In hindsight, I should've made it clear that the new retainer imbibes some of your vitae, regardless of how much XP you pay. The added cost represents an increase in your ghoul's stats, not an assurance of loyalty brought about by the Blood Bond.
In hindsight, I should've made it clear that the new retainer imbibes some of your vitae, regardless of how much XP you pay. The added cost represents an increase in your ghoul's stats, not an assurance of loyalty brought about by the Blood Bond.
[X] Plan: The Night [15 XP]
-[X] I began getting more involved in the politics of Chicago's Kindred. (6 XP)
--[X] Celia returned the favor she owed me by helping me make sense of what I heard in court. (-3 XP)
---[X] Now I owe her a favor for helping me. (-3 XP)
-[X] I learned how to inspire awe in onlookers with my supernatural Presence. (7 XP)
--[X] Erzulie of the Blood Disco was willing to teach me as a favor after what I did to stop Malenkov. (-3 XP)
---[X] In turn, I promised to help her should she find herself in serious need of help. (-3 XP)
-[X] I distinguished myself in Prince Jackson's service, earning the right to speak with him directly. (15 XP)
--[X] It didn't hurt that I forgave the debt he owed me for cleaning up after Nash. (-3 XP)
---[X] I promised the Prince a minor boon as a gesture of friendship and loyalty. (-3 XP)
----[X] A big favor. (-3 XP)
-[X] I learned how to wield Melee weapons properly. Stakes, for instance. (3 XP)
--[X] The Sheriff's bandmate, Kathy Glens, taught me how to hit people for a favor. (-3 XP)
-[X] I became someone Sheriff Damien knew he could count on to watch his back, and he became a four-dot Mawla. (12 XP)
--[X] I also owe him a small favor. (-3 XP)
---[X] Make that a big favor. (-3 XP)
--[X] I shared what I knew of the Oblivion Discipline with the Sheriff. (-7 XP) I'll be generous and say that if you tick all the boxes for Damien, you'll gain a point of XP.(-1 XP)
-[X] One veteran in my acquaintance discerned my true nature, and he offered to become my retainer. (6 XP)
--[X] Becoming a ghoul only made him even more dangerous. (+3 XP)
[] Plan: Land of the Dead [10 XP]
-[] I began getting more involved in the politics of Chicago's Kindred. (6 XP)
--[] Celia returned the favor she owed me by helping me make sense of what I heard in court. (-3 XP)
---[] Now I owe her a favor for helping me. (-3 XP)
-[] I learned how to inspire awe in onlookers with my supernatural Presence. (7 XP)
--[] Erzulie of the Blood Disco was willing to teach me as a favor after what I did to stop Malenkov. (-3 XP)
---[] In turn, I promised to help her should she find herself in serious need of help. (-3 XP)
-[] Gengis taught me how to enhance my reflexes with the Celerity Discipline. (7 XP + Minor Debt to Gengis)
--[] Owing him a huge solid is worth being able to dodge bullets. (-3 XP) If you choose to get a discount on Presence from Erzulie, subtract 3 XP from the cost of learning Celerity since you've already tasted the lightning speed inherent in the blood of the Roses. (-3 XP)
-[] I learned how to wield Melee weapons properly. Stakes, for instance. (3 XP)
--[] The Sheriff's bandmate, Kathy Glens, taught me how to hit people for a favor. (-3 XP)
-[] I became someone Sheriff Damien knew he could count on to watch his back, and he became a four-dot Mawla. (12 XP)
--[] I also owe him a small favor. (-3 XP)
---[] Make that a big favor. (-3 XP)
--[] I shared what I knew of the Oblivion Discipline with the Sheriff. (-7 XP) I'll be generous and say that if you tick all the boxes for Damien, you'll gain a point of XP.(-1 XP)
-[] A few of my military connections agreed to provide extra firepower should I need Allies. (9 XP)
Okay there's a lot going on and a lot of ways to go. Andres has a good plan but I want to be consistent and throw my hat into the ring.
Plan 1, is maximizing the output of the XP we saved during the last arc. I like the idea of having Prince Jackson as a Mawla and a strong Retainer. With a Retainer we won't have to ask Valarie for help as often and potentially endanger our touchstone. I wish I could worked Gengis into it since I think he'll be important in our future goals. But unfortunately I'm 1 XP short of having him in there.
