Part 1 can be found here.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask on Facebook or to email us at shadesofnorwichdarkmetropolis@gmail.com.
Bloodlines
What bloodlines are/are not allowed?
For a detailed list of which bloodlines are available for play, the Bloodlines blogpost can be found here http://shadesofnorwich.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/its-all-in-family-bloodlines-in-dark.html . These are the factors that we discussed when making our decisions:
- It's very unlikely that we'll be including bloodlines that are heavily tied to specific locations/countries/continents outside of the UK and Europe.
- Bloodlines that are inherently linked to the upper echelons of Kindred Society will probably be restricted to the High Court - so at the very least, tricky for a Low Court PC to find an Avus for…
- Some bloodlines will be NPC only or will only be accessed after startup with an NPC mentor.
- Bloodlines that involve topics we don't want to include in the game (sexual violence, child abuse, and so on) will be removed from the setting entirely.
Any bloodline with its own discipline will require some mechanical conversion to work in Blood and Smoke.
Can I start in a bloodline or do I need to find someone in it?
It will depend on the bloodline in question. We don't want to rule out the option of PCs starting as members of a bloodline, but we generally feel that the process of joining a bloodline would be best done in play.
As we have said before, it’s worth coming up with concepts sans bloodline and then talking to us about the possibility of adding one, either before or after starting play. There will be more bloodlines available to enter in play than at start up.
Can I play a covenant specific bloodline outside of that covenant?
Pitch us the concept, and we'll discuss it. Generally, we'd prefer to keep bloodlines specifically tied to a given covenant to that covenant, but ultimately it's a question of what we think will bring the most to the game and whether or not the Dark Metropolis-specific aspects of Covenants make a difference to the bloodline’s guidelines.
Custom Content
Can I start my own bloodline?
We'd be happy to have this as a chronicle-length character goal, although as with any goal that includes developing custom mechanics or adding a significant element to the setting, we'd want to discuss it with you in detail. It's worth keeping in mind that this will require you to buy Blood Potency 6, which is no small investment of Experiences!
Can I make a custom discipline? Hey I have cool idea for a new ritual/coil/devotion?
Custom disciplines can potentially be developed as part of a new bloodline (and only as part of a new bloodline). We fully expect players to develop new Cruac and Theban Sorcery rituals, Scales (and potentially Coils) of the Dragon, and Devotions during play, although as with all custom mechanics this will require in depth collaboration with the ST team.
This merit (cool mortal only/Changeling/other supernatural merit) would really work for me but I'm not allowed it. Are you open for negotiation on this matter?
We are planning on limiting our mechanics to those found in Blood and Smoke, with the possible addition of the Merits from the God Machine Chronicles Rules Update. We want to avoid too many additional rules beyond that, so while we are open to discussion on characterful mechanics, don’t base your character concept on being allowed an obscure merit or power.
Generally speaking, we will only convert Requiem 1st Edition rules into Blood and Smoke if we feel they notably add to the game. If there’s something in particular you think would add to the game then please email us with plenty of time, but it will be up to the ST team.
Can I reskin merits?
Bloodlines excepting, we will only be using the God Machine Chronicle and Blood and Smoke books as source material, so merits from New World of Darkness 1st Edition will not be in play unless specifically brought in by the ST team.
Any merits from the God Machine Chronicle book that state explicit prerequisites that preclude use by vampires (such as the supernatural merits, which require the character to be mortal) will not be available.
If you are hoping to alter the flavour of a GMC or Blood and Smoke merit for which you meet the prerequisites, as long at the mechanical aspects of the rules remain the same, we don’t mind you describing your merit as best fits your character. However, we’d recommend running any such changes past the ST team first, to make sure they fit with the tone of the game.
Rules
Can I use the magic rules from Blood Sorcery instead?
No. We will be using the Cruac and Theban Sorcery rules presented in Blood and Smoke, although we may use Blood Sorcery as a guideline for developing new rituals.
How are the covenant special privileges going to change? Cruac, xp costs, etc.
We are planning on using the covenant benefits (and XP costs) presented in the Blood and Smoke rulebook. So the Carthians can benefit from Carthian Law, the Circle of the Crone get Cruac, the Invictus have a range of Oaths, the Lancea Sanctum study Theban Sorcery, and the Ordo Dracul experiment with Coils and Scales of the Dragon. There are also covenant-specific Merits available to every Covenant.
It's worth noting that the game mechanics for all of the above have changed substantially (as have the Disciplines), so we'd strongly recommend getting hold of a copy of Blood and Smoke to familiarise yourself with the new rules..
