FAQ: Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of the Frequently Asked Questions!

Part 1 can be found here.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask on Facebook or to email us at shadesofnorwichdarkmetropolis@gmail.com.

Bloodlines

What bloodlines are/are not allowed?

For a detailed list of which bloodlines are available for play, the Bloodlines blogpost can be found here http://shadesofnorwich.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/its-all-in-family-bloodlines-in-dark.html . These are the factors that we discussed when making our decisions:

- It's very unlikely that we'll be including bloodlines that are heavily tied to specific locations/countries/continents outside of the UK and Europe.

- Bloodlines that are inherently linked to the upper echelons of Kindred Society will probably be restricted to the High Court - so at the very least, tricky for a Low Court PC to find an Avus for…

- Some bloodlines will be NPC only or will only be accessed after startup with an NPC mentor.

- Bloodlines that involve topics we don't want to include in the game (sexual violence, child abuse, and so on) will be removed from the setting entirely.

Any bloodline with its own discipline will require some mechanical conversion to work in Blood and Smoke.

Can I start in a bloodline or do I need to find someone in it?

It will depend on the bloodline in question. We don't want to rule out the option of PCs starting as members of a bloodline, but we generally feel that the process of joining a bloodline would be best done in play.

As we have said before, it’s worth coming up with concepts sans bloodline and then talking to us about the possibility of adding one, either before or after starting play. There will be more bloodlines available to enter in play than at start up.

Can I play a covenant specific bloodline outside of that covenant?

Pitch us the concept, and we'll discuss it.  Generally, we'd prefer to keep bloodlines specifically tied to a given covenant to that covenant, but ultimately it's a question of what we think will bring the most to the game and whether or not the Dark Metropolis-specific aspects of Covenants make a difference to the bloodline’s guidelines.

Custom Content

Can I start my own bloodline?

We'd be happy to have this as a chronicle-length character goal, although as with any goal that includes developing custom mechanics or adding a significant element to the setting, we'd want to discuss it with you in detail.  It's worth keeping in mind that this will require you to buy Blood Potency 6, which is no small investment of Experiences!

Can I make a custom discipline? Hey I have cool idea for a new ritual/coil/devotion?

Custom disciplines can potentially be developed as part of a new bloodline (and only as part of a new bloodline).  We fully expect players to develop new Cruac and Theban Sorcery rituals, Scales (and potentially Coils) of the Dragon, and Devotions during play, although as with all custom mechanics this will require in depth collaboration with the ST team.

This merit (cool mortal only/Changeling/other supernatural merit) would really work for me but I'm not allowed it. Are you open for negotiation on this matter?

We are planning on limiting our mechanics to those found in Blood and Smoke, with the possible addition of the Merits from the God Machine Chronicles Rules Update.  We want to avoid too many additional rules beyond that, so while we are open to discussion on characterful mechanics, don’t base your character concept on being allowed an obscure merit or power.

Generally speaking, we will only convert Requiem 1st Edition rules into Blood and Smoke if we feel they notably add to the game. If there’s something in particular you think would add to the game then please email us with plenty of time, but it will be up to the ST team.

Can I reskin merits?

Bloodlines excepting, we will only be using the God Machine Chronicle and Blood and Smoke books as source material, so merits from New World of Darkness 1st Edition will not be in play unless specifically brought in by the ST team.

Any merits from the God Machine Chronicle book that state explicit prerequisites that preclude use by vampires (such as the supernatural merits, which require the character to be mortal) will not be available.

If you are hoping to alter the flavour of a GMC or Blood and Smoke merit for which you meet the prerequisites, as long at the mechanical aspects of the rules remain the same, we don’t mind you describing your merit as best fits your character.  However, we’d recommend running any such changes past the ST team first, to make sure they fit with the tone of the game.

Rules

Can I use the magic rules from Blood Sorcery instead?

No. We will be using the Cruac and Theban Sorcery rules presented in Blood and Smoke, although we may use Blood Sorcery as a guideline for developing new rituals.

How are the covenant special privileges going to change? Cruac, xp costs, etc.

We are planning on using the covenant benefits (and XP costs) presented in the Blood and Smoke rulebook.  So the Carthians can benefit from Carthian Law, the Circle of the Crone get Cruac, the Invictus have a range of Oaths, the Lancea Sanctum study Theban Sorcery, and the Ordo Dracul experiment with Coils and Scales of the Dragon.  There are also covenant-specific Merits available to every Covenant.

