OOC chat thread

OK, the starting cast is David, James and Natasha.

Welcome to the game everyone. I look forward to playing together!

Ahoy, everyone!

Hey there!

Great opening post! Very evocative.

Thanks! Trying to lean into the whole horror-movie vibe there. Glad it worked for someone else!

Greetings everyone!


Looking forward to the game; and looks as thought we're all starting off very uniquely in our own particular ways.

Great things so far! I am eager to get this group together in our first chapter.

The Camarilla community in Montreal is small and tight knit. It’s safe to assume that Natasha and James know each other (or at least of each other). Between the two of you, please decide whether or not you have already met and if so, how?

As a new arrival, David will need to be introduced to the Prince of the City.  Let’s assume this is done before we launch into our first chapter and that you met at least one of the other players. Feel free to work out how that all went down as well.

Great question on how James and Natasha came to be on a first name basis.

A few suggestions.

Cooperative History - The Most Wanted Man On My Island

It is no secret that James wants Île Bizard as his personal fiefdom, he's been working towards that end for decades and has carved out a fair portion of it through various means. The Prince has mixed feelings on this, especially given Jame's relative youth.

Some sections of the island elude him however, and managing all the various aspects of the domain take up an inordinate amount of Jame's time. Over the years he has come to rely upon Natasha and her various skills and connections in exchange for feeing rights for herself and her brood.

Neutral History - A Game of Whist

The Camarilla has its traditions, and a minor one in Montreal is the periodic playing of "Whist", a somewhat antiquated card game. It's understood that the game is mere window dressing for lesser domain business and an excuse to get together and gossip. James and Natasha has both been regular's at the weekly gatherings over the years, for reasons of their own.

Antagonistic History - Thicker than Water

Jame's Sire, and a few of his older associates, take a dismissive attitude towards the Brujah, and refuse to meet with them directly. James has taken up the mantle of diplomat, having to run interference and messages between the two factions over the years. This is not a pleasant task, and James lacks the leverage of his benefactors.

The history between James and Natasha is tempestuous but not personal. James is a representative of a difficult and pompous coterie, Natasha a spokesperson for her brood and collection of the cities less fortunate kindred. Although the matter is not personal, they find themselves on the opposite side of the table politically, equals in age and influence, and pawns in the greater games being played out throughout Montreal.

Let me throw a wrench in here! Natasha is not Brujah. She's Tzimice, and her family are members of the Sabbat (if not members in exactly good standing). She largely sees the sect as having betrayed the family, and is seeking opportunities to defect to the Camarilla. They're more likely to respect what she sees as the family's ancient rights and privileges. She (and the family in general) doesn't care enough about mortals to have a philosophical dog in the fight about the Sabbat vs. Camarilla.

That said, I think that makes your proposal for a neutral history seem best fight. The Family would be reasonable interlocutors for dealings between the Camarilla and the Sabbat historically. They're recognizable as something that makes sense to the Camarilla, unlike the Packs, and can be trusted to maintain a sense of decorum that both sides would demand. They meet the the old stereotype of being gracious, trustworthy, if often unsettling and persnickety, hosts. This responsibility largely would've been taken over by the other, more firmly Sabbat side of the Family. But Natasha would still be lurking around the edges. And a card game would be right up their alley.

I would request we change that to cribbage, instead of whist. Cribbage is the traditional, antiquated card game of French-speaking Canada. I am completely serious about that.

I'm open to how David might run into either of the other two at present. Being the relative 'new guy in town' so to speak, there's quite a bit of potential in terms of meeting options available there, for either and/or both as far as that goes. Given the other two have some established history in the city already it seems, perhaps some ideas on how they'd potentially bump into David would be a good place to start?

In reply to David Bishop (msg # 10):

Let's say the events of each Prelude occur in early or mid October. The first chapter will begin on Hallowe'en giving you a couple of weeks to make the rounds of the city after settling affairs for Magister Zenjanin.

There would be a natural overlap in Clan Tremere interests within the circles of influence of Natasha's Tsimicse antitribu in Camarilla Montreal.

A question for both David and Natasha: From your perspective, how is the relationship between the two clans? It's unlikely to be cordial, but perhaps they have reached a detente? Or is there open animosity between the wizards and the dragons?

