- Invitation Status
- Looking for partners
- Posting Speed
- One post per day
- Multiple posts per week
- 1-3 posts per week
- One post per week
- Online Availability
- varies
- Writing Levels
- Adept
- Advanced
- Prestige
- Adaptable
- Preferred Character Gender
- No Preferences
- Genres
- low/high fantasy, medieval fantasy, historical fantasy, sci-fi, cyberpunk, solarpunk, grimdark, gothic-horror, supernatural themes, limited fandoms, adventure
Unorganized info dump as promised. I'm sorry I'm taking so long getting the OOC up, but I ended up doing way more planning than I thought I would. Hang in there.
You may use the information to think of a character, but please do not start submitting character sheets until I post the OOC. If you are interested in playing a character I have listed as an NPC, please let me know! Obviously, they will be more thoroughly developed, and if someone has a similar character concept, an NPC may be omitted.
Basic Rundown:
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy, Supernatural Elements, Gothic, Horror Elements
Keywords: Vampires, Drama, Scandal, Action, Murder
Writing Level: Advanced
Posting Frequency: Moderate to Slow (1x weekly)
Searching For: Co-GM and interested players
Restrictions: 18+ preferred
Plot Idea:
The story would be set in a place reminiscent of England in the mid-1700s. The majority of the family/bloodline would likely reside within a country estate or manor, overseen by the Grand Sire—the matriarch or patriarch of the family. Beneath him/her would likely be a few older members of the family, helping to oversee familial proceedings, accounts, and the selection and initiation of new members. The family would also own establishments within the nearest city, where many of the family members could spend time, conduct any business or affairs, and hunt. The family would be one of wealth, with the Grand Sire being very old and very prosperous, having long ago established themselves. Needless to say, the family has lived in comfort and with little competition from other bloodlines or supernatural beings.
Lately, however, there has been unusual activity both in the city and the countryside, and the Grand Sire of the family is missing. The family has begun to bicker and some have begun vying for power, despite many believing that the Grand Sire will return.
Concerning Vampires
Vampires have reflections, and they rather like looking in mirrors. Vampires can swim and are perfectly capable of crossing running water. They have no aversion to religious relics or symbols, but many do find them to be rather tawdry. Holy water will do nothing more than get them wet. No one smells great swathed in garlic, but it's not going to deter a vampire from attacking. They may, however, try to avoid conversation if you've consumed large amounts of it. The only aversion vampires have to silver is in the form of gaudy jewelry or décor. Whatever you've heard about vampires and the aforementioned wives' tales, they simply aren't true. Actually, many vampires perpetuate these myths, as it makes the common folk much less suspicious of them, and it's not uncommon for a vampire to ensure that they're glimpsed in a mirror or strolling over a bridge.
There are, however, stories that are true.
Vampires cannot go about in the sun. Place a vampire in direct sun in the middle of the day, and in less than a minute you'll have a burnt, bloody, scab of a corpse. There is no elegant turning to ash or instant vaporization. Burning is a painful, blistering, graphic death. Dawn and dusk are, fortunately, more forgiving. Vampires can go about in the indirect light for brief periods, so long as no direct sunlight touches them. Should they stay out for more than thirty minutes or so, they will slowly start to burn. Much longer than an hour and they are going to be in some serious and probably debilitating pain. Once the sun is properly up, it simply isn't safe for a vampire to be out of doors. When the sun is setting and its light is weak, a vampire might wander outside if they can remain in the shadows. Even in fading sun, a vampire only has about five minutes of survival time—and half of that will be spent on the ground, writhing in pain as they burn. (If you want to inflict a slow and torturous death, sunrise and sunset are the way to go. Just make sure you time them well.)
Vampires do have to be given permission to enter a home or they simply cannot cross the threshold (or enter windows or whathaveyou). No one is sure exactly what governs this unusual rule, but most vampires regard it as a sense of etiquette and embrace it. The same does not hold true for shops or establishments that are not considered a home, and a vampire may enter as a patron unbidden by the owner or proprietor. In the event a vampire wishes to enter a shop or public house where individuals live or are staying, the vampire may enter the public area, however they may not cross into living areas or private rooms (inns) unless they are invited.
