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[PbP] Rhapsody of Blood - Faded Glory (1 Bloodline Remains)

MatevMatev Cero MiedoRegistered User regular
edited March 2019 in Critical Failures
Blood-Moon-586081787.jpg


There's a wound in the world, and it's bleeding. Some people think it's just the way of things. Power corrupts, and men must have power at some point to shape the world.

But you know different. This world is corrupted, and you are cursed to see that corruption. It's seeping corrosion flows and finds it's way across the world. From Edo to Timbuktu, Moscow to Budapest, and even to far flung Cheyenne and Macchu Pichu, this malevolent force suffuses the world and drives people to depredations subtle and gross. You and a few chosen others have tracked down the source of this corruption, known only as The Castle.

The Castle is a chaotic, ever-shifting sprawl. It's very edifice spawns nightmares and fuels occult magic, all at the behest of The Castle's Regent.

The Castle has expressed itself in your reality time and again over the course of generations, collecting the pain and misery caused by it's presence to pour into the Unholy Grail guarded jealously by the Regent in their Sanctum. When the Grail overflows, the Regent will unleash it's power in a blight on the land. That is....unless your bloodlines can stop them once more. Who knows, perhaps you will claim the Grail and bring about new Golden Age for humankind...


castlevaniaseason2banner1200x627.jpg


***

What's your game this time Matev?

Something slightly less body-intensive than my previous measures. Rhapsody of Blood is cool variant on Legacy: Life Among the Ruins that takes the idea of generational development and building, and puts it together with the idea of a shadow war against the forces of darkness. Obviously this game will draw a lot from the milieu of Castlevania, but other sources and ideas will be encouraged as well!


What system is it?

Powered by the Apocalypse, meaning it's 2d6+relevant stat and the occasional modifier. 10+ is a pretty good success, 7-9 means a success with consequences/qualifications, and 6- means The Castle will take it's due.


I don't have the book, but want to play, what do I do?

PM me and we'll work something out.


What kind of characters can I play?

In Rhapsody of Blood, there are 2 major characters you'll manage. Overall, you will have a Bloodline a lineage who can see and track Corruption back to The Castle and have chosen to fight it for one reason or the other. The Bloodlines are as follows (The other character component, Explorers, will be expounded upon in a following post):

The Legendary Heroes: A lineage that has a particular talent for fighting back the night and so has trained it's scions to both be fierce warriors and compassionate protectors, because a loved hunter is a well-fed hunter. Even if they aren't aware of their heritage, descendants of the Legendary Heroes find themselves pulled to The Castle by Fate.

The Half-Damned: A people marked by Corruption, they live on the fringes of society and master the gifts given to them by the dark. In The Castle, they become top notch infiltrators due to their Corruption masking them in the Regent's ranks. Though apparently monstrous, the Half-Damned are well respected for their ability to use enemy's weapons against itself.

The Holy Church: The most faithful whose devotion to great good grants them the ability to defend humanity. Not usually frontline combatants, the Church is integral in preventing the spread of Corruption. Though at times, some have been known to martyr themselves and in doing so perform miraculous acts.

The Hidden Hand: Known by many names, the Hidden Hand are a select group that cheerfully collect artifacts from the castle to leapfrog humanity to further heights. They can provide backing for expeditions, as well as rarified resources and information in exchange for due consideration.

The Magi: There is power in Blood and Corruption, and the Magi know just how much of their souls they need to mete out for that power. The coming of The Castle allows them to revive or make new rituals that they then use for their own arcane ends.


Sounds cool, how do I sign up?

Make your mark below. 3-6 players initially would be preferred. By I'll also allow bloodlines to offer up multiple explorers if people get super excited by the idea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoMJ35P7fe4

"Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
Hail Hydra
Matev on
«134567

Posts

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Explorers

    Each bloodline is composed of many explorers, specialists that exemplify the Bloodline at that time. Any Bloodline may choose any explorer type. Explorer options are as follows:

    The Assassin: A graceful dealer of death, with particular aptitude for poisoning the abominations of the darkness.

    The Bonded: You have forged a link with a powerful spirit, and it allows you to do extraordinary things.