It's worth noting that the game mechanics for all of the above have changed substantially (as have the Disciplines), so we'd strongly recommend getting hold of a copy of Blood and Smoke to familiarise yourself with the new rules..

How much Resources/Luxury/Retainer is feasible for a player character?

Resources can be potentially up to 5 dots - after all, they are more applicable to the Kine world than the Kindred one. Having lots of money or a yacht isn't going to have a huge effect on your position in the Kindred court, because the currencies of the Kindred Court are very different from those of the Kine world. Besides, you’ll be among plenty of other Kindred who have built up vast fortunes over their Requiems. Although, getting filthy rich will come with its own issues!  Blood and Smoke streamlines the systems for Resources and Retainers, so we're not currently planning on including the Luxury merit in Dark Metropolis.

The rules for Retainers have been modified significantly in Blood and Smoke, so it’s worth reading through them.

Remember that no trait may be at 5 at character creation.

Will stuff from the Secrets of the Covenants book be available, providing it is out on time?

We will want to fully review the new rules presented in Secrets of the Covenants before making any decision.  By default, we will be using the rules in Blood and Smoke, with any additional rules brought in on a case by case basis.

Any usage of Damnation City style merits for territory?

Blood and Smoke includes the Feeding Ground merit as part of its core rules, which will be the main mechanic we will be using for holding territory.  On the ST side of things, we are heavily inspired by the Districts system in Damnation City, and will using rules from it to mechanically describe areas of the city.  PCs may well be able to affect the qualities of an area via their actions, for good or ill!

With the difference between 2nd and 1st edition rules, if you allow anything from the splatbooks, how heavily, if at all will you be modifying mechanics from them?

We will be sticking to the rules found in Blood and Smoke (and the God Machine Chronicle where appropriate) as closely as possible, and generally those will be the options available at character creation.  If we bring in any materials from 1st edition Vampire: the Requiem we will rewrite them to fit with the new system.

How will territories be represented in game terms?

On PCs' character sheets, they will be mainly represented via the Feeding Grounds merit.  Other qualities of the District will be managed by the STs, and PC and NPC actions may positively or negatively influence an area.

There will be three levels of ‘territory’: the Regency; the Districts, ruled by landlords (called Barons) who rent from the Regents; PC Feeding Grounds and Havens are within these Districts, rented from the Barons. There is the possibility for PCs to become Barons within the course of the game and rent to other PCs and NPCs, though we’re still working out the full system.

There are seven Regencies plus the Prince’s Lands (which PCs won’t be able to rent in); within each Regency there are 2-4 Districts; within each District, there will be a limited number of dots of Feeding Grounds that PCs can potentially rent. Sounds a bit like Monopoly? Partly this is a game like resource management.

We will be releasing more information about the Regencies and the Districts therein at a later date.

Considering the youth of the PCs, are you discouraging characters to start with Blood Potency higher than 1?

We're not discouraging higher Blood Potency, but it is a significant investment of Merit dots that will limit other possibilities at character creation. Putting all 10 starting Merit dots into buying Blood Potency 3 will heavily limit was other resources (including sources of Vitae) that character can access.

How are fighting styles working?

Fighting Styles Merits will work according to the rules in Blood and Smoke (or the God Machine Chronicle Rules Update, where appropriate).

Setting

Will there be a VSS?

In spirit, but not in name, as we feel it’s a tool better suited to the IoD. We will be producing a document clearly outlining our intended themes and tones for the game, as well as subject matter we specifically want to avoid.

What is uk gun law like? How hard is it to get a pistol/shotgun/smg/assault rifle?

UK gun law is the same as the modern day. Its about as easy to acquire an illegal firearm as it is in the real world - namely, you need a lot of money, need to know the right people, and be willing to accept that the gun has probably been used in several other crimes before it gets to you unless you're willing to pay an awful lot more for it.

Can I play an ex police guy? Can I play an ex military guy? Can I play an ex special forces guy? Can a play an ex spy?

We're happy to consider any of the above where it makes sense with the general concept.  While we expect PCs to have Allies and other contact with the police of the city, we are unlikely to let any PC have Allies or other influence in the military or an intelligence agency. National influence of any kind isn’t something a character can come in with. It’s strictly a local game.

Can I open carry a (gun)? Can I legally concealed carry a (gun)?

No, gun law is as per modern day UK. Being found carrying an illegal firearm will result in very major legal issues.

Are there any notable IC laws other than the traditions? inc. Perversion. Territory/havens. Ghouls. masquerade + non vampires. Murder of kindred. use of powers on kindred. feeding restrictions, etc?

