Skin Deep: Vampire the Requiem (2e) -- Accepting Players

[Lockepick]

Skin Deep

A Vampire: The Requiem (2nd Edition) Story

Game Status: ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Completed Applications Received (no final decisions have been made) -- All slots are still available.

Player | Name | Clan | Covenant | Concept

"You can find anything you want in Los Angeles -- except for cowards."
~ Jacque LeMarque

Los Angeles, California: City of Angels -- synonymous with high society, the entertainment business, and all the shallow beauty, commercialism, and dreams that are associated with it. Not all that come and test themselves in Los Angeles succeed, and no matter how hard the elite try to ignore it, the slums and ghettos are filled with failures, the destitute, and children of both; living off the crumbs of the successful. People of all walks and life live in Los Angeles -- There is art, beauty, and money in abundance, and crime, filth, and violence to match it.

It's no surprise that Vampires find themselves drawn to Los Angeles, but most end up trapped in the Gilded Cage. Los Angeles has the ocean on one side, deserts on the other, and bands of fanatical Lancea Sanctum on the outskirts, making attempts to leave Los Angeles dangerous. The uncommon system of Lordships and Baronies, established by the Shadow Prince, who has only been seen by his Primogen in the last hundred years, segregates the population. New Kindred need to choose a Lord to serve or they’ll starve, and each Lord hides their assets to bolster their station, keeping the city from ever truly bonding together on a mass scale.



Skin Deep is a Vampire: the Requiem (2nd Edition) game that takes place in Los Angeles, California. This will be a 'guided sandbox'; focusing on personal growth and horror, for 3-4 players who will be forced into a coterie through circumstance, with a central mystery/plot that players are encouraged to pursue. The sandbox aspects will come from the fact that the City is meant to be explored, and that the game will be directed and built around the players' individual goals. The Court of Los Angeles will use a non-traditional structure (explained below), that will hopefully encourage exploration, secrecy, and create interesting interactions with a myriad of NPCs. No experience with the system is required. 
PCs will start at the bottom of society, and fight their way through the Requiem of Los Angeles to their own brand of success. I encourage players to get creative and have wild dreams about how they want to ‘succeed’ in Los Angeles – but keep in mind that characters will grow gradually. Want to create a new sect of your Covenant? Sure! But think about the steps that are required to do that – consider the ‘small victories’ that lead to your major goal. Want to create a new Bloodline with a new Discipline? New Rituals, Oaths, Laws, or Coils? Sure! This could include updating 1st Edition information, Masquerade information, or re-writing it based on an existing theme. This game is very much about the player characters – they are the main characters of this world.

This game will be placed on the Extreme boards -- simply because I don't want to censor myself later when it comes to violence and gore. Tags and trigger warnings will be used, regardless. Sexual content will not be the focus of the game, but it is always an option. Sexual scenes with NPCs will fade to black -- but PCs are allowed to engage in sexual scenes.. All sexual scenes will occur in a different thread -- and will not count as fulfilling a player's required posting frequency -- sexual scenes will not slow down the plot of the game.

Setting Information: The City of Los Angeles

"There is nobody quite like Lord Lily Von Trash -- and thank god, because she is a bitch."
 ~ Lily Von Trash, Lord of Inglewood

The City has been ruled by a Prince of the Ordo Dracul since the early 1800s. The Prince remains in the shadows -- only the three Primogen know his identity or communicate with him, one from each of Los Angeles' accepted Covenants: The Circle of the Crone, the Invictus, and The Carthians. Each Primogen is responsible for three Baronies (ruled by a Baron), and each Barony is responsible for three Lordships (each ruled by a Lord). This creates 27 Lordships, aligned to the 27 Boroughs of Los Angeles. Lordships and Baronies are not officially tied to any Covenant -- even if it benefits the Covenant as a whole to have as many of their members in power. Most diverse are the Lordships run by Ordo Dracul Lords scattered throughout the City. The main role of a Lord is to keep order in their Lordship -- and thus, most issues are kept 'in house' when they do arise.

A Vampire is only allowed to feed within their own territory, and thus, the majority of Vampires that do not own territory must become Vassals to Lords so that they have somewhere to feed. Vassals are beholden to their Lords, who can break their Vassalage at any time and leave a Kindred with nowhere to hunt. Vassalage used to be a large ordeal with an official ceremony and documents, but over the decades, due to the lack of any central organization, each Lord handles it differently. The base arrangement is always there at the core: A Lord grants permission to feed in their territory for the year, and a Vassal will tithe. Once a year, on September 1st, every Vassal is expected to give their Lord the best 10% of their 'crop' -- which is different for each Kindred and their particular focus. After a satisfactory tithing, etiquette demands that a Lord acquiesces to a request of their Vassal. Lords and Barons can grant temporary feeding rights for any Kindred if they choose, but typically it is done at a price.

