September, 2016.
A tantalizing history permeates the entire city; a pungent and encroaching feeling that has clung to old brick walkways and lingered in the sub-consciousness of the residents since the rise of old world occupation. The bars, the tourists, and even the majority of residents have changed, but they have existed for centuries in one form or another. The streets are now a blur of decorative lights on classic southern homes that seep into low rises painting the night skies with flickering LED colors. Religious spires claw towards the sky, begging escape from the city below and providing a reminder of something lost; something traded in search of a dream. The American dream tarnishes the souls of the willing and incautious; pervading more than just the human culture. Wherever there is power for those who are willing to risk everything for it, the vampires will integrate themselves seamlessly into the skyline.
And Charleston possessed a skyline that had long stood as a beacon of power. There are very few places devoid of light even at the darkest hour in this expansive hub of commerce. It provides an awareness numbing sense of security for the mundane. They have always been overly trusting of false light. Fireworks crack across the sought out darkness in the sky and distract from the shadows caressing into their fluorescent views. Jazz swirls with cigar smoke on the ocean breeze and conceals the muffled cries and metallic tinge on the air. Piers become a tongue where bodies are swallowed into the gaping current of the ocean.
A violent human history and crime culture have helped mask the prevalent population of Vampires, who turned the city into their hunting ground. The more Youthful vampires are held in check by their creators and elders, but it wasn’t always this way.
When Charles Town was a fledgling British colony there were very little regulations for the vampires that found themselves in this new world. As Charles Town’s ports began to play a larger part in the machinations of America, both the vampire and human communities fell into vicious conflict for the right of ownership. Barons of the vampire community traveled from other areas alongside human politicians and businessman, seeing an opportunity for more power. Two wars waged side by side; one occupying sunrise to sunset and the other filling all the time in between. The conflict crescendoed simultaneously for the vampire and human communities in the late 18th century, with the human population none the wiser.
A fierce and well connected vampire called Pylos took claim over the city with no further open attacks after decades of struggle. Wars of subterfuge and sabotage continue, always remaining in the shadows. Pylos saw the need for strict regulation to maintain his own power and ensure the continued prevalence of Charleston. He placed Barons into positions of power, making them vassals under his rule and regulation. Each created a blood pact with the Monarch, as is customary to provide a semblance of trust, though it is unknown the degree of the details and restrictions for each pact. There are currently 13 Barons, each with their own district, policies, low court, enforcers and cleaners.
Becoming a vampire enters you as a pawn in a manipulative and age old game of politics and power that plays out across this city like a chess game. You are, essentially, the property of your sire. For one reason or another you are not content to simply remain the pawn. You’ve finally decided to do something about your situation; all you can do is hope that this play for power will bring reward and not execution.
OOC Information:
Our characters will be contacted due to their displeasure with the current system and because someone noticed untapped ambition. You are told to arrive at the dock via messenger, a human thrall with no answers to any of your questions.
Characters will have a variety reasons for wanting to gain power, political footing and/or removing obstacles (e.g. abuse, morality, revenge, outside manipulation, aspirations to do better or simply a drive for what those above you have). Be creative! Talk it out in the OOC if you want to.
Depending on the ranks and ambitions of the accepted characters I will shape ‘missions’ to accommodate. Contracted missions will be handed down from anonymous higher ups trying to keep their hands clean. These will be in exchange for favors, money, blood, ect. Characters can also push their own agenda amongst the group. I don’t have a rigid course set.
I’m hoping for about 5 or 6 players with one "main character" each. Each player can create NPCs. Unless otherwise specified NPCs are fair game to be used in your, and other’s, posts and to forward the story.
I want people who want to help form the storyline, not simply play in one. Each character will have its own secret motivations, it’s own driving goals. I want you to focus your character on what they will bring to the group. Their beliefs, aspirations, background, alliances and skill set will all be a big part of motivating the story.
Type of Vampire:
Characters will be anywhere from 70-20 years into their undeath. Your ability to manage skills and relationships in the vampire community or your general “dealing with shit” will be better the older you are. The younger you are, the less blood you require to maintain. Sure you may splurge, but you don’t have too. The older the vampire the more they have to drink to keep it together.
In addition to the aversion to sunlight and food, need for blood, heightened strength and awareness; each character has one or two enhanced skills with equivalent drawbacks that relate to the area/background of your specific vampire I will let you get creative with the two editions. These will be things that hone your skills and relevance, more subtly how your vampire was groomed. (Example: The talent of mesmerizing mortals, or control lesser beings like vermin.) I’m not going to place a limit on this because I am excited to see what people come up with.
Questions? Comments? Interest?
Co-GM is @Hellis
& we came to party
