unfinishedooc | Info Post - Moonlit Rivals

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Info Post - Moonlit Rivals

Moonlit Rivals

January 23rd - March 20th

Story Log 1 - January 23rd
Story Log 2 - February 6th
Story Log 3 - February 20th
Story Log 4 - March 6th
Library Return - March 20th

Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Montica where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where supernatural blood makes supernatural hands unclean…

Picture this: A beautiful city, whose cobblestone streets weave between sturdy stone buildings. Flowering vines creep along trellises, their gentle fragrance perfuming the air. The sky is clear and smog-free, the water flows cleanly, and a sense of magic drifts comfortably in the breeze.

This is the city of Montica. Bustling in the day, and no less active in the night. Its populace are a cheery people, though tension lines their faces and their shoulders are often drawn tight. For as beautiful as Montica is, the city has been in a state of unrest for most of its recorded history.

It is the only city known to have a roughly equal population of vampires and werewolves, though it’s hard to say why. Some speculate that there was an agreement in the past, something neither side wants to be the first to renege on. Others suggest that it’s sheer tenacity - that the sides are equally matched, and the scales can’t be tipped.

Sharing of the territory has not gone well. There is a hard divide almost straight down the city, the territory of the local werewolf pack versus the holdings of the reigning vampire clan. The areas caught in the middle of the divide are constantly in the midst of turf wars between the two families, much to the dismay of the neutral population. Something needs to change, and fast.

While every werewolf and vampire is, of course, by default assigned to their respective sides; the other citizens are left in a more precarious position. Some are sworn to a particular clan, pack, or household; but many are not. These neutral parties are without a doubt the losers in this turf war, their homes and businesses regularly becoming collateral in skirmishes. And they are perhaps the most driven to find a solution to this problem once and for all.

But is one side taking control the only way? Much like the territory itself, the people within it are divided. Some believe that someone needs to surrender, and others - particularly the younger generation - believe there must be another way.

Is there anything that could tie them together in peace, or must blood be shed to end this feud?

World Information | Story Skills | Suggested Roles | Star Roles (Info) and Casting Call | | Mod Questions

HOW THIS WORKS
Please read the information in the comments below. You will decide if your character is a Reader or Actor in this Story. If they are an Actor, you will build their AU based on the information in the comments.

Star Actors are plot-relevant roles. There can only be 1 character filling in a Star Actor role, and you must express your interest in playing as a Star Actor. If assigned to be a Star Actor, you will receive additional information on the Story and the role your character will play. Your Star Actor's actions and decisions will have strong impact on how the Story unfolds, so you will be asked to check in regularly with the Mods to keep us up to date!

All Actors are fully immersed in the AU. This is their world, and they have been here the whole time. Any powers the Actor has in the Library are absolutely not a thing in the Story, but they will have access to use any Story-specific skills that their new AU gives them. Any character can be an Actor; you do not have to be cast as a Star Actor in order to AU your character into the world.

Readers are aware that they are in a Story and remember the Library and the people in it. If you don't want to/can't think of an AU, or you just think it would be hilarious to have your character as themselves in this setting, this is the option for you.

Once you've got some thoughts on where you want to go with this, or even if you're just spitballing ideas, put up a comment with your plan! Let others bounce off your ideas and see what comes out of it.

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Montica

The city of Montica is old and beautiful, with stone buildings packed tightly down its many winding roads. Think fantasy-medieval vibes, and that extends to tech - there's no wifi or digital media here (sorry!).

The history of this place is extensive, a story woven into every corner. Stone steps are worn smooth by countless feet; dulled bronze statues have shining hands and faces from those rubbing them to wish for luck.

Curiously, one half of the city seems to be proud of its silverworkers; to the extent that some houses have the hardware of their doors and windows plated in the precious metal. The other half of the city appears to have a fondness for strings of garlic, and the divide between these two preferences bisects the city almost perfectly in half.

‘Almost’. For there is an area that makes up perhaps a sixth of the city, more or less dead centre, that boasts neither. It is perhaps of little surprise that this is the ‘bad’ area of town, where those who truly want nothing to do with either of the noble families reside. Most of the skirmishes between clans take place here, and as a result, these buildings are often damaged or with repairs in progress. Neither family wants to admit fault to pay for the repairs, and often the owners themselves don’t have the money to fix it up in a timely fashion.