At the end of every calendar year, Vassals must apply to their Lord of choice to live in their land -- Lords make their decisions for any number of reasons, but must consider over population, affiliations, reputations of their Vassals, and of course, the 'crop' that the potential Vassal can bring. Lords can accept new members at any point, but it is considered rude to leave before the year's end, and Tithing occurs on September 1st regardless of when a Vassal joined a territory. Lords tend to be tight lipped about the abilities and values of their Vassals -- successful ones could get picked up by more appealing Lordships, and unsuccessful ones could be embarrassing.

There is no Elysium, nor are there any official titles such as Sheriff, Keeper of Elysium, Seneshal, etc in Los Angeles. Instead, the peace of Los Angeles is maintained by three 'Courts', each made of two to four members, which report directly to the Primogen Council.

Setting Information: The Three Courts

- The Court of Coins: The accountants of Los Angeles. The Court of Coins is called upon to handle any matters involving what is owed -- this includes any discrepancies in regards to tithing, whether or not a Lord is properly supporting their Vassals, the value of boons, or whether or not any deal or mediation has been properly paid out. They have the freedom to 'audit' any member of Los Angeles as needed. At best, the audit forces a Kindred to expose resources they might have wanted hidden; as well as tying them up with paper work. At worst, if the Court has reason to not trust or believe their target, can involve a more hands-on approach to ensure they get the truth -- not excluding torture. It is believed that the Court of Coins is made up of mostly The Carthians.

- The Court of Hearts: The human resources department of Los Angeles. The Court of Hearts handles matters of conflict between different Lordships that extend beyond a single Barony. They most commonly deal with issues involving poaching -- feeding in a territory without permission -- but can be called in for any crime. Should a Kindred he found guilty, there is obvious recompense to the offended party, but the Court of Hearts goes further into forcing 'reeducation' -- layers of mental disciplines and control to ensure that the behavior is not repeated. Their involvement is not always optimal, even for the offended party, as the Court of Hearts investigations tend to turn over more stones than necessary, and not everybody wants them digging around in their back yard. The information they learn is not sacred by any means, making them as hubs for such -- filling the role of a Harpy that other cities might have. It is believed that the Court of Hearts is made up of mostly members of the Invictus.

- The Court of Swords: The defenders of Los Angeles. The Court of Swords was created to help combat the threats of the 'new frontier' back when Los Angeles was originally created. They have stories of the monsters and spirits they had to battle to claim the territory, but in more modern usage, they are used to combat the Lancea Sanctum who constantly threatened the southern borders. The Lance Sanctum has been quiet for the last ten years, leaving those to question the value and the power wielded by the Court of Swords. The Court of Swords can conscript anybody to assist them, either by demanding resources or drafting them into service. It is believed that the Court of Swords is made up of mostly members of the Circle of the Crone.

"Nobody wants the Courts to get involved, but they do anyway. The Primogen let them run wild and do whatever they want. The threat of the Courts is a healthy incentive to stay in your lane, but it's an even greater incentive for Lords and Barons to resolve their own shit before the Courts come snooping in and throwing their weight around."
~ Victor Rhodes

Status within one's Clan isn't considered very valuable within Los Angeles. Vampires are more open about Covenant than Clan, as telling somebody your Clan lets them know how to anticipate you, know your weaknesses. Priscii exist -- but the title is an unofficial honorific that is earned through action instead of any ceremony, and offers no actual power. Priscii are sources of wisdom, theoretically, about the more stereotypical aspects of their Clan; but nothing stops the Gangrel Priscus from letting their Covenant beliefs flavor that wisdom. Not every Clan has a Priscus, or even necessarily agrees on who their Priscus is. [/left]

Setting Information: The Laws of Los Angeles

I) Respect the Masquerade, we do not exist without it.
II) The Sire is responsible for the acts of the Progeny, and creation of Kindred threatens the Masquerade.
III) Amaranth leads to madness and anarchy, and threatens the Masquerade.
IV) Respect your Liege; Respect your Vassal.
V) No murder of a Lord, Baron, or Primogen will go unpunished.
VI) No poaching will go unpunished.
VII) No member of the Lancea Sanctum will be allowed in Los Angeles.

