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Post by rjrock85 on Dec 7, 2009 5:23:13 GMT -5
I'm gonna be running a Vampire: The Requiem game some time here within the next few weeks, once a month on Saturdays. I'll be accepting character ideas for a few weeks and then I'll be selecting a group and running with it. I'm looking for four to six players interested in the political intrigues and dangerous exploits associated with a Vampire game. To help drum up interest and give ideas as to what kind of character you should be thinking of, I'll be posting a few details about the setting and the direction in which I would like to take the chronicle in the next few posts.
If you have a character idea, please send it to me in a private message or talk to me about it in person.
Unfortunately, this game will be held in the Shippensburg area, so if you can't commute here conveniently I would suggest not applying. Although I am open to running with someone from further away as a background character that won't influence the rest of the players directly, if that sounds interesting.
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Post by rjrock85 on Dec 7, 2009 5:25:04 GMT -5
Current Affairs: Phoenix, a Vampire’s Perspective
Dragons control this city, they always have, much to the chagrin of the First Estate. Prince Edward Shultz is thought to have founded the city by proxy in 1868 and, after a significant population accumulated, moved in to take control himself. His motives for doing so are a mystery but it is rumored that he was chafing under the system of the city in which he previously resided, tried to overthrow the leadership there and failed, fled to the west, and founded Phoenix so that he may rule.
The relations between the Covenants in Phoenix are a mixed bag. Prince Shultz and, by extension, most of the Ordo Dracul despises the Circle of the Crone. The reason for which, besides competition for Wyrm’s Nests, is largely unknown. So, needless to say, the Acolytes of the city are an oppressed people well on their way towards extinction. On the subject of the Lancea Sanctum, the Dragons grudgingly abide the Sanctified as per the wishes of the Order’s Invictus allies. The Sanctum views the Dragons as heretics and heathens, but the Acolytes are tenfold worse, so they are currently tolerating the Dragons until the Circle can be washed from the face of the city. As far as the Dragons are concerned, the Carthians pose no real threat as long as they are let to their own devices; Prince Shultz has no real reason to feel strongly about them as long as he remains in power. The First Estate and the Dragons have, interestingly, worked together since the city’s inception and it is rumored that Prince Shultz and Liddia Drake, leading member of the Invictus, are deeply connected in some manner. Though Liddia herself has no love for the Sanctified, her fellow Covenant members do, so in an effort to appease them she has influenced the Prince to put up with the Followers of the Lance; the Prince has agreed to do so until such time as it is infeasible. As a final note, as far as Kindred society is concerned, the Carthians and Invictus are at odds with one another, as usual, but this may have some unwanted affects for the Ordo Dracul, since they are allied with the Invictus.
The Ordo Dracul have had ties with the local Mages for several decades now, exchanging favors here and there, mostly dealing with Wyrm’s Nests. Some of the Order however feels that these Mages should not be trusted and seem to have a greedy eye set upon the Wyrm’s Nests currently under Dragon control; they fear that a Mage insurrection might occur at anytime.
Several Guardians have reported sightings of strange people hanging around and spying on Fontal Nests within the city limits for some time now. Who these people are and what they want from the Wyrm’s Nests is a question that must be answered and addressed before it is too late. Some speculate that they may be Werewolves, since it is said that they take great interest in wellheads. If these speculations are true, then negotiations should take place as soon as possible to avoid the less savory alternative of forcible removal. Then again, the Order has had a decent rapport with the Werewolves of the city for quite some time now, and if they truly are Lupines wouldn’t they just open up negotiations in the first place. Perhaps these Lupines are foreign to the area and are trying to claim some territory.
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Post by rjrock85 on Dec 7, 2009 5:28:12 GMT -5
The following are themes and moods I would like to explore at some time or another during the course of the chronicle. If a particular aspect pops out at you let me know when you pitch your character idea and I'll be sure to put some more emphasis on that aspect.
