For Chronicle Tenants - its really an agreement between the players/characters of what it is that has brought you together as a coterie and what do you hope to accomplish as a group. This can be a bit vague like "Protect a given neighborhood" or advance within the Camarilla (preferably with a focus of how you intend to do that) or as specific as you would like. At this stage this is also where you would decide upon "rules" for your coterie.
As most of us have some interest in mysteries, I think a shared interest in uncovering the unknown could bind us together. Looks like Jack's tie in is gaining strength, gaining knowledge is gaining power which equals gaining strength, or at least, an argument that this is the case can certainly be made. Plus, hanging with us is preferable to hanging with the Ventrue as he does not appear to be a typical "Blue Blood".
I like the idea (again, everyone obviously has to agree) to protecting the neighborhood around the Church of Scientology contained within of course, the mystery Blood Cult.
It also makes sense to "Advance in the Camarilla", to the extent that it benefits them. But he would also want some distance from them to pursue his own interests without direct oversight of the Elders.
Have you sworn loyalty to each other? If so, what are the consequences should those loyalties be broken, where does the group fall on the morality scale?
Edwin would be willing to swear loyalty to those who are of similar outlook. He was certainly willing to do so as part of Clan Tremere. He would be somewhat leery of doing so of course based on the Clan crashing down around him but he knows as a newcomer, being a complete loner would be dangerous, so damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.
I would think the consequences for breaking the loyalties would be simple ostracization. You are now outside of the protection of the group (the Final Death would probably be preferrable but as it is against the Traditions, it's not worth the risk).
As far as Morality scale, Edwin is comfortable manipulating people for his own gain, so lying ok, killing, not so much. He's no Necromancer so the dead aren't worth much to him. He wants to grow his Cult, not cull it.
Do you care about human life or are they just food.
Edwin cares about Mortals both as a source of food and as a source of stoking his own ego. One does not become a "cult leader" without having some level of ego. While he wants them to do things for him to make his own life easier, he also knows that if he does not "perform" he will lose those cultists.
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Conviction: "Knowledge is Power".
Touchstone: Edwin's relationship with the Ducheski. He seeks to expand upon this relationship as the more he learns, the more he can expand his own power and through that, gain more followers.
Conviction: "A spiritual revolution only comes through me".
Touchstone: Edwin's relationship with the Blood Cult. Edwin is the source of the mysteries beyond getting Clear, there are deeper mysteries and only those who prove worthy can discover them.
Conviction: "True Loyalty is rare and should be reciprocated".
Touchstone: Ladislav Ducheski, his main Retainer. Outside of himself, Edwin values Ladislav without who, Edwin may well have met the Final Death at the hands of the Second Inquisition.
I think Calliope can get behind that. She's probably not going to buy into the cult stuff personally, but it is a good source of food, power, and influence--and artistic inspiration.
Ostracization works for me for breaking loyalty. I also vibe with the idea that the dead aren't useful to her - so killing willy-nilly won't be something she's into. Manipulation, charm, and other such things are her forte, so.
I like the perks of the coterie formation! Another Haven.
My partner and I have watched a *lot* of Scientology documentaries and such...this will be fun and weird, lol.
Looks like there are established Coterie "packages". I think the one that I like best based upon the mix of characters we have is "Think Tank" (source Cult of the Blood Gods).
A coterie type created from advisors, strategists, and researchers for a given cult.
(The Cult here could be the Blood Cult that Edwin is trying to create as a Mystery Cult within the local Scientology followers of Chicago).
If I understand correctly, we would gain the following Background Advantages:
Domain - Chasse 1 - A city block of hunting.
- Lien 3 - The ease of interaction between the domain’s mortals
with the coterie +3 to rolls (does NOT apply to Hunting).Allies - 3 (Analysts, bureaucrats, soldiers, etc)
Haven - 1 (Small office to work in)
Possible extras: Resources (Profits made from selling their services), Retainers (Librarians, scholars) [Not sure if WE spend our personal points here or if the ST grants such points based on his discretion].
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The link that I found also has something called Coterie Clan Merits, pretty neat. "Kindred can also purchase Coterie Merits at Character Creation, these are merits tied to specific clans but they can generally be activated by anyone within the group. In some cases, only one member of the coterie can use the given Merit in a session based on who needs it the most". (Source, Vampire the Masquerade Companion).