"The laws? Please, they're rough guidelines at best, and nobody really cares what the fuck you do as long as it doesn't bother them. Look: It's all the regular shit, plus don't feed where you don't belong, tithe when you gotta, and don't go murdering anybody important. If you do -- and you probably will at some point -- just be sure you don't get caught. On the plus side – it means you can get away with murder as long as you pick the right victim. Nobody’s going to cry over some foreigner you burned if he doesn’t have a Lord. Or if you can convince the Hearts he was a Lance the whole time."
 ~ Fuel

Setting Information: The Covenants of Los Angeles

- The Carthians: Decades ago, the Carthians attempted to establish a feared ‘Carthian Machine’ in Los Angeles. The attempt to get the group of free spirits to unify towards a common goal eventually collapsed in on itself, leaving many members of the Covenant bitter against one another, and still holding petty squabbles. Newer Kindred are forced to pick sides on arguments and offenses that predate them, just to find assistance and camaraderie within the Covenant. There are some who feel it’s all some big show, that the Machine is still running and buzzing behind the smoke screen of their inter-covenant sniping. Regardless, they remain the most populated Covenant, and focus their efforts on the ‘lower class’ side of Los Angeles – the gangs, the poor, and the struggling artists. Unsurprisingly, they are most often at odds with the Invictus.

 - The Invictus: The White Dynasty rules the First Estate. The Dynasty boasts some of the oldest members of Los Angeles, cycling their torpor ‘schedule’ so that two of them are always awake. This cyle ensures there is always active members in the Dynasty, and they boast all the power, connections, and resources that come from that constant activity for so long. Even those that aren’t interested in joining the Dynasty directly know it is in their interest to earn the favor of the powerful Dynasty – no other mentor can promise to be around for so long, at all times. While the Invictus trusts in the unity of the members of the Dynasty, there has been question in how the Prince will feel when it is time for Primogen White to take his slumber, and when that will be. The White Dynasty favors the finer things, and most Invictus find themselves taking advantage of Los Angeles’ entertainment and finance districts as their power base. Unsurprisingly, they are most often at odds with the Carthians.

 - The Circle of the Crone: It’s said that when Los Angeles was founded, there were seven cults of the Circle of the Crone – but only two remain in modern nights, each with their own take on the base Circle philosophy, and each with their own divine, undeniable origin. The Cult of the Red Star focuses on destruction as a necessary tool for learning, growth, and rebirth. The Mask of a Thousand Faces fights against the static nature of Kindred kind, focusing on change and evolution, on the wisdom that comes from living multiple lives instead of the one you are dealt. The two cults have formed a tenuous truce, but neither side is comforted by that. There are a few religious holidays throughout the year that are so sacred to both cults that they can come together. For the rest of the year, both cults look for an excuse to wipe out the other, and the Circle remains its own worst enemy.
   

Sample Holidays

 - Cult of the Red Star: Dísablót - Once a year, in early February, Members of the Cult of the Red Star gather to reflect on the past year and to make promises, boasts, and claims for the year to come -- to elevate themselves even closer to that of Gods and Goddesses. Grievances and issues among members from the past year are dissolved and forgotten in hopes that both parties have learned from their mistakes and the conflict. Having nothing, or little, to reflect upon from the past year is considered stagnancy, and a failure -- but like all past failures, they are absolved, if the plans for the next year are to rectify them. At the end of the ceremony, members of the Cult are given a chance to ply the Goddess for their favor -- but the Goddess does not accept simple prayer. Sacrifices are made to the Red Star, and the Acolyte is given wisdom and guidance in return. It's not uncommon to see an Acolyte of the Red Star without hands or eyes, but some claim even intangible things can be sacrificed -- like memories, emotions, or dreams. Every year, there's always one Acolyte who wonders what the Red Star would give the vampire who sacrifices their entire being...

 - Mask of a Thousand Faces: Wakes - When a Faceless Acolyte decides that they've learned everything they can from an identity, or perhaps when something happens that changes their point of view, they can show true commitment to a new role by faking the death of the past identity. By faking their death -- they guarantee they can never go back to it. More 'flashy' deaths are shown as even more confidence, as well as a sign of skill, as more notable deaths are more likely to be investigated. It's considered a sign of respect for another Faceless to help them with faking their death -- as a sign of how much that identify affected you and your requiem. It is considered a custom for the Faceless' new identity to attend the wake, and to invite their fellow Faceless -- for them to celebrate the life that was lived and passed, to toast to the successes, to reminisce about the struggles and the growth that came from them.

