Before we begin, I should explain some things. My character, Owen, is a member of House Asteria, a centuries old Family of Vampires who are founded by three Siblings: Ramiel, Phoebe and Rhona. Through the centuries, they have politicked, enjoyed, and experienced so much as they became mainstays of the Circle of the Crone, the political body of pagan Vampires. Owen is the childe of Genevieve Asteria, who is herself the Childe or Ramiel. Owen was Embraced in the mid 1920's, is a member of the Circle himself, and is also a Khaibit. Khaibit are a rare form of vampire who are able to manipulate and even become living shadows. Owen's Khaibit mentor has manipulated and guided Owen through covert and overt measures for decades, with Owen's instruction coming to a head by being tortured for months and left to fend for himself.
In New York, the City is on the brink of war. Vampires of Belial's Brood, a chaotic cult of Devil Worshippers, have infested Long Island and consistently breach the borders into the City proper. Owen, who was made Seneschal (think Chief of Staff) for the Prince of New York, Maria Lorraine. While Maria was away and Owen given nominal Praxis of New York, it was decided that War were to be declared against the Brood. It was also that night that Owen was to learn his mentor is in Long Island, or at the very least another vampire like him. The Asteria are very much aware that Owen is willing and able to go into Long Island, which is a chaotic nightmare for Vampires, to hunt them down and have made very loud noises to stop him.
A month passes, April to May. I come in to game after dinner, where I meet Jenna, the player for Maria Lorraine. She came up to me and said "So I'd like to start off the game by giving up Praxis to Owen."
I blinked, we had discussed this happening for a while ICly and OOCly, but we hadn't nailed anything down. We agreed to hold off, because Genevieve, Owen's Sire and Harpy (think Court Reporter meets a Gossip Columnist and Social Demagogue. Then add Fangs) isn't there and this is something that should be recorded and should have someone to play Social Referee in case shit goes weird. We agree and hold off until Genevieve can arrive. I come in to game as Owen and approach Owen's aunt, Phoebe. Phoebe is one of Owen's teachers and out of most of the family one of the people Owen trusts. Owen tells her that Maria Lorraine intends to step down that night. Phoebe, and her player Margaret, blink.
"We need a family meeting, right now" She says, both of her, Phoebe AND Margaret.
We grab the members of the Family in attendance. Myself, Phoebe, Ramiel, Rhona, and Owen's cousin (and Prince of Oneonta) James. Owen unites them and then explains what is to happen. There is general shock, especially from Ramiel, who isn't a fan of the rather large and already present Asteria gaining any more overt power. Becoming Prince of New York, arguably the most influential City currently existing on God's Green Earth, qualifies as having more overt power.
A lot of things were said there in the initial reaction. Too many for me to remember. Ramiel was aghast, and immediately spoke of people readying to declare that the Asteria wished to declare Imperia, Dynastic rule of the NorthEastern Region. Rhona, on the other hand, had other thoughts. Apparently, during the time that Owen had been away at 'Summer Camp', being tortured and instructed in the Khaibit Arts by his psychotic Ra's-al-ghul-was-a-rank-amateur Mentor, Juniper (Owen's cousin, Rhona's daughter, and a somewhat insane dreamseer) had a dream of Owen.
There was a lot of fire, a lot of death, and Owen was the bringer of most of it. I have the whole thing on my computer, because my ST is a vicious bastard and my writing partner and wanted to share. I know the omen, Owen only knows that something has gotten people spooked. Apparently, Owen is a stand in for Fenrir, the wolf of Darkness and the beast the cracks off Ragnarok and the death of the Gods. By Gods, we mean the Founders.
Oh fun.
Owen got the liner notes from Rhona, which left nothing to make Owen any more comfortable with things to come. It was decided that if Owen wished it (and very darkly, he did) then the family would give him their blessing. From there, Owen just had to wait out the night, wait for Genevieve, and also get a hold of his allies.
His main ally is Johanne Fleischer, Viceroy Johanne Fleischer of the Invictus. To describe the Invictus, well, they are the Nobility. They have vassals, lieges, and courtly traditions. They are civilization in the face of vampiric inhumanity. And Johanne is the Final Word for the Invictus in the NorthEast. Johanne is a Nosferatu, a rare form called a Caporetti that was prone to freezing things at a touch and for stoic efficiency. He's a civilized killer, much like Owen. Owen spilled things out to Johanne, and his goals to appoint Johanne as Herald. Herald is like the Vice President, ultimately they do nothing unless the top office becomes vacant. Owen did this for several reasons, 1) because Johanne is his ally; 2) because Johanne is one of the few vampires in the City Owen trusts not to attempt to stab him in the back, but rather go for the chest 3) because it would help keep the OTHER invictus off his tits, and possibly put more of them to work for the City.
