Vampire: The Requiem – Bloodlines [AP]

[Yossarian]

EDIT FROM THE YEAR 2021: Google screwed up all the links but they should(?) be fixed now!

TL;DR: An actual play of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines as a Requiem Chronicle. Complete as of 08/05/2018. Thanks for reading!

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Bright Lights, Dead City

Hello, L.A. You’re up way past your bedtime, aren’t you?

You know this story. Right?

Boy meets...

Yeah, you know it. Boy meets girl, girl kills boy, boy rises from the bitter grave-dirt wanting more than just girls. It’s never as simple as that, though, is it? Spilt blood is messy. Gets mixed.

Gets thin.

Welcome to L.A.

The nights in Los Angeles are as thin as they come. The Blood runs thin and it’s only getting thinner. Too much lost down the gutter, and all over who got to be shit-king of the psychopaths. Brother against brother, clan against clan. All that good stuff. Ten years past and it still feels like the city’s gonna boil over. Any minute now…

The Revolution is biding its time. It’s a temporary setback. Opportunity in adversity. Another brick in the wall. The half-hearted Carthian mantras ring out in the bars they pretend to down whiskey in. One day the Ivory Tower will extend itself just a foot too far, and then the Carthians will show them all why they’re called Firebrands. Then it’ll be the bad old days, when every Kindred was her own master, and L.A. bowed to no self-titled monarch with a ten dollar name.

But not now. Never now.

The Invictus claim all of which their tentacles can suck life from. They can certainly afford it. The cops, the gangs...even the garbage men. So sure, they “won”, if you can call that victory. The Carthians got to keep most of their stupid pseudo-Soviet enclaves, and every Lick with a lick of sense knows the Ventrue’s little compromise candidate is a stepping stone for bigger fish. To know Sebastian LaCroix is to hate him, and that’s a kind way of putting it.

The Sanctified didn’t weather it. All that blood swept them away. The only thing left is a family of corpse fuckers on the edge of town, praying over their departed brethren and communing with the dead as if they aren’t the same damn thing.

The Ordo Dracul are very content indeed. Blood spilled is blood to analyze. Blood to taste. Let the Invictus and Carthians play politics and miss all the forests for all the trees. The Ordo know it’s on fire.

Don’t speak of the Mother’s Army. Kill them when you find them. Don’t let them take you alive.

And then there’s Chinatown. Even the Shadows can’t see the threads. Someone’s cutting them. Someone’s pulling them out.

The Usual Suspects

Zach likes to break things. On the ice he’d break noses, and he notched his stick for every fool who checked him, like some boys whittle bedposts. Back in Winnipeg that was enough, but it’s not in L.A., and it’s certainly not for the Kindred. Now, he breaks legs for the Dragons. In exchange they’ve promised to show him how to channel that aggression into something so much grander.

Alastair has a name only a Serpent could love. Once upon a time, Al's family did what it had to. He didn’t like that, so he ran. He didn’t run far enough, of course. He never could. He was too good at collecting dirt and spreading it, and becoming a vampire was the natural next step. The Firebrands aren’t good at subtlety, and that’s why they need him. Some say he’s got the luck of the Devil himself.

Obligatory Explanation

Welcome to my first AP! I’m co-STing this with a good buddy, Trotsky's Ghost, who will pop up occasionally to troll us.

Some of you know this plot pretty well. Some of you don’t.

For those of you who haven’t played Bloodlines: Huge spoilers ahead!

For those of you who have: Don’t take anything for granted. If you have questions about things that relate back to VTMB, private message me, or use the Spoiler Tags, if you want it to be public.

This game will be very roughly every other week, Friday or Saturday. I try to have a write-up for my players before game day, so that will roughly correspond with my updates.

For now, I’m leaving some things about the setting ambiguous. There will be hints as we go along (as well as explicit truths), but we don’t want to give too much away, and we’d rather readers experience the reveals along with the players.

The Story So Far...

Chapter 1, "An opening"

Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...9wM4UcZqFRFWvw
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...HlZjhVzWhUXLmg
Part 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...GtvBBor56YbRtA
Part 4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...6ymutAs_pRQXLQ

Chapter 2, "The first move"

Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...r_JijENei8UlAA
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...d-KabZc1VFWzTg
Part 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...kdVEYPW1Tg0HiQ
Part 4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...sBvSSDNpNoq6Ew

Chapter 3, "A sacrifice"

Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...zA0caTXPR3iYzw
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...GMluzIOUjuqGdA

Chapter 4, "A gambit"

Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...UOw5H-2fXoVbFw
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...IKLTP-gRhW7unw

Chapter 5, "The queen"

Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E..._5uflGCxBgUM9Q
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...UjAn9vllqbkmCQ
Part 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...qWBE3MnzR6_4Ug

Chapter 6, "The campaign"

Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...r5crqjNxst6Z7w
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...wxTaFvzqQv2xMw
Part 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M1M...ew?usp=sharing

Chapter 7, "The endgame"

Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NXx...ew?usp=sharing
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gIC...ew?usp=sharing

Finale: Don't Open It

Biographies: From A to Zed

Al (Character Sheet)

Name: Alastair Ardent
Nickname: Al
Clan: Daeva
Bloodline: Zelani
Covenant: Carthians
DOB: March 10, 1984
DOD: June 8, 2006

Al grew up in Chicago, the youngest of five brothers. They were all named after strange or stuffy relations on his Mom’s side of the family. It meant a lot of teasing, a lot of sticking with his other brothers and not branching out much. Even then he liked being alone better, but safety in numbers were how they lived. His mom died when he was ten of a heart attack and his dad was unfit to take care of them, so his eldest brother Atticus took them all in. He didn’t understand until he was sixteen how Atticus took care of them. Work was mentioned, but never elaborated on.

