WtA:20A, Rage Across The Yucatán (System)

[PixelatedPixie]

This will be a Werewolf: The Apocalypse game run using the 20th Anniversary Rules.  It will be rated Extreme, but exact content will be open for discussion.

General Premise

The Sept of the Earth’s Eye, located in the Yucatán midway between Mérida and Cancún, has put out a desperate call for aid.  A place of pilgrimage for those seeking visions and wisdom, its population has dwindled over the decades.  A few aging guardians are all that remain, stretched thin in their attempt to protect the Caern and act against Wyrm encroachments in the area.  There is a great opportunity to serve Gaia, and also a great risk with little local support.


Summary

The core group would be a newly formed pack that has come to the Sept in response to the call for aid.  My intent is not necessarily to spend the entire plot in the area, but given the usual pace of a play by post game, it is likely where it will spend a great deal of time.  I am leaning towards 3-6 characters who begin at Rank 1 (Cliath).  I do want the group to start as a pack even though I expect to lose players/characters due to attrition, and will have the Rite of Passage done as a group exercise in a complete the sentence sort of way. 

If there was enough interest I would consider adding a small Changing Breeds group, probably only 2-3 at most, who will operate largely separate from the core group.

If there was interest I would consider a Wyrm group of some variety.


Plot

The initial plot will focus on the investigation and fight against some Wyrm encroachments in the area.  My aim is to include a mix of content so everyone can shine, e.g. combat, social, deduction, spirits, and so on, however if the group ends up balanced one way or another I will do my best to tailor the story as a result.  So players should choose the character they want to play, not the one that best slots into the group.

I will probably take some plots/ideas from pre-20A splat-books, so if the game lasted long enough I could see a storyline involving Mexico City, or heading to the USA.


Smut

I personally am interested in Non-consensual smut, and would be willing to include Extreme.  That said my intent for this game is to play it mostly straight barring player interest.  I won’t be aiming to defeat the characters in every encounter, but if a player has bad rolls and is interested, or if a player is specifically interested in a high amount of smut, I am happy to include it.  So it may exist in various threads associated with the game, and it may be a plot point.  I can attempt to spoiler or take smut to other threads, but if there is something that a player isn’t interested in even seeing in a thread they will need to be proactive in letting me know. 

That said there will be limitations due to my own ons and offs, unless another player was interested in taking over an NPC on occasion.


Characters

Characters will begin as standard.  If you want to use anything from outside the core rulebook please ask first.

I will give some bonus XP and similar based on a quick OOC Rite of Passage we go through for the group, but please don’t plan on that during your initial creation.


Structure

My hope is a minimum of 1 post per week, and ideally faster, but due to various and sundry that may occasionally slip.  So patience and understanding is key, as is OOC communication.

The game will be played on the forum here, using the dicebot here, with character sheets stored in a thread here.


Joining

I am not going first come first served, so if this thread is unlocked I am still recruiting.

If you are interested please include a brief description of your character, including their Breed, Auspice, and Tribe.  I am not putting any limitations on at the moment, though a character will obviously have to make sense in the context of the pack and story.

Please include a bit about what sort of plots and stories you are interested in your character being involved in, as well as any specific character-focused sub-plots you might want to explore.

Please include a bit about the smut you are interested in, if any, especially as it relates to this game.

If you have any questions or comments please let me know.

[AndyZ]

Would a Lupus Theurge Stargazer be too stereotypical?  I haven’t played a great deal of WtA, but I’m exceptionally familiar with WoD.

If Fera do open up, though, I wouldn’t mind doing a Mokolé.  As I recall, the Yucatán has its own desert area nearby, which makes it great for a spot where playing them makes sense.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

I would want to bring in a Bone Gnawer Galliard that is a punk rocker so I don't think yours would be too stereotypical since that one is pretty on the nose. If not that then an Ahroun Black Fury would be my next proposal.

[RedPhoenix]

Very interested although I've never played this before and White Wolf crunch tends to break my brain a little.

I'd be looking to play a Homid Philodox Child of Gaia. The background I would have in mind would be their grandmother is Garou and they are the black sheep so to speak of their otherwise very large and traditionally successful human family.

I would love to play this sort of character as a diplomat type who brings humans and wolves together both with each other and within their groups. She would believe that the Apocalypse is not inevitable and that the world can be restored to something that functions, with a place for everyone.

I could see her family being her allies and contacts and tension between them rising when she uses those resources, which seems like it could be a fun personal sub-plot. Her personal story could also involve rising in prominence in Garou society and being seen as more of a peaceful mediator and helping turn things around for the world.

As far as smut goes, I've never been a big fan of the 'lose fight get raped' trope, it just isn't something I enjoy at all for various reasons. I'm very okay playing characters that use sexuality as a means to an end, especially in ways that sort of buck the traditional 'evil seductress' stereotype, so playing this character as using her sexuality for goodness in the world could be fun. Not at all required though. Other than that I think just the sort of usual if it comes up organically in the story getting sexy when it makes sense is how I'd play that sort of thing.

[Muse]

  May I play?  :)  Silver Fang Theurge please! 