The Traditions are the main laws of the City, along with the the law “Only the Prince may pass a sentence of Final Death”. Killing another Kindred without the Prince’s permission is seen as a direct challenge to the Prince’s authority, and will be dealt with harshly.  Allowances will be made for killing in self-defence or in an involuntary frenzy, but any Kindred who kills another will receive significant social stigma. Immortal creatures don’t like to be reminded that they can die, after all.

Kindred can and do bring non-territory-related cases against other Kindred to the Sheriff, hoping for a ruling from the Sheriff’s office and the Prince - but once the Prince has ruled, that’s it.  As a general rule of thumb, the Prince’s word is law, and the Prince’s word is final.

Regents and Barons may have their own laws that apply to their Regency or District. These are handled on a case-by-case basis, and generally handled locally.  Of course, a Regent or Baron can appeal to the Prince for the assistance of the Sheriff or Hounds to help enforce their law if needed. Local Regency and District laws will be included in the write-ups for that area.

Could we have a little more info about boons (what, why, worth, politics, views, ect) within the chronicle please?

The ST team is planning on releasing more information about Boons and the economy of Dark Metropolis. We have many thoughts on this subject, so look forward to a blog post soon!

During the Chronicle

If I kill another PC am I going to greet the sunrise?

Killing another Kindred is a very serious crime in Dark Metropolis Norwich, as only the Prince legally holds the power to put a Kindred to Final Death.  If you're caught, the murder of another Kindred will almost certainly be the end of your character's story, unless there are particularly persuasive extenuating circumstances.

On an OoC basis, both players involved need to be willing for a PC to meet Final Death.  Character vs character conflict can be an emotionally charged thing, and we don't want anyone to have their game ended earlier than they're happy with.  We also plan on clearly flagging OoC any scenes that include an significant risk of Final Death for PCs.

I want to kill another PC. Is there anything the st team would like me to do/not do?

Talk to the ST team and the player of the PC in question first.  We will always seek a non-Final Death solution to any CvC situation where the player of the PC at risk is unhappy with character death as an outcome. Remember that killing other PCs is rarely necessary or fun, and shuts down the game for that player. Killing a PC is something that can only be done with the consent of both parties.

Please note, however, that egregious breaches of the Traditions or the Prince's law may result in extreme danger, or even Final Death at NPC hands… (however, as stated elsewhere, Final Death or long-term torpor is a very rare punishment and would only be handed out when a character has committed a truly grievous crime).

What's the expected maximum acceptable level of non combat CVC - how much should you aim to screw another character over?

What both players are comfortable with.  There will be character vs character elements to the game, but we want this to be a collaborative conflict - it should be fun for both player involved OoC, even if their PCs are cursing and plotting against each other.

The ST team reserve the right to step in to work out a resolution to any situation.  Players are also expected to stick with OoC agreed resolutions to scenes where ST mediation is required.

At a fundamental level, we expect all of our players to work together to make the game fun and enjoyable for each other.  Drama and conflict should be part of that fun, but in a way that minimises any OoC stress.

Seeing as we are playing street peons trying to survive, is there a chance of meeting other supernatural types with similar struggles? A young werewolf pack struggling for territory, apostate mages trying to carve out a safe little niche from consillium politics, etc.

Other supernaturals will be part of the Dark Metropolis setting, including those at a similar level to the PCs. Allies (Supernaturals) or other such Social Merits are something we would take on a case-by-case basis with a lot of caution. There's no treaty between the supernaturals like in Shades of Norwich, so there's going to be a lot more in the way of risks and unknowns in dealing with other supernaturals.  Precisely how they're treated with regards to the Masquerade is a big question, for example...

Are there rules or guidelines to changing your character's stats after the start of the chronicle?

We will allow players some flexibility with their character's stats after creation until they've got a good feel for the character, although we hope this won't be needed much by a well-rounded character creation process.  Generally speaking we will encourage people to stick with what they've picked at character creation after their first couple of sessions, particularly if the stats in question have played a major role in that character succeeding in a given scene.

We will be using the “Sanctity of Merits” rule from Blood and Smoke - so if you lose a Merit for any reason (your Retainer meets a grisly end, your Allies aren’t talking to you any more, or you lose a bunch of Resources in a bad investment) you’ll get the Experiences value of the Merit back to spend on other things (or use to rebuild your lost Merits).

Do the ST's have strong preferences with regards to retiring characters so the player can start a new one?

