I have always found that a sign of a great gaming session is how quickly time passes and this last Sunday, the time just flew! After a break we once again stepped into Vegas and it's cast of characters.
Due to the break, the game picked up a year from the last session. To get back into character, Lana sent out emails asking what our characters would have done in that time, what aspects we would want to change, and what skills and stunts we would like. She also sent out a general "state of the city' email. So, that is where I will begin.
Instead of being satisfied with the point system (though that is still in place and used), occasionally "accidents" will happen to a few people. The faerie courts have not been quiet, especially as their population has expanded almost exponentially as changelings have either flocked to the city or been discovered to have been in the city. Literally overnight both faerie courts have become major powers, and seem reinvigorated. As mentioned above, they are locked in conflict with the Skavis branch of the White Court vampires, as they are expanding into Skavis' territory to the north... again, almost at an exponential rate. Over the summer, Skavis seemed to be holding his own, but when Halloween hit, there was a massive influx of faeries as many, if not all, of the changelings in the city made their Choice and became fae.
The pixies formed their own kingdom, more or less, with King Jenks calling it the "Court of All Seasons". They do tasks for people for a price, and the King seems pretty canny on what jobs to take, and what ones not to take. They've kept a low profile, but it's not uncommon to see them flitting back and forth.
During the summer, The Call of the Wild hotel & casino finished construction, which is a jungle/wilds theme adult amusement park. For those in the know, it's owned by the shifters in general and has an additional add-on underneath, which is rumored to be a gladiatorial arena where people fight to the death.
With Max and Shade marrying, Max seemed to calm down quite a bit and grow into his role as a liaison between Marcone's freehold in Chicago and the freehold of Vegas. He and Uriel hate each other, but put aside their differences to work on business first. The drug trade has also increased in Vegas, mostly likely due to the Red Court's absence. However, there are still rumors of a 'red club' or 'red chess court' and sometimes even 'red court' going on, and investigative reporter Mitch Mitchell has been to Vegas many times, reporting on the mysterious organization, which he believes is responsible for underground slave trading.
That's rather unusual as there has been a massive influx of supernaturals into town, of all types, most of which feed on humans (of course). While they have been informed of the rules, the strong arm of the Board has been busy keeping order. Missing persons cases have been being closed at a record rate, with many children and young adults being found safe and returned to their parents.
Two factions have kept their own in relative order, though, those being Skavis and Malvora. All new Malvora vampires simply go to the Academy and stay, or don't find the lifestyle to their choosing and leave. All new Skavis family members--not that many of them migrate to Vegas being busy elsewhere--end up staying, quite contentedly. There were rumors that Frederick was going to marry Melinda Raith, but in late September, it was announced that Frederick Skavis and Penelope Malvora were engaged (and threw an immensely huge and more than a bit gothic engagement party). More rumors say that Drusilla is ready to step down as the head of the Malvora clan and Penny is due to take her place, but those are unsubstantiated. The Malvoras have been trying to treat with the fae courts to back off of Skavis, but so far little headway has been made. The Raiths seem to be staying out of any conflicts, and the head of the House Melinda simply watches.
With alliances between factions, the board members have been arguing both for and against melding different factions and shrinking the governing body of Vegas. Nothing has been done about that yet though. They seem to be busy trying to keep the White Council out of Vegas, though it's impossible. A few White Council wizards have been spotted here and there throughout, but they mind their manners and don't go out of their way to cause trouble. Trouble finds them though, as many of the sorcerers resent their presence and go out of their way to make any stay uncomfortable for the wizards. Most of the sorcerers, no matter what cabal they belong to, are downright hostile to the wizards, and they've been refused service in many places, some wizards being banned from the strip entirely.
The Spades have been kept busy putting Vegas' collective foot down for troublemakers. Generally, Robert only asks the Spades keep order subtly, at their own discretion. Only when a bigger problem arrives does he ask them directly to do something. Although nothing "big" has happened, there are plenty of smaller disputes and problems to keep their hands full simply diffusing situations.
With all those new arrivals, the Nevernever has taken on some flavors which were not there before, seeming to take a darker turn. The faerie courts are brighter than ever though, but inbetween them in the Vegas Nevernever lays a dark mist. The massive ley line along the strip is, of course, noticeable and used for navigation, but if one steps off the path, they have only their own luck and skill to get them through to get out alive and unscathed. The corollary here is that Vegas is slightly darker as well, as one side of the veil reflects the other, and vice versa. A cloud of tension hangs over the city.
Wyatt has kept a low profile, and somehow manages to continue to be undetected. He's adopted a dog, a mutt, and just works, when he's not out in the desert tracing exactly where his boundaries are, physically. He's easy to get ahold of, and is generally more than willing to help out in what ways he can. Every once in a while, he says he sees or feels something watching him, but he can never pinpoint where or who.
The city is not the only thing in a state of flux. Each of our cabal has also been busy, in one way or another.
Brandon spent most of his year pissing people off, which wasn't too surprising. His apprentice Skip found a girlfriend and found out what happens when your girlfriend and your mentor dislike each other. Things became even more tense when Skip decided to tell Elizabeth about his being a wizard. Brandon objected strenuously and physically. Things are still very unsettled between the two men.