    The Captain: A natural leader, the Captain expertly rallies their fellows in the face of doom.

    The Joker: A trickster full of surprises, borrowing talents from other explorers

    The Knight: An warrior of exceeding honor and implacable constitution

    The Mascot: An intelligent animal or familiar with your own powers.

    The Medic: A healer of physical wounds, they can deal with Corruption to enhance their life-sustaining skills.

    The Mystic: An expert at extracting power from the The Castle and coaxing into objects of power.

    The Packrat: What others call hoarding, you call careful preparation. You seem to have the right thing at the right time always.

    The Professor: A creator of fantastical devices, able to take The Castle's resources and make amazing things with a box of scraps.

    The Reckoner: A navigator par excellence, you turn the topography of The Castle into a weapon

    The Slayer: A hunter of monsters. You are adept at combating the horde and titans alike.


    For the first players to choose the Bloodlines, the following Explorers will be given:

    Legendary Heroes - The Paladin

    Half-Damned - The Tainted

    Holy Church - The Saint

    Hidden Hand - Mastermind

    Magi - Ritualist

    Matev on
    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Sign-ups
    1. Egos - The Legendary Heroes
    2. Discrider - The Half-Damned
    3. AustinP0027 -The Holy Church
    4. Auralynx - The Hidden Hand
    5.

    Current Generation/Time

    The Kingdom - 1145 AD


    Rosters

    The Bearers of the Holy Flame (The Legendary Heroes)
    Aella - Founder Paladin

    Lons-on-dale (The Half-Damned)
    Henry - Tainted Founder

    The Golden Signal (The Holy Church)
    Raphael - Founder Saint

    The Daedulus Society - (The Hidden Hand)
    Demetrius - Mastermind Founder

    Matev on
    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • EgosEgos Registered User regular
    Interested, but haven't played before

  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    same

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    That is fine, we can learn you

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • EgosEgos Registered User regular
    I think I'm most interested in the Legendary Heroes bloodline, assuming others didn't have their heart set on it.

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    Excellent. Feel free to throw up the Paladin’s Stats and fill in the details for them as you see fit!

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • 38thDoe38thDoe lets never be stupid again wait lets always be stupid foreverRegistered User regular
    What is a thread? A miserable pile of secrets! But enough post, have at you!

    38thDoE on steam
    🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀
    
  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    Be careful what you wish for..... :D

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    Geth roll 1d4+1 for bloodline

    bloodline:
    1d4+1 2 [1d4=1]

  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    Guess I'm playing the half-tainted then, unless anyone else has a preference.
    ... I didn't want to be the heroes as my preference :P

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    All right then, snag the Tainted playbook and throw up the details as you see fit.

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    Do we build the bloodline at this stage, or is it just the ancestor?

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    This is just the ancestor. The Bloodlines will be built up after the Progenitor Confrontation.

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • EgosEgos Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    @38thdoe
    If you go Magi or Holy Church, we can be an epic Triumvirate
    castlevania-season-2-e1516661755380.jpg
    I just wanted to post this image :rotate:

    Egos on
  • 38thDoe38thDoe lets never be stupid again wait lets always be stupid foreverRegistered User regular
    Yeah I haven’t seen or heard of the book and have not played a pbp but I do like egos posting images and castlevania

    38thDoE on steam
    🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀🦑🦀
    
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    Founder of the Half-Damned:
    the Tainted
    Maybe the castle almost claimed you, and
    it was only thanks to your fellows that you
    remained human. Maybe the darkness was
    always inside you, and your struggle to stay in
    control is even harder now the castle has given
    it physical form. Either way, it's time to put these
    gifts to use.
    One of the other founders is helping you keep
    control. Give their bloodline 2-pact on you.
    You say how they're keeping you sane, they
    say what will happen if they stop.

    Your weapon:claws (tags: tether, close) or a
    rapier (tags: piercing, grazing).
    Looks: Half-human, half-beast; undead
    pallor; grotesque chaos.
    Name: Willem, Annah, Petra, Mico, Amelia,
    Lyko, Tali, Haruto.

