It's the year of the Lord 1197 and the barony of York is besieged from all sides. Lupines and rebels circle around it like famelic wolves while dark and nefarious plans are afoot among the descendants of Caine.
It's in such a grim situation that 5 young vampires are called to defend the Barony. Can they succeed or will they fall prey to the many enemies of the Barony?
Lachlan looks on dispassionately as the scene plays out before him. "You have taken on the burden o' these two, Sir Edward. It is your place to decide on their course o' action. I do no' care aboot the Lepers one way or t'other, but you are wise in searching for more information before setting out. Tha' said, this childe o' Malkav has his oon reasons for seeking out the Nosferatu an' they do no' include our task. Let he an' his woolies remain silent should we find them and thus prove his intentions."
Very well: I already pointed out the roll you need to make. Choose if you all roll (means you go your separate ways) or you choose one to make a single roll for everyone (which means you stay with each other and help out thus decreasing difficulty a little).
If no one else makes a successful roll though I believe that Edouard did make a roll. Perception + Investigation 5d10 ⇒ (1, 9, 10, 3, 1) = 24 Even ignoring one botch I think that is a fail.
If I ignore one 1 it's a single success roll. The second 1 cancels a success 3 is fail and 10 is obviously a success. But the question is: single roll or not?
"Deep below I met a nosferatu he taught me the sight to look beyond the veil. He once slept below my cave from which the sheriff brought me."
"I helped him to feed, in trade."
Edward is reporting a direct vviolation of the Dukes orders regarding nosferatu, yet being unaware of the order he can not know it's potentially a problem!
Edward thinks over the situation. "I dislike seeking out the sewer Cainites, but we face an enemy we know to be deadly and who dwells in places hidden. I fear the wisest course to be the the most distasteful. To find a hidden foe we must seek the aid of those who know well the real of the hidden. We shall seek them out. Now let us work together to track down these Cainites."
"Lachlan speaks wisely. That cainite has other motives of seeking out the hidden Cainites. The Baron will not interest himself in the means of our success as long it is success we bring. We must find allies we can. The Baron uses the Gangrel after all. "
Edouard roll means he knows in legend Nosferatu hide underground. You need a Perception+Investigation roll in order to actually search for the creatures. It seems you favor the single roll route (which means you stay togheter instead of splitting up). As for 10s I treat them as normal successes as per normal rules
As your debate takes a while, a puzzled Lucien Arbaud joins you:"What's the meaning of this delay my friends? We need to be on our way and wasting time in idle chat won't do us any good!"
The knight surprise deepens:"The Nosferatu? ... It's a simple idea yet it has its merits. I consider the punishment that the Baron reserved to them to be exceedingly cruel. And it's true they know things. I have a brother in the Order who can get information no one else can... and he does it by listening to the wind it seems! Anyway, if you wish to search for the Nosferatu you have better be prepared for a less than welcoming audience. The mistrust between them and the court is certain to be deep"
Edward turns on hearing the voice of the new entrant. "Perhaps a gift of some sort would aid our cause and give the Nosferatu less reason to mistrust us. Under normal circumstances I would suggest an offer of feeding, though that would be a severe crime by the Baron's law."
"Information for information. Let Edouard and I approach them. I have news from overseas being recently arrived. Also Ed and I not truly being members of Court, yet, will be more welcome then those they perceive as oppressors, that would be the rest of you. A gift, if one can be given, would be the opportunity to petition the Baron to reconsider his stance on their station in York. After all if they help rid the Baron of a hated enemy such reconsideration would be well deserved".
"Pray tell how would those who by your words are not members of court offer an opportunity for such a petition? Nay, if we go, we go together and I do not think such a gift is within our power to offer."
Turning to Edouard, "You mentioned that you assisted one of their kind in feeding. Do you recall of he had any particular preferences? Certain vessels he favoured above others?"
"The one I met preferred those who sought recluse from men, he wanted to feed upon the orphan children but I would not agree. Drunks and vagrants seem fine."
Lucien looks at you with a strange glint in his eyes:"Perhaps offering a breathing human being to the Nosferatu will make for an acceptable offering, considering they were barred from feeding in the above world. Yet I wonder what will happen to such unfortunate soul as one given the a nest of famished Nosferatu... Are you sure this is the road you want to walk?
"Peasants have their uses. What would become of such a being would be the Nosferatu choice. If there is a better suggestion. Sir Lachlan, Vito I would hear your thoughts." dismissing any notion of Bertrand going alone.
Lachlan seems to be lost in thought as the conversation progresses on how best to confront the Nosferatu. At the mention of his name, he rouses, "It would seem that food is the agreed upon gift, yet what form that is to take is in contest. Several seem against giving up a human to their tender, or no so tender, proclivities. Besides which, we would be poaching someone's domain if we were to take a human. None o' us with our oon territories can spare the time to collect some kine; a poaching we would go."
He taps a finger on his chin as if considering before continuing, "As I recall, the Lepers have an affinity for animals. As such, would it no' make moore sense to salve everyone's conscience an' bring several beasties as gifts for their aid? While coos or horses would seem fine, they may be too large depending upon the caves or tunnels we must navigate. I think lambs would be most suitable; them being led to the slaughter an' all."
