Southwest Region Domain
Genre: Vampire: The Requiem
Venue Name: Tithe of Souls - AZ-005-D
Wake of the Firebird
USA-SW-LR-0801-85814
Part 1: Basic Information
Domain Name: Tithe of Souls AZ-005-D
Venue: Vampire, the Requiem
Lead Venue Storyteller: Vicki Mieth US2003061755
Storyteller Contact:
tos.requiem.vst@gmail.com
Games Hosted On: (per posted schedule)
Place/Time:
Tithe of Souls' Requiem venue games and locations will be announced via teasers posted on both the IC and OOC email lists for the domain (currently Tithe_ooc@yahoogroups.com, Tithe_IC@yahoogroups.com, however the Domain reserves the right to change these lists with proper notification based on the needs and availability of server space), as well as appropriate Camarilla sanctioned regional lists, the Camarilla-Southwest LiveJournal, or other media as determined appropriate by the ST staff. In the case of a Saturday game, such teaser will be posted no later than Monday of that week. Tithe of Souls Requiem games will occur a minimum of once per month. Additional live games, IRC games, or other events may be scheduled according to the needs of the story and requests of the members attached to this VSS.
Specific history and timelines of the Tithe of Souls Requiem venue is available as a separate document. Please contact the VST or DST for a copy, if desired.
Cities Included in this VSS consist of the metropolitan areas specified under the domain charter of Tithe of Souls, AZ-005-D, including: Buckeye, Goodyear, Rainbow Valley, Avondale, Tolleson, Litchfield Park, El Mirage, Surprise, White Tanks Mountain Park, Sun City and Sun City West, Youngtown, Peoria, Glendale, South Phoenix, Central Phoenix and North Phoenix, Anthem, Black Canyon City, Cave Creek, Carefree, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Salt River-Pima Indian Reservation, Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell-Yavapai Indian Reservation, Payson and the Tonto National Forest (which is shared with the DMH Domain).
Part 2: Styles of Play
Action: 3
Character Development: 5
Darkness: 4
Drama: 5
Intrigue: 3
Manners:4
Mystery: 4
Pace: Moderate
The following is a list of 'styles of play' that we use to categorize our games:
Intrigue (politics and negotiation):
Action (combat and challenges):
Mystery (enigmas and investigation):
Drama (ceremony and characterization):
Darkness (probability of player character death {rare} or corruption {frequent}):
This indicates the style of play we intend to offer by assigning a number between 1 and 5 to each major aspect of the game, using the following definitions:
Rating Description
1 Never present
2 Sometimes present
3 Often present
4 Usually present
5 Always present
Part 3: Description of Venue
Theme/Mood:
This is a Social game, driven by Improvisational Acting style of Role-playing with other PCs. Plot most commonly exists where players create it; however, the Venue Storyteller staff provides a framework of overarching story for player characters to interact upon. There are things to do and interact with, but for a character that likes to be alone, and/or is anti-social; they may find themselves bored. We greatly discourage combat, and seek to solve IC conflicts without resorting to combat and character death. Combat can and does happen, however according to canon materials violence against other vampires is abhorrent of polite vampire society.
Antagonists:
Principal foes will vary over time. Some players prefer no plot, others seek it - but everyone is coming to game to interact and accomplish goals. The job of the Storyteller is to provide the framework for that game and the disparate role-play styles. As such, players can and may be exposed to any antagonist character available according to the Camarilla sanctioned chronicle, both natural and supernatural.
Part 4: Storytelling Mechanics
Mechanics and rules:
IMPORTANT: Cheating or otherwise deceiving storytellers/narrators will result in disciplinary actions including permanent and final character death (desanctioning), up to the maximum punishment available according to the disciplinary guidelines set forth in the Membership Handbook and subsequent addenda. By playing their PCs within this VSS, all players hereby agree to this.
Character guidelines:
Please Realize that the rules specified in this VSS are put forth to preserve the quality and enjoyment of the venue for the players.
