City of Miami
Welcome to the dangerous and seductive City of Miami.
This thriving cultural, economic and financial metropolis caters to the rich, powerful and immortally beautiful with its white sand beaches, world renowned fashion houses, art centers, entertainment districts…and a host of supernatural creatures that have made this lucrative hotbed of crime its home.
As the third richest city in the United States, Miami has naturally attracted the interest of vampires who have taken over the heart of the city in all the most lucrative enterprises. While humans of every ilk imagine they are the rulers of the city, after the sun goes down the darker element takes over. Garou are also lurking within the city, most coming in from the forests and everglades though Glasswalkers and Bone Gnawers are often the predominate tribes willing to venture into the urban jungle.
Current Story: Alliance of the Wyrm
Those traveling to Miami during these dangerous times will find the city overrun by vigilantes and chaos. For those who are sensitive to such things, the city, surrounding forests and Everglades reek of the Wyrm. The stench penetrates everything and hangs in the air like a plague.
On the surface, it’s just another big human metropolis laced with every manner of vice, crime and gratuitous violence. Beneath this thin façade lies the true face of the city. Slowly over the past hundred years, a unlikely truce between the Sabbat vampires and the Black Spiral Dancer werewolves developed into a dangerous and powerful secret pact known as the Alliance of the Wyrm.
The Camarilla and the Everglade Garou shared an arrogance of superiority in their own truce, leaving both groups open to the devastating attack from the Alliance of the Wyrm. Turning a blind eye to the growing threat, the Camarilla and the Everglades Garou became complacent, never seeing how the unlikely Alliance spent 100 years in planning the devastation of their city. In support of the plan, both the Black Spiral Dancers and the Sabbat secretly swelled their numbers and spent many decades gathering intelligence on their unsuspecting foes.
Six months ago, the time of the Alliance had finally come. In an unprecedented and brutal assault, the Prince of the City was assassinated via diablerie. This was swiftly followed by the subsequent assassination and diablerie of every clan Primogen in Miami’s Camarilla, assisted by the Black Spiral Dancers during what is now referred to as The Purge. Any Camarilla vampires who did not immediately swear themselves to the Sabbat were hunted down with the help of the Black Spiral Dancers and murdered via diablerie - or torn to shreds by teeth and claw. This act has made those Sabbat even more powerful and deadly than they ever were before.
During The Purge, the Black Spiral Dancers, aided by the Sabbat, attacked the Everglade Cairn Sept of Garou, first murdering the Elders, and then hunting down and killing every werewolf within a hundred-mile radius of Miami. Many a Sabbat frenzied at the taste of Garou blood that night. Spurred by vengeance and an insatiable blood lust, the Black Spiral Dancers finally returned after slaughtering the Garou, demolishing the Gaian Cairn, wreaking havoc in the Kinfolk village of Stormwater, and replacing the desecrated Cairn with their own Hive.
Victims of Their Own Success
The Alliance of the Wyrm was astounded by how successful their devastating attack had been. Though the Alliance was well prepared for their strike, they were by far less prepared for their own success. So consumed with the orchestration of the coup, they gave no thought to what would happen afterwards if they actually won. Perhaps the Alliance never truly believed that they would. With no plan for the succession of power, the Alliance quickly fell apart and devolved into a chaotic grab for power as the unlikely allies succumbed to their own bestial natures.
Death of the Alliance – Blood and Greed
Shortly after their extraordinary though unlikely victory, the Alliance of the Wyrm dissolved into a short but bloody war between the Sabbat and the Black Spiral Dancers, each wishing to eliminate the other and take full ownership of Miami and the surrounding areas for themselves. The only thing they accomplished was to diminish their own numbers even further. A begrudging truce was finally made amongst the more diplomatic of the survivors; the city boundaries were awarded to the Sabbat, and the forests, swamps and Everglades around Miami were now the uncontested domain of the Black Spiral Dancers.
Within the Sabbat, they succumbed to squabbling and fighting amongst themselves for power. They eventually splintered into smaller factions that divided Miami into lesser territories, each claiming one of the Camarilla clan havens. Again, this only accomplished to diminish their power as a whole.
Though the Black Spiral Dancers naturally focused their initial attention on the forests and Everglades, they did not fare much better amongst themselves than their previous Sabbat allies. With the Gaian werewolves dead or driven off, their sadistic bloodlust turned in on themselves as they fought each other for the right to rule. While many of their number died in both The Purge and the in-fighting that followed, the strongest amongst them lived to control the newly created Hive, literally built from the bones of the destroyed Cairn and the Garou who lived there before them. How many are actually left is unknown. Any who have attempted to infiltrate the territory around the Hive have never returned to report their findings.
STATE OF MIAMI - INHABITANTS
Humans, Hunters, and Gifted Humans
For humans, The City of Miami is a natural playground of infinite excesses, from nude beaches and sun-drenched shores, to an endless nightlife of top bands, dancing, strip clubs, sex, plentiful alcohol and the choicest of designer pharmaceuticals. In these days after the destruction of the Camarilla, Hunters find the streets even more dangerous than before. The Sabbat have no interest in the Masquerade, nor do they care how many humans are brutally murdered and left in the streets. They have no fear of mortal law enforcement.
