Something Eerie, Macabre... A Little Twisted (Interest Check)

[Malrunar]

Something Eerie, Macabre, A Little Twisted…

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I’ve had this lovely little horror-show floating around in the back of my head for ages, but for one reason or another, I’ve put it off or onto the back burner to simmer and never really gave it a chance to become something more. Now, after talking about it with a couple of friends the idea is turning into an impulse. So here we are! This is an interest check, for the time being, gauging on what rapt attention the setting could possibly have before I commit the time and energy toward crafting the flashy bits.

The setting would take place in a world much like our own, but one where vampires live in secret among humans. (I know, this part isn’t all that original!) Each city is run by a master vampire who is responsible for the coven within their borders. They are responsible for the safety of their brethren, the secret of their species, and maintaining order. Up until recently, they were the alfa predators.

I want to write about when all of this is blown to hell, where vampires are kicked down a peg on that the food chain by the sudden arrival of demons and unsightly spirits that have, up until now, remained fictional even to them. I’d like to write about a war that’s happening in the dark, about a coven that’s barely maintaining control within their city and learning on the fly while creatures more ancient than even vampires cause chaos and mayhem. Do loyalties break? Do rival cities band together and pool their knowledge and resources in order to gain leverage? Or is this a chance for those who despise their secret life to reach out to the darker entities in order to barter favors for their freedom of it all?

I myself am not a fan of system games in forum settings, so this wouldn’t be following any rules from V:tM - and while there may be dice rolls on the occasion, it would be sparingly. Ideally, the group would be patient and fond of telling a good, detailed story versus spitting out as many posts as possible in a single day. But I would like to keep the momentum moving forward and would appreciate a post or two a week on average.

Feel free to ask questions, if you have any! I left a lot of the plot vague and open in order to include feedback. I don’t want to write the whole story myself, its more fun when everyone contributes!

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Abilities -- In Progress...

Everything is up for discussion. I’m not going to include the ‘assumed advantages’ people usually think about with vampires (Enhanced sight/hearing/speed/strength) but those are certainly things to include in the conversation below. The following abilities are suggestions and/or interesting bits of flair we can build upon and change as we go.

Shapeshifting:-- Wolf. Bat. Spider? Perhaps mist? Certainly not an easy trick, and one that takes discipline and practice and several years past ‘fresh blood’ status.

Wall Climbing:-- Creepy. Also an efficient means of escape or a way to reach places inaccessible without the proper tools.

Hypnotism:-- Being able to put your prey into a trance with eye-contact, or plant suggestions into those weak of will to do what you wish -and make them think it was their own idea.

Sonar:-- The ability to track someone you’ve previously fed upon, by honing in on their heartbeat. No bat-ears required.

Animal Control:-- Pick an animal, and have the ability to influence them to do your bidding. Alas, this does not give you the ability to read the thoughts of your cat, for even the feline is nobler than a vamp!

Telepathy:-- The ability to read the thoughts of someone else. I don’t imagine this to be a pleasant experience to have forced upon you.

Enhanced Vision:-- Ultraviolet or heat signatures, maybe?

Dreamer:-- The ability to enter's someone's sleeping/unconscious mind and tinker around with their dreams.

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The write-up so far: Can be found here. Or you can just scroll down until you find the flashy page!

[Rummy Tum Tum]

Ooh, interesting!

You said you're not using system rules from VtM, but since you mentioned it, will there be clans from that game, or will our abilities be relatively similar to each other's/determined by something else?

[Malrunar]

Vampire’s have a special place in my heart. Especially when they don’t glitter. I’ve always been a fan of Hamilton’s version of these creatures even if I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of her writing. In my head, in this story, they would be something similar. The older the vampire, the more powerful they become. Some can read minds, some can coat themselves with a heavy glamour, and some can turn into smoke. I know V.tM has similar rules and I’m not at all opposed to borrowing from various resources. I had intentionally left this vague hoping for such a discussion. Everyone has their own preferred way to play a vamp, after all.

Except for the glittery part. There will be no glittering in this story!

I’d like to invite creativity without going overboard, and while I’m all for powerful badasses... I hate it when someone tries to make the ‘perfect’ character without a single flaw. They’ll be going up against demons, creatures that are older and more powerful than what they’re accustomed to facing, and this isn’t supposed to be a cakewalk. Where’s the fun in that?

I imagine that the master vampire of the city is capable of ‘sharing’ certain perks with those most loyal to them, but diversity is encouraged. If people would prefer that I come up with a list of abilities to choose from, and we make our own ‘system’ I am happy to do so!

So, a (few) questions back at you, Rummy! What do you like best with the mechanics of V:tM? Are you attracted to the idea of following a base, like one would when starting a game? (A certain about of perk points to apply to various abilities, for instance) Or would you prefer a little extra elbow room for creativity?