 - The Ordo Dracul: The Dragons have no Primogen or Barons to call their own, and only a few Lords scattered through the city – but the Shadow Prince of Los Angeles looms as a continuous threat or reminder of what Covenant is in power. The Prince has made no move to show his power, but the fact that Primogen continue to acknowledge it, and the Dragons continue to have an easy ride despite little representation. They tend to keep to themselves, to their projects and their experiments. If they have carte blanche in the city, they aren’t flexing it – but things do always seem to just fall into their favor when they need it. Regardless of the reputation of the Dragons having an easy ride, The Ordo Dracul remains the smallest Covenant in Los Angeles -- if you ignore that anybody you know could secretly be a Dragon. Some conspirators even suggest that all of Los Angeles was just designed as one big laboratory for the Ordo Dracul – and all the other Covenants just serve to guard it and keep the logistics moving so the Dragons can research and progress in peace – but that would suggest more cohesion among the Covenant than they display.

 - The Lancea Sanctum: Naïve vampires whisper about VII being the boogeyman – but the Kindred of Los Angeles know that it’s the Lancea Sanctum you should be worried about. The religious zealots see it as the role of vampires to punish the wicked -- and all of humanity is guilty. All vampires that refuse to see their divine task are similarly guilty, murdered and consumed to give their soul ‘purpose’ aiding the Sanctified. They were the original owners of Los Angeles, before the Prince took the city back. They’ve since been pushed back to Mexico, but Los Angeles is only a few hours away, and the threat of raiding parties coming to convert or kill Kindred straying from the City is a constant threat. They’ve grown quiet in the last decade – confident vampires believing they finally collapsed, and more wary ones fearful of what’s to come.
    Lancea Sanctum are NOT available for Player Characters – including any concepts about converting away from them. Lancea Sanctum in one’s lineage is acceptable, or in their past, if the connection is not direct. i.e.: A relative that the Kindred wasn’t trained by. Whether or not there are 'traditional' Sanctified out there in the world -- all NPCs and PCs have only encountered the radical Sanctified that threaten Los Angeles.

[/spoiler]

OOC Information: GM/Meta Information

Mission Statement:
Running a game on Elliquiy is tough -- there are a lot hurdles and struggles between keeping things open and inviting, keeping interest, and dealing with the naturally slow pace. Running a game in person is tough -- it's tough to ensure a group of players will mesh together, will be engaged and interested, and in the same mind set. I've seen enough games rise and fall on Elliquiy, and I'm hoping that I can anticipate the issues that have made other games fall, and steel myself against them. I'm running a game here, instead of in person, because I'm hoping that Elliquiy's wide group of writers will help me solve the issues that have plagued my real life games.

One of the core issues that I've seen with GMs is that they don't stick to their guns. Skin Deep will be about the players, but I have a general image and concept for the world that keeps me invested as a GM -- and I'm looking for players that can work with me. We've all seen GMs close games -- GM interest is just as vital as PC interest. I will be strict, but fair and genuine. Player concepts that don't fit the theme will not be wedged in -- but I promise to explain why it doesn't work, and I promise to offer constructive criticism and help find a middle ground. The game must keep moving if it will survive -- there is an expectation of everybody's posting speed in order to ensure this. I will be as understanding as possible, RL comes first -- but I need players that understand why I have to keep going.

I'll say it again -- I'll be strict, because that's what I think a PbP GM needs to do. I will do everything I can to prevent from coming off of rude, and I promise to always offer options for how we can get over whatever hurdle comes up -- and know that any structure I offer comes from a desire to keep this game alive and exciting for everybody. In my wildest hopes and dreams, I would love to have the same PCs play this game for as long as possible, I would love to end the game with an actual epilogue. That will take work for all of us -- but I'm damned fucking ready to try.

Game Themes:
 - Personal Growth: You'll start at the bottom, but I want to see you grow and make a name for yourself. I want characters to fight for their niche, and I want a sense of accomplishment when you get there. If your goal is huge and lofty -- consider the smaller steps along the way. One doesn't just 'become' a Primogen, but maybe you aim for Lord first...
 - Humanity: Staying Afloat: Many of the biggest threats and struggles to Kindred come from how easy it is to lose Humanity -- and I want to focus on that. I want a Kindred to be worried about spending that Vitae that puts them at 'Hungry' for what will happen during the next feeding scene, I want
 - Modern Mysteries: The Gilded Cage of Los Angeles is mysterious -- Kindred keep to themselves, they don't just share their Clan and abilities with everybody they meet. Vampires have evolved and focused in their own little corners, and there's no telling how their Requiems have changed them. There's a whole world of culture in each territory and Covenant to explored or rightfully avoided.
 - Uncatalogued Horror: I reserve the right to pull anything out of my imagination for whatever that monster-of-the-week is, major Templates (werewolves, mages, etc) are unlikely to make an appearance, and if they do, don't expect them to follow their Source Books exactly. The goal here is to keep the players as on their toes and nervous about the threat at hand as the players are.