This of course, assumes that the ST would allow this. Tossing it out there as it's pretty cool stuff.
Your assumptions are correct. Coterie Clan Merits are on the table for use if you would like. Because there are five of you, you collectively have five additional points for your coterie advantages.
Looks like a few of you are doing a really nice job of building the how's and why's of the coterie.
Still plenty of time for the others to chime in and provide their touchstones/convictions. goodwicki is out of the country for a few more days, and will likely be chiming in upon his return.
In the meanwhile, it would seem that I need to study up on Scientology...
Hi folks! Have a lazy day on my vacation so I thought I'd pop in :)
I'm good with a coterie based on uncovering mysteries with a secondary focus on earning Camarilla prestige, using Scientology as their front to the mortal world.
By and large K's down for whatever the coterie wants. He wants to belong, both among his immediate associates/peers and the Camarilla at large. He'd join the cult if needed, but more as a means of acceptance than as a true believer. I can see him running into quandaries if/when his various loyalties (coterie, cult, Camarilla, old street crew) come into conflict.
I think he's got a fairly classist view of people factoring their experience with poverty, current wealth, awareness of criminal activity, participation in criminal activity, and now awareness of/participation in supernatural activity. Prior to his Embrace he idolized those who rose from poverty to power in the criminal underworld, believing them to have figured out how to beat the system and win at life. He looked down on those born middle class or wealthier with no day to day experience of crime or hardship, considering them entitled rubes with no idea how the world really works. Now that he knows there's a whole other level of 'underworld' populated by vampires who really run the show, he's put the Camarilla at the top of this hierarchy.
K's fine with the concept of killing folks in the course of business, though he's never done it himself. Snitches get stitches, after all. He's not okay with murdering people out of hand or for amusement. I don't think he really views mortals any differently as he did pre-Embrace yet - as a Thin-Blood he's not so different from them, and hasn't had the time or experience yet to feel truly distanced from them.
I like Scientology cult as coterie front. Alexander is probably put off by it, but not me as a player. Maybe Grimm has instructed him to accept coterie's invitation?
I have dots set aside for coterie stuff, will look at spending options in core rulebook in next day or two.
I like Scientology cult as coterie front. Alexander is probably put off by it, but not me as a player. Maybe Grimm has instructed him to accept coterie's invitation?
I have dots set aside for coterie stuff, will look at spending options in core rulebook in next day or two.
I could see Grimm asking Alexander to do that, especially since that sort of setting would not be suitable for either of Wauneka or Grimm.
If we use the blood cult prebuild (5 dots in total?), I'd like to spend some of the points I set aside to increase our base chassis to make hunting easier, or towards resources so that we might have access to money. Finally, having a group haven might be nice as well. I've only got 3 dots that I put aside for that (although I could pretty easily scrounge up a 4th); I'd be happy to put one in each of those resources? What do other people think?
Judging by our somewhat oddball nature, and harboring of a thinblood, is it possible that our coterie might have suspicion from Carmilla elders, or something of the like?
I still have my 15 points of exp set aside because I wasn't sure what to do with them quite yet until Coterie stuff happened. I'm happy to throw points at it. I think you all know this system much better than I do, so I'd be happy to take suggestions!
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XP is really more for advancement of your attributes / abilities / disciplines. Go ahead on spend them on things that you want Calliope to be a bit better at.
If you have questions around XP expenditure, just ask.
Ooh, gotcha. Thank you! I will make adjustments by this evening and then update my alias with backstory, etc.
I put aside 2 points towards a shared haven. 1 dot for library (cold case) and 1 dot for whatever makes sense for the group. If we have a Scientology front, the church/org as a group haven makes sense to me.
So what all do we need to get finalized at this point?
Apologies for my lack of updating my alias, life picked up again - my partner is having an allergic reaction to something and our air conditioner is on the fritz.
I need finalized character sheets with convictions and touchstones from everyone (either linked or in your profile. Reminder as part of character creation, you have 15 XP to spend - you are not required to spend it all if you would like to reserve a bit for a larger expenditure down the road.
The PCs need to finalize and put down in writing what your coterie advantages are. Where at within the city is your communal haven/Church of Scientology? North side? South side? Downtown?