All characters will be created using sanctioned Requiem rules and addendum. All PCs will have to be placed on the national database and have the approvals of the relevant storyteller chain before being allowed into play.. All PCs will have a complete history approved by the appropriate storyteller chain by the time of their third game under this VSS. The local storyteller staff reserves the right to approve or deny PCs on their merit and on how they will affect the venue. Denials of inappropriate characters will be conducted at check-in at the latest. If there is a question about whether a character will be appropriate for the venue, players should contact the appropriate storyteller in advance of the game for a reply. NPC's will conform to current Cam rules and addendum. Any negative aspect of a character (flaws, derangement(s), etc) may be activated by a storyteller/narrator at any time they feel it appropriate to the game/story.
All Mentors, Allies, Contacts, etc that are sentient or semi-sentient may be created as NPCs and their actions controlled by the VST in charge. Under no circumstances do players retain control of said NPCs.
All experience expenditures must be submitted to the VST via email. Players with issues regarding internet access must communicate this to the ST staff. Appropriate alternatives will be arranged.
New characters:
All players who submit a full background with their character sheet (with all calculations included) will receive max Experience gain for the first three months of play (30 exp), distributed at 10xp per month. This is to encourage the development of well-thought-out characters, as well as encouraging new player participation. A "full background" is considered to be one of no less than a ½ to one page document describing the character's history, and giving some understanding of the character's motivations/psyche.
Special Items:
Approval to have any non-standard items in game requires notification to the ST at least 2 days in advance, in writing (e-mail counts as written notification on date of receipt). For the purposes of this VSS, the term "non-standard" items refers to any equipment/possession not found in the Mind's Eye Theatre Core Rulebook or Requiem Mind's Eye Theatre book, or such sanctioned supplement books as listed in the appropriate Addenda. (While items found in other sanctioned supplement books may also be considered to be "standard" under this rule, it is considered Good Player Etiquete to offer documentation of such items.) Once an item is approved once for this VSS, this requirement is not waived, however notification from characters outside of or not currently attached to this VSS is considered good player etiquette. Item cards are required for such non-standard items, and will be signed by an authorized ST attached to this VSS when approved (for characters not attached to this VSS). It is expected that the player will retain this for purposes of verification, should questions arise.
Incendiaries:
While in reality it is possible to easily acquire, and in some cases manufacture Incendiary explosives and ammunition, we must acknowledge that such things are, more often than not, too powerful for our social game, and rarely aid in the telling of stories. As such, they are not found here. They may not be brought into the domain by outside characters or had by local characters, NPC or PC.
Haven
Haven write-ups should be as complete as possible. Without a complete write up submitted to the ST, the character is assumed to have a motel room with thin walls and a deadbolt or a studio apartment in the slums of the city, until otherwise clarified to the venue ST staff. Characters with the Haven of Soil Discipline will be assumed to meld in a public park or lot within the boundaries of the VSS, if not otherwise specified.
IC List Posts, Downtimes, Email, IRC
The in-character means of communication during downtimes is the Tithe of Souls IC List (tithe_ic@yahoogroups.com or other as specified). All posts on the IC list are considered public. All posts to the IC list must be signed by the character posting and include the player's name and Camarilla number, per the sanctioned rules.
All downtime actions not occurring on the Tithe IC list should be carbon copied to the VST at tos.requiem.vst@gmail.com. This includes but is not limited to private in-character emails, emails to other sanctioned mail lists (such as the cammail lists), etc. RP actions taken on IRC or PM will be logged, and those logs forwarded to the VST at the above address.
Downtime actions should be emailed to the VST email (tos.requeim.vst@gmail.com) in a timely fashion. No backdated downtimes will be accepted. Downtime actions not logged with the VST most likely did not happen.
NPCs and Plotkits
Local NPCs and Plotkits will be approved by the VST/DST prior to being put into play. VST still reserves final approval on all plotkits brought into the venue. Naturally, if a mandatory regional/national/global plotkit happens that will go into effect automatically.
