Dark Ages Vampire - Bloodlines

Game Master Dennis Harry

Bloodlines is a continuation of the now defunct table top Dark Ages Vampire game wherein the PC's have created lineal descendants throughout the ages.

Attendees seeking a seat or have a seat in the Inner Circle:

Assamite - Lord Bajazet al Nasir.

Brujah – Lady Meridie de Chancie, Lord Criatas, “Dark”Selena, Robin Leeland.

Cappadocian – Lord Benne.

Gangrel – Milov Petrankov.

Lasombra - Prince Narses the Archbishop of Nod

Malkavian – Antione le Fanu, Lutz von Hohenzollern.

Nosferatu – Cristo Petradon, Simon.

Salubri – Brian Stack.

Setites – Sadir.

Toreador – Rafael de Corazon, Francois Villon, Helene la Jouste.

Tremere - Radek, Mistress Fanchon.

Tzimisce – Myca Vykos.

Ventrue – Alyssa Gilbert, Lady Jadviga Almanov, Lanzo von Saschen, Prince Alexander.

Remember - only those listed get votes. Of course influencing their Childer can go a long way to getting a vote.

Social Combat:

Let me first thank Sir Dunstan and his excellent Game of Thrones campaign as the inspiration for this rules tweak. A shout out to Vitaliano who also does an excellent job as a player in that campaign.

Game of Thrones has a Social Combat system that, while not translatable directly, I used as inspiration for this campaign.

This is a proposed rules set and I am more than happy to hear feedback from Players before I implement it in full.

Roleplaying is still required to get your point across. However, I think a mechanical system could be beneficial for this scenario, a scenario quite unlike anything I have ever done in a Vampire game before.

Making My Case

To convince a “voter” to side with your Sire, you may roll the following set of Attributes and Abilities:

1. Against someone who is clearly NOT in your favor --- Manipulation+Subterfuge+Politics
2. Against someone who is NEUTRAL – Charisma+Expression+Politics

The difficulty of all rolls is that Cainites Willpower. You will need to score as many successes as they have Willpower to win the contest. Once you engage the voter, you will only have three rounds to make your case and can only attempt do so one time per night.

If you have Presence – Awe or Enrancement, you may attempt to use these powers in conjunction with the above roll. Each success utilizing that Discipline gives you one more success on your total roll.

Beware, failing in using Presence in Elysium can lead to Sanctions by Thomas Brexiano.

Also beware, Cainites may try to turn this system around on you…

But What if Someone Else Tries This on a Voter I just Brought to my Side?

Amount of successes is a key factor here, you will want to score as many success as you can to ensure that a rival does not try to take that vote from you!

Certain NPC’s already believe that others are in their favor and would never change their votes. Those will be the toughest cookies to break.

Note this system cannot be used on:

Your In-Clan rivals, no amount of sweet talking or bribes will change their minds they all want this position badly.

Prince Narses, he simply will not entertain such discourse. Of course, this does not mean you cannot try to get into the ears of one of his Childer to have them speak with him…

Discerning My Quarry’s Intent

How can I tell if someone is for or against me despite what they are saying?

Make a Perception+Empathy+Politics roll.

The difficulty is 10, less that Cainites Humanity score. Those closer to the Beast are much harder to read. For every Century over 300 years that Cainite has lived, the DC will be increased by 1, topping out at 10, as these Cainites have well and truly mastered this game to have existed for so long in the first place.

Once you engage the voter, you will only have three rounds to ferret out their intent and can only attempt do so one time per night. You will need to score as many successes as they have Willpower to ascertain their intent.

If you have Auspex – Read the Soul or Invade the Mind, you may attempt to use these powers in conjunction with the above roll. Each success utilizing that Discipline gives you one more success on your total roll.

How else can I make my case?

The use of Presence, while frowned upon, is much less cause for censure than using Dominate. Dominate does not work on a Cainite whose blood is closer to Caine than your own. If you seek to use Dominate to convince a voter (or perhaps one of the Childer?) to vote for your Sire, it would be best used elsewhere in the city.

