Dice Vampire: The Masquerade [Falling Leaves] OOC

[Random Word]

Oh, I didn't pick up the V5 book since you said we'd be using V20, but I assume Siren is the one where you get consent from mortals rather than assaulting them?

 

[D. Rex]

Oh, I didn't pick up the V5 book since you said we'd be using V20, but I assume Siren is the one where you get consent from mortals rather than assaulting them?

That would be "The Comsensualist".

Consensualist
You never feed against your victim’s free will. You masquerade as a representative of a charity blood drive, as a blood-drinking kink-lord in the “real vampire community,” or by actually telling your victims what you are and getting their permission to feed. The Camarilla call that last method a Masquerade breach, but many Anarch philosophers consider it an acceptable risk. You could have been anything in life, but a sex-worker, a political organizer, or a lawyer could all be wary of feeding without consent.

Add a specialty: Medicine (Phlebotomy) or Persuasion (Victims)

The Siren revolves around acts of seduction and feeding during sexual acts.

 

[Random Word]

Interesting! But I don't want to actively violate the Masquerade (I'm not looking to end my unlife in a hurry), so Siren makes more sense.

Hmm, actually, would that be a Masquerade violation as well? Would I need the Dominate power at enough dots to rewrite memories if I wanted to drink two blood points from my partners without them realizing I was a vampire? I suppose they couldn't see my fangs when I was kissing their neck, and if it felt good and left no wound perhaps they could be convinced not to think too hard about it.

 

[D. Rex]

Other nicer predator types include


Bagger: feeding from blood bags. Stolen, bought, or harvested.

And

Farmer: Feeding from animals.


This wouldn't exclude you from other methods of feeding. Just gives a small bonus to your preferred hunting style.

It was just a mechanic I liked from 5e. And since players wanted some extra emphasis on hunting and feeding, I thought it a fun way to add to it.

 

[D. Rex]

Interesting! But I don't want to actively violate the Masquerade (I'm not looking to end my unlife in a hurry), so Siren makes more sense.

Hmm, actually, would that be a Masquerade violation as well? Would I need the Dominate power at enough dots to rewrite memories if I wanted to drink two blood points from my partners without them realizing I was a vampire? I suppose they couldn't see my fangs when I was kissing their neck, and if it felt good and left no wound perhaps they could be convinced not to think too hard about it.

If you reveal yourself as a true vampire, yes. But if you are pretending to get blood donations or "its just a kink cause I got a vampire fetish" then no it wouldn't count as a violation.


A vampires bite comes with a feeling of euphoria and ecstasy to the victim. While it can be resisted, it numbs their mind and thoughts and make it hard to reason what has happened, as well as hard to remember. When a vampire licks the wound, the fang marks instantly heal leaving no evidence there.

So during sex, a victim might think it was some wild organ, during a fight a victim might rationalize it as some crazy guy biting them as they passed out. During sleep they probably wouldn't even think anything of it aside from some sort of wet dream or nightmare. An animal would cease struggling as you sink your fangs in, ensuring you won't get your head kicked.

These effects can be useful tools in keeping your nature secret when feeding. And let's you take advantage of your creativity.

 

[D. Rex]

Random Word
When you gefulfilled. As a start, I'd like to hear about your Mentor and his organization. As well as your sires Rival and how Jack is being hunted.

I'd like to hear what sort of turns you would like to see happen in the rp because of them how I can best see them fullfilled.

 

[Random Word]

I found a picture with red hair, just for you.

I just picked the Flaws that sounded the most fun in isolation, so let me know if any of them don't work for this setting. I imagine Jack's made some enemies hunting monsters. Could be Sabat pack, a group of Werewolves, a coven of Infernalists, some angry Mages, a Camarilla subfaction, etc. Either he pissed off someone so much they're willing to follow him to North Carolina, or he's made a local enemy since arriving by mucking up their plans.

As to the rivalry between his Sire (no gender preference, but I flipped a coin and put down 'she'), who holds the Chair of the Convention on Active Anomalies, some bigshot Tremere organization responsible for studying and shutting down big arcane messes happening right now, and the other potential Sire who is presumably also someone fairly high up in the Pyramid: His Willpower 10, Iron Will, and Code of Honour make his test scores for Thaumaturgy potential and aptitude for hunting scary things in the dark very high, so there was a fight about who would Embrace him and his Sire went behind everyone's back while it was being decided and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. The rival either wants to poach him or, failing that, see to it he's ruined and an utter embarrassment to his Sire before giving him an ignoble Final Death, and will dedicate the sorts of resources only a powerful elder motivated by spite can to see it done.