Of course, just as Owen's about to give that pitch, Ramiel appears and informs him that he has spoken to House Bari, an Invictus Family that has long been allied with the Asteria, and that they support Owen's Praxis in return for Status and the title of Herald.
Owen loves his family. He has to in a real sense. He is a Khaibit, a servant in the same way Samurai serve. They are spies and killers and administrators. Owen serves House Asteria, and he loves them all very deeply.
That does not mean he likes them all of the time.
Later on, when Owen encountered Ramiel and asked for further details, the title had changed to something else. This has lead to an ongoing discussion as Owen sets his Court in order.
While also discussing with Ramiel, Owen lets it out of his fear. He is afraid, he is afraid that this is exactly what he wants and that he's afraid that this is all playing into the hands of his Mentor/Torturer. He explains to Ramiel that Khaibit are servants, but he clarifies that Khaibit don't have to serve people, they can serve an idea. Owen is aware that his mentor is the latter, and that his Machiavellian schemes are being played like 3d chess, and all the moves Owen can make are to his advantage. Owen taking Praxis is in part Owen's way of preparing the City, because Owen realizes that while his mentor is on Long Island, he isn't part of the Brood. If anything, he's using the Brood for his own purposes.
This entire meeting happened on the fire escape of the studio we were playing in, the night giving way to darkness and a light pattering of rain hitting us as we take the night air. It added a lot to the scene, giving it a more naked and vulnerable feeling. Owen, being something of a cthonic figure, definitely felt more comfortable in the darkness and away from the light. Most of his meetings took place behind a heavy black curtain. He did this as much for privacy as much as the fact that anyone dumb enough to challenge a Shadowmancer in a darkened corner is someone Darwin would have just handed the Award to.
Other meetings that happened in waiting for Genevieve's arrival included Maria Lorraine, keeping her apprised of several things. As they were talking and sharing in one of the few candid moments, Owen and Maria kissed. I haven't really done romantic scenes in larps, mostly because I'm awkward with them in real life. But things had gotten intense, and Owen's main Vice is Lust. So I went out of character and Narrated to Jenna that Owen kisses Maria. She in turn narrated that Maria returned it and added her own. It had become clear throughout the night that the two of them would be seeking relationship devoid of business and more towards pleasure.
Around this time, Genevieve arrived, with the rest of the Asteria. Owen's Uncle (and some times Lover) Nikolas and Owen's cousin Adwin (aka Winny) Asteria, along with her Ghoul, nicknamed "Roomba" or "Futon", arrived with her. Owen guided them and the family as well back into an empty corridor (which thanks to the people in the building we were playing game, definitely had the nice druggy smell of a real Asteria meeting) and reiterated what he had said before. No one was really surprised, if anything Genevieve was expecting it, continuing a long history of Owen and Genevieve just being complete assholes to each other.
Of all the other members, Owen was most interested in Winny's reaction. The month before, when it became clear that Owen was going to War with the Brood, Winny had gentle taken him aside and said, in her utmost sincerity and unabashed commanding tone that she refused to let Owen go into battle alone. This would have been fine, Owen had fielded a similar scene with Ramiel the same night, except that Owen and Adwin up to that point hadn't really interacted in a serious way. Owen and Adwin loved each other in a light, somewhat shallow fashion. They'd talk and flirt, they'd make jokes and snide comebacks at each other. Their first scene together involved Adwin jumping on Owen's back for a piggyback ride. This outburst, and the scene in of itself, marked a very large beat change for them both. It was one of the more heated scenes I had ever taken part in, made all the more possible because Adwin's player, Jill, is not one to pull her punches. It ended with Owen confused and angry, and with Adwin angry and shouting at him at how important he is. The conversation was set to continue
That conversation didn't continue until a month later, when Owen announced his ascension. Eventually, Owen took her aside, back onto the darkened Fire Escape, and asked her if there was going to be any problems. She said there weren't. They discussed their situations on a fire escape with a light drizzle hitting them. And the two of them came to an understanding, that the two of them genuinely do care for each other. Even in a Family of Vampires, genuine love is rare. It'll be interesting to see where that goes, if anywhere.
