Venue Style Sheet –
The Consistory
Part 1: Basic Information
Part 2: Style of Play
Part 3: Description of Venue
Part 4: Notables of the City
Part 5: Themes + Moods
Part 6: Storytelling Mechanics
Part 7: Character Creation Guidelines
Part 8: Player Points
Part 9: Consistory Hierarchy----
Part 1: Basic InformationGenre: Vampire: The Masquerade, The Sabbat
Consistory Storyteller: Rowan J. Draper (Username: TheRegent)
Storyteller Contact: rowan.draper@gmail.com
Storytelling Team: theconsistory@googlemail.com
Program: mIRC (
http://www.mirc.com)
Server: Dark Myst
Registered Channels:
#TheConsistory
Part 3: Description of VenueCity Information
New York City is home to roughly 12 million residents (though some estimates run as high as 20 million if the outlying suburbs are included), but the Kindred population is a bit higher here than one might suspect, owing to the ease with which the boroughs can be travelled. In fact, Kindred population ratios reflect the whole metropolitan population better than they do the borough population breakdowns.
Manhattan 1.5 million
Bronx 1.2 million
Brooklyn 2.3 million
Queens 2 million
Staten Island 500, 000
- New York by Night, Chapter Two: The Face of the City – Page 24
While the Sabbat may have lost the battle, it has not given up on the war by any means.
Polonia remains proximate to New York City despite his gaining a promotion from his Sabbat superiors in the wake of losing the city, it remains his White Whale. He’s definitely gathering forces for a renewed assault, but it’s a race against time. The Camarilla is insidious 0 if he allows the sect too much time to insinuate itself into mortal institutions, the Camarilla will be impossible to drive out.
That said, Polonia plays a dangerous game. How long can he wait to gather a crusade that has a hope of driving the Camarilla out without exposing himself to the Kindred or allowing them to gain an insurmountable advantage?
Part 4: Notables of the CitySword of CaineFrancisco Domingo de Polonia
Love’s Easy Tears
Hester Reed
Rurik Rakoczy
Rashid Stockton
Number One Heartthrob
Kandy Kaine
Johnathan Gursel
Vae Victis – the Camarilla of New YorkTheo Bell
Archon to Justicar Jaroslav Pascek
David Morgan
The Scourge
Calebros
The Erstwhile Prince
Qadir al-Asmai
The Sheriff
Aisling Sturbridge
High Regent of the Chantry of the Five Boroughs
Lord Ephraim Wainwright
Tremere
Part 5: Themes and MoodsThemesFreedom: Freedom is a central precept to the Sabbat. What threatens that freedom, and what would happen should it be curtailed? What kinds of conflict does the Sabbat meet because of this belief?
Individualism and the Struggle for Self: Every Sabbat is an individual who personally struggles to identify her own boundaries and choices. Sometimes, these boundaries are antithetical to the group to which she belongs. Any group moves naturally towards conformity, no matter how much it claims to value individualism. Finding her own place within the sect causes a Sabbat vampire to grapple with what is expected of her as a member of a whole.
Intrigue: Unlife in the Sabbat and in its dealings with its enemies is full of potential intrigue. It’s full of paranoia and danger. Sabbat politics twist and turn like a web woven by thousands of drunken spiders, and all of the spiders have their own ambitions. Worse they all have fangs poised at your neck.
Power: Power is a corrupting force. Sabbat vampires, being powerful creatures, are always at risk from the temptations that arise out of a wish to be in control of something. Cainites are corrupted through their adherence to ideas that are no longer relevant to their existence – for instance, failing to recognise that they are no longer human – or conversely, by using this fact to further their own gain at all costs, without any thought to how their actions affect the whole of the Sabbat. Sabbat vampires play politics, an activity fraught with compromise and shaky alliances. How does the Cainite traverse the halls of Sabbat power without having some of its inherent taint rub-off on her?
MoodsFear: Fear is what the Sabbat is about. Fear of the infernal, fear of reprisal for mistakes, fear of Gehenna – all of these concepts are good mood motivations.
Lust: Exotic hunger for vitae, lust for power, perverse cravings for excitement, because they are deeply tied to how abominable Sabbat Cainites truly are.
Paranoia: Running with the Sabbat is rife with danger. Enemies lurk everywhere, and many situations are fraught with tension.
