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| Welcome To The Night You find yourself in London on a dreary, foggy night like any other. But what lurks in the shadows is the stuff of fantasies and nightmares, far from mortal reality. This game uses the cursed and immortal vampiric condition as a backdrop to explore themes of morality, depravity, the human condition, salvation, and personal horror. We are a writing and roleplaying community dedicated to telling complex and engaging stories. Your fate is your own. Mingle among the ivory-tower elite in the Camarilla, join the fight of the discontented and chaotic Anarch rabble, or set out independently and attempt to survive in London's nighttime underworld. Anything is possible in our World of Darkness. Create Your Account! If you're already a member, please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| A rough awakening, except it's not | |
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| Topic Started: Tuesday, 23. October 2012, 22:00 (1,536 Views) | |
| Renard | Saturday, 17. November 2012, 20:16 Post #41 |
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Master Chief
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An interesting wrapping for the information, but then, her representation of it didn't really matter much, as long as she was able to grasp the underlying concepts and was able to apply them. Luckily for her, Henderson was not religious enough to take offense at her elaboration. "There is another very important one, if not the most important one, both a blessing and a curse, but the very thing that keeps you existant. It's the blood that runs through us all." He thought for a moment how he could but it best. "It is a long and complicated discussion on whether the powers our blood grants us were the cause or the response in the fallout with sun and fire. Personally, I think it is not really important, because the fact that the conflict is there is basically all that matters. What matters is that we, unlike those not burdened with our enmity to sun and fire, are able to use the powers of our blood to our advantage. It grants us different special powers like Melding with the shadows, True sight, Make others mind's bow to our wills, Communicate with animals and other things. Not all of us have the same powers, but the basic ones are the same for all of us." He picked up the knife and drew it across his hand. Giorgia saw some of his dark blood dripping out, before the cut disappeared before her eyes. "Our blood makes all of us quicker, tougher and stronger than we were before. As you see, we heal faster and don't age anymore. The different powers divide us into different lineages or Clans, each of which has a different combination of what its members can do. Take us for example. As I am not the one who made you into what you are today, we belong to different Clans. Some of our Disciplines, as the powers we have are mostly called, are similar, others are not. Therefore, I can teach you some things, while you will have to find out about the others on your own." |
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| TheJersy | Saturday, 17. November 2012, 20:51 Post #42 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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A shiver seems to run down her spine. "B... blood? You mean to tell me that out of all the guys in the local pantheon, the one who's going to be looking after me from now on is the god of... b... blood? I mean... I don't want to be rude or ungrateful or anything, but... but... The god of blood? I just... it's hard to imagine that a god of blood would be any sort of a good guy, who would give me some powers just like that, even if he had some disputes with the gods of fire and sun... W... where's the catch?" She asks, now having her eyes fixated on the drop of blood on your wrist instead. |
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| Renard | Saturday, 17. November 2012, 21:19 Post #43 |
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Master Chief
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"Well, you have to differentiate between 'good' and 'nice', Miss Mothielli... As I said there are some drawbacks to our condition that come with the privileges. This already hints at the fact that this entity is not very nice or pleasant. To be honest, I wouldn't even describe him as 'good', he can be every much as evil as the other guys. The only thing separating them is the fact that the blood is more, well, I wouldn't call it benevolent, but simply see it that way... He likes us better than the others do, therefore he's the only thing somewhat like a friend we have. And if you have not many friends willing to help you, character becomes secondary very quickly." He paused, putting the knife down he had been holding in his hand up to now. "Well, as our bodily functions do not warrant our own blood production or can't provide a sufficient amount of it, we are forced to get the blood we use and need to keep alive elsewhere. I think you would see where this is giong to, correct ?" |
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| TheJersy | Saturday, 17. November 2012, 22:13 Post #44 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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"What? I don't think I... But wait... So THAT'S why you were bringing up vampires so much before! And you did say there's some truth to the vampire stories... So... They are stories about what the god of blood wants from people, right? He... He wants blood? Well, it would kind of make sense... People were bringing sacrifices to the gods all the time... And since he's the god of blood, there's no sacrifice more appropriate than blood... And since they couldn't burn it because of the hatred between the blood god and the fire god, then people had to drink it. And then someone saw it but didn't understand what's going on, and when he got back home he was telling all the people of what he saw, and because they didn't understand it either they were scared and made up scary stories about them, and because they had to call them something, they started to call them vampires... Probably someone thought it sounded good. Uh-huh, so that's how it is..." She nods twice, but then gasps in a sudden realisation: "Wait! So that means... That means I have to drink blood too? That's... Uh... I'd... rather not. But... but somehow I get the feeling that the god of blood would probably be a lot less friendly to me if I didn't sacrifice to him some blood every now and then, even if I didn't want those powers of his... I am right, am I not? So... So in order to not have another god being angry with me, I suppose I'll have to..." Then she gasps again, even covering her mouth with her hand, obviously frightened. "Oh my god! Please, sir James, please tell me that it doesn't have to be human blood! Please tell me I don't have to hurt other people to make the blood god happy... Please? P-please?" She asks, almost crying, begging with her eyes for James not to say that she has to... |
