Fandom Vampire: The Masquerade: Chapter 3: Setting Aside Grievances

[Birdsie]

Dalamus Ulom Captain Gabriel Rin Nyx Archdemon
(I just want to point out that while it may have been done a bit better, you guys still pretty much neared 90% of the completion to this adventure. You avoided pissing off the Giovanni, managed to discover it was a Cappadocian behind this, averted the whole zombie apocalypse, managed to please the mysterious cab driver, and ended up healing your aggravated wound through mysterious ways, and the only thing you didn't do was catch the Cappadocian himself or kill him. Still, pretty good. You'll get some goodies for the progress down below, which is still comparetively better to what you guys did in Chapter 1.)

Your reply was most interesting to the driver. "Very well, then that is your fate," he said just before informing you of your arrival. Huh. [Cab Driver info updated in CS.]

~~~~

The same routine. You go up the elevator to the beautifully crafted safe house at the top of the tower and report to the Prince. Upon telling him the Cappadocians are in the city, he nods and informs you that this is all he wanted you to do. You are paid $2000 for your efforts in the name of the Camarilla establishment -- of course, that's just pocket change for him, but a neat sum of dollars for you. Just a bit more of his trust and you might be rich.

The question is, do you pursue this conundrum further? You think about it, but ultimately, you have no 'beef' with the Cappadocians and the Giovanni aren't nice allies either unless you are a member of the family. Either way, you fade away into the night.

Select your next adventure:

1. Making A Point --- Medium length chapter; roughly 8 pages, very difficult; chances of death are high. Very high rewards if completed correctly.
2. Setting Aside Grievances --- Short chapter; roughly 6 pages, very difficult without Obfuscate 3 or above, moderately difficult otherwise; chances of death moderate to very high. Very high rewards if completed correctly.
3. Path of the Splendid Crane --- Moderate length chapter; roughly 9 pages, moderate difficulty, social chapter mostly focused on diplomacy & interaction. If you fuck up, you're as good as dead. Fairly decent rewards otherwise.
4. Grave Robbers in Los Angeles --- Short chapter; roughly 6 pages, slightly difficult, chances of death moderate to high. Moderate rewards if completed correctly.

Pick a Discipline to improve:

1. Auspex.
2. Obfuscate. (Note: You'll need this if you're picking Adventure 2, otherwise don't pick adventure 2 .)
3. Dementation.

Pick a Discipline to learn:

1. Three Physical Disciplines --- these allow boosting your natural abilities for a very low vitae cost, even at our generation (0,3% per use, and shit like that.) Unlike boosting our attributes normally, these effects can go into supernatural territory fairly quickly at levels as low as 2, or 3, where boosting our attributes cost a whole 5 whooping percent and is limited by the binds of the universe.
   1. Celerity. (Faster, preternatural movements at very low vitae cost.)
   2. Potence. (Preternatural strength and power at very low vitae cost.)
   3. Fortitude. (Preternatural durability and sturdiness at very low vitae cost.)

Pick a Core Attribute to improve:

1. Physical
   1. Strength
   2. Dexterity
   3. Stamina
2. Social
   1. Charisma
   2. Manipulation
   3. Appearance
3. Mental
   1. Perception
   2. Intelligence
   3. Wits

Pick an Ability to improve: (Only Ninja ones.)

1. Alertness.
2. Melee.
3. Stealth.
4. Investigation.

 

[Birdsie]

Also, I want to point out that the Prince is heavily underpaying us. 1200 a month is almost half the salary of a janitor. Then again, I suppose our work is very easy since we're an immortal vampire with superpowers.

I just wanted to point that tidbit out there since you guys don't seem to have bitten into it yet...

Get it? Bitten into it? Okay, I'll kill myself.

 

[Archdemon]

Chapter: 2.

Improve Discipline: 2.

New Discipline: 1. ? I don't rightfully know

Core Attributes: 2-1.

Abilities: 3.

 

[Birdsie]

Chapter: 2.

Improve Discipline: 2.

New Discipline: 1. ? I don't rightfully know

Core Attributes: 2-1.

Abilities: 3.

Also, how the Three Physical Disciplines will work:

Celerity: Will add extra AP and in case of chases, etc, the MC will be faster and blindingly agile at higher levels.