Visiting Players:
Visiting Players are always welcome! We do, however, have some guidelines for visiting characters, in an effort to make certain that the visit goes smoothly for the visitor, the STs, and the rest of the players. Visiting characters are welcome in Phoenix at any time with the following caveats:
Any visiting characters will make due effort to inform the ST at least 24 hours prior to the game they intend to visit. (Exceptions can be made due to extenuating circumstances. Unplanned visits happen. By making the effort to contact the ST staff, your character's visit has a greater chance of going smoothly, and getting your goals accomplished.) Bring your character sheet and XP log with ALL approval numbers. Bring all cards for non-standard equipment, weapons, and unique items. Your controlling ST MUST sign all such item cards. Non-standard and unique items must be clearly defined. The above may be sent ahead of time as well (please). If possible, sending this information ahead of time with a copy to your local ST will aid in the preservation of both local and global plot continuity, and the enjoyment of the game for everyone. Handwritten character sheets should be avoided when at all possible, as well as handwritten edits on printed sheets - this will serve to reduce confusion and possible errors.
We reserve the right to restrict certain aspects of existing and visiting characters for game balance and the enjoyment of the improvisational acting/role-playing experience for all. This includes plot devices or items that arrive in this Domain from other Domains. This means that if the ST staff feels that your PC is detrimental to the balance of the game, you may be asked to set it aside for that game, and provide support to the game by playing an NPC. There will be NPC's available to play if these sorts of situations arise. As well, experienced members may be asked to play such for story-line/big scene purposes.
External Plotlines:
The Camarilla is a global organization. Plots and effects from other chapters/domains/ regions/nations will be allowed into the game providing the presiding ST has been provided the email, phone number, or other contact information of the ST running the plot 48 hours prior to the game at which the plot is to be pursued. The ST may ask that they set aside PC goals for the sake of the current game, or put off that aspect of role-play to before or after the game. The VST reserves the right to deny any effect coming into the game without the complete plotkit being provided to the VST beforehand for review and approval. Players who wish to submit plot ideas are encouraged to do so, but the ST is not obligated to use them.
Cross-Venue Rules
A good subplot in will insure approval of Cross-Venue play. Any PC wishing to cross-venue may, with the approval of the DST and both appropriate VSTs. Out of domain Cross-venues are further subject to the approval levels set forth by the Camarilla Rules Addendum. To bring a non-requiem character into the venue requires 7 days notice to the VST. In addition, approvals must contain a copy of the character sheet with XP log. The Player must include the characters desired anticipated actions, motivations, and specific scenes the non-requiem character wishes to participate in. This allows the VST to insure the plot will involve cited details and will not hamper the current plot. PCs crossing out of requiem require the same write-up. No additional character sheet need be provided if the VST has a current copy. The VST will send his copy to the respective VST of the other venue. Both VSTs will submit their recommendations to the DST. The DST has final approval of all cross-venue requests; the VST has final approval of all Cross-Venue scenes in his/her venue.
Venue Rules:
All Sanctioned games shall conform to the rules presented in official materials used by the Camarilla. All characters attached to this VSS are under the jurisdiction of the VST of the venue and the DST of the Domain. Players who are not a member of the Domain but who wish to attach characters to this VSS can do so with the permission of both their own DST and the DST of Tithe of Souls. The ST staff attached to this VSS operates on a 'one-chance' warning system. Players will be given warning when and if their behavior enters an area that violates the rules set forth in the Membership Handbook, appropriate Addenda, and this VSS. Continuance or escalation of that behavior will be dealt with appropriately. (As an example - arguing with the STs will result in that player being removed from the game. Requests for clarification are not arguing, but are best left for after a scene is finished if possible, and not in the midst of rounds). If the player is a member of Tithe of Souls- they may be temporarily suspended from participating in other events with their PC. Rules calls by the controlling VST will be strictly adhered to and will remain unquestioned for the duration of that game. Conflict (VST/DST call) in this matter may result in a loss of Experience for the game.
CoC policy regarding arguing with a storyteller *will* be enforced.
**VITAL GAME PLAY NOTE**
This is a game of personal horror in an organization whose membership is 18+. As such, there may be intense role-play scenes that occur, primarily PC driven. The Storyteller supports the Camarilla Policy of the 24-hour rule. The ST staff of Tithe of Souls are firm believers that everyone is present to have a good time and enjoy role-playing with fellow gamers. To that end, anyone caught arguing after a 24-hour rule has been invoked will face suspension of their character for one month following the incident.