God-moding and ‘super sayans’ will be shown to the door or course.

[Rummy Tum Tum]

With VtM, at least for the purposes of using its rules for something else (or a diceless chronicle), my favorite thing is the clan system. Powers and curses based on bloodline, tying some vamps together and splitting others apart. It's pretty interesting to me, and it makes the powers thing easier to deal with since not all vampires have all the mythic powers associated with them.

Not that I'd want the clans to be copied over, or even for their ties to be from a bloodline. Could be each coven in this story has access to certain mythic/storied vampire abilities, and that there are base abilities all vamps share (like durability beyond the human capacity and immortal life). So yeah, the coven leaders sharing perks with members could be the cause of the covens' ability differences in this case, which would further muddy the covens' similarities while also making working together a more sensible option in the face of the ancient and powerful demon threat.

Also I'm down for a list of abilities :)

[Malrunar]

Hamilton was like that too. Granted, it's been several years since I've picked up one of her books, but what I liked about them was that every ruler of the city was unique in their own way. Plus; politics. You might hate the guts of the asshole ruling Portland, but you can't off them because they're allies with the big cheese in Seattle, who happens to have you on a tight leash. Leverage can be just as persuasive as 'oh god, oh god, they're absolutely terrifying'.

I encourage cunning.

So imagine the umbrella that this happy family falls under to include much of the same. Everyone has something to offer, but power is a delicate balance. You might be able to bench press a car, but that won't save you from a slow, miserable death if you're denied nurishment and can't fuel your body with fresh blood.

I'll get working on a list, and include them in the first post so it's easily accessible throughout conversation.

[Rummy Tum Tum]

Nice! Never heard of Hamilton's books, but I like the sound of this

[Malrunar]

There. Updated some suggested abilities above, on the first post.

[Rummy Tum Tum]

Nice

Love the look of Dreamer and Telepathy. Those and Hypnotism really get into the mind fucking business lol

[Elizabeth Ecsed]

Would it be possible for a couple of people to play demons?

[Malrunar]

Nice

Love the look of Dreamer and Telepathy. Those and Hypnotism really get into the mind fucking business lol

I've always enjoyed these little details the most. Strength and speed can be impressive, certainly, but there's something absolutely terrifying about meeting someone who can get inside your head and change up your dreams. Psychological warfare to the extreme.

Unless they're not a total dick, in which case, it would be interesting to see how someone altruistic would use these abilities.

Would it be possible for a couple of people to play demons?

I am all for this! Humans. Demons. Vampires. These would be the main roles, although I would be open to consider others, if it wasn't too out of left field. One of the characters I'd like to play would be a human with some ties to the demons.

[Elizabeth Ecsed]

What do I need to know for a demon? 

[Malrunar]

What do I need to know for a demon? 

I am still working on those details! I should have those up by tomorrow. Like with vampires, I'm happy to discuss everything, and nothing is yet set in stone, so if there are things you're interested in that you don't see, just let me know!

Was there anything specific you'd like to touch upon, first?

[Elizabeth Ecsed]

I suppose strengths, weaknesses, powers. Is there any particular reason they are invading? Can they look like people, or is it all demonic?

[Malrunar]

Quick synopsis:-

First, there will be exceptions to the following. Demons may look like humans, but there is a cost. The really old entities 'burn out' the body so they need to replace them, often. The younger ones are able to keep the same body for much longer periods of time, but these too will begin to rot from the inside. Most humans who are possessed do not survive the experience. There are types of demons who are able to live among humans and (mostly) pass as human, save for some tells. (Again, more on all of this coming soon.) I was hoping to highlight the eerie and unsettling side of demons vs. a sexified version. Because... well vamps kinda fit that niche lol. So people are welcome to play as demons but they are supposed to be the bad guys. Again, that doesn't mean they have to be a bad guy but don't expect to be welcomed with open arms.

Strengths/Weaknesses I'll be touching up on, as well as motive, tomorrow. Work has drained my capacity to think much this week, so I'm falling behind my original plan.

[Malrunar]

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Please note: This is just how I -prefer- these creatures to be played. If you’re curious about anything or would like to discuss a possible change, please feel free to send a PM. I am always happy to hear what's on your mind and see if there is something we can work out.

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I tend to lean more towards Laurell K. Hamilton’s versions of vampires; they’re sexy and dangerous and more powerful the longer they age. The ancient ones are able to move around during the day, but exposure to sunlight leaves them weak and vulnerable. Even the Master Vampires that run the major cities aren’t stupid enough to step outside when the sun is up. They don’t, however, burst into flames. Weaker fledglings can receive severe burns with exposure, but this has more to do with sensitivity to the light than curses or unholiness.

Vampires can’t fly, but they can move extremely fast and leap great heights.

