In fact Venice’s Doge was one of the architects of the fall of the Byzantine Empire over 100 years ago. Since that time though, the Latin Kingdom of Constantinople (never much more than the city and its walls) fell to the Palaeologus line which has revived the Byzantine Empire. Relations between that Emperor and the hated Genoans was long established which weakened Venetian Black Sea trading interests. However, the most serious blow came over 15 years ago when the Mameluke Sultan of Egypt swept away the last of the Crusader states in the Outremer. Though the Venetians immediately opened relations with the Sultan their position which was once one of strength has been diminished by unstable relations with an infidel.
As her Mediterranean power has been checked, her power on land has grown. Venetian mercenaries who unlike the mercenaries of the other Italian city states, are from the lagoon itself owing more loyalty than deep pockets to the Venetian cause. This however changed just over a year ago when Marquis Azzo VII of Este died at Ferrara leaving no legitimate offspring. It would appear that one of Azzo’s two brothers had a claim to the seat of power in Ferrara. Before his death Azzo had named his grandson Folco, from an illegitimate son, to be his heir in his will. The brothers were furious and Folco’s father Fosco appealed to Venice for help.
Naturally Venice was all too eager to aid Fosco’s son retain the title and dispatched a military force to prop up the young heir. The Pope though had no intention of seeing Venice gain such a prize and resurrected the papal claim of Suzerainty over the city declaring in favor of the brothers. Doge Gradenigo refused to yield and did not withdraw Venetian troops when ordered to do so by the Pope. After all, Venice had long been outside of the direct influence of the Pope’s influence. Appeals by the Doge fell on deaf ears and Pope Clement threatened to excommunication and interdict on the Republic, its Doge, his councilors and captains and all those who gave advice against the wishes of the Holy See.
Naturally such a threat was poorly received by the Doge who refused to secede to the wishes of the Pope. A delegation was sent to try a diplomatic solution but was rebuked. It is now February of 1309 and the streets and canals of Venice have become a dangerous place. The Great Council debates over the pending excommunication with the enemies of the Doge as well as his supporters out on the streets calling for the support of the people and in many instances coming to blows.
Perhaps your modern sensibility causes you to ask what is the big deal? The Pope excommunicates people and no one bats an eyelash. However, in the days of the Middle Ages such an interdiction if released in a Bull by the Pope held great weight. The people of Venice would be at the mercy of the rest of the Christian world anyone could enslave them or confiscate their goods at any time with no fear of reprisal. All commercial treaties with Christian neighbors would be annulled, all trade and traffic suspended and enemies would be allowed to freely blockade the city with no fear of reprisal. Worse yet the mass could not be performed in the city and any clergy were bound to leave the city within 10 days of the decree. This is a serious penalty indeed should the Great Council and the Doge fail to find common ground with the Pope.
I spoke with Miguel and Curtis. They are both on board to play. Miguel confirmd he will play a Setite and Curtis is going to allow me to choose his clan for him. I should have an answer from Jacob tomorrow as to whether he is interested. If he is not we will have 7 players. I like an odd number of players though there is one more person on the boards I would consider reaching out to to play.
What do the rest of you think? Should I cap it at 7 or let an 8th person in?
This weekend I should have some time and I will post a few more things: (i) A snippet of what is going on in other pasrt of the world in case anyone is looking to have a background from outside of Venice and (ii) I will list some of the rule changes from Revised to V20.
By next Saturday March 9, 2012, I would like to review all characters and iron out all issues with character creation. The game will begin on Sunday March 10, 2012.
The potential 8th man has dropped interest. So we are set at 7 players. Depending on backgrounds chosen I may link some of you together for ease of integration. In your backstory please also indicate whether you have any relatives still alive, where they live and how you interact with them.
You've said that this is sort of your homebrew version of the Dark Ages setting, so what chages have been made, beyond Salubri not being mostly wiped out(Awesome btw)
Also, I'm guessing this is pre-Anarch Revolt, so Assamites are still hella badass, the various Antd are still alive, etc?
Finally, are we stuck by what histroy will write, or can we influence things to be different? And if so, how majorly?
Other things that I have revised I do not want to reveal at this time. I want the characters to literally be brand new Licks who don;t know anything about the Vampiric world. I think the best way to create that sense of ignorance is to keep the players in the dark. As the game progresses the differences will become more apparent.