If that doesn't fit with the story, I can pick some more low key Flaws that are easier to integrate with the setting.

 

[D. Rex]

I found a picture with red hair, just for you.

I just picked the Flaws that sounded the most fun in isolation, so let me know if any of them don't work for this setting. I imagine Jack's made some enemies hunting monsters. Could be Sabat pack, a group of Werewolves, a coven of Infernalists, some angry Mages, a Camarilla subfaction, etc. Either he pissed off someone so much they're willing to follow him to North Carolina, or he's made a local enemy since arriving by mucking up their plans.

As to the rivalry between his Sire (no gender preference, but I flipped a coin and put down 'she'), who holds the Chair of the Convention on Active Anomalies, some bigshot Tremere organization responsible for studying and shutting down big arcane messes happening right now, and the other potential Sire who is presumably also someone fairly high up in the Pyramid: His Willpower 10, Iron Will, and Code of Honour make his test scores for Thaumaturgy potential and aptitude for hunting scary things in the dark very high, so there was a fight about who would Embrace him and his Sire went behind everyone's back while it was being decided and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. The rival either wants to poach him or, failing that, see to it he's ruined and an utter embarrassment to his Sire before giving him an ignoble Final Death, and will dedicate the sorts of resources only a powerful elder motivated by spite can to see it done.

If that doesn't fit with the story, I can pick some more low key Flaws that are easier to integrate with the setting.

Hmmm. Think I can make this work.


1. Rival Sire: You will not be liked by the Asheville Chantry. You will not find sanctuary among them. And you will find it very difficult to receive aid from them unless it is a direct order from the Prince. While the Tremere don't normally put as much authority into Prince's as other clans, the fact that the Prince has from a Justicar is another matter. They do not wish for the Justicar to come visit and ask "wtf bro?".

The Rival sees this as an opportunity to needle you, and tempt you with promises of aid in return for your subservience. While they won't necessarily sabotage your job, given they want the same thing. You may find them looking for excuses to see you replaced. They have the ear of the Prince, while you do not, so don't mess up.


Mentor: Your Sire on the other hand, will make things easier. However she is obviously not present. But if the Prince is breathing down your neck for mistakes you made, or you are caught in a tough spot, you could phone her up and she will try to alleviate those problems if it is within her power. But like with any mentor, relying too much on them will lower your standing in their eyes. So don't use your connection with her frivolously.


Hunted: Alrighty! Now this is a bit trickier. Already we have a Sire that will come to track down Kira, a Sire that may or may not have connections to the True Black Hand that has eyes on Kelsey, and an obstinate garou who is going to hound Amanda as her rival. And not to mention, the forces at be that are already protecting the Detecive from. Your inclusion of this will turn this brewing tropical shit storm into a full blown shit hurricane.

The deck will be stacked against you all, and this "easy job" will soon become anything but. Of course, that was my intention anyway.

So that leaves me thinking:

Who would be a fun choice?
Who can I use for plot options later?
And who would be unrelated to other circumstances happening?


Well. I think I will go with my first thought. You are going to be hounded by the Black Spiral Dancers.

They know of you. And they hate you. You have stopped some of their sacrilegious plots before and a number of BSD packs want you to suffer for it. When word gets out that you are holed up in Asheville, some local packs will be eager to do you in. Luckily! They aren't part of the group trying to kill the detective. Unluckily, if they find out that you are trying to protect him, they very well might try to cart him off just to screw you over.


New in town: You seem to be on everybody's shit list. Coming into town you didn't know of this 'peace' that was between Garou and Kindred. You thought it was some sort of joke at best. So when you did what most good kindred do when seeing a garou and shot it, made yourself a name as a troublemaker. Both the local garou and kindred have their eye on you, cause you are both an outsider and a troublemaker. And neither appreciates either let alone both. You are the butt of the joke now, some idiot big city boy. You may find yourself gut checked by a passing garou, or a ghoul vendor will hike up some prices on needed goods. But at least they aren't trying to kill you, and thats a welcome change of pace.

 

[Random Word]

Mostly I just want my Mentor to get me access to instructors. I have a lot of rituals to learn, and eventually I'll probably want someone to teach me Celerity because wow is that broken. I'd only use her as a lifeline if things were apocalyptically bad and the cavalry clearly had to be called in, so more of a plot device for escalation than anything else.

Speaking of which, how will learning new rituals work? It says they don't cost XP, just time, but not how much time. The limiting factor is usually having someone capable and willing to teach you, which is why I tossed so many dots into Mentor.