Bertrand looks darkly at Edward's line of reasoning but his face brightens and he claps at Lachlan's suggestion, "An animal is an excellent idea Sir Lachlan!"
Lucien speaks again, still looking doubtful:"An animal? I'm not sure how you think that's going to appease the lepers... they sustain themselves out of animal blood after all. Perhaps an oxen or some other huge beast could make for a suitable offering but... how do you think to be able to lead it down the sewers? No. If you want to try this it's most likely you don't have the right kind of gift for the lepers. Better to go down there boldly and demand their terms for a boon of information. They might ask you something completely unreasonable... or even try to kill you for your temerity, but at least you won't risk breaking the traditions trying to fit a mule into the sewers. Be as it may do what you think it's better for our quest. I will wait for you and smooth things with the Baron and his servants, but don't waste too much time or I will be forced to proceed alone. His graceìs orders were quite specific and I won't let the foul beast we were sent to hunt down to roam the land much longer"
Please give me your road ratings and proceed with your investigation if that's the route you mean to follow
Wemyss looks down at Sir Lucien with barely suppressed contempt as he responds, "I jus' said that we should no' take any large beastie into the sewers, ya git. Least ways we'll be short one Tradition breaking ass if yoo're no' joining us. Run along to his grace, or more likely yoor sire, and tattle on us like a good lickspittle as yoo were sure to do the second we left."
Anger is clearly visible in Ser Arbaud's eyes and you feel his beast immediately surfacing:"I was actually agreeing with you, whelp. But I see you need to be put in your place. Take out your steel, ser, and prepare to defend yourself or run like a coward" Lucien hand falls on the pommel of his sword and he motions for the rest of you to make space. It seems he expects to settle this here and now.
Lachlan:
rereading what you wrote there's no way Lucien would allow this slight to go unanswered, especially considering the ethics of the via equitum. He challanged and insulted you and you need to roll against frenzy, roll Self-control please
Bertrand begins to twitch instead of stepping aside he steps in the middle, "NO NO NO! We do our enemies work by fighting amongst ourselves!!! Please don't do this please!" Bertrand screeches at the two Kindred.
Edward sees what is happening, something he has seen happen one too many times. "Good sirs, we have much work to do and dangerous enemies to fight. This matter of honour can be delayed. You will have your chance to settle this with steel if you so desire, but let us not let our petty desires interfere with the duty given by the Baron himself." Edwards says forcefully, trying to be the voice of reason in this escalating situation.
Vito sighs audibly when Bertrand does the opposite of what he was told "Stand aside Madman. This is an honor duel, and you would be wise to not get in the way. Do not force me to restrain you"
Lucien, eyes firmly planted on Lachlan, answers Edward with a slight nod:"Oh, it won't take long at all, ser Edward. And I agree this is unfortunate. But as a knight you should understand I cannot let such a slight pass without answering. The cur has 2 choices: accept my challange and let our arms show who's in the right or apologize for his impertinence. The road of honor is narrow but straight and its path clear. Now stand aside, please, we are past the time for words"
Bertrand shakes his head at the actions of the Kindred before him turning to Vito, "You would watch these two slice each other to ribbons over mere words and call me a madman? Have at it then, Knights of the realm". Bertrand will head over to his ghouls while the two fools duel each other.
DM Elan:
"Philippe, you will see the route we will take to this Nosferatu warren. Once we scamper from the place, by Day return to leave a note with them from me. I have questions I want answered and I clearly cannot trust my companions to not report back to the Baron". Bertrand will write the letter during the duel and hand it to Philippe. I will send the note in a PM when I have a moment.
"I hope that this is not expected of us lowly clans, I would so hate to have to kill you Bertrand should you offer some offense, whether real or imagined...."
"Or should one of the puppets command my death at your hands..."
Edouard looks on and smiles still trying to process the exchange that lead to this point....
Edward sighs realising that his attempt to prevent this duel had failed before it had even begun. He steps out of the way saying, "Very well. Honour must be defended and insults answered. We shall bare witness. Choose your weapons. What shall be the terms of this dual?"
I reread your post several times before making my last post. Lucien's statements: 'Perhaps an oxen or some other huge beast could make for a suitable offering but... how do you think to be able to lead it down the sewers?' and '...but at least you won't risk breaking the traditions trying to fit a mule into the sewers.' flew in the face of Lachlan's previous statement. It came across as mocking and accusatory in respect to breaking the Traditions. Coupled with 'I will wait for you and smooth things with the Baron and his servants...' sounded to me like he was awaiting the chance to run and tattle to the Prince. These were unchivalrous and disgraceful statements to Lachlan. Lucien had also given Lachlan untoward looks in Elysium the previous night. Lachlan would rather put down an enemy now than worry about a blade slipping into his back later.
Self Control:3d10 ⇒ (2, 5, 9) = 16
Pumping 2 points to Strength and 1 point into Celerity.
Lachlan levels a cold stare at Lucien as he grips the hilt of his own sword. "Yoo glare, yoo mock, yoo threaten. Now yoo challenge. I will be sure to convey that yoo had some spine to yoor sire.