On average, vampires only need to feed a few times a week, and they don’t require a lot of blood to carry them over. (A caveat: the more active a vampire is, such as performing strenuous activities, using special abilities, etc., the more frequent they will need to feed.) The longer a vampire matures the more nutrients they require, so this amount will increase. A wise vampire keeps multiple sources on hand; donors, blood banks, often in rotation so as not to dry up any stores. Different blood types (such as human, shifters, etc.,) have different tastes and can be more invigorating or nourishing. Vampires may survive off of animals, such as rats and birds, but it’s similar to eating Top Ramen. It’ll fill their belly but it really isn’t good for them and used mostly as an emergency food source.

• - Vampires don't sparkle. Keep that Twilight shit out of here!
• - A safe way to kill a vampire is cutting off its head and burning the body to ash.
• - Some examples of special skills that vampires may have are; Mind control: this works on those with weak willpower and it requires full eye contact. Mostly effective on humans. Animal control; bats, wolves, rats, even spiders if you want to be gross. (Ew!) Telepathy: The ability to communicate mentally.
  

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For the shifting community, I’ll allow three types: werewolves, weretigers and werebears. Each feels the call of the full moon, but they are not restricted to shifting only at this time. (No one should think that a transformation is as easy as changing into a new outfit.) It takes practice, a clear head, and precision. Those who have recently contracted the disease are put under heavy guard and watchful eyes until they are able to prove that they have the control.

By rushing into a change, either due to exhaustion or emotion, they are at risk of more feral outcomes. The animal forms will be more hybrid and because of that, more difficult to control.

Silver is a good way to put down a shifter, but cutting off their heads doesn’t hurt, either. A shifter can change shape in order to heal more quickly, but at risk of taking a more feral form.

Vampires and shifters get along well enough, they are not sworn enemies. (I find this cliche beaten to death.) However, shifters are exceedingly wary towards the vampires who have control over animals, since there have been incidents of shapechangers being caught in the middle.

• - Shifters are faster, stronger and more agile than humans, just like vampires, and also have the heightened senses.
• - Packs are still a thing, but not mandatory. Most treat it more like a club these days than a family, but not all.
• - Werewolves have the best hearing. Weretigers have the best vision. Werebears have the best sense of smell.

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Humans are humans, just a normal, everyday person who lives amongst society in ignorance to the workings of the Underground Community. They are often hunted for food, but rarely killed to obtain it, and are more vulnerable to suggestive influences than most. However, this doesn’t mean a person is guaranteed to fall under wiles since humans are also known to be some of the most willful of creatures. (Stubbornness counts!) A person addicted to drugs and alcohol will have lowered inhibitions, making them an easy snack. Meanwhile, the power-suit wearing business guru having a meeting between her yoga class and martial arts training will require far more finesse.

• - No Buffy’s. Wrong game.
• - There are few humans who are informed about the supernatural, usually those who have family who has fallen victim in some way. Their memories are usually wiped unless they prove to be useful.
• - Humans can be possessed by a demon, bonded to a shifter, or enthralled to a vampire.

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Demons are not of this world, and because of this, they are not to be trusted. They can be charismatic and charming, or animalistic and savage, and each and everyone one has their own drive and ambition. In order to walk amongst humans in daylight hours, they are required to possess a body or a ‘host’ as they are called, at the expense of that person’s life. Depending on that individual’s strength, a host can normally last a few weeks to a few months, before combusting under the strain.

• - Demons are like djinn, to make a deal with one is unwise because there is always fine print involved. You have to be particularly careful with phrasing.
• - Demons are thought to be one explanation for a vampire’s existence since they share a lot of similarities in terms of power. Call a demon a vampire, and it’ll laugh and prove you wrong; vampires often fear demons for a reason.
• - Demons require a host to walk amongst humans unless summoned by a witch/warlock. Then, they are only able to occupy this space until sunrise. The more powerful a demon, the faster they burn through the host. If they occupy a body, it’s pretty much an automatic death for that individual.
• - Like with vampires, holy water and blessed items can ward them off, but it doesn’t promise to keep you safe.
• - Knowing a demon’s true name gives you power over that demon.

[VincentMacLeod]

Well, you know my take on vampires, if you think that type will fit in here. Though...probably not a vampire also possessed of/by a demon...this time. Or yet.  This may even inspire me to write more than one character. Sounds like a ton of fun. Tell me more, tell me more!

[Malrunar]

More than one character is certainly possible. 

[Luciferia]

has entered the chat 😈

I am not totally decided, but I might want to play a human with a huge amount of willpower in order to resist the demon that possessed her (maybe like Greeling from FMA), or a bratty subordinate to a vampire who can be all when they try to make her obey. Or, of course, I do love the chance to be a demon...