[WoD] Aperta Terra (Vampire: Dark Ages)

[Hotshot lasgun]

Nyet. Is game

[Classic Gamer]

Name: Josse Valée

Demeanor: Courtier


Physical Appearance:

Personality: Josse is very congenial and mannerly in the appropriate situations. His well purchased tutoring and his time growing up at court taught him not only the rules of etiquette, but the nuances of personal interaction as well. Among a more relaxed atmosphere, Josse is a friendly sort, given to a good laugh and keeping up the cheer of those around him. In quieter moments, he is often a sympathetic ear. Although he may hear his share of gossip, he is not known for spreading the same.

[Starship Tical]

@Classic Gamer: Hello and thank you for the beginnings of a character submission! The character's history looks good and fits into the overall plot as well--thanks for saving me the trouble of having to reach into my bag of tricks to tie this PC into the story if utimately selected.

Great stuff so far! I have you on my radar! I am standing by for any questions you might have!
Reading character sketches and concepts is something I do enjoy!


@1Skell & Ladytron: Ladytron did a good job at resuming the general flavor of Clan Tzimisce at this ripe time in 1242. Totally agree with her thoughts on the matter! The revenant ghoul families are mostly (if not all) tied to them directly after all, even in the modern nights of Vampire: The Masquerade.

That being said, exceptions and isolated cases are always possible even in such a stuffy clan. I would not outright just refuse to hear an idea a potential player might have even if it is something that may not be 100% orthodox according to the lore-- again, rarities and uncommon events are the interesting avenues from which interesting PC ideas can spring. We don't just want Brujah Anarchs in leather jackets and Giovanni mob bosses after all; common stereotypes can get tired as well.

Agreed, while I find it hard to believe that Tzimisce (ghouls or Cainites) would rather relocate that far west in Europe instead of heading deeper into the Balkans or somewhere else where the Tzimisce hold power (remember that both other established clans in Western Europe may not be so open to allowing Tzimisce to set up shop in their backyard and the Tzimisce are deeply connected to their land and traditions; they would probably feel more comfortable re-establishing their lost fortunes in the charge of a more powerful land holder if necessary, no matter the loss of prestige), I could imagine a Tzimisce who is in danger of final death (perhaps a neonate who thinks their master grows tired of their failings in certain expectations and may end up as an extra sentient ornament in a dungeon, etc.) heading west in haste or a double agent or spy (impersonating another clan) sent by their sire for some personal agenda. There are dozens of ideas we can come up with to explain why a Tzimisce would end up that far west if you have your heart set on playing someone from this clan.

I am big on allowing players maximum creative control and at the end of the day, I want you to be happy playing the PC you want to play!

@Ladytron: I just completely emptied my PM box, so you can send me a PM or do some sneaky secret text here in the thread.

@Hotshot Lasgun: Noted! We will keep that in mind!

@Apocrypha: Isabella stands alone in her own right! I do not see a Lucita Light or Lucita Diet edition here.

[Ladytron]

Just a thought...

[1Skell]

@Starship Tical

As a player I really enjoy fitting my character on established lore so instead of creating exceptional situations I would like to ask for your opinion on what would be a better fitting clan (although I must admit that the spy sounds both super fun and super interesting). My only preferences would be to no Ventrue and to not take a clan in which other players demonstrated interest.

@Ladytron

Isn't that Corradini's La Pudicizia?

[Ladytron]

Yup

I'll put the pic back up for now...

[Ladytron]

Originally Posted by 1Skell

My only preferences would be to no Ventrue

How could you not like the Ventrue?! I might have to play one now...

[Apocrypha]

Originally Posted by 1Skell

@Starship Tical

As a player I really enjoy fitting my character on established lore so instead of creating exceptional situations I would like to ask for your opinion on what would be a better fitting clan (although I must admit that the spy sounds both super fun and super interesting). My only preferences would be to no Ventrue and to not take a clan in which other players demonstrated interest.

If I'm remembering right, medieval Spain has a lot of Lasombra (obviously), Toreador, Brujah... probably still a good number of Assamites, although they're not likely to be on great terms with Christian vampires right at the moment... and you can get a bunch of the other clans just about anywhere. I think Ventrue, specifically, would be the one clan that it'd be kind of weird to find here, wouldn't they?