Our Story begins during preparations for a Masquerade hosted by the vampires, a grand affair that even most (if not all) werewolves deign to attend. People come in from quite a ways to make it, and additional help is always hired. It’s an easy enough time to slip in unnoticed…

The Supernatural

Vampires and werewolves in this world operate like you would expect them to in most stories, with some minor variations depending on the age and skill of the individual. Star Actors for this Story will also be able to influence some facets of how these supernatural beings work in this world.

In general, Vampires are immortal and need to drink blood to live. Garlic and the sun are weaknesses to them but can be somewhat mitigated. A stake through the heart or decapitation will result in instant, final death. Most have an elevated level of strength or speed, but some vampires have some minor psychic or charm abilities. Some can also turn into bats or mist. In general, the older a vampire is, the more powerful they are.

Werewolves must transform during the full moon, but can transform at other times - by choice for the more experienced, or in a fit of strong emotion for the less. It is possible for them to get temporarily stuck in their wolf form before they are used to the change. Silver is their main weakness, but sensitivity to being around it varies. Some get upset even by smelling it, while some won’t be bothered until it’s piercing their skin. In their wolf form they have all the benefits of strength, speed, as well as heightened smell and hearing. How much these transfer over to their human form depends on personal variation and how ‘in tune’ with the wolf side of them they are. They are not truly immortal, but are longer-lived than baseline humans (in the realm of several hundred years, for some).

Because of these increased capabilities, there are strict laws in Montica about how these powers can be used. Which is to say, basically never in any kind of mixed company, especially when there are any humans or other non-powered creatures involved. This is a rule that gets broken a lot, and no penalty seems to be enough to stop the turf wars from occurring. For the most part, the clans are reasonably good at making sure ‘innocent’ people don’t get hurt. But the second someone takes a side, all bets are off. Better not start anything you’re not willing to finish - or have finished for you.

Edited 2026-01-13 13:13 (UTC)

Actors whose roles naturally have skills can use those skills freely during the Story. For your character to keep the skill after the Story, you will need to claim the skill using AC skill points.

Readers will need to ‘learn’/pick up skills through their time in the Story, and claim these through AC skill points.

For vampires and werewolves - some additional skills will be determined by the Star Actors for each group. Keep an eye out for these! These additional skills do not require additional skill points, and are considered to be part of the Moonlit Rivals Vampire / Werewolf form.

Vampire Form - Transform into a vampire with the associated strengths, weaknesses, and skills.

Werewolf Form - Transform into a werewolf with the associated strengths, weaknesses, and skills.

Human Form - ~~what it says on the tin~~ Transform into a human with the associated strengths, weaknesses, and skills.

Court Magic - Create lightshows, tell stories through smoke, use minor illusions to confuse the mind and titillate the senses! A quick bit of entertainment has gotten many an underling out of trouble before, and while this magic isn't substantial, it's good enough to pass off a fake beard as real at first glance.

Disguise Magic - You didn't think you were the only one looking suspicious around here, did you? You've picked up an item of clothing or an accessory, one that has magic woven through its stitches. While you're in contact with the item, it cloaks you in an illusion that disguises your form. This illusion only has one setting: Human, clothed in neatly pressed slacks, a button-down shirt, and a neat knitted vest.
The illusion is not physical, so do be careful if your disguise doesn't match your height.

Actors do not remember the Library, and are AU’d into the Story fully. They do not have any of their usual memories or skills. They only have the Story-specific background you create for them, and any abilities that come with that.

Actors may be members of the vampire or werewolf clans, in a variety of roles. (Pretty much any role you’d expect in an extended noble household, as long as that position is not already one of the Star Actor roles.)

Actors can also portray the people within service to the households, or as neutral citizens that live and work in the city. These are mostly humans, but there is room for thematically appropriate creatures.

If you are creating a backstory as part of one of the main clans, don't forget to reach out to the relevant Star Actors for plotting purposes!

---

Readers do not know anything about the Story or the setting (unless they have associated skills) and do not have a backstory or AU associated with the Story. A Reader is your character the same way that they are during Library time. They will not be forcibly turned human. If you choose, they can appear as a vampire, werewolf, human, or their normal self. Do note that unusual forms will draw attention in this setting - not necessarily the good kind. Be prepared to find a disguise or come up with a good explanation!