Potence: A 0.7 modifier to all health % damage the enemy receives from us per level of this discipline. (ie: a whole 4.5x as much damage at maximum power. A small punch turns into a skull-breaking spine-snapping destructive force. It also lets us lift stuff way better than normal.
Fortitude: Opposite of Potence but applied to our own body. In other words: Ever wanted to get out of a terrorist bomber hugging you and blowing himself up directly next to you without a scratch? Done.

 

[Captain Gabriel]

Select your next adventure:

1. Making A Point --- Medium length chapter; roughly 8 pages, very difficult; chances of death are high. Very high rewards if completed correctly.
2. Setting Aside Grievances --- Short chapter; roughly 6 pages, very difficult without Obfuscate 3 or above, moderately difficult otherwise; chances of death moderate to very high. Very high rewards if completed correctly.
3. Path of the Splendid Crane --- Moderate length chapter; roughly 9 pages, moderate difficulty, social chapter mostly focused on diplomacy & interaction. If you fuck up, you're as good as dead. Fairly decent rewards otherwise.
4. Grave Robbers in Los Angeles --- Short chapter; roughly 6 pages, slightly difficult, chances of death moderate to high. Moderate rewards if completed correctly.

Pick a Discipline to improve:

1. Auspex.
2. Obfuscate. (Note: You'll need this if you're picking Adventure 2, otherwise don't pick adventure 2 .)
3. Dementation.

Pick a Discipline to learn:

1. Three Physical Disciplines --- these allow boosting your natural abilities for a very low vitae cost, even at our generation (0,3% per use, and shit like that.) Unlike boosting our attributes normally, these effects can go into supernatural territory fairly quickly at levels as low as 2, or 3, where boosting our attributes cost a whole 5 whooping percent and is limited by the binds of the universe.
   1. Celerity. (Faster, preternatural movements at very low vitae cost.)
   2. Potence. (Preternatural strength and power at very low vitae cost.)
   3. Fortitude. (Preternatural durability and sturdiness at very low vitae cost.)

Pick a Core Attribute to improve:

1. Physical
   1. Strength
   2. Dexterity
   3. Stamina
2. Social
   1. Charisma
   2. Manipulation
   3. Appearance
3. Mental
   1. Perception
   2. Intelligence
   3. Wits

Pick an Ability to improve: (Only Ninja ones.)

1. Alertness.
2. Melee.
3. Stealth.
4. Investigation.

2-
2-
1.2-
1.3-
2.3-
3.2-
3

 

[Birdsie]

2-2-1.2-1.3-2.3-3.2-3

Sorry, a what?

 

[Captain Gabriel]

Sorry, a what?

"-" divides the blocks
"." divides the various options under a single one.

 

[Birdsie]

"-" divides the blocks
"." divides the various options under a single one.

How about you just use the human language to tell me what you want to pick?

 

[Birdsie]

How about you just use the human language to tell me what you want to pick?

Like this here gentleman:

Chapter: 2.

Improve Discipline: 2.

New Discipline: 1. ? I don't rightfully know

Core Attributes: 2-1.

Abilities: 3.

 

[Captain Gabriel]

Chapter: 2.

Improve Discipline: 2.

New Discipline: 1. ? I don't rightfully know

Core Attributes: 2-1.

Abilities: 3.

I guess I agree with him.

 

[Rin Nyx]

Chapter 2
Improve Discipline 2
New Discipline 1
Core Attributes 1-2
Abilities 3

 

[Dalamus Ulom]

Going with Archdaemon on this.

 

[Birdsie]

Dalamus Ulom Captain Gabriel Rin Nyx Archdemon
Adventure Chosen: Setting Aside Grievances.
[CS updated.]

~~~~

The prince walks into the meeting room. At the long, oaken table sit a variety of people from different Clans, each one a specialist in combat; demolition experts, gunners, Discipline-users, melee fighters and even you; a ninja.

The prince walks up to his place and his hands fall onto the table like two boulders angrily pounding at the ground. "Gentlemen," he says urgently. "We've gathered here tonight to discuss a matter most pressing. As may be known to you, I've been personally challenged to the ancient ritual of Monomancy by the local Sabbat Archbishop; Renai Robinett." The prince gestured to the table, pointing his finger at it to draw attention before gesturing back at the TV on the wall behind him that now displayed the face of said Archbishop. A rather young man with slick black hair and pale blue eyes.