Plan 2, is kinda a middle man between my preferred plan and Andres. The squad of soldiers is the only really expensive thing their.
If I missed anything please let me know. Thank you @Rogue Attican for another interesting chapter.
Since no one else has submitted ideas for what to do with Artie's accumulated XP, I'll call the vote. Below is a budget that combines the plans by @Andres and @Kebarton.
[X] I began getting more involved in the politics of Chicago's Kindred. (6 XP)
-[X] Celia returned the favor she owed me by helping me make sense of what I heard in court. (-3 XP)
--[X] Now I owe her a favor for helping me. (-3 XP)
[X] I learned how to inspire awe in onlookers with my supernatural Presence. (7 XP)
-[X] Erzulie of the Blood Disco was willing to teach me as a favor after what I did to stop Malenkov. (-3 XP)
--[X] In turn, I promised to help her should she find herself in serious need of help. (-3 XP)
[X] I distinguished myself in Prince Jackson's service, earning the right to speak with him directly. (15 XP)
-[X] It didn't hurt that I forgave the debt he owed me for cleaning up after Nash. (-3 XP)
--[X] I promised the Prince a minor boon as a gesture of friendship and loyalty. (-3 XP)
---[X] A big favor. (-3 XP)
[X] I learned how to properly handle Melee weapons like stakes. (3 XP)
-[X] The Sheriff's bandmate, Kathy Glens, taught me how to better hit people for a favor. (-3 XP)
[X] Gengis taught me how to enhance my reflexes with the Celerity Discipline. (7 4 XP)
-[X] Owing him a huge solid is worth being able to dodge bullets. (-3 XP)
[X] I became someone Sheriff Damien knew he could count on to watch his back, and he became a four-dot Mawla. (12 XP)
-[X] I also owe him a small favor. (-3 XP)
--[X] Make that a big favor. (-3 XP)
-[X] I shared what I knew of the Oblivion Discipline with the Sheriff. (-7 XP)
[X] A few of my military connections agreed to provide extra firepower should I need Allies. (9 XP)
[X] It was only a matter of time until my activities made me a priority target for Night's Cross. (-3 XP)
It is clear that if you intend to make meaningful change, you'll have to take great strides toward your goals. You remember Nick once said that the amount you owe matters less than your ability to meet your obligations as they come due. True, you've indebted yourself to various Kindred throughout the Chicago domain. However, you'll gladly owe someone a service to be performed in the future if it means surviving tonight.
Thus, you begin immersing yourself more fully in the Eternal Struggle all vampires engage in. For you, refusing to play in the Jyhad is not an option. Standing on the sidelines as Kindred struggle for power and trample the kine beneath their feet would keep your hands clean. However, the thoughts of how things might be different had you intervened would still stain your conscience. With those thoughts in mind, you throw yourself into the political ring of Chicago's supernatural underworld.
You and Celia sit together on the rooftop bar of the Diamond Yama, nursing cocktail glasses filled with blood and garnished with slices of citrus. One of Sierra's ghouls must have managed to retain their sense of humor even while under the influence of the Blood Bond. After taking a sip from your drink, you set your glass on the coaster. "So tell me - why is the Ventrue seat on the Primogen Council still empty? I thought the Prince would've appointed someone by now to take Al Capone's place."
"Officially, Prince Jackson wants to demonstrate his even-handedness. Having another member of the Clan of Kings on the Council would make pushing his agenda easier. However, the other clans would get upset at the Blue Bloods getting two votes, and that kind of tension doesn't make for good government."
"Uh-huh, and what's the real reason?"
"The Board hasn't yet decided who should have the Primogeniture." Seeing the confusion on your face, Celia elaborates. "The Board, or Gerousia if you want to be fancy, calls the shot for Chicago's Ventrue. The Blue Bloods try not to step on each other's toes when carving out spheres of influence, but when things come to a head, they take their disagreements to the elites among the elites. Can you guess who sits on the Board?"
"The Prince, for one. The Seneschal's probably a member, too. Ballard may not be as powerful as he used to be, but money talks, and I bet he still has enough cash to make his voice heard." You then recall the female Ventrue you had seen sitting near Prince Jackson at Nash's execution. "Naomi Stewart?"
