Tabletop by Night

Unmasking the Second Inquisition: The Hidden Threats to Kindred Society

Welcome back to the table, friends! Join your host, GreyDM, and co-host Owen on this week's episode of "Tabletop by Night," where we continue our exploration of "Vampire the Masquerade." Tonight, we delve into the chilling question: who hunts the monsters of the night? Joined by returning guests Drake and Dahlia, we discuss the myriad of antagonists that threaten our characters in the world of darkness.
In this episode, we move beyond the familiar 13 clans and bloodlines to explore the lurking dangers posed by other monstrous creatures and, unexpectedly, by humans themselves. Our main focus is the Second Inquisition, a covert multinational conspiracy involving intelligence agencies and groups like the Vatican, all dedicated to hunting down the undead. We dissect the structure and operations of this movement, highlighting how it has reshaped the world for kindred, making them fear Kine once more.
As we unravel the intricacies of this new age of witch hunters, we explore the reactions of different factions within kindred society, from the cautious Camarilla to the tech-savvy Anarchs. We also delve into the various organizations and individuals that form the Second Inquisition, their tactics, and the deadly game of cat and mouse they play with the kindred.
Join us as we uncover the terrifying reality faced by kindred in modern times, where the once-feared humans have become a formidable force against the undead. Don't miss this deep dive into the Second Inquisition and its impact on the world of "Vampire the Masquerade."

Embracing the Night: Creating Characters in Vampire the Masquerade

Welcome back to Tabletop by Night, a podcast where hosts GreyDMs and Owen delve into the intricate world of Vampire the Masquerade. In this episode, they are joined by recurring guests Drake and Dahlia, as they explore the art of character creation in this immersive tabletop role-playing game.
Character creation can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the vast lore and complex systems of Vampire the Masquerade. To ease this process, Drake and Dahlia share their personal journeys of crafting characters for their own game. From developing a core concept to choosing clans and skills, they provide insights into their creative processes.
Listeners will learn about Drake's character, Eli, a doctor struggling with the dichotomy of his oath to do no harm and the necessity to feed as a vampire. Meanwhile, Dahlia introduces her Toreador character, a tattoo artist navigating the artistic underworld. The episode delves into their convictions, touchstones, and the disciplines that shape their vampire personas.
Join the hosts and guests as they discuss the challenges and excitement of character creation, offering valuable tips and inspiration for aspiring players. Whether you're a seasoned vampire or a newcomer to the night, this episode is sure to enhance your understanding of the game.

Draw Steel: The new cutting edge of TTRPGs or another rusty blade in the dark?

Welcome back to the table, friends. In this special bonus episode of "Tabletop My Night," we dive into the playtest packet of Matt Colville's upcoming TTRPG system, Draw Steel.
If you're a fan of RPGs and TTRPGs, you may already know Matt Colville as a YouTube celebrity and game designer who has contributed significantly to the gaming community. His new game, Draw Steel, emphasizes cinematic and heroic fantasy storytelling, reminiscent of epic tales like Lord of the Rings and Tron.
In this episode, we discuss our experiences playing through the playtest packet, which includes pre-generated characters and two scenarios. We delve into the game's unique mechanics, such as the 2d10 system for more predictable outcomes and the fixed target numbers for rolls. We also explore the nuances of combat, where every hit counts, and the innovative use of tiered success levels.
Join us as we talk about the game's strengths and areas for improvement, from the dynamic party interactions and cinematic moments to the challenges of always taking damage and the complexity of some mechanics. Whether you're a seasoned TTRPG player or new to the genre, this episode offers valuable insights into whether Draw Steel should be on your radar.
Tune in to hear our thoughts, experiences, and a glowing endorsement for this exciting new system. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore a game that promises to deliver high-fantasy adventures and heroic encounters!

Kindred cousins: Kuei-jin and Gargoyles

Welcome to another intriguing episode of Tabletop by Night, hosted by the ever-curious GreyDM and his co-conspirator Owen. In this week's deep dive, we venture beyond the familiar territories of Vampire the Masquerade to explore other creatures that haunt the night.
First, we delve into the mysterious world of the Kuei-jin, a unique type of vampiric entity with roots in ancient Eastern lore. Discover their origins, their complex relationship with the forces of chi, and the spiritual journey they undertake in their quest for redemption.
Next, we uncover the dark history of the Gargoyles, the monstrous creations of the Tremere clan. Learn about their creation through forbidden rituals, their revolt against their masters, and their struggle for freedom in a world that views them with fear and suspicion.
Join us as we unravel the secrets of these fascinating beings, adding new layers of depth and intrigue to your Vampire the Masquerade campaigns. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or a curious player, this episode promises to ignite your imagination and inspire your next adventure.

Bloodline Baali : Infernalism, blood cults and you!

