The Beast Within

Creating your character

Character creation follows the standard Vampire: The Masquerade 2nd Edition rules, listed in the character creation guide on the game's Foundry VTT server. • Character Concept: You may create a character of any age, background, or nationality. However, all characters will experience the Embrace during the opening session — no ancient vampires here. Players joining after Session 1 will begin either as mortals or as very recently Embraced neonates (less than one year old). • Core Rule Focus: Character creation is streamlined to use only the Clans, Attributes, Abilities, and Disciplines found in the Vampire: The Masquerade 2nd Edition core rulebook. • Pre-made characters are also available to choose from if you want to skip character creation entirely! If you’re new to Vampire: The Masquerade or returning after time away, don’t worry — I’m happy to help you craft a concept that fits both your interests and the story’s tone. There will be a Session 0 to discuss character ideas, clan options, or questions about the setting. The night is vast, and there’s always room for another soul trying to find their place in the darkness.

Preparing for the session

Before play begins, please make sure you have the following ready: • This game will primarily use the style and rule-set of Vampire the Masquerade 2nd Edition. All character creation material will be provided and built into Foundry VTT. • Discord account: all sessions are run via Discord video & audio. You’ll be invited to a private Discord server with all players and the GM after joining. • forge-vtt account (free for players) • Headphones, headset or earbuds recommended to avoid audio feedback • Webcam and microphone required (computer/device default is fine, headset/earbuds recommended). That’s all you need to get started, everything else will be handled together in Session Zero!

What Sunchaser Stories brings to the table

I’ve been running tabletop RPGs for over three decades, and Vampire: The Masquerade has always held a special place in my heart. I focus on storytelling that blends atmosphere, emotion, and player agency — giving you the freedom to shape your own fate while exploring the darker corners of the World of Darkness. My tables lean toward character-driven, narrative-first play with a strong sense of immersion. You won’t find endless dice rolling or mechanical grind here — instead, expect intense roleplay, moral dilemmas, and moments that make you think about what it truly means to be human… or to lose that humanity piece by piece. We will be using Foundry VTT (hosted via The Forge) that has been customized to make the game mechanics as simple as possible to interact with. The server Compendium will also have entries on both in-game lore as well as game mechanics. It will not be required to own any books to play in this game! If you’re looking for a campaign that feels like a ‘90s gothic fever dream — equal parts The Lost Boys and The Crow — where survival and self-discovery are the real battles, then you’ll fit right in at my table.

Homebrew rules

Not so much Homebrew, but as I know many people might be familiar with 20th Anniversary, here are the primary differences between V20 and 2nd Edition: Tone: More gothic-punk, street-level, “personal horror,” less emphasis on sectarian warfare and large, globe-spanning elder driven plots. Combat: Fast, bloody, and personal; less emphasis on crunchy, tactical back & forth. • Each level of Celerity gives an extra action per turn in combat. • Each level of Potence gives an automatic success on any Strength based challenge (including Melee damage) • Some available skills changed, all detailed in character creation FAQ linked in welcome email. Gangrel Clan Weakness (House Rule) • When a Gangrel Frenzies, they gain 1 animal feature (as normal in 2e). • The first animal feature gained is permanent and can never be removed (though its appearance may change at Storyteller discretion). • For every dot of Humanity purchased with Experience Points, the Gangrel may remove 1 previously gained animal feature. • The Storyteller chooses which feature is removed. • New Frenzies still add new features as normal.

How Sunchaser Stories creates a safe table

How Sean creates a safe table: Player safety and comfort are a top priority in my games. We’ll always start with a Session Zero to set expectations, establish tone, and review safety tools together. The tools I use include: • Lines & Veils + Monte Cook Consent Checklist - Completed before play; • X, N, and O Cards • Open Door Policy - Players may step away at any time, no explanation required; • Breaks - To keep everyone comfortable we take one long break in the middle of the session and several short breaks throughout and when needed; • Aftercare - We ALWAYS close with Aftercare and Debriefing (15–30 minutes after each session). This space allows us to cool down from intense scenes, talk about highlights, and check in with each other as people, not just characters. The goal is for everyone to feel safe exploring heavy themes and surreal storylines while knowing there’s a strong safety net in place. Special Note: Vampire the Masquerade is itself written as a mature themed RPG and this game will occasionally confront mature themes with as much empathy and care as possible. While the content warning list below is very long for a game like Vampire the Masquerade, it will be negotiated as best as possible for all players to find the game a safe way of engaging with horrors both internal and external.