Mr. Fortesque started moving around the room and giving critical glares and gestures in the direction of anyone looking at him to underline how pressing the situation is. "He is a very influential Lasombra politician in the local environment and a leading cause for the vast majority of Kindred-related crimes and Masquerade violations in the city. I hopefully have not to remind you that the Sabbat's ideology rejects the standard Camarilla traditions of hiding our... unique feeding habits and natural abilities. As such, eliminating him was my top priority for the past three decades until this fateful night. According to his own words, whoever wins the ritual duel will be declared the true lord of Los Angeles. And thus, I remind you that you are directly responsible for the fate of the Camarilla in these lands, and failure will not be tolerated." He glanced coldly around the room. His voice was about as stern, serious, and dark as you can expect from someone who has a bit below 50-50 chances of surviving tonight.

The prince stopped and laid his hands on the long table once again just between you and another hired helper. "I trust I haven't need to prove you how... mercenary the Lasombra are. Although I haven't beliefs in silly rituals like Monomancy, I will have to abide them once. Regardless, I presume all of you have enough foreknowledge to discern the easily visual fact that Robinett plans to cheat during the duel. As such, I require skills that... agents of your kind offer. You will be richly rewarded, of course, be it with domain rights, Embracing privileges, or perhaps even tutorship in one of my Clan's Thaumaturgical arts, permission for which-" the prince glared directly at you. His tone became a bit lower, "-I received," he said, reminding you of one of your conversations asking if one can use Thaumaturgy to recreate the effects of a ninja smoke bomb. He did, indeed, confirm that hypothesis but denied teaching you, as the Tremere Clan take very heavily to guarding their secrets.

He moved away from the table and once again walked to the other side of the room. "What I will need you to do is aid me from the shadows. It is doubtless that there will be a Sabbat priest there to oversee the ritual, and as such, I was permitted to pick one jury of my own by Mr. Robinett. And as such, I choose Mr. Donnelly present here to be my companion during Monomancy. As soon as Robinett begins anything that can be considered against the rules of Monomancy, I will cover the battlefield with a smoke spell and have Mr. Donnelly replace me in combat as a body double. Meanwhile, I will sneak away and quickly get you into the building so that we may rush to his aid with all haste, as not even a skilled agent like him has a chance against a being so powerful as a Kindred of the 7th generation."

"That is all, good evening." The people started leaving the room, but the prince asked you to stay for one moment.

~~~~

"Mr. Donnely. I am most aware how rash of a decision to pick you as my helper was here, but there is no one quite with melee combat skills I have at hand who is better than you. In addition, you happen to have the talents required for this operation, such as the ability to cloak yourself as another person. I trust you have no objections against this plan, and I may continue to explain it to you?"

"Go on," you nod, somewhat fearful. Fighting such ancient vampires as a 7th generation Sabbat Archbishop? It'd be lucky if you lasted a minute, or even two. But even then, the prince is indeed one that takes everything into consideration, so you'll at least hear him out before denying.

"Very well. You see, the ritual of Monomancy states that the challenger picks the time and location of the duel; in this case the rooftop of a building downtown owned by Robinett. I have a long standing rivalry with him. We were enemies ever since the Renaissance even as mortals in France. He is very strong in the discipline of Obtenebration and somewhat skilled in Potence, but fear not, for I, as the challenged party retain the rights to set all other conditions of the duel." He smiled at you, revealing his fangs. You smile back, knowing he had some sly plan that would put you on the advantage. "You see, I will have each of us drained of vitae prior to the duel, but I will keep Disciplines allowed. As such, you can use any of your skills and even have a small advantage against him thanks to your comparatively equal amounts of vitae. That should level the grounds, and he cannot uncover you without Auspex, which he will refrain from using as to not waste vitae. Excellent plan, is it not?"

You nod.

"Either way, as controversial as it is, I hope it does not violate your code of honor," the prince gestured toward you, wrapping his other hand around your back and leading you toward the door slowly.

"Not at all, senpai," you nod obediently.

"You have two hours and twenty-one minutes to prepare, Mr. Donnely, then I will meet you in my limousine downstairs."