    Your stats:
    Iron 1 Glass -1 Sulphur 2 Mercury 0.
    Weapon: Claws (tether, close)

    And flavour so:
    Looks: Haggard, Hunted, Haunted

    Name: Henry
    Just some guy who managed to get out of the Castle after being 'conscripted'

  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Never played but interested

    Will start digging into char creation today

    AustinP0027 on
  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    Very good. If folks have questions, please feel free to ask me. Otherwise, figure out your bloodlines and convenants, and unless we have further takers, I'll spin up the Progenitor confrontation tomorrow evening. (Others are free to join afterwards of course, it'll just need more coordination)

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    I’m taking either Hidden Hand or Holy Church so @38thDoe if you have a preference let me know

  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    I'll go ahead and claim The Holy Church
    You may not be trained in occult lore, or mortal
    combat. But you know evil, and you know good.
    And so long as good people stand against evil, you
    will be there with them to keep them safe.

    One of the other founders joined your flock
    and helped spread your healing truth.
    Give their bloodline 2-pact on you. You
    say how you blessed them, they say what
    doubts remain.

    The Saint
    Name: Raphael
    Iron 1 Glass 2 Sulphur -1 Mercury 0.
    Weapon:ceremonial staff (tags: holy,
    brace)
    Looks: Ancient and venerable
    The Holy Church
    Chalices 1 Swords 0 Coins -1 Wands 1
    Style: Simple Symbol of Faith
    Lore: Holy book filled with ecstatic visions
    Name: The Golden Signal

    AustinP0027 on
  • EgosEgos Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    The Paladin
    Name: Aella
    Iron 2 Glass 0 Sulphur 1 Mercury -1.
    Weapon: Greatsword (tags: cleave, unstable).
    Looks: Rugged traveling gear.
    The Legendary Heroes
    Chalices 1 Swords 1 Coins 0 Wands -1
    Style: Family crests and heirlooms
    Lore: Picking it up as they go along
    Name: Bearers of the Holy Flame.***(see spoiler for note)
    *** can change this to Blue Flame or some such if too similar to naming conventions of Holy Church


    For covenant, I was thinking Aella attempted to warn a nearby village of the dangers the castle posed. But was thought to be an agent of evil attempting to send villagers off to their doom on a dangerous trek. It wasn't until @AustinP0027 character intervened that the villagers relented.

    Egos on
  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    Updated my formatting to match @Egos (which looked way better). Also, added the Bloodline info, name shouldn't be a problem Egos, I went a different direction with it.

  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Also, I want to avoid too much pairing of covenants, so I'm thinking @discrider or @38thDoe should be tagged to "join my flock". Don't have a specific preference if either of you two do.

    AustinP0027 on
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    I'm not sure @38thDoe is playing, and I'm going to set up my bloodline at the end of this first encounter.
    As for pacts, I'm happy to complete the triangle if we only have three players at the moment.

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Unless we hear from Doe overnight, I'd be ok proceeding with 3, so figure out the history and I'll start getting the confrontation set up.

    Matev on
    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Well then, finishing the triangle:
    Aella is keeping Henry sane through the hope of retribution on the Regent, and barring that, the threat of a sword against his neck.

    Henry came to Raphael hoping for freedom, but is unsure how Raphael knows so much about the Regent, nor whether he is capable of being redeemed from the Castle despite what Raphael might preach.

    discrider on
  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    The Progenitors - Scourging of 1095

    Cries of "Deus Vult!" ring out across the land. Europe prepares for a Crusade to retake the Holy Land. This fervor has awoken a deep hunger. Those with eyes into the other world foresaw the coming of a Castle and so it appeared, on the border of the Holy Roman Empire and Hungary. It's strange lord promised power to the voiceless, and a connection to God that would surpass that of the church. Avaloc, the King of the Unseen, twisted men to his will, creating abominations in the course of a grand design. Though to what end could not be determined. The Church, not wishing to leave a true enemy on the doorstep, quietly organized an expedition to root out Avaloc and his creatures, putting them to the fire if need be.