Welcome to another episode of "Tabletop by Night," hosted by GreyDMs and his co-host Owen. Tonight, we delve deep into the mysterious and controversial Bali bloodline of Vampire: The Masquerade. Join us as we uncover their dark origins, complex relationships with other clans, and the role they play in the vampiric world.
We'll discuss the Bali's infamous rituals, their connections to demon worship, and how they navigate the intricate politics of the Camarilla and Sabbat. From their ancient ties to the Salubri and Tremere to their influence on the modern nights, the Bali's history is as twisted as it is fascinating.
Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the lore, this episode promises to shed light on one of the most enigmatic bloodlines in the World of Darkness. Tune in and discover what makes the Bali a force to be reckoned with.

Unveiling New Horizons: Crafting Vampire NPCs & Gen Con Adventures

Welcome back to The Table, friends. Tonight, GreyDMs and Owen dive into the future of their Vampire: The Masquerade podcast. Join us as we create new NPCs for our Florida-based kindred society, featuring intriguing characters like Harrison Abernathy IV and Mateo Ortiz. Discover their backgrounds, motivations, and how they fit into the world of Anarchs, Sabbat, and Camarilla.
Later, GreyDMs recounts his first-ever experience at Gen Con, offering insights and tips for future attendees. From navigating the expansive vendor halls to the thrill of discovering new games, this episode is packed with excitement and valuable takeaways for any tabletop gaming enthusiast.
Don't miss out on this episode filled with character creation, convention tales, and plans for the podcast's future!

Can Salubri: Path to redemption or decent into oblivion?

Welcome back to "Tabletop by Night," the weekly podcast exploring the dark and mysterious world of Vampire the Masquerade. Join your humble host GreyDMs and co-host Owen as they delve into the enigmatic Salubri clan, known as the children of Salute. In this episode, they explore the tragic history, unique disciplines, and the enduring quest for redemption of this near-extinct vampire clan.
Discover the Salubri's division into healers, warriors, and watchers, each with their own distinct abilities and weaknesses. Learn about their infamous third eye and the unique challenges they face from other vampire clans. From ancient prophecies to modern-day struggles, the Salubri's story is one of compassion, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of Golconda.
Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of Vampire the Masquerade, this episode offers a deeper understanding of one of the game's most intriguing clans. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that will leave you questioning if even the damned can find a path back to the light.

Clan Hecata: Delving into the Gionvanni's family values

Welcome back to "Tabletop by Night," the weekly podcast where your hosts, GreyDMs and Owen, dive deep into the world of Vampire the Masquerade. In this episode, we tackle a unique and complex topic: the history and intricacies of three intertwined vampire clans—Hakata, Giovanni, and Cappadocians.
We start with a chilling quote that sets the tone for our discussion on the enigmatic Hakata, known as the Clan of Death. But before we get there, we delve into the origins of Cappadocius, a mystic and dreamer from the first city, whose flawed embrace led to a fragmented soul and a lifelong obsession with death.
From there, we explore the rise and fall of the Giovanni, a clan of Venetian merchants who embraced necromancy and eventually orchestrated the downfall of their Cappadocian progenitors. The betrayal, known as "The Bite," culminated in the Giovanni's dominance and a peculiar peace treaty with the Camarilla, known as the Promise of 1528.
Finally, we unravel the formation of the Hakata, a conglomerate of various bloodlines united by necessity and a shared fascination with death. This new clan faces the looming threat of the Second Inquisition and the expiration of their ancient promise, all while navigating their morbid compulsions and painful feeding curse.
Join us as we navigate the dark and twisted histories of these fascinating vampire clans, offering insights, tangents, and plenty of humor along the way. Whether you're a seasoned Vampire the Masquerade player or new to the lore, this episode promises to be an engaging journey into the heart of the undead.

Clan Ravnos: Unveiling the Mysteries of the ever winding road

Welcome back to the table, friends. Tonight, we gather around the table to answer the question, where will the road take you?
In this weeks session we explore the history, transformation, and modern-day struggles of the Ravnos clan, notorious for their wandering nature and trickster reputation.
Ravnos, with their myriad nicknames including rogues, ravens, daredevils, wanderers, and more, have a complex history. Once known for their association with Romani stereotypes, the clan has since shifted away from these roots. We delve into their ancient origins, the dramatic events of the Week of Nightmares, and their current status in the Vampire the Masquerade universe.
Join us as we discuss the unique abilities, the embrace, and the challenges faced by the Ravnos, including their new bane and compulsion. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of Vampire the Masquerade, this episode offers a deep dive into one of the game's most intriguing and controversial clans.

Clan Tzimisce: Exaltation of potential or prison of flesh?

Welcome back to the table, friends. In this episode, we delve into the mysterious and terrifying world of the Tzimisce clan. Joined by returning guests Max and Drake, we discuss the origins, practices, and the dark history of this clan, known for their mastery of flesh crafting and their horrific creations like the Cathedral of Flesh.
We'll also cover the disturbing hospitality laws of the Tzimisce, their unique breeding programs, and the terrifying reality of their Revenant families. Additionally, we explore the modern-day implications of this clan's existence and their impact on the Sabbat, Camarilla, and Anarch movements.
Whether you're a fan of Vampire the Masquerade or just curious about the darker aspects of vampire lore, this episode promises to be a chilling and insightful journey into the heart of one of the most feared clans in the World of Darkness.