Name:      Eileeana Crossland
Deed Name:   Legend
Player:      Tenshi the Muse of Fire
Concept:      Spiritual lorekeeper seeking to heal the present and win the future with the legends of the past. 
Auspice:      Theurge
Breed:      Homid
Tribe:      Silver Fangs
Nature:      Visionary
Demeanor:   Guru
   
Age:         19
Birthday:      
Gender:      Female
Height:      5’7”      /   6’3”   
Weight:      135lbs   /   200lbs
Bust:       C      /   DDD
Skin:      Fair with a light dusting of freckles. 
Hair:         Long, silky ginger.  In her glabro the ginger growes both lighter and more radiant. 
Eyes:         Amber
Face Claim:   Homid: Sabrina Lynn   Glabro: Leanna Decker
   I discovered why my kliave was called Mirror as I battled a black spiral dancer named Peter.  Peter struck me with his talons and hurled me off a three story building.  As I lay in the alley, bleeding and groaning, I realized that I had not lost my grip on my Kliave.  My fingers clenched around the hilt, and I stared into the silver blade.  I remembered a similar story of a silver fang knight who helped break Vampire control of Britain after the dark ages.  I remembered how it was said that no matter how badly she was injured, she never dropped her blade. 
   In that moment, I could see my face in Mirror, and it was hers! 
   Strengthened by the heroism of my ancestors, I leaped back into the fray, saving my kinfolk from being raped by Peter and beheading him. 
   I and my two kinfolk left for this caern not much later, but I have received a warning from the Corax who aided my old Sept.  Theresa--the black spiral dancer mother of Peter, has charged her other three sons--Patrick, Fancis, and Saul--to plant their seed in me and sire a new grandson to replace Peter in their pack. 

[AndyZ]

Well, Theurge got poached.  Pumpkin, I’m going to put thought into Ahroun if you don’t mind focusing on that Galliard idea.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

I'm actually going back and forth between Galliard and Ragabash. Part of me likes the Galliard focus on singing cause..punk rock singer..but I also like that she might be more of a trouble maker and pushing against the order. Guess I'm trying to figure a balance between Rocker and Punk.

[RedPhoenix]

I'm actually going back and forth between Galliard and Ragabash. Part of me likes the Galliard focus on singing cause..punk rock singer..but I also like that she might be more of a trouble maker and pushing against the order. Guess I'm trying to figure a balance between Rocker and Punk.

I don't think you could go wrong here tbh, both sound fun. :)

[Pumpkin Seeds]

I might stick with Galliard just because I know Ragabash tends to be a popular choice and Galliard isn't.

[Muse]

  Sorry, Andy.  I missed that you wanted theurge.  if you really like your concept I'll pitch something else. 

  Still, it sounded like an off of the top of your head idea?  Could I offer instead to help you come up with a really cool Ahroun application? 

[Crensler]

Full Moon Get of Fenris all the way here, man :3

Love me some Werewolf.

[AndyZ]

…yeah, after getting poached twice, I’ll take it as a sign that I shouldn’t be playing Garou, and see if Fera open up rather than trying to make yet another I’m just going to have to throw away.

[Crensler]

Did I miss something?  If so, I'm sorry, I didn't want to poach or anything.

[RedPhoenix]

No, I don't think you missed anything. The opening pitch is just asking for people to say what they're interested in playing, and that this isn't first come first served. Andy's just being grumpy.

[AndyZ]

Sorry.  Having a horrible time RL, and it seems like every time I start making something for werewolf (not even just this game), someone always grabs the same auspice.  With family not even letting me recover, I don’t have it in me to keep trying to make new ideas.

It’s probably best if I just let others play this and not worry about the competition

[Crensler]

I'm sorry RL is being so dumb and terrible, Andy.  I'd offer to beat it up for you, but it's already got me bent over the kitchen table at the moment >.>

[AndyZ]

I'm sorry RL is being so dumb and terrible, Andy.  I'd offer to beat it up for you, but it's already got me bent over the kitchen table at the moment >.>

Appreciated.  I’m just frustrated because it’s not even just this particular Werewolf game, it’s always just me where someone else wants the Auspice, and it’s always the Auspice which is the one that defines what you’ll be doing.  You probably saw where I had Theurge before that got poached and figured Ahroun was open.

At least I’m fully done with all the chemo treatments, so there’s that.

[PixelatedPixie]

Would a Lupus Theurge Stargazer be too stereotypical?  I haven’t played a great deal of WtA, but I’m exceptionally familiar with WoD.

If Fera do open up, though, I wouldn’t mind doing a Mokolé.  As I recall, the Yucatán has its own desert area nearby, which makes it great for a spot where playing them makes sense.

I don't think it would be too stereotypical.  I am not certain the desert area, I'd have to research, but a Mokole could work if there is anyone else interested in a Fera. 

I would want to bring in a Bone Gnawer Galliard that is a punk rocker so I don't think yours would be too stereotypical since that one is pretty on the nose. If not that then an Ahroun Black Fury would be my next proposal.

Sounds fun.

Very interested although I've never played this before and White Wolf crunch tends to break my brain a little.