Character Check In:
Feeding Tests will be performed at character check in. The ST staff retains the discretion to waive feeding challenges for a particular game session. Under such circumstances, characters are considered to be at full blood pool minus 1. Those wishing to feed or hunt during game must check in with a VST or narrator prior to doing so.
1) If requested, all Players will need to provide proof of membership, proof of MC class. Character sheets should be printed or typed if possible. The ST staff strongly recommends the use of the excel character sheets or similar due to their ease of use.
2) Anything that is DST or higher level approval must have the database approval code noted on the sheet/card.
3) Members of the Venue must have Character Sheet, etc on file with the VST and on the approvals database, or in the case of a new PC being played for the first time; a second copy must be provided to the VST. Character sheet *must* be placed on the approvals DB prior to the second game session of that character.
4) All Item cards must be signed by the appropriate ST, and such items must conform to standards as per all Sanctioned Material defined by the Camarilla Approvals Addendum. Players in possession of items not presented in said material must provide the presiding storyteller with full documentation of their item, approval number, and mechanical properties; failure to do so will merit that item not being permitted in play.
Character Death:
Characters in our venue are expected to support the themes of our game. One of those themes is that vampires, fearing the possibility of their own death or degeneration, seek means other than killing to resolve their conflicts with other vampires. All characters playing under this VSS will be expected to find roleplay oriented solutions to their conflicts with other characters. Players who feel their characters cannot adhere to this should speak with the VST to work out an appropriate solution. The VST must be present for any scene that involves character death.
PKing:
In the interest of creating an environment that fosters dramatic conflict as opposed to combat. The
practice that is commonly known as PKing must be approved by the VST.
For the Purposes of this rule PKing is defined as. A player character taking an action or initiating a course of action (such as combat) with the intent and probable result of killing or otherwise rendering unplayable another player's character. Hence Pc Killing or PKing.
The VST will approve PKing if one of these conditions is met.
" Characters have a valid reason to kill or torpor each other. There must have been a demonstrated ongoing vendetta. You must spin a story leading up to a character death in our Venue. This is the reason for emphasis on downtime reports. Downtime reports provide an easier way to demonstrate an ongoing vendetta.
" The character is blood hunted in the domain.
" Both players agree.
" The character is in a fight for his life against another character. For example a blood hunted character being attacked by the sheriff.
" There was sufficient other reason for the VST to approve it. IE your character was being blatantly antagonistic because you felt like being a jerk and wanted to hide behind this rule. (See M.E.T. pg 184-185 )
Bear in mind that:
" While the ST approved the combat, ST approval does not immunize your character against IC repercussions.
" If your character was slighted get appropriate revenge and slight back. If your character was challenged, meet the challenge creatively. This rule is not here to control your character or hamper role-play. It is here to keep players from automatically going to one and final solution at the slightest hint of IC conflict. Just because killing a character is the only way to adversely affect a player does not mean that is the only way you can adversely affect a character.
" Conflict is after all the heart of drama and we love that here. Who knows your little feud might wind up polarizing the entire region if you play it out long enough. Now wouldn't that be awesome?
" This rule of course only applies to our Venue. If you travel with your character and get whacked c'est la vie.
" 'Inventing' actions of another PC to conform to this rule may technically be acceptable (vampires lie, after all), it may very well backfire on you. When in doubt, refer to MET pgs 184-185, and the Membership Handbook.
PKing refers to Pc's slaying other Pc's; this does not protect you from entering a dangerous situation created by the storyteller. Your character must use his head or he could wind up loosing it.
If you feel that the VST is sheltering a character by all means use the conflict resolution process in the camarilla handbook to resolve the situation. This is a fancy way of saying talk to the VST and if that doesn't work then go to the DST.
Downtime Kills
Downtime kills of PCs are not acceptable under this VSS. Players should be afforded every avenue and opportunity to adequately roleplay their characters, including the character's death.
Challenge Resolution:
Challenge resolution will be done using the Card System as described in the Cam update on resolution mechanics. Other acceptable forms of challenge resolution will be considered if there is no way for the player to perform the card based system.
