Infernal Plague: Aftermath
Fall 2004 V:TES CCG Storyline Tournament
Forgotten what happened in the prologue? Go read it again.
Infernal Plague Epilogue
Jan Pieterzoon showed Alan Sovereign into the private chamber of Hardestadt the Elder.
"Welcome to Europe, Mr. Sovereign," Hardestadt said.
"Thank you, sir," Alan replied. "It's my pleasure to be here." Alan lowered his head in a subtle gesture reminiscent of a bow, then he raised his eyes to meet the elder's gaze. Although Alan doubted that a creature as powerful as Hardestadt would need to look him in the eyes to enthrall him, it couldn't hurt in these times of treachery to show his elder that he had nothing to hide.
"Quentin sends his regards, sir," Alan said.
"And I appreciate Mister King sparing one of his remaining, trusted advisors on such short notice," Hardestadt answered. Jan motioned Alan toward a leather seat as Pieterzoon and Hardestadt both sat. Alan took his seat. He had imagined many times meeting the founder of the Camarilla, and many times he had questioned his own ability to remain composed in the face of so potent a Kindred. Now he found Hardestadt's presence cool yet comfortable, not unlike the Old World luxuries that appointed the chamber.
"And how is Quentin managing the treason of Lorance and the others?" Hardestadt asked.
Alan had no doubt that Hardestadt knew exactly how things were being managed in every area of Camarilla domain, but he suspected there was some other purpose to the question.
"There was some initial shock and dismay at the number of traitors and that they had actually become infernalists," he began, "but now that that has come to light, affairs have been managed well."
Hardestadt nodded. "Our enemies within and without have finally revealed themselves for all Kindred to see. Some within our ranks are shocked by the extent of the Baali's corruption and the number of turncoats within our ranks, especially among the line of Arikel. The Toreador might think they can change masters whenever their passions drive them in a new direction, but now they have pledged themselves to a master who commands eternal obedience.
"For our part, we have faced this enemy before, and we ground the Baali into the dust. We now go to war to do so again, and you are to become a solider in that war, Mr. Sovereign."
"Yes, sir," Alan said, his thoughts tumbling. He was no soldier fit for battle. Surely other Kindred in the sect were more qualified for actual, physical conflict. Surely Hardestadt knew that. Surely he wasn't actually being drafted to literally follow Theo Bell into assaults on Baali havens.
"As we move all of our resources into their proper position," Hardestadt continued, "we find that we have need of someone with expertise in international banking and money laundering. Jan will provide you with the information on certain corporations and trusts and their worldwide bank accounts. He will also introduce you to certain arms-dealers known to us. It seems that ever since the Americans have put forth their efforts to stop the financing of international terrorism, it is no longer a simple matter to discretely purchase the conventional arsenal we need for the coming conflict. It is now your job to see that it gets done."
"Yes, sir," Alan said with no small relief.
"And my responsibilities to Quentin?"
"Mister King and I have made arrangements for your services. Your past loyalty to him concerns you no longer. You will make your haven here in Europe for now. Jan will direct you."
Although Alan was facing Hardestadt and listening to the elder's every word, he suddenly found it difficult to focus on what was being said. Hardestadt's eyes drew Alan's mental focus down into their depths. When Alan recovered his faculties, he found himself standing. Hardestadt and Pieterzoon both stood as well. Had some intervening moment passed?
"Alan, only you, Jan and I will know of the status of these accounts you will control," Hardestadt said. "In times of war, we leave nothing to chance, including further treachery from any who claim to remain loyal."
"Yes, sir." With that, Alan was dismissed to begin his duties and to wonder what Hardestadt might have done inside his mind.