Eventually he found out they were into broken legs and broken heads, and maybe worse things. He watched. Mac first, and then Stacy started to “work” too. He figured he’d be expected to as well, then if not later, so he stole some money and got on a bus out to L.A. He’s been there ever since. He figures Atti hates the heat and won’t look for him there.

Despite running from a criminal family, crime is where he ended up, a fact that used to shame him. He had little money and needed protection, so he joined a gang. Without any brawn to offer, he became their messenger. Turned out he’s good at listening around, hearing things, spying. He even found out there’s people that pay for that sort of information. When he gained enough leverage to leave the gang, he set up shop as an information broker. Not just for crime, but for anything: gossip, celebrities, politicians…the list is long and slimy.

He’s a useful person to have in your corner, and that’s probably why his sire chose him. The Carthians needed a good information gatherer. But the Firebrands are just his brothers all over again. Al wants to avoid being part of something, but he always manages to be drawn into it thinking that it’ll help awaken some spiritual fire. It never does.

Touchstone: The owner of the corner store near his house. He was the first person that showed him kindness in L.A., letting him buy cigarettes even though it was clear he couldn’t have been legal. Every week he buys cigarettes there, even though he rarely smokes them anymore.

Zach (Character Sheet)

Name: Zachary Kovalenko
Nickname: Zach, Zach Attack
Clan: Ventrue
Bloodline: Rötgrafen
Covenant: Ordo Dracul
DOB: August 27, 1985
DOD: January 11, 2006

Zach was born in Dauphin, Manitoba. Though he never doubted his parents loved him, home was not a comfortable place, especially around report card time. He preferred the rink, where he could out-skate and out-shoot any competitor. Recruited directly out of high school to the minor leagues, he was snatched up by a sharp-eyed recruiter and went to L.A. to play as backup for the Kings. Unfortunately, he fell under the same influences as many young athletes — cocaine and shady dealings being his particular vices. At one party, he met someone in his mind he can still only call the Whisper…

He now generally tries to earn a quiet living as after-dark muscle. People wash out all the time in L.A. — even if he were spotted, who would care? Just another meathead hockey player who couldn't hack it in the NHL.

Not being very political, the Dragons seemed like a good choice in the All Night Society. The Ordo Dracul need more muscle these nights, and Zach, while not exactly book smart, is a deeper thinker than most give him credit. The Mysteries and the Coils still evade him, but the Sworn of the Axe has shown him plenty about the intersection between brain and muscle.

Touchstone: Katrina took Alex back to Winnipeg when things hit the wall. Alex is eleven now, and everything Zach wasn't at her age — small, shy, bookish, and adored, not least by her father. They Skype every week.

A Ghoulish Conversation

Zach vs. Romero: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_E...oUlm7pL9LBxCjA

Me, as Romero
[REDACTED], as Zach

[IanWatson]

I'm just gonna put this here: http://debofnight.andcuriouser.com/

[Griautis]

I'm just gonna put this here: http://debofnight.andcuriouser.com/

What,... is... this... ?

NVM: Google saved me.

[Yossarian]

I'm just gonna put this here: http://debofnight.andcuriouser.com/

Ah, now it's a party!

[ElvesofZion]

I so didn't need another AP to read, but of course I will be...

The music from The Asylum was already playing in my head thanks to Rose's music thread.

Not sure if this really warranted a spoiler tag, but just to be safe.

[Yossarian]

I so didn't need another AP to read, but of course I will be...

The music from The Asylum was already playing in my head thanks to Rose's music thread.

Not sure if this really warranted a spoiler tag, but just to be safe.

Nah, no need for spoilers around music stuff. We did indeed use "Isolated" when our heroes visited the Asylum.

In fact, if anyone has any mid-2000s goth rock suggestions for our soundtrack, let fly.

On a related note, should have an update tomorrow or Sunday.

[Hakamichi Kurloz, Sir]

Is there any particular room for players to join, or have you and your co-ST already found enough players for this game that the AP can be recorded?

[Yossarian]

Is there any particular room for players to join, or have you and your co-ST already found enough players for this game that the AP can be recorded?

Ah, sorry, this is all being done in person, and we wanted to do a two player game. But I'm flattered you'd ask!

[Hakamichi Kurloz, Sir]

Ah, sorry, this is all being done in person, and we wanted to do a two player game. But I'm flattered you'd ask!

Very well. I will gladly await whatever this story has to offer as far as a 2-person game can.