We stress on the improvisational acting side of Role-playing. When setting up a situation or a scene, a character's ability to initiate a challenge, fair escape, etc, can be affected by the situation at hand. The laws of physics still apply in the World of Darkness, unless altered by specific sanctioned game mechanics. When finished, all characters will be able to react with everyone else.
The VST may allow certain challenges to be given automatic success, or automatic failure to assist in fluid storytelling. This may not be used to kill a character, and is most often used for static (ie: environmental/circumstantial) challenges. Such challenges may include, but are not limited to: lock picking, hacking, finding a rental car at 2am & similar situations.
Proxy rules:
*NOTE* When a character is proxied to this venue an email from the direct ST is required stating they approve of the proxy. This email may contain indicated dates to begin and end the proxy, but also must include a statement from the player's ST understanding that until released, the PC will be under the jurisdiction of the Tithe of Souls VST if the role-play mandates a deviation from dates. In return, the Tithe of Souls ST staff promises to consult with and provide frequent, regular updates to the PCs direct ST about any situations that may occur. If proxying your character to an actual Tithe of Souls Game, the Storyteller requires that you provide (if possible) a dedicated player to body your PC for the night. This player cannot portray their own character and yours at the same time - only one character per scene.
All proxies, characters and actions, must be submitted to the ST staff at least 24 hours prior to the game or games they will take part in/affect. Exceptions may be made due to extenuating circumstances. The ST staff will evaluate each character, item or action on an individual basis, allowing or denying said in the best interests of the game as a whole.
If a character is coming in proxy to this VSS for downtime or game attendance the following must be provided:
1) Full character sheet made to the current rules standard with the updates from that month, including XP log and all approval numbers. Any items lacking proper approval information will not be used/considered accessible during the proxy. If a character sheet is not provided, the proxy will not be permitted
2) Proxy instructions, as complete as possible. A Proxy template is available to expedite and simplify this process for you. It is strongly suggested that this be used.
3) Statement of intent, the how and why the PC is coming to Phoenix. Contact information for both player and ST. Clearly stated goals and purposes for your character's visit to Phoenix are suggested. Such will greatly enhance your character's chances of success.
4) Contingency plans. Please include contingency plans as the best laid plans are sometimes disrupted
5) Acceptance of the fact that while you are in proxy, you are not permitted to interact in any way with other characters until the proxy is completed. This includes online activity (such as emails and IRC)
6) If a proxy form is considered incomplete (example: a character sheet is not provided), the Venue Storyteller will send an email to the player advising that certain documents are needed in order to proceed with the proxy. If such a document is not received within 48 hours, the proxy will proceed without that information. The results of the proxy will be considered binding.
Characters proxying out of this VSS must be approved by the supervising ST
Travel & Travel risks:
Due to the actions of Kindred in the past, there exists a network of trains, planes, and automobiles, which are sensitive to the "Kindred condition" during travel. The right communication with local Kindred could allow visiting Kindred to safely arrive at dusk one night, and safely leave the next morning. The same goes for local Kindred traveling to and away from their home domain.
Travel into and through Phoenix is principally by air through Sky Harbor International Airport or one of the other commercial or small airfields in the Metropolitan area (Scottsdale Municipal Airport, Phoenix Goodyear Municipal Airport, Glendale Municipal Airport, Deer Valley Airport, as well as multiple private airfields, fall under the jurisdiction of this VSS). The city is landlocked, making marine travel impossible. The trucking business is a well-developed and corrupt way of transportation as well. Travel by private automobile into the city is generally limited to nearby domains, or to those able to afford personal drivers due to the distance involved. Travel by train in this area is quite limited. Due to the large occult and metaphysical population of the area, travel by other "alternate" means is extremely dangerous. Visiting Kindred who cause unbalancing problems within the city may experience trouble leaving by more common means, and situations may arise from such. The same goes for local Kindred who cause problems elsewhere. (These are IC mechanics to facilitate and encourage travel to and from our city, not as a quick getaway vehicle for troublemakers.)
Experience award guidelines:
Attendance:
You count as having attended the entire game if you arrive within an hour of the sign in start time, and if you stay until game off. This is a very generalized rule, and exceptions can and will be made for real-life issues.