Celia nods. "Yeah. From what I can tell, the Old Prince was racist against black people, so she never got a seat at the table until Prince Jackson came into power."
You nod. "Then who's the frontrunner for Ventrue Primogen? Alan Sovereign?"
Celia shakes her head. "No, the Prince barely trusts the Seneschal. The Prince might back Ballard's claim to the Primogeniture just so sire and childe will be too busy fighting each other to try and claim praxis over the city. Besides, Sovereign strikes me as the kind of guy who'd like to rule from the shadows, not on a throne."
You let out a noise of confusion. "Really? At least from what I've seen, the Prince and Seneschal don't seem to have that kind of tension in their working relationship."
"They may have knives pointed at each other under the table, but they also want to build something that lasts. Jackson wants a stable regime, and Sovereign wants even more money. If they work together, they can both get what they want. Of course, if one falters, it's curtains for them."
"What about Naomi Stewart, then?"
Celia pauses to consider. "I could see her sitting with the other Primogen, but it'd be a long shot, given the resources Ballard can access. She'll need help if she hopes to stand a chance."
You consider Celia's words for another moment before glancing at your watch. "Hey, listen, I gotta run, but thanks for telling me what you know about Clan Ventrue. We'll catch up later."
"Yeah, no problem. Just don't forget that you owe me one."
Politics 2/5 (You can apply influence at a local level.)
Boon from Araceli "Celia" Rivera (Boon 1)
Celia has paid the debt she owes you by helping you better understand the Kindred political scene in Chicago.
Debt to Araceli "Celia" Rivera (Boon 1)
In exchange for tutoring you in Kindred politics, you owe Araceli "Celia" Rivera of Clan Lasombra a minor boon.
The basement of the Red No. 5 contains plenty of clubbers, but it isn't as crowded as you might expect of a Friday night in Chicago. The red lights hit the mahogany walls and chrome railings in an ethereal way that makes you wonder if you're stumbling back in time and onto the set of Eyes Wide Shut. The DJ stands above the dance floor atop a small, circular perch as the speakers play some old-school hip-hop from the 90s.
You head toward the stairs leading to the curiously empty upper landing flanking the dance floor. The black leather couch you've selected is soft and buttery beneath you. It isn't long before the woman you're here to meet takes a seat on the side of the low mahogany table adjacent to yours. The cut of her yellow, flapper-style dress accentuates the muscular calves of a dancer. "Good evening, Artie."
"Evening, Erzulie. Thank you for agreeing to meet me tonight."
"Oh, I'm always happy to share what I know, though I'm surprised you sought me out instead of Annabelle."
"I thought I'd take the chance to get to know other Kindred in the community. You've got quite the little operation here." You turn away from Erzulie to stare out at the dance floor below. If you aren't mistaken, a coterie of clanless Caitiff has entered the Red No. 5's basement, hunting for prey.
"It's been decades since I was mortal, but I still remember what it's like to be homeless. How could I possibly turn away anyone who needs my help?"
Erzulie's Beast fixes you with a fierce glare as if daring you to try and enforce the Prince's policy on her turf. In response, you hold your hands up in a gesture of submission. "Hey, I'm here tonight as a potential student, not one of Prince Jackson's Hounds. Besides, the kine would start asking questions if Isabel Rolando were to suddenly drop off the radar."
The tension in Erzulie's body diminishes somewhat, and you take the opportunity to change subjects. "I saw the Rolando collection for the season. I gotta say, all the pieces look great."
Erzulie preens. "Why, thank you, darling! I can't take all the credit, though - one of my interns had a hand designing the gowns."
Erzulie's expression then takes on a calculating look as she gives you the once-over. It's a face you recognize from working with Annabelle - the look of a Toreador contemplating their next project. "Have you ever considered wearing femme fashion?"
"I didn't realize I wasn't 100% a guy until I left the Army and went to college," you confess. "Even afterward, I never had the money to spend on experimenting with my wardrobe. It wasn't until after my Embrace that I had disposable income, and by then, I had to deal with this."
Erzulie huffs as you wave your hand to the scars on your face. "Nonsense. The 'curse' of Clan Nosferatu gives your face character. With the right pieces, I could make you absolutely striking. However, I think that's a conversation to be had later."