Themes of Phoenix • Power has a steep price • Some secrets should stay hidden • Not every problem can be solved with an axe • The Masquerade is delicate • The ethics of progress • Like begets like • The importance of allies and contacts Moods of Phoenix • Order without Stagnation • Mystery • Foreboding • Social Oppression • Social Turmoil • Religious Zealotry
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Post by rjrock85 on Dec 7, 2009 5:33:43 GMT -5
I'm going to focus mainly on the struggle between the Ordo Dracul and the Circle of the Crone in Phoenix, particularly from the Ordo's point of view. So I'm looking for characters to be among the membership of the Ordo Dracul, but I will gladly make exceptions if you can sell it to me.
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rlandis
Journeyman
FOR THE EMPIRE!
Posts: 224
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Post by rlandis on Dec 7, 2009 23:47:28 GMT -5
I'll toss my hat into the ring. Gimme a while to think of what I would want to play.
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Post by rjrock85 on Dec 8, 2009 6:56:14 GMT -5
Sounds good.
By the way, if there are any questions about what I've posted so far, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
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Post by Drozgul on Dec 9, 2009 1:56:05 GMT -5
Can we work out some simple things ahead of time?
Like, are we part of the Order already?
If yes or no, how long have we been vampires?
Do we have a sponsor/mentor? Or is that how we begin? Will we all have a common mentor? Or separated?
Do we have insight of the Prince's view on this clash of covenants? Is he/she one of them? One of us? Or another entirely?
I have more, but that should be enough to cook with, we can add more spice if it doesn't taste right.
Also, if we are already a part of the Order, have we already completed the ritual of Following the Dragon's Tail? (I somewhat hope not.)
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Post by rjrock85 on Dec 9, 2009 3:57:15 GMT -5
Are we part of the Order already? That's for each player to decide, depending on what they feel is right for their character and their story. I would prefer characters to be associated with the Order in some way (already a member, a wannabe, a member of the Invictus or Lancea Sanctum, or possibly even an agent from the Circle of the Crone if your suicidal).
If yes or no, how long have we been vampires? Again, it depends on the individual needs of your character's story. I have one caveat, however: if you spend merit points on Blood Potency be sure to be old enough to possess such power and, on the flip side, if you want to be an older Vampire be sure to work in some reason why you have an unusually low Blood Potency (remember to increase Blood Potency you must diablerize another vampire or exist for 50 years out of torpor; to decrease Blood Potency one must spend 25 years in torpor per point lost).
Do we have a sponsor/mentor? Or is that how we begin? Will we all have a common mentor? Or separated? This question is a little more difficult. Again it depends on the individual character's back stories. If you decide to have a Sire that is still active in your unlife or a spnsor/mentor that is among the Kindred just say that you have one and I'll fill out the details of said person of significance with you. Possessing a shared mentor is the sticker, my plans for the story do not require that the characters have the same mentor but if, after I chose which characters to run with, you guys want to work into your stories some commonalities, feel free to do so.
Do we have insight of the Prince's view on this clash of covenants? Is he/she one of them? One of us? Or another entirely? Your characters know everything from the first reply post in this thread. One of them? One of us? Or another entirely? How do you mean?
Also, if we are already a part of the Order, have we already completed the ritual of Following the Dragon's Tail? (I somewhat hope not.) Following the Dragon's Tail isn't necessarily a once and done thing, but you can have your character initiate it during the course of the game, already Following the Dragon's Tail when the game starts, or even completed this practice before the game starts. However, if currently pursuing the Dragon's Tail or having already completed it, I ask that you work it into your character's back story somehow and explain your progress and what, if anything, you have learned from the rite.
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Post by Drozgul on Dec 9, 2009 4:44:34 GMT -5
One of them? One of us? Or another entirely? How do you mean? The Prince of the city, is he/she aligned with any covenant? Since it was not mentioned before, would anyone know for certain?