Boons – the boon system of quid pro quo can also be used to gain votes. You will need to offer something of course that that voter does not have or cannot get from another candidate.

Eliminate my rivals. This one is obvious though failure to do so without detection may subject YOU to the Final Death!


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Sleeps in his bed far from home in this new land images churn within his mind dreams of battles mixing with the souls of those killed arising as dark spectors..


Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo:

Spoiler:

"Outstanding.", Gunther replies with a mixture of enthusiasm and sarcasm. "It will be a comfort to know that my Inn has not undergone any misfortune in my absence."


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini:
The hour is quite late, the sun will be up within the hour when you head into Greetings as the last group of slaves are brought inside. Once Sadir and Kestral complete their conversation, Mr. Kestral talks to each slave in turn and they take a seat and proceed to consume the meals placed before them by the staff. Mr. Kestral then takes the gondola drivers into the back room.

Ten minutes later Mr. Kestral comes out from the back room with the gondola drivers, including the right hand man of Santo. They each walk somewhat awkwardly towards the door and head out.

Mr. Kestral turns to you, "I trust that you can bring the rest of this rabble upstairs to the last available room. Have them change into the fresh clothing. The staff members will throw away their old garments, their stench even now offends me. When you see Talisman, tell him that this Inn has not been procured for us but for them". He gestures to the people eating. "He will need to find another place to stay. If you are unable to tell him you may have Sadir inform him. The staff belongs to the proprietor however I have made them malleable to my will. See that you do not disturb them in their tasks".

Mr. Kestral begins to walk out of the building not waiting for a reply from you. Do you stop him or remain seated? Sadir does not make a move towards him.


Storyteller Shadow:
I will stay seated and look at Sadir for "approval". Since I took Greek what where they saying?


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini:
It seems that you entered not long after Sadir as you catch their interaction almost at the beginning.

Kestral - "...sure how you managed to slither your way into this but I assure you that I will be keeping my eye on you Serpent".
Sadir - "I am honored to be given the opportunity to aid my brethern in any way that I can", he replies bowing.
Kestral - "If this were not such an important event I would strip your skin from your flesh as you stand before me vermin".
Sadir - "I am quite glad then that I am here at such an auspicious time".
Kestral - "I have not forgotten our last encounter. Nor will you escape my wrath a second time should you cross me again".
Sadir - "I was under the impression it was my former colleague who had vexed you so. What had I to do with anything?"
Kestral - "Guilt by association with one such as that".
Sadir - "I must admit to some confusin, it would seem that he did the job that your circle wanted done".
Kestral - "The job is left unfinished, do you believe that your friend is still even in there? I assure you that by now there is little of his former self left. That is his crime not ensuring that the death of that ancient one was final. His greed is his undoing. Perhaps you can gain my favor if you tell me where he is..."
Sadir - "I do not know. I am currently attempting to gain the favor of others, I fear my opportunity to "slither" my way to your good side will have to wait".
Kestral - Chuckling, "Immortality is not forever for those who are not wise enough to learn when to speak and when not to".
Sadir - Bowing, "I appreciate your advice and hope to receive more of your counsel as this conclave continues".
Kestral - Stares at Sadir with his head still bowed. He then begins moving about the room saying nothing furtehr to Sadir.

As Kestral leaves Sadir simply smiles. [b] "Such a pleasant fellow".


Storyteller Shadow:
I will move towards Sadir. "Was everything to your satisfaction?"


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Michael Santo, and Gunther Thesing

"Oh yes quite satisfactory..." he replies trailing off as the door to Greetings opens and in step Michael Santo and two men you do not recognize Michele "Or at least it was..."

Gunther, your Inn is quite packed but these are not the customers you would have liked, for the Lord's sake these people smell like a slave ship with dirt to match. You do not see Mr. Kestral anywhere.

Michael none of your men are here but Querini is with another foreigner.

You are all up guys!


