Ashrem Bayle
Explorer
Catulle said:
LOL! You botch! You have been stricken deaf!
{Vampire: The Masquerade - OOC} New York by Night
- Thread starter Ashrem Bayle
- Start date
LOL! You botch! You have been stricken deaf!
Catulle
Hero
And thus begins what I expect will be a veritable barrage of language on my part ahead of my sneaking off to a three day live Vampire game (yes, I know, desperately sad). But the bar stays open for, like, forever.
So, first up with the verbal shotgun, in the style of a 'game review to date':-
We're in a process of winding down the first scene, and that involves two things (mechanically) first, experience points and second setting up the next scenes. I have plenty of things in mind, and my main idea was to post the skeleton of where the cast was, at the start of scene 2 (parts a-c) contextualise the set-up and let you folks do all the 'set dressing' yourselves - should keep you busy over the weekend, right? I'm of a mind to get a little ambitious in terms of split scenes, nonlinear timelines and (gasp) take you good people off Elysium... I'll post these in the morning (about 11 hours from now) in a seperate post if that's okay.
That said, I like the overall shape of the game so far; we've had good, solid, characterisation all round with the advantage (for me) that I think I know all of the PCs much better than I did when I took over (perhaps I'm stating the obvious here).
Nevertheless, there have been some 'humps' which have rattled things form time to time. Usually, these have been down to disconnects between 'game reality' and 'real reality', the World: of Darkness syndrome, as my house calls it. Real world models won't necessarily serve you well in defining the fictional one, just as you don't try to navigate London with a copy of Neverwhere in hand. There are some pretty fundamental differences in the setup of the game world which will trip up the casual observer, rules of etiquette are different, as fits the basis of the (fictional) world - Kindred society mirrors (and shapes, though to a lesser extent) that of the mortals, so you'll tend to find archaic notions at work more frequently (as befits a static vampiric society with its roots deep in the Western-European Renaissance era dug parasite-deep into modern society). To this end, if confused or uncertain, either just ask me or use your character's skills as a guide.
I've played a bit with different writing styles throughout (I hope that was apparant), for example keeping the melodrama high about the Toreador/Ventrue and the intrigue thick about the Brujah/Tremere. I think I've even seen people responding to that style (e.g. Kit and Vych posting in a more exaggerated, 'gothic melodrama' style in similar increments as the posts I was doing for Carrick and Nathan), I hope I did. Did I? I suspect it connects in to my own preferences in the way I relate to the world through language (you guys seem pretty musical, more so than I), so I'd like to get your thoughts on how I approach scenes in the future. While a style might 'work' in one scene, it may fall apart in the next (though melodramatic combat could be interesting as a concept, I think it'd be too labour-intensive to be worthwhile). A little less gothic and a little more punk is in order, I think. What do you?
Of especial note in the style for the future is the growing emphasis I hope to place on the unknown, mystery and horror aspects of the game. While the 'narrative view' has worked great in setting up a central perspective for an introductory scene, and has helped the characters hook up, I'd like to see a shift away from that in later scenes, focusing inwards - what are the characters ~thinking~ at each turn? I like the italicised thought-processes when I see them (as I do the explainations for action), I'd love to see more of that to bring out the 'personal horror' since it's so core to the game theme, and since it comes up rarely in tabletop play and almost never in live (due to the... well, internal nature of such things). Let's play to the strengths of our medium, yes?
How does that sound; too long? Too pretentious? Let me know in either case. Even if you want me to stop writing these essays all over the thread.
Regards,
Barry
So, first up with the verbal shotgun, in the style of a 'game review to date':-
We're in a process of winding down the first scene, and that involves two things (mechanically) first, experience points and second setting up the next scenes. I have plenty of things in mind, and my main idea was to post the skeleton of where the cast was, at the start of scene 2 (parts a-c) contextualise the set-up and let you folks do all the 'set dressing' yourselves - should keep you busy over the weekend, right? I'm of a mind to get a little ambitious in terms of split scenes, nonlinear timelines and (gasp) take you good people off Elysium... I'll post these in the morning (about 11 hours from now) in a seperate post if that's okay.
That said, I like the overall shape of the game so far; we've had good, solid, characterisation all round with the advantage (for me) that I think I know all of the PCs much better than I did when I took over (perhaps I'm stating the obvious here).