In reply to James Covington (msg # 8):

In reply to Natasha Zsoldos (msg # 9):

Done.

James and Natasha are acquainted through social circles based on the long standing tradition of calling together neonates of the Camarilla to play cribbage. While generally a social affair, nothing is simple among Kindred and these little games are often the soil for seeds of deception, intrigue and social manoeuvring.

Each of you send me a private line in this thread telling me how you have used these game nights to further a personal plot or scheme.

Sounds great.

I'll send that right over.

Depending on the duration of the contention, I could see them possibly having made a sort of 'unspoken agreement' within the city. A sort of 'gentlemans' agreement' to minimize bloodshed. Simply put, they've divided up the city. Certain areas are left to one side, certain areas to another, and a sort of "middle ground" that is the core area of strife. That way each side has their primary safe areas and its only the middle ground that is the area of direct confrontation.


A sort of detente to a point. They might have individuals still competing for a particular resource or location, but it isn't quite as bloodthirsty as in the past. At least for the moment. If hostilities between the greater whole flair up especially hard, I could see the agreement being broken rather easily, but I think both would be practical enough to see the value in having a 'core area' for each as a safe haven between each side. If that makes sense.

Did I mention I’m France for the next week? I may have forgotten to. I’m in France for the next week, and will likely be minimally around here.

In reply to Natasha Zsoldos (msg # 15):

No problem. I’m braced for the annual Spring/Summer slow down on RPOL games… I will try to have something up weekly.

Hey guys, sorry I haven’t been a consistent poster. A recent change of job and taking some courses on the side are eating all my down time. Hoping to get back into things soon, but can’t say for sure when.

Anyone still alive... or undead I guess?

Beep boop.

Un-alive and kicking!

Grooovy.

Updated some of the key game terms in the [OOC] Mechanics thread (link to a message in this game).

Let me know if something is confusing or doesn't make sense.

Hey guys. I’m traveling for work and might not have reliable access for a few weeks. I’ll check in if I can.

Sounds good!

Hi guys, I'm back.

David is looking to mingle a bit...

Natasha is quiet, hasn't been around in a bit...

Anyone still lurking?

A bit. :D

Good to see you!

The game kind of hit a low point. Not sure if there was something missing or if it was just everyone had RL stuff going on.

Heh, yeah, I think at the time of last looking I was waiting on one of the other players to respond before I did. Since I had just gone before the last update, I didn't want to flood the story as it were.

Yeah, it’s always more fun to play when others are around to bounce ideas around and give some creative prompts.

Welcome Riana!

Thank you, glad to be here. :D

Glad to have you join us.

The game has been dead for a few months, but David has stuck around. You can feel free to jump right into the Hallowe'en party so he isn't left all alone there (link to a message in this game) while we work through character generation in a solo thread (link to a message in this game).

Welcome to the fun! :)

Glad to see interest in keeping this party rolling!

Me too!

Welcome Eva!

@Eva

Feel free to jump right into the Hallowe'en party - you and your Sire would have certainly recieved an invitation (link to a message in this game)

You also have a solo thread (link to a message in this game) where we can work through a few details and character generation.

Sorry about the delay, this turned out to be the week the world decided to use me as a piñata. You'd think that'd make me more inclined to scream and hit things, but it just kind of makes me want to curl up and whimper. I'm more of a natural emo than a punk, alas. :/

Welcome to the fun at least! :)

Hello, hello!  Sorry things aren't going better for you, Riana, but I'm glad to meet both of you and I'm looking forward to diving in.  :)

In reply to Riana Call (msg # 38):

Hope you had a better day today!

Thank you, trying to recover. ^_^; Sorry again for the delay, I'm an absolute freakshow at the moment.

Oh man, sounds rough. One foot in front of the other!

@Eva - you should be able to see your playbook now.

I'm terribly sorry, but this just isn't going to work. This is so not a character I can play right now - I'm feeling way too frazzled and anxious, no way can I play a character who goes out of her way to antagonise people.

Really sorry, everyone. :( I appreciate getting the chance to play, but it just came at a bad time.

Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that. If the game isn’t for you right now, I completely understand. If you want to take Riana in a different direction, we can certainly do that. It’s no problem at all.

@Riana - just a thought, but maybe Riana could be a little less “Johnny Rotten” and a little more “Jim Morrison” … a thoughtful rebellious idealist might be a more fun character for you to play right now.