Rules of Play:
 - Posting Tags: Specific tags will be designed for the players to use, and use is expected. This will include a section for any 'trigger warnings' -- regardless of the fact that we'll be on the Extreme board. Tags will also be how players will track their current Health/Vitae/Willpower. I'm happy to coach on how the formatting works, or offer alternatives in how we track/store this information, once a team has been selected.
 - Posting Speed: Players will be required to post at least twice a week, or once every four days, unless some other arrangement is made. If a player can not post -- the scene will continue around them. If a character doesn't have anything to add, and wants to be skipped -- that's fine, but I expect a expedient PM, or a post declaring this. There's no reason to make us wait just to pass!
 - Rolling: Please use the dicebot here on Elliquiy. I don't need the rolls assigned to me, as I know that can be a pain -- but I expect links to the rolls. I can help coach anybody in how to use the dice-roller so that they don't need to make multiple rolls per check.
 - GM Rolling: I will roll for you occasionally -- only when I think it's expedient to do so. If it's a roll where I think you may want to spend Willpower, I'll send you a PM with some information so you can make a decision -- but I don't need a post just to say 'Susie Snowflake spends willpower on the perception check she doesn't even realize she's making'. The most obvious thing that I will roll, for example, is initiative.
 - Roll Disputes: If I request a specific Attribute + Ability -- and you have a counter suggestion, I am welcome to hear it! Don't slow down the game with that debate though. If I request Wits + Investigation to analyze a bullet trajectory, and you want to suggest your character uses Wits + Firearms -- that's fine! In your post: Include the Wits + Investigation Roll, as well as your rationale for using Wits + Firearms, and then roll that pool as well. If I agree with your rationale (and I'm pretty open here), I'll use that roll. If I disagree, I'll go with the required roll. I'll make it clear which roll I used when I post results.
 - PCs vs PCs: PvP is flat out not allowed. Any character that breaks from the coterie so much as to become an antagonist will become a NPC. This determination is as much OOC as it is IC. I welcome stories with small betrayals against the coterie, or secrets kept away from them -- and I welcome stories of dark downfalls and the coterie helping you redeem yourself. If somebody is going too far -- it will lead to a frank discussion. In this vein -- I discourage checks on PCs vs other PCs. I hope that we can mediate any results for the good of the story.

House Rules:
1) Beats earned will be awarded to all players -- this keeps all PCs on the same track, and helps speed things up for everybody.
2) Content from 1st Edition Requiem will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This can be us updating information, but that process may require a complete re-write. The core theme will be maintained -- unless the whole point is to offer a twist on that base core theme (eg: Taking a Bloodline but removing a covenant affiliation)

OOC Information: What I expect from my players

Please be willing and excited about the following prospects: 
 - Open Writers: Characters do not have to match the gender identity of their writer, and all players should be willing to play across from a situation where they don't match. Writers with too many triggers, or are uncomfortable reading horror, may not be a good fit for this game. If you're unsure -- feel free to message me and we can talk in more detail.

 - Posting Frequency: As listed above, I expect players to post twice a week, or once every 4 days. This will be enforced -- players will be skipped if they do not post in the time line. If this becomes a repeat issue, a conversation will occur and it may be decided that the player should bow out. Once a team is selected, if they would like to go even more frequently, we can discuss that.

 - Motivation: A Sandbox only works if the characters have goals and desires, and are willing to pursue them. Players must be interested in some greater goal for themselves (or the coterie) -- and must be willing to discuss them with me as a GM. I encourage players to talk to me openly and often, and with passion! If you're excited, even with half an idea, I'll be excited to work with you. This is a coterie game -- but there will be 'Downtime' where players can explore things individually.

 - Compromise: As listed above, players that leave the coterie will become NPCs -- this does NOT include what I consider 'minor' betrayals, or secrets held against the coterie – those are just exciting. In the beginning, this will mean PCs that are willing to band together, and as the game goes on, stay together. I may take the backstories given from the players and offer suggestions on why you’re stuck together. All applications should be ready to accept feedback on both thematic content and mechanical content.