For whatever reason, a wooden stake through the heart negates a vampire's abilities. While a stake is embedded in the heart, a vampire falls into a comatose state. Upon the removal of the stake, the vampire will reawaken, though it will take them considerable time and several feedings to restore their former strength and abilities.
Vampires heal very quickly, though this ability is dependent upon how recently they've fed. More blood equates to faster healing. They are able to recover from dismemberment and even decapitation, but it will take time and they will need considerable amounts of blood to recover from the latter.
While many vampires prefer to sleep in elegant coffins, some prefer beds. At the estate, the majority of the residents tend toward beds, as the bedchambers have been appropriately draped and covered to ensure safety during the daylight hours. There are some vampires that prefer the close quarters and complete darkness of a coffin and, when staying in an unfamiliar or unsecured place, coffins are highly recommended.
All vampires possess slightly enhanced speed and strength in comparison to a standard human, but nothing to great excess. Each vampire, upon turning, has a power that manifests itself. Some are given vastly increased speed, incredible strength, hypnosis, partial invisibility, etc. Some vampires have similar gifts, while others are truly unique.
Vampires are also capable of transforming into a nocturnal animal. They are not limited to bats, though winged animals are preferred to aid in travel. Mastering this ability takes extensive practice, and not every vampire uses it regularly—or at all.
Vampires need blood to live. At the barest minimum, a vampire needs to feed twice a month-- and that is to maintain a semblance of functionality. Vampires who prefer to do as little hunting as possible feed once a week, which is enough to comfortably maintain their powers and quality of life. Other vampires who enjoy hunting or have easily available sources will feed twice a week. Still others, who are more indulgent and live for the thrill of a hunt, feed almost every night. If a vampire is injured or in the process of healing, the need blood every night for several days in a row—depending upon the severity of their injury. Often, if one of the family is injured and at the estate, they remain in bed while blood is brought to them to help them recover quickly. Drinking blood from a dead creature will not kill a vampire, though if the blood has already coagulated, it is of no sustenance; the texture is also a nightmare. If a vampire drinks the blood of another vampire, they receive little to no sustenance from it, but it does result in a sort of intoxication.
Vampires do age, but very slowly. Age works roughly on a basis of ten; for example, if a vampire lived to 600, they would be around 60 in human years. They may look "good for their age" but vampires will slowly age, and their abilities will slowly wane. When they start looking to be in their 50s-60s, they visibly stop aging. If they take care of themselves, their health and abilities will not decline further. However, if they feed too often or not often enough, or if they become careless or fail to take care of their physical bodies, they will continue to decline.
Because vampires age so slowly and in a way different than humans, it is strictly forbidden to turn a child. Yes, a child would very slowly age, but they would only ever reach the size of a young teenager. The body, once turned, is unable to produce enough hormones for the child to go through puberty, and would never reach full maturity. While no one in the family is to create vampires except the Grand Sire, it would be an even greater sin to turn a child. If a child is turned, by one family or another, the child must be destroyed—along with the vampire who created it. The same is said for any children conceived between a vampire and a human. The longer an individual has been a vampire, the less able they are to contribute to the conception of a child. New vampires are the ones most likely to bring about trouble in this regard, and ongoing relations with humans are discouraged for a myriad of reasons. Namely, if they are found to have contributed to the conception of or have conceived a child and have taken no action, both the vampire and the child are punishable by death.
Setting and Estate
The general setting is somewhere around the 1720s in western Europe. While the Sauveterre Estate is located in eastern France, the story may lead to any number of cities and countries. While there is some push for historical accuracy, we will not delve deeply into political affairs of the European countries. There will be allusions and mentions now and then, but please do not feel overly pressured by this. You shouldn't have to do more than a quick Google to find information about fashion or technology of the time. With the Estate being so far east, little more than gossip of spats between England and France affect the residents.
The Sauveterre Estate is located in northeaster France, very near the German border. It is located on the eastern side of the Vosges mountains, where it remains largely protected through its isolation. The estate is, in reality, a small castle—the result of nearly three centuries' accumulation of wealth and influence. The Sauveterre Estate has upwards of thirty rooms, including private apartments for the residents, quarters for the servants, a ballroom, a library, a great hall, an observatory, courtyard gardens, numerous guest rooms, bathrooms and boudoirs, an elaborate bathing room , pantries, larders, and kitchens. Of course, the latter of these amenities are used for the servants and for hosting grand parties and masquerades. All bedchambers are outfitted with heavy curtains to effectively block sunlight during the day, ensuring safety during sleep. It also permits the residents to be up and about during daylight hours, should they so choose.