I had better invest in some silver bullets.

 

[D. Rex]

Mostly I just want my Mentor to get me access to instructors. I have a lot of rituals to learn, and eventually I'll probably want someone to teach me Celerity because wow is that broken. I'd only use her as a lifeline if things were apocalyptically bad and the cavalry clearly had to be called in, so more of a plot device for escalation than anything else.

Speaking of which, how will learning new rituals work? It says they don't cost XP, just time, but not how much time. The limiting factor is usually having someone capable and willing to teach you, which is why I tossed so many dots into Mentor.

I had better invest in some silver bullets.

I think we can arrange your having of a mentor to help facilitate learning rituals. They do want to see you trained properly after all. So occasionally she might send you contact to where you may be able to learn some rituals. Disciplines will be a little different than that, as you would need to find a vampire with said disciplines and convince them to let you feed on their blood and teach you how it works. As I said with bambiighoul, this could be as easy as asking to forgo payment in lieu of learning a discipline, if you are in good standing. But if what you wanted to learn was from someone who doesn't like you, then you would need to put more effort in. That said, I will indeed see that you have opportunities to learn rituals and disciplines, ask and I'll see what can be worked into the story.


As for rituals themselves, it shouldn't be too hard to find or steal a tomb or scroll. But I will judge now that an active teacher will make learning much quicker.

According to the book, the length of time it takes to learn a ritual is dependant on its power and complexity. With level 1 spells taking a few nights, and level 5 up to a few months or even years.

I will say that if you have a tutor, and the proper learning materials...

level 1 rituals will take a single dedicated night to learn.

Level 2: a few of dedicated nights

Level 3: a week of your nights dedicated to learning it.

Level 4: a dedicated month

Level 5: two dedicated months.

Level 5: (no teacher): five dedicated months.

Of course convincing a tutor to invest that amount of time in you will be more difficult, but not impossible. And not every tutor will know every ritual. And without a tutor, learning times are increased by 1 level accordingly.

I will add that stipulation that if you can reason that if you can reason that a ritual you are wanting is similar enough to a ritual you already know, that you can reduce the training time by one level.

For example, if you took a few nights to learn Ward vs Ghouls, you could reason that Warding Circle vs Ghouls would be easier since you already have the basics. Thus able to learn that one in a single night.

However, these accelerated learning will not compound, and will not decrease the time of learning any lower than a single night.

I do not know if it is possible to learn more than 1 ritual at a time, so I will say no unless you can find some source in the book that says otherwise.


Now I will be lenient in terms of "dedicated study". I will count such a night as you dedicating at least four or five hours to study(doesn't have to be played). Or if you spend a scene detailing you doing so. Such as reading study materials during times during car rides, mulling over theorems, or having a zoom call with your tutor while you taking your turn guarding the detective as he is tied to a chair.

If you have a particularly busy night do to unforseen complications, or unable to have studied much, that isn't the end of the world. I will allow a reflexive intelligence roll of yet undecided difficulty to be able to have it count as a night of study, with a difficulty increased by every subsequent night missed studying. With a failure just adding a night to your learning time.

Does that sound fair to you?

 

[D. Rex]

As for silver bullets! Floyd at Floyd's Guns and Ammo can hook you up! But then again, word has gotten to him your a bit of a problem childe. He will probably try to fleece you if you don't butter him up.

 

[Random Word]

Yes, that makes sense. The game says you get one level one ritual for free when you take your first dot of Thaumaturgy. Given it takes a single night to learn another level 1 with a teacher, a few nights for level 2, and a week for level 3, is it reasonable to start with some number of rituals to represent a Tremere education? Or are we all supposed to have been embraced like last week so there's been no time for that?

 

[bambiighoul]

Since were all literally red heads we have to come up with a group name that goes along with that it only seems right
Psychie Sherwood Random Word

 

[Random Word]

Naturally we're the bloody Blueys, mate. In Australian slang a bluey is a person with red hair, and also archaically (and originally) a person who loves to fight. Came from the Irish reputation for both.

 

[D. Rex]

Yes, that makes sense. The game says you get one level one ritual for free when you take your first dot of Thaumaturgy. Given it takes a single night to learn another level 1 with a teacher, a few nights for level 2, and a week for level 3, is it reasonable to start with some number of rituals to represent a Tremere education? Or are we all supposed to have been embraced like last week so there's been no time for that?

While I would like to say yes, I need to take onto account that we can't have you too far ahead of your peers.


So! Here is what I will do.

You have been very busy since you have been embraced. All the hunting and killing and ruining the plans of never-do-wells. So busy that you had been hard pressed to really explore your sorcerous aptitude.