The night continued. Owen, Genevieve and Maria convened to coordinate her abdication to the Throne. After announcements were made, including a tie in to the North East convention later this month, Maria Lorraine made hers. As far as transitions of Praxis are concerned, I think this one was the most amiable I've ever heard of. She handed it off, taking a smaller office with some lands attached, and going off to enjoy the rest of her nights, which apparently would include Owen, and very little clothing.
So, there I was, and there Owen was. And the Court of New York applauded him. He spoke of the coming war with the Brood, he spoke of New York and it's importance. He spoke of hard times and he made promises to do right by them.
And then, Ramiel stood up and said, very clearly.
"The Circle of the Crone support Prince Owen Asteria,"
There was a pause, or at least I remember a pause. And then another voice rose up.
"The Carthian movement supports Prince Owen Asteria."
Another voice rose,
"House Bari supports Prince Owen Asteria."
Another, this time Adwin
"The Unaligned supports Prince Owen Asteria."
another,
"The Lancea Sanctum supports Prince Owen Asteria."
Chills flooded me that moment. It's one of those "you had to have been there moments" I had been there, and both my character and I shared a moment of surrealness. This was a scene most people saw in movies and books, it was something that most Vampire Players dream of doing. My Character had been made Prince, and in the most theatrical way was accepted by the Court. I talk of the Mythic aspects of Larping, and I talk of Bleed. After all that had gone on that night, that was the crescendo to a full evening. Four hours of pure roleplay, with little-to-no-stops, and with experiences from nearly everyone in the room. It was a thrill and a joy.
Now that Owen is Prince, and is the first and last line of most of the intrigue, it's only going to get better/worse from here.
Hopefully I'll have more to report on that soon,
Later
Oh fun.
Owen got the liner notes from Rhona, which left nothing to make Owen any more comfortable with things to come. It was decided that if Owen wished it (and very darkly, he did) then the family would give him their blessing. From there, Owen just had to wait out the night, wait for Genevieve, and also get a hold of his allies.
His main ally is Johanne Fleischer, Viceroy Johanne Fleischer of the Invictus. To describe the Invictus, well, they are the Nobility. They have vassals, lieges, and courtly traditions. They are civilization in the face of vampiric inhumanity. And Johanne is the Final Word for the Invictus in the NorthEast. Johanne is a Nosferatu, a rare form called a Caporetti that was prone to freezing things at a touch and for stoic efficiency. He's a civilized killer, much like Owen. Owen spilled things out to Johanne, and his goals to appoint Johanne as Herald. Herald is like the Vice President, ultimately they do nothing unless the top office becomes vacant. Owen did this for several reasons, 1) because Johanne is his ally; 2) because Johanne is one of the few vampires in the City Owen trusts not to attempt to stab him in the back, but rather go for the chest 3) because it would help keep the OTHER invictus off his tits, and possibly put more of them to work for the City.
Of course, just as Owen's about to give that pitch, Ramiel appears and informs him that he has spoken to House Bari, an Invictus Family that has long been allied with the Asteria, and that they support Owen's Praxis in return for Status and the title of Herald.
Owen loves his family. He has to in a real sense. He is a Khaibit, a servant in the same way Samurai serve. They are spies and killers and administrators. Owen serves House Asteria, and he loves them all very deeply.
That does not mean he likes them all of the time.
Later on, when Owen encountered Ramiel and asked for further details, the title had changed to something else. This has lead to an ongoing discussion as Owen sets his Court in order.
While also discussing with Ramiel, Owen lets it out of his fear. He is afraid, he is afraid that this is exactly what he wants and that he's afraid that this is all playing into the hands of his Mentor/Torturer. He explains to Ramiel that Khaibit are servants, but he clarifies that Khaibit don't have to serve people, they can serve an idea. Owen is aware that his mentor is the latter, and that his Machiavellian schemes are being played like 3d chess, and all the moves Owen can make are to his advantage. Owen taking Praxis is in part Owen's way of preparing the City, because Owen realizes that while his mentor is on Long Island, he isn't part of the Brood. If anything, he's using the Brood for his own purposes.