The servants of the Estate presented a peculiar issue. It was realized upon the acquirement and completion of the Estate that servants and housekeepers would be required to maintain it. While this would be of little issue for most wealthy Estate owners, for a vampire it was an obstacle that required extensive thought. Risking discovery and exposure, Salvadore sought out peasants who possessed no living family members and brought them to the Estate to serve in exchange for lodging, protection, and a life better than they could have otherwise imagined. Fortunately, many of those taken in cared little about the peculiar ailment of their master and proved to be loyal servants. Many of the current servants are descendants of the original people who were taken in by Salvadore, though new faces are brought in every so often. There is a careful selection process to ensure no one will defect or spread rumours about the residents of the Estate. In the nearly two centuries spent at the Estate, only one servant has ever tried to compromise those who live there. It was, however, not the vampires that dealt with the dissenting maid, but the other servants. Overall, the serving staff is loyal to Salvadore and his bloodline, guaranteed protection from the family and from vampires of other lines.
The servants are aware of what their masters are, but a life of comfort and fair treatment keep the people content. Some of the servants are willing to let the family drink from them, and there are even a few of them who hope they might be selected to join the bloodline.
Creating a Character
As this is an Advanced RP, I expect everyone to be able to write with minimal errors and use correct grammar and punctuation.
Character Name (If you character had no last name prior to being turned, it becomes d'Este Sauveterre. Otherwise, d'Este Sauveterre is added to the end.)
Age (Unless you've talked to me and we've discussed a character, your character should not be older than 250-275)
Nationality
Ability (Be reasonable)
Appearance
Transformation (Animal must be small and native to the region your character is from; it doesn't have to be exclusively nocturnal, but it should be active at night. All vampires have one, but not all use them.)
Personality Overview
Biography (At least two solid paragraphs)
Holdings of Note
Notable Skills
Miscellaneous (optional)
--NPCs--
The Grand Sire
Name: Salvadore d'Este Sauveterre
Age: 617
Nationality: Italian
Ability:
Appearance
Transformation: Serotine Bat
Personality Overview: Kind, intelligent, oblivious, likes the finer things in life
Background:
Originally a Margrave of Este, Salvadore was made a vampire around the 1110s. After his transformation, Salvadore left Italy with a considerable amount of his family's wealth to accompany his Sire in traveling and acquiring lands. Little has been disclosed about Salvadore's past, as he has a tendency to redirect the conversation away from himself. What is known is that in the early 1400s, Salvadore took up residence in France and acquired lands and estate, which he had restored and expanded upon. When he took up residence in the estate, he adopted the surname "Sauveterre" to better meet the sensibilities of French nobility and wealth.
Despite being a creature so often reviled by society, Salvadore is a kind individual who insists upon etiquette and dignity. He has placed strict rules on his family, indicating that they are to hunt no more than what is needed and to treat others, including humans, with the utmost respect. He is respectful of life and often prefers to drink the blood of willing servants—in order to prevent unnecessary loss of life. When he does hunt, he delights in killing the corrupt, and will seek out people of power who are particularly cruel. He has a taste for luxury and is fond of hosting elaborate parties and masquerades, though this is partially to scout out potential prey. He is also fond of the arts and insists that all member of the bloodline be educated. Even the servants in the estate are literate, as he prefers to make immaculate impressions.
Holdings of Note: The Sauveterre Estate and numerous, smaller apartments in France, Italy, and Germany
Notable Skills:
Miscellaneous:
Name: Colette Teffaine d'Este Sauveterre
Age: 327
Nationality: French
Ability:
Appearance
Transformation: Lesser Mouse-Eared Bat (Seldom Used)
Personality Overview: Manipulative, resourceful, vain, ambitious
Background: The first vampire Salvadore turned, his occasional lover, lives at the Estate. (More later.)
Holdings of Note: Apartments in Paris
Notable Skills:
Miscellaneous:
Name: Charlotte Frethorne d'Este Sauveterre "Lotte"
Age: 91
Nationality: English
Ability: Song – lulls people into a light trance or sleep
Transformation: Common Nightingale
Personality Overview: Pleasant, friendly, concerned for the wellbeing of others, voted least likely to accept your excuses
Background: One of the younger vampires...