~~~~

You go down the stairs. You have to prepare. With your skills in Obfuscate, you can take on the guise of another person, almost like shapeshifting, but not quite. More like a mixture of shapeshifting and illusion creation. This will essentially allow you to take on the disguise of the prince at any moment in time and fight in his stead. The prince explained that he will have a copy of his sword prepared for you and that he will tell you more about himself on the ride with the limousine so that you can better blend in and even retort to Robinett's snarky comments during combat; as he has that kind of unpleasant quirk that is very characteristic of him.

What now? Time Left: 2 hours, 18 minutes.

1. Go feed from the finest vessel you can find. You need to be in top performance during the duel.
2. Go and buy the same clothes that the prince is wearing so that you have to spend less vitae during the duel.
3. Go and consult the cab driver for moral wisdom.
4. Try to access the madness network and ask any other Malkavians for tips on using Obfuscate. (Difficult Malkavian Time roll. Failure results in a large fit of insanity. Success means connecting mentally to the rest of the Clan.)
5. Write-in.

Vitae: 85%

 

[Birdsie]

Funfact: The Prince is obviously bullshitting us and he's actually using a Discipline called Presence to makes us blindly go through with it. He'll just tire Robinett down a notch and leave him to us before running away as soon as he starts losing, like a scheming coward, which is a tag that applies to 90% vampire leaders.

You don't know that IC though. I'm saying it because it'll probably never be mentioned in IC ever.... probably. His skill at Presence is so tremendous we can't even detect it with our ninja sense.

 

[Captain Gabriel]

Dalamus Ulom Captain Gabriel Rin Nyx Archdemon
Adventure Chosen: Setting Aside Grievances.
[CS updated.]

~~~~

The prince walks into the meeting room. At the long, oaken table sit a variety of people from different Clans, each one a specialist in combat; demolition experts, gunners, Discipline-users, melee fighters and even you; a ninja.

The prince walks up to his place and his hands fall onto the table like two boulders angrily pounding at the ground. "Gentlemen," he says urgently. "We've gathered here tonight to discuss a matter most pressing. As may be known to you, I've been personally challenged to the ancient ritual of Monomancy by the local Sabbat Archbishop; Renai Robinett." The prince gestured to the table, pointing his finger at it to draw attention before gesturing back at the TV on the wall behind him that now displayed the face of said Archbishop. A rather young man with slick black hair and pale blue eyes.

Mr. Fortesque started moving around the room and giving critical glares and gestures in the direction of anyone looking at him to underline how pressing the situation is. "He is a very influential Lasombra politician in the local environment and a leading cause for the vast majority of Kindred-related crimes and Masquerade violations in the city. I hopefully have not to remind you that the Sabbat's ideology rejects the standard Camarilla traditions of hiding our... unique feeding habits and natural abilities. As such, eliminating him was my top priority for the past three decades until this fateful night. According to his own words, whoever wins the ritual duel will be declared the true lord of Los Angeles. And thus, I remind you that you are directly responsible for the fate of the Camarilla in these lands, and failure will not be tolerated." He glanced coldly around the room. His voice was about as stern, serious, and dark as you can expect from someone who has a bit below 50-50 chances of surviving tonight.

The prince stopped and laid his hands on the long table once again just between you and another hired helper. "I trust I haven't need to prove you how... mercenary the Lasombra are. Although I haven't beliefs in silly rituals like Monomancy, I will have to abide them once. Regardless, I presume all of you have enough foreknowledge to discern the easily visual fact that Robinett plans to cheat during the duel. As such, I require skills that... agents of your kind offer. You will be richly rewarded, of course, be it with domain rights, Embracing privileges, or perhaps even tutorship in one of my Clan's Thaumaturgical arts, permission for which-" the prince glared directly at you. His tone became a bit lower, "-I received," he said, reminding you of one of your conversations asking if one can use Thaumaturgy to recreate the effects of a ninja smoke bomb. He did, indeed, confirm that hypothesis but denied teaching you, as the Tremere Clan take very heavily to guarding their secrets.

He moved away from the table and once again walked to the other side of the room. "What I will need you to do is aid me from the shadows. It is doubtless that there will be a Sabbat priest there to oversee the ritual, and as such, I was permitted to pick one jury of my own by Mr. Robinett. And as such, I choose Mr. Donnelly present here to be my companion during Monomancy. As soon as Robinett begins anything that can be considered against the rules of Monomancy, I will cover the battlefield with a smoke spell and have Mr. Donnelly replace me in combat as a body double. Meanwhile, I will sneak away and quickly get you into the building so that we may rush to his aid with all haste, as not even a skilled agent like him has a chance against a being so powerful as a Kindred of the 7th generation."

"That is all, good evening." The people started leaving the room, but the prince asked you to stay for one moment.