Erzulie extends her arms toward you, exposing the vein in her wrist. You take her hand as if you were about to kiss her palm. As your fangs sink into her undead flesh, the first droplets of vitae hit your tongue. Erzulie's vitae is thick, yet it carries the delicate flavor of rosewater. You then feel a surge of energy flowing through your body like electricity as memories of her mortal life flash through your mind. Before Erzulie glittered in the ballrooms of the mainland, a boy in Puerto Rico found himself abandoned by his Catholic parents. It's a story that resonates with your own experiences.
You pull away from Erzulie, giving the puncture wounds in her wrist a few licks to seal them. As you wipe your mouth, you take the time to reconsider Erzulie's boyish frame as she rubs her wrist. Once you've finished cleaning your face, Erzulie takes you by the hand again before rising from her seat.
Once she's hauled you onto your feet, Erzulie begins tugging you toward the stairs leading down to the dance floor. Oh, no. "I-I don't dance."
The fanged grin on Erzulie's face only grows wider. "Then this is your chance to learn. Just follow my lead, and we'll make everyone in the club tonight stop and stare."
Oh, no.
Debt to Erzulie (Debt 2)
In exchange for teaching you how to Awe onlookers, you owe Erzulie of Clan Toreador a big favor.
Presence 1/5
Awe
When this power is active, anyone around you will find their attention inexplicably drawn to you. While this power doesn't cause rapt infatuation, it is still strong enough to sway the minds of most mortals. Add dice equal to your Presence rating to pools involving your Persuasion or Performance skills. Charisma rolls may also benefit on a case-by-case basis. Anyone aware that they're being affected can try to resist by rolling against your Manipulation + Presence.
You can now purchase dots in the Protean Discipline.
Erzulie They're wasted on the Ivory Tower.
The founder of the Blood Disco believes you'd fit right in among the House of Lilith. Should you ever learn that there's more to undeath besides obeying the whims of some Camarilla Prince, seek the Mother-Above-All out at Red No. 5.
There was still time in your schedule for social calls, even as you grew busier and busier pursuing your new goals. Many Kindred call Chicago home, and you endeavored to reach out to old acquaintances and potential new connections. Who did you meet?
Vote for as many as you want. The top four choices will receive a write-up over the next few updates.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Khadija of the Banu Haqim granted me an audience.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I met the Wolf Pack, a coterie of Gangrel bikers who remain loyal to the Camarilla.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Sierra is hosting Elysium at the ballroom of the Diamond Yama.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I spent more time with Alexa off the clock to better understand my fellow Hound.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Aluc of the Ministry offered to display my work in one of his art galleries.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
[] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I became acquainted with Erictho of Clan Tremere.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I'll write the name of a different vampire I want to meet.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I'll allow the Storyteller to decide who we meet.
Artie may be in debt to a lot of people but he makes up for it for being well liked by most Kindred who meet him. Build wise Artie is widely spread being decent at a lot of stuff and having a really wide Discipline spread, sure Artie isn't extremely skilled at any one area but he's good at a lot of stuff and he makes it work for him. I think we should try and up his Attributes in a bit because we've focused on the Skills and Disciplines.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
Artie gets more involved with the Anarchs and furthers his role of internal reformer. [X] [SOCIALIZE] I met the Wolf Pack, a coterie of Gangrel bikers who remain loyal to the Camarilla.
Gets Artie more involved with the people who are going to be fighting the werewolves and continues Artie's trend of being invloved with people who are part of the Camarilla but not in favor of it. [X] [SOCIALIZE] Sierra is hosting Elysium at the ballroom of the Diamond Yama.
Gets Artie more involved with Elysium and politics with a nominal ally/friendly. [X] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
Fits with Artie trying to make friends and to getting more involved with veterans. Also gives Artie a link to humanity that he can share with another Kindred.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium. [X] [SOCIALIZE] Sierra is hosting Elysium at the ballroom of the Diamond Yama.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive. [X] [SOCIALIZE] Gabriella
I'm not interested in cultivating political power here, just hanging out with cool people we like.