* * *
Sela chaffed at the Toreador's presence, but she had little choice but to endure it. Barbaro had claimed that this Helena woman was the perfect tool, and Sela's new master had confirmed it in the omens that Sela was still learning to recognize as the way he communicated his will to her. Sela despised Helena for the very reason that Helena was perfect for the task ahead. Helena's blood was old and potent. It was all too clear that Helena's age and lineage put her in a higher stratum of power than Sela's own blood would ever allow. Perhaps that's why, in the months they spent together below the streets of Rome, Sela found herself dreaming of drinking Helena's heart's blood. She would imagine the taste of the rich, warm flow in her mouth only to have her Beast rise up within her, eager to make that dream a reality. Helena seemed all too serenely aware of Sela's fantasy and her struggle with her Beast, which made it all the more maddening to be around her.
Yet Sela did endure Helena's company. For nearly two months, she had taught the Toreador the secret of the Lasombra, the command of shadows. Sela had learned the art through so many trials that it annoyed her to just give the knowledge to Helena on a silver platter. The ease with which Helena mastered it only annoyed her further.
Admittedly, though, Sela had learned much from Helena as well during those months. The Toreador implied that she once controlled Rome-if not the whole Roman Empire. The elder Toreador's knowledge of Rome, at least Rome as it once was, seemed without peer. Once Sela felt certain that Helena had no desire to try to seize Rome as her own domain again, she listened more carefully to how the Toreador had once pulled the strings of power in the city. The strings had not changed so much from ancient to modern nights that the usefulness of the lessons was lost on Sela. During those months it also became clear to Sela how Barbaro intended to bring Helena fully into their master's bondage. Sela saw clearly what impassioned the Toreador and moved her beyond reason or prudence. She knew what might even make the Toreador abandon her unlife-perhaps even her soul. It was hate. Hate for the one she called Menele, whom Kindred legend referred to as the childe of Troile. What moved Helena to hate the ancient Brujah so intensely, however, Sela could not fathom.
Yet Barbaro used that hate like a tool in a master sculptor's hands. The impish man would stoke Helena's furor and other times call into question the depth of that hatred. The hatred and the promise of quenching her hate in Menele's blood proved a powerful motivator to keep Helena focused on the course ahead.
When Sela finally had to admit that she had taught Helena all she could of the Abyss, Barbaro revealed to them both a text he had found in the Vatican archives. An ancient text of Abyssal Mysticism that might prove to be the key to His prison.
The results of the Infernal Plague story line are tallied. The Baali's efforts to corrupt the other clans met with the most success among the Toreador, who turned infernal (won more Infernal Plague tournaments as infernalists) more than any other clan. Meanwhile, the Ventrue stood their ground, reinforcing their position as the Clan of Kings, leading the Camarilla efforts to thwart the infernal menace (and winning more tournaments as non-infernalists than any other clan). The infernal story line concludes with a sequel story-line tournament later this year (details to be announced). The sequel story line will feature a support kit complete with Toreador and Ventrue cards associated with those clans' Infernal Plague victories and another surprise item not to be missed!
The Infernal Plague
Fall 2004 V:TES CCG Storyline Tournament
Barbaro hadn't officially been welcome at the Vatican for centuries but made it a point to be owed favors by no fewer than two stewards of the church's archives at any given time. His scandalous behavior and subsequent excommunication from the church were ancient events, and it was unlikely that anyone there today would recognize the name Barbaro Lucchese.
A young priest named Anthony gave Barbaro full access to the archives whenever Barbaro visited. Barbaro was a knowledgeable historian and scholar, and he taught Anthony many things in exchange for his hospitality and unfettered access to the church's ancient texts. Tonight, however, Barbaro neglected the lesson and quickly sought the solitude of the dusty ledgers and worn leather volumes.
Barbaro pecked at the keyboard with his index fingers, duplicating and simultaneously translating the venerable manuscripts. He tore the printed sheet off the printer and penned several diagrams on the page before locking up and leaving the sleeping Anthony a pint low but otherwise intact.