If players wish to play a new character, they will need to retire their existing character.  Dark Metropolis will not have "secondary" characters.

Specifically, we would like people to work with STs to figure out the best way to retire their characters. We want to make sure players have a fulfilling end to their character’s story (and some discussion about how they can become part of the bigger Dark Metropolis story as an ongoing NPC if appropriate).

FAQs: Wave 1

Welcome to our first FAQ post. As you may notice, we haven't included all of the questions here! These are the queries that we feel are most relevant at this stage, before the first concept discussion session.

Thank you for all your questions, and please keep them coming - especially if any of the below answers throw up any more for you.

A note about bloodlines:

We’ve had a lot of questions about bloodlines and while we will cover them in more detail in our second post, we wanted to say the following: we don't want to rule out the option of PCs starting as members of a bloodline, but we generally feel that the process of joining a bloodline would be best done in play. It's also worth coming up with ideas sans bloodlines, and then talking to us about the possibility of adding a bloodline.


Character Creation

Can I start with Allies 5?
No PC will be able to start with any trait at 5.  We want people to have something to develop in play!  It's also worth noting that NPCs will have sway in given areas, so you may not be alone or uncontested in your influence.

Can I play a ghoul? What about a mortal?
We fully expect to see ghoul PCs, and would ideally encourage them to have PC Regnants.  Mortal PCs would represent a fundamental breach of the Masquerade, so will not be allowed.

Can I be a childe of a named NPC?
Absolutely, although some NPCs will not be suitable sires - you're unlikely to be able to play the childe of the Prince, for example. This will require investing some XP into a suitable Merit if you want to have a positive relationship with your sire, and with any connection to a Kindred NPC, the higher ranking they are, the more costly and time-consuming they will be to keep happy.

Can I start with no covenant or opt to ignore/not disclose clan?
Yes, although it will make things substantially more difficult for your PC and you will be cutting yourself off from a large part of the game.

We expect nearly every Unaligned PC to have the character goal "join a covenant". Generally, we feel players will get significantly more out of the game if they are able to engage with the opportunities for roleplay that a covenant represents.

As the clans each hold significant sway in the city in their own way, keeping your clan secret will present a major obstacle to advancing in your covenant or the city, as other Kindred will distrust anyone who's keeping something as fundamental as their clan under wraps.

We'd want a strong reason for your PC to be keeping their clan secret, and as with any secret in Dark Metropolis, a plan and an expectation for it to be revealed at a suitably dramatic moment!

What kind of size can a group concept be?
Between 2 and 4-5. We’d generally discourage larger group concepts, as otherwise they may represent a significant proportion of our players, make unwieldy power blocks and dilute the group concept! We actively encourage also having ties to PCs outside of your immediate concept/coterie.

Can I be from out of town or do I have to have been Embraced in norwich?
We would strongly prefer that PCs have been Embraced in Norwich.  However, if you have a specific concept that you believe is enhanced by being from outside of Norwich, please get in touch with the ST team.

Can I be an old vampire who has just come out of torpor?
No. We want all PCs to be neonates who have been Embraced for a decade or less.

How much Status of various flavours will we be able to obtain?
At startup, a PC can choose to buy up to 2 dots of Clan, Covenant or City Status. During play, PCs will be able to buy up to 3 dots in Clan, Covenant or City Status.  Achieving more than that will move you firmly into NPC territory and character retirement.

NB: While Status, and Merits of any kind, can be lost over the course of play, the XP used to buy it will be retained. Essentially, a player cannot “lose” XP if they drop in Merit dots.

Will there be the possibility of being in multiple covenants, something which Blood and Smoke seems to encourage?

Having Status in multiple Covenants is possible, although there may be a level of distrust if you’re not a “full” member of the covenant.  We are looking at how the mechanical aspects and covenant resources such as buildings and information would work across multiple covenants, and keeping an eye of the Merits being developed for Secrets of the Covenants.

Can I be in the holy engineers/brides of dracula/tier 3 covenants?
No. We’re focusing on the covenants in Blood and Smoke and exploring the possibilities within them!


During the Chronicle

What length of game session are you looking at?
We’ll usually be looking at sessions on Saturday evenings, to fit with the UEA GamesSoc live games schedule. Sessions will be booked from 6pm for sign in, player queries and any issues that need resolving, with time-in aimed for 7pm. Sessions usually last until 10.30pm, with tidying up and vacating premises done by 11pm.