I hope I'm asking appropriate questions. I don't want to get the feeling I missed a beat and the rest of the details just don't matter very much.
The only other thing I can think of is will there be a prelude?
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Post by rjrock85 on Dec 9, 2009 7:39:07 GMT -5
I thought I made it pretty obvious, but I'll clarify: the Prince is a member of the Ordo Dracul.
As to Preludes: If a player requests it I'll run them through one.
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Lady Masquerade
Journeyman
Look into my eyes. Do you see who I see?
Posts: 174
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Post by Lady Masquerade on Dec 9, 2009 18:14:57 GMT -5
Prince Shultz and, by extension, most of the Ordo Dracul despises the Circle of the Crone. This one sentence in Ryan's original post suggests that the Prince is a part of the Ordo, but I had to reread it also. I still can't get my brain to comprehend all that information at once. It hurts too much.
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Post by roborob on Feb 12, 2010 0:30:08 GMT -5
where and when is the first session? i know it was suppose to be this sat but what time and location i am not sure. and i have to work 8 am to 2 pm so i may be late or not make it if it is this weekend
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Post by rjrock85 on Feb 12, 2010 6:37:30 GMT -5
Due to some complications, the game has been postponed for a short amount of time as the planets realign...Not particularly happy about it but, c'est la vie.
Unless Droz's availability improves, the game will be moving to Sunday evenings and will be juggled along with Droz's crossover and Fenix's Geist game after Bael's game comes to a close (which I'm told has six sessions left). I hope that this works for all parties involved, I know that there could possibly be some complications with people having to get up early on Monday and with this knowledge I'll try my best not to run the game too late into the night.
I'm sorry for the abrupt notice, but I was just recently informed of Droz's insistent objection to Saturday evenings (I knew there was an issue with Saturdays but I had not realized that it was insurmountable and I apologize).
We'll roll from here, keep the dialogue open and let me know of any issues with this tentative schedule.
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Post by rjrock85 on Feb 15, 2010 5:43:01 GMT -5
For all those who are participating in the Phoenix Chronicle, I would like a write-up of each of your backgrounds. I know that we've gone over them at least in brief, but I'd like to have them readily available for reference free from the fevered mists of a foggy memory. You can get them to me however you would like...as a post in this thread, a private message, etc...As soon as I have them I will begin working with each of you individually on your Preludes, as time provides. And as far as your background write-ups are concerned, write them as if they were vaguely formed sculptures of clay. I'll flesh out the details with you in the course of the Prelude.
Hopefully this will keep up the hunger (pardon the phrase) and keep my fidgeting to a minimum while I wait for the game to begin in earnest.
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Post by Drozgul on Feb 18, 2010 9:39:01 GMT -5
18 years. 18 years with the agency, and they forced my resignation. The very case that earned my early promotion was copy-catted 12 years after and drove me crazy. That's what the file will say anyway. What was the case? That's classified. I'll just say it should still be an open case. I have a bad feeling about it.
Did I give it all up? For a few years sure. Tried to get my family back. But by then they'd already moved on. No room for me. So I opened my own private office. Hey, at least it would be income right? Figured it'd take a little while to get established, but I picked up a case right away. My own.
Turns out she was setting me up. Wanted me to meet a contact and as soon as my guard was down she was on me. Its a weird kinda feeling ya' know? Realizing that you're a victim, but not only being incapable of fighting it, but feeling your mind and body warp into wanting it. I'll never forget that feeling. That's the same one I'll be bringing onto other innocent victims for the rest of eternity.
Case File: Name: Di'Orsi, Romano Age: 46 Height: 5'10" Weight: Approx. 260 Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Current Whereabouts: Unknown Notes: This case file has been opened to monitor the happenings of one R. Di'Orsi after his leave of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; due to his unstable mental condition in relation to possible harmful intentions harbored toward the Bureau. He was last seen leaving his office, sending his secretary on a long vacation, at approximately 7:18PM on October 9th, 2004.
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