Nevertheless, there have been some 'humps' which have rattled things form time to time. Usually, these have been down to disconnects between 'game reality' and 'real reality', the World: of Darkness syndrome, as my house calls it. Real world models won't necessarily serve you well in defining the fictional one, just as you don't try to navigate London with a copy of Neverwhere in hand. There are some pretty fundamental differences in the setup of the game world which will trip up the casual observer, rules of etiquette are different, as fits the basis of the (fictional) world - Kindred society mirrors (and shapes, though to a lesser extent) that of the mortals, so you'll tend to find archaic notions at work more frequently (as befits a static vampiric society with its roots deep in the Western-European Renaissance era dug parasite-deep into modern society). To this end, if confused or uncertain, either just ask me or use your character's skills as a guide.
I've played a bit with different writing styles throughout (I hope that was apparant), for example keeping the melodrama high about the Toreador/Ventrue and the intrigue thick about the Brujah/Tremere. I think I've even seen people responding to that style (e.g. Kit and Vych posting in a more exaggerated, 'gothic melodrama' style in similar increments as the posts I was doing for Carrick and Nathan), I hope I did. Did I? I suspect it connects in to my own preferences in the way I relate to the world through language (you guys seem pretty musical, more so than I), so I'd like to get your thoughts on how I approach scenes in the future. While a style might 'work' in one scene, it may fall apart in the next (though melodramatic combat could be interesting as a concept, I think it'd be too labour-intensive to be worthwhile). A little less gothic and a little more punk is in order, I think. What do you?
Of especial note in the style for the future is the growing emphasis I hope to place on the unknown, mystery and horror aspects of the game. While the 'narrative view' has worked great in setting up a central perspective for an introductory scene, and has helped the characters hook up, I'd like to see a shift away from that in later scenes, focusing inwards - what are the characters ~thinking~ at each turn? I like the italicised thought-processes when I see them (as I do the explainations for action), I'd love to see more of that to bring out the 'personal horror' since it's so core to the game theme, and since it comes up rarely in tabletop play and almost never in live (due to the... well, internal nature of such things). Let's play to the strengths of our medium, yes?
How does that sound; too long? Too pretentious? Let me know in either case. Even if you want me to stop writing these essays all over the thread.
Regards,
Barry
KitanaVorr
First Post
Sounds good to me.
As for me, since Caitlyn has no idea what Kindred society, etiquette and all, is or even what Kindred is, I think I'll keep her grounded more in realistic modern knowledge as befits her character until her change. So she's still going to think all the archaic stuff is odd. I think that part will be nice to see sort of the disconnect between the human world and the kindred world...serves to emphasize their differences.
The melodrama is nice as is the gothic theme and I certainly do respond to however you dictate the mood to be. Cate though is primarily wild and punkish when she gets free of the polite society world...a little bit reckless.
I've been trying to Caitlyn focused inwards with her posts, her views of everyone around her, her thoughts of what is happening so I hope that's been helping with the mood you're trying to set.
P.S. You totally threw me in the loop for Nathan's response to Caitlyn's look of displeasure. Wasn't expecting that at all.
As for me, since Caitlyn has no idea what Kindred society, etiquette and all, is or even what Kindred is, I think I'll keep her grounded more in realistic modern knowledge as befits her character until her change. So she's still going to think all the archaic stuff is odd. I think that part will be nice to see sort of the disconnect between the human world and the kindred world...serves to emphasize their differences.
The melodrama is nice as is the gothic theme and I certainly do respond to however you dictate the mood to be. Cate though is primarily wild and punkish when she gets free of the polite society world...a little bit reckless.
I've been trying to Caitlyn focused inwards with her posts, her views of everyone around her, her thoughts of what is happening so I hope that's been helping with the mood you're trying to set.
P.S. You totally threw me in the loop for Nathan's response to Caitlyn's look of displeasure. Wasn't expecting that at all.
Shalimar
First Post
He threw me for a loop as well, and I love it. He seems fragile, sort of like a little boy who throws tantrums when he doesn't get his way. Its very endearing, especially with the hurt and pain he is feeling. I could see Caitlyn falling for him if he keeps up the way he is going, exoecially from what Kit has told me
Ashrem Bayle
Explorer
Just wanted to say that I'm having a great time and I think what you are doing is perfect Barry. Keep it up.