How much of an uptime and downtime split are you expecting? Will anything happen in downtime periods that is not in a downtime? Are you expecting people to talk to each other in downtime?
We plan on the main emphasis of the game being in uptime. Downtime is a good point to pursue personal plots that cannot be pursued in uptime, to research into uptime plots to help further them next session, paying rent and maintaining territory, and to develop your character both in terms of mechanics and story.

People are welcome to roleplay with each other during downtime, but we do not wish to make it a required part of the game.  Where possible, we'd like to keep as much roleplaying in uptime as possible, to maximise the number of players that can be potentially involved.

It’s worth noting that we expect all players to be able to attend games and submit downtimes on a regular basis. If a player does not attend a game three times in a row, then we will get in touch to see how we can support them in engaging more closely with the game.

What court positions can I get without being NPC'd? Or Which court positions are held by NPC and which can player characters work towards?
Becoming Clan Priscus is a way to sidle into influence and power, though some clans might find it more of a challenge than others. We're currently working on the basis that players can become Harpies and Hounds as mid-term goals for their characters.  Once you move to the High Court, you become an NPC, so becoming the Sheriff, Herald, Seneschal, or any other High Court role would be firmly in NPC territory.  That said, we fully expect PCs to work as assistants to some of these positions.

As far as territory is concerned, becoming Regent of one of the seven Regencies would result in a character becoming an NPC, but being Baron of a District, its landlord, reporting directly to a Regent, is something that both better-respected Low Court and High Court Kindred can achieve.

Will going High Court always be a player choice?
As Dark Metropolis is a collaborative story game, succeeding in becoming High Court will always be something that is achieved through Player and Storytellers working together. We’ll flag up character goals that will end up in the High Court so there are no surprises. We don’t want players to stop playing characters they’re enjoying, and if someone decides that they definitely don’t want to join the High Court then we will work with them to explore stories that alter the character’s path in a fun and interesting way.

Remember, it takes a concerted effort over a period of time to join the High Court, so it won’t be accidental or unexpected!

How important will clan/covenant be relative to each other?
Fundamentally, both are factions within the city. Being an Daeva Ordo Dracul is different from being a Gangrel Ordo Dracul, but you’re still an Ordo Dracul (and a Daeva or a Gangrel). You’re also a Vampire and a business person and the favourite of an Elder and the Regnant to a ghoul and a member of your coterie, so you will be having to juggle all of your obligations and responsibilities, to Clan, Covenant and City.

Can I visit London? Can I visit Kings Lynn/other outside locations?
We're planning on Dark Metropolis being focused on one city: the inter-Fief politics and exploration of the rest of the UK from Shades of Norwich are not stories we want to focus on in this game. Travelling is a risky enterprise for Kindred at the best of times, and being in someone else's territory puts you at their mercy. This isn't to say it can't be done, but you will be putting your PC’s life at risk if you travel outside of the city - not least because vampires are extremely territorial, but there are other things out there...

I'm a Gangrel, can I go live in the woods?
All PCs will live in Norwich, although the area of the city will have very sizably increased! Living in the outskirts is doable, but is dangerous. The Gangrel of Dark Metropolis are urban predators rather than backwoods survivalists, so would generally prefer to be close to the heart of the domain and look down on those who eschew city living.

How counter-Invictus/Prince can you get before your game becomes all dodging assassination?
The Carthian Movement are pretty counter-Invictus, and we'd recommend that PCs who want to go in that direction strongly consider the Carthian Movement for their covenant, or explore having ties or alliances with them. Prince Lockwood doesn't believe in killing Kindred in general, preferring social maneuvering and political pressure to keep her enemies at bay.  That said, direct violent towards the Prince or her allies may well be met with a forceful response!

The more friends, allies, status and standing you have, the harder it is for you to disappear with no questions asked.  A lone unaligned neonate is at much more risk than a Kindred who is a recognised member of a clan and covenant, but it’s not so much to do with personal risk to life, but more to do with finding it difficult to get allies and status in the city. If you are too outspoken, even those who might otherwise approve can risk losing status by being your ally, so you may find yourself without feeding grounds or anywhere to live.

Can we have human ghouls/animal ghouls/humans who are clued in to the masquerade?
We actively encourage PC ghouls, and NPC ghouls or other mortal assistants and friends can be represented via the Retainer and Touchstone merits.  That said, humans who aren't ghouled are an inherent risk to the Masquerade, and the Kindred character would be in trouble if found out...

Can I own mundane business(es) and/or properties?
Absolutely!  We fully anticipate that PCs will have a wide range of business interests, and homes to call their own haven. As with Feeding and Havens, for Kine-related activity we will work with you to help you work out which District you call your home and how that may influence your character’s efforts (see Territories in the Setting questions below).

