Ruby — Roleplayer Guild

"Welcome to LA homie, the only city of it's kind in the world. Where the fuck else you get Hollywood and Compton in the same city? They can't even fuck with it."

World of Darkness: City of Angels is the latest installment in a series of roleplays telling an alternative story of the Last Nights. The chain of events of previous games has lead to the greatest threat the Free State of Los Angeles has ever faced, player characters may well find themselves having to cope with the reality of the Final Nights by the end of the game's plot. 

While Kindred rule Los Angeles and the greater Free State of California, all are welcomed. The Lupine, mages, hunters, changlings, and beyond; the Free State has a little of it all. It's no secret the powers of the supernatural world have come to view the Free State with desire, but given the recent Kindred Civil War that resulted in supernatural casualties of all kinds (not just Kindred) few are willing to jump in without knowing what they're jumping into this time. Last time the world assumed the Anarchs and their unofficial leader Jeremy MacNeil ruled the Free State. 

They should have known better. There's always an older, stronger, force under the surface in this world. So it was with the secret presence of two Toreador who created much of the Free State, creating San Diego, Los Angeles, and Hollywood between them; 5th Generation Christopher Houghton and 6th Generation Eva. When Sabbat and Kuei-jin both made their moves for invasion, it was the immeasurable power and influence in the Free State they had created, even under the nose of the Camarilla during it's brief reign in California decades earlier, that kept the Free State free. A home turf advantage that no one had seen coming, and do could do nothing about. 

Although their actions in defending the Free State made select circles aware of their existence, precious little else about either was known. Camarilla and Sabbat started their entire intelligence gathering process anew; even known elements of the Free States could, now, in theory be pawns of "the Mysterious Two." Nothing, and no one, known within the Free State could be trusted until re-examined.

Within the Free State new problems arose. The Anarchs truly believed they had been the source for the Free State, and the power behind it. Had they, too, simply been pawns? Jeremy MacNeil had known about one of the Mysterious Two, but not the other. And the one he had known about had been a 13 year old Kindred he knew as the Kid that appeared too fragile and fearful to be any hidden power. MacNeil had been wrong, and it cost him dearly. The Kid turned on MacNeil seemingly out of nowhere, forcing the Brujah and his close followers to retreat to the northern stretches of the Free State. 

The dominoes began to fall, enough to alert and alarm the Kid's unknown co-creator in the Free State and Hollywood: Eva. Eva was forced public to start dealing with the problems the Kid's actions were suddenly causing them. It was the start of a division between Christopher, the Kid, and Eva that would end the Kindred Civil War of the Free State. None outside the Free State saw it coming, only the young Anarchs seemed wise enough to the streets to see it coming. Much of them followed Eva after the charismatic young Brujah community leader Catlin Monroe revealed herself to be Yanci, a 7th Generation Toreador and childe of Eva. Yanci explained how decades ago Eva had instructed her to pose as a young Brujah, to learn and understand that community better. To help them out whenever, and however, they could without betraying the secret of their existence. 

That moment of honesty, of leveling with the Anarchs of the Free State, did radically more for Eva than Christopher's paranoia and sudden cruelty did for his cause. In the parking lot of the Rant held in the Staples Center of Los Angeles, the Kindred Civil War began. It's clear that the conflict came to a sudden end when Eva committed diablerie on Christopher. Though Eva had loved Christopher, the Kid's near madness and irrational paranoia had recently overwhelmed any good sense he had left, forcing her hand. The Kid was so certain his sire would plotting to appear and get revenge for the damage Christopher had done to his sire centuries earlier. 

Los Angeles is just now beginning to settle into it's new reality: a Free State, but with a Los Angeles unified under the rule of a single Baron. Not Eva, but her childe and right hand, Yanci. No one that knows seems willing to say, and those who don't know say Eva is still around, just going back underground and into secret where she had been for centuries before the Kid's actions forced her public. But now the Sabbat, the Camarilla, and others still know what the true power in the Free State is. The future of the Free State is a dangerous game, but still the only place in the supernatural world the persecuted can find safe harbor, and still the only motley collection of the supernatural under one loose banner in all the world of darkness. 