Because Lasombra are such a large presence, I wouldn't have a problem with someone else playing one as well, if they were so inclined. I'm pretty unlikely to do much with Dominate or Potence or to have much in the way of physical abilities or leadership qualities at all, so there's a lot of thematic room within Lasombra that I'm not even going to be touching.

[Ladytron]

Originally Posted by Apocrypha

I think Ventrue, specifically, would be the one clan that it'd be kind of weird to find here, wouldn't they?

What's with all the Ventrue hate? They are your Lords/Ladies and Masters! You should be on your knees begging to pledge your fealty to them!

[Classic Gamer]

Originally Posted by Starship Tical

I am standing by for any questions you might have!

No specific questions at this time. You and PabloMuerte have built a compelling storyline already and one easy enough to meld into, I think. Please just let me know how I can fill in any of the missing blanks needed for Josse or give you a more in depth characterization. Thanks.

[1Skell]

Originally Posted by Ladytron

How could you not like the Ventrue?! I might have to play one now...

They seem to be too pompous and much less pragmatic (and with less cool powers) than the Lasombra. Besides that the only Ventrue characters I saw (web series and a guy that tried to get me into VtM years ago and failed) were just plainly annoying. Maybe a good player would change my idea of the clan. Maybe playing one someday would change my view, but for now they are just "discount Lasombra" to me.

[Apocrypha]

Originally Posted by Ladytron

What's with all the Ventrue hate? They are your Lords/Ladies and Masters! You should be on your knees begging to pledge your fealty to them!

I actually like the Ventrue quite a bit. I love exploring how VtM actually works on a logistical level - how a society of vampires that keeps itself secret while pulling the strings of the mortal world actually functions - and nobody’s better for exploring that than the Ventrue. And yeah, they get stuck stereotyped as “the Man” that the cooler, more interesting vampires rebel against, but I also like the flip side of that - the Ventrue are always in charge for a reason, because they’re the only clan with the organization and discipline to actually make all this stuff work while everyone else just F’s around and whines about how bossy the Ventrue are.

All I meant before was that I’m pretty sure a Ventrue would be out of place lore-wise - if I’m remembering right, the Ventrue are more of a presence in England, the Holy Roman Empire, etc at this point, while the Lasombra are more dominant in Spain and Italy. But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t see one showing up a little outside their usual stomping grounds.

[PabloMuerte]

Keep in mind ladies and gents that the clan you choose will be able to find it's way into the story one way or another. Like Starship Tical said, it's important to like the PC you are playing more than it fitting into our storyline. Chapter 3 will be new and fresh, with Paavo returning to his Tremere sire after his first solo expedition so it won't be challenging for out storyteller to find reasons for you all to show up at our door, finding interest in the rocks that were brought back or seeking to impress by going on an adventure of your own funded by a newfound ally. There is plenty of potential and what you are all coming up with is awesome. Very exciting times ahead!

[Starship Tical]

@Ladytron: I had no idea what that statue was (although it was very powerful to be sure!)...

@1Skell Thank you for educating me on what that statue was! I feel slightly more cultured tonight and I learned something! lol Corradini's La Pudicizia... I will never forget that for as long as I live.

Getting back to the business at hand-- I would rather not guide you into a clan or tell you what clan that you should play. Again, I feel that this works best when players choose a clan and concept that they feel in their heart at the outset. If you like Tzimisce, we can and will work something out! If you feel inspired by a certain idea, then we will go with that! Virtually any clan or bloodline can be worked into the story with some creative flexing on both our parts.

As stated by others in the thread, yeah, there is a political landscape already established in this part of the world, but that doesn't mean that there cannot be some slices and pockets of land here and there with minority clans holding some sway. Also, Cainites of other clans can always find prestige and station in a particular clan dominated place if a Prince or Primogen takes a liking to them thinking that they can add something to their power base.


@Classic Gamer: Josse is pretty solid as he stands for now! If you wanted to add any final flourishes or touches on the character before the deadline--no date at the moment, but I should decide upon a date for sure!-- you still have time.