But this is about to change! Finally you got a break with some light duty and you plan to take advantage of that, and your mentor is going to help see that along. You have completed your first step into thaumaturgy, and now it is time to really get serious.

For 3 FP, I will say you have learned all level 1 rituals in the the v20 core book and three level 2 rituals. As what might be similar to 3dot background in Sabbat Rituals.

 

[Random Word]

Ugh, that's a really good deal, but where the fuck am I going to find another 3 FP? One hand giveth, the other taketh away.

 

[bambiighoul]

Also I have people here working on shit in my room ( where my computer is) I haven’t even been able to sleep in my own bed so if they are done by today I’ll try and have a reply tonight but even the latest tomorrow. I might just have to suck it up and reply from my phone lol.

 

[D. Rex]

Ugh, that's a really good deal, but where the fuck am I going to find another 3 FP? One hand giveth, the other taketh away.

Such is the cost of unlimited cosmic power.

But if you feel it is too good of a deal and unbalanced, I can easily drop it down in what you get.

 

[D. Rex]

Also I have people here working on shit in my room ( where my computer is) I haven’t even been able to sleep in my own bed so if they are done by today I’ll try and have a reply tonight but even the latest tomorrow. I might just have to suck it up and reply from my phone lol.

No worries! I am not going to hurry you all along. I am fine with a nice casual pace.



Ah, using the phone isn't too bad once you get used to it. I dont have a computer, I'm exclusively making my posts from a phone. Hence all my typos. Which I apologize for.

 

[D. Rex]

Random Word
If you would, I need a d10 roll from you to determine how many blood points you are starting with.







bambiighoul Sherwood Psychie Random Word


Alrighty. It is time we discuss Resources.

Money. Its time to talk money. Thankfully. Everyone so far has 2 dots in resources, making this easy as its a simple across the board ruling.


2 dots of resources is basically allowing you all to maintain a middle class lifestyle. You get a decent car, a good home, and a stable income, you are up on your bills and even able to put some money aside in savings.

But here we come to exactly how much pocket money you got that isn't going to your upkeep. Food and gas will not count towards costs unless you are having a banquet or going on a major roadtrip .



I will be giving each of you $2000 dollars in spending money to start with. This is money you have in your bank account or hidden in your mattress or as gold coins buried in your backyard. With an additional $1000 starting money for every dot of Financial, denoting ones fiscally savvy abilities.

While it is possible to take out loans or credit, accruing debt in such a way can potentially penalize you by removing a dot of resource.


Pulling this number from my bumper, you will get the allowance as follows by making a narrative effort in your chosen professions for several days every week. This is extra spending money, with your average upkeep deducted.

$100 for every dot of resource.
$100 for every dot of financial.
$10 for every dot of a single relevant ability OR attribute that applies your job.
$10 for every dot in Expert Knowledge related to your profession.

For example.

A computer repairman with resource 2, finance 1, intelligence 2, technology 3, computers 2, Computer Science(expert knowledge) 2.

Finance and resources would give him $300.

He could use his Intelligence, computers or technology skills for this, but he can only count one. Thus uses technology, adding $30.

Lastly, his extra study in his profession pays off. Giving an addition $20 dollars.

After all his bills are paid, this lucky man has $350 dollars of spending money at the end of the week.

And should he make a post showing me a little post of him going above and beyond at work, and I'll ask for a skill + finance roll and give an extra $10 per success for that week.


Keep in mind, that working cuts into dedication for other activities. Especially for vampires. And not working entirely will cut into your profits if you can't find some other source of income.


Now! What I need for you all is the following.

1. Confirmation on your profession.

Kira: Stripper + prostitution
Kelsey: APD Computer specialist.
Amanda: History Professor at local University
Jack: Camarilla Military Operative

2. Your choice of vehicle. Doesn't have to be too specific, but it helps for future reference should you sell it or it takes abuse or driving related things pop up. Your vehicle is in great condition and repair.


3. Your current amount of spend able cash posted in your Lore cheat sheet so it can be kept track of easily. And directly below that list your calculated weekly allowance.





Random Word
Since Jack's profession is literally protecting the Detective, and he gets paid for doing just that, you are in a bit of a different situation. You are already at work, and won't get penalized for not working since you are doing it naturally anyway.

As such, you will not get the chance to roll for bonus cash. As well, considering that this is your job, you are also saddled with the responsibility and consequences when things go wrong.

 

[Random Word]

Sounds reasonable to me.