How much effect will characters be able to have on the city at large?
Shades of Norwich: Dark Metropolis is going to be a player-responsive game; PCs can have a substantial impact on the city, including manipulating Kine affairs, making inhospitable areas suitable for Kindred, or running areas of the city into the ground.  Of course, the larger your plans, the more likely you are to catch the attention of the High Court, for good or ill.

Setting

How much interaction between High Court and Low Court is there going to be? Are they mythical beings or do we see them everyday like our neighbours?
The Low Court are very aware of the reality of the High Court, as they are their landlords, Regents, Prisci and the face of the Prince's authority.  Various officers of the Court may attend Low Court gatherings to do business, investigate problems, or look for gossip.

It's much harder going in the other direction.  For a member of the Low Court to attend a High Court gathering requires an invitation and sponsorship from a High Courtier in good standing, and they will be under the closest scrutiny.  However, if you can impress, it can do wonders for your career.

The Prince is like the Mayor in the real world - you probably only see her at ceremonial occasions, you might have met her once if you've got a particularly enthusiastic and well-connected mentor, and you certainly wouldn't expect to see her at the Low Court meetings.

Below that, the Primogen and the Seneschal are unlikely to be in your neighbourhood often, or ever, but they're slightly more accessible than the Prince. The Sheriff is someone you don't want to see, because it means you're in a world of trouble. The Herald is slightly more accessible because they make announcements, but they mostly interact with the Low Court through their assistants. The lower-level Harpies and Hounds are the roles where you're most likely to be able to put faces to names. While they also have assistants, they generally try to attend Lower Court events and get to know all the Kindred of the city.

We’ll go into this in more detail in the future. It'll be safe to say, though, that you at least know who your clan Priscus is and have contact with them. Not necessarily true with the head of your covenant (which, it should be noted, does not necessarily coincide with a city role).

Are the Clans and Covenants getting special places for themselves?
There are going to be locations specific to clans and covenants.  The Nosferatu blog post touches on the Necropolis, the Daeva have claimed the city's storm tunnels as their own, and other locations will be revealed as we uncover more about the city in the blog.

In-character, such locations are likely to only be accessible to those with status in the faction or those who are invited and accompanied by another well-thought-of member of that faction.

Can I know about mages/werewolves/changelings/geists/mummys/the god machine? What do I know about the brood/VII?
PCs with suitable Occult scores or specialisations will be aware of the other supernatural residents of the World of Darkness.  Even without any dots in Occult, you will have heard rumours of there being other supernatural creatures, although you may be a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation.

Most Kindred will have heard stories about the Brood and VII, although they'll be rumours or "I heard from a friend of a friend" type of thing.  More detailed information about antagonist groups can be researched during play, although needless to say that may come with its own risks…

Will players be custom making their territories or should we give an outline of the sort of turf we want and you slot it in somewhere appropriate?
We will be detailing the city in terms of 25-30 districts based in 7 different Regencies. Our expectation will be that all PC owned territories will be based in one of these districts, leased from an NPC landlord, or Baron. However, we're happy to collaborate with our players to work out the details of their turf of one or two blocks of the city, especially what their feeding grounds, Havens and Herds look like in the game.

There will also be opportunities to try to reclaim some areas of the city that not even the Hounds have tried to clean up...

How many vampires, give or take, are there in the city?
Approximately 100, although that number is subject to change according to the needs of the game.

What's the state of the countryside? Is it still farming fields and forest, or is it more scrubland made unsuitable for farming by the adjacent metropolis?
Norfolk still has a heavy focus on agriculture and commercial forestry.  That said, the area in the immediate surrounds of the more industrial areas of Norwich are likely to be polluted and unsuitable for farming. The Broads are substantially changed, with some of it overtaken by the city itself, with a large number of industrial facilities for the extraction of natural gas and oil replacing the current landscape and small, poverty-stricken mining towns slowly emptying of people as gas mining becomes less profitable.

Kindred generally avoid the countryside at all costs.  There’s no good territory or feeding grounds out there, and there are things in the darkness of the night that scare even vampires.

How multicultural is the city? Are there different area where different cultures live? What about faiths?
The city will be culturally and ethnically diverse, similar to London. As in real life Norwich, it is a centre for immigrant and asylum seeker settlement for the UK. We foresee a combination of a ‘melting pot’ in some areas, with others more characterisable by a particular faith, ethnic or cultural background.