Readers show up in the city, generally assumed to be in town for the party as guests or as extra help. They can be put up in guest/temporary housing within either of the manors, or may find a room in the town’s inn.

These are roles that are involved heavily in the progression of the story. The players who are assigned Star Roles for their characters will be contacted with further information about the Story, the Star Role’s key goals, and information about the unique plot-relevant skills each Role will have. As Star Roles will be core drivers of the Story direction, please be mindful that these Roles will come with a fair bit of activity.

Players of Star Role characters can choose to keep their relevant plot-specific skill without spending any skill points, as long as Base AC is met. So if you are playing a Star Role and meet Base AC, you will gain 1 skill point + can also claim the plot skill. (Or if you meet Bonus AC, you will gain 2 skill points + can also claim the plot skill.)

Express your interest in playing a Star Role here. Roles will be announced on January 17th (USA time - but don't be shocked if Mod Elle misses the right time by a couple of hours).

If we have multiple volunteers for a role, we will RNG to select who gets it. Once cast as a Star Actor, please respond to the relevant info comment below to announce which role you will be playing.

Star Actors do not remember anything outside of the Story. As far as they are aware, this is their life and they have never known anything different.
(Upon returning to the Library, your character will return to normal and will have all of their memories from their time in the Story.)

The Star-Crossed Lovers are a young couple, one a werewolf and the other a vampire, destined to be kept apart by their family’s feud.

The Werewolf Scion is the oldest or only child of the strongest werewolf pack. Your family currently sits at the top of the lycanthrope food chain. Maintaining power is a constant battle - figuratively and literally. You know that the other families are watching, ready to go for the throat as soon as they sense a weak spot. It’s important that you remain self-aware and vigilant, and your family expects you to do whatever it takes to keep other packs in their place. Even though all you want to do is promote peace among your people, the way the vampires have, if someone else starts a fight… well, you’ve got no choice but to finish it.

The Star-Crossed Lovers are a young couple, one a werewolf and the other a vampire, destined to be kept apart by their family’s feud.

The Vampire Heir's family are comfortable in their power, having sat in their position for hundreds of years. Centuries of complacency amongst the vampires eased the violence out of your court before the lycanthropes moved in (an event that happened an absolute age ago) - which makes the brutish methods of the Werewolves all the more repugnant. Your family have sworn off of debasing themselves by associating with any of the packs, forbidding you from fraternising with any of the lycanthropes in town.

You know the subtleties of court and are a deft hand at navigating fraught diplomatic conversations. Manipulating an outcome is something of a pastime, and certainly has been encouraged by your family. One day you might get the opportunity to get your hands dirty, whether you’re looking forward to it or not.

A werewolf who is out to prove yourself. Before the current pack pulled ahead in this dog-eat-dog world, your family sat at the top of the chain; and neither you nor they will let you forget about it. You know in your heart that the Werewolf Scion and their pack shouldn’t be giving you directions. You have ambition, you have drive - and you have strength. You want to show the other packs what you’re made of. If you can’t get rid of the Scion for good, then maybe there’s a way to take them down a few pegs.

Parent to the Werewolf Scion. This character wants to establish their child to be the next leader of the city, whatever it takes. This includes brokering a marriage between the Scion and their Rival - for if the two most powerful families combine, there will be no other pack who can threaten your position.

Becoming the leader of a pack is no easy feat. Through your hardships you’ve become resilient, being either an unstoppable force or an immovable object as the situation requires. Though some would call you a hardass, they can’t deny that you’re effective.

Their job is being a jester in the vampire’s court. Their hobby is matchmaking. Maybe they’re a closet romantic, or maybe they like manipulating people, or maybe they just like being right. Whatever the motivation, the Fool is willing to go to great lengths to make a happy couple.

[Note: this role cannot be a werewolf.]

A soothsayer/magic worker in the werewolf court. Whether you’re new or you’ve been around for a while, your obligation now is to help the Lady/Master and their family… including the Scion. But that should be fine, right? Surely everyone in that family is clearly aligned in their goals.

Your long-term exposure to the mystic arts has left its mark on you. The sharp scent of magic lingers in your aura, and occasionally your mind is flooded with knowledge of events that are yet to come.

[Note: this role cannot be a vampire.]

Questions about the Story, how this is going to work, or anything else can go here!

If you, like Mod Elle, struggle to envision things - here are some references to help paint the picture.