Glad that Elysium is over. Looking forward to really cutting loose with this character. My favorite aspect so far has been the political scene. I like the subtility of it.
Glad that Elysium is over. Looking forward to really cutting loose with this character. My favorite aspect so far has been the political scene. I like the subtility of it.
KitanaVorr
First Post
Ashrem Bayle said:
I'd love a chance for Cate to run into Gabriel. I think they share a few things in common and it would make an interesting scene.
Hey at least this one isn't as pyscho as the sniper...
reapersaurus
Explorer
just so we all know, I've emailed Ferret with a WTF about his re-post of his unapproved character to the Rogue's Gallery.
I'll be requesting Darkness to delete the post (again)
to keep the Character Gallery clear.
Kit - I'm stumped - what do Cait and Gabe have in common?
I'll be requesting Darkness to delete the post (again)
to keep the Character Gallery clear.Kit - I'm stumped - what do Cait and Gabe have in common?
Catulle
Hero
Hiya all,
Okay, given that scene one's a wrap:- here's what I had in mind for the next scenes, fill in the gaps yourselves (within reason)...
The time is perhaps a week and a half after the Elysium party, and all the initial action occurs on the same night (though at varying times). We'll call it Wednesday the 11th of December, 2002. It's a chill night too cold for snow and the streets of the city are eerily quiet (for NY) even considering the time of year and the midweek day. Weather forecasts indicate snows are on the way, and the first of the yearly cases of exposure-killed hoboes have started to roll in...
_____________
Max has heard little from Morgan in the last week, but has been introduced to the other Brujah (on the NYbN .pdf - Marlena, Katherine and archon Bell) through Elizabeth. Tonight, though, he received a strange telephone call. The man on the other end didn't give his name, but knew Max's. He said Morgan had asked him to get in touch about some work for the city's kindred, and indicated that Max should meet him in the foyer of the appartment building in five minutes. Max has gathered what posession he thought might be needed, and was just stepping out of his front door in time to run into...
Caitlyn, fresh from a meal out with the Knights, who have not yet had a gig as well-paying as Mr Valentine's and diving through her appartment en route to the Montagues' for her weekly sining lesson with Sabrina. The first lesson went...(well, you tell me) and she's good for time at the moment. Last week, Jemal mentioned perhaps cutting tonight's lesson short to get out of the house for a bit and seemed to have something specific in mind. On exiting the elevator, she catches Max leaving his front door.
_____________
Gabriel and Nikolai have at least shown willing, providing Qadir with skills he doesn't possess in his task of keeping the masquerade. Gabriel's Dominate affinity and Nikolai's investigative prowess have melded well with the sheriff's social and physical skills, and eased his task in the last few nights, to the point where a professional relationship is developing. So far, Qadir has not alluded to ambitions of becoming Prince, but keeps his own counsel much of the time when not working.
The scene sees the pair waiting to meet with Qadir in a downtown diner, their usual pickup point when working with the sheriff. The place is deserted, save for the waitress, cook and a clearly homeless man taking advantage of the refill policy to stay warm for just a few hours longer.
_____________
The Montague family wait Caitlyn to arrive in an hour for Sabrina's second singing lesson (how'd the first go?). Carrick Ashton and his protege are visiting, and a trip out to Antiquities is planned by the two elders for later that evening. They have withdrawn to Nathaniel's study for the moment to discuss their business, leaving the trio of neonates in a plush lounge where Jemal writes in a ledger, finishing a few duties for his sire, leaving Sabrina and Vychtorya to talk, though he contributes occasionally.
In the intervening time, Sabrina has had the use of her blood-gifts explained to her, or rather how not to use them (on other Kindred and in 'Elysiums'). She's unsure of what an Elysium is, but Nathaniel indicated she wouldn't be going to another any time soon. Jemal has helped her feed in much the same manner as the night of the party since.
Carrick took Vychtorya home, and explained the child's use of Awe on her. He indicated the breach of decorum, but alluded to Nathaniel's difficult position. The two, it would seem, are allies of a long-standing nature, and while sympathetic, Carrick has obtained some compensatory concessions (in the form of information) from the Ventrue for his charge's misbehaviour. Still, he thinks Vychtorya should be careful, or at least aware that the childe is, by blood, Brujah (with all the self-control that entails). He has asked her to set aside a suite tonight at Antiquiites for himself and Nathaniel to meet with another elder.