Anger: Sabbat vampires have an edge of anger because of how they were created. Wouldn’t you be pissed if someone tortured you, drained you of your blood, then buries you, all on the slim chance that you might claw your way out of the grave.
Part 6: Storytelling MechanicsThe Consistory uses the following ‘sanctioned’ source books for its chronicle:
§ Vampire: The Masquerade
§ Guide to the Sabbat
§ New York by Night
Clanbook: Assamite, Clanbook: Brujah, Clanbook: Followers of Set, Clanbook: Gangrel, Clanbook: Giovanni, Clanbook: Malkavian, Clanbook: Nosferatu, Clanbook: Ravnos, Clanbook: Toreador, Clanbook: Tremere and Clanbook: Ventrue
Approval LevelsTo distinguish the levels of rarity, power and competency within the Clans it will be from now on that the Consistory will use ‘approval levels’ to gauge and temper their games with.
Clans;
Low – Assamite Antitribu, Brujah Antitribu, Gangrel Antitribu, Lasombra, Malkavian Antitribu, Nosferatu Antitribu, Panders, Toreador Antitribu, Tzimisce, Ventrue Antitribu
Mid - Ravnos Antitribu, Serpents of the Light, Salubri Antitribu
High – Blood Brothers, Harbingers of Skulls, Kiasyd,
Concepts;
Low – Shovelhead, Ductus, Priest of the Pack, Abbot
Mid – Bishop of the City, Following the Path of Lillith
High – Archbishop of the Region, Priscus of the Consistory, Following the Path of Evil Revelations, Membership of the Black Hand, Membership of the Inquisition
The Ladder in the Sword of CaineThe Consistory will be operating on a 10:1 ratio scale for roles as Bishops. To begin with we will be based out of one of the five boroughs of New York with only one Bishop. As membership to the Consistory Chronicle increases we will increase the number of Bishops on the 10:1 scale previously mentioned.
The current Archbishop over New York City is Francisco Domingo de Polonia, and is a storyteller character, though it is possible to become Archbishop over the course of the Chronicle. The Consistory will operate on a 30:1 ratio for Archbishopric.
Cardinal concepts will not be accepted in the Consistory Chronicle however being a Priscus can be achieved in play, though we will be working on a 45:1 ratio for Priscus concepts.
Societal MembershipThe Consistory will be working on a 15:1 ratio scale for Membership within either the Black Hand or the Inquisition factions.
Concepts will not be considered until / unless the ratios are being met in general play.
Concepts that include station, above rank and file, in either the Black Hand or the Inquisition are not being considered
at this present time.
Part 7: Character Creation GuidelinesPlayers may only have one character in the Consistory Venue.
The Consistory use the following system for creating Vampire characters:
Step One: Inspiration - Who are you?
- Choose a concept
- Choose a Nature and a Demeanor from Vampire the Masquerade
- Choose a Clan
- Choose a Template
Part 8: Player PointsPlayer Points is an independent system of rewarding players who play the chronicle, who benefit the chronicle and roleplay well within its story. When a Player beings playing in the Consistory Troupe chronicle they begin with 5 Player Points. These Player Points do not contribute to the initial characters’ creation, as each new Player will be restricted to Template 1 for their first character.
Benefits:
Template System for Character Generation
Earning Player Points:
5 – Acting as Lead Storyteller for the Consistory
4 – Acting as an Assistant Storyteller for the Consistory
3 – Supporting the Chronicle for 1 Quarter (3 months)
3 – Unanimous Roleplay Award Nomination
2 – Character Downtime
1 – Recruiting a new Player (received on receipt of supporting the chronicle)
Template 1 – Young Neonate 0-25 years embraced
Min. Gen 13
Max. Gen 11
Attributes 5 / 4 / 3
Abilities 11 / 7 / 4
Disciplines 4
Lores 5
Player Point Cost 5
Template 2 – Advanced Neonate 26-50 years embraced
Min. Gen 12
Max. Gen 10
Attributes 6 / 5 / 4
Abilities 12 / 8 / 5
Disciplines 6
Lores 7
Player Point Cost 10
Template 3 – Young Ancillae 51-275 years embraced
Min. Gen 11
Max. Gen 9
Attributes 7 / 6 / 5
Abilities 13 / 9 / 6
Disciplines 8
Lores 10
Clan Restriction Lasombra, Tzimisce, Toreador Antitribu
Player Point Cost 15
Template 4 – Advanced Ancillae 276-450 years embraced
Min. Gen 10
Max. Gen 8
Attributes 8 / 7 / 6
Abilities 14 / 10 / 7
Disciplines 25
Lores 15
Clan Restriction Lasombra, Tzimisce, Toreador Antitribu
Player Point Cost 25
Template 5 – Young Elder 451-800 years embraced
Min. Gen 9
Max. Gen 7
Attributes 9 / 8 / 7
Abilities 15 / 11 / 8
Disciplines 15
Lores 20
Clan Restriction Lasombra, Tzimisce, Toreador Antitribu
Player Point Cost 40
Template 6 – Advanced Elder 801 + years embraced\
Min. Gen 8
Max. Gen 6
Attributes 10 / 9 / 8
Abilities 16 / 12 / 9
Disciplines 20
Lores 25
Clan Restriction Lasombra, Tzimisce, Toreador Antitribu
Player Point Cost 60
ExperienceThe Monthly Cap for Consistory characters is 10 Experience Points.