I currently have Drive 0 down - Jack has to be a qualified military driver, so this makes no sense, but it also makes no sense for him to not have 3 dots in Firearms, Survival, and Stealth given his background, so something had to give, Drive was the only one I could IC justify, and ability points are expensive. I've decided that he's just never driven on the wrong side of the road before. He didn't do any driving in Afghanistan outside base, where sides of the road weren't really a thing. If he's staying in a cheap hotel downtown (or a longer term AirBnB or other flavour of longer term rental) and warding it against light with Thaumaturgy he probably hasn't rented a car yet, and I'll buy him some dots of Drive as soon as I can afford it. In a real emergency even with 0 Drive 10 Dexterity can keep him alive while stunt driving, even if he keeps driving in the wrong lane.

Let's go insta-frenzy:
Nope, no insta-frenzy.

 

[D. Rex]

Sounds reasonable to me.

I currently have Drive 0 down - Jack has to be a qualified military driver, so this makes no sense, but it also makes no sense for him to not have 3 dots in Firearms, Survival, and Stealth given his background, so something had to give, Drive was the only one I could IC justify, and ability points are expensive. I've decided that he's just never driven on the wrong side of the road before. He didn't do any driving in Afghanistan outside base, where sides of the road weren't really a thing. If he's staying in a cheap hotel downtown (or a longer term AirBnB or other flavour of longer term rental) and warding it against light with Thaumaturgy he probably hasn't rented a car yet, and I'll buy him some dots of Drive as soon as I can afford it. In a real emergency even with 0 Drive 10 Dexterity can keep him alive while stunt driving, even if he keeps driving in the wrong lane.

Let's go insta-frenzy:
Nope, no insta-frenzy.

Ah yes, the sad reity of having to distaste bills and closing more Abilities or merits and backgrounds. Got to make some sacrifices somewhere.

Thankfully there weren't really any merits to apply to Rudolph so spent everything on abilities. So he's a noir level badass detective now.



Also, even if he isn't good at driving, we could still say that he was given a car to use while he is here. Consider it a default asset.


Which reminds me! You also got a free dot of residence. So you get a 1 dot domain, where you will be staying.

 

[D. Rex]

And good roll on the blood!

Be sure to look over the lore page and get you a cheat sheet up like the others Random Word

 

[Random Word]

Thinking about it, bambiighoul already has Enchanting Voice and amazing as it is I don't really need it. I'll just strike out at the bar more often without it. It doesn't make much sense at all to be travelling as a vampire without retainers, so I'll trade that 2 pt merit for 2 dots of Retainers, representing a pair of ghouled FBI agents assigned to him. They can shoot, they can drive, they can guard a door, they can tail someone in a pinch, they produce blood, and they can credibly slow down anyone trying to bust into Jack's hotel room during the day, unless they're a Black Spiral Dancer or something.

So of course my car has to be a black SUV.

1 dot domain? Mmmmm, hotel bar maybe? Not sure. Rent a pair of rooms with an adjoining door, every few days take the Do Not Disturb sign off one to let them clean it while Jack sleeps in the other one.

Edit: Or would an FBI agent be too good for a 1 dot retainer? I could pool my 2 dots of retainers into one better retainer if required. 2 is nice because it lets them trade off in shifts.

 

[D. Rex]

Thinking about it, bambiighoul already has Enchanting Voice and amazing as it is I don't really need it. I'll just strike out at the bar more often without it. It doesn't make much sense at all to be travelling as a vampire without retainers, so I'll trade that 2 pt merit for 2 dots of Retainers, representing a pair of ghouled FBI agents assigned to him. They can shoot, they can drive, they can guard a door, they can tail someone in a pinch, they produce blood, and they can credibly slow down anyone trying to bust into Jack's hotel room during the day, unless they're a Black Spiral Dancer or something.

So of course my car has to be a black SUV.

1 dot domain? Mmmmm, hotel bar maybe? Not sure. Rent a pair of rooms with an adjoining door, every few days take the Do Not Disturb sign off one to let them clean it while Jack sleeps in the other one.

Edit: Or would an FBI agent be too good for a 1 dot retainer? I could pool my 2 dots of retainers into one better retainer if required. 2 is nice because it lets them trade off in shifts.

I think for a ghoul with the skills and connections of an FBI agent kind of thing. For two dots you could get one pretty competent ghoul like that though.

Though another useful background worth considering is the Armory one. Which can give you some firepower to start with. Its in the book "Hunters Hunted II" on page37.


For 2 dots in it, you "have access to enough legal weaponry to outfit a street gang of 10 men"

With it includes ammo, and some decent firearms.