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| Renard | Saturday, 17. November 2012, 23:25 Post #45 |
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Master Chief
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"You will of course remember the fear of fire I mentioned earlier. It's not alone, but it has a brother in there. If you get very agitated, you may notice another urge, the one to attack and destroy the source of this agitation. This wrath, called Frenzy, is able to save your life, as it makes you much more dangerous in a fight, but it can also be the first step to your destruction, as it acts on lesser instincts alone with no input from your thoughts, knowledge or wishes, like a wild animal. If I provoked you into Frezying and you coudn't hold the Beast, this is how it is called, in check, you'd try to destroy me, regardless of the fact that I am not only on home ground, but also stronger, older and probably a better fighter than you. It is all strenght and rage without intellect and it knows only two basic conditions. Rage and fear. Thats all it knows and if you get overcome with one of the two, it may try to take over. But back to your question. Yes, you need to drink blood. You can try to get on without, but it will take you not much more than a week to become starved enough for risking frenzy, which means attacking and draining the next living thing you come across until it has no blood left. Therefore, it is paramount that you try to keep yourself fed and don't starve yourself more than absolutely necessary. You may have noticed that I said 'Living thing' before. You are not forced to take it from humans. You could also feed on animals, but there is, of course a small catch, actually two." He raised his index finger. "One, it is much harder to get a hold of animals here in the city. Even if you choose the ones most widespread, this would mean rats or pidgeons. You still would have to find and catch them. Even made more difficult by the fact that they can sense what you are and are afraid of you. Humans on the other hand are easier to deceive about your true nature and they are much easier to come by." He added his middle finger. "Two, Compared to human blood, animal blood is bland and unfilling. Think of it as either a nice portugese red wine compared to a tetra pack of chilean plonk or a well-made steak compared to a seasoned chunk of soya. It is possible, but its quite hard, especially if the soya is sold in the market while the steaks are handed out practically for free just outside the door." |
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| TheJersy | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 00:24 Post #46 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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"Uh-huh... So there's also the brother of fire god - Beast, god of frenzy - who likes to possess people and make them act like animals... But the blood god is holding him back, if he's pleased with my offerings, but not if the Beast has the support of his brother. And the offerings that please the blood god the most is... is human blood, but he does accept animal blood too, although I can imagine his sour face when he has to, so if I really didn't want to hurt people, I don't have to... But if it's as you say and the blood god scares away animals from those he protects, then... then at some point, I might not have another choice... In that case, how would I go about obtaining a little blood, if I was afraid of hurting anyone? And why would I need to decieve people about being under the protection of the blood god? Is it possible that people still don't understand? That they are still afraid of those who have to drink blood to please their god?" |
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| Renard | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 01:03 Post #47 |
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Master Chief
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"Lets take a look at it from another angle. If you got to know that there is something out that is after your blood, or your children's, what would be the logical consequence of that ? Fear. Especially as what they know is based on myths that may or may not be true. Most of us don't always kill the people they take blood from, on the contrary, mostly its not even enough to hospitalize them, but they don't know that. Our bite is luckily rather pleasurable and doesn't hurt them, but they don't know that. And even if we told them, would they believe us ? If I had had no proof, would you have believed me ? Even then, the humans inherited fear of the unknown would strike and they would try to kill us all. And with the weapons they have nowadays, they would actually be able to succeed. We can't risk that, therefore we stay hidden and don't tell about us or our society. Because of this, this is the most important rule of our society, passed down through the ages for thousands of years. Mankind mustn't know about us. We call this the masquerade and it has to be enforced at all costs, for once they are aware of us, they won't rest their head until they destroyed the last one of us. Normally, you try to get your teeth into a blood vessel. Most prefer the neck, but other methods are also common, although its not as easy to reach them. The two most common methods are either seduction or overpowering them by force. Everything else is basically a variation of the two. Which one you are more comfortable with is entirely up to you, but as you say hurting humans would not suit you, I think you should try seduction. Do you have experience with this ?" |