Game Brief

GMs are Ezekiel and myself.
The year is 2017.
The game has a story and plot, though it's sandbox enough if you want to run a sub-plot too.
Advanced writing standards.
Try to post once a week, communicate with the GMs if life gets in your way. Understandable.
We're fine with powerful characters, just realize this game isn't a competition, even conflict is a collaboration.
Post unapproved Character Sheets in the OOC. Post them in the Characters tab once approved.
There's too much in WoD to mention it all in this OOC, so have a question? Hit us up in the game Discord, or PM the GMs.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the World of Darkness setting, and thus, the setting of the rp, the premise is fairly simple. Take the modern world and make the myths of our nightmares, the supernatural, real. Then turn the world several degrees 'darker.' The climate is worsening, the governments more corrupt, the multinational corporations more powerful. To the common man the world is much the same, but the horrors that lurk in the dark are true, and the world hangs ever more on the balance of humanities hubris.

The most common, or at least, the most prominent of these supernatural beings are the Kindred, as they call themselves, vampires, is what the teeming masses of humanity would recognize them as. Ever since Caine was cursed as the first vampire, the kindred have been alongside humanity, pulling the strings from behind closed doors, be they castle or boardrooms. The ability and character of a Kindred is defined by his clan, the bloodline from which he or she stems, these can all be found here; whitewolf.wikia.com/wiki/Clan_(VTM)

Info on the other races of the World of Darkness can be found through the same wiki.

The Kindred of the modern day are mostly divided into three groups, the Camarilla, the Sabbat and the Anarchs. The Camarilla is the oldest of these three and the most powerful. They are the ancient hidden society of the Kindred that set the rules on how Kindred should behave, both towards each other, and humanity. The Camarilla's main purpose, or, what they would have you believe, is the upholding of the 'Masquerade' the deception that keeps the bulk of humanity blind to the existence of the Kindred. While the Sabbat and Anarchs fundamentally disagree with the Camarilla's approach to this, all three factions currently enforce a similar set of rules. Kindred are an urban people, the countryside is ruled by there werewolves who are ancient foes of their kind, and so they are ruled city-by-city. A Camarilla city is ruled by a Prince and a council of 'Primogen' the Elders of the vampire clans within the city.

The Sabbat worship Caine as their unliving god of the night, and seek the open dominion of the Kindred over humanity, the Camarilla view them as insane zealots who read too much into the myths of the Kindred, while they view the Camarilla as merely another obstacle in the way of their rightful place of dominion. Thankfully, the Sabbat are the weaker of the two global powers, and for now are forced to maintain their own version of the masquerade, simply for their own survival, even in the cities and nations they control.

The Anarchs are the smallest of the major groups and are confined to specific parts of the globe where isolation, or the relatively recent industrial and technological age have allowed cities to remain free on the control of either global power. The most famous, and deliberate, example of this is the Anarch Free State of the American West Coast, which for most of the 20th Century has spanned from Washington to Southern California. The Anarchs have a wide variety of beliefs, but mainly are united in their protest against the crushingly hierarchical Camarilla and the frankly insane Sabbat. The Anarch movement grew out of the chaos of the World Wars, which largely distracted the Camarilla and the Sabbat from their open rebellion, and now that the world is stable once more, the Free State has gradually been chipped away. Anarch cities are ruled by 'Barons' and their Coteries, although usually in a much less formal sense than a Prince and Primogen.