* * *
Archbishop of Rome was certainly not a respected position, and Sela's claim on that title amounted to little more than squatter's rights. Rome was essentially abandoned, as it had long been inhospitable to Kindred due chiefly to the activities of the Society of Leopold. In addition, any kind of a successful operation in Rome would require a subtlety that most Sabbat were unable or unwilling to pursue. Sela, however, saw Rome as a shortcut to power and worked feverishly to make the best of the situation.
Sela's first taste of fortune came when she enlisted the help of Barbaro Lucchese, a Tremere antitribu and former priest who knew much about Rome's inner workings. In less than a decade, Sela created an infrastructure that would allow the Sabbat to thrive in relative safety within the Society's backyard. With the aid of sewer-dwelling Nosferatu antitribu, Sela created a niche for herself as an information broker, her Rome listening posts helping Kindred around the world stay beyond the Society of Leopold's lengthening reach.
Entering Sela's office unannounced, Barbaro said, "I have completed the instructions."
"Let us not sit idle then. The Society of Leopold's noose tightens with each passing night," replied Sela.
Barbaro sensed rightly that there was no longer any need for pretense and freed a leer that had been fermenting since the day he first met the power-hungry Sela. He offered Sela his arm, saying, "Walk with me this night my Lady, and you will receive power from the god of both this world and the world below."
* * *
Alan Sovereign produced yet another stack of bank statements for Quentin King, saying, "Lorance had knowledge of these accounts as well and withdrew all of the funds with wire transfers to numbered accounts overseas."
"Have you stopped the bleeding?" asked Quentin.
"Yes, I believe so. All of the remaining accounts were closed and the balances redistributed," Sovereign responded.
"Are we sure that Lorance is the culprit?"
Sovereign explained, "Lorance's main haven was torched two nights ago. He probably did it himself to cover his tracks, but the fire department extinguished the flames fairly quickly. Based on some of the notes we found there, it seems Lorance is part of a cabal of infernalists that has spent centuries infiltrating the Camarilla and the Sabbat."
"Have the primogen account for every one of their clan in the city," ordered Quentin.
"I will do so immediately." Sovereign added, "I've also arranged that meeting for you with Prince Vargoss in St. Louis. He has been victimized by the demons more than most -- his sheriff and two of the city's primogen were found to be in with the infernalists."
Quentin looked away and muttered, "How deep is this wound?"
Between October 15 and November 30, 2004, results of special Vampire: The Eternal Struggle tournaments from around the world will create the next chapter of this story.
Each player attending a designated storyline tournament will receive a special promo-only card of Barbaro Lucchese. The Barbaro Lucchese promo-only card will remain in tight circulation for at least one year before being released into general support packages.
The Rules
Except as noted in these instructions, the tournament will follow the Standard Constructed Tournament format and current V:EKN rules.
* At least 75% (e.g., 9 out of 12) vampires in a player's crypt must be of the same clan.
* Each player will receive one Barbaro Lucchese and may add him to his or her crypt before play begins. Only one Barbaro Lucchese may be used in each crypt. For purposes of this event only, Barbaro Lucchese's group number is ignored, and he may be mixed with any otherwise legal crypt. The resulting crypt must still meet the 75% rule above.
* Recalled to the Founder is banned (due to the clan-focus rule above).
* Players will participate in an auction (as described below) to determine who plays for the infernal faction and how much pool each player in the infernal faction receives.
Infernal Auction
After players select their decks and before play begins, the event organizer will attempt to split the players into two factions, infernalists and non-infernalists. It is the event organizer's goal to have one-half (rounded down) of the tournament participants voluntarily choose to play for the infernalists. Players who are playing Baali clan decks must choose to play for the infernalist faction. Every vampire in the crypts of the players who join with the infernalists (including all vampires in the crypts of the Baali players) gains the infernal attribute (see section 4 of the rules). If the vampire's card text already identifies him as infernal, the infernal pool penalty is increased by one pool (the controller must burn 2 pool or tap that vampire).