You gain 2 successes on the Self control check, so you can avoid frenzy, and the duel resolves the problem of further rolls as it gives an answer to the beast's yearning for blood and conflict
Once the space around them is clear Lucien makes a gesture towards Lachlan inviting him to begin The knight's hand rests on the pommel of his sword but he doesn't make any move to attack as if content to wait for Lachlan to strike first:"Show me what you have got, boy. I wish to be sure you are worthy of me drawing master Kalad's new creation. Give me your best blow and I might decide to show its blade to your undeserving eyes"
For the others you might do whatever you want in the meanwhile of course
Seeing how Lachlan has not moved yet Lucien taunts him and takes a single step forward:"Oh? What's the matter? Weren't you going to teach me something, whelp?"
In case it's not clear: Lucien is giving you the chance of attacking him. This may just be arrogance on his part or deeply rooted confidence in his own abilities
Lachlan stands his ground, smiling a wolfish grin. "Tha' tongue is only suited to licking the backside o' yoor betters. Since yoo cannae back up yoor oon challenge it is best yoo were back to work." He says as he pats the seat of his pants.
Bertrand completes his task and nods to his companion Philippe.
He then heads over to the duel between Lachlan and Lucien and blurts out, "Is this a duel between Knights? Throwing insults back and forth and patting themselves in weird places? Funny, that is how Clan Malkavian duels too!"
Lucien shakes his head, clearly irritated:"I give you the curtesy of the first blow and you refuse it. You really are an hateful and uncouth villain. As you wish then! Have at thee!"
GM:
Lucien spends 2 BP to boost his Dex to 7 and 3 BP for celerity, he intends to take a single action excluding celerity ones
Initiative:11 + 1d10 ⇒ 11 + (10) = 21
Please Lachlan, roll initiative and declare the number of actions you mean to make excluding celerity ones
As the duel unfolds a small crowd of servants, guards and squires starts forming in the hall.
Everyone but Lachlan please roll perception + alertness
Vito, caring nothing for the duel despite respecting its need to take place, reaches into a belt pouch to pull out a candle. Reaching into another, he takes out some flint and steel and lights the candle, crushing it in his fist. He cries out a bit in pain, but maintains control of himself. 4d10 ⇒ (4, 8, 9, 10) = 31 Courage check
He tightens his grip, till a drop of blood drips out, hissing and smoking as it splashes on the ground. Shockingly the blood splatter cries out in anguish, and a tiny gateway into the deepest, darkest blackness blinks into existence. Out of the portal a glob of shadows emerges, bobbing in seeming obedience to the Lasombra and laps up the blood on the ground.
You should just declare your first action, not roll for it. Anyway I'll keep the roll this time but you go after Lucien as he's faster than you (btw I forgot to modify his dex, he has 6 and not 7 after he burns blood, due to armor)
Lucien scoffs and waits for Lachlan to slash at him seemingly unconcerned by the incoming attack, at the last moment he draws an hunting knife from his belt and matches .
Lachlan feints and then strikes, the blade dating towards Lucien's unbeating earth with deadly accuracy. The crowd gasps as expecting for the Toreador to take out the knight of bitter ashes with one fell blow. Yet somehow the brujah knight manages to block the incoming blow with his much smaller blade. Then Lucien just grins showing the white of his fangs in a somehow feral display then whispers:"My turn, now"
Combat related:
]Please declare your celerity action (or save it for defense), in case someone is wondering Lucien is 7th generation, has 5 dots in melee and he's more than proficient with combat disciplines. He was not meant to fight with you (at this stage at least)
Vito:
The spectators, mesmerized by the fight fail to notice Vito's display of power. Yet as he finishes calling the powers of the outer darkness he notices two valets moving quickly away from the duel, concern painted on their features and moving towards the central keep of the castle
As I told Vito sometimes ago we are following basic rules, so no "rule of 10", sorry
The ashen knight pauses for a split second and somehow it seems he's torn between attacking and waiting. Then he opens his arms theatrically and prepares for Lachlan's next blow.
2 celerity actions for attack and 1 in active defense - parry, please Lachlan go, and everyone else, I've not forgotten about you, don't worry!
As I promised... here we go. This is the official recruitment thread for my DA Vampire Game.
-The Game will be set in York, England, starting from 1197 CE.
-All clans will be allowed but no bloodlines of any kind.
-After a lot of thinking I decided to keep all rules as they are. I don't want to overcomplicate things.
-There are 5 spots avaiable for players.
-For character creation use standard rules aside from the fact you cannot spend points in generation. ALL CHARACTERS WILL BE OF THE 8th GENERATION, YOU WON'T HAVE TO SPEND POINTS ON THIS.
-Consider saving up some points for shared backgrounds.
-All roads included in the DA Vampire set of books will be allowed. No older versions of the roads but I could make an exception for things not reprinted (like those included in Wolves of the Sea)
-It's required you have access at least to DA: Vampire as a rulebook, other official DA WW products are all allowed.
-Clans are NOT equal: being a Ventrue is pretty different from being a Nosferatu in York. That doesn't mean being a member of an High Clan is automatically a better choice for a playing character: all Clans have their advantages and agendas and having more members and more power also means more internal competition. What I want to say with this is that clan choice is very important, taking Clan Tremere for example means having to deal with all the weird stuff they do, and some of this is downright dangerous if discovered by other vampires, while disobbedience to your elders is not a very wise move (unless you are really sly about it...).
