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London and the Baronies of Avalon, 1242 — under the domain of Mithras
A Vampire: The Dark Ages chronicle. This is before the Inquisition, the formation of the sects, and the Beckoning. Most danger comes from regional or political conflicts, personal strife, and greater horrors that lurk in the lands between protected domains.
The year is 1242. The War of Princes engulfs Europe and beyond. The meticulous game of the Long Night has given way to an escalation of violence among the Cainites. The destruction of mighty empires has awakened a sense of desperation and paranoia among many Elders. Others seek to exploit the opportunities birthed by the chaos.
As wars rage across battlefields, in palace courts, and within the shadows, our coterie receives a task to take them across the Baronies of Avalon and beyond. Their choices may tip the scales of power across Cainite society — or leave them the latest victims of the endless violence.
The Dark Ages book is shared for reference, but its lore is not authoritative for our game. We aim for some historical accuracy while taking liberties with Vampire lore, so we are not retelling established tales but forging our own narrative. Some NPCs may be recognizable, others brand new — all molded to best serve our shared story.
A powerful elder who has cultivated a godlike mythology, Mithras rules the Baronies of Avalon from his seat in London. Most domains follow the Traditions of Caine; here, Mithras enforces his own Blood Laws, which remove worship of Caine — the Covenant — as a rule.
Recently established to end a revolt of the Baronies, recognizing their domains and granting Barons representation on Mithras's council. Great tension remains between many Baronies and Mithras; hostilities between the Tremere and Mithras are especially volatile.
The Other Governing Powers
Beyond Avalon, the night is carved between elder powers — most of them currently embroiled in some form of active conflict.
The Customs of the Night
You are a London-based coterie trusted as an envoy for Kindred of moderate status. Given the perils of travel at this time, this is a dangerous position — but one that comes with rare opportunities for those who survive.
You may be in the coterie by choice, assigned for your skillset, pressured into it by an elder, or any number of reasons. While ultimately under the authority of Mithras, the coterie answers to various influential Cainites in need of its services. The work ranges from important diplomatic representation to simply delivering or receiving messages.
The chronicle begins with the coterie on the way back to London after a simple task: picking up an unknown package from Norway. Loyalties will be tested and ambitions challenged, but the coterie should ultimately intend to work together toward a common goal. Tension between characters is welcome; constant inner-coterie turmoil is not — there will be plenty of antagonists more rewarding to engage with.
The four who answer to Mithras are set out in The Coterie; the people the road has given them, in Dramatis Personae.