 - Communication: Real Life will always come first. People get sick, people have tragedy, or depression, or any number of reasons why they can't post. People's moods change, ideas and desires morph as the character grows. Players will be expected to talk to me -- communicate through PMs or OOC to keep me aware of where you are, both in and out of character, so that I can continue to be a good GM for you and the game as a whole. Never be afraid to PM me – I’d love to hear what you’re thinking along every step of the journey. I can’t see your face – the more excited you can show me you are: the more confident and excited I’ll be.

OOC Information: Request to Join

- You'll want to read the information above. Not just because it's important for the game, but because a character concept that is tied to LA is more likely to get my attention than a character that could be slotted into any game. While a lot of the setting information can be skimmed -- be sure to read my section on what I expect and on the Covenant you intend to join (if any). Again, I welcome any communication during any step of the process -- I'm happy to be involved.

 - Character concepts should be planning to start at the bottom, but have ideas on how they want to grow. Characters can be skilled but they are not accomplished or successful. All characters are starting in Inglewood -- the worst borough in Los Angeles run by the worst Lord in Los Angeles: Lily Von Trash of the Invictus -- and your backstory should reflect why: Is there something in Inglewood you wanted? Did your previous Lord refuse your chance to renew your 'lease'? Are you new in town?
 
- The following concepts are going to be 'tough sells'. You're welcome to try, but I wanted to consider this as a warning: Concepts involving world travel through their Kindred life; Concepts involving interactions with other ‘major templates’; Concepts involving being ancient (even with long periods of Torpor), or even Concepts that have been a Vampire for more than 20 years; or Concepts involving Dual-Covenant membership, past or present. Any ‘Career Unaligned’ may find themselves with less to do during downtime, and even less links to NPC Kindred than players within a Covenant – though I certainly welcome the story of somebody starting off Unaligned and looking to join a Covenant.

 - As part of your final application -- I will need the character sheet below fully complete, but you can reach out to me at any point! Feel free to PM/contact me at any point in your creation process -- even just brainstorming -- and I'm eager to work with you! Even if you do submit a completed application in one go, please remember that I expect compromise, and this may need to be adjusted. The application does require a full character sheet. I’ve offered a template, but feel free to use whatever you want (including Myth Weavers or other sheet sites) – I will be eventually putting it into the template offered though. Consider the following restrictions during character creation, which are designed to reflect your role as starting at the bottom:
    - City Status no higher than 1.
    - Covenant Status no higher than 2.
    - No 'Social Merit' above 3 (Allies, Retainers, Mentor, Resources, Status).
    - Any Merits from 1st Edition books would need case-by-case approval.

Application:

Name: The character’s name. Any other alias can also be listed here.
Clan:
Covenant:
Concept: Can be a few words, or a sentence – it can be a description or just the story you’re looking to explore. Get me in the right mood before I read the rest of your application.
Dirge:
Mask:
Aspirations: There should be three. I recommend at least one ‘short term’ goal – but remember that acting towards a longer one can grant a reward even if the listed aspiration itself is not completed.

Gender: Feel free to specify birth-assigned gender as well as identity expression if there is a distinction.
DOB: Date of Birth
DOA: Date of Embrace
Appearance: Offer any adjustments to the face claim referenced – if any.
Face Claim: Name of model used – if known.
Sexual Orientation:
On/Offs: Include a link to your Ons/Offs – whether it’s an independent thread or the standard Elliquiy form.

Backstory: While you’re welcome to submit prose here – I’m looking more for content than an interesting read. Facts and hooks are more helpful here. A bulleted time line is welcome, but if writing a longer story gets you more into the character -- that is welcome too! 

Personality: Try to boil the personality down as best you can – help me envision how the character will act and what will enforce reactions. Strong opinions are always more exciting than grey/middle-of-the-road ones. If you can see a point of view that could cause potential conflict (hatred towards certain clans/covenants; strong opinions on common vampire practices; any uncommon rage triggers) -- please specify these. It will be important to ensure coterie cohesion (or plot points for not-so-cohesion). 