Experience Points are awarded monthly and are tracked by individual players. For game attendance, a character earns four experience points. For submitting a downtime, a character may earn two experience points. This will be given for one downtime only twice per month.
To spend experience, you must send a downtime to the Consistory ST outlining what you are purchasing, and how you are acquiring it for your character.
Sabbat PacksThe pack is a basic unit of structure for the sect, serving both social and military functions. All Sabbat, even the sect's leaders, are members of a pack. A Sabbat vampire does not have much choice about the pack to which he will belong since he has no control over who chooses to embrace him. He must remain a member of the pack that created him. Packs maintain their own permanent communal havens. They travel occasionally, but one city remains their home. Packs conduct their business on a certain night each week. These weekly meetings are known as esbats. Often an Ignoblis Ritus will be held during the esbat, but it is mainly used to conduct pack business. All pack members must attend unless a good reason for absence is given in advance.
All Sabbat put their sect before themselves and everything else in the world. They know what will happen to them if they do not. The Sabbat treats disloyalty very harshly, and some members have perfected the art of torture and disfigurement. Final Death is the only real choice for the disloyal.
This does not mean that all within the sect possess the same opinions. Among the fanatics are those with differing views on all Sabbat activities. The Sabbat leaders do not want mindless drones. They want strong-willed vampires ready to face death for the second time. Only strong Sabbat can understand true freedom, and they are the ones who push the sect on to domination.
The Sabbat provides protection, freedom and loyalty to all its members. These gifts are not without their costs. The members are required to protect sect interests, carry out missions and to give the Sabbat total fealty and devotion. All Sabbat have what are called Vinculums, or special bonds of love and loyalty shared with their pack. The Vinculum varies between all members, but always translates into a strong love for and loyalty to the sect itself. While Vinculum strength may vary with each individual bond, Sabbat vampires tend to be stronger in their loyalty and devotion to the sect itself than to individual members. Because of this Vinculum for the Sabbat itself, its members are considered fanatics. Most are willing to accept Final Death for the good of the sect. In addition, this special Blood Bond makes the Sabbat's secrets especially hard to uncover.
From the day a Sabbat vampire is Embraced, she has certain responsibilities. All Sabbat must uphold pack tradition and practices. They must choose and support leaders who serve the good of the Sabbat as well as the good of the pack itself. They must challenge weak and incompetent leaders as well as those who serve only their own interests. They must perform missions for their leaders. They must work to destroy all the enemies of the Sabbat. Finally, they must be willing to give up their immortal lives for their sect.
Unlife in the Sabbat is wild and dangerous. Most Sabbat vampires do not exist long after they have been Embraced. Younger members are considered the most expendable. Constant fighting with the Camarilla and other foes, such as the Inquisition and Lupines, forces Sabbat to live on the edge. While the Camarilla vampires fear Final Death and seldom take great risks, the Sabbat's basic beliefs lead all sect members to do whatever it takes to carry out the mission of saving Kindred from Gehenna.
The pack fills two important, connected roles for the Sabbat. First and foremost, it serves a combat function. This military aspect is important for furthering Sabbat plans. The second function of the pack is to provide a social group for individual Sabbat.