-There are no fixed ways to solve problems: you can convince, intimidate or seduce someone, or you can get rid of him. Outcomes are obviously different though. I aim for a mix of social roleplay and action adventure. Getting powerful phisical disciplines and maxing Strength is not better than having high Charisma and mastery of Presence...
-Storytellers don't kill playing characters, stupidity does. In other words charging against the Prince and the primogen council is most probably a stupid move that can very well end tragically. Taking your time to make friends in the council and getting to shift the blame on some hapless fools if needed is generally much better...
-It's a Vampire game so you don't have to be "good". Remember that doing the wrong things to the wrong people can carry unwanted consequences though.
-In the following posts I will add information on how things are in York as far as Vampires are concerned. Please consider this information while building your character's backgrounds.
About Assamites (what everyone knows):
-There are no known Assamites in York at this time.
-The general opinion on Assamites is they are all bloodthirsty heathens. An opinion made stronger by the tales brought back from the holy land by returning crusaders.
-Baron John has no official ban against Assamites, but given their reputation it is very probable he would not look kindly on one of their kind suddenly showing up at court.
-It is well known that Mithras himself has a grudge against the Assamites as it seems they attempted several times to his unlife.
Followers of Set (what everyone knows):
-There are no setites in York.
-There was a nest of setites in the fief of York, lairing near Whitby in secret. Once discovered Baron John and the cappadocians who reside there dealt with them in a most decisive manner, slaying them all and seizing their property.
-Setites are still under the blood hunt in York, this might change in the future.
-As a consequence of their fame and the recent blood hunt against them Followers of Set are currently reviled in York and most vampires would hunt them down rather than having any kind of contact with them,
About Gangrels (what everyone knows):
-A few Gangrels of Saxon stock fought for Baron John when he seized the control of York. They were compensated with small domains in the countryside, they are generally disdained by other "free" Gangrel.
-There are no Gangrel primogens in York. Baron John doesn't allow any low clan cainites into the Primogen Council.
-The highest position held by a Gangrel in York is the title of scourge.
-As a nomadic clan that generally scoffs at the rules of cainite society many Gangrels come and go from the domain of York paying their respects to the prince only if not doing so could put them in grave danger.
-At least a couple of Gangrels inhabiting the outskirts of York are suspected of being furore sympathizers, but this might just be typical High Clan bias.
-Important Gangrels in York are Eyolf Ivarsosson, who holds domain in the countryside between York and Whitby and Harold who holds the title of scourge.
About Malkavians (what everyone knows):
-There are no Malkavians in York proper at the current time.
-It's widely believed the Baron doesn't trust their clan because he remembers how some madmen supported his brother's claim to domain in York.
-Officially baron John scoffs at such rumors and he has expressed no opinion on the subject of the Malkavian clan. All the rules for Low clan cainites would probably apply if one of them showed up at court to present himself.
-There might be no Malkavian in York but the fiefs of Avalon have the dubious honor of hosting a whole barony ruled by a madman. Baroness Seren of Gloucester is a powerful and well connected ruler.
Nosferatu (what everyone knows)
-There's a community of Nosferatu under York, in the old roman sewers.
-The Nosferatu are currently walking on thin ice with the Baron. Their patriarch supported Baron John's blood brother, and when John won the Barony he wasn't very pleased with him and his brood. John pardoned the nosferatu but also enacted very strict and punishing rules forcing the clan to live in seclusion in the sewers and to subsist on the blood of rats.
-Baron John's powerful Toreador allies make no secret of how happy they are with the current nosferatu situation, as they don't have to "lay their eyes on those disfigured mockeries of a cainite"
-The patriarch of the Nosferatu in York is called Silas One Eye, and is supposed not to be happy with the current state of his clan's affairs in York.
About Ravnos (what everyone knows):
-There are no Ravnos in the fief of York, as far as anyone knows.
-There have not been Ravnos in York for a very long time, as far as anyone knows.
-The general stereotype about Ravnos (that they are all thieves and anarchists) is the "official way" the clan is seen.
-Baron John might not have a blood hunt active against Ravnos, but his powerful and cherished Toreador allies have let it be known they consider Ravnos a step under Nosferatu in their esteem.
-There are persistent rumors that Ravnos are involved with the furores.
-One of Robin Leeland vassals was a Ravnos called Marie Delroy, it's believed she escaped the razing of the former prince of Nottingham's heaven and is still active somewhere in the isles
Tremere (what everyone knows):
-There are a bunch of Tremere in York. The Baron seems to tolerate them, and he even allowed a great many of them to make heaven near Durham.
-No Tremere is allowed in the Primogen Council, but the Baron has granted one pet wizard at court.
-The Tremere apparently support Baron John with fervor but not many really trust them.
-The head of York's chantry and "court wizard" is a certain Leland of York, and he's not generally considered a remarkable fellow, the head of the chantry in Durham is a woman called Meerlinda, a very mysterious person by anyone's standard.
Brujah (what everyone know):
-The Brujah are one of the High Clans who hold a seat in York's Primogen Council.
-The divide inside the brujah clan is real in York too: the elder known as Kalad (and his brood) officially supports Baron John and even fought for him. He might not be the most fervent of allies but it seems clear he prefers to be ruled by John rather than directly by Mithras. On the other side of the barricade there are several young and discontent Brujahs who heeded the call of Robin Leeland and oppose the current state of affairs in the fiefs of Avalon, and they hate Baron John as much as they hate Mithras. They might lack the strength to attack directly but they are very clearly furores in the making.