The cheapest option would be to bump up Artie's Charisma to two dots for 10 XP. However, Artie would also benefit from increasing his Composure to three dots for 15 XP. Aside from making him more dangerous in firefights, Artie would also get an extra point of Willpower he can use to reroll dice.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
Artie gets more involved with the Anarchs and furthers his role as an internal reformer.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I met the Wolf Pack, a coterie of Gangrel bikers who remain loyal to the Camarilla.
Gets Artie more involved with the people who are going to be fighting the werewolves and continues Artie's trend of being involved with people who are part of the Camarilla but not in favor of it.
I should mention that the Wolf Pack aren't just a motorcycle club made up of Kindred - they're Archons of the Camarilla. If Damien and the Hounds are the local police, the Archons are the FBI.
If Artie wants to increase his status among the Camarilla to four dots, one of the ways to do that is to get a Justicar to appoint him as Archon. Another way would be to convince Prince Jackson to replace Damien as Sheriff. This isn't as politically dangerous as you might think. While Damien is committed to keeping the peace, he'd rather play full-time with Baby Chorus.
True that can be a good motivator towards people wanting you to stay alive, plus Artie is well like and doesn't really have a lot of enemies expect for the Malkavian guy.
The cheapest option would be to bump up Artie's Charisma to two dots for 10 XP. However, Artie would also benefit from increasing his Composure to three dots for 15 XP. Aside from making him more dangerous in firefights, Artie would also get an extra point of Willpower he can use to reroll dice.
Both would be useful but I'm more inclined to bump Charisma first since it's cheeper as well as fitting given that Artie is trying to be better socially.
Yeah Artie would be a great fit more a more non combative member of the Movement, I think a good end goal is to have the Anarchs think Artie is a good guy doing the hopeless work of trying to make the Camarilla better, this would give him a potential in iwth them if this whole Camarilla thing blows up in Artie's face.
I should mention that the Wolf Pack aren't just a motorcycle club made up of Kindred - they're Archons of the Camarilla. If Damien and the Hounds are the local police, the Archons are the FBI.
If Artie wants to increase his status among the Camarilla to four dots, one of the ways to do that is to get a Justicar to appoint him as Archon. Another way would be to convince Prince Jackson to replace Damien as Sheriff. This isn't as politically dangerous as you might think. While Damien is committed to keeping the peace, he'd rather play full-time with Baby Chorus.
Hanging out with the Wolf Pack would be fitting since they are Artie's kind of people given his background and current job. Also with raising Artie's status he would make a good Archon or Sheriff but I feel like he isn't there skill wise. But getting either position are attainable for Artie with time.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle. [X] [SOCIALIZE] I spent more time with Alexa off the clock to better understand my fellow Hound. [X] [SOCIALIZE] Aluc of the Ministry offered to display my work in one of his art galleries.
Remember that the "Malkavian guy" is the Lunatics' Primogen, Jason "Son" Newberry. If your name comes up during Primogen Council meetings, he'll almost certainly vote to screw you over.
Hanging out with the Wolf Pack would be fitting since they are Artie's kind of people, given his background and current job. Also with raising Artie's status, he would make a good Archon or Sheriff, but I feel like he isn't there, skill-wise. But getting either position is attainable for Artie with time.
I agree. One of the effects of the Beckoning drawing older vampires to the Middle East is that there are suddenly a lot of empty positions available for ambitious young Kindred to fill. Artie's done a lot for a neonate with not even two years of unlife under his belt, but he isn't ready to sit in the big boy chairs yet.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle. [X] [SOCIALIZE] I spent more time with Alexa off the clock to better understand my fellow Hound. [X] [SOCIALIZE] Aluc of the Ministry offered to display my work in one of his art galleries.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Khadija of the Banu Haqim granted me an audience.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I'll allow the Storyteller to decide who we meet.
So I was planning to vote to talk to people we already know. But Rogue commented he was hoping the vote would increase the size of our social circle. So I'm honor his intentions and vote like that.
The Banu Haqim are an interesting bunch. Interacting with Annabelle would be nostalgic and getting to know Naomi could be interesting. Finally I'll let @Rogue Attican decide the last one.
Since no one else has submitted ideas for what to do with Artie's accumulated XP, I'll call the vote. Below is a budget that combines the plans by @Andres and @Kebarton.