No pressure, if you have decided to let of of the character and/or leave the game, no hard feelings.

@Chiharu - welcome to the game!

For the first little while we can work on establishing your character's recent history in Montreal and figure out your stats together in this thread: link to a message in this game

But, don't hesitate to jump right into the action at the Prince of Montreal's Hallowe'en Masquerade party here: link to a message in this game

Hello Everyone.

I'll get to posting tomorrow morning for me.  See you then.

Not sure what the generation roll does for me right now if anything...

I'm going to wait on the party thread until i have met someone in my prelude and would have a reason to be there.  Also so i know how she would act there.

At 11th Generation you can overfeed by an extra point. Modest advantage, it’s reflected in your playbook.

Welcome to the game Mirabel. That gives us four active vamps in the game!

Welcome

@Mirabel - thanks for joining the game!

For the first little while we can work on establishing your character's recent history in Montreal and figure out your stats together in this thread: link to a message in this game - I call this the Prelude, a solo thread where you and I can discuss the character a bit.

But, don't hesitate to jump right into the action at the Prince of Montreal's Hallowe'en Masquerade party… link to a message in this game

Hello everyone! I can't wait to start playing with you!

I'd also like to take this opportunity to advertise a new VTM game I'm looking to start up this week, if anyone is interested in having another game to play, please take a look!

link to another game
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Mon 25 Sept 2023.

Welcome, new blood! ;)

Welcome to the fun! :)

Pun intended!

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 58):

Absolutely, I couldn't resist!  :D

@Mirabel, @Chiharu - if you both found yourself somewhere outside Vol de nuit in the Hallowe'en Party thread (link to a message in this game) it would be very helpful...

Ominous...

There i am outside,

and with your idea, i weaved those threads together like it was a planned event or something...

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 61):

Nice tie together between then and now.

Hang tight in the party thread. Hoping to bring everyone together soon.

whoops.... that is going to be ... poor when i arrive.

i think they meant formal gown "masquerade ball" not costume "masquerade ball"....   well Chiharu doesnt have a gown and doesnt have the money to buy one anyway.

meaning i'll probably be ushered into the servants area if i'm lucky.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

@Mirabel - are you ready to join the main thread? Feel free to write yourself in, preferably somewhere outside on the street in front of the caberet where the masquerade ball is being held.

Answering some OOC questions form the threads here…

Unlike VtM where a dot in a Discipline might confer a number of abilities, in this PbtA version each ability is a different move.

I think that might be a little too binary and will implement a house rule where for each ‘dot’ you invest in a Discipline, you have move that you are proficient in plus a move that you may use at disadvantage.  I’ll also allow use of any clan discipline ability if a number of Blood pool equal to the level of the move (minimum one) are spent before the move is attempted.

I’ll update your playbooks accordingly and put a post up under mechanics thread with an example.

interesting idea,

i will take a deeper read, i had just assumed you were using a different mechanic with the same rough idea of 1-5 dots.

In this mechanic, one ‘dot’ is one move.

Things like Celerity, Fortitide and Potence are treated very differently. Adding extra dice or granting a +1 or +2 modifier are incredibly powerful in a game that only requires a 7+ roll on 2D6 to succeed.

Anyway, I like the mechanics and am happy to explain for those who find that stuff interesting. If not, please feel free to ignore it and focus on the story.

So for the vampire players a super short primer.

while the powers or more or less the same, the order you get them does not have to be.  For instance mask of 1000 faces can actually be taken as the second power not the third.

Some powers require you to have (#) powers already, so majesty requires (4) powers first.

EXP is significantly different, 6 xp = an advance.

Good pick up in the 6XP to advance. I was using templates from another PbtA game that had 10XP on the track. Playbooks updated.

not sure what rituals i might have, but i know i would not be getting this one..."Communicate with Kindred Sire"...

Seems like something a predatory and dominating sire would force you to learn anyway…

well can't make me use it now :-)

Boom goes the dynamite.

The dice are not loving the ladies, but in the plus side, you are racking up XP.

Now I’m afraid to look. O.O

I might be spotty next few days this medical issue isn’t giving up easy

Ok Chiharu. If you aren’t around and an opportunity presents itself, I’ll take over so you don’t miss a chance to join the coterie.