[Yossarian]

Introducing Our Heroes

Let's get to know our cast before we get to the story. These are excerpted from player surveys, give or take some edits I made for clarity:

Al

Name: Alastair Ardent
Nickname: Al
Clan: Daeva
Bloodline: Zelani
Covenant: Carthians
DOB: March 10, 1984
DOD: June 8, 2006

Al grew up in Chicago, the youngest of five brothers. They were all named after strange or stuffy relations on his Mom’s side of the family. It meant a lot of teasing, a lot of sticking with his other brothers and not branching out much. Even then he liked being alone better, but safety in numbers were how they lived. His mom died when he was ten of a heart attack and his dad was unfit to take care of them, so his eldest brother Atticus took them all in. He didn’t understand until he was sixteen how Atticus took care of them. Work was mentioned, but never elaborated on.

Eventually he found out they were into broken legs and broken heads, and maybe worse things. He watched. Mac first, and then Stacy started to “work” too. He figured he’d be expected to as well, then if not later, so he stole some money and got on a bus out to L.A. He’s been there ever since. He figures Atti hates the heat and won’t look for him there.

Despite running from a criminal family, crime is where he ended up, a fact that used to shame him. He had little money and needed protection, so he joined a gang. Without any brawn to offer, he became their messenger. Turned out he’s good at listening around, hearing things, spying. He even found out there’s people that pay for that sort of information. When he gained enough leverage to leave the gang, he set up shop as an information broker. Not just for crime, but for anything: gossip, celebrities, politicians…the list is long and slimy.

He’s a useful person to have in your corner, and that’s probably why his sire chose him. The Carthians needed a good information gatherer. But the Firebrands are just his brothers all over again. Al wants to avoid being part of something, but he always manages to be drawn into it thinking that it’ll help awaken some spiritual fire. It never does.

Touchstone: The owner of the corner store near his house. He was the first person that showed him kindness in L.A., letting him buy cigarettes even though it was clear he couldn’t have been legal. Every week he buys cigarettes there, even though he rarely smokes them anymore.

Zach

Name: Zachary Kovalenko
Nickname: Zach, Zach Attack
Clan: Ventrue
Bloodline: Rötgraffen
Covenant: Ordo Dracul
DOB: August 27, 1985
DOD: January 11, 2006

Zach was born in Dauphin, Manitoba. Though he never doubted his parents loved him, home was not a comfortable place, especially around report card time. He preferred the rink, where he could out-skate and out-shoot any competitor. Recruited directly out of high school to the minor leagues, he was snatched up by a sharp-eyed recruiter and went to L.A. to play as backup for the Kings. Unfortunately, he fell under the same influences as many young athletes — cocaine and shady dealings being his particular vices. At one party, he met someone in his mind he can still only call the Whisper…

He now generally tries to earn a quiet living as after-dark muscle. People wash out all the time in L.A. — even if he were spotted, who would care? Just another meathead hockey player who couldn't hack it in the NHL.

Not being very political, the Dragons seemed like a good choice in the All Night Society. The Ordo Dracul need more muscle these nights, and Zach, while not exactly book smart, is a deeper thinker than most give him credit. The Mysteries and the Coils still evade him, but the Sworn of the Axe has shown him plenty about the intersection between brain and muscle.

Touchstone: Katrina took Alex back to Winnipeg when things hit the wall. Alex is eleven now, and everything Zach wasn't at her age — small, shy, bookish, and adored, not least by her father. They Skype every week.

Bloodlines

As a bonus, here are the updates I've done for our players' bloodlines:

Rötgrafen: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_...3NTUHNMQ2lIRU0

Zelani: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_...WM1ZzVDNUNuLWM

Edit: For some reason Drive turned off link sharing on those links; should be good now.

[Yossarian]

Chapter 1: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_...ThBQXZCRGwyN0U

This write-up is a lot longer than what I'll probably do in the future, but I wanted to establish some things. I'll strive for succinctness in the future.

Fun fact: my co-ST managed to do all of the prince's speeches completely off the cuff.

Insider Knowledge:

For those of you who've played the videogame, this is indeed pretty much just the opening of Bloodlines. We were surprised how closely the players hewed to the script, despite neither of them having played it. Things will probably start diverging pretty quickly, I imagine, but we'll see.

Interestingly, Al's player made Heather a ghoul with literally no prompting.

[ElvesofZion]

Nah, no need for spoilers around music stuff. We did indeed use "Isolated" when our heroes visited the Asylum.

In fact, if anyone has any mid-2000s goth rock suggestions for our soundtrack, let fly.

On a related note, should have an update tomorrow or Sunday.

I was actually more worried about mentioning The Asylum, didn't know you'd already introduced it though.

[Leetsepeak]

Awesome stuff. Just as a heads up, those bloodline writeups are not viewable by the public.

[Yossarian]

Awesome stuff. Just as a heads up, those bloodline writeups are not viewable by the public.

Thanks! And thanks for the heads up. I'll fix those.

[Yossarian]

I was actually more worried about mentioning The Asylum, didn't know you'd already introduced it though.

Oh, I getcha. Yeah, some location names are in kind of a gray area spoiler-wise, but better safe than sorry.