Brandon had even less luck with women. After a successful insemination (at least as far as she was concerned), Helena proposed to Brandon that he continue his stud duties. Brandon found that idea not to his liking. When telling her so in true Brandon fashion, he was less then diplomatic. In fact, he was rather insulting. Whatever Autumn favor he had rapidly declined at that point.
Apprentices and female Fey were not the only people Brandon had to contend with during the year. He received offers of affiliation from both the Vegas sorcerer factions and the White Council. Already being a Spade he declined both, the White Council a bit more forcefully then the city magic users.
Neil (Jay didn't give out much information about how Neil spent his year, so most of what I am putting here is a bit speculative. I have a vague idea of what he did but nothing too concrete. If I am way off base and either Jay or Lana reads this, please let me know!) spent a good part of the year traveling about playing poker. When in Vegas, he spent much of his time setting up his new office and making his rounds. He seemed to make some sort of deal involving the Pixies and the sewers. He also set up a new version of the "Red Court" (this is blatant OC knowledge but I am putting it in because I am sure it will be big in game). Right now, the existence of the group is only rumor.
Shade's year was very busy. She shocked more then a few people when she stepped down as Phillip's Autumn Lady. Phillip was NOT happy about it but with some fast talking, Shade managed to keep any bad feelings at bay. She maintained contact with the Freemont Experience liaison Marissa. With Freemont rapidly expanding, she also brought in another tattoo artist/piercer for her shop.
Shade kept in touch with Neil, Brandon, Skip, and Wyatt. She also started to spend more time at the Historical Society talking with Patience. King Jenks of the Pixies tried to extort more money and goods from Shade but she managed to keep the deal between them as first started.
On a more personal note, Shade and Max did get married. For awhile it seemed like Shade would be a runaway bride due to a few issues. Max being a mortal would have a normal lifespan. Shade being a wizard would live for hundreds of years. She wasn't sure if she could stand the pain of watching him grow old, die, and then spend the rest of her years missing him. However, true love trumped whatever fears she had about a mortal and a wizard being together. The wedding was perfect. The bride was beautiful. The groom was nervous and handsome. The reception was classy, elegant, unique and fun was had by all who attended. They have been married for about six months and are very happy.
That pretty much brings everything up to date and the second part of this post will deal with game session proper.
Due to the break, the game picked up a year from the last session. To get back into character, Lana sent out emails asking what our characters would have done in that time, what aspects we would want to change, and what skills and stunts we would like. She also sent out a general "state of the city' email. So, that is where I will begin.
In the last year, the political climate and situations in Vegas changed dramatically. Uriel has held onto his position as Chairman of the Board by his teeth, through some protests of the different factions from time to time. It sometimes seems like he doesn't want the position, but Locke has declined to retake the position and no one else seems to want it. He more or less has been able to negotiate truces/peace treaties with different factions of the supernatural world, cementing Vegas' "neutral spot" reputation and enforced by written treaties. However, infighting within Vegas has reached an all new high, especially between Skavis and the faerie courts.
Instead of being satisfied with the point system (though that is still in place and used), occasionally "accidents" will happen to a few people. The faerie courts have not been quiet, especially as their population has expanded almost exponentially as changelings have either flocked to the city or been discovered to have been in the city. Literally overnight both faerie courts have become major powers, and seem reinvigorated. As mentioned above, they are locked in conflict with the Skavis branch of the White Court vampires, as they are expanding into Skavis' territory to the north... again, almost at an exponential rate. Over the summer, Skavis seemed to be holding his own, but when Halloween hit, there was a massive influx of faeries as many, if not all, of the changelings in the city made their Choice and became fae.
The pixies formed their own kingdom, more or less, with King Jenks calling it the "Court of All Seasons". They do tasks for people for a price, and the King seems pretty canny on what jobs to take, and what ones not to take. They've kept a low profile, but it's not uncommon to see them flitting back and forth.
During the summer, The Call of the Wild hotel & casino finished construction, which is a jungle/wilds theme adult amusement park. For those in the know, it's owned by the shifters in general and has an additional add-on underneath, which is rumored to be a gladiatorial arena where people fight to the death.
With Max and Shade marrying, Max seemed to calm down quite a bit and grow into his role as a liaison between Marcone's freehold in Chicago and the freehold of Vegas. He and Uriel hate each other, but put aside their differences to work on business first. The drug trade has also increased in Vegas, mostly likely due to the Red Court's absence. However, there are still rumors of a 'red club' or 'red chess court' and sometimes even 'red court' going on, and investigative reporter Mitch Mitchell has been to Vegas many times, reporting on the mysterious organization, which he believes is responsible for underground slave trading.
That's rather unusual as there has been a massive influx of supernaturals into town, of all types, most of which feed on humans (of course). While they have been informed of the rules, the strong arm of the Board has been busy keeping order. Missing persons cases have been being closed at a record rate, with many children and young adults being found safe and returned to their parents.