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| TheJersy | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 12:59 Post #48 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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"So they are still afraid after all... I wouldn't be surprised if the sun god was to blame for that. Okay then - never ever EVER in all time reveal my connection to the blood god." She continues to listen, but it seems something started to bother her, as soon as James mentioned teeth, neck and blood in one sentence. Therefore, the first thing she said instead of answering the question, was: "Now wait a second, sir James... Teeth? Wouldn't it be easier with a needle or something? I mean... I admit to having nice, strong and sharp teeth, but I can't imagine getting down to the blood vessels without biting out a chunk of flesh as well. After all, it's not like I have those hollow fang thingies or something, that vampires in the stories always have..." To prove her point, she pulls apart her lips with her fingers, baring her teeth, and like so says: "See? Nothing but cute little teethies." |
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| Renard | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 13:19 Post #49 |
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Master Chief
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"They are mostly hidden, not to draw too much attention to you. If they could be seen at all times, it would get us into all sorts of trouble, right ? As soon as you need them, they will be there. You see, ou could of course use a needle, a knife or something similar, it might even seem easier at first, but there are several drawbacks. Firstly, the bite induces a state where the victim is overwhelmed by pleasure. Being stabbed with a knife or pricked with a needle does not, so you'd have to knock them out first, lest they'd reember you and think you tried to mug them, perhaps trying to get the police on your trails. Secondly, even if you manage to get them into a vulnerable state and finish the work with some tools, these tools leave marks. The needle leaves a mark, the knife leaves a cut. As you are working near or at the main blood vessels, the last one is particularly dangerous due to the blood los that happenes after you are done. Properly treated, the bite does not leave marks. Quick and clean. Lick the wound closed and nobody will be the wiser. That is also why these methods aren't used except by those who were unlucky enough to lack the teeth. Once the people realized there is someone literally out for blood, all hell breaks loose, that is the other reason why we don't completely drain humans. Someone will notice. They don't care that much with animals, so they are fair game." |
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| TheJersy | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 19:08 Post #50 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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As James speaks, Giorgia keeps examining her teeth with her tongue and fingers, obviously doubting his words. But then she shrugs her shoulders, telling herself that she'll just have to go for the teethless options. Then it becomes her turn in the conversation again: "Okay, I get it. Now, you said earlier that to get close enough to people, I should try to... seduce them? Oh now that might be a little problem... You remember that ball party I was invited to before? I was so excited that I would get to do my best and try to charm the prince, but instead, I was just too busy talking to guys who were trying to charm me, so in the end I don't even know if my own charming skills are any good..." ...says the girl with the body and face from the world of catwalks. |
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| Renard | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 19:31 Post #51 |
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Master Chief
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"Now, in how far is that a problem ? The aim is to get close enough that you can get to their jugular without too much attention. How you get there is therefore secondary. You see, back in my days it was expected of girls to keep to the receiving end and let us gentlemen do all the work to get her attention and generally take the more active part. I don't think this has fallen out of fashion completely ? With a bit of practice, you'll see it as easy as, well, walking or talking." Nope she quite looked the part. Obviously, this girl was a bit head-heavy at the moment, putting too much thought in everything, although that also had its merits. She'd get accustomed to it eventually. "Although you could also try to get them from behind by surprise. This would require some work at Shadowmelding, but it could be done." |
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| TheJersy | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 20:22 Post #52 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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"Tee-hee, you're probably right. But shadowmelding, what is that? It is one of those blood god powers you were talking about before, isn't it?" She says, suddenly in full-attention mode. |
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| Renard | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 20:39 Post #53 |
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Master Chief
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"Indeed. The art of remaining unseen in the open and employing hundred faces to fool your enemies. It is one of the disciplines held in high regard by many of us and as I told you earlier the only one I can teach you. But let's not jump the gun here. I told you about a fundamental law earlier. Do you remember what it said ?" |
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| TheJersy | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 20:52 Post #54 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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"Uh-huh! 'The existence of blood god people must never ever in all time be revealed to other people'. Was it that one?" |
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| Renard | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 21:17 Post #55 |
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Master Chief