-It's persistently rumored that Baron John asked Kalad to be his warlord, but the old Brujah didn't accept the request.
-The most important Brujahs in York are the aforementioned Kalad and a visiting knight named Lucien Arbaud, supposedly an envoy from the mythical order of bitter ashes.
Cappadocian (what everyone knows)
-There are 2 distinct groups of Cappadocians in York: the old and reclusive father Gariman, who sits in the primogen council and lairs in the local monastery, and a couple of newly arrived Cappadocians from Italy, apparently brother and sister, called Alberto Giovanni e Maria Vittoria Giovanni who make their heaven in Whitby and recently warned the Baron about the Setite threat.
-The new arrivals seem to have much more mundane concerns than the elder and manage some sort of merchant trade with their family back in Venice.
-Both groups of Cappadocians are in good standing with the Baron, but Gariman rarely shows up in the council chamber or at court and Baron John doesn't seem to consider that a slight. His age and power probably allow him to do as he pleases.
-Gariman is very secretive and jealous of his domain. Getting inside his monastery uninvited is akin to a death sentence... and he never invites anyone.
Lasombra (what everyone knows):
-Edward De Guignac is the only Lasombra in York. He sits in the Primogen Council and holds domain in Beverley. He met with John and his sire when they were exiles and helped them defeat Thrand. Later he supported John against his sire Julian Cerialis, and after that he stood by his side when Mithras sent John's sibling, Gerard to reclaim the Barony. A lot of people are surprised at the Lasombra's seemingly genuine loyalty for the Baron.
-Edward is an Ashen Priest of the road of Kings, and he's also the Keeper in John's court.
-Generally speaking Lasombras are not well trusted in the Baronies of Avalon. Mithras mistrust of the clan is very well known after all. The importance and respect someone like Edward commands in York shift things a little in favor of the Magisters. Not much, though.
Toreador (what everyone knows)
-Toreador is the second most powerful clan in York.
-It's well known that if it wasn't for the Toreadors of Scotland the Mithras backed Gerard would have probably taken York from John. Their help was decisive in securing John's position and they know that. They were compensated with power and honors in exchange.
-The Toreador seat in the Primogen Council is held by Calum Mc Lann, the patriarch of the Toreadors sent to York. He's very well aware of his importance, so to speak.
-Baron John appointed the toreador Lady Sian Brach as his Chamberlain. She's a well known enthusiast for all things chivalrous.
-The Court Seneschal in York is the Toreador Hugh Marquand, childe of Calum. His manners and eye for detail are impeccable, yet many a Ventrue took notice when Baron John appointed another Toreador as Seneschal instead of one of his own clan.
-Toreadors in general don't like lower caste cainites but in York they seem to hold a special grudge for Ravnos. Some claim this is due to a slaight Calum himself suffered ages past.
-Besides the "ruling" Toreadors who lair in York there's a second branch of the clan residing in Leeds. These immigrants from the Italian port city of Genoa seem largely apolitical and tend to keep to their own besides the large donations they make to the Archbishopric of York to found works of art and maintenance of churches. The head of this line is a gray old man called Luigi Tornari.
Tzimisce (what everyone knows)
-There are no Tzimisce in York, as far as anyone knows.
-They are quasi mythical creatures in England aside from the fact it seems they resist the Ventrue's advances in eastern Europe.
-York's Tremere are not too talkative about these cainites, despite the fact their clan supposedly raised from the fiend's home country.
Ventrue (what everyone knows)
-York is ruled by the Ventrue Baron John. He's quite young for one who holds such an important position, yet he wields immense power and is even able to maintain a de facto independent rule from his nominal overlord, Mithras.
-John's childe, Tristan Ashlington is the Sheriff of York and deals with the defense of his sire domain. He's generally considered very efficient if a bit too bloodthirsty.
-The city Ventrue are not united: besides John's brood there are other Ventrue active in the city: Katla Thranddottir is the recently returned childe of one of John's siblings, and the Ventrue primogen, while Henry Westland is the Childe of John's other sibling, Gerard, and resident head of the Mithriatic Order in York. Despite enjoying Mithras' favor he finds prudent claiming domain over the city of Sheffield.
-The Ventrue are the ruling clan in the barony of York, yet they are not all powerful: much of their power derives from the alliances with other clans like Toreador, Cappadocian and even Brujah and Lasombra. Besides it's well know that, despite being nominally a satrap, Baron John doesn't love Mithras and strives to keep the ruling of his domain as far as possible from the Methuselah's clutches, and this puts him and his charges at odds with the most powerful vampire in the isles.
SOME BRIEF NOTES ON YORK VAMPIRIC HISTORY AND SOCIETY
-During Roman era York was named Eboracum and was ruled by a roman Methuselah until the 4th century CE, when his childe Julian Cerialis, slayed him and took his place.
-After the Romans fled Julian lost control over the city and was finally forced to enter torpor to avoid destruction
-During the Viking Age the city was renamed Jorvik. Julian regained control of the city in the 8th century thanks to the Danish warrior Thrand but was later forced into exile by his own childe.