    It has been a long, bloody road, with The Castle seemingly larger on the outside than the inside, but it has come down to this. Several explorers, Aella the Paladin, Saint Raphael, and Henry have broken through Avaloc's defenses and burst into his Throne Room, prepared end the mad ruler's reign.


    ***

    throne_room_by_zoriy_d4qp2wi-250t.jpg

    A large scale tilts to and fro, a silvery liquid pouring from above onto both ends and through the floor below. At the center of the scales is a throne. There sits the man you have been sent to find, Avaloc, the self-proclaimed King of the Unseen. He wears darkness about him like a cloak, as if to ward off winter's chill. You feel the eyes of many on you, though they are shrouded by more dark corner of the throne room.

    Avaloc's ragged beard splits to reveal a grin of yellowed teeth, his sunken eyes full of malice and hatred.

    "You fools. The Church will never claim what is mine to rule! At least your bodies should serve as a suitable warning that I am not one to be trifled with!" He stands, his robes rustling in the cool darkness, his hands tracing sigils of blasphemous magic. What do you do?

    https://youtu.be/dfTKM6PwztA
    Reference the Confrontation moves for ideas of how to play things out. Feel free to ask questions if you have any. Let's rumble!

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    "Enough prattle!", Henry yells across the room, "My family! My friends! Where are they? What have you done to them?"
    Geth roll 2d6-1 for See Clear

    What should we be on the lookout for?

    See Clear:
    2d6-1 7 [2d6=5, 3]

    discrider on
  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Raphael gathered himself up, staring at the monstrosity before him. They were here to stop the evil this being would spread, and to do that they needed to understand how to defeat him. The Saint focus on Avaloc, seeking to peer through the darkness and find an avenue to strike.

    Result:
    The Opening only lasts a few moments

    Geth roll 2d6+1 for Line It Up

    Line It Up:
    2d6+1 10 [2d6=6, 3]

    AustinP0027 on
  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    I always forget with this type of setting, is it free fire for actions, or are we waiting on responses to each?

  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    I always forget with this type of setting, is it free fire for actions, or are we waiting on responses to each?
    well, you get to describe the opening yourself on a hit....

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    Pretty much. However, I think was more wondering how long they should give others a chance to respond before acting again. I would usually prefer giving folks a couple hours to follow up.

    Henry could feel more the denizens of The Castle coming from the shadows. They would overwhelm the explorers if they didn’t end the fight quickly. Avaloc had command of the shadows and of blasphemous magic as well. This battle would be grueling.

    “They will be here soon my boy. It is not too late to rejoin them in my loving bosom. All will be forgiven if you stand down.” The King’s words pulled at Henry’s mind, it would be all to easy to sink back into that abyss, but he knew to do so would damn him utterly.

    ***

    Qualities Discovered!

    Avaloc, King of the Unseen
    Arcane Magics
    Command of the twisted
    Enveloped in Darkness

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • AustinP0027AustinP0027 Registered User regular
    Darkness swirled around the self titled King, almost coating him in complete shadow. Almost. That was where Raphael found the opening, through careful observation of the swirling darkness. It was a small gap, a spot where the shadow dissipated away from just enough for the body underneath to be clearly visible. How long it would last was unknown but The Saint felt that he needed to strike and strike quickly now that he had found his target.
    Thanks, forgot since I was successful I actually needed to describe the Opportunity not just pull from the choice list. I'll wait for Egos to go before I try and take a shot at him as my next action

  • EgosEgos Registered User regular
    If one attacks- would it be strike or confront? I assume confront since we’re all out in the open? Strike sounds like the player needs to get the drop on an enemy or at least take them by surprise .

  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    Strike is taking advantage of an opening to actually hurt the Regent, Confront is using Iron to open him up.

  • EgosEgos Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Does the opening that Austin created just apply to his character or to all of us?

    Egos on
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    edited March 2019
    Everyone, assuming you can figure a way to exploit it before it disappears in a moment

    .. Henry seems unlikely to be able to close distance in time for instance

    discrider on
  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    Openings, unless noted, apply to everyone in the Confrontation

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    The ragged man shudders as a chill passes over his soul.
    "Never!", he spits, "Release them!"

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