#galeb

[aoitakumi8148]

“Your errors are also mine.”

While the rats are involved into their power play, valueless and squeaking, he remains calm, wise, reasonable, beautiful. Give up the throne, bring the undeserved loyalty back.

[kyndaris]

Upholding the Masquerade

From having a vampire (correction dhampyr) as a team member in my superhero line-up, it was clear that the next game I played would need to feature a vampire. This it did in spades. Enter: Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong, where I would play as three different vampires in the Boston Camarilla court over the course of three nights following a Code Red incident. Thrust into the shoes of Emem, Leysha and Galeb, I would need to figure out the events of the incident AND put a stop to the machinations of those that would put the Camarilla in danger.

Unlike the other Vampire: The Masquerade games that I have played before (just putting it out there that I've never played the cult classic Bloodlines that released in the early 2000s although I am tepidly excited for Bloodlines II), which were dialogue-heavy visual novel-esque games, Swansong was much more action heavy with 3D character models and fully realised locations that the game plays out in.

Additionally, it helped introduce me to much more of the World of Darkness mechanics that were absent in the other games I played. In Swansong, I was greeted by character sheets and having to select certain abilities and skills to level-up after each chapter. These included, but were not limited to, dialogue options, environmental skills and vampiric abilities such as dominate and presence.

Another change from the New York games was that all of the characters had been vampires for a significant number of decades, if not centuries. These were not recently embraced fledglings, unsure of their place in the world of vampires, oh no. These were vampires that had made their mark on the world of the Camarilla and were familiar with the ins and outs of court machinations.

But getting back to the game mechanics, Swansong even included in-game dice rolls to see if certain dialogue options succeeded or not based on a percentage. This meant that I could save-scum certain dialogue choices with the hope of a success.

Yet, even if a dialogue option were to fail, Emem, Leysha and Galeb could still level up their traits, which would allow for a more favourable result in the future.

Beyond dialogue, characters could also pick locks and hack into computers and telephones. To do so, they would need to expend willpower. Often, though, I found it easier to look for a key or a code to unlock something that I wanted to gain access to rather than expend willpower as it was the only real resource that I struggled to manage as items that could replenish it were not as plentiful as I would hope and it was always easy to accidentally waste precious willpower on frivolous conversations that provided no additional information of use.

The other skills they had were deduction and education While they didn't offer much in practical use, I enjoyed certain dialogue options that cropped up that occasionally helped guide me to what would be the appropriate response in a given situation. That and the fact that certain 'education' checks were better able to flesh out the world that I found myself thrust into.

Gameplay aside, the story of Swansong was an intriguing romp through Boston as each of the three characters completed their missions for the Prince. As they pieced together the events of the Code Red incident, they stumbled upon members of the Second Inquisition that were attempting to eradicate, as well as eliminate, all supernatural threats.

This culminated in a series of missions that had Emem looking for allies among the Anarchs (a rival faction to the Camarilla) before infiltrating the base of the Second Inquisition to wipe out any and all information about the existence of vampires, to Leysha trying to rescue her daughter, and Galeb on the hunt for the leader of the Second Inquisition.

All of it was quite fascinating and there were many hard choices that I had to make - especially when it came to Emem seeking the aid of the Anarchs to help her. In all honesty, I probably shouldn't have followed through with the Prince's plan but I wanted to keep Emem safe, especially after her encounter with the Hartford Chantry made me very protective of the Clan Toreador vampire.

But while I would have preferred playing through the game blind, I often found myself stymied by poor game design choices such as a lack of guidance. True, not all games need a minimap or a HUD indicator telling one where they need to go but the fact that the default movement speed was a leisurely saunter had me fuming. It was only when I was in Chapter 4 and struggling to get past slowed down gates that I learned that the ability to 'run' was a toggle feature that activated when pressing CIRCLE of all things.

Also, the volume was initially so low on my TV that I was forced to head into settings and change it.

Without a guide, I doubt I would have been able to have enjoyed my time with Swansong as much as I would have liked. And yet, by using a guide, I removed some of the wonder and splendour that would have come from a blind playthrough. The fact that one needed specific abilities in order to advance only served to mire my enjoyment of the game - as well as learning that if you released the werewolf, poor Leysha had a chance of being killed before she could save her daughter, Halsey.