-Julian returned to power in the 11th century with the aid of the young and promising Norman captain John. This success turned to tragedy when John betrayed and beheaded him with the aid of the trio of Vampires known as the triumvirate and claimed the princedom for himself.
-When Mithras rose to power he supported John's blood brother, Gerard Cerialis' claim to the seat of York. Thanks to his political acumen John was able to resist and defeat his sibling. Mithras grudgingly accepted this as proof of John's strength and recognized his right to rule. Yet it is said Mithras watches his vassal's moves with great diffidence.
-Baron John has a strong alliance with the Scottish Toreadors and with Queen Melusine of Winchester. Some think he looks to other baronies near his own with covetous eyes. Yet he has made no move against his neighbors, nor has he chosen a war-master...
-The barony of York is rich and powerful, yet malcontents abound too. In the last few years have seen furore activity increase. Currently a band of bogeymen calling itself "the black hoods" moves in and out of the barony while stirring neonates to revolt against their sires.
-York also enjoys the dubious pleasure to be subject to frequent Lupine raids. A lot of the barony resources go into fighting these pests off.
POSITIONS OF POWER AND PRESTIGE IN THE BARONY OF YORK:
-Baron John: Ventrue, ruler of the land
-Tristan Ashlington: Ventrue, sheriff
-Lady Sian Brach: Toreador, Baron John's chamberlain
-Hugh Marquand: Toreador, Baron John's Seneschal
- Edward De Guignac: Lasombra, Ashen Priest on the Road of kings and Baron John's keeper.
- Kalad: Brujah primogen
- Gariman: Cappadocian primogen
- Edward De Guignac: Lasombra primogen
- Calum Mc Lann: Toreador primogen
- Katla Thranddottir: Ventrue primogen
- Henry Westland: Satrap and leader of the cult of Mithras in York
-Harold: Gangrel, scourge
-Runild: Gangrel, scourge
-The barony of York currently doesn't have a war-master and a spay-master, at least as far as most people know.
This is Lord Zekk's submission. It is still a little bit of a work in progress, especially my background dots, since depending on the characters of the other players we may decide to start the game knowing each other, so we can combine background dots.
Edward of York is a Brujah on the Road of Kings very recently returned to York from the Crusades. If allowed I thought he could be the grandchilde of the Baron of Carlisle, Nathaniel, though I'm open to other options.
I post regularly which you can see in my other games (Way of the WIcked is one of the faster paced games I'm in. Very excited about the game. Thanks for the consideration.
Quick question DM: it there a max point limit for Flaws? (and can we create and submit a merit?)
Sorry for not specifying it:
-Merits & Flaws: up to ten points each. It's important to note in this chronicle you can't use flaws to get better stats. If you take, say, 10 points in flaws you NEED to ballance them with 10 points of merits (and the corresponding merits of course). This is so because you already get 4 points in generation for free (which is rather powerful I'd say), and I don't want to boost your stats too much.
-Only official WW material, so no, you can't create a merit. Sorry but I don't feel too confortable with field testing merits.
-The thread will stay open for submissions until friday 01/10/14.
@ Edward of York: write the BG well and I have no problems with the character being Nathaniel's grandchilde, just remember that if you want it to matter you also need to spend BG points in mentor or status.
Edit: as far as clan goes don't worry overmuch if the clan you like is not in good standing in York. You want to play a setite? Go for it. We'll find a way to make it work, the background story is the way it is for plot reasons (of course) but that doesn't mean we can't work things out anyway.
I'm taking it out since I can't use flaw points (which is fair and I understand why you've kept it that way) to make up for it.
I'm working out the backstory. douard "Edward" Trebaol and I are in conversation to have our backstories mesh so that we know each other. If anyone else would like to do that please let us know.
i am waiting upon the input of our DM. but it could be possible to have known each other during the crusade (and it does depend on which one edward of york went...)
@ Algar Lysandris: Edward was in Holy Land from the 3rd to the 6th crusade and returned to York right at the end of the 6th crusade due to complications.
@ DM Elan Morrin: Could I be allowed to take the flaw "Ward" and have Edward (Child Cainite) as my ward? He is agreeable.
Also in order to explain my resources and my ties to York I've been looking into the history of York and have found a little village which could be my family's fief. Details are in my character sheet which is still work in progress in terms of the backstory. I was also hoping for it to be my domain. Would 2 dots in domain be sufficient for it since I also have 3 resources to explain my income.
Edward: the Third Crusade (1187–1192) just barely finished since we are currently in 1197 (the first one started in 1095)
Both of our characters could have meet during the final year of the crusade. In fact you might have "suggested to" him to head for england (a land he has never been)
Oh I seem to have missed that part. I thought it was 1230. I'll have to look into the previous crusades, but Edward would definitely have been in the 3rd crusade, so we shall have met then. I'll look into your backstory as well and adjust mine for the timeline.
Do they each need to equal out, or do just flaws need to equal merits?
In another words, could I take a five point flaw balanced out with a five point merit, and then take a one point merit, or do I need another flaw to balance that out too?
@ Monkeygod: total merits should equal total flaws, so let's say you want your character to gain the "unboundable" merit (3pts), you could take the "repulsed by garlic" flaw (1 pts) and the "cannot embrace" flaw (2pts) and you'll be fine.
@ Algar: I answered your PM. You seem to like challenges...