In reply to Eva Bennett (msg # 75):

Well, at least it’s consistent?

You should have all started the game, joining the masquerade party thread, with a full Blood Pool. Playbooks corrected.

Are there mortals in the alley?

One. The semi-conscious model, Sabine. David’s ‘date’.

I'm thinking we lost mirabel as even her advertised game has not moved at all either. :-(

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 82):

Yeah, that's too bad.  :/


Storyteller, I'm guessing that Eva isn't aware of any safe spot close by, either?  I know she lives a bit outside the city.

@Eva: that right. But you are pretty close to McGill where you have friends. Mortal friends, but still friends.

as far as deciding what to do there, i have no weapons besides teeth, and i'm about one good strike from a wardrobe malfunction...

So running away or up would be my choices.

LOL!

Calling me out for my convenient plot device?

She was oriented there as a gift to the Prince, so more looks than brains as it were. And being a light-weight in terms of alcohol could go quite easily with someone who was starving themselves to fit into a really tight dress to 'impress the bigshots' at such an exclusive party. Plus she was tipping back those drinks quite a bit while David was off talking I'm sure! ;)

Oh, it was a convenient plot device, no question. ;) That was more a reflection of Eva being from an era when no woman (no one of any social rank, for that matter) would EVER be that drunk in public. Shocking!

well your a vampire, so you cant be drunk like that in public...

Can always pretend though... ;)

Oh, yes, might as well get what I can out of the dice roller not seeming to like me very much sometimes.  ;)  I'll take Attraction, please.

In reply to Eva Bennett (msg # 91):

Playbook updated.

I am taking my son to the USAF national museum this weekend (7 hour drive), do not expect a post from me until maybe sunday or monday.

*Poke* ?

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 94):

Haven’t seen David or Eva since late last week. Just wondering if you three have plans to make or do we fast-forward.

Give them a couple more days to chime in.

I thought we were going to be making some phone calls, at least David and Eva.  Assuming there even is a phone in whatever room we ended up in.

No problem. There is a phone in the study room. Local calls only, the university has long-distance calls on lock down.

If david is going to take me to the Chantry tonight, i'll go especially if he wishes to be nice and let me change.

David is, of course, a nice fellow to know and all. At least until he isn't. ;)

He'll certainly take her to the Chantry to make her formal introductions and all. Getting her in the door as it were. How it goes after that, well, that's up to her. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:17, Wed 08 Nov 2023.

@Chiharu.  Your Sire held you in thrall by Blood Bond. This makes it almost impossible to actually hate him. When you rail against the way he treated you you feel physically ill. When you remember the way you were humiliated, you blame yourself for not being enough to keep him entertained. If you ever saw him again, you wonder if you would have the strength to resist falling to your knees and begging for him to take you back. This is the power of a Blood Bond. It should give you a lot of good role play material.

Welcome to the game Seren!

Welcome! :)

Hello Seren, nice to meet you.

Hiya both, thank you! I'm just looking for my portrait right now. :)

OK, for real this time.

Taking my son to the museums sunday - tuesday or wednesday?

I might be able to make some posts, but dont wait.

@Eva. A perfect post in Radio Free Montreal. Very nicely done...

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 106):

Thanks, that was fun to write.  :D

That was a really good post! I initially thought it was ST who wrote it, lol. Good ol' Satanic Panic, ha!

Sorry for the delay; going to try to get a post out tomorrow. Had a funeral to attend here recently, so got a bit sidetracked.

Thanks!  It seemed very appropriate for 1985.



I'm sorry to hear that, that's too bad.  Hope you're doing all right.

Yep, just a very busy week last week and over the weekend. Father-in-law, so quite alot going on. Wrapped up today though, so somewhat back to normal now.

@David - no problem, RL comes first and that is a tough way to spend a weekend. Hope you are doing OK.

@Seren - you should be able to see your Playbook now. Not much in there, but we'll build the character details during the solo scene.

@David - You have my condolences, I am sorry for your loss. :(

@ST - Yes, thank you muchly! Also Seren would like to say there's no such thing as being "overfed", just "extra happy" ;P [grins in vampire].

I am not sure what kind of detail you would want, so you can pick something appropriate.

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 114):

Edge works by adding the kind of detail you want. I find players are usually very reserved and reasonable about this, but if I think it's offside, I'll let you know.