Initially, it is unlikely that the event organizer will reach his or her goal of one-half of the participants playing for the infernalist faction. If that goal has not been met, the event organizer will conduct an auction. The event organizer will offer an additional amount of starting pool to lure players to play for the infernalist faction. The organizer will increase the amount of additional pool until enough players accept the offer and the goal of one-half of the field (rounded down) is met. The organizer will use a random method to decide among players who accept infernalism for the same bid amount. After the auction, each player who is now part of the infernalist faction will receive an amount of additional starting pool equal to the bid amount of the last player to accept the infernalism offer.
Sample Auction:
John's event has 17 players, so it is his goal to bribe 8 players (one-half of the field, rounded down) to join the ranks of the infernalists. One player is playing a Baali clan deck and is automatically counted among the infernalists. John now needs 7 volunteers to choose infernalism. Two players volunteer to play for the infernalists without any further inducements, leaving John the task of finding 5 additional players who are willing to "sell their souls."
John begins the auction by offering 2 additional pool to each player who joins the ranks of the infernalists. He gets no volunteers at this level. John sees that he has a tough crowd on his hands and raises the offer to 8 pool. John gets one more volunteer. 4 more to go! John tries 10, 12 and then 14 pool, at which time 5 players raise their hands to volunteer. Since John only needs 4 additional volunteers and he has 5, John has each player roll a die to randomly determine which 4 of the 5 volunteers will get to play for the infernalists.
Now, John has his 8 volunteers. Each of the infernal-faction players will now receive an extra 14 pool at the beginning of each round (the amount is determined by the bid amount of the last player who accepted the infernalism offer).
The winning clan
For the purposes of our tally of the winning clans, players who play for the infernalists will be considered separate clans. For example, a player who wins an event with a Ventrue clan deck will achieve a win for the Ventrue. If, however, that player played for the infernalists, "Ventrue (Infernal)" will be given credit for the win.
The winning clan for each faction will each receive a special reward in the next available expansion.
Finding an event near you
Check out the event calendar to search for Infernal Plague events near you. Many tournaments will not be listed on the calendar until early October, so be sure to check back often.
Also, feel free to contact the V:EKN Prince or tournament organizer in your area to help him or her organize your local event.
Build Your Own Storyline
HOW TO RUN A V:TES BUILD YOUR OWN STORYLINE EVENT
Step 1: Register Your Event
Send an email to the Storyline Coordinator at with a brief description of your BYO Storyline Event. Include a basic plot description, and where and when you would like to run it. You'll get a response indicating if the event is approved. If you event is approved, it'll be added to the list of Official BYO Storyline Events with your Introduction and Aftermath information posted on the White Wolf web site. You'll be eligible to have your event cards to be turned into official V:tes cards in future expansions. Plot elements and the results of your event may be included in future V:tes Storywhline Events.
Step 2: Design Your Event
Create your story and get the word out. Let people know about the story they'll be participating in. The only rules are that your story must be set in the classic World of Darkness before Gehenna (note that there is no canonical Gehenna ending, just a few portends, like the Week of Nightmares, the Caitiff prince, and the Red Star--you can set your stories before or after these events, in 1996, 2008, or whatever, but always before THE END). You may wish to consider creating a webpage that details your storyline, its participants, bios of any fictional characters, or whatever. Later, you can add the results of your event and any prologue that you write.
Feel free to use special rules (clan-based crypts, new actions, unofficial "promo" cards for the event, or the like) to match the theme of your event. They aren't sanctioned, so you have plenty of freedom here to infuse your theme into the storyline games.
There's no official format for designing BYO Storyline Events. These events may include special rules or cards. Often prologue fiction is used to set the scene and let the players know what is at stake. You can look at the Official Storyline Event introductions or the introductions of other BYO Storyline Events to get ideas on how some storyline events are designed.
Step 3: Submit Your Introduction
Once the introduction, prologue fiction, rules and other materials for your event are completed, send them to the storyline coordinator at . Your event information will be posted with other BYO Storyline Events on the web site.