Michael steps in Eyes wide open in surprise at appearance of all the slaves in here. thinking .oO (I knew it was going to be a lot of people but not so many, and in such poor conditions) and remains silent


Clearing his and losing his mind, Alessandro remembers "Greetings", as he moves away from the docks. He thinks on where he may have heard the name. He must find it.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Michael Santo, and Gunther Thesing

As you all stand around looking at each other, shocked at the appearance of the room all for different reasons, Michael's companion heads into the Inn and begins to circle the room looking at the patrons and the servers alike.

A smile twists his face and he nods satisfied with something.

The strangest thing for you Gunther is that none of the staff milling about even look your way they are so focused on their tasks. If only you could get them to work so diligently!

The foreigner standing next to Querini turns and looks at him whispering,

Michele Querini:
"You know them I hope for their sakes?"

The smiling man circles around Michele and the man with him saying nothing further but lingering over the foreigner before returning to stand behind Michael Santo.

OK go!


Michael turns slightly to "hans" and whispers back to him "was everything to you liking?


Storyteller Shadow:
in Greek I whisper back The taller gentleman is Michael Santos- it was his men who unloaded the ship. The other I do not know.


Michele Querini, Michael Santo, & Gunther Thesing

Spoiler:

Gunther takes a few steps further inside, looking about in sheer bewilderment. Greetings is busier than he has ever seen... and the staff are hustling about with more enthusiasm than he is accustomed to... almost as if a renewed sense of purpose has been instilled within them.

Speechless Gunther turns towards Michael expecting some kind of explanation.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini:
I will edit what you said the other two people you do not know. It is Michael, Gunther, and another person there, the one who walked around the room.

Michael Santo:
He whispers back, "Oh yes, I am quite satisfied".

Michael Santo, Gunther Thesing, and Michele Querini

The foreigner standing next to Querini steps forward. "Gantlemen this is a private party and I am afraid I was not informed that you would be arriving, thus I will have to sadly ask you to leave. As for you Mr. Santo, please come with me to the back as there is some business we must conclude".

The man standing next to Santo clears his throat. "I think not sir, my employer will not take a secret back door meeting with the likes of you. You may conclude your business in our presence or not at all". He says this with an air of confidence and eloquence which belies his physical appearance indeed the man looks like a commoner!


Michael Santo, Gunther Thesing, and Michele Querini

Spoiler:
"I am Gunther Thesing. This is my establishment, sir." Gunther replies with a modest tone of authority. "Can someone please explain what this is all about?"


Shadow's Status

Gunther Thesing, Michael Santo, and Michele Querini

The foreigner with Querini's eyes go ice cold. "Mr. Santo is an employee of my associate and as such I have business with him. Should he wish to be fully compensated for his services he will come with me, otherwise he will be going home this night empty handed".

The man turns to Gunther, "No. You were paid handsomely by Mr. Kestral to utilize this establishment. Form now until such time as Mr. Kestral is finished with it, this establishment is his. Unless he has invited you to come and inspect the premises at your whim, which I seriously doubt he has. You will march back out of here and ask no further questions as I believe you too are expecting further payment and such payment will be granted only with your full cooperation. I assure you that I speak with Mr. Kestral's authority in such matters. Of course if you wish to take it up with him then by all means do so".

The foreigner turns to Querini and speaks to him in Greek,

Greek:
"I must be getting along quickly as I feel myself becoming quite exhausted. Meet me back here tomorrow night at 9 pm, you have some explaining to do here my friend". His face is unreadable as he turns back to the group that just arrived.

Hans chuckles at the foreigner and turns to Michael Santo waiting to gauge his reaction. If the foreigner hears Hans' chuckle he does not respond.


Michael speaks with a look of curiosity and concern across his face... "well technically speaking my contract would be void at this point I would say. I in good faith couldnt recieve the rest of the payment."


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Michael Santo and Gunther Thesing

The foreigner looks at you with mild surprise, "What makes you say that Signore Santo?"


Michael Santo wrote:
Michael speaks with a look of curiosity and concern across his face... "well technically speaking my contract would be void at this point I would say. I in good faith couldnt recieve the rest of the payment."