Holdings of Note: None
Notable Skills: Gifted singer, plays the violin
Miscellaneous: Assists when other vampires are injured
You may use the information to think of a character, but please do not start submitting character sheets until I post the OOC. If you are interested in playing a character I have listed as an NPC, please let me know! Obviously, they will be more thoroughly developed, and if someone has a similar character concept, an NPC may be omitted.
Basic Rundown:
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy, Supernatural Elements, Gothic, Horror Elements
Keywords: Vampires, Drama, Scandal, Action, Murder
Writing Level: Advanced
Posting Frequency: Moderate to Slow (1x weekly)
Searching For: Co-GM and interested players
Restrictions: 18+ preferred
Plot Idea:
The story would be set in a place reminiscent of England in the mid-1700s. The majority of the family/bloodline would likely reside within a country estate or manor, overseen by the Grand Sire—the matriarch or patriarch of the family. Beneath him/her would likely be a few older members of the family, helping to oversee familial proceedings, accounts, and the selection and initiation of new members. The family would also own establishments within the nearest city, where many of the family members could spend time, conduct any business or affairs, and hunt. The family would be one of wealth, with the Grand Sire being very old and very prosperous, having long ago established themselves. Needless to say, the family has lived in comfort and with little competition from other bloodlines or supernatural beings.
Lately, however, there has been unusual activity both in the city and the countryside, and the Grand Sire of the family is missing. The family has begun to bicker and some have begun vying for power, despite many believing that the Grand Sire will return.
Concerning Vampires
Vampires have reflections, and they rather like looking in mirrors. Vampires can swim and are perfectly capable of crossing running water. They have no aversion to religious relics or symbols, but many do find them to be rather tawdry. Holy water will do nothing more than get them wet. No one smells great swathed in garlic, but it's not going to deter a vampire from attacking. They may, however, try to avoid conversation if you've consumed large amounts of it. The only aversion vampires have to silver is in the form of gaudy jewelry or décor. Whatever you've heard about vampires and the aforementioned wives' tales, they simply aren't true. Actually, many vampires perpetuate these myths, as it makes the common folk much less suspicious of them, and it's not uncommon for a vampire to ensure that they're glimpsed in a mirror or strolling over a bridge.
There are, however, stories that are true.
Vampires cannot go about in the sun. Place a vampire in direct sun in the middle of the day, and in less than a minute you'll have a burnt, bloody, scab of a corpse. There is no elegant turning to ash or instant vaporization. Burning is a painful, blistering, graphic death. Dawn and dusk are, fortunately, more forgiving. Vampires can go about in the indirect light for brief periods, so long as no direct sunlight touches them. Should they stay out for more than thirty minutes or so, they will slowly start to burn. Much longer than an hour and they are going to be in some serious and probably debilitating pain. Once the sun is properly up, it simply isn't safe for a vampire to be out of doors. When the sun is setting and its light is weak, a vampire might wander outside if they can remain in the shadows. Even in fading sun, a vampire only has about five minutes of survival time—and half of that will be spent on the ground, writhing in pain as they burn. (If you want to inflict a slow and torturous death, sunrise and sunset are the way to go. Just make sure you time them well.)
Vampires do have to be given permission to enter a home or they simply cannot cross the threshold (or enter windows or whathaveyou). No one is sure exactly what governs this unusual rule, but most vampires regard it as a sense of etiquette and embrace it. The same does not hold true for shops or establishments that are not considered a home, and a vampire may enter as a patron unbidden by the owner or proprietor. In the event a vampire wishes to enter a shop or public house where individuals live or are staying, the vampire may enter the public area, however they may not cross into living areas or private rooms (inns) unless they are invited.
For whatever reason, a wooden stake through the heart negates a vampire's abilities. While a stake is embedded in the heart, a vampire falls into a comatose state. Upon the removal of the stake, the vampire will reawaken, though it will take them considerable time and several feedings to restore their former strength and abilities.
Vampires heal very quickly, though this ability is dependent upon how recently they've fed. More blood equates to faster healing. They are able to recover from dismemberment and even decapitation, but it will take time and they will need considerable amounts of blood to recover from the latter.
