About the Setting

     In the original Vampire: the Masquerade book (published in 1992), the game developers described the setting, the World of Darkness, as “Gothic-Punk” and crafted to tell stories of personal horror. The Gothic aspect describes the ambience and institutions of society as ancient and decaying. Gargoyles adorn skyscrapers and secret menaces lurk in every shadow. The Punk aspect describes the way people live. Gangs rule the streets and rebellion against the corruption of society is codified in dress and speech. Yet, those gestures of defiance hide a deeper fear. The world is more decadent and less humane than its inhabitants would like to believe. Most characters in this game are vampires, though humans and ghouls (beings who gain power by drinking vampire blood) are also viable protagonists. 

     Indianapolis is ruled by the oldest sect of organized vampires, the Camarilla.  It is dedicated to hiding the existence of Vampires, which it calls the Kindred.  Its first and most important Tradition is the Masquerade, the active effort to make human beings believe that Vampires do not exist.  In the modern nights, a Second Inquisition has arisen, and old and new forces combine to hunt the hunters.  The dread Sabbat, rivals to the Camarilla since the Middle Ages, collapsed almost overnight.  Yet only a fool would believe they are completely gone, and they are more frightening in the shadows.  The Anarch Rebellion contests territory with the Camarilla and once again asks: why?  And there are rumors of werewolves, demons, and things stranger still.  Yet the greatest enemy may well be the evil within yourself. 

     "A monster I am, lest a monster I become."  - Vlad Dracul