Despite my misgivings with several aspects of the game, Swansong was a nice dip once again into the World of Darkness, serving to whet my appetite for Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines II, which, surprisingly enough is now being developed by The Chinese Room with a possibility of release in 2024.

It is still concerning that the game has had such troubled development but here's hoping that it will turn out good and I can dive right into the complex world of intrigue, blood and vampires.

And even though I was always Team Jacob (granted, I never actually read anything past New Moon), I have to say I'm glad that VAMPIRES ARE BACK, BABY!

[aradxan]

Turmi. Ethiopia by vittorio vida https://flic.kr/p/8XLjub

[cardiohiphopgroovesitisthen]

The cat wizards kiss in the library and you can’t tell me different.

I am making this wizard pile my agenda, and no one is taking it from me.

[blighted-elf]

Didn't see anyone post the first Bloodlines 2 dev diary since TCR took over development, so here's the link to the full diary, and couple parts I found particularly interesting.

[holly-bearie]

i miss playing swansong for the first time :(

[cardiohiphopgroovesitisthen]

My type: The fire wizard with the cat and the library.

[ttrpg-smash-pass-vs]

I honestly thought the other one would be close, so I guess we'll do a second today. On the left, Goblin! 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) tall, nimble, and fun sized! We dance and revel in victory, we fold under pressure, we're full of manic energy, we laze around when possible. We do things, in large groups, with our full and wild emotions. Come on. It's goblins. You knew your answer already, even if this particular image is among the most unflattering they've made imo. Look, my main is vivi-the-goblin, I run the channel Goblin University, I can't say anything without heavy bias.

On the right, Galeb Dur! 4 ft (1.2 m) rock people, though some can be up to 4 times that size. Smarter than your average person, can spindash like sonic the hedgehog, and can animate a couple boulders into copies of itself if it wants. Oh, and previous editions did specifically call out that their hands are surprisingly dexterous and they like singing.

[aluminummori]

A bunch of vtm/vtmb arts

[mscottontail-stash]

"ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴇᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ʀᴇꜱᴛ ᴀꜱꜱᴜʀᴇᴅ - ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ ɪ ɢɪᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ɪꜱ ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛᴇʀ ᴍᴇʀᴄʏ ᴛʜᴀɴ ʜᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴇxɪꜱᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴇᴛ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴅᴀᴍɴ ɴɪɢʜᴛ."

𝔾𝕒𝕝𝕖𝕓 𝔹𝕒𝕫𝕠𝕣𝕪 || 𝕍𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕖: 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕖 - 𝕊𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕘

[thejadedking]

@heirofhermes asked: Grab!!

Send "Grab" for your muse to grab mine's wrist, preventing them from leaving.

The fact that there had been more than one meeting between the kindred elder and the mage would seem utterly impossible to most of their kinds, or perhaps ridiculous if either side ever found out about it. Yet there they were, another evening spent in one another's company, several bottles of wine between them and a dangerously comforting feeling bubbling in the vampire's cursed soul.

It all felt far too familiar, reminding him of a simpler time, the night that he'd drank with the creature who would become his sire. They'd shared a few drinks as well, the former royal opening up to him, trusting him and telling him about his heritage and subsequent escape from Constantinople.

But that was a long time ago, a different life, a different man. Could he even be considered that anymore? He wasn't a man, but a monster.

Without saying another word, the Ventrue had snatched his suit jacket and made his way to the front door, almost free before he felt the warm hand grab at his wrist.

"Risky." He noted once his teeth stopped grinding together. "Think about what you're doing very carefully."

[volos-stupid-hat]

hey. don’t cry. first edition Galeb Duhr ok?

[knight-parzival]

Night 24: Shallow

It is a quiet place where only abandoned shacks, rotten boards and sea pebbles live. However, such a sudden and short-lived hermitage is partly formal: few people dare to disturb Master Bazory when he wants to be alone.

[sadtransboidyell]

The crossover we didn't know we needed

Wizard professors....something about em.......