Two factions have kept their own in relative order, though, those being Skavis and Malvora. All new Malvora vampires simply go to the Academy and stay, or don't find the lifestyle to their choosing and leave. All new Skavis family members--not that many of them migrate to Vegas being busy elsewhere--end up staying, quite contentedly. There were rumors that Frederick was going to marry Melinda Raith, but in late September, it was announced that Frederick Skavis and Penelope Malvora were engaged (and threw an immensely huge and more than a bit gothic engagement party). More rumors say that Drusilla is ready to step down as the head of the Malvora clan and Penny is due to take her place, but those are unsubstantiated. The Malvoras have been trying to treat with the fae courts to back off of Skavis, but so far little headway has been made. The Raiths seem to be staying out of any conflicts, and the head of the House Melinda simply watches.
With alliances between factions, the board members have been arguing both for and against melding different factions and shrinking the governing body of Vegas. Nothing has been done about that yet though. They seem to be busy trying to keep the White Council out of Vegas, though it's impossible. A few White Council wizards have been spotted here and there throughout, but they mind their manners and don't go out of their way to cause trouble. Trouble finds them though, as many of the sorcerers resent their presence and go out of their way to make any stay uncomfortable for the wizards. Most of the sorcerers, no matter what cabal they belong to, are downright hostile to the wizards, and they've been refused service in many places, some wizards being banned from the strip entirely.
The Spades have been kept busy putting Vegas' collective foot down for troublemakers. Generally, Robert only asks the Spades keep order subtly, at their own discretion. Only when a bigger problem arrives does he ask them directly to do something. Although nothing "big" has happened, there are plenty of smaller disputes and problems to keep their hands full simply diffusing situations.
With all those new arrivals, the Nevernever has taken on some flavors which were not there before, seeming to take a darker turn. The faerie courts are brighter than ever though, but inbetween them in the Vegas Nevernever lays a dark mist. The massive ley line along the strip is, of course, noticeable and used for navigation, but if one steps off the path, they have only their own luck and skill to get them through to get out alive and unscathed. The corollary here is that Vegas is slightly darker as well, as one side of the veil reflects the other, and vice versa. A cloud of tension hangs over the city.
Wyatt has kept a low profile, and somehow manages to continue to be undetected. He's adopted a dog, a mutt, and just works, when he's not out in the desert tracing exactly where his boundaries are, physically. He's easy to get ahold of, and is generally more than willing to help out in what ways he can. Every once in a while, he says he sees or feels something watching him, but he can never pinpoint where or who.
The city is not the only thing in a state of flux. Each of our cabal has also been busy, in one way or another.
Brandon spent most of his year pissing people off, which wasn't too surprising. His apprentice Skip found a girlfriend and found out what happens when your girlfriend and your mentor dislike each other. Things became even more tense when Skip decided to tell Elizabeth about his being a wizard. Brandon objected strenuously and physically. Things are still very unsettled between the two men.
Brandon had even less luck with women. After a successful insemination (at least as far as she was concerned), Helena proposed to Brandon that he continue his stud duties. Brandon found that idea not to his liking. When telling her so in true Brandon fashion, he was less then diplomatic. In fact, he was rather insulting. Whatever Autumn favor he had rapidly declined at that point.
Apprentices and female Fey were not the only people Brandon had to contend with during the year. He received offers of affiliation from both the Vegas sorcerer factions and the White Council. Already being a Spade he declined both, the White Council a bit more forcefully then the city magic users.
Neil (Jay didn't give out much information about how Neil spent his year, so most of what I am putting here is a bit speculative. I have a vague idea of what he did but nothing too concrete. If I am way off base and either Jay or Lana reads this, please let me know!) spent a good part of the year traveling about playing poker. When in Vegas, he spent much of his time setting up his new office and making his rounds. He seemed to make some sort of deal involving the Pixies and the sewers. He also set up a new version of the "Red Court" (this is blatant OC knowledge but I am putting it in because I am sure it will be big in game). Right now, the existence of the group is only rumor.
Shade's year was very busy. She shocked more then a few people when she stepped down as Phillip's Autumn Lady. Phillip was NOT happy about it but with some fast talking, Shade managed to keep any bad feelings at bay. She maintained contact with the Freemont Experience liaison Marissa. With Freemont rapidly expanding, she also brought in another tattoo artist/piercer for her shop.
Shade kept in touch with Neil, Brandon, Skip, and Wyatt. She also started to spend more time at the Historical Society talking with Patience. King Jenks of the Pixies tried to extort more money and goods from Shade but she managed to keep the deal between them as first started.
On a more personal note, Shade and Max did get married. For awhile it seemed like Shade would be a runaway bride due to a few issues. Max being a mortal would have a normal lifespan. Shade being a wizard would live for hundreds of years. She wasn't sure if she could stand the pain of watching him grow old, die, and then spend the rest of her years missing him. However, true love trumped whatever fears she had about a mortal and a wizard being together. The wedding was perfect. The bride was beautiful. The groom was nervous and handsome. The reception was classy, elegant, unique and fun was had by all who attended. They have been married for about six months and are very happy.
That pretty much brings everything up to date and the second part of this post will deal with game session proper.
No comments:
Post a Comment