Include some details to be added to the BYO Events page in the following format:
Event Name:
Date:
Location:
Web site (if any, optional):
Description (Designer:
Organizer (if different from designer):
Include in your email all your event design and introductory fiction, and any images or materials created for you event that you would like us to post. These will be added to the Introduction page for you event on the White Wolf web site.
Step 4: Run Your Event and Record the Results
Promote and run your event and send us the report. Your report can include the winning decks and finals report. It can also include epilogue fiction that describes what has happened in the aftermath of the events in your story. Include any player quotes heard during your event. Like other storyline events, appropriate quotes may be used as flavor text on cards in future expansions.
Your event report should include:
Dominant clan or faction in your city or region in the aftermath of the event
Name of a key minion crucial to the outcome of this event
Your BYO event report may include an event card submission. This can be a V:tes crypt or library card that was designed, by you, for use in the event, or a card designed as an appropriate reward for the winner of the event. BYO event cards will be considered for future publication.
Send your report to . It will be used as the Aftermath page for your event on the BYO Events page.
ONGOING EVENTS
09/2023 Festivo dello Estinto V
The Sabbat Storyline
You, brothers and sisters of the Sabbat, are summoned to join the Festivo dello Estinto. We will celebrate and honor those who have fallen for the Sword of Caine in the Eternal Struggle. Long unlive the Sabbat! Long unlive the Black Hand!
Lucita de Aragón
On September 16th and 17th, we will celebrate the 5th Edition of Festivo dello Estinto, the Sabbat Storyline. Once again, all Methuselahs scattered around the world are invited to come to Zaragoza to participate in one of the major events of the Spanish VTES Calendar for the year 2023.
Festivo dello Estinto V keeps the fire of the storyline saga started years ago. As usual, there are some special rules to build your Library and Crypt that give it its special flavor. A minimum of 50% of your vampires should belong to the Sabbat sect, as the Kindred outside the Sword of Caine can always be attacked as a +1 (D) action... You can include up to four copies of the vampire "Sabbat Convert" in your crypt; the card design is a tribute to the last winner: Txus Alútiz.
Furthermore, Methuselahs can also use the foil card "Vaulderie's Addict," which adds special abilities to the vampire who finally understands that the path of the Sabbat is the correct one...
FdE V inherits from the anecdotes that took place in last year's event: Rise of Zaragoza. The impressive collection of these scenes has inspired Iñigo Orbegozo to write a complete storyline that we have been sharing with the most famous Spanish VTES podcasts: Bleed de 3, Master Phase, and Causa y Efecto. In the previous tournament, a deck with Sebastian Goulet as the main minion emerged victorious. Now, as we continue writing the Sabbat story, we are introducing a special full art card to the game table: "La Fuente" as an Event.
All those attending Festivo dello Estinto V will receive a complete pack of special unofficial cards designed exclusively for the event: Sabbat Convert (x2), La Fuente, and Lucita de Aragón (ADV). Lucita de Aragón is featured as a full art card, showcasing a beautiful exclusive illustration by our beloved artist, María Lorén. This stunning image of Lucita de Aragón has also been used to create a commemorative playmat that will be gifted to all players.
We have reserved Camping Ciudad de Zaragoza as the venue for the event. You can book fully equipped bungalows, hostel rooms, or camping pitches with a special offer by simply using the promotional code: VTES. For more information, please visit www.campingzaragoza.com.
You can find complete information about Festivo dello Estinto V, including special rules, location, gifts, prices, sponsors, and more on our website: www.vtes-zaragoza.com. Don't hesitate to contact us via email at masqueunjuego@vtes-zaragoza.
Still unsure about attending? We are excited to announce that Black Chantry Productions has prepared a very special gift for the event. All players of Festivo dello Estinto V will receive one copy of the exclusive full art promo card "Festivo dello Estinto." On behalf of the organization, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Long live VTES!