From what I've seen the rest of the thread tends to freeze up during Plan Votes. Maybe it's choice paralysis, maybe it's not knowing the system well enough or maybe by now they know the two of us will come up with plan options for them. Ehhh, either way it's a quirk of the thread.
Nice chapter by the way. As an introvert, I gotta say running around and socializing like that would be exhausting for me. I hope Artie takes some time for himself.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Khadija of the Banu Haqim granted me an audience.
[] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I'll allow the Storyteller to decide who we meet.
So I was planning to vote to talk to people we already know. But Rogue commented he was hoping the vote would increase the size of our social circle. So I'm honoring his intentions and voting like that.
Remember to insert an X between the brackets so the tallying function can count your vote.
As the Storyteller, I want players (and Artie, by extension) to become more familiar with the setting and the people in it. Much of the fun in Vampire: The Masquerade is seeing how many plots and schemes get totaled (or find wild success) in the Gambit Pileup that is Jyhad. By introducing more players and pieces to the board, I hope you guys will find things to latch onto and explore further.
For instance, getting involved with Rosa Hernandez will allow Artie to dip their toes into Werewolf: The Apocalypse. Choosing to gain the attention of a Justicar will grant Artie access to the wider World of Darkness beyond the city limits of Chicago. While another Quest might be necessary to explore these storylines, I want the thread to at least be aware of the possibilities.
From what I've seen, the rest of the thread tends to freeze up during Plan Votes. Maybe it's choice paralysis, maybe it's not knowing the system well enough, or maybe by now they know the two of us will come up with plan options for them. Ehhh, either way, it's a quirk of the thread.
While I'm inclined to agree with you, I suspect another big reason for a comparative lack of engagement during these votes is a lack of hard numbers. Performing a cost-benefit analysis is relatively easy in most Quests. If an option offers you X, is it worth the Y resources you need to invest, given a success rate of Z%? Even in this thread, the most popular choices tend to be the ones that play to Artie's strengths, even if going with a riskier play could lead to better outcomes.
However, the plan votes in this Quest offer no easy way to compare. This is partly deliberate on my part. I'm trying to give you guys interesting dilemmas to resolve, similar to the hypothetical Tywin Lannister presents to his grandson in this Game of Thrones clip. Do you back the Ventrue Prince who promises you Resources and a rich hunting ground? Or do you support the Child of Haqim whose connections to the police could see your criminal Allies locked up in prison? There's no right answer here - only interesting ones.
However, if you feel there's a way I could include more information that would help you guys decide, I'm all ears.
As the Storyteller, I want players (and Artie, by extension) to become more familiar with the setting and the people in it. Much of the fun in Vampire: The Masquerade is seeing how many plots and schemes get totaled (or find wild success) in the Gambit Pileup that is Jyhad. By introducing more players and pieces to the board, I hope you guys will find things to latch onto and explore further.
I can understand that. The world of darkness is a big place with a large supernatural world hiding around every corner. You got wizards, werewolves and vampires, but you also got demons, mummies, and fae. Not to mention, just like in real life none of these factions have a unified culture.
I always loved it when a hero or a villain that is placed in a very diverse magical world doesn't restrict himself to the powers/techniques of a single culture or race. It shows their resourcefulness and their ability to think outside the box.
I can't find her name, but there's a kindred that routinely pretends to be another type of supernatural creature. I love that idea, because she's good enough to walk in amongst anti-kindred social circles. Which implies she's done her homework.
I'm trying to give you guys interesting dilemmas to resolve, similar to the hypothetical Tywin Lannister presents to his grandson in this Game of Thrones clip. Do you back the Ventrue Prince who promises you Resources and a rich hunting ground? Or do you support the Child of Haqim whose connections to the police could see your criminal Allies locked up in prison? There's no right answer here - only interesting ones.
So very true. There are certainly plenty of real life examples for what doesn't make a good king. Example, Alexander the Great is regarded as the second greatest conqueror in world history but you can argue that he wasn't a good ruler, since his empire fell apart soon after his death
For us, it's one interesting choice after another, theirs never a 'wrong' decision just a relatively less than wise one that was made. But that can only usually be made in hindsight.
Shadow Cloak
You can subtly influence the surrounding shadows to either mask your appearance or appear more sinister, adding two dice to Stealth rolls and Intimidation rolls against mortals.