Character Sheet:
~Attributes~

Intelligence:	●○○○○		Strength:	●○○○○		Presence:	●○○○○
Wits:	●○○○○		Dexterity:	●○○○○		Manipulation:	●○○○○
Resolve:	●○○○○		Stamina:	●○○○○		Composure:	●○○○○

~Abilities ~

Mental (-3)			|	Physical (-1)			|	Social (-1)
Academics		○○○○○	|	Athletics		○○○○○	|	Animal Ken		○○○○○
Computers		○○○○○	|	Brawl		○○○○○	|	Empathy		○○○○○
Crafts		○○○○○	|	Drive		○○○○○	|	Expression		○○○○○
Investigation		○○○○○	|	Firearms		○○○○○	|	Intimidation		○○○○○
Medicine		○○○○○	|	Larceny		○○○○○	|	Persuasion		○○○○○
Occult		○○○○○	|	Stealth		○○○○○	|	Socialize		○○○○○
Politics		○○○○○	|	Survival		○○○○○	|	Streetwise		○○○○○
Science		○○○○○	|	Weaponry		○○○○○	|	Subterfuge		○○○○○

~Specializations ~
Skill: Specialization
Skill: Specialization
Skill: Specialization

~Disciplines and Merits~

In Clan Discipline1:	●○○○○		In Clan Discipline2:	○○○○○		In Clan Discipline3:	○○○○○
Discipline4:	○○○○○		Discipline5:	○○○○○		Discipline6:	○○○○○

Merits:		○○○○○	:	Notes (as needed)
Merit1		○○○○○	:	Notes (as needed)
Merit2		○○○○○	:	Notes (as needed)
Merit3		○○○○○	:	Notes (as needed)
Merit4		○○○○○	:	Notes (as needed)

Rituals/Coils/Scales:
Ritual Name (Dot Value): Effect

~Other Traits~

Humanity: 10   ○ Touchstones 9   ○ 8   ○ 7   ● Touchstone 6   ● Touchstone 5   ● Touchstone 4   ● Touchstone 3   ● Touchstone 2   ● Touchstone 1   ● Touchstone

Derived Traits: Size:   --- Defense: --- Initiative: --- Speed: --- Armor: --- Health: --- Willpower: --- Blood Potency: ●○○○○ ○○○○○ Vitae: Max 10; 1/rd

OOC Information: Application Code

[/td][/tr][/table]

Code Select Expand


[float=right][img height=400]URL OF FACE CLAIM[/img][/float]
[b]Name:[/b] The character’s name. Any other alias can also be listed here.
[b]Clan:[/b]
[b]Covenant:[/b]
[b]Concept:[/b] Can be a few words, or a sentence – it can be a description or just the story you’re looking to explore. Get me in the right mood before I read the rest of your application.
[b]Dirge:[/b]
[b]Mask:[/b]
[b]Aspirations:[/b] There should be three. I recommend at least one ‘short term’ goal – but remember that acting towards a longer one can grant a reward even if the listed aspiration itself is not completed.

[b]Gender:[/b] Feel free to specify birth-assigned gender as well as identity expression if there is a distinction.
[b]DOB:[/b] Date of Birth
[b]DOA:[/b] Date of Embrace
[b]Appearance:[/b] Offer any adjustments to the face claim referenced – if any.
[b]Face Claim:[/b] Name of model used – if known.
[b]Sexual Orientation:[/b]
[b]On/Offs:[/b] Include a link to your Ons/Offs – whether it’s an independent thread or the standard Elliquiy form.

[b]Backstory:[/b] While you’re welcome to submit prose here – I’m looking more for content than an interesting read. Facts and hooks are more helpful here. A bulleted time line is welcome, but if writing a longer story gets you more into the character -- that is welcome too! 

[b]Personality:[/b] Try to boil the personality down as best you can – help me envision how the character will act and what will enforce reactions. Strong opinions are always more exciting than grey/middle-of-the-road ones. If you can see a point of view that could cause potential conflict (hatred towards certain clans/covenants; strong opinions on common vampire practices; any uncommon rage triggers) -- please specify these. It will be important to ensure coterie cohesion (or plot points for not-so-cohesion).   