2023 Echoes of Gehenna
PAST EVENTS
BYO Storyline Rewards (TO BE REVISITED)
At the end of each calendar year (including 2008) we will choose a few (up to 3) of the top event cards that were submitted in V:tes BYO Storyline Reports. These cards will be introduced to the game and published in the following year. Any unpublished BYO event cards will be eligible, even if the event took place in a prior year. Event cards selected for publication may be edited for balance or wording.
The stories and events described in the BYO Storyline Events may also be included in future White Wolf Storyline Events at the discretion of the V:tes Storyline Coordinator.
Mike Nudd
V:tes Storyline Coordinator
Even though White Wolf no longer creates new RPG material for the classic World of Darkness, there are still more stories to be told. You can influence Vampire: The Eternal Struggle's ongoing storyline (the only WW storyline to continue in the classic World of Darkness). We're offering Princes and players the opportunity to run their own Build Your Own Storyline events . BYO storyline organizers create stories in the classic World of Darkness setting and design any special rules for their own local storyline event. Be creative! The sky is the limit! You can create the plots and schemes, the drama, and the characters that may become part of the official V:TES world.
From March 2015: War For Territory MMXV ( WFT )
Players design and play with their "Avatars", representing only 1 clan of their choice, against all other Methuselahs.
A new phase is created, the CHAOS phase, which affects every game, and can twist the fates of the game. New cards, new BYO promos and city titles.
For complete information on the Storyline, please contact Roberto Mautone or Desso Alastor
Designer and Organizer: Desso Alastor
Official Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB1p5KPGIDo&feature=youtu.be
Location: 6 different cities across Brazil
Official Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wftbrasil2015
March 2014 to November 2014: War For Territory 2014 (WFT)
Players design and play with their "Avatars", representing only 1 clan at his/her choice, against all other Methuselahs. A new phase is created, the CHAOS phase, which affect the gameplay during all tables, and can twist the fates of the game. New cards, new BYO promos and city titles. For complete information on the Storyline , visit the official website (available in English and Portuguese.
5/30/2009: Lisboa: 1999 (Location: Lisbon, Portugal)
4/5/2009: Whispers in the Darkness (Location: Boston MA)
2009: Carnaval (Location: Lille, France)
2009: The Curse of the Foul Thirst (Location: Canbara, Australia)
2009: What Lies Beneath (Location: Melbourne, Australia)
1/2009: Hashashin's Creed (Location: Tilburg, The Netherlands)
2/2008: Festivo dello Estinto II (Location: Zaragoza, Spain)
2007: Watchtower: Chosen are Called (Location: Alès, France)
9/2005: Signs of Gehenna (Location: Syndey, Australia)
- Introduction
8/2005: BYOS São Paulo (Location: São Paulo, Brazil)
8/2005: Baltimore: From The Ashes... (Location: Glen Burnie, MD)
6/2005: The Magic of Torino (Location: Torino, Italy)
- Introduction
6/2005: Ignatius Wainwright (Location: Boston, MA)
A powerful wraith pits anarchs against the Sabbat as they fight for control of the city, and control of themselves.
- Introduction
- Aftermath
- Winner: Xavier, Anarchs
12/2004: Rise of the Palladium (Location: Frankfurt, Germany)
- Introduction
12/2004: Direct Intervention (Location: Penrith, Australia)
- Introduction
12/2004: Identity Theft (Location: Holland, MI)
Powerful Methuselahs take command over lesser cainites. And sometimes the other way around.
- Introduction
10/2004: The End is Nigh (Location: Phildelphia, PA)
- Introduction
9/2004: Finding the Path: Chicago (Location: Chicago, IL)
- Introduction
6/2004: Bangor Maine Storyline League (Location: Bangor, ME)
- Introduction
4/2004: Reverse the Curse (Location: Boston, MA)
An ancient curse is broken. The Kindred are drawn to Boston in search of an explanation and in search of power.
- Introduction
- Aftermath
- Winner: Tzimisce
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