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Escalate (3)

After some consideration Galeb decides to not follow the Beckoning. Hazel is quick to act and entrusts him with a new task for the Camarilla.

Spoilers for all of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 1,631

Link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2

on Ao3

Can't you feel Electricity It's dripping through my veins The syzygy It's twisting me endlessly, endlessly

Like you don't know what they said a couple of nights ago But you didn't hear that one

Galeb was ravenous. Although his skin colour had faded to grey the moment he had walked the secretary back inside the club, the whole act had pushed him to his limits.

As he looked at the woman seated next to him, it hit him suddenly. He felt it in his whole being. It was his Ventrue nature that was making him so tense around her, giving him these visceral reactions. He craved her blood; the purity, the class. And the fact that he could not have it only intensified his desire.

“The usual?” Emem asked with a cocky grin as she stepped closer to them.

“Yes. And a gin and tonic for her.” he answered.

As Emem was about to turn around, Galeb rose from his seat.

“I must excuse myself, Cyrene.” he said, “I will be back momentarily.”

Emem turned back towards Galeb, he overcame the distance between them.

“I need a real drink” he spoke through clenched teeth. Drained of vitae, the beast in him had become far too impatient.

“Did you not eat before coming here?”

“I did” he hissed, “I didn’t think it would take that much convincing.”

“Well I don’t have anything for you. Go and serve yourself.” Emem hissed back. “Be careful with what you pick though.”

Without another word he disappeared into the darker corners of the club. His mind was racing, consumed by the desire for only one thing. But it could not just be anyone and he had to be careful it was not a ghoul. So he lurked in the dark, watched the prey and fellow predators. His gaze wandered back and forth between people, then fell back onto Cyrene. Her blood was perfect, truly, but he could not risk it. A soft growl escaped him. His trained senses made him aware of a human not bound to anyone. A man in a business suit -- dark brown hair, swept back, an expensive silver brand watch around his wrist, the old money kind not the electronic touchscreen trash -- walked towards the restrooms. Galeb followed him at once.

A deep sigh of relief escaped him as he regained his composure and left the stall with the man behind. He centered himself as he adjusted the collar of his shirt in the washroom, making sure his clothes had not been soiled during this moment of weakness. A quick glance reassured him of the fact that the bathroom stall doors were closed and the Kindred walked off.

“I made a bit of a mess in the men’s washroom” he confessed discreetly once he had arrived back at the bar.

“Ugh” Emem rolled her eyes, “Seriously?”

“He’s alive.” he reassured her firmly, “Just some stains on the floor.”

“I’ll have someone get it.” she sighed and shook her head in disapproval.

Galeb noticed their drinks that had been served as he lowered himself onto the bar seat next to his new acquaintance.

“I’m so sorry I made you wait.” he spoke softly.

“Oh don’t worry about that at all.” Cyrene replied with a smile towards him, her demeanour friendly, less suspicious. Now it seemed like a perfectly normal thing that this man wanted to get to know her.

“I’ve been thinking” Galeb spoke, “We should spend more time with each other until you feel comfortable with me. And then you could introduce me to Mr. Hartwell.”

Cyrene set down her glass that she drank from.

“I would like that. I think that might work.” she answered. Galeb could feel that she was honest, even less careful than before. His dominance over her mind was still apparent.

“You think?” Galeb checked. “You’re not sure?”

“I don’t know. I will have to make sure he doesn’t feel suspicious about anything that you do.” she answered.

“Maybe it’s better you manage our assets. Inofficially at least.” the Kindred suggested.

“Oh I can’t do that” she laughed casually, “I’m not in that position.”

“You give yourself far too little credit, Cyrene.” Galeb spoke, his influence over her strong.

“Maybe.” she chuckled, “But I can’t be doing anything like that behind his back.”

“Do you have access to his clients’ files?”

“I do.” she responded, “In case of emergencies. Or an urgent meeting that he doesn’t agree to.”

“What about confidentiality? How much trust does he have in you?"

"A lot. I don’t want to betray him. I wouldn’t-- I can’t--” There was a certain agitation in her voice, like her own will that struggled against Galeb’s influence.