I'll give you one though since you asked.

Seren in game in five minutes:

It’s a pretty sweet score. A Walkman in the 80’s was worth a few hundred bucks.

I wonder what’s on the tape?

I have no ideas... if i come up with something i'll let you know but dont wait for me.

Just PM'd my ideas. Was sleeping most of the weekend while fighting off some sort of bug, but had a couple ideas at least!

I got no ideas,  :-(

I'm glad Seren isn't the only one like o_O right now, I was worried that it was just me lol

I like to reveal the story a little at a time, but don’t hesitate to ask if there are gaps OOC that make things make less sense.

IC gaps in knowledge like Chiharu not knowing who Alexander is make perfect sense though.

chiharu also has no idea how this election is supposed to go for reasons...

@Chiharu. You aren’t alone there, none of the PCs will have ever been to a Conclave and certainly not one where the astral projection of the kidnapped Prince appears to intervene in the Council deciding the fate of her city.

Not your average night out at all.

Hehe, go with David's approach! Remain stoic, say nothing, look like you aren't surprised and maybe know more than others think.. but internally be wondering what's going on?! :)

If only Eva was that good at looking stoic!  ;)

In reply to Eva Bennett (msg # 126):

She’s never had to learn. So many nights of singing and dancing and sharing art in happiness (mostly) with Guillaume.  You’re playing her brilliantly. Determined to do anything she can, but conscious of the fact that she is out of her element.

I’m glad you survived the USS Phoenix and came to join here!

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 127):

Yes, Toreadors in general aren't exactly known for their fighting skills, and this Toreador in particular has led a rather sedate and protected sort of (un)life so far...

And thanks, I'm glad I came over here myself!  I'm enjoying this.  :D

compared to Tremere where they spend more combats on the ground than doing anything else.

Seren has a good poker face, but she has nooooo idea what's going on. We're gonna have to Scooby Gang this one, I think. I feel like I could pull off Velma's look, but I'm not going to wear orange for the life of me rofl.

Magenta and pink is somehow more suitable?

lol true, not to mention Fred's ascot... questionable choices all around, sartorially-speaking.

I was thinking more of a goth Velma vibe tbh. Jinkies!

*hopefully skulking around an abandoned amusement park wearing a spooky mask*

Why is that weirdly enticing? Hmm, I'm gonna blame being a Rob Zombie fan. :P

Ask and you shall receive

Hmmm image seems to be blocked

https://www.deviantart.com/xdr...-Scooby-Gang-7428915


This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Fri 22 Dec 2023.

@Chiharu - nice find rofl.

Also, I did a stupid, stupid, stuuuupid thing. :D

I put the breaks in the action so characters will do stupid things!

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 137):

I figured you knew me well enough to know I can't keep my mouth shut for more than 20 seconds. ;)

*chuckles*
I'm in danger.

In reply to Seren Kerrington (msg # 138):

It’s fine.

Primogen appreciate being reminded when they are squabbling like toddlers.

Totally fiiiine.

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 139):

Especially by a Ventrue who has broken nearly every rule in the Ventrue rulebook. D:

That's okay, I can take a (verbal) spanking. :P

well the gangrel might to more than verbally spank you...

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 141):

All dogs can be taught to heel.

Thanks for sticking your neck out, Eva. Instead of having everyone come after me, now at least there's a fair fi... actually, no, we're still radically outgunned. But at least I won't die alone. ;)

In reply to Seren Kerrington (msg # 143):

Might as well be all in, right?  Go big or go home!  :D

Totally true. Seren to everyone who has remained silent in five minutes time:

Yea... as Chiharu does not have confidence in this situation she is going to be pretty submissive so you are on your own this time.   Give her a reason to support you on the other hand...

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 146):

Hey, it's totally fine. I know how to handle submissives. ;)

You might want to know some of her history... she is in a state of flux right now and could go either way.

Merry Christmas also!

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 148):

Certainly, but for the meantime you're welcome to hide behind the Ventrue baring her fangs at people much more important and scarier than she is... a fight was gonna start either way, at least this way the focus is more divided and we may not witness any deaths.

Having a Roman legionnaire as a Sire has given Seren a bit of a feisty nature.

Merry Christmas you undead menaces!

*grins* I love being a menace. Merry Christmas!

