The Bloodhunt of Quentin Harbough III

Amid the chaos of the rant 3 figures slipped out of the bar. One in a rather large hat, one sporting pigtails and a third striking individual. Quickly they followed the third figure to his vehicle and hopped in. “Where to first chief?” The one in the tall hat replied “To my mansion, Pru let Wynter know what is happening and tell him to dredge up the lout from whatever rock he is under.” As Peele drove, Pru grabbed her phone out of her purse and dialed a number. “Hey Wynter, you're not getting the day off you were hoping for, Quentin Harbaugh has been blood hunted and the Master Harpy needs you in all your Scourgely glory. We'll be there in ten minutes oh and grab Alejandro or rather 'lout from whatever rock he is under'”
Prunella had no sooner put down the phone when she she burst out “I need to go back to the bar, like I really need to go back there, Peele can you turn the car around and drop me off. Actually you don't have to worry about it, I will hop out at the next stop. I need to have a chat with Dorothy Grace”
Staring at his lesser harpy Juan said incredulously “No, no you are not hopping out to speak with Dorothy at the bar.” Lunging he tried to grab Pru as she unlocked her side of the door. Unfortunately the vehicle hit a pot hole and it jostled her out of his reach. Seeing what was happening Peele had the foresight to take a route that would allow him to keep the vehicle moving preventing an escapee Tremere. Hand on the handle she kept her eyes on the road waiting for a stop sign that she could safely exit the vehicle.
“Pru use your devil box and get it to talk to Dorothy” Pru paused for a moment. “That's a good idea sir, I can do that” Pulling out her phone she dialed another number
“Hi Dorothy did you need me, I'm really busy with the Harpy right now and it's important.. .. .. Oh I can see how that's a problem” Pulling her face from the phone she turned to the Harpy
“They really need a harpy at the moment to register boons what do I tell her, is it possible to get a harpy by proxy?” Juan gave a considering look, closed his eyes and pinched his nose.
“Tell her to tell the Seneschal that he needs to do it.” Prunella relayed the information to Dorothy. “Thanks I'm sure Elder Salvatore will be fine.” Brightly Pru turned to the Harpy "It's settled I don't need to go to the bar.”
“That's good because we're at the mansion” Peele hollered from the front seat.
Peele slowed the vehicle and a masked Wynter and a shoeless Alejandro clambered in the car. Alejandro taking the vacant front seat. “What's this about Harbaugh getting blood hunted now” Wynter asked once he was settled. “Harbaugh got caught trying to kill another vampire without being granted the rite of destruction by the prince so she declared him blood hunted, and for their part in it Porter and Tyrese have been warned.
There are going to be other repercussions for them but the Harpy didn't want to lose his prey.” Prunella replied. Turning around from the front seat Alejandro excitedly exclaimed “ It feels good to be on the hunt again, the treasure we will plunder will be epic!”
“So Pru where am I driving to?” Peele asked from the front seat.
“Head to the Ventrue territory and I will guide you from there.” Once they entered the Ventrue territory Pru closed her eyes and held herself very still. With a slight shudder and her eyes still closed Pru began giving directions.
Soon enough they approached a well cared for mansion. Even at this time of the year the grounds were immaculate. Before getting out the car Prunella glared at the streetlights until the ones around the mansion silently blinked out. Turning her attention back to the mansion Pru closed her her eyes. Softly she whispered “Weird, I wasn't expecting this.” Juan turning sharply to her. “What is it? What are you seeing with your magicks.”
“His security has been deactivated and looking at the cameras there is just him reading in his study.” A knowing look crossed Juan's face. “I see, well let's get to it” Getting out of the vehicle they silently approached the mansion. “Don't worry about the camera's I have shut them off” As they approached the mansion Wynter gave an appreciative look at the landscaping and and nodded to himself.
They found the door unlocked and let themselves in. Juan looked at Pru “Are you certain that there is only Quentin here. “I am. He's the only one here.”
“Where is he?”
“He's on the main floor down that hall on the left.” Juan nodded to himself. “Pru you are to go with Alejandro and help him find loot and treasure. Smiling Alejandro turned himself into a black wolf streaked with gray and put his nose to the ground and loped off with Pru awkwardly trying to keep up.
Heading down the hallway the remaining trio found Harbaugh in his study reading. Seeing the three of them approaching he carefully puts his book down and becomes Majestic.
“So this is how years of selfless service ends; I fought and bled for this city, for the Prince. This could be any one of you; remember that!” With that his Majesty drops and he met their gazes. Juan bowed his head with respect at Quentin's words. “I understand and it is my duty to tell you the Prince has declared you blood hunted and we are here to do her bidding. It will be quick. ” Wordlessly he nodded at Wynter and Peele. Wynter took his gun out of it's holster and pointed it at Harbaugh as Peele made his approach his hands surrounded by an icy blue aura.
In another part of the mansion Pru shouted at her wolfy companion. “Wait up I think I found where there might be a safe in the room to your right.” Excitedly he bounded into the room crashing through the door. It did not take him long to find the hidden compartment that held a large modern safe. As Pru broke through it's security Alejandro's eyes widened with glee looking at it's contents. “I can see why my brother keeps you around.”
A short while later they all reconvened outside of the mansion. They all stood silently and watched the blaze bloom and grow. Juan broke the silence solemnly saying
"It is finished, let us go tell the prince."
Carrying large bags they packed up the vehicle and drove off into the night