[b]Character Sheet:[/b]
[i][b]~Attributes~[/b][/i]
[table][tr][td][b]Intelligence[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Strength[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Presence[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][b]Wits[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Dexterity[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Manipulation[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][b]Resolve[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Stamina[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Composure[/b]:[/td][td] ●○○○○[/td][/tr][/table]
[hr]
[b][i]~Abilities ~[/i][/b]
[table][tr][td][i]Mental (-3)[/i][/td][td]  [/td][td] [/td][td] | [/td][td][i]Physical (-1)[/i][/td][td]  [/td][td] [/td][td] | [/td][td][i]Social (-1)[/i][/td][td]  [/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Academics[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Athletics[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Animal Ken[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Computers[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Brawl[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Empathy[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Crafts[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Drive[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Expression[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Investigation[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Firearms[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Intimidation[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Medicine[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Larceny[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Persuasion[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Occult[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Stealth[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Socialize[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Politics[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Survival[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Streetwise[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Science[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Weaponry[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] | [/td][td]Subterfuge[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr] [/table]
[hr]
[b][i]~Specializations ~[/i][/b]
Skill: Specialization
Skill: Specialization
Skill: Specialization
[hr]
[i][b]~Disciplines and Merits~[/b][/i]
[table][tr][td][b]In Clan Discipline1[/b]:[/td][td]●○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]In Clan Discipline2[/b]:[/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]In Clan Discipline3[/b]:[/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][b]Discipline4[/b]:[/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Discipline5[/b]:[/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td][/td][td][b]Discipline6[/b]:[/td][td]○○○○○[/td][/tr][/table]
[table][tr][td]Merits:[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] : [/td][td]Notes (as needed)[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Merit1[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] : [/td][td]Notes (as needed)[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Merit2[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] : [/td][td]Notes (as needed)[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Merit3[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] : [/td][td]Notes (as needed)[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Merit4[/td][td]  [/td][td]○○○○○[/td][td] : [/td][td]Notes (as needed)[/td][/tr][/table]
[b]Rituals/Coils/Scales:[/b]
Ritual Name (Dot Value): Effect
[hr]
[b][i]~Other Traits~[/i][/b]
[table][tr][td][i]Humanity:[i]
[table][tr][td]10[/td][td]   [/td][td]○[/td][td]Touchstones[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]9[/td][td]   [/td][td]○[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]8[/td][td]   [/td][td]○[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]7[/td][td]   [/td][td]●[/td][td]Touchstone[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]6[/td][td]   [/td][td]●[/td][td]Touchstone[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]5[/td][td]   [/td][td]●[/td][td]Touchstone[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]4[/td][td]   [/td][td]●[/td][td]Touchstone[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]3[/td][td]   [/td][td]●[/td][td]Touchstone[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2[/td][td]   [/td][td]●[/td][td]Touchstone[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1[/td][td]   [/td][td]●[/td][td]Touchstone[/td][/tr][/table][/td][td]   [/td][td][i]Derived Traits:[/i]
[table][tr][td]Size:[/td][td]   [/td][td]---[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Defense:[/td][td][/td][td]---[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Initiative:[/td][td][/td][td]---[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Speed:[/td][td][/td][td]---[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Armor:[/td][td][/td][td]---[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Health:[/td][td][/td][td]---[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Willpower:[/td][td][/td][td]---[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Blood Potency:[/td][td][/td][td]●○○○○ ○○○○○[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Vitae:[/td][td][/td][td]Max 10; 1/rd[/td][/tr] [/table][/td][/tr][/table]
[hr]

'Frequently' Asked Questions

Well okay, not Frequently -- but questions I've been asked about the setting to clarify here. Names have been removed since they were asked privately:

Q) So what is the cities stance on lay members of the Sanctified? Such as an Invictus brought up on the Teaching of Longinius.

Also since this appears to be a radical group of sanctified committing acts of violence against other kindred possibly killing other kindred this goes against the teachings of the Sanctified. So would it be unreasonable to say that the inquisition office of the sanctified send in agents to investigate a potential heresy coming about by the wayward sanctified?
     A) In Requiem, I don't go off the idea that there are large global conspiracies. I play more off the individual Gilded Cages -- and while there may be members of other Covenants in other cities, there is little communication between them. Each Covenant has a lot of different angles to play off of, so it's not uncommon that the Invictus of one City might not be bosom buddies with the Invictus of another.

In this game, for as far as the players know, this IS what the Lancea Sanctum are. No PC or NPC of Los Angeles has run into any member of the Lancea Sanctum who wasn't a fanatic with a 'convert or die' mentality. There is very likely factions of the Covenant out there that don't believe in the same furvor that the local Sanctum do -- the same that there are Circle of the Crone that don't fit into the two cults in Los Angeles -- but the Lancea Sanctum that are creeping up from Mexico are either too large/powerful for any other Sanctum to step in, or they're just too far removed to care.

This means that anybody that is brought up, or has an interest in the Teachings of Longinus is likely to be looked at with some scrutiny. It would percieved the same as saying "I don't know, I think John Wayne Gacy had some good ideas too..." Not to say you CAN'T try to see the good side of the teachings of Longinus, it's just not something you'd want to advertise.

If you read this far -- thank you very much. I hope I can bring something new, exciting, and efficient to Elliquiy -- and I look forward to hearing from all of you. I encourage any and all questions about the game, the rules, or the processes. This document was already wordy, and questions just allow me to go into more detail.
Please reach out to me via PM, or on Discord at Lockepick#4467 for faster communication. 

EDITS: