Black Heart of Europe (Beginner/LGBTQ+ Friendly!)
Court politics and street drama play out as the kindred of Brussels fight to stay alive and unseen by the Second Inquisition.
$30.00
/ Session
Details
1 player following this game
Play by Post (Asynchronous)
Custom / Thursday - 11:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 3.5–4 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Berlin. London. Vienna. The names of these places lost to the Second Inquisition ring in the ears of every surviving kindred in Europe. Across the continent, Camarilla courts and fractured baronies clamour for a way to protect themselves; to rally and keep hold of what interests they have. For centuries, Brussels has been a battleground for the Camarilla and Anarchs. Time and again the city has changed hands, but now with the Second Inquisition breathing down their necks, the kindred of Brussels have been forced into an uneasy truce. Now their efforts are turned to keeping themselves hidden. To erase any traces of their existence, to silence those who would leave them exposed. And for those who as ambitious as they are bold, find a way to turn these erstwhile Hunters against their competition... In the Heart of Europe, players will take on the roles of a newly minted coterie of neonates working for either the Anarch Barons or the Camarilla Courts. When night falls, the city is yours - its nightclubs, its historical sites, and all the mystery and intrigue that comes from living in the shadow of the European Union's de facto capital. Prowl the winding streets, lay claim to her many districts, and stake your claim to power in a city where everyone is looking for secrets. But there are always threats to be wary of. Grizzled Elders who have unlived in this city since Medieval Times are dug in deep to keep what is theirs. Rival factions seek the same prestige you do. And above it all, Le Bureaus des Affaires Surnaturelles, better known as the BAS, keeps a close eye on the supernatural activity of Brussels. Waiting for the chance to prove they do not need the Society of St. Leopold to do their job. Heart of Europe is intended as an open invitation to new players - to introduce them not only to the mechanics of Vampire V5, but also the current state of the world. Veterans of V20, and those who have some experience with the current edition are welcome as well to our little slice of the World of Darkness. Will you find your place here in Brussels?
Game style
Play By Post
Roleplay Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(8)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
64 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Beginner Friendly
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 90%
About me
A humble player of rpgs who has been behind and in front of the screen consistently for over two decades, I am a lover of all editions of D&D, Pathfinder, Shadowrun and WoD. Experience in running 3.5, 4th and 5th edition D&D, Shadowrun, various WoD and CoD campaigns and games both independent and obscure. My games run from simple, heartfelt adventures to deep social dramas and good old-fashioned dungeon diving!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
The players will be gathered for a Session Zero, where we will discuss Lines and Veils, Safety Tools, and also create our characters. For the purposes of character creation, we will also establish Touchstones, the basics of their Sires, and what relations the characters have with one another. Characters will be of the 12th Generation and will be treated as Neonates: Kindred who are just starting to be independent in vampire society.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players should have accounts on Discord, as a link to the game discord will be provided. Players are also expected to have access to a working microphone for when we gather. Cameras are optional; although the Storyteller will be on camera.
What Chris brings to the table
I will provide the players with links to a PDF copy of the V5 Vampire the Masquerade rulebook, as well as links to a site for our Dice Bot and character sheets. The dice bot and sheets will be linked together through Realm of Darkness. As a Storyteller, it is my hope and goal to transport the players to Brussels - to put them in a setting that is as living and breathing as they are. While we will stick to the Rules as close as is convenient, I as a Storyteller do lean upon the Rule of Cool when it delights both myself and the parties involved. My goal as a Storyteller is to entertain, delight, and enthrall my players, and give them a sense of wonder and belonging in this story.
Homebrew rules
The principle Homebrew rule I use is Achievements: When players perform an action that delights both myself and the party, they are awarded an Achievement at the end of the session. Achievements can come from performing a particularly gruesome kill, succeeding at a Herculean task, or just saying or doing something that makes me smile. This Achievement comes with a bonus of an extra Experience Point. Due to the powerful reward behind Achievements, players can only earn one Achievement per session.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Chris creates a safe table
Players will be provided a link to a Lines and Veils pdf, which is to be filled out and submitted prior to Session Zero. During Session Zero, the players and I will go over their established Lines and Veils, as well as discuss other subjects which may be taboo which weren't present on the sheet or were thought of later. During our sessions, we will take a break halfway through so that I may touch base with the players and make sure they are still comfortable and having fun. Whenever there is a heavy scene or someone asks for a scene to stop, we will also employ these breaks to make sure everyone is okay. Each session will also end with a brief discussion on what the players liked, how they feel the game is going, and any concerns they would like to address. My DMs will also be open for players to discuss their concerns in confidence. Over the course of play, players will be asked to submit their X, N and O's to me through DM to maintain their confidentiality.
Content warnings
Safety tools used