You do it so well.

Happy holidays!  To all my fellow menaces and the Storyteller who has to wrangle us all.  ;)

In reply to Eva Bennett (msg # 153):

It's like herding cats :P

Well, three (potential) options for a way forward! Though admittedly, I'm a proponent of perhaps splitting the middle as it were and being a conniving little neonate grasping at opportunity. ;)

One side wants to solidify & find the Prince. One side wants to go to open war. And the third group is whispering amongst themselves. I'd say we split right down the middle for them all; we're likely going to be the ones having to enact whatever is decided here, so might as well make it as advantageous to ourselves as possible!

So I'd say we offer a way to accomplish all the goals at once. If the Prince is captured (likely), then Alexander has her - given her message of he and his packs being responsible. Rescuing the Prince would mean confronting Alexander directly as well, but rather than going to flat out open war in the streets, having us do it keeps the Masquerade a little safer. We might have to bend it a little if worse comes to worse, but covering up for a handful of displays is easier than covering up dozens across the entire city. And, of course, we could try to limit those to as few as possible! Then, naturally, while we're rescuing the Prince, if we just so happen to find a means to neutralize (figuratively or literally) Alexander and/or his packs... well, so much the better and everyone is happy. This of course pulls in the third group with their whispering secrets.. I'm sure they have information that would help either/both of those causes. Likely location of the Prince. Where Alexander is based. Weak points in defenses of either/both. Things of that nature.


End result of it all: Prince is recovered, Sabbat threat is eliminated or severely weakened and none of them have to get their own hands dirty (or risk their own necks). Of course, we could also ask for a few... dispensations for the endeavor to help things along. ;) A little leeway on the Masquerade (though not a blank check to go crazy), perhaps some tools to help us along (weapons, etc) and - potentially - an allowance to drain some Sabbat to give them the Final Death ala Amaranth/Diablerie if the need arises. Though that last may be a big ask considering the connotations and stigma. Hehe.

Seren's priority is discretion, maintaining the Masquerade and ensuring she doesn't annoy her current host, which is the Sherriff, Louis Vachon.

If possible, she's going to want to speak with Louis and support whatever choice he makes.

As a player, I'm happy to go with the flow, though, and it sounds like you've thought things out well. Seren will have a good reason to go with whatever the group chooses, but she'd certainly want to ensure as much subtlety as possible. :)

Agreed. Sticking to the Masquerade is just good common sense; though it can also tie your hands if you're trapped in a corner. Do you escape/win by breaking it or let yourself be killed but uphold the rules? In a major war such as what's being debated, I think it could be argued that "minor" breaches might be justifiable. No one can go into city hall and put on a show of course, but at the risk of one or two bystanders seeing something happening at that abandoned house or in a back alley if it means winning against the Sabbat... well, they 'might' be willing to look the other way once or twice. As long as its 'minor'. Maybe! :D

First i want to make sure i understand the problem.  Sometimes i read what i think is there and not what is actually there, or i miss something.

1) The prince is dead, and from the grave said the seneschal should be the new prince.
2) we have suspected sabbat open attack on the club (which maybe i missed it but i assume that is what killed the prince)

so assuming there are not others:

The solution appears to be select a prince and have the prince order an organized a retaliatory strike on the sabbat.

I would say the Seneschal becomes prince, but in order to satisfy the gangrel primogen, he is appointed war leader under the condition that he must do his best to protect the masquerade, but otherwise has free hand in how he feels best to deal with the sabbat.  Also, the prince declares blood hunt on all sabbat in the city, until further notice, which then releases some resources and makes it everyones problem in the city to offer some aid.

Which i am pretty sure means us against the sabbat...  The main problem in dealing with sabbat being identification which will have to be dealt with later.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Thu 28 Dec 2023.

I'm not a completely inflexible player, Seren does what she has to - after all, she's a Ventrue and she's pissed off her own Sire by escaping from him. She's willing to do what needs must, but if there are two options and one is more difficult but upholds the Masquerade better, she'd be willing to put the extra work in :)

@Chiharu:
The Prince is captured, not dead. Her abilities are considerable and she is able to project a spirit version of herself over vast distances. It is unlikely that Alexander will allow that to happen again.