Once those things are in place, I am ready to start the game.
Tonight or tomorrow I will try and wrap up my thoughts here.
I still need to spend my 15xp, but I have my alias updated. If anyone has suggestions on how to spend the xp, please let me know!
ST Talomyr, please let me know if I'm missing anything other than spending the 15xp.
IRL, the Church of Scientology in Chicago is on Lincoln Ave... they're usually downtown, I think?
As far as advantages, I think ST Shadow had a good handle on the coterie thing? I am pretty easy-going with whatever others want to do for that - most of you have a better handle on the system than I and I am going to learn by doing :) lol.
Once we have coterie stuff figured out, are the advantages/flaws from those things we need to add to the character sheet/alias?
Tonight I can finalize my thoughts.
Sorry, too many bad nights of sleep in a row (plus my son is still up and just won't quite settle). I will finalize tomorrow.
"Think Tank" - Base
Domain - Chasse 1 - A city block of hunting.
Lien 3 - The ease of interaction between the domain’s mortals
with the coterie +3 to rolls (does NOT apply to Hunting).
Allies - 3 (Analysts, bureaucrats, soldiers, etc)
Haven - 1 (Small office to work in)
-------
"Extra" Points
Rackhir Points - 2 (for Shared Haven), 1 (for Library), 1 bonus.
They Call Him Jack - 3 dots.
Edwin Wagner - 1 dot (I reduced Herd by 1)
+5 Dots (1 for each member of the Coterie).
Total - 11 Extra Above Starting.
-------
Based on these stats, how about:
Domain - 4 (adding 3 points from Jack)
[near the Church of Scientology in Chicago on Lincoln Ave.
(though the Haven near not IN the Church)].
Lien 3 [starting state leaving as is]
Portillon - 3 (adding bonus 1 from me, bonus 1 from rackhir & 1 of the 5 we are allotted)
Haven - 3 (adding 2 points from Rackhir - large secure haven - I am thinking a penthouse near the Church HQ in Chicago)
Library - 3 (adding 1 from Rackhir and 2 from our bonus).
Allies - 3 (Here I am thinking influential Church Members with various useful day jobs)
That leaves 2 more points to spend. I propose we purchase 1 dot of Watchmen and 1 dot of Security System OR 2 dots in Resources?
My character sheet now has touchstones and convictions added to it.
Hunting without an increased chasis looks like it'd be insanely difficult? Could we drop a few more points into it? I've only got 5 or 6 dice in my pool to hunt, and it looks like it's difficulty 6?
Hunting without an increased chasis looks like it'd be insanely difficult? Could we drop a few more points into it? I've only got 5 or 6 dice in my pool to hunt, and it looks like it's difficulty 6?
I think the Domain 4 is Chassis 4 no? I guess we can bump it up one more, that would be the max I guess.
I'll let ST Talomyr step in here as I don't really know these V5 rules.
I'd be fine tossing whatever needs to be tossed that way for boosting it depending on Tal's input.
Out of town again until Thursday. Should be able to get a chance to review the rules and comment well before that.
@ST Talomyr I was considering taking a personal haven with the (non-existent) 'mobile' descriptor, the idea being K has a car or van he can sleep in. Is this acceptable, or no?
*
Hunting without an increased chasis looks like it'd be insanely difficult? Could we drop a few more points into it? I've only got 5 or 6 dice in my pool to hunt, and it looks like it's difficulty 6?I think the Domain 4 is Chassis 4 no? I guess we can bump it up one more, that would be the max I guess.
I'll let ST Talomyr step in here as I don't really know these V5 rules.
I think this is a case of confusion over semantics. As I read it, a coterie's Domain is the set of Chasse, Lien, and Portillon. So we're currently looking at Chasse 4, Lien 3, Portillon 3, which would make hunting checks within our Domain difficulty 2 (base 6 - Chasse 4.)
@goodwicki - the "mobile" haven is fine. Please tell me what all you are doing to light proof the vehicle in question and any other security measures in place.
I believe what you have for hunting difficulties is correct, but will double check when I am able. Just to note though, on a d10 anything 6 or better is a success, and when a difficulty is described in V5 that is a number of successes required on the given roll.
