OOC
TL;DR Summary:
- Setting: Prohibition era New York (1929) with vampires
- Level: Casual
- Vampires are public knowledge
- In America, away from their family seats and fortunes, vampires have to adapt to stay on top
- Prohibition on alcohol means a crackdown on vampires that drink human blood
- Because of this many vampire families have become entwined with New York's gangs and criminals
- I expect this to be largely character driven so I want you to make a character that will keep you engaged
- Making connections between characters is encouraged; chances are the action will be focused around two or three major families
- There will also be an overarching plotline, but don’t let it stop you doing your own thing within reason
- Hoping to get an active OOC as well, and I'll be available via PM or Skype if you want to do some plotting
- Unless I can trust you to be responsible with it don’t take for granted your character can be a pure blooded or vampire, a weak blooded vampire or a human is more likely to be accepted
- Some other supernatural creatures might exist if a good enough case is made and they fit the feel, get in touch first though if you want to make one
In Character Knowledge:
Vampires have been a part of human society since we left the caves. Their exceptional strength, speed and longevity allowed them to rise to high ranks in early societies but their thirst for blood always raised suspicion if they climbed too high. The cities where they gained dominance all too often now lie in ruins, leaving archaeologists to puzzle over horrific tales of human sacrifice and blood hungry gods. In Europe they found their niche amongst the aristocracy often ruling over secluded little valleys where nobody stayed long enough to ask questions. They were keen players of the political game, you might even be able to name a few.
As the world changed and grew smaller vampires could no longer operate without notice. Revolutions and wars threatened the old order so many made the decision to move. Some would dissipate to parts of the world beyond the reach of Western civilisation, hoping to recreate the old orders of blood and fear in the heart of Africa or isolated island colonies, the ones we're concerned with sought a new life in America. They attempted to mingle with the social elite, with mixed results, some managed to blend in well among southern plantation owners and businessmen but the northern political elites were still deeply suspicious of them. Those that went to war earned some trust, but soon after came the religious backlash from the temperance movement with the backup of corporations trying to increase demand for natural blood. The government began to cautiously crackdown on the drinking of human blood while vampires became more involved in organised crime. It’s now only a matter of time before either side steps over the line.
Out of Character Knowledge:
- There are two sorts of vampires, pure blooded and weaker blooded.
- A pure blooded vampire has all the typical traits; they appear human but their natural lifespans can exceed eight hundred years, stronger and faster than humans they survive by drinking blood (which doesn’t have to be human.) They aren’t fond of sunlight but studies into their other weaknesses have ended badly.
- Pure blooded vampires live for such a long time that it’s rare for them to place much value on human life, but that doesn’t mean they will risk the full force of the law. Vampire marriages are usually political calculations, they’re complicated and dangerous for both parties so pure blooded vampire heirs are rare. As if to make up most vampires will fill their houses with weaker blooded offspring that they manipulate by offering them claims to their fortune.
- Weaker blooded vampires vary greatly, sometimes the mix of blood makes them deformed or unstable and other times they’re fine, nobody can say why. It is unheard of for them to live for more than two hundred years and they may exhibit diminished versions of their parent’s strength and speed. Sunlight does not bother all of them either and whether they need or just want to drink blood is variable though almost all are capable of it.
- Drinking human blood has technically been illegal since vampires arrived in America, however it has traditionally been added to other charges such as assault. Slave owning vampires for example where often overlooked in their activities and it’s not uncommon for them to use their natural charms if they have a thirst. Most vampires have sufficient finances to keep livestock too though many abhor the taste.
- The temperance movement behind prohibition on alcohol is pushing the government to enforce the blood laws as well. The fact that vampires are being criminalised for their nature is probably the reason they would plead for becoming involved with organised crime. Their lack of regard for human life, their natural advantages and the ready supply of family members eager to prove themselves may have more to do with it. I guess we’ll find out.