Would it be ok if I took the Merits Ability Aptitude(Occult) and Discipline Prodigy(Obtenebration), its a total of 6 points of merits, but it will reduce my Obten powers and Abyss rituals that utilize Occult by total.
I'm basically done with my character. Just got a bit of polishing left and working in how we have met but I don't know if that will come in the character sheet.
I'm fairly OCD about my characters so I will probably keep tweaking it a little bit here and there.
I'm basically done with my character. Just got a bit of polishing left and working in how we have met but I don't know if that will come in the character sheet.
I'm fairly OCD about my characters so I will probably keep tweaking it a little bit here and there.
Do we roll a d10 or d15 for starting blood?
A retainer is usually built
Attributes 6/4/3; Abilities 11/7/4
Each dot gives you one retainer.
I have started mine, but will contine to tweak as time goes on.
How close are others getting turning their concepts into characters?
This is a good point I meant to mention: you MAY go 10/10 but remember you NEED to reflect the merits/flaws in your backstory, and having a lot of merits and flaws tends to make characters less believable, unless you are very good. I'm not saying it can't be done, just remember that if you have 6 different flaws you probably have a pretty convulted backstory. Which could be great, or not at all.
Also note that I make use of flaws: so if you, say, take something like enemies, those become part of the story. If you take an enemy flaw worth 5 points you better be prepared for some interesting happenings as a Methuselah (or his agents) might be coming for you, or work in the shadows against you.
What I'm trying to say is this: don't take flaws and merits just because you want advantages but becouse they IMPROVE your character in roleplaying terms. Having mechanical advantages is fine, but the disadvantages will be there too, both of them make a character better if they are woven in the character's identity, they do not if they are picked just to "be more powerful".
Would it be ok if I took the Merits Ability Aptitude(Occult) and Discipline Prodigy(Obtenebration), its a total of 6 points of merits, but it will reduce my Obten powers and Abyss rituals that utilize Occult by total.
Yes, it would certainly be possible to take those 2 merits as long as you take the corresponding 6 points of flaws. And pls reference the source of the merit. Libellus Sanguinis 1? Guide to the High Clans? Something else? I have the books but it's faster for me if you reference the book the merit comes from.
Awareness is from DA: Mage. I know it says ST can allow it for other beings but I don't like to give vamps talents that rightly belong to mages and vice versa.
And yes, we are keeping rules as they are, no more than 3 in an ability score before freebies, sorry, I'm evil like that ;P
Would it make you feel better about allowing us Awareness if I told ya its in the 20th Anniversary of VtM??
Not evil, just having a bit of difficulty spending my points on the base abilities.
Spend points in Occult & Hearth Wisdom... they could do similar things without the need to introduce another talent (on a more intellectual basis than awareness, but the effect will be the same more or less).
The rules state that a character can have an ability score of 3 max at creation BEFORE spending bonus points. You CAN HAVE scores of 4 or 5 in an ability at creation BUT you need to spend bonus points in order to get it (at a cost of 2 bonus points per dot)
Several, including Guide to the Cam, Guide to the Sabbat, ST Book, and V20 core and some others.
They usually don't include such stuff in like the Dark Ages books, to save space and that its thought DA fans would have at least one of the above books.
Several, including Guide to the Cam, Guide to the Sabbat, ST Book, and V20 core and some others.
They usually don't include such stuff in like the Dark Ages books, to save space and that its thought DA fans would have at least one of the above books.
Au contraire! Ashen Knight is a dark ages book that does have secondary abilities and a new background. IIRC, Wolves of the Sea and the eastern DA book (wherein they introduce the Anda bloodline) also have secondary abilities. Libellus Sanguinis II has a bunch of new natures and demeanors.
Apologies for the double post, but I wanted to make sure these were separate.
I am nearly done with my character and would like to up the Edwards' offer and join you folks in combining backgrounds. I am sending you both private messages.
Yeah sounds good, we've been working with Agar as well. We can work on the concept and combine dots after selection (since unfortunately 1 or 2 of us won't make it through).
-Official DA books are allowed. Guide to the Camarilla & Sabbat are not DA products. D20 is a special case because it ALSO refers to the DA line of products. I MIGHT allow certain abilities if they make sense for a character (just signal the book they come from so I can check what they do and if they are appropriate), but that needs evalutation.
DA products are a different thing: if you want to play a knight and you want to give him a few dots in Franchise and Chivalry, by all means go for it! Just remember to specify the source of the ability you want to add.
DM Elan, here is my revised background for a campaign set in 1197, just a few tweaks. I will send you a PM with some items I have chosen for my character. In the meantime I will finish the profile for review as well.
Bertrand Auton:
Born 1172 AD - Died 1192 AD
My father was a Court Jester of Prince Phillip the II, the first Court Jester of the King in fact. Before him, there were no fools who entertained Kings. Only no one remembers, I mean who remembers a fool once he has left the floor of the Court? I don’t even remember his name anymore, which is a shame….
Sorry, I lost my train of thought, its cause you’re staring at me. I know I am talking to you but you’re making me feel nervous. I’ll come back when you stop staring….
Are you still there? OK, I am back, you are staring again, wait what? Oh you’re just my reflection? Still, you are making me nervous, I can’t talk when people are just staring at me. OK hold on. (Slips a puppet over his right and left hand).