~~~~

"Mr. Donnely. I am most aware how rash of a decision to pick you as my helper was here, but there is no one quite with melee combat skills I have at hand who is better than you. In addition, you happen to have the talents required for this operation, such as the ability to cloak yourself as another person. I trust you have no objections against this plan, and I may continue to explain it to you?"

"Go on," you nod, somewhat fearful. Fighting such ancient vampires as a 7th generation Sabbat Archbishop? It'd be lucky if you lasted a minute, or even two. But even then, the prince is indeed one that takes everything into consideration, so you'll at least hear him out before denying.

"Very well. You see, the ritual of Monomancy states that the challenger picks the time and location of the duel; in this case the rooftop of a building downtown owned by Robinett. I have a long standing rivalry with him. We were enemies ever since the Renaissance even as mortals in France. He is very strong in the discipline of Obtenebration and somewhat skilled in Potence, but fear not, for I, as the challenged party retain the rights to set all other conditions of the duel." He smiled at you, revealing his fangs. You smile back, knowing he had some sly plan that would put you on the advantage. "You see, I will have each of us drained of vitae prior to the duel, but I will keep Disciplines allowed. As such, you can use any of your skills and even have a small advantage against him thanks to your comparatively equal amounts of vitae. That should level the grounds, and he cannot uncover you without Auspex, which he will refrain from using as to not waste vitae. Excellent plan, is it not?"

You nod.

"Either way, as controversial as it is, I hope it does not violate your code of honor," the prince gestured toward you, wrapping his other hand around your back and leading you toward the door slowly.

"Not at all, senpai," you nod obediently.