I have 2 points total towards a group haven, not 4. Library 1 + ??? 1 = 2. Sorry for confusion.
Rereading core rulebook page 189, haven library feature is for a specific skill and specialty. My library 1 is for investigation/cold case. Others may want dots spent in different skill/specialty combinations.
Hi,
I am interested in joining the Chicago by night chronicle. I am familiar with the old Chicago by night up until the events of the end of the module Under a blood red moon. I really know. I thing about V5 or current Chicago by night.
I could run a brujah or a gangrel in the current chronicle as I don’t think you have either based on my review of the thread.
Character concepts I was thinking of could be a gangbanger or an outlaw biker.
Let me know your thoughts.
Keep in mind, I'm looking for a cohesive coterie - if you can fit a gangbanger or outlaw biker into what the rest of the group has been building, that's fine.
Both concepts are people who join groups seeking safety in numbers and would likely be looking to join a coterie after finding themselves neonates in the world of darkness.
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Rictor
Chronicle: Chicago by night
Sire: Gengis
Concept: outlaw biker (think sons of anarchy)
Ambition: Become someone important.
Desire: Do something that matters.
Predator: alley cat
Clan: Brujah
Gen: 13
Blood potency: 1
Str: 3
Dex: 3
Sta: 4
Chr: 2
Man: 1
Com: 2
Int 2
Wts 2
Res 3
Physical
Brawl 4
Firearms 3
Melee 2
Craft 2
Drive 2
Athletics 1
Larceny 1
Stealth 2
Survival 1
Social
Streetwise 3
Intimidation 2
Mental
Medicine 1
Awareness 1
Investigation 1
Occult 1
Humanity 6
Health 7
Willpower 5
Merit: criminal contacts 3
Merit: retainers 3
Merit: resources 5
Merit: Mawla 5
Flaw: stake bait 2
Disciplines
Celerity 2
Potence 2
Touchstone: Kurt his younger brother
Conviction: always deliver on promises
This was my first attempt at V5 character creation so there may be mistakes.
My dad was an outlaw biker for a lot of my formative years. Sons of Anarchy was basically a comedy for us :P
I need finalized character sheets with convictions and touchstones from everyone (either linked or in your profile. Reminder as part of character creation, you have 15 XP to spend - you are not required to spend it all if you would like to reserve a bit for a larger expenditure down the road.
The PCs need to finalize and put down in writing what your coterie advantages are. Where at within the city is your communal haven/Church of Scientology? North side? South side? Downtown?
Once those things are in place, I am ready to start the game.
Reminder for the finalized sheets. I have Alexander, Calliope, Jack, and Edwin. Still need K and Rictor in an alias form.
Please put the following info in your alias tag line:
CLAN X Gen | Blood Potency X | Health X | Willpower X | Humanity X | Hunger 1
See Calliope's profile if you are not sure where that information goes in your profile.
Finished alias for K. I believe Rackhir/Alexander is finishing up his loose ends this evening.
ST Talomyr, my full haven concept is:
Haven 3 (small 1, mobile 1, security 1)
Mid-2000s Econoline cargo van with no exterior windows to back cargo area, and a thick curtain that can be pulled across grate to front cab. K has installed a simple flip-down bunk along the passenger side, and keeps a tool box in back for show. Legally registered to Alumni Auto Repair, the legitimate business front of the HK Grads. Security 1 Features upgraded locks and car alarm, both linked to app on K’s cell phone.
As always, constructive criticism from ST or fellow players is welcome :)
Hi,
How does one create a character alias?
I really like the classic white van look you've got going on :)
Hi,
How does one create a character alias?
At the top of the web page, go to "My Account"
Select "Account Settings"Scroll down to "Messageboards Aliases"
"Create New Alias"
From there you select a name and an Avatar picture (if you want one).
Once it is created, click on that link and fill in the "Profile" Tab with your stats selecting the tab "Edit my Profile".
The Alias tag line ST Tal is referring to works best (I think) in the Race Line of the Profile.
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Note, you will also need to make an Avatar for the character you are creating in my Tremere Vampire game once it is up and running
Let’s see if I did this right.