In our setting, Los Angeles has been a part of the Anarch Free State, although many kindred loyal to a variety of causes make their home here, alongside other supernatural beings. Recently, the de-facto Baron of LA, an ancient, but perpetually young kindred known as the 'Kid' attempted to impose a more direct rule on LA, openly declaring himself Baron and at war with the Camarilla and pretty much anyone else he did not trust. The following civil war between the Kindred of LA was fierce, and most are still recovering. During that time, one of the Kid's childer (A Kindred whom he himself turned) rebelled against the Kid, slaying him, and draining him of power. While she has disappeared from the every day life of the city, members of her coterie are now prominent in LA society. LA is offically no longer part of the Anarch Free States, instead branding itself it's own Kindred Free State.

San Diego - First Sabbat territory, then Anarch territory, then briefly Camarilla territory with the Kindred known as Tara ruling as Prince of San Diego and Los Angeles--in title only for the latter. However it gave Eva an idea; after the securing of San Diego back into the Free State, the Baron of San Diego title has gone to the Baron of Los Angeles: Yanci, until a suitable candidate for the Barony can be selected. The city is relatively calm at the moment, with a major Lupine presence outside of it, as well as more Changling activity than much of the other Free State. 

Los Angeles - The emergence of Christopher Houghton into the public eye was a sea change for not just Los Angeles, but the entire Free State. The Kindred Civil War that followed centered on LA. Most Anarchs consider the result of Eva's victory and Yanci's Baronhood the best of less than ideal options left to them. Even though the Free State influence only grew throughout California the epicenter remains LA. Yanci's Baronhood is as absolute a rule that LA has seen since the days of Prince Don Sebestation shortly after World War II. The entire supernatural community is adjusting to that.

San Fransisco - Both Sabbat and Camarilla claim San Fransisco presently. Neither have a real claim on it. Anarchs could claim the city, too, except something seems to be stopping them or holding them back. Keeping them on the edges of the city, or across the bay in Oakland. Most street Anarchs just tend to stay away from the city, anyway. Oddly enough a great concentration of lupine have appeared around the city, though they don't seem disturbed by the Anarchs, and the Anarchs don't seem too paranoid about the lupine. The Sabbat and Camarilla do not share the Anarch calm on the matter. 

Malibu/Catalina Island - Kindred territory. Malibu saw fighting during the Kindred Civil War, as the havens of many influencial Kindred rested along the high hills overlooking canyon or Pacific Coast. Catalina Island saw no fighting, though the security on and around the Island became astounding as US Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security forces were called in. The overwhelming civilian security presence under the pretense of "terror threats", combined with private Kindred security that has always operated on the island, have led many to believe a major elder is hidden away on Catalina Island. The most common rumor is that the island is home to Eva's favorite haven. 

Ventura County - Equal parts lupine and Kindred. The ironically named Camarillo is an Anarch staple, even Yanci is rumored to have a home in the hills there. Oxnard is a gang stronghold, while Ventura itself is home to a small collection of old Ventrue that centuries ago fled Europe. Yanci allowed the Ventrue coterie to claim themselves Baron of Ventura, if they can ever get past politicking each other and pick one of them for it. Thousand Oaks is heavily Kindred, Ojai is lupine territory. Ojai is also home to some of the largest biker gangs in California. Naval Base Ventura County, and surrounding military installations, are believed to be controlled by Kindred on the inside.

2016

The early Summer of 2016 becomes infamous in local Kindred circles as the time of the Elder Killings. A series of high profile, often public, attacks on Kindred sanctuaries results in the deaths of many of the ruling elite of Kindred within LA. In Kine society this is perceived as a dramatic increase in gang activity and anarchist attacks against high profile targets. Smiling Jack is seen as the most likely suspect by most Kindred of the city. In response, the Last Round, is destroyed in an arson attack.

Several ancient artifacts go missing in the LA area. Found in a local ancient burial site, this is seen as but one of many side effects of the increase in criminal activity by the Kine, but it is far more dramatic for the Kindred. The Sabbat believe the artifacts to be far older than modern human civilization on the West Coast, and have connected the artifacts to a hidden vault near to LA. Sabbat packs roam LA's streets once more.

The Sunset Lounge becomes the last known Elysium in the city, it's owner, Henry Locke, refusing to allow the conflicts stretching across LA to be brought inside. Many of the surviving Elders hold court here during 2016.