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"Exactly. This is the first one of what we call the Traditions because they are the laws given to us by our forefathers for us to pass on to those who follow us. Altogether, there are six of them. It depends greatly on the ruler of the city which laws he has for us, but these six are the ones that are in effect regardless of every other law and you are expected to nknow these six and adhere to them at all times. If you don't and they find out, you'll be severely punished, therefore it is very important not only to know the traditions, but also to apply them at all times. The first tradition is the Masquerade. We don't reveal our existance to outsiders. If it happens by accident, you have to see that the matter gets fixed, because retaliation will be swift and unpleasant. The second tradition is the Domain. It states that the master of a domain's word is law there. This house for example, is my domain, but if I wanted, it could be the entire block. If you, for example tried to hunt for blood in my domain without my permission, I had the right to punish you for that. Therefore you should watch out for signs that someone sees a place as his, for the repercussions could be grave. The third tradition is Progeny. Which means never turn someone into a vampire without asking the Prince for permission first and never do so without a good reason. If the Prince does not allow you to do the deed and you go through with it either way, you and your Childe will be put to death for this. The fourth tradition is the Accounting. It says that until someone has proven he is able to function in our society, his Sire is held responsible for the Chide's deeds. This is what I referred to when I said that taking you in makes me directly responsible for your actions. The fifth tradition, Hospitality. If you enter someone's domain, present yourself to its master. Respect them and their property and heed their authority. Last but not least, the sixth tradition, the tradition of destruction. You are not allowed to kill another vampire, unless the Prince has sentenced him to death and calls a blood hunt. Only the prince may do so. There are exceptions, like self-defense, but don't rely on them." |
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| TheJersy | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 22:02 Post #56 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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She listens very carefully, as James explains the traditions. Finally, she was hearing the core rules of this world, the very centerpiece necessary for her survival here. By the time James is done talking, Giorgia seems to be repeating the rules to herself in the head, with her eyes closed. Her lips are moving and she underlines the accents in her silent speech by nodding her head. Then she repeats them once again, aloud and with eyes wide open: "The existence of blood god people must never ever in all time be revealed to other people. Be careful whose lawn you're stepping onto, they might not like it. Don't convert people to the cause of the blood god without permission, he only protects those he wants to. If you do so, not only will he not protect them, but he'll stop protecting you as well, and you'll end badly. When you convert someone, you have to take care of them until they know all the rules of the blood god. If they do something bad before that, it's your fault. If someone let's you step on their lawn, you must be nice to them and do what they tell you. If you hurt one of the blood god people, other blood god people will hurt you back." She just sits there for a moment, as if sorting the new information in her head. staring into the flame of the candle again - or rather, at the drop of molten wax, slowly dripping down the candlestick, until it solidifies again. "Okay, I think it's safe to say I understand those. The most important rules in this world, right?" |
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| Renard | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 22:17 Post #57 |
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Master Chief
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"Right." Henderson nods. "Apart from that, most normal rules of society apply. Remain respectful and courteous, only speak up if you are asked to and no talking back. This is especially important concerning the older ones, as they tend to be rather intolerant towards such behaviour. I think you need some time to think about what you learned so far. Shall we conclude for today so you can take care of your room ?" |
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| TheJersy | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 22:44 Post #58 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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"That sounds like a good idea, sir James. If I was to learn anything more today, I might end up mixing it up anyway, and for obvious reasons, I wouldn't want to do that." She rises up from her chair, and continues: "I can't wait for the next lesson, sir James. I thank you so much for taking care of me and teaching me all this stuff." |
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| Renard | Sunday, 18. November 2012, 23:18 Post #59 |
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Master Chief
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"Well, I think you can see it is in our mutual best interest that you won't be squashed flat out there, if you excuse the expression. Therefore, no need to thank me for this. Have a good night, Miss Mothielli." After Giorgia had left, he put the various tools and objects back into the box and got the diary out again. Now, where had he been ? Ah, there ! |
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| TheJersy | Tuesday, 20. November 2012, 21:47 Post #60 |
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A Fierce Creature of the Night! *RawR!*
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After departing from sir James's study, Giorgia decided to unpack the boxes supposedly containing the things from her previous life, and furnish the room provided to her with them. They all seemed strangely unfamiliar to her. While she had no trouble recognising her toothbrush and few other things before, now she felt almost no prior connection to any of them. She could only bring herself to moving a few pieces she found herself liking, but there still remained a pile of stuff she didn't really know what to do with - none of it seemed important to her and she couldn't think of no reason for her to have them. She stuffed the lot of them back into their boxes, sat in the middle of her bed, embracing her knees. She kept looking at the few unpacked things and the repacked boxes with a disconnected look for a while, but then she shrugged her shoulders and started to going through what she learned today: "So, the Super Strict Law number one was..." ... She continued repeating her wording of the six traditions over and over in continuous loop, until the urge to sleep came out of nowhere and sent her mind into the realm of dreams. |
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