Yes this is pre-anarch revolt which does not "officially" begin until 1395 when Tyler attacks and diablerizes Hardestadt the Elder. Yes Assamites have the blood addiction weakness and not the ban on drinking vampiric blood weakness. Some Antes are even up and lively...
No, you are not stuck by the "history" White Wolf wrote. You can literally change anything and it is likely we will change things. From a human history point of view it is tough to nudge things too much but if it happens it happens.
The campaign (when it was a table top campaign) I ran as snap shots of history. The newly embraced (sometimes I would run more established Childer) would be the main protagonists. Once the plots ran their course that character would be "retired" and another character would be the main protagonist. Players still have creative control over what their old characters are doing though and often times their goals and the goals of the new protagonists are not aligned.
For example, Lou's first character is actively hunting his second character down for reasons which may or may not be revealed in this game. Meanwhile Miguel's second character may HAVE to hunt down his first character for reasons which may or may not be revealed in this game.
Marco Polo a Venetian led the way decades ago to opening the Silk Road to the west. 1277-1295.
The Mongol Empire is at the apex of its power in the mid and far east.
The Reconquista has pushed the Moors almost entirely out of Spain.
The Sultanate of Iconium in the middle east is at its apex.
The Pope moves the seat of the papacy from Rome to Avignon.
William Wallace is captured and beheaded in London.
King Phillip the Fair expels the Jews from France.
King Phillip the Fair arrests Knights Templars in France for heresy.
The church turns its attention from Crusades in far off lands to Crusades against heresy in the west.
Edward the II crowned King of England.
Robert the Bruce is crowned King of Scotland.
The new Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII is crowned.
Teutonic Knights move their headquarters to Prussia.
If any of this interests you, feel free to somehow tie it into your background.
Talomyr - Human (Clan Unknown),
Loucypher - Human Twins (Bloodline Blood Brothers),
Thesing - Human (Clan Storyteller Choice),
Nethru - Human (Clan Storyteller Choice),
Miguel - Human (Clan Followers of Set),
Curtis - Human (Clan Storyteller Choice), and
Monkeygod - Human (Clan Unknown).
I am running a web tutorial for the newbs tonight so they can get up to speed on the Paizo website so this weekend things should start picking up.
Monkeygod (who is a player in this campaign) is the Storyteller for the above posted Campaign. He asked me if any of you would be interested in playing in that game as well. I know most of you are new to PBP but if we get a few weeks in and you like it I think you would really like that game as well.
It is set in the modern nights and we were playing Elders using the Revised rules. The third player (who seemed a bit flaky anyway) ended up dropping leaving just two of us but I think with even four of us the game could take off again. My character is a Tremere and the other character is a Malkavian (he has a pretty good concept too I was considering inviting him to this game but 7 seems like a big number already so I decided to pass).
Look at the thread when you have a moment and see what you think.
In the meantime:
Talomyr - I approve your profile.
Xing Shi - I need to look again but I think you need a little something else as well.
Everyone else I look forward to your profiles and concepts.
Confucius. I approve Michael Santos. We still need to pick a Nature and Demeanor for him. We can do that next week before or after Luigi's Black Crusade game.
Lou. I approve Katriana with the following caveats.
1) Is Intimidation right for this character as a Talent?
2) You did not select any languages with Freebie Points, that means you will only be speaking (Romanian I guess) your native language. There will be a communication barrier for you.
You did not select any languages with Freebie Points, that means you will only be speaking (Romanian I guess) your native language. There will be a communication barrier for you.
Nethru - Xing Shi - character sheet and concept approved - awaiting History. (I sent you a text message on weapons).
Talomyr - Lorenzo - character sheet and concept approved - awaiting History.
Lou - Katriana & Sergei character sheet and concept approved - History 1/2 complete.
Thesing - Awaiting updates on Gunther & History.
Curt - Michael Santos character sheet and concept approved - awaiting History.
Miguel - character will be complete tonight.
Monkeygod - Awaiting character and confirmation of concept as well as History.
Based on our progress we should be able to start game this Sunday. I will post some of the rules (as there are both book rules and house rules I will be using changing that I want to have clear before we begin). Each of you will start with a short introduction then full gameplay will begin.