“It’s okay” he calmed her with a soft voice, his eyes flashing just for a second. “You’re safe. You are not betraying Hartwell. Everything is alright.”

She visibly calmed again, her breathing and heartbeat normalizing. The Kindred watched her fingers wrap around the glass and drink from it again. He leaned over, his body turned towards her.

“Where does he live?”

Slowly her gaze was drawn from her glass towards Galeb. A smile formed on his lips before she could even answer.

“Where do you live?”

With his head lowered Galeb returned to Hazel’s quarters.

“What is it? You don’t look like you have good news for me.” Hazel spoke, behind her was the moon shining in through the tall windows, the light being reflected on the sleek surface of her desk.

Galeb sighed, shaking his head before speaking.

“It’s not the best news. Hartwell has turned into a recluse. He doesn’t take any new clients it seems. And the secretary,  Roberts, she is very careful. I think I can gain her trust but it will take some time.”

“Unfortunate news” Hazel spoke and turned around towards the windows, her arms crossed in front of her chest, her gaze lowered. “Is that all?”

“My Prince, forgive me the suggestion, but would it not be easier to find someone else?”

“No. I want Hartwell” she insisted, “All others out there are not malleable enough. I’ve seen the prospects.”

“This will not be easy.” Galeb suggested.

“But once we have him, he is ours. We can use his paranoia against him.” Hazel explained, turning around again.

“What if we use just the secretary? She does most of his business for him these days anyway.”

“But in his name, right?”

Galeb tilted his head, watching her as she paused.

“So it will be him either way. If she has access to everything, I’m not against it.” Hazel explained, her hand outstretched in a presenting fashion, “But remember, she can’t be influenced if she is the one working with us. And Emem told me you already forced your will onto her.”

“Of course she did.” Galeb sighed and looked down for a moment.

“Her bodyguard was at her heels and she was extremely cautious. I could not let her go just like that.”

“Galeb, I’m not mad at you.” Hazel reassured gently, shaking her head. “I just want to make sure you know that going any further than that will be out of the question. Especially if you choose her as the one to work with us.”

“We will never get our hands on Hartwell.”

“You don’t know that” Hazel disagreed with her voice a tone higher, trying to persuade him. “Maybe we just have to be careful and watch Roberts and Walker for a while. Why don’t you become friends with them?”

Galeb coughed up a laugh.

“You say that like it’s so easy.”

“You’ve done it before.” Hazel reminded him. “Just go slow.”

The pressure of her gaze made the man look away.

“Have you set up another appointment with her?”

“I have. I was worried she would not let me meet her again if she wasn’t under the influence of my power.” Galeb confessed.

“Smart move. I am sure you will be able to make her trust you and then in no time, she will be introducing you to Hartwell, you will see. Or, she will the one handling our finances. Your choice.”

“Would you at least consider giving this task to somebody else? Anyone else, in fact. Emem Louis could do this easily with her connections to the--”

“No” Hazel responded firmly. “It has to be you. Emem doesn’t even come close to you in strength. You can protect these people if anything happens. Don’t you think they will be swarmed with ghouls and other agents soon enough? You can sense them. You’re the only one I can rely on for this task.”

Galeb sighed in defeat.

“I hadn’t considered that.”

“I know it’s hard for you. She’s probably all a Ventrue like you could want in a vessel.” Hazel chuckled. Galeb’s eyes widened.

“It’s not-- it’s not that. That’s not a problem at all.”

“Oh come on now. Don’t be shy about this. We’re birds of a feather, you and me.” she reaffirmed with a smile. “Go downstairs to the lounge and have a drink. Ask Sylvia for what I had them prepare for you. It will relax you. I know your type.”

Galeb stood in shock, at a loss for words but finally spoke, unable to decline.

“Thank you, my Prince.”

“And then focus. We need these people.”

“Of course, my Prince.”

The following night a black car with tinted windows was parked in front a high-rise apartment complex at 10:30 pm. The front doors of the building opened and Cyrene walked out into the night. Her steps brought her to the car, she overlooked the license plate quickly before she opened the back door from the side of the pedestrian walkway. She climbed in, greeting the man that was sitting inside with a smile.