Ashes to Ashes | Chess with Chicago as the Board (Free Session0)
A simple delivery draws an unsuspecting group of kindred into a labyrinthine game between Elders and Anarchs that is much more than it seems...
$30.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Monday - 7:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
Campaign Length / 5+ Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
It's 1992, and what started as a routine (and petty) spat between the domains of Chicago and Gary is now poised to spiral out of control as important Kindred start going missing. The Anarchs, the Chicago Camarilla, and Gary court all chomping at the bit to blame each other and get the chance to rule Chicago. Your Kindred, drawn into the game by a simple letter delivery, aren't going to have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines. This political strife needs to end, and fast, before the Hunters knocking at the door get their chance to rid the area of all vampires. But all is not as it seems, and the consequences of the Eternal Struggle are more far reaching than anyone can imagine. Where will you stand when the ashes settle? Ashes to Ashes is a chronicle that puts the Kindred's sense of agency to the test, and questions how far they'll go to maintain control. How far will you go to maintain the Masquerade, and do you even have a choice? How many hard choices can you excuse and blame on the Beast, and what effect does that have on the mortals in your life? Are any of your choices really your own with scheming elders shaping your world from the shadows? But a lot of thought into your Touchstones and Convictions! This chronicle is based on many of the modules from the early 1st and 2nd edition Vampire books, Chicago by Night, and Ashes to Ashes. Don't read those books and get yourself spoiled!
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Combat Lite
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(5)
3 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: World Builder, Storytelling, Inclusive
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I've been a game master for close to two decades now, running Vampire the Masquerade, Blades in the Dark, and all kinds of fantasy RPGs including Pathfinder and Fabula Ultima. Vampire and Fabula Ultima are my favorites. I've also been on (and run) several actual play podcasts.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation will occur during Session 0. Players may make characters of any of the age categories listed in the core rulebook (p. 137) using those rules and XP. I like having a variety of ages among player Kindred, so if you're an experienced player, maybe play an age group you haven't before! If you're a new player, I recommend making a Childer. Ancilla may use the advanced creation rules found in "In Memoriam" if they like, but I must be there to see what your rolls are. Obviously, any Loresheets that rely on events that happened after the 90s won't make sense.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Just be ready to be proactive in forming relationships with the other player characters! Maybe pick out a picture for your character if you like (no AI).
What Velvet brings to the table
When it comes to Vampire, I am drama forward and will try to work in all the conflicts you want and utilize your backstory. Social combat is often at least as common as physical combat in my games (if not more). I tend to stick to rules as written, but the rules for this game are very flexible dramatically and if I'm making you roll, it'll be for something cool and worthwhile. I often use music and have portraits for SPCs and various locations.
Homebrew rules
Players may use material from the homebrew books: Bound in Blood We Shall Be Monsters by Dubious Creatures Press. Both books can be found on Storyteller's Vault. If no players are interested in utilizing this material, I won't either as ST.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Velvet creates a safe table
I'll hand out forms for Lines and Veils for the players to fill out privately, and then I'll compile them into a shared Lines and Veils document in Session 0. I will also go over the use of the Red/Yellow/Green light safety system, which can be used via text, voice, or sound effect.
Content warnings
Safety tools used