_____________
I hope that gives you something to start building on; best of luck and I'll be back in touch Monday.
Regards,
Barry
Okay, given that scene one's a wrap:- here's what I had in mind for the next scenes, fill in the gaps yourselves (within reason)...
The time is perhaps a week and a half after the Elysium party, and all the initial action occurs on the same night (though at varying times). We'll call it Wednesday the 11th of December, 2002. It's a chill night too cold for snow and the streets of the city are eerily quiet (for NY) even considering the time of year and the midweek day. Weather forecasts indicate snows are on the way, and the first of the yearly cases of exposure-killed hoboes have started to roll in...
_____________
Max has heard little from Morgan in the last week, but has been introduced to the other Brujah (on the NYbN .pdf - Marlena, Katherine and archon Bell) through Elizabeth. Tonight, though, he received a strange telephone call. The man on the other end didn't give his name, but knew Max's. He said Morgan had asked him to get in touch about some work for the city's kindred, and indicated that Max should meet him in the foyer of the appartment building in five minutes. Max has gathered what posession he thought might be needed, and was just stepping out of his front door in time to run into...
Caitlyn, fresh from a meal out with the Knights, who have not yet had a gig as well-paying as Mr Valentine's and diving through her appartment en route to the Montagues' for her weekly sining lesson with Sabrina. The first lesson went...(well, you tell me) and she's good for time at the moment. Last week, Jemal mentioned perhaps cutting tonight's lesson short to get out of the house for a bit and seemed to have something specific in mind. On exiting the elevator, she catches Max leaving his front door.
_____________
Gabriel and Nikolai have at least shown willing, providing Qadir with skills he doesn't possess in his task of keeping the masquerade. Gabriel's Dominate affinity and Nikolai's investigative prowess have melded well with the sheriff's social and physical skills, and eased his task in the last few nights, to the point where a professional relationship is developing. So far, Qadir has not alluded to ambitions of becoming Prince, but keeps his own counsel much of the time when not working.
The scene sees the pair waiting to meet with Qadir in a downtown diner, their usual pickup point when working with the sheriff. The place is deserted, save for the waitress, cook and a clearly homeless man taking advantage of the refill policy to stay warm for just a few hours longer.
_____________
The Montague family wait Caitlyn to arrive in an hour for Sabrina's second singing lesson (how'd the first go?). Carrick Ashton and his protege are visiting, and a trip out to Antiquities is planned by the two elders for later that evening. They have withdrawn to Nathaniel's study for the moment to discuss their business, leaving the trio of neonates in a plush lounge where Jemal writes in a ledger, finishing a few duties for his sire, leaving Sabrina and Vychtorya to talk, though he contributes occasionally.
In the intervening time, Sabrina has had the use of her blood-gifts explained to her, or rather how not to use them (on other Kindred and in 'Elysiums'). She's unsure of what an Elysium is, but Nathaniel indicated she wouldn't be going to another any time soon. Jemal has helped her feed in much the same manner as the night of the party since.
Carrick took Vychtorya home, and explained the child's use of Awe on her. He indicated the breach of decorum, but alluded to Nathaniel's difficult position. The two, it would seem, are allies of a long-standing nature, and while sympathetic, Carrick has obtained some compensatory concessions (in the form of information) from the Ventrue for his charge's misbehaviour. Still, he thinks Vychtorya should be careful, or at least aware that the childe is, by blood, Brujah (with all the self-control that entails). He has asked her to set aside a suite tonight at Antiquiites for himself and Nathaniel to meet with another elder.
_____________
I hope that gives you something to start building on; best of luck and I'll be back in touch Monday.
Regards,
Barry
Catulle
Hero
D'oh! (_8(l)
I knew I'd forgotten something - XP!
As of the end of the scene, everybody gets 1 xp automatically, 1 xp for roleplaying and 1 xp for learning curve (total 3 xp). Nothing for heroism, but no surprises there.
Contact me about spending it (though if I know Vampire players it'll come once you get 10 together...)
Regards,
Barry
I knew I'd forgotten something - XP!
As of the end of the scene, everybody gets 1 xp automatically, 1 xp for roleplaying and 1 xp for learning curve (total 3 xp). Nothing for heroism, but no surprises there.
Contact me about spending it (though if I know Vampire players it'll come once you get 10 together...)
Regards,
Barry
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