The Council would certainly support a Blood Hunt within the confines of Montreal Island, but that isn’t what the Gangrel Primogen is proposing, he wasn’t all out war.

owo now we know who stole the Prince. Let's go mess up Alexander! ;)

sorry i didnt catch that the prince wasn't dead, then the seneschal is in charge.

As far as what alexander wants and what he can get are not the same thing.

Anyway that is my suggestion.

He doesnt have to be the one to have done it, he could interfere just because he wants a war, but he isnt old enough to understand that no one wins a war there are people that lost less.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Thu 28 Dec 2023.

Whew, all kinds of things to catch up on! Eva, unsurprisingly, is going to be most inclined to support her Grandsire in all this, though as mentioned that wouldn’t necessarily mean only supporting him; she’d be fine with pursuing two goals. So splitting the difference between options one and three would be my first choice. Eva gets to help out Guarin and I get to satisfy my OOC desire to track down all those tempting secrets being whispered about. :D

Anything involving all-out war isn’t going to be Eva’s strong suit, naturally, but as a player I’m ready to deal with whatever the majority decides.

The Sabbat want the war. They want to end the Masquerade, subject humanity to rule by vampires, find Caine and bring about Gehenna.

Why Alexander wants a war now in Montreal is anyone’s guess.

dont they know you just have to find the cab driver.

Of course finding the cab driver, and convincing him to start Gehenna before he turns you into powder on the other hand not the same problem.

I mean really what can you threaten Caine with? by the decree of god he cant die.  I can just imagine some sabbat people rolling up to the cab driver, hey dude start gehnenna or our 14th generation butts will kick your ass...

Caine just looks at them like, what the f?

I could see him being a smartass though.

"OK, fine.. its started. That'll be $87.50. Now get out or you die first."

"Did.. did he really start it?" "I dunno... Maybe?"



For our own little fun time, I think a full declaration of war might be able to be claimed as "exactly what the Sabbat want. We don't want to give in to their demands, do we?" So a rescue and more subtle confrontation instead of an open war would be the best route to go. I'm still thinking the Nos party is hiding some good intel about things that might help shift things one way or another too.

Well they messed something up as now my desktop browser looks funky.

Also i am assuming that people know that in official cannon, Caine is a cab driver and is active and walking around.  Caine is the cab driver in the bloodlines game which is considered part of the lore.

Michelson will know this of course, but perhaps the Ventrue Primogen rankles him more than playing into Alexander’s hand.



Perhaps the Justicar and Nosferatu Primogen can be convinced to back your plan?

If the Ventrue Primogen is proving to be an issue... *scheming smile*

That might take some convincing... Anyone have any pull with the Nosferatu?

The Ventrue Primogen we can apparently leave to Seren.  ;)

I'll do my best! <3

By hook or by crook as they say.

What would the vampire equivalent be?

By fang or by b... never mind. 0:)

Haha; sadly, I don't believe David has any pull with the Nosferatu. Though given the circumstances, they may be open to a little.. negotiation. Or might even see the matter as in their best interests. An open war wouldn't help them at all, nor would letting the Sabbat roll over things. Enemy of my enemy and all that. :)

I'm happy to give those Nosferatu uggos free makeup lessons if that'll sweeten the pot.

I can do regular and drag makeup so they all get a turn being ✨f a b u l o u s✨!

... they may all end up looking like Sasha Velour though.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Tue 02 Jan.

Well, maybe they’d like to look like that! Or possibly they’d like music lessons? *ponders*

But Eva is willing to open negotiations with them, at least, if we just want to approach them from the angle of “this is in your best interests, too.” I don’t know that we’ve got a lot more to offer right now. Aside from the glam session. ;)

lmfao sorry, I had to.

But seriously, Seren is willing to sit down at the bargaining table with anyone, but she's a ruthless negotiator so the other party might not be happy with what she lets them have in the deal.

Cnaeus let her read Never Split the Difference once and it went to her head. *shrugs*

Eva’s good at soothing ruffled feathers. Maybe between the two of them they can manage some useful negotiations. I’m not sure if the whole group would want to be involved in that, though possibly it might be better not to seem like we’re ganging up on them anyway.

Yeah! And considering the time period, sending two women in would probably be seen as very nonthreatening / almost comical.

*tents fingers evilly* This could work, though Seren will definitely need Eva - at the very least to translate her words into something a little less "screw you, I'm a Ventrue and you look like a melted plastic baby doll". :P

A third option it is.

