Charlotte by Night

My philopshy on city sourcebooks is probably shared by most people who game, and best summed up by a friend who said, " If a storyteller needs a book to define their realm - they really aren't much of a storyteller to begin with." This is so true.

So why am I publishing my own city sourcebook ( to be used mainly, but not exclusively for Vampire: the Masquerade )? Well, first I happen to love the city. Second , there to date isn't one available. Third, I plan to run a chronicle based upon what is to be found here after. And finally - it is free!

So let me know what you think or if you have suggestions please send them on in. Or if you want, bail now before something terrible happens to you.

Setting and Background

Charlotte is a up and coming economic city, that will see it hits its peak within the next 5 to 8 years. For this reason, the Camarilla - as well as the Sabbat has it's eyes on the city. In 1987, when contracts for business starting coming Charlotte's way, both sects made a major play for dominance over the city. Before 1987 Charlotte was a haven for all who came to her doorstep. Despite having a Prince - in name only - anarchs and floaters made up the community and numbers of this city's vampire society.

In 1985, North Carolina as a state made the decision to modernize and compete with the other cities of the United States for business. Previously North Carolina had mainly government contracts and a few sparse deals with large corporations. Deciding to lower its property taxes, while increasing the land that was available - NC. hit the nail it needed to become a major player for contracts. 1986 saw Charlotte chosen as the main city for this new competitiveness. But in 1985 word had leaked out to the kindred society of what was coming. Was this a move by the Camarilla to get a stronghold on the east coast? A major play by the Sabbat to grow? Or just a good Ventrue business deal?

With the chance to make money - the Ventrue moved thru the door first. Mr. Charles Dennard was picked to come and become Charlotte's first prince. Met with little opposition, he assumed the princedom in two days. His first action as prince was to rid the city of it's cancer. This cancer's name was the anarchs. He declared an upon war upon these unorganized kindred and within 6 months their numbers were halved. Of course Dennard made promises and cut deals to accomplish this, but it was worth it. The Tremere and the Brujah were the ones he called upon for this "help".

In 1991, Charles Dennard was found dead in his haven, completely drained. His short reign was over. The Brujah felt that the Tremere were behind the assassination, while the Tremere pointed at both the Sabbat and Anarchs. What ever the truth may be, the Tremere stepped in and assumed the vacant princedom. This was done despite the opposition of Clan Brujah. With the backing of the other clans, the Tremere cemented their positions and the Brujah were silenced.

The next few years the turmoil quieted down a bit, but the tension remains high. Especially between the Ventrue, Brujah and the Tremere. Since then other clans have come in to play for the power in Charlotte, but none have openly tried to take power nor the princedome from Alexandria Whitten. But the plot thickens, and the kindred grow hungry for power. Wait, what is that burning feeling in my stomach.......

The Clans