Rictor spent a lot of time hanging around Gary Indiana in an abandoned steel mill that his biker group used as its headquarters. Rictor was being considered by Tyrus the gangrel biker as a potential ghoul. Gengis the brujah anarch thought Tyrus wanted to embrace Rictor and in trying to be a jerk and make trouble, Gengis embraced Rictor just to deny Tyrus. Tyrus understands what Gengis did and why he did it and has decided to mentor the young biker. Tyrus first piece of advice to Rictor was to find a coterie.
Let’s see if I did this right.
That looks like a good start. You need to either link your character sheet details there or copy them into the profile.
Go into the profile, edit the profile and then add the character sheet or link to the character sheet.
Please put the following info in your alias tag line:
CLAN X Gen | Blood Potency X | Health X | Willpower X | Humanity X | Hunger 1
Done.
I guess for the shared Background ST you will make the final call? I think we are pretty close but I believe I was off by a few points.
Happy to not be a high functioning LSD addict to get us another point. My loresheet has a really nice 1 and 2 dot feature, and having a nice cushy cotarie sounds like a good plan.
When I get home from work today, I'll spend those last exp.
Regarding the 15exp - how much will be going toward the coterie stuff? I know we talked about a dot to the coterie, I just don't have the PDF on my work laptop and everything is blocked for the cost and all (yay school districts that can't distinguish teacher accounts vs student accounts and block everything for the teachers too!).
Thank you guys in advance for the help while I learn the new system.
"Think Tank" - Base
Domain - Chasse 1 - A city block of hunting.
Lien 3 - The ease of interaction between the domain’s mortals
with the coterie +3 to rolls (does NOT apply to Hunting).Allies - 3 (Analysts, bureaucrats, soldiers, etc)
Haven - 1 (Small office to work in)
-------
"Extra" Points
Rackhir Points - 2 (for Shared Haven), 1 (for Library), 1 bonus.
They Call Him Jack - 3 dots.
Edwin Wagner - 1 dot (I reduced Herd by 1)+5 Dots (1 for each member of the Coterie).
Total - 11 Extra Above Starting.
-------Based on these stats, how about:
Domain - 4 (adding 3 points from Jack)
[near the Church of Scientology in Chicago on Lincoln Ave.
(though the Haven near not IN the Church)].Lien 3 [starting state leaving as is]
Portillon - 3 (adding bonus 1 from me, bonus 1 from rackhir & 1 of the 5 we are allotted)
Haven - 3 (adding 2 points from Rackhir - large secure haven - I am thinking a penthouse near the Church HQ in Chicago)
Library - 3 (adding 1 from Rackhir and 2 from our bonus).
Allies - 3 (Here I am thinking influential Church Members with various useful day jobs)
That leaves 2 more points to spend. I propose we purchase 1 dot of Watchmen and 1 dot of Security System OR 2 dots in Resources?
This looks good to me for the shared coterie stuff. Obviously the group needs to chime in on Shadow's suggested spend of the last two dots.
When I get home from work today, I'll spend those last exp.
Regarding the 15exp - how much will be going toward the coterie stuff? I know we talked about a dot to the coterie, I just don't have the PDF on my work laptop and everything is blocked for the cost and all (yay school districts that can't distinguish teacher accounts vs student accounts and block everything for the teachers too!).
Thank you guys in advance for the help while I learn the new system.
I think the coterie stuff is in pretty good shape for the start of the game. I would spend those XP on your own advancement.
XP Spend:
Attribute: New level x 5 (So increasing Strength from 2 to 3 costs 15 points)
Skill: New level x 3
New Speciality: 3 XP
Clan Discipline: New level x 5
Other Discipline: New level x 7
Caitiff Discipline: New level x 6
Blood Sorcery Ritual: Ritual level x 3
Thin Blood Formula: Formula level x 3
Advantage (merit, background): New level x 3
Blood Potency: New level x 10
I think spending 1 on watchman and 1 on security is a good idea for the coterie!
I'll handle the other stuff ASAP. Thanks, ST.
Hi, I’m dropping out of the story. I just have too much going on.
See ya, Rictor. Hope things calm down for you soon.
I had one other person express interest in the game, would all of you be amenable to taking one more into your coterie with Rictor withdrawl?
See ya, Rictor. Hope things calm down for you soon.
I had one other person express interest in the game, would all of you be amenable to taking one more into your coterie with Rictor withdrawl?
OK for me.