As the situation spirals out of control, and rumors of another potential Camarilla takeover surface, along with the building Sabbat presence and lack of unity among the Anarchs, Christopher Houghton finally acts. At a gathering of the city's kindred, he declares himself the new Baron of LA. At the same time, he provides evidence connecting Henry Locke to the Sabbat packs searching for the missing artifacts. Henry is not present to defend himself, but several present seem to refute the finality of the statement and evidence. They are ignored, and a Blood Hunt for Henry Locke begins.

Henry, and the Brujah, Catlin Monroe, recover and destroy the artifacts in a final confrontation with a large Sabbat pack. Henry is made aware of the Blood Hunt when Catlin is informed and passes on the message. He goes underground, while those plotting to depose the Kid begin to execute their plans.

The Summer of 2016 ends with the Kid finally capturing Henry, bringing him before his inner circle to pass judgement. While reports of what actually happened are sketchy, by the time the dust settles, Christopher Houghton is dead. Treachery and arrogance are his downfall, the capture of Henry simply bait to lure him out by those who knew him best, but eventually turned against him. Most notable of these, Eva, a figure now tied to him in his creation of LA and the Free State, instructs her Coterie to openly take over the city, with Catlin Monroe, revealed to be the Toreador, Yanci, as Baron. Meanwhile, Eva speaks privately with Henry Locke, before entering Torpor.

Infighting within Eva's coterie, while no dramatically public, shatters the bonds which held them together. Henry Locke intervenes, and the Nostferatu known as Nathaniel is slain.

2017

The new year is defined by the struggles of the new Baron to secure her rule. While few of LA's kindred are willing for large scale conflict following the events of 2016, there is still push back against immediately following a new, relatively unknown authority. In the process of this, LA and it's surrounding kindred 'vassal' cities, leaves the Anarch Free State.

Large scale conflict spreads to other regions of California, the Prince of San Francisco dies, the Anarchs, Sabbat and Camarilla vie for control of the city. The Kuei-Jin, as always, watch from across the sea at the folly of their Western counterparts, ever waiting for an opportunity to strike. The Garou gather in large numbers around the embattled city.

By the Summer of 2017, a year after the Elder killings, San Francisco has fallen to the Sabbat, but LA seems to have stabilized, as much from a lack of surviving alternative than Yanci's leadership.

The Roleplay begins.

WIP.

(This will CS format will be updated soon, but this will get us started.)

Name:
Age; (actual/appearance)
Species: (Kindred, human, werewolf, kuei-jin etc)
Appearance: (Preferably a picture, can have written description as well)
Personality: (Just a paragraph or so about how they usually conduct themselves)
Biography: (A few paragraphs, or more, major events and the like)
NPCs: (Any well fleshed out characters you will likely control, feel free to do micro sheets for them).

Name: Eva
Age:300+ (Appears late 20s.)
Clan: Toreador
Generation: 5th through diablerie.
Title: Officially none. Unofficially ruler of the Free States.

Biography:

A descendant of the lost Mayan tribes, daughter to a tribal shaman father who dabbled in tranditional magic and healing arts. Eva has never gone into detail about what happened, but to those closest to her she has mentioned that she watched her childhood home burn as the sun set on her childhood. It wasn't long after that the Spanish took her from a field of fruit trees. They demanded navigation and translation, to say nothing of what else men demand of young women. But after her family's demise in shadow and fire, the child Eva was at the time just could do nothing else but play along with the Spanish. 

By the time she snapped out of it, she was on a ship at sea. Eva rallied others taken from the lands around her home, and eventually they escaped even as the Spanish ship burnt and sank. The details of the story remain fuzzy to her, but she remembers being the only one to make it to land. She remembers watching three others she escaped with drown in the black warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. She wound up on what would become Galveston Island, where she stayed at a local coastal fort of earth and timber. The men were little kinder there than the Spanish had been, and Eva moved on quickly. 