This entire meeting happened on the fire escape of the studio we were playing in, the night giving way to darkness and a light pattering of rain hitting us as we take the night air. It added a lot to the scene, giving it a more naked and vulnerable feeling. Owen, being something of a cthonic figure, definitely felt more comfortable in the darkness and away from the light. Most of his meetings took place behind a heavy black curtain. He did this as much for privacy as much as the fact that anyone dumb enough to challenge a Shadowmancer in a darkened corner is someone Darwin would have just handed the Award to.
Other meetings that happened in waiting for Genevieve's arrival included Maria Lorraine, keeping her apprised of several things. As they were talking and sharing in one of the few candid moments, Owen and Maria kissed. I haven't really done romantic scenes in larps, mostly because I'm awkward with them in real life. But things had gotten intense, and Owen's main Vice is Lust. So I went out of character and Narrated to Jenna that Owen kisses Maria. She in turn narrated that Maria returned it and added her own. It had become clear throughout the night that the two of them would be seeking relationship devoid of business and more towards pleasure.
Around this time, Genevieve arrived, with the rest of the Asteria. Owen's Uncle (and some times Lover) Nikolas and Owen's cousin Adwin (aka Winny) Asteria, along with her Ghoul, nicknamed "Roomba" or "Futon", arrived with her. Owen guided them and the family as well back into an empty corridor (which thanks to the people in the building we were playing game, definitely had the nice druggy smell of a real Asteria meeting) and reiterated what he had said before. No one was really surprised, if anything Genevieve was expecting it, continuing a long history of Owen and Genevieve just being complete assholes to each other.
Of all the other members, Owen was most interested in Winny's reaction. The month before, when it became clear that Owen was going to War with the Brood, Winny had gentle taken him aside and said, in her utmost sincerity and unabashed commanding tone that she refused to let Owen go into battle alone. This would have been fine, Owen had fielded a similar scene with Ramiel the same night, except that Owen and Adwin up to that point hadn't really interacted in a serious way. Owen and Adwin loved each other in a light, somewhat shallow fashion. They'd talk and flirt, they'd make jokes and snide comebacks at each other. Their first scene together involved Adwin jumping on Owen's back for a piggyback ride. This outburst, and the scene in of itself, marked a very large beat change for them both. It was one of the more heated scenes I had ever taken part in, made all the more possible because Adwin's player, Jill, is not one to pull her punches. It ended with Owen confused and angry, and with Adwin angry and shouting at him at how important he is. The conversation was set to continue
That conversation didn't continue until a month later, when Owen announced his ascension. Eventually, Owen took her aside, back onto the darkened Fire Escape, and asked her if there was going to be any problems. She said there weren't. They discussed their situations on a fire escape with a light drizzle hitting them. And the two of them came to an understanding, that the two of them genuinely do care for each other. Even in a Family of Vampires, genuine love is rare. It'll be interesting to see where that goes, if anywhere.
The night continued. Owen, Genevieve and Maria convened to coordinate her abdication to the Throne. After announcements were made, including a tie in to the North East convention later this month, Maria Lorraine made hers. As far as transitions of Praxis are concerned, I think this one was the most amiable I've ever heard of. She handed it off, taking a smaller office with some lands attached, and going off to enjoy the rest of her nights, which apparently would include Owen, and very little clothing.
So, there I was, and there Owen was. And the Court of New York applauded him. He spoke of the coming war with the Brood, he spoke of New York and it's importance. He spoke of hard times and he made promises to do right by them.
And then, Ramiel stood up and said, very clearly.
"The Circle of the Crone support Prince Owen Asteria,"
There was a pause, or at least I remember a pause. And then another voice rose up.
"The Carthian movement supports Prince Owen Asteria."
Another voice rose,
"House Bari supports Prince Owen Asteria."
Another, this time Adwin
"The Unaligned supports Prince Owen Asteria."
another,
"The Lancea Sanctum supports Prince Owen Asteria."
Chills flooded me that moment. It's one of those "you had to have been there moments" I had been there, and both my character and I shared a moment of surrealness. This was a scene most people saw in movies and books, it was something that most Vampire Players dream of doing. My Character had been made Prince, and in the most theatrical way was accepted by the Court. I talk of the Mythic aspects of Larping, and I talk of Bleed. After all that had gone on that night, that was the crescendo to a full evening. Four hours of pure roleplay, with little-to-no-stops, and with experiences from nearly everyone in the room. It was a thrill and a joy.
Now that Owen is Prince, and is the first and last line of most of the intrigue, it's only going to get better/worse from here.
Hopefully I'll have more to report on that soon,
Later
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