For humans, this is a terrifying time. Bodies of murder victims are reported by the media on a daily basis with no end to the violence in sight. While regular humans attribute this to an increase in gang violence, Hunters and some Gifted Humans know better.
As a Hunter, there has never been a better time to organize into trained groups and begin stalking the creatures they seek. While they may not have understood the importance of the Camarilla in keeping such vicious murders from being so public, they certainly know that something has drastically changed in their city. They also realize that vampires and werewolves no longer seem interested in hiding their existence, making it much easier to entrap that lone Garou or the unwary vampire. While no lone Hunter would be stupid enough to single-handedly kill even a fledgling vampire, groups of Hunters working as highly organized groups with paramilitary training can most certainly accomplish great things.
Vampires
In the past, the Camarilla Kindred had found The City of Miami a perfect home and an endless food source. With most being quite adept at blending in with humanity, the easily infiltrated every level of big city life. Various clans had taken root in investment companies, real estate firms, banking, fashion houses, night clubs, and all manner of shops…both legal and otherwise.
Of all the Camarilla hunted and killed by the Sabbat, the Nosferatu are the only clan to have remained somewhat intact after the purge and retained their Haven. Though there are no underground sewers in Miami due to the high water table, the Nosferatu have taken up residence in several places in and around Miami. On the edges of the city are the cemeteries containing vast above ground mausoleums and crypts. Many of the tombs and gravesites date back several hundred years, though the relentless vegetation of the region has been steadily overtaking these historical sites, leaving them only as minor citations on ancient maps or spoken in folklore. Only the most vigilant and aware can find them.
Other areas populated by Nosferatu are the abandoned buildings in the inner city and mini plantation houses that were favored in the early building boom of the mid 1800s. Broken, dilapidated and in various states of decay, these once grand homes are in political limbo with expansionists wanting to rip them down and reclaim the property to build high rise condos. However, the city’s well-funded historical society had kept developers at bay, claiming these homes are of historical significance and legally under their protection. Though well intentioned, these struggling historical societies are ill-funded and reconstruction is excessively slow.
Garou and Apex Kinfolk
The cairn is destroyed and the Black Spiral Dancers now occupy and defend the area. While there are fewer of them due to death fights for dominance and the ensuing brief war with their Sabbat allies, those that remain are extremely powerful, ruthless and deadly. Due to their smaller numbers, they have abandoned the village of Stormwater and retreated to the Hive they have built on the bones of the destroyed Cairn. They continue to hunt and stalk anyone who attempts to infiltrate their territory around their new Hive.
The surviving Kinfolk are slowly returning to their swamp village of Stormwater and have begun to rebuild, though the Black Spiral Dancers have recently been making raids on the village for supplies and sport. These are usually small raiding parties with specific procurement goals or simply looking for something to do. With few of their own kinfolk following them into the war, they are certainly not above kidnapping those within the village for breeding or labor.
MIAMI TODAY
Entering Roleplay Environment and Districts
The standard time in The City of Miami is always night - sundown thru just before sunrise (6pm-6am). There is no day. Though you may of course RP it being day as long as you do this in the seclusion of a skybox, a rented residence in a City, or any other isolated or unoccupied venue. When venturing out into the city, be aware that it is night and all manner of creatures could be lurking about. Sections of the city are the historical domains of specific creatures. While no place in Dominions of Darkness is off limits to anyone for in-character roleplay, be advised that there are those who may look at you as a trespasser and treat you accordingly. Please also note that personal rented residences are off limits without the specific permission of the renters.
The City of Miami is an “Enter At Your Own Risk” sim. Which means that you agree to the bylaws of the RP and accept the outcomes of your roleplay. With that said, Miami is not a “no man’s” land, there are police, NPCs protecting their own territories, and there are SIM rules of engagement. These are explained in the Players Rules section.
Miami itself has been carved up into smaller territories and fiercely defended by the Sabbat faction that has claimed it from the defeated clans. While it is true that the Sabbat are no longer a cohesive enemy, that does not make the factions any less powerful or dangerous. Those Vampires who wish to reclaim their Camarilla clan’s territory must first defeat the Sabbat who now occupy it.
Vampires Reclaiming Camarilla Territory in Roleplay
As you enter roleplay, be aware that the Sabbat are currently in charge of Miami. While diminished in number, they no longer have the force they once did to eradicate any vampire that wanders into Miami. This makes it a bit easier for other vampires to slip in as long as they do not call undue attention to themselves. However, the Sabbat will continue to be a major obstacle in the city and prevent the reforming of the Camarilla until half or more of the Camarilla clans have defeated the Sabbat in their territories. This will not be easy. The remaining Sabbat in control are old high-level vampires. Anyone attempting to reclaim their clan territory will need numbers, power and a plan. (See Below.)