In Character Article Published in a Local Publication

If you were to imagine the trashiest location imaginable for the bachelorette party of a thrice divorced 1980’s goth wannabe who thought cheap Anne Rice re-creations were the pinnacle of home décor, you still would be over-estimating the aesthetic appeal of Castle Trashsylvania just outside our beautiful city.
It is a rare occurrence when our Home and Lifestyle section has to issue a retraction but the foolishness of a recent review in our paper was so great that we feel the need to prevent any additional Saskatoonians and other tourists from getting bilked out of their hard-earned money. The outward appearance of this ridiculous building helped feed rumors that it was constructed of fine European stonework, imported at great cost. Once inside however, the cheap cinderblocks painted to appear like ancient masonry are only outdone in tackiness by the cut-rate wood paneling made to look like antique timber. Many eccentric North American millionaires have attempted to capture the spirit of elegance inherent to the old money of their European counterparts, however the whispers about this “castle” being an eccentric recluse’s vanity project are likely as much fabrications as the economy plastic “stain glass” windows that let in the
Saskatchewan weather. If this monstrosity was the mental excretion of an aging European ex-pat, it’s all but certain they were mocked off the continent due to lack of taste. More likely however, this discount Walmart-esque tourist trap is the brain-child (nay, brain-abortion), of some middle manager sycophant with the artistic flair of lump of cold and rancid oatmeal, designed to fleece an uncultured public.

On a more practical level, Castle Trashsylvania has an inadequate and muddy parking lot, no cafeteria or snack bar, virtually non-existent public restroom facilities, poor plumbing and electrical work in general, construction elements that this writer has no idea as to how they passed a 21st century building inspection, inconvenient location, and an appalling lack of insulation that makes it freezing in winter and will certainly make it oppressive during the summer.
½ a star out of 5 stars. Even if it was free instead of having the exorbitant entrance fee, it would still be a bad deal, as the time lost to the drive out to it and hours of life squandered inside it’s festering unsanitary walls, could never be gotten back. Saskatonians should enjoy this monument to crass pomposity from a distance and laugh at the incompetence of its builders without wasting time and money inside it.

Storyteller Downtime Update

Downtimes are out and wow, they were fun. Lots of great interaction.
General points
Trivial actions are free. There will be general notes and comments to make that aren’t really downtime actions. If it’s something you can do normally in half an hour it can just be a note.
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If you are coordinating in an action between a few people, please let me know who the lead is. Everyone still notes the action in their downtimes but I will be giving the overall lead the main points. I don’t assume that everyone shares all the information. Similarly, if your specialty and contribution indicates something specific I may just give that information to you alone.
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Ref a patrol of your personal haven. Keep in mind this is largely undefined. The only way you will find something here is if someone is actively trying to scout out your haven. So, it’s good to do but keep in mind hopefully there should be nothing.
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Scope of actions. Frequently downtimes are quite ambitious and broad in scope. Keep in mind I scale the response to the level of detail in the search. You will get a more specific answer to a more specific question. If you want to know which character is behind which influence you need a lead (eg successful use of word on the street) or a guess. Guessing is great. I think Mr X is influence behind Ice Cream Trucks (underworld) and I am going to check it out. I can follow him to see if he goes to the creamery or check his bank records to show chocolate payoffs. This is a much better downtime than wondering what Mr X is up to.
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Lots of actions have variable outcomes. If you want to do more with it I usually have a comment to see me before next game. Keep in mind things can be updated or done in a side scene. Similarly, there are also things that may happen in game or just before. Timing is everything.
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Media. This is new. Trying to get better with general news stories that affect everyone. Things you learn without having to devote an action to it. How can that be bad?
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I am trying to keep track of who is teaching who what. I get the frustration that sometimes you ask someone to teach you and they forget about for a few months. Then they add it in, and you haven’t allocated XP to it. What I am going to do is start adding in Discipline – 0 to character sheets when someone has taught you the first level but you haven’t increased it yet. Just to show that you have it when ready.
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Having had a chance to observe from afar I have noted that patrolling is not as effective as I would have thought. Vampires have many skills to get around being observed, including working with intermediaries. I witnessed people put a lot of thought into their activities in other character’s areas and did so without successful discovery. Or frankly, any chance of discovery. The defence is certainly at a disadvantage here. You are far better off to find out what your “friends” are up to than to try to react.
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Hunter still hasn’t shown up yet. Much to my disappointment.
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There is still one side scene to do before the next game. Those involved have not been told yet. So, one more incident to follow.

World of Darkness: The Documentary

Watch a trailer for the World of Darkness: The Documentary


World of Darkness: The Documentary from Java Films on Vimeo.