"You have two hours and twenty-one minutes to prepare, Mr. Donnely, then I will meet you in my limousine downstairs."

~~~~

You go down the stairs. You have to prepare. With your skills in Obfuscate, you can take on the guise of another person, almost like shapeshifting, but not quite. More like a mixture of shapeshifting and illusion creation. This will essentially allow you to take on the disguise of the prince at any moment in time and fight in his stead. The prince explained that he will have a copy of his sword prepared for you and that he will tell you more about himself on the ride with the limousine so that you can better blend in and even retort to Robinett's snarky comments during combat; as he has that kind of unpleasant quirk that is very characteristic of him.

What now? Time Left: 2 hours, 18 minutes.

1. Go feed from the finest vessel you can find. You need to be in top performance during the duel.
2. Go and buy the same clothes that the prince is wearing so that you have to spend less vitae during the duel.
3. Go and consult the cab driver for moral wisdom.
4. Try to access the madness network and ask any other Malkavians for tips on using Obfuscate. (Difficult Malkavian Time roll. Failure results in a large fit of insanity. Success means connecting mentally to the rest of the Clan.)
5. Write-in.

Vitae: 85%

1,3,4.

 

[Rin Nyx]

1, 2, maybe 4...it's a bit risky, though.

 

[Birdsie]

1,3,4.

1, 2, maybe 4...it's a bit risky, though.

Also, as a funfact, this chapter will include the following possibilities/rewards/outcomes: (and/or more.)

1. Diablerie of a very powerful vampire (only if we play our cards right.)
2. Joining the Sabbat (and starting out with much political prestige in it. Only if we play our cards right.)
   1. By extension, automatically learning the Dominate discipline.
3. Learning how to create instant smoke explosions to ninja vanish.
4. Learning how to manipulate shadows to ninja vanish (only if we play our cards right.)

What I'm saying is: Think about your choices. You guys have the chances for some great power here before you on a silver platter, but one move at the wrong time and you will die instead. This is a high risk vs. high reward scenario, so the tension is high.

Ooor, you can be a coward and play it safe for no risk and no reward.

 

[Birdsie]

Oh, and I know it's probably getting tiring already with me posting new funfacts all the time, but Fortesque heavily underestimated Robinett's skills in his description. In fact, he outright lied when he said that he is of the 7th Generation like himself just to comfort us. Robinett is of the 6th Generation, which means his Sire was a fucking Methesuleah (direct childer or grand-childer of an Antediluvian.) That's why I said if we play our card right we can diablerize a powerful vampire.

 

[Birdsie]

Oh, and I know it's probably getting tiring already with me posting new funfacts all the time, but Fortesque heavily underestimated Robinett's skills in his description. In fact, he outright lied when he said that he is of the 7th Generation like himself just to comfort us. Robinett is of the 6th Generation, which means his Sire was a fucking Methesuleah (direct childer or grand-childer of an Antediluvian.) That's why I said if we play our card right we can diablerize a powerful vampire.

Fuck I'm spoiling at this point.

Okay, I'll shut up. But there flows an excitement in my veins to see what you people do.

 

[Archdemon]

I would like to do all option provided we have enough time to do so.

If not then 1. And 2. Then 4.

 

[Birdsie]

Dalamus Ulom Captain Gabriel Rin Nyx Archdemon

You proceed to the nearby club. As always, you find several easy targets to get a good drink from. You feed until satisfied and sneak out of the club the same way that you entered -- unnoticed and without the slightest evidence you were there.
Time Left: 2 hours, 1 minute.

Afterward, you go to the nearby clothing store and change into neat business pants, a very long, black trenchcoat out of organic leather, a red tie with yellow accents, a white undershirt, and formal shoes. With clothing alone, it could be said you look identically to the prince himself.
Time Left: 1 hour, 42 minutes.

Finally, you perform the last deed of courage for tonight and try to connect to the network of madness through your derangement. You return home and sit down near your computer, watching Naruto as a form of meditation and pretending you are a ninja, but... it seems you failed. You spend several minutes throwing ninja stars at invisible attackers, thinking there are people in the shadows invading you at home.
Time Left: 1 hour, 14 minutes.

1. Go and consult the cab driver for moral wisdom.
2. Try to access the madness network and ask any other Malkavians for tips on using Obfuscate. (Difficult Malkavian Time roll. Failure results in a large fit of insanity. Success means connecting mentally to the rest of the Clan.)
3. Write-in.

Vitae: 100%

 

[Dalamus Ulom]

Dalamus Ulom Captain Gabriel Rin Nyx Archdemon

You proceed to the nearby club. As always, you find several easy targets to get a good drink from. You feed until satisfied and sneak out of the club the same way that you entered -- unnoticed and without the slightest evidence you were there.
Time Left: 2 hours, 1 minute.

Afterward, you go to the nearby clothing store and change into neat business pants, a very long, black trenchcoat out of organic leather, a red tie with yellow accents, a white undershirt, and formal shoes. With clothing alone, it could be said you look identically to the prince himself.
Time Left: 1 hour, 42 minutes.

Finally, you perform the last deed of courage for tonight and try to connect to the network of madness through your derangement. You return home and sit down near your computer, watching Naruto as a form of meditation and pretending you are a ninja, but... it seems you failed. You spend several minutes throwing ninja stars at invisible attackers, thinking there are people in the shadows invading you at home.
Time Left: 1 hour, 14 minutes.

1. Go and consult the cab driver for moral wisdom.
2. Try to access the madness network and ask any other Malkavians for tips on using Obfuscate. (Difficult Malkavian Time roll. Failure results in a large fit of insanity. Success means connecting mentally to the rest of the Clan.)
3. Write-in.

Vitae: 100%

We should talk to the cab driver for some moral support, and then, with that moral support in mind, attempt to connect to the madness network again.

 

[Archdemon]

We should talk to the cab driver for some moral support, and then, with that moral support in mind, attempt to connect to the madness network again.

I agree!

And if we have time we should see about getting some better weapons just in case, like say a second Katana or a Wakizashi which is usually the companion weapon to a Katana.

 

[Dalamus Ulom]

I agree!

And if we have time we should see about getting some better weapons just in case, like say a second Katana or a Wakizashi which is usually the companion weapon to a Katana.

Oh, good idea.

 

[Archdemon]

Captain Gabriel Rin Nyx need y'all to vote to continue this thing.