Odds are on that if you�re reading this short introduction that it means you�ve done little or no Live-Roleplay or roleplay gaming in the past. Don�t worry, it�s fairly straightforward, and we assure you that after a few games you�ll feel perfectly comfortable with it. This guide will help you get started What is Live-Roleplay? Live-Roleplay (or LRP) is a form of improvised acting in which you assume the role of a character, and act it out in a game. Within the game there are other players acting out their characters, and �actors� working for the Storyteller (the person who organises the game) who are called non-player characters (NPC�s). Unlike any play, LRP has no audience, script or even plot. These are all determined by the characters and their interaction with others, and the audience is simply the other players. The Storyteller will have written a basic outline for the evening�s events, but otherwise you are free to act out your character role as freely as you wish. There are many different styles of LRP, from �Lord of the Rings� style fantasy, to �Star-Wars� themed futuristic games. The most common form of LRP is the common �Murder Mystery Evening�. LRP also has rules to determine the outcome of some actions. This not only allows your character to do something in the game which you cannot do in real life, but also prevents the problem of arguments when actions conflict, i.e. James: �Bang, you�re dead� Simon: �No I�m not, you missed me� . You will need to learn the rules to be able to play the game. The rulebook if fairly comprehensive but you only ned to know some of the rules in order to start playing What is �Vampire: The Masquerade�? Vampire The Masquerade is an LRP set in a modern day world where vampires, werewolves, ghosts, magicians and demons do actually exist. This is commonly referred to as �The World of Darkness� All (or most) of the players play vampires, and the game revolves around their social and political interactions, their struggle to stay hidden from humans, and their need to retain some part of their former human selves. What do I need to do to get started? Firstly read the rest of this introduction. These contain only the basics of the game and are only a short term measure which will give you enough information to play your first game. Once you�ve played a game then you will need to read the full version of the rules, and spend time looking around the Vampire section of our web-site to get more information on the setting for the game. Secondly, let us know that you are wanting to come to a game. The easiest way of doing this is probably by e-mailing us at [email protected] We will be able to answer any questions you have and help you create your character Before your first game you must have read at least this sheet, and should ideally have created a character. If you have not had time to create a character, then the organisers will have given you a basic character to play for the evening. We will also appoint you a �buddy� who will help you in the game if you would be more comfortable having someone else helping you out to start off with. After your first game you must create a character using the full version of the rules, and submit this to the referees for approval. You will not be permitted to play if you don�t have an approved character What do I need to know about the games setting? There are a number of concepts that will be discussed in the game. It is assumed that all Vampires are given at least the basics by the one who created them, so every player should at least know the information below How do I play my character? What should I say or do? You should ideally try and imagine that you are a Vampire (just for the course of the game), and decide what your characters personality is like, what their goals and ideals are, what they like and dislike etc. Your actions and reactions to situations going on around you are yours to decide but should be in keeping with the persona you�ve created. You simply act as you believe your character would act in that situation Your character may get into arguments. If you feel uncomfortable with the intensity, then say �Real Life!� and the people you�re arguing with will ease off or stop. Remember is all pretend, and someone being nasty to you as their character is all an act. We don�t want anyone feeling uncomfortable or intimidated Any in game fighting is done with rubber swords or toy guns which are quite safe if used properly. What if I don�t understand something? We were all beginners at one point so everyone will be happy to help you if you ask. If it�s a query regarding the rules of the game you might want to try a referee first. If it�s a query regarding some of the game setting then you could always ask another character. About Vampires Vampires are undead. They cannot die of old age, and poisons, diseases and illness does not affect them. They do not need to eat food, drink liquids or breath. They can be seen in mirrors and cameras. They dont have sexual urges, though they can love. Vampires are not afraid of garlic, running water or crosses. They do need to feed by drinking the blood of others. This is normally a human being, though they can feed off animals. Feeding from someone does not kill them (unless all their blood is drained) nor does it turn them into vampires. They need to feed about 3 times a week to survive. If they don�t feed they go into a �coma� called Torpor. Anyone who drinks a Vampire�s blood 3 times becomes their slave A stake through the heart will paralyse a Vampire but not kill them. Vampires can only be killed by fire, sunlight, being hacked to pieces or by supernatural damage such as the claws of vampires or werewolves. The older a Vampire is the more powerful he is. The oldest and most powerful Vampire in the city is called the Prince. He is the ruler of the city. His second in command is called the Seneschal. The �world leaders� of Vampires are called Justicars, and their lieutenants are called Archons Vampires can create other Vampires by draining all of the blood from a human and then feeding Vampire blood to them. If not drained before they are fed, the human becomes a Ghoul. Vampires are said to be descended from Caine, the brother of Abel, who will one day return to destroy them all. This is referred to as Gehenna. Most Vampires don�t believe these stories Political Factions Vampires are generally classed into 3 political groups The Camarilla � A faction who respect human life, and are essentially good. Most Vampires are members. They are very hierarchical and political, and strict on their members behaviour The Sabbat � A society of evil Vampires, who kill humans indiscriminately. The sworn enemies of the Camarilla. They are savage, brutal and want to take over the world. They are very secretive The Anarchs � Rebels who are essentially good but dislike the rules and constraints of the Camarilla The Traditions Most vampires are scared of human beings. Humans out-number them by about 100,000 to 1, and if they realised they really existed they would wipe them out. Vampires created a set of rules called the Traditions which protect them. These are like the �10 Commandments� for Vampires, but (like the human version) not all Vampires obey them. The Prince decides on the punishments for breaches which can include destruction. The Traditions are:- You cannot create another Vampire without first getting permission from the Prince If you do create another Vampire they are your responsibility, and you are accountable for them You cannot kill another Vampire, unless in self defence, without permission from the Prince You must make your presence known to the Prince when going into their city. You must obey the orders of the Prince when in his city or his representatives. His word is law Never allow a human beings to know of the existence of Vampires (this rule is commonly referred to as the Masquerade) Clans All Vampires have specific traits that identify them as being of a �family� or �race�, known as a Clan The main Clans are listed below but there are others which are less well known:- Brujah � Primarily rebels, fighters, or anarchists. Some are more political, all are temperamental Caitiff � The �chaff� of vampires. They aren�t really part of any Clan and are dis-regarded by most Gangrel � Travelers, loners and shapeshifters. They are closer to all things natural Malkvians � Incurably insane, though not in a funny way. Nosferatu � Ugly, sewer dwellers. They are often secretive and gather information for trade or sale Toreador � Artistic, but often shallow and materialistic. They are normally very sociable Tremere � Magicians and ritualists. They are loyal to each other, but often cunning and devious Ventrue � The politicians and power-brokers. They often want to take charge of things The Elysium The Elysium is the Vampire meeting house. Acts of violence are forbidden, as is damage to the property. All present are expected to act respectfully and politely at all times, on pain of death. Some Vampires are more important than others, and are said to have more Status. They should be more respected than others. The Keeper of Elysium makes sure that people behave, and the Harpy makes sure Status is obeyed |
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