An out of character Symbel

::Presented by Gordon::

Who May Enter: any player with a Vampire character that is currently active of will be started in one of the two March games.

The Challenge: Submit a short story about your character to enter. The story must be with in the horror genre theme of VTM and focus on their inner struggle between their Beast and Humanity. It does need to be violent, gruesome, or involve a shock factor. It should be focusing on an internal struggle and will be considered to be story cannon (ie: anything you write Andrew is free to use as he sees fit). Your story must be limited to 1,000 words or less and be suitable for publishing on the game page. Once I pick a winner I will publish all entries on the IC FB page and/or the game website. One entry per player.

How to Submit: Stories are to be sent to me at gordondjensen@gmail.com

Form: I prefer Word files attached to email or FB PM. Alternate options are possible, just contact me.
Special Note: I will accept co-entries from partnerships of up to two players per entry but must involve both player's characters. Prizes will be split.

The Prizes:
1st place - You will receive a Major Boon from my character (IC reason to be determined by both of us).
2nd place - You will receive a Minor Boon from my character (IC reason to be determined)
3rd place - You will receive a Trivial Boon from my character (IC reason to be determined)

Deadline: All entries must be sent in PRIOR to March 1st. Prize to be announced March 3rd. Stories will be posted between March 2nd and 10th as time permits.

Downtimes for January are sent

Downtimes have been sent out. Thank you everyone as they are such a great read. Unfortunately I can only share parts of the great plots you guys are developing.

Few observations as the new guy.

- When I am evaluating your free actions because of a skill I look at your level in that skill. A level of 1 in computers will not get you very far. Yes, you get a free downtime action but if you want this to be effective, you need to put the xp into computer. Sorry. (this was not just one person, so don't feel alone in this. Ok, even my character did this. Funny how you think of things differently reading your own stuff too)

- Suggest plot ideas. It's easy to say I look for stuff. What about throwing in, “and I find a rare book that talks about X.” Or, while patrolling I find an unusual shop that sells Y. I am happy to work in things you come up with.

- XP spending is easy but it would be nice to put a little more story into it. If you are learning something new did someone teach you, did you find a book, was there a revelation? Putting a little more effort into this character progression adds to the story. Yes, it also may take downtime actions but its more fun. I consider this especially when you are adding the fourth and fifth dot (or the first). What did you do in game for such accomplishment. Character progression is far more than numbers.

Thanks again
And for those that got funny stuff happening. He he heh.

Welcome to Vampire LARP!

As the current storyteller for the Vampire LARP I am interested in hearing from everyone about things that would entice them to play or try out the game.
I have started a few new ideas which I think will assist.
1. First, several current players have volunteered to mentor new players.
2. I am looking to set up demonstrations of interactions to further elaborate specific game aspects. There is a huge amount of depth in the game which can be overwhelming but also rewarding. More to follow.
3. I am committed to communication both with existing players and people new to try it out.
4. I am developing some quick start characters with both the character sheet, picture, and rules relating to what your character needs to know. The intent is nor new players to quickly get into the game with key info.
5. I am working with SLARPA exec, encouraging the adoption of game wide anti-harassment initiative. (Currently in process).
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I am also doing things for existing players. I have recently found someone willing to act as the in game hunter. I am arranging for lectures on how to use downtime influences better in game.
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I see players coming together with clan meetings. Something to help mentoring with both in and out of character discussions.
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I encourage anyone who is interested to email me and to discuss their expectations. The vampire LARP is incredibly interesting with lots of depth. Plus great costume options.
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Andrew

Volunteer Needed!

I [Andrew - new storyteller!] am looking for a volunteer to give a presentation on using Influence actions in downtimes. I would like to do it 25 Feb at about 2 pm. Venue will depend on how many people are interested in attending but will probably be a restaurant (and likely near 8th).
The talk should cover influence specialties, with examples. The brief should show how these downtime actions can build over time, as you uncover more plot. The point is to help new players in an environment where questions can be asked outside of play. The influence system is a really fun and unique part of the game

So, no costumes or in character stuff. Everyone welcome even if you don’t have downtime influence. No, you can’t delay your downtime until after the lecture.
Post below if you are interested in attending as well.
If someone volunteers I will edit the post.

Gordon Steps Down as Story Teller

Hello everyone, I hope you had an excellent holiday season. The next game will be February 3rd and I hope to get into Saskatoon for a side scene or two after I get some game stuff sorted out.
I also have to announce with some sadness that I cannot continue to run my chronicle for more than a few more months. I have enjoyed the run but between family, work stuffs (I've been volunteered to work on two extra side projects that are taking up a lot of mental space), and a project Jason and I will be starting up this spring I don't feel that I will be able to commit enough to actually run a LARP.

So, if anyone is interested in taking over SBN Darkness Reborn or in starting a new vampire LARP please let me know because I would love to see a vampire LARP continue in Saskatoon because of the great community that has built up around it over the years.  EDIT:: Welcome Andrew as new Storyteller!