While many vampires prefer to sleep in elegant coffins, some prefer beds. At the estate, the majority of the residents tend toward beds, as the bedchambers have been appropriately draped and covered to ensure safety during the daylight hours. There are some vampires that prefer the close quarters and complete darkness of a coffin and, when staying in an unfamiliar or unsecured place, coffins are highly recommended.
All vampires possess slightly enhanced speed and strength in comparison to a standard human, but nothing to great excess. Each vampire, upon turning, has a power that manifests itself. Some are given vastly increased speed, incredible strength, hypnosis, partial invisibility, etc. Some vampires have similar gifts, while others are truly unique.
Vampires are also capable of transforming into a nocturnal animal. They are not limited to bats, though winged animals are preferred to aid in travel. Mastering this ability takes extensive practice, and not every vampire uses it regularly—or at all.
Vampires need blood to live. At the barest minimum, a vampire needs to feed twice a month-- and that is to maintain a semblance of functionality. Vampires who prefer to do as little hunting as possible feed once a week, which is enough to comfortably maintain their powers and quality of life. Other vampires who enjoy hunting or have easily available sources will feed twice a week. Still others, who are more indulgent and live for the thrill of a hunt, feed almost every night. If a vampire is injured or in the process of healing, the need blood every night for several days in a row—depending upon the severity of their injury. Often, if one of the family is injured and at the estate, they remain in bed while blood is brought to them to help them recover quickly. Drinking blood from a dead creature will not kill a vampire, though if the blood has already coagulated, it is of no sustenance; the texture is also a nightmare. If a vampire drinks the blood of another vampire, they receive little to no sustenance from it, but it does result in a sort of intoxication.
Vampires do age, but very slowly. Age works roughly on a basis of ten; for example, if a vampire lived to 600, they would be around 60 in human years. They may look "good for their age" but vampires will slowly age, and their abilities will slowly wane. When they start looking to be in their 50s-60s, they visibly stop aging. If they take care of themselves, their health and abilities will not decline further. However, if they feed too often or not often enough, or if they become careless or fail to take care of their physical bodies, they will continue to decline.
Because vampires age so slowly and in a way different than humans, it is strictly forbidden to turn a child. Yes, a child would very slowly age, but they would only ever reach the size of a young teenager. The body, once turned, is unable to produce enough hormones for the child to go through puberty, and would never reach full maturity. While no one in the family is to create vampires except the Grand Sire, it would be an even greater sin to turn a child. If a child is turned, by one family or another, the child must be destroyed—along with the vampire who created it. The same is said for any children conceived between a vampire and a human. The longer an individual has been a vampire, the less able they are to contribute to the conception of a child. New vampires are the ones most likely to bring about trouble in this regard, and ongoing relations with humans are discouraged for a myriad of reasons. Namely, if they are found to have contributed to the conception of or have conceived a child and have taken no action, both the vampire and the child are punishable by death.
Setting and Estate
The general setting is somewhere around the 1720s in western Europe. While the Sauveterre Estate is located in eastern France, the story may lead to any number of cities and countries. While there is some push for historical accuracy, we will not delve deeply into political affairs of the European countries. There will be allusions and mentions now and then, but please do not feel overly pressured by this. You shouldn't have to do more than a quick Google to find information about fashion or technology of the time. With the Estate being so far east, little more than gossip of spats between England and France affect the residents.
The Sauveterre Estate is located in northeaster France, very near the German border. It is located on the eastern side of the Vosges mountains, where it remains largely protected through its isolation. The estate is, in reality, a small castle—the result of nearly three centuries' accumulation of wealth and influence. The Sauveterre Estate has upwards of thirty rooms, including private apartments for the residents, quarters for the servants, a ballroom, a library, a great hall, an observatory, courtyard gardens, numerous guest rooms, bathrooms and boudoirs, an elaborate bathing room , pantries, larders, and kitchens. Of course, the latter of these amenities are used for the servants and for hosting grand parties and masquerades. All bedchambers are outfitted with heavy curtains to effectively block sunlight during the day, ensuring safety during sleep. It also permits the residents to be up and about during daylight hours, should they so choose.