The Clan does not play an important role in the pack. Each clan maintains its own ties, but these are secondary to those of the pack. Clans sometimes hold their own gatherings, and members often partake of the Vaulderie together.
Ranks within the ConsistoryArchbishop - Serving each Cardinal of the Sabbat are Archbishops. Archbishops serve their territory's Cardinal, holding sway over a smaller region, similar to a Camarilla Prince ruling a city. These vampires usually rise through the ranks, serving lengthy tenures as priests and bishops of the sect. Each Cardinal has the power to appoint whomever he wishes to the position of Archbishop. Some accept bribes, but vampires who gain their positions in this manner often mysteriously disappear. Multiple Archbishops preside over these smaller domains, all contained within a single Cardinal's region.
The Archbishop’s responsibilities include:
· Oversee all matters of a clan within the Pack and lead that Clan
· Assist and advise the Cardinals
· Handle all disputes involving members of their Clan
· May bring others into Unlife *
Bishop - Below the Archbishops are the Bishops. The Bishops serve the Arch Bishops and are given domains in a city to control as a vassal for the Archbishop.
The Bishop's responsibilities include:
· Advise the Archbishops of the Clan
· Assist Archbishops in Clan matters when necessary
· Unable to bring others into Unlife, give them Final Death, promote or demote, or make/break alliances and declare enemies *
Priest - Serving the Bishops are Priests, who serve as the religious leaders of Sabbat Packs, of which there is one Priest per pack. The Priests are responsible for leading the Sabbat rituals and ceremonies for the Pack. They may be any ranking or non-ranking member of the Pack and are often the Pack Leader as well.
The Priest is the only member of the Pack that may directly speak to the Bishop about a subject. You may have any status to speak to the Priest, but Status:2 to the Bishop, Status:3 for Arch Bishop, and Status:4 for the Prisci/Cardinal. Status:6 or greater is required to meet the Regent personally. Going against these norms are deemed very deadly, as the Status game is followed by the assassination game.
Paladins - Also called Templars. The protectors of the Sabbat. Originally formed as a response to the fears concerning the loyalty of the Black Hand. The Leaders of the Sabbat may call upon the Paladins, or Templars, of the Sabbat as protectors. From the Rank of Bishop on up, have at least one Templar bodyguard. Many have whole packs of them. The Regent has the largest at 30 members who follow her every whim. The Templars are more loyal to the people they protect then to the Sabbat.
The Code of Milan In addition to the Commandments of The Sabbat, the Code of Milan will be followed at all times, by all members of the Sect. These are the statutes comprising the Code of Milan:
I. The Sabbat shall remain united in its support of the sect's Regent. If necessary, a new Regent shall be elected. The Regent shall support relief from tyranny, granting all Sabbat freedom.
II. All Sabbat shall do their best to serve their leaders as long as said leaders serve the will of the Regent.
III. All Sabbat shall faithfully observe all the Auctoritas Ritae.
IV. All Sabbat shall keep their word of honour to one another.
V. All Sabbat shall treat their peers fairly and equally, upholding the strength and unity of the Sabbat. If necessary, they shall provide for the needs of their brethren.
VI. All Sabbat must put the good of the sect before their own personal needs, despite all costs.
VII. Those who are not honourable under this code will be considered less than equal and therefore unworthy of assistance.
VIII. As it has always been, so it shall always be. The Lextalionis shall be the model for immortal justice by which all Sabbat shall abide.
IX. All Sabbat shall protect one another from the enemies of the Sect. Personal enemies shall remain personal responsibility, unless they undermine Sect security.
X. All sect members shall protect Sabbat territory from all other powers.
XI. The spirit of freedom shall be the fundamental principle of the Sect. All Sabbat shall expect and demand freedom from their leaders.
XII. The Rights of Monomacy shall be used to settle disputes among all Sabbat.
XIII. All Sabbat shall support the Black Hand.
XIV. All Sabbat have the right to monitor the behaviour and activities of their fellow Sect members in order to maintain freedom and security.
XV. All Sabbat possess the right to call a council of their peers and their immediate leaders.
XVI. All Sabbat shall act against Sect members who use the powers and authority the Sabbat has given them for personal gain at the expense of the Sabbat. Action shall be taken only through accepted means, approved by a quorum of the Inner Circle
Rules, Drama and SettingsEnter: 'roll #d6 in the #TheConsitory channel
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