How much Resources/Luxury/Retainer is feasible for a player character?
Resources can be potentially up to 5 dots - after all, they are more applicable to the Kine world than the Kindred one. Having lots of money or a yacht isn't going to have a huge effect on your position in the Kindred court, because the currencies of the Kindred Court are very different from those of the Kine world. Besides, you’ll be among plenty of other Kindred who have built up vast fortunes over their Requiems. Although, getting filthy rich will come with its own issues! Blood and Smoke streamlines the systems for Resources and Retainers, so we're not currently planning on including the Luxury merit in Dark Metropolis.
The rules for Retainers have been modified significantly in Blood and Smoke, so it’s worth reading through them.
Remember that no trait may be at 5 at character creation.
Will stuff from the Secrets of the Covenants book be available, providing it is out on time?
We will want to fully review the new rules presented in Secrets of the Covenants before making any decision. By default, we will be using the rules in Blood and Smoke, with any additional rules brought in on a case by case basis.
Any usage of Damnation City style merits for territory?
Blood and Smoke includes the Feeding Ground merit as part of its core rules, which will be the main mechanic we will be using for holding territory. On the ST side of things, we are heavily inspired by the Districts system in Damnation City, and will using rules from it to mechanically describe areas of the city. PCs may well be able to affect the qualities of an area via their actions, for good or ill!
With the difference between 2nd and 1st edition rules, if you allow anything from the splatbooks, how heavily, if at all will you be modifying mechanics from them?
We will be sticking to the rules found in Blood and Smoke (and the God Machine Chronicle where appropriate) as closely as possible, and generally those will be the options available at character creation. If we bring in any materials from 1st edition Vampire: the Requiem we will rewrite them to fit with the new system.
How will territories be represented in game terms?
On PCs' character sheets, they will be mainly represented via the Feeding Grounds merit. Other qualities of the District will be managed by the STs, and PC and NPC actions may positively or negatively influence an area.
There will be three levels of ‘territory’: the Regency; the Districts, ruled by landlords (called Barons) who rent from the Regents; PC Feeding Grounds and Havens are within these Districts, rented from the Barons. There is the possibility for PCs to become Barons within the course of the game and rent to other PCs and NPCs, though we’re still working out the full system.
There are seven Regencies plus the Prince’s Lands (which PCs won’t be able to rent in); within each Regency there are 2-4 Districts; within each District, there will be a limited number of dots of Feeding Grounds that PCs can potentially rent. Sounds a bit like Monopoly? Partly this is a game like resource management.
We will be releasing more information about the Regencies and the Districts therein at a later date.
Considering the youth of the PCs, are you discouraging characters to start with Blood Potency higher than 1?
We're not discouraging higher Blood Potency, but it is a significant investment of Merit dots that will limit other possibilities at character creation. Putting all 10 starting Merit dots into buying Blood Potency 3 will heavily limit was other resources (including sources of Vitae) that character can access.
How are fighting styles working?
Fighting Styles Merits will work according to the rules in Blood and Smoke (or the God Machine Chronicle Rules Update, where appropriate).
Setting
Will there be a VSS?
In spirit, but not in name, as we feel it’s a tool better suited to the IoD. We will be producing a document clearly outlining our intended themes and tones for the game, as well as subject matter we specifically want to avoid.
What is uk gun law like? How hard is it to get a pistol/shotgun/smg/assault rifle?
UK gun law is the same as the modern day. Its about as easy to acquire an illegal firearm as it is in the real world - namely, you need a lot of money, need to know the right people, and be willing to accept that the gun has probably been used in several other crimes before it gets to you unless you're willing to pay an awful lot more for it.
Can I play an ex police guy? Can I play an ex military guy? Can I play an ex special forces guy? Can a play an ex spy?
We're happy to consider any of the above where it makes sense with the general concept. While we expect PCs to have Allies and other contact with the police of the city, we are unlikely to let any PC have Allies or other influence in the military or an intelligence agency. National influence of any kind isn’t something a character can come in with. It’s strictly a local game.
Can I open carry a (gun)? Can I legally concealed carry a (gun)?
No, gun law is as per modern day UK. Being found carrying an illegal firearm will result in very major legal issues.
Are there any notable IC laws other than the traditions? inc. Perversion. Territory/havens. Ghouls. masquerade + non vampires. Murder of kindred. use of powers on kindred. feeding restrictions, etc?