Convince the Nosferatu that it is foolish to give the Sabbatt the war they want. Ask them to negotiate a truce among the clans to give you time to find the Prince.

Is that the play?

That is kind of on the lines i suggested where we do it under the covers.

TBH I'm letting others make the plans at the minute and I'm just gonna pull a Spooky Seren when needed.

I think we need a new Ventrue Primogen and that requires... subtlety. Something about the slow blade and all that. ;)

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 178):

Yes, that seems to be the general consensus, keeping things on the down low. We can’t exactly fight any of these people, and even Seren admits we need subtlety. ;)

> even Seren

Awe, you know me sooo well. <3 :P

Since we're in a "big meeting" at the moment, it'd be a little hard to make too subtle suggestions and requests outright. But if we can get the Enclave to have a 'short break', the negotiations might be a good way to go. Speak to the Nosferatu group (particularly the Justicar) about distracting the rest of the more volatile clans temporarily to give us time to try rescuing the Prince. At the same time, we can try to weaken Alexander in the process - which rescuing the Prince is likely to do anyway. Keeps the status quo for a night or two, leaves the 'kingdom' intact for the Prince to return to and then let her deal with those who were ready to divide and conquer against her wishes. Perhaps encouraging the Nosferatu to share what insights that they may have to help us in that cause.

End result: Prince is returned, Sabbat are weakened (to a greater or lesser extent) and the Nosferatu can claim some good will from the Prince for their efforts in both her rescue and her rule being kept secure. And, worse case, if we fail, then at that point the Nosferatu can shift their own negotiations towards whichever side of things is most likely to come out on top. So no matter how things go, THEY come out ahead. Win-win for them. If we succeed, it'll be good for both us & our respective Clans (who can quietly voice they supported us from behind the scenes); and if we fail, we were young kindred who took the initiative without their knowledge on an unsanctioned plan. Plausible deniability for everyone involved. Except us. We'll be in the make it or break it category, but no risk, no reward as it were. :)

Kindred do love plausible deniability! :D

Seren's just going full Katniss right now. Stupid? Yes. Effective in a group of conniving social climbers? ... we'll see.

J'ai confiance dans Le Taureau.

Hi All, thanks for sticking with this. A busy patch of RL as work is steady/normal and I'm taking weekend courses which cuts into vampy-fun-time.

Feel free to chat in the margins of the meeting with the Justicar if you want. I gave a very brief 'well let's hear what you have to say post' so he won't chide you for speaking up.

We're all gonna infodump on the Justicar and make him cry. *nodnod* Seren may just trauma-dump, to be extra. 💅🏻

Don't worry about it, ST. We all know that we'll have something to, uh, sink our fangs into soon enough. ;)

Exactly :)

In reply to David Bishop (msg # 188):

I'm glad you're on board. >:D Poor old Pterodactyl Pterodan.

Pterodavid? ;)

Still working on what Eva can dump on the Justicar, but I’m still in, of course.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Tue 06 Feb.

lol

You guys are amazing!

Thanks for the great stuff IC.

I have a brace of posts in the works that will come over the next day or so. Your patience is very appreciated guys and I am lucky to have such great players.

not muich to add that wasnt' already said.

Sorry I’ve been a bit slow posting gang. I’ll be catching up this weekend.

Shall I settle the slightly diverging plans with a few rolls and a bit of a time skip of a couple hours?

Eva and Seren make a diplomatic overture.
Chiharu builds a rapport with the Thin Bloods.
David makes arrangements for police aid.

I’ll make this phase take two hours … so it will be 2am when the time comes and everyone is back together after doing a bit of solo/paired legwork.

Meanwhile you could expect Findlay and Riana to prepare for a fight. Mirabel is available to aid in any plans to infiltrate the North.  James will act as go between to coordinate efforts. Boy Georgeous will … well no one really knows what she will do (least of all herself).

Any objections?

All good for me, boss. Diplomatic overtures sounds good. >:)

Sounds good here too!

Fine with me

Good plan, agreed.  :)

So i dont forget, I'm driving to see the eclipse Monday, so probably little or no posting for me until Tuesday.

That sounds fun! Enjoy

From here i think we just have to search for clues or information on the princes location.  Someone else have a different idea?>