Based loosely on the World of Darkness setting, more specifically on the Vampire: the Masquerade mythos. Knowledge of the inspiration is by no means required, but if you are familiar with the lore, do let me know!
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Ah, well shit, kid. You picked a bad time to wander into LA. Place is a mess.
Name’s Jack, kid, and lucky for you, I’ve got a few minutes to bring you up to speed. I don’t know where you’re from, so I don’t know what kinda setup you’re used to, but LA is a free state. No Prince, no Camarilla sticking their noses in everyone’s business. Live and let live is the motto. Heh, as much as any of us get any living done, anyways.
Problem is, while the area’s been stable for a while, in a city full of predators - Kindred and Kine alike - things never stay quiet for long.
There’s been a string of killings. All Kine deaths, so far, so none of the local big shots have wanted to get involved. Real problem is, they’re getting more and more brutal, and some folk are worried that the killer might be a rogue Kindred, or worse. Long story short, there ain’t too many of us what aren’t under suspicion these days, yours truly included. Sure there’s no official Camarilla presence here, but don’t be fooled, they have eyes and ears in more places than I’d care to know, and if they’re not watching you can bet one of the local barons or somesuch is on your tail.
Actually, now that I think about it, maybe the fact that you’re new around here gives you an edge. I wouldn’t blame you if you got the hell outta dodge while you still can, but if you had a mind to look into what’s been stirring in the dark around here, you might be able to get somewhere other folks, ain’t been able to - seeing as how you’re just about the least suspicious sucker in the whole damn city right about now.
Whaddaya say, kid? Up for a little action?
Since before recorded history, humans have walked alongside the creatures of the night. Vampires, or Kindred, in their own words, are perhaps chief among such nocturnal terrors. For centuries, those embraced by eternal death have walked among their mortal kine, hidden from human knowledge by all manner of deceptions.
The Masquerade, they call it - the set of rules by which Kindred hide themselves from their prey. Though there has been no official Masquerade in Anarch-controlled LA for some time, even the more foolish of the Kindred adhere to some kind of code. There is no benefit in being seen for what they are, and humans are numerous enough that they could overpower all but perhaps the strongest of Vampires, given the knowledge of their existence.
Still, some Kindred choose to make displays of their power, rather than abide the deceptions of their kin. In Camarilla-controlled areas, these dissenters are most often hunted and destroyed by the Camarilla’s powerful law-keepers. In Anarch baronies, there are no official enforcers of the Masquerade, but its importance is recognized and those who refuse to abide are often chased out or meet an ‘unfortunate’ end to their eternity.
Now, in the barony of Los Angeles, a string of near-supernatural killings is becoming worse - and more bizarre - by the night. While it’s not clear yet that a Vampire, or any other supernatural being, is to blame, it has become evident that whoever is responsible is likely not human.
As a newcomer to LA (and possibly a new Kindred), you have managed to avoid suspicion, for now at least. What is a nuisance for most could be an opportunity for you. Should you bring the killer to justice, or simply keep him from threatening the Masquerade, you may make for yourself powerful allies among the Kindred. Whatever your aspirations, political or otherwise, having powerful friends can always be useful, especially when you have eternity to use them. Be careful though - you can make enemies far more easily than allies.
Oh, and try to stay out of the sun.
Narrator’s Notes - Please Read
As stated above, this is a story based on the World of Darkness setting, and more specifically the 2004 game Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines. However, if you’ve not played the game or aren’t familiar with the World of Darkness setting, don’t feel like you can’t participate! I’ll be accepting as many applications as I can, and picking the best of the best out of what I’ve got. I’m looking more at quality of writing than knowledge of the inspiration material. With that said:
- Pick from the Nature cards I’ve set up:
I’ve selected the playable natures specifically and with balance and play-ability within a Storium setting in mind. If you absolutely must have a certain clan or race, you may ask, but I will require that your character sheet really sell the character!
- There are no “god characters”:
Vampires and the like are fun, partly because they’re more powerful than our puny mortal selves. However, they have limits. In this case, what they can do is defined by the source material, and I will answer any questions as quickly as possible. Just remember to make characters that will not only be fun to play, but fun to play with!
- This is a story for advanced writers:
I’m looking for high-quality writing here. If you’re perhaps not comfortable with your writing skill, I’ll suggest you look for stories geared towards folks who are just starting - there are usually a few going, and they’re great places to learn and meet other writers! Of course, all are welcome to apply, but I will be selecting people based on their demonstrated skill.
- Pace is flexible as needed:
Ideally, I’d like to stick to the 2-3 scenes a week, but life does happen. So long as players let me know when they’ll be away - as much as possible, as I said, life happens - I don’t mind holding up a bit or working around absences as needed. I will, of course extend you the same courtesy, should issues arise on my end.
- Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strength and Weakness cards are intended to represent your characters personal traits - not their supernatural abilities as Kindred (obviously so if you’re a human). Feel free to pick cards for your character based on their personality and history. You may also make up cards, as long as they fit into what’s been described here.
I will be accepting one or two human characters at most. It’s there as an option, if you’d prefer a non-vampire character. Just know that, depending on how many people apply for human roles, it may be more difficult to get your character approved. If you are willing to change to a vampire character if necessary, please do make note of that so I can consider it in my selection.
The Subplots I’ve put together are, like the Strength and Weakness cards, suggestions. Anything goes here, as long as it fits with the character and lore. I, of course, reserve the right to request revisions as needed, but creativity is a great way to earn some brownie points here!
If you choose to create your own cards for your character, I won’t absolutely require that you find images to use, but I do highly recommend that you do so. It, in my humble opinion, looks nicer, and it is definitely another way to beef up your character application.
Hosted and narrated by:
Erin Edwards (CrimsonSaint)
Started 03/28/15.
Scenes played: 6
License: Community License