I'd be looking to play a Homid Philodox Child of Gaia. The background I would have in mind would be their grandmother is Garou and they are the black sheep so to speak of their otherwise very large and traditionally successful human family.

As far as smut goes, I've never been a big fan of the 'lose fight get raped' trope, it just isn't something I enjoy at all for various reasons. I'm very okay playing characters that use sexuality as a means to an end, especially in ways that sort of buck the traditional 'evil seductress' stereotype, so playing this character as using her sexuality for goodness in the world could be fun. Not at all required though. Other than that I think just the sort of usual if it comes up organically in the story getting sexy when it makes sense is how I'd play that sort of thing.

Sounds fun.  The nice thing about play by forum is that there is always time to look something up or ask questions, so no worries on not being familiar with the system.  Fair enough on the smut, I can't say it won't happen in the story to others, but we can certainly avoid anything like that happening to your character.

Silver Fang Theurge please! 

Well, Theurge got poached.  Pumpkin, I’m going to put thought into Ahroun if you don’t mind focusing on that Galliard idea.

Full Moon Get of Fenris all the way here, man :3

Appreciated.  I’m just frustrated because it’s not even just this particular Werewolf game, it’s always just me where someone else wants the Auspice, and it’s always the Auspice which is the one that defines what you’ll be doing.  You probably saw where I had Theurge before that got poached and figured Ahroun was open.

At least I’m fully done with all the chemo treatments, so there’s that.

I haven't accepted any character as of yet, and I don't mind doubling up of Auspice.  It does define their purpose, but a Lupus Stargazer and Homid Silver Fang, or different Ahroun ideas, would be different enough in my mind not to be an issue.  There is always some overlap, but I can't imagine the characters would be all that similar, and duplicate Auspices could be an interesting angle in some situations.

That said, while I am not sure a Mokole would fit well into an existing pack I am also not strictly opposed, desperate times creating desperate allies or whatever the saying is.  If the pack is from outside Mexico, having a Mokole as a local guide/ally could be an interesting angle and help ramp up the strangeness.

[AndyZ]

I appreciate it, but it’s one thing to say that it’s okay to double up, but when I’m still dealing with cancer and know I won’t do as good a job at making characters as other people, and only so many get accepted, I don’t expect to be the one who wins out ^_^

[Crensler]

Ah, I see what happened.  I have read more of the book and before I didn't know what the other names of the different "classes" were.

The other idea for a character I have is a Galliard of either Fianna or the Black Furies, so that would free up the Ahroun if I did get accepted.  I'm not super attached, or anything, after all >w<

[RedPhoenix]

Sounds fun.  The nice thing about play by forum is that there is always time to look something up or ask questions, so no worries on not being familiar with the system.  Fair enough on the smut, I can't say it won't happen in the story to others, but we can certainly avoid anything like that happening to your character.

Awesome! I’m not inherently opposed to the idea of it happening in the setting I just don’t have any interest in playing it out. Maybe my characters status as a diplomat type makes people think she’s worth more if they don’t hurt her if she gets captured or something. But yeah as long as we can play it like that and it isn’t the whole focus of the story I’m good! =)

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Heh..I guess I can move over toward Ragabash then.

[AndyZ]

Um, it’s okay.  I don’t really want to make everyone go round Robin especially after I don’t have much else to suggest for the idea.  I kind of disconnected from it anyway after dealing with the family garbage.

Like Red said, I’m just coming across grumpy because RL but I don’t have good ideas right now anyway

Edit: For those watching at home, I talked to Muse and am going to try doubling up on the Theurge, since I think I can just handle the more mystical side instead of Muse’s focus on ancestor spirits and the Legendary Realm.

[Crensler]

Well, okay then.  I hope things get better for you before too long, by the way.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Name: Mia Cole
Deed:
Player: Pumpkin Seeds
Concept: Punk Rocker
Auspice: Ragabash
Breed: Homid
Tribe: Bone Gnawer


Age: 17
Face claim : Paula Van Oppen


Mia was raised in the foster care system of New Orleans, Louisiana. Nobody really knows where she came from, left near a safe haven drop off as a baby there was nothing much to go on for her past. She bounced between foster homes, never really finding a place to settle. Instead she was lured to the streets and the rebellious nature of the punk scene. Nobody was really surprised when she ran away and nobody really looked hard to find her. Instead she bounced through the punk and music scene of New Orleans, crashing on couches and living off what was thrown out. Eventually she would link up with other young musicians to form the band, Recycled Children.

The band was gaining a small following with their guerilla style antics of barging into random places, playing on street corners and hosting concerts that were often raided by police. Life seemed to be good except for when Mia finally succumbed to an anger burning inside her from a young age. One such police raid brought that rage out watching a young man being beaten. Her rage turned into clawed villainy and the news would later report multiple deaths and fires that night. On the street reports ranged of a monster tearing apart the city to police dogs being unleashed by the police and turning on them.

Only one or two members of the band stayed after that night. Those two being kinfolk themselves that would eventually bring Mia to their own families to help guide her. She was smuggled out of the city to seek safety until the newest member of the Garou nation could find her footing and then her path. The music never left her though and she still pushed forward with her new band, Trash Pandas.