Ah, that is better. This is Beny and Jenny, they can talk to you and tell you my story, assuming you are still listening. I do want to entertain you, usually I am fine one on one, really I am but that face staring at me, with the fangs and the glowing eyes, sorry you just… OK I will let Beny and Jenny talk.
So my father was a fool. And not just at Court he was a fool in his personal life too. My mother left him and my sister left him as soon as he could. He blamed me cause I was so difficult but I think its cause mama left so early.
So when he had the chance father sold me to a friend of his who made dolls for the Court. I was good with my hands so he sold me to help make dolls. Whenever the children of privilege would come, I would entertain them with my puppetry. It is when I feel best, when I am entertaining.
So my new dad, who was not such a fool, decided to put me to work entertaining people with my puppets. For a while there I was famous even though no one knew who I was. I liked it that way. I was forgotten though, at least I think I was. By the time I was 20 I was asked to leave by my new father too. He finally got sick of me I guess. He did not even let me keep my puppets. I wandered the streets of the city he left me in, it was Paris.
I did the only think I knew how to do, I entertained people. I sang and made funny voices, I think people were amused because I faced away from them, cause like I said I don’t like people staring at me. Yeah I know I am telling story as Beny and Jenny but I refer to myself as I so you won’t get confused and think it’s their story ok?
So after a few years I met a new dad, He was Pascal, he liked my show and promised to give me puppets so I could have a new act, he gave me stuff to make Beny and Jennyl He wanted me to perform for a Prince, I told him my dad performed for a King and he said that was good cause what your family can do you should be able to do.
He gave me a place to live too! I needed practice though to perform for the King so for a couple of years I kept practicing on the street. Then one day Pascal told me I was ready. But I don’t know what he meant cause then he tore my throat out and bit his own wrist and forced me to drink his blood!
I know it was terrifying! I felt strange but I didn’t die. Pascal told me that he made it so I would not die. He said like Jesus I was born again. I think he was just making it up cause he wasn’t a priest. In fact it turns out my new daddy was a fool too.
He brought me to the Price to perform and the Prince thought I was great. He did not think Pascal was so great though, cause he took him away in chain. That Prince his name was Alexander. He said I could stay cause he thought I was so entertaining. I think he thought that cause he was a child, at least he looked like a kid, no more than 15 I think. He said I would replace Pascal as his fool, he told me not to make another one of me.
I agreed I wouldn’t. He was nice to me, called himself my Patron. I think that meant he fed me and housed me. His person, Seneschal I think, told me I was a Vampire! I know I was surprised too, I thought they were just stories like the stories I made up!
So Alexander liked especially when I made up stories about people he did not like that made fun of them and stuff. I thought it was mean but he was my Patron so I did it. Sometimes after my stories I would not see those people again, I think I made them feel bad cause they lost face or something like that. Sometimes those other Vampires would find me and threaten me and that scared me so much I would start to babble! Then they would start to babble! Afterwards it was said they were crazy, no wonder they were so mad and started to babble at me, and they said I was crazy!
I started paying more attention to other people and Vampires and stuff cause no one really paid attention when I was there and when I talked to them they would do weird stuff after so they stopped talking to me if they could help it. I started understanding people er… Vampires and how they interacted better when they did not talk to me, and my stories got even funnier!
Then one night though my Patron told me that I should visit his old friend across the sea. I don’t know why, he said he thought he would find me funny too. He also said that some people wanted to hurt me cause of my act and he could not expend the “political energy to protect a fool”. He sent me to someone named Mithras in London, as a gift. He let my handler Philippe come along with me to carry stuff and set up my little stage, I mean I am not gonna do it! He did tell me to watch out though as some of my enemies might follow me, I laughed, who would really want to hurt a puppet master?
Well I did that and this Mithras was not too amused! “I do not know what Alexander’s game is but I will not play it”. He did not even let me perform once! He sent me to where he said he sent all “madmen” to Seren of Gloucester, a member of my clan. He even said I could find another Kine to tag along to help me with my stuff. That is good cause I need people to travel with, I hear traveling is dangerous overland. i found a girl named Jenny to come along. Don't get jealous Jeny, it's ok, she likes you. What's that? I can't replace you with her.
I thought that was good anyway. Now someone like me could appreciate my talents. I arrived in Seren’s lands and presented myself like I was taught. She even let me perform the first night. But she said she had never seen anything worse!
I felt really sad and could not say anything back. I loafed around for a while cause I had nowhere to perform, ok sometimes I would set up in a small town and perform but the people did not know what to make of it so usually I got little response.
Soon enough though I saw what people meant when they said Malkavians were crazy. That Seren would spy on me! Sometimes she sent people, near her domain she would come herself. A lot of times I would ignore them but sometimes I would point at them and shout – hey just leave me alone! I guess I sounded crazy cause other people would say no one was there. When I shouted at them they would look pretty shocked, but I mean they are standing out in the middle of space not even hiding or anything, of course I saw them!
After some months of this I was sick of it so I decided to move on, to a new domain. Actually come to think of it, no one told me I read it on a wall somewhere so I went there…. York is the domain, the Vampire that is the Prince is a John. I like the name John, looking forward to meeting him, tonight…. Stop looking at me like that, it will go just fine!