Inspo image: Stock Photo

Inspo image: Natural Building Blog

Inspo image: Pexels

/cracks knuckles. Okay!

For readers, how would one 'learn' to become a werewolf or vampire in-setting? Get bit?? Does some editor ~magic~ become involved?

What KIND of werewolves are they? Turn into a whole wolf, the bipedal crinos-type, the 60s Wolfman??

If one is a vampire, are you limited to becoming a vampire bat or could you be a different kind?

You have two options for that: your character could just be sent to the Story as a vampire or werewolf; since they'll blend in fine, can just pretend to be from out of town, that is on the table now!

Some of these details might come out more as the Star Actors contribute things; for now, think 'turn into Lorg Wolf'

Different bats are fine!

I am undecided on what to do with Dean this event. I would love some help brainstorming.

Thank you!

So for Jun, who does not believe in the supernatural, I think it would be best being a Reader in this story - but he will need some people to look out for him.

Anyone want to keep an eye on him? He's probably going to be digging into whatever history of this place he can find so that he can understand like... anything about this place.

This doesn't have to be isolated to Readers, Actors can also find this sassy lost child and drag him around.

Tell me about wizardry and sorcery in this setting - mortal, vampiric, and werewolf - because if there's disguise magic, there's other kinds too.

Are there clan bloodline powers, a la the Tremere vs the Venture vs the Brujah or as in Black Furies vs Glass Walkers vs Fianna?

What's the theatre and musical scene like?

I was thinking of him showing up as a Visiting Nobel from another city and/or state who is mildly amused (but actually spying on the various power plays happening atm). Or being The Msytic since that is kinda his thing.

Edited 2026-01-15 00:18 (UTC)

Hey fellow Japanese kid, want to be under the protection of an elder vampire sorcerer?

Oh furthermore, people are not automatically adjusted this time to blend in? Curze would still be a 10 foot tall suspiciously vampire lookin dude without the right skills?

Magic is specialization and has to be learned; most people who pick it up can do relatively minor things, enchant objects for basic purposes, whip together a healing potion, that kind of thing. The Mystic Star Actor role is a particularly talented practitioner.

I can't entirely answer this, since the Star Actors will have some say in how the clans are shaped, but there is probably a genetic component to the powers they get. It's certainly not as consistent as you would see in VtM.

Shakespeare-esque. :D

He doesn't, but I do! That could be fun. :D

He could be adjusted to the size of a normal vampire/person if you want, but he doesn't have to be.

I've put in Claire as the Werewolf Scion's rival, as she wants ~~Hatsune Miku~~ them to 1v1 her, she can't break her.

In any event, she's a member of the werewolf Blood Moon theatre troupe, now accepting queer and female-identified folk into their warm and fuzzy embrace.

Claire Ryefield does not dispel the rumors that she was born Jacob Ryefield (her canonical deadname is never spoken: this is PURELY so she'll go "JACOB? REALLY?" post-Story) and used potent and mercurial shapeshifting and alchemy to become her true self, which may be why she's slumming with the scandalous, genderous, and - or so the rumors say - very sapphic all-female Blood Moon troupe. She acts, does acrobatics, sings and plays the glockenspiel, harp and lyre. Claire is also an accomplished duelist, both with rapier and miseriecord, and with claw and fang.

Edited 2026-01-15 00:30 (UTC)

Sumi's going to be ~~Investigating~~ Reading. Possibly as a werewolf. She just got here and this is crazy.

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Page 1 of 15

Info Post - Moonlit Rivals

Moonlit Rivals

January 23rd - March 20th

World Information

Montica

The Supernatural

Skills

Suggested Roles (for brainstorming purposes!)

Star Roles

Star Role: Star-Crossed Lover - The Werewolf Scion

Star Role: Star-Crossed Lover - The Vampire Heir

Star Role: The Scion’s Rival

Star Role: The Lady/Master (Parent of The Werewolf Scion)

Star Role: The Fool

Star Roles: The Mystic

Mod Questions!

Inspo Images

Re: Mod Questions!

no subject

Dean Winchester |Beth

Jun Ushiro | Matt

Re: Mod Questions!

X | brainstorming

Re: Jun Ushiro | Matt

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Claire Ryland/Riot Purple || Magica Riot > Claire Ryefield, Werewolf Player

Sumire Yoshizawa (Jill)