The servants of the Estate presented a peculiar issue. It was realized upon the acquirement and completion of the Estate that servants and housekeepers would be required to maintain it. While this would be of little issue for most wealthy Estate owners, for a vampire it was an obstacle that required extensive thought. Risking discovery and exposure, Salvadore sought out peasants who possessed no living family members and brought them to the Estate to serve in exchange for lodging, protection, and a life better than they could have otherwise imagined. Fortunately, many of those taken in cared little about the peculiar ailment of their master and proved to be loyal servants. Many of the current servants are descendants of the original people who were taken in by Salvadore, though new faces are brought in every so often. There is a careful selection process to ensure no one will defect or spread rumours about the residents of the Estate. In the nearly two centuries spent at the Estate, only one servant has ever tried to compromise those who live there. It was, however, not the vampires that dealt with the dissenting maid, but the other servants. Overall, the serving staff is loyal to Salvadore and his bloodline, guaranteed protection from the family and from vampires of other lines.
The servants are aware of what their masters are, but a life of comfort and fair treatment keep the people content. Some of the servants are willing to let the family drink from them, and there are even a few of them who hope they might be selected to join the bloodline.
Creating a Character
As this is an Advanced RP, I expect everyone to be able to write with minimal errors and use correct grammar and punctuation.
Character Name (If you character had no last name prior to being turned, it becomes d'Este Sauveterre. Otherwise, d'Este Sauveterre is added to the end.)
Age (Unless you've talked to me and we've discussed a character, your character should not be older than 250-275)
Nationality
Ability (Be reasonable)
Appearance
Transformation (Animal must be small and native to the region your character is from; it doesn't have to be exclusively nocturnal, but it should be active at night. All vampires have one, but not all use them.)
Personality Overview
Biography (At least two solid paragraphs)
Holdings of Note
Notable Skills
Miscellaneous (optional)
--NPCs--
The Grand Sire
Name: Salvadore d'Este Sauveterre
Age: 617
Nationality: Italian
Ability:
Appearance
Transformation: Serotine Bat
Personality Overview: Kind, intelligent, oblivious, likes the finer things in life
Background:
Originally a Margrave of Este, Salvadore was made a vampire around the 1110s. After his transformation, Salvadore left Italy with a considerable amount of his family's wealth to accompany his Sire in traveling and acquiring lands. Little has been disclosed about Salvadore's past, as he has a tendency to redirect the conversation away from himself. What is known is that in the early 1400s, Salvadore took up residence in France and acquired lands and estate, which he had restored and expanded upon. When he took up residence in the estate, he adopted the surname "Sauveterre" to better meet the sensibilities of French nobility and wealth.
Despite being a creature so often reviled by society, Salvadore is a kind individual who insists upon etiquette and dignity. He has placed strict rules on his family, indicating that they are to hunt no more than what is needed and to treat others, including humans, with the utmost respect. He is respectful of life and often prefers to drink the blood of willing servants—in order to prevent unnecessary loss of life. When he does hunt, he delights in killing the corrupt, and will seek out people of power who are particularly cruel. He has a taste for luxury and is fond of hosting elaborate parties and masquerades, though this is partially to scout out potential prey. He is also fond of the arts and insists that all member of the bloodline be educated. Even the servants in the estate are literate, as he prefers to make immaculate impressions.
Holdings of Note: The Sauveterre Estate and numerous, smaller apartments in France, Italy, and Germany
Notable Skills:
Miscellaneous:
Name: Colette Teffaine d'Este Sauveterre
Age: 327
Nationality: French
Ability:
Appearance
Transformation: Lesser Mouse-Eared Bat (Seldom Used)
Personality Overview: Manipulative, resourceful, vain, ambitious
Background: The first vampire Salvadore turned, his occasional lover, lives at the Estate. (More later.)
Holdings of Note: Apartments in Paris
Notable Skills:
Miscellaneous:
Name: Charlotte Frethorne d'Este Sauveterre "Lotte"
Age: 91
Nationality: English
Ability: Song – lulls people into a light trance or sleep
Transformation: Common Nightingale
Personality Overview: Pleasant, friendly, concerned for the wellbeing of others, voted least likely to accept your excuses
Background: One of the younger vampires...
Holdings of Note: None
Notable Skills: Gifted singer, plays the violin
Miscellaneous: Assists when other vampires are injured