The Traditions are the main laws of the City, along with the the law “Only the Prince may pass a sentence of Final Death”. Killing another Kindred without the Prince’s permission is seen as a direct challenge to the Prince’s authority, and will be dealt with harshly. Allowances will be made for killing in self-defence or in an involuntary frenzy, but any Kindred who kills another will receive significant social stigma. Immortal creatures don’t like to be reminded that they can die, after all.
Kindred can and do bring non-territory-related cases against other Kindred to the Sheriff, hoping for a ruling from the Sheriff’s office and the Prince - but once the Prince has ruled, that’s it. As a general rule of thumb, the Prince’s word is law, and the Prince’s word is final.
Regents and Barons may have their own laws that apply to their Regency or District. These are handled on a case-by-case basis, and generally handled locally. Of course, a Regent or Baron can appeal to the Prince for the assistance of the Sheriff or Hounds to help enforce their law if needed. Local Regency and District laws will be included in the write-ups for that area.
Could we have a little more info about boons (what, why, worth, politics, views, ect) within the chronicle please?
The ST team is planning on releasing more information about Boons and the economy of Dark Metropolis. We have many thoughts on this subject, so look forward to a blog post soon!
During the Chronicle
If I kill another PC am I going to greet the sunrise?
Killing another Kindred is a very serious crime in Dark Metropolis Norwich, as only the Prince legally holds the power to put a Kindred to Final Death. If you're caught, the murder of another Kindred will almost certainly be the end of your character's story, unless there are particularly persuasive extenuating circumstances.
On an OoC basis, both players involved need to be willing for a PC to meet Final Death. Character vs character conflict can be an emotionally charged thing, and we don't want anyone to have their game ended earlier than they're happy with. We also plan on clearly flagging OoC any scenes that include an significant risk of Final Death for PCs.
I want to kill another PC. Is there anything the st team would like me to do/not do?
Talk to the ST team and the player of the PC in question first. We will always seek a non-Final Death solution to any CvC situation where the player of the PC at risk is unhappy with character death as an outcome. Remember that killing other PCs is rarely necessary or fun, and shuts down the game for that player. Killing a PC is something that can only be done with the consent of both parties.
Please note, however, that egregious breaches of the Traditions or the Prince's law may result in extreme danger, or even Final Death at NPC hands… (however, as stated elsewhere, Final Death or long-term torpor is a very rare punishment and would only be handed out when a character has committed a truly grievous crime).
What's the expected maximum acceptable level of non combat CVC - how much should you aim to screw another character over?
What both players are comfortable with. There will be character vs character elements to the game, but we want this to be a collaborative conflict - it should be fun for both player involved OoC, even if their PCs are cursing and plotting against each other.
The ST team reserve the right to step in to work out a resolution to any situation. Players are also expected to stick with OoC agreed resolutions to scenes where ST mediation is required.
At a fundamental level, we expect all of our players to work together to make the game fun and enjoyable for each other. Drama and conflict should be part of that fun, but in a way that minimises any OoC stress.
Seeing as we are playing street peons trying to survive, is there a chance of meeting other supernatural types with similar struggles? A young werewolf pack struggling for territory, apostate mages trying to carve out a safe little niche from consillium politics, etc.
Other supernaturals will be part of the Dark Metropolis setting, including those at a similar level to the PCs. Allies (Supernaturals) or other such Social Merits are something we would take on a case-by-case basis with a lot of caution. There's no treaty between the supernaturals like in Shades of Norwich, so there's going to be a lot more in the way of risks and unknowns in dealing with other supernaturals. Precisely how they're treated with regards to the Masquerade is a big question, for example...
Are there rules or guidelines to changing your character's stats after the start of the chronicle?
We will allow players some flexibility with their character's stats after creation until they've got a good feel for the character, although we hope this won't be needed much by a well-rounded character creation process. Generally speaking we will encourage people to stick with what they've picked at character creation after their first couple of sessions, particularly if the stats in question have played a major role in that character succeeding in a given scene.
We will be using the “Sanctity of Merits” rule from Blood and Smoke - so if you lose a Merit for any reason (your Retainer meets a grisly end, your Allies aren’t talking to you any more, or you lose a bunch of Resources in a bad investment) you’ll get the Experiences value of the Merit back to spend on other things (or use to rebuild your lost Merits).
Do the ST's have strong preferences with regards to retiring characters so the player can start a new one?
If players wish to play a new character, they will need to retire their existing character. Dark Metropolis will not have "secondary" characters.
Specifically, we would like people to work with STs to figure out the best way to retire their characters. We want to make sure players have a fulfilling end to their character’s story (and some discussion about how they can become part of the bigger Dark Metropolis story as an ongoing NPC if appropriate).
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