The Lower Hudson Valley of New York, comprised of nine counties including the most affluent Westchester, was under the control of the Lancea Sanctum and more specifically Archbishop Dimitrius Stevens for the past 81 years. Now he's abdicated the throne and a power vacuum has been created.
The game starts with Westchester as a contested zone between three major factions: the Carthian dictator Jonathan Stadt to the north, the traditionalist Invictus Prince Jozef Charkarski to the east and Maria McGrady heading up the Circle of the Crone in the west.
Each vie for Westchester for their own reasons and each player can choose to be from one of these factions in the war over Westchester. Conversely, players can also choose to be independent of these factions but such freedom comes with a price.
The pros and cons listed below are above and beyond any Covenant-granted bonuses.
Jonathan Stadt, Ventrue, Carthian
Albany, NY
Exiled in 1973 by Stevens for heretical beliefs (or a lack of beliefs in general), the agnostic Stadt built a militaristic dictatorship further north to which some flocked. As the population of his domain grew with some of the refugees from Stevens' rule, so did the pressure to expand his territory and the newly vacated counties Greene and Columbia became his overnight. Now he wants more.
RP: The "Republic State of Northern Hudson" is a dictatorship where Stadt is viewed as a god. Members of the domain watch their tongue and in return for their undying loyalty to their -- mostly forced through the Vinculum -- everyone is taken care of by the State. Speaking out against the State is a traitorous offense punishable by dismemberment, maiming or death. Leaving the State is much worse.
Why choose Stadt? If your character enjoys being a soldier and coming from a disciplined environment where things are black and white, this is for you.
Movies/books: Equilibrium, V for Vendetta, 1984
Pros: Characters gain two free Background Traits. Furthermore, Resources are not needed as all equipment is "state-owned" and given when needed. Lastly, all characters are furnished with at least Haven x1 upon which they can build. Rewards for deeds well done come from the State.
Cons: Characters start off in the Vinculum to President Stadt.
Jozef Charkarski, Daeva, Invictus
Stamford, CT
Decades of rule born from centuries of Invictus tradition with Sanctum support occupy Fairfield County, CT to the east and Charkarski was never one to create political disturbances... until now. Amassing an army of politicos and strong arms, Charkarski has his sights set on Westchester, the wealthiest of the Hudson Valley counties if only to prevent Stadt from being his neighbor.
RP: This domain flourishes in tradition, pomp and circumstance akin to what you'd expect in medieval Europe. Those from Fairfield are typically schooled in the Arts as well as martial prowess with inidividual specialization encouraged in any topic.
Why choose Charkarski? Political intrigue and courtly romance all wrapped up in a European-styled draconian monarchy.
Movies/books: Elizabeth, The Libertine
Pros: Automatically gain one additional status at start of game as "ambassadors" from Chakarski's domain.
Cons: Each character must have at least Socialize x3.
Maria "The Witch" McGrady, Mekhet, Circle of the Crone
Bergen County, NJ
McGrady never had time for the formal construction of a domain due in part to the witch hunts of the Lancea Sanctum's Archbishop Stevens. Others would disagree that McGrady doesn't have a domain. Namely, the score of followers that call her "The Crone of Bergen" despite that her influence stretches to Rockland County to the west of Westchester.
RP: The Circle in the area is a true democracy for now. There is pressure on the elder McGrady to form a domain and establish the Circle formally. She's more than capable of doing so but something's holding her back.
Why choose McGrady? A true sisterhood with equal say in what's going on.
Pros: Freedom of movement within the Covenant, free Occult x1.
Cons: Must be female.
Independent
Whether you see yourself as neutral or new to the area, you can choose not to come from any of the above.
Pros: Complete freedom in concept, clan and covenant. Bloodlines are not permitted at this time.
Cons: Complete distrust by any of the above.