Eva falls in with several local tribes, and it's through them she learns of other Spanish moving through the territory only but a year after leaving Galveston Island, headed North. The Spanish are shocked to meet a woman who can speak local tongues, foreign tongues, and enough of their own Spanish to understand. Though the Spanish notes that the "native woman" was initially shy and hesitant, she presented a unique boon to ther expedition, and the leaders of the Portola expedition decided they were better off with her. After swearing that no one would be allowed to hurt her, Eva began her role as the go-between for the Spanish with the natives they encountered on their way to California. 

In California Eva has a direct hand in establishing Spanish mission communities all over southern California, but most notably San Diego and Los Angeles. This fact plays an immense role in Eva's control over the Free States, as her influence can literally be traced back to the origins of many cities. Her first meeting with the Kindred of the area was a trick of fate, more than a planned and plotted event. She was traveling with a Spanish friar when a wind storm forced them to the nearest settlement: the rancho of Don Sebastian Juan Dominguez, unaware of 5th Generation Toreador on the run Christopher Houghton. 

As was his custom, Houghton would develop a crush. Both from Eva's power of presence and personality, from her charm, but of the stories she told--of her escape, of her survival, of her helping the Spanish to setup so much of California already. As the night went long the two talked of what could be made of the valleys they overlooked in moonlight now. Of what could be; it was there, that night, that the original idea of Los Angeles was conceived. Before the sun rose, Houghton embraced Eva, convinced she was his missing piece. While others close to Christopher would come and go, Eva would stay with him, the mother figure he never had, and never had to fear. 

Los Angeles grew into a major city, and before long the Kindred duo were looking for other outlets. Neither is sure who was first, Christopher or Eva, but they both agree that once the other introduced them to motion pictures...that was it. They had found their new calling. Los Angeles and it's surrounding areas they would leave to lieutenants and mortal pawns, stepping in when needed, but from then on the majority of their attention was on this new artform. It was on "Hollywoodland"--or Hollywood, as Eva famously shortened it one evening. What followed was the Golden Age of Hollywood. 

In the mid-1900s the Anarchs came. Christopher fell for some of the Anarchs, had soured on his childe, the Camarilla Prince Don Sebastian. So the Don fell, and the Anarchs set up a Free State--completely unaware of the Kindred powers that were already supporting them from the shadows. Of a sort, anyway; quite frankly at the time Eva didn't care. The Anarchs, the Free State? That nonsense belonged to Christopher, as far as Eva was concerned. Where he became distracted from Hollywood, Eva only doubled her efforts, becoming hyperactive in her involvement with the day to day, and long term, operations of Hollywood. Her only distraction was in the early 70s--and that was thanks to the exploding porn film industry in Van Nuys, well within her LA domain. 

Eventually Christopher's paranoia and aggression got the better of him. When Los Angeles turned to war after lupine and kindred alike went after Don Sebastian, Christopher came dangerously close to exposing himself--and by extension Eva. It created the first squabble between the two since the earliest days of Hollywood. Instead of heal and move on, the divisions only deepened. After the incident elder Kindred in LA began to die, and a new series of violence errupted. This time Christopher went public, and declared himself Baron of Los Angeles. 

It was betrayal and violation to Eva. Their secrecy was their bond, and he had finally violated it due to no reason other than his own paranoia and madness. When Christopher attacked her own Coterie and friends, Eva was forced to act. The Kindred Civil War of the Free States began, and ended only when Eva diablerized Christopher Houghton. Famous for her own humanity despite all her long years as a Kindred, Eva quickly descended to torpor as a means to preserve herself as much as possible after diablerie. In her place she left Los Angeles, and the Free States, into the hands of her Coterie. There Henry and Yanci were given their current roles, and Eva slipped into sleep. 

Most believe Eva has passed a threshold of power in the Kindred community: that now she is truly the elder, and influencing the nights of the Free States even from her resting state.

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