For me, the description of Shadow Cloak is bolded just like the name. I'm unsure if this is actually the case, because as I write this the Quote looks normal.
I fixed it. I should also mention that we have five different characters with two votes each. There are only four spots available, so unless there's a new vote, we'll have to take things to a runoff.
I fixed it. I should also mention that we have five different characters with two votes each. There are only four spots available, so unless there's a new vote, we'll have to take things to a runoff.
Okay thank you for that. Hmm, I'd suggest setting a timer if there are any new votes by sometime tomorrow then start the runnoff. There should be a four winners relatively quickly at that point.
At this point, I'll declare a runoff election for the socialization options. We have four spots open and five choices to fill them with.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Sierra is hosting Elysium at the ballroom of the Diamond Yama.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
[] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Sierra is hosting Elysium at the ballroom of the Diamond Yama.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Sierra is hosting Elysium at the ballroom of the Diamond Yama.
[] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
[] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle.
[] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
@Andres, @Synergy, there's a runoff going on. Vote for as many as you want from the options above so that your votes for Alexa, Aluc, and Gabriella don't go to waste.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Sierra is hosting Elysium at the ballroom of the Diamond Yama.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Gengis introduced me to some of his Anarch comrades at Elysium.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] Wauneka and I swapped war stories with the homeless veterans on Lake Shore Drive.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] It's time to reestablish my previous connection to Annabelle.
[X] [SOCIALIZE] I grew curious about Naomi Stewart. She's not what you'd expect of a Blue Blood.
Thanks for responding, @Synergy. At this point, I think I'll call the runoff vote and say that we'll meet with Gengis, Sierra, Wauneka, and Naomi Stewart next. Annabelle will get another turn in the limelight soon, so don't worry about our favorite (and only) Toreador Primogen in Chicago.
I'll take this time to ask the thread about favorite NPCs. The vampires in this Quest are from the V5 sourcebooks set in Chicago, and I'd like to know which ones resonated with you. Of course, the characters aren't exactly a one-to-one translation from the original material.
Take Cedrick Calhoun, for example. Chicago by Night had him impersonating the old Nosferatu Primogen for fear of the power vacuum Khalid's sudden disappearance would cause. I found that plotline somewhat ridiculous, given the number of Kindred with Auspex running around the Windy City. Thus, this Quest has Calhoun openly occupying Khalid's old seat on the Primogen Council.
Of course, I'm happy to answer any non-spoiler questions you care to ask in return.
Critias is a cheeky bugger but also pretty thoughtful, I like how Jackson can swap between formal and street, Sierra's kinda cool the way she's got both overdog and underdog energy, and Gabriella's a very welcome respite from all the backbiting and politics of Kindred society.
Take Cedrick Calhoun, for example. Chicago by Night had him impersonating the old Nosferatu Primogen for fear of the power vacuum Khalid's sudden disappearance would cause. I found that plotline somewhat ridiculous, given the number of Kindred with Auspex running around the Windy City. Thus, this Quest has Calhoun openly occupying Khalid's old seat on the Primogen Council.
When I first read this I reread every scene he was in wondering if he was in a disguise and we were unknowingly seeing through it. I legitimately thought this was clever writing on your part but then when we learned he was actively looking for his Sire. I realized you were probably doing your own spin on it.
I actually had the same though and double checked who had Auspex in scenes were he showed up.
I share a lot of the same opinion with Andres, Jackson feels like a rags to riches story that still has ties to his roots. Celia and Sierra are cool to be around, it feels like they both put up this strong front to those around them because they don't want to be seen as weak or inexperienced, respectively.
Gabriella's a very human kindred, it feels like we're just hanging out with a friend making dump bets. Makes me wonder what she sees in Ballard? I guess there's more to him than just his surface area.
Straight from what I read in the Book, I like Khadija Al-Kindi and her struggle to reconnect with her own humanity. I like that she was self aware enough to realize her detachment and why that was a problem worth solving. Her turbulent relationship with her Childe is an interesting addition.
I'm partial to Mercy Valdez, the information makes her come across as a very caring and well meaning person with vulnerabilities. But the fact she killed the callous individual that turned her and so inconsiderately dismissed her mothers murder, means she has more spine than you would think.