@1Skell again: I remember being so excited for that VTM TV series back in the 90s... I was pretty young when I watched it, so I thought it was okay (just a lot of fanboy bias probably). Now, if I revisited it, I would probably find it lacking. If they do this again, I hope HBO - Netflix or another quality entity takes on the material. WOD should not be relegated to the formulaic, stale environment that is cable network TV (plus, no swearing and the fun stuff that should do the universe justice).

Ventrue have their place, but I agree, if you play them deadpan they can be a little stuffy. You can challenge yourself to make an interesting, out of place Ventrue.

@All: Since we're talking about our opinions on clans in the setting, I always thought the Malkavians stuck out like sore thumbs... why would you tolerate a cabal of mentally unstable vampires who may be a serious danger to the masquerade? Would any subculture or secret society entrust the controlled secret of their existence to someone who could just walk into a TV studio one day and do an interview or demonstrate their immortality - powers to a live audience? I mean, I guess we can argue that it is doubtful if the masquerade would even survive the 20th - 21st centuries with instant communication, other options beside legacy media for news, cell phones, etc.

[Ladytron]

Ladytron's Char (mostly done, waiting on GM) La Petite Ver Clan: Toreador Concept: Jester / Acrobat Sire: TBD Demeanor: Gallant (for now, TBD) Description: Ver wears a Jester’s outfit so it’s hard to tell what she actually looks like under it. The outfit itself though is of excellent quality; whoever made her outfits was a Master Weaver. Bright, rich colours of the finest pigments known to scholars. The adornments and embroideries themselves would likely fetch a fortune were they to be sold in the markets. The shoes and gloves are made of quality hand-crafted leather. The mask, perhaps the most interesting of all, might be the most difficult to re-produce, it's like not seen before. The throne rooms of Kings and Queens would likely cherish such a piece, resting it on a pedestal to be marveled at by Courtiers and Dignitaries whom happen to be at Court at that time. Ver’s body is petite but very well honed; it’s clear she’s spent her time sculpting her body to the point of near-perfection. While most people may be skinny, mostly from lack of food, it’s plain that Ver’s physique is a lithe masterpiece of muscle and sinew. When she performs, her movements are soft and delicate, precise to the point of intoxicating; watching her makes you feel that this might be near the limits of what the human body is capable of doing. Her arms and legs are slim but powerful, concealing tantalizing potential of physical perfection, mesmerizing her audiences with her every movement. Personality: As with anyone with a touch of Fame, what people think of La Petite Ver may be different from the genuine article. Some say that she’s bright, intelligent, and charming. Some say that she could swoon any man off his feet with her honeyed words. Some say that she is egotistical, that all she cares about is herself, and that she does what she does only for coin. Some say that she’s very gentle, with a voice so calm and tender that you can’t help but feel soothed by her words. Some say that she's a harsh mistress, tormenting all of those she comes in contact with with her outrageous demands and deva-like behaviour. Some say that she never says anything at all. The only thing that everyone agrees with is that, when she looks at you from behind her porcelain mask, it’s impossible not to think that she’s staring directly into your soul… Background (what you might know): La Petite Ver is a famous acrobat and performer; rumor has it she has performed for the Court of King Louis IX of France, Princes’ and Princess’, Ducs, and many others in French nobility, for the last XX years or so. Her work has been deemed a ‘must see’ event that anyone who is anyone with a Title has to see at least once in their lifetime. There are stories of the Servants of nobility skipping their chores so they could watch her perform, stories of Merchants trying to buy entry to Court to say they had the privilege to be in her presence, and Gentry from the outside trying to bribe guards to let them see from a window or a perch where they had a view from a distance. More recently, as the rumor has it, she's come from Paris and toured down through Berry, Poitou, Guyenne, Auvergne, Toulouse, and finally Roussillon before making her way to Barcelona. Once in the fair Mediterranean city, Ver spent some time having a mini-vacation, but before long word got out to the Nobility that she had arrived. As having someone who'd performed in Paris was something of a rarity in this part of the world, the Nobles all fought, sometimes literally, for her patronage. After some discussions and lengthy negotiations, La Petite Ver joined the household of (leave blank for now), staying as his/her honoured guest and performing for him and for other Nobles during their lavish parties.