Character creation

Character creation is as for MET edition 3. You will need to get hold of a copy of the book. Restrictions and modifications to this system for CamUK members are detailed in the Rules Updates section.

I am also imposing the following limits on new characters: you will have to speak to me if you want your character to:-
- Not be a vampire - probably "no", as this part of the chronicle focuses on the Kindred rather than the other Supernaturals
- Use flaws to buy anything else but merits - probably "no"
- Have more than three points in any background - convince me
- Have anything else but basic disciplines - convince me
- Have any Allies, Contacts, Fame, Influence, or Mentor backgrounds - almost certainly "yes", but we have to fit them into the chronicle
- Have non-clan disciplines - convince me
- Be from any other clan but Brujah, Malkavian, Nosferatu, Toreador, Tremere, or Ventrue. That is, from one of the non-camarilla clans - you'll have to convince me that you can pull it off, and that your character will fit our chronicle - so a definite "maybe".

Whereas you should not expect me to say "no" to requests to avoid the above limits, I might. I will be more encouraged to say "yes" if there is a good background available, especially if it is written up, and especially if it is likely to add fun to the chronicle.

I will be encouraged to give extra freebie/experience for background that adds to the chronicle, especially if it is well documented. The extra traits should go on the supporting background for the character.

Your first game

Preparing

If you have not played MET before, you will have to learn the rules.

Make sure you have agreed a character beforehand. I am not doing character gen on the night.

Spend many minutes or hours acquiring costume, props, or generally wibbling about getting into character. Dangerous props are forbidden. For some games, where members of the public may see us, realistic looking toy guns are dangerous - the danger is of being gunned down by a police armed response unit. Absolutely anything that could be used as a weapon, or could injure someone or cause damage to property is dangerous. If you have any doubts, see me first.

Besides, your character is unlikely to have access to guns. Guns are illegal in game as well as out of it, and the Prince is likely to get difficult if your character breaches the Masquerade.

Playing

You should introduce yourself to the Prince. Almost all of you are obliged to do it - if you don't, you may get hunted down and killed. So make it your priority. Even if you are not obliged to, (if you are not sure, you are,) it is likely to be considered rather rude to fail to do so. Snubbing the Prince may be part of your plans at Runnymede - but if it isn't, don't.

For the same reason, see if you can find your clan primogen, and get involved in a clan meeting. The clan will probably help you get oriented into the local politics, figure out where the bodies are buried, that sort of thing. Listen to them - they know.

I should have given you some hints as to your character's possible motivation for being in Runnymede. These hints will probably lead somewhere. Talk to people, make yourself known. If you don't talk to people, you will have far less fun.

Dos and don'ts

Do stay in character as much as possible. We like vampires to go to the bathroom, because we don't like people out of character in the bathroom. Likewise coughs and sneezes are in character, and yes, they do break concealment. For the same reason, keep the discussions of where you are going next and what you are having for supper out of the game, please.

Do check in with a storyteller before you start play. That means that if you arrive late you will either need to walk in with your fingers crossed and find a storyteller, or you will need to ring from the carpark and have someone come out and meet you.

Do not confuse in-character and out-of-character relationships. Your character may have good reason to hate the malkavian with the red hair - if so, let your character hate. Don't get confused that this means the person really hates you - especially if it is your partner. For the same reason, your natural circle of friends in game may not be the same as your natural circle of friends outside the game: don't huddle with vampires who are your natural enemies because out of game they happen to be your mates. Mix around - you'll have more fun that way.

Do not interact with people who are not playing in your character persona. Some of your characters could be very offensive to people - the whole notion of roleplaying vampires is going to be offensive to many people. A game like this can only exist with the tolerance of the mundane community - let's not alienate them by being stupid. If you have to talk to someone, cross your fingers and explain that you are playing a game - and if you are with someone who is interacting with mundanes, walk away. If the mundane is an official, or someone with rights to be there like a landlord or something, get the storyteller immediately.

If you talk to a mundane and they realise that there is something wrong, then you have broken the Masquerade, and you may lose your character over it. You might also not get invited back. So don't.

That was fun - what now?

Now you write me a little E-mail telling me about your character, and get involved in the various plots and schemes going on behind the scenes. These plots will come to fruition, hopefully, at the next game. You will also gain experience for doing this.