"Well, if you are too conflicted with your conscience and feel more at peace with yourself to not accept it, then I'll take it. I ain't shy. I'll make sure it gets put to good use." Gunther commented in a slight snarky tone.


"you are more than welcome to it good friend" michael gesture Gunther to go collect from those two men


Not sure of the timing context vs. context. Has Alessandro found "Greetings"?


Shadow's Status

Alessandro will not be able to find it in the same night, the city is simply too large. You will need to employ contacts to do so, it is not the type of place he would frequent.


Cool. Besides calling it a night, options? Dad is here in 2 nights?


Shadow's Status

Options would be prowling about but the fog eventually permeates the entire city reducing visibility. Yes, dad will be by in two nights. Once the scene at the Inn is complete we will reach the next day.


OK. He heads home, but stops by where he met the girl. It's linked to as activity on the docks. He'll watch for a few minutes and go home. Sleep.


In Greek:

Storyteller Shadow:
Understood. I will wait to make a "clean" exit. Want to stay to see what happens with the payment. Afterwards will head home.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Gunther Thesing, and Michael Santo

The foreigner frowns, “There is little time for this”. He turns to all of you individually and states in a commanding voice, “COME WITH ME”.

Storyteller Shadow ONLY:
Dominate Gunther 3d10 ⇒ (1, 1, 6) = 8, Michael Santo 3d10 ⇒ (9, 3, 10) = 22, and Hans 3d10 ⇒ (1, 3, 10) = 14

Gunther shrugs and heads forward while Michael begins to move forward at the Foreigner’s request his feet shifting awkwardly.

Hans returns the steely command with one of his own directing it towards the Foreigner. “WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND AGREE TO YOUR DEMANDS. YOU MAY BE ON YOUR WAY COMFORTABLE WITH THE FACT THAT YOUR WILL HAS BEEN DONE”.

Storyteller Shadow ONLY:
Dominate Sadir - Spend 1 Willpower. 6d10 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 1, 7, 7) = 24

The Foreigner becomes visibly relieved and heads out the front door saying nothing further.

Gunther pauses somewhat confused by the Foreigner's sudden turn about while Michael attempts to follow the foreigner. However, Hans’ firm grasp holds both of them in place. He turns to each and whispers to them softly enough that Querini you cannot hear him.

Storyteller Shadow ONLY:
Dominate Gunther 6d10 ⇒ (9, 10, 1, 10, 10, 8) = 48 and Dominate Michael 6d10 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 1, 6, 7) = 22

Michael Santo and Gunther Thesing ONLY:
"STAY WITH ME".

Both men stand still and shake their heads looking a bit bewildered at the odd behavior of both of these men.

Hans turns to Querini. “Now my friend, the matter of payment for Signore Santo?”

He then turns to Gunther, “You live close by no? I think it is time you get to bed as the hour is quite late. It seems that these people are here at the behest of your guest and as Signore Querini’s friend stated, you will not want to unnerve him”.


He had the balance of the funds. He was to pay Michael. as I point to the door that Sadir left.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Gunther Thesing, and Michael Santo

Hans laughs, "Ah well. Let's go back to your place then and get whatever you have there, shall we? Unless of course you have an objection after all you can always get the funds from him tomorrow".

Michele make a Perception + Empathy check diff. 5


Perception + empathy test 4d10 ⇒ (1, 3, 3, 2) = 9 diff 5. Hahaha what a fail


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Gunther Thesing, and Michael Santo

Querini you need to attempt this roll. Gunther you can attempt it if you wish to but the comment was directed towards Signore Querini.


3d10 ⇒ (10, 6, 3) = 19


I don't think I have the funds at home. I can get them tomorrow. Signore Santos knows I am good for it.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini:
It is quite clear to you that he cares nothing for the funds.
This man wants to get you alone, he somehow convinced Sadir to leave you here and vulnerable. This is a dangerous situation.
Make a Wits + Politics roll to come up with something on the fly to get out of this!


Storyteller Shadow:
3d10+3d10 6d10 ⇒ (1, 2, 4, 1, 4, 1) = 13


Storeyteller Shadow:
Wow that was not good. Any options besides running?


Shadow's Status

Michele that may have been the worst botch I have ever seen, that was FC bad!

Michele Querini:
The only thing you can think of is to use your clout as a member of the Great Council to influence this man. However, based upon your experience with the Captain you know that attempt will fail. The door is on the other side of Hans. Your only options are to hope to find a back door or to head up the stairs which is a way you know. From what Mr. Kestral said, a "wizard" named Talisman is still here, perhaps he can and will help you.


Storyteller Shadow:
As I am saying the following I will turn to go up the stairs never directly looking Hans in the eyes. let me retrieve my belongings from my room as I will stay home tonight. I won't stop unless physically stopped.


Shadow's Status

Muchele Querini, Gunther Thesing, and Michael Santo

Querini states that he has to retrieve items from upstairs. He quickly turns and heads up the stairs.

Hans does not respond, he simply follows him to the second floor.

Michele, you hear the sound of footsteps behind you.


I will walk faster up the stairs. Looking for something to use against him if necessary-something club like.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Michael Santo and Gunther Thesing

You head up the stairs with Hans close behind, the banister is solid wood no options there. As you hit the landing there are several rooms each with their doors closed and another set of stairs leading up st the far end if the hall.

The people downstairs and the servers attending to them do nothing as you head up and away. Michael and Gunther likewise do nothing!

What now?


michael will follow only 1/2 way up. His curiosity is getting the best of him but does not with to be in the complete mix of things


I will head towards the next set of stairs.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini, Michael Santo, and Gunther Thesing

Gunther turns to Michael "The Foreigner was quite right. This is none of my business. Things seem a bit strange but nothing seems wrong. Good luck collecting your payment".

Gunther turns and walks out the door.

Michael shrugs and follows Hans and Michele up the stairs curious to see what Hans intends.

Michele hustles down the hall hitting the next set of stairs.

Hans calls out to Michele, "Staying on the top floor eh? Do not worry I will help you pack your things". He continues to follow.

What do you do Michele?


I will turn to Hans and say I am not staying here and do not have any belongings. I do not want to go back to my house as the payment should not come from me. I was stalling hoping he would come back. I would like to finalize this tomorrow after I have spoken with him.


attempting to hear the conversation between hans and michele michael walks in knowing that Gunther has left " Mr Querini I do apologies for the turn of events. I do recall as terms of our agreement that no one not even mr thesing was to gain word of our agreement. I understand that our arrangement was void once I let it slip since my mind was so preoccupied with setting the arrangement for tonight... mr thesing at that moment was very adamant about returning to his establishment. But I see he wasnt really concern with the function going on in his Inn. I do not expect payment and if this hinders our "business" I inow that it was all my doing. I do hope that I didnt land you in any hot water with your employer. I will leave you two to your activities here " michael turns to hans " I will wait outside unless you have any further use of me michael heads for the exit...


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini & Michael Santo

Hans turns to look back down the hall Signore Santo first, "No head to your home. I shall send word for you when I have need of work again".

He turns back to Michele who is standing on the stairs leading to the third floor, "There now we are alone Mr. Querini. Come to me and I shall tell you a secret. A secret your sweet Sadir does not wish you to know".

Michele you hesitate for a second but then realize that your foreign friend never gave his name.....

What do you do?


Storyteller Shadow:
I will walk towards Hans.


Shadow's Status

Michele Querini:
You come toward Hans who approaches you. He stops right before you and smiles. "Good, I hate to chase anyone it makes me angry and you were beginning to make me angry. Fear not Signore Querini for you have staved off my wrath for now. Sadir has come here to appease his masters. He is a sandal lick, a lackey if you will. He lacks the conviction to stand up for himself and take what is his. I know these things because I know why he has brought these people here. It is because his masters seek the same thing. But if I am not mistaken, they seek something else as well. I wish to know what that is. If you can confirm what my belief is I will pay you a sum ten times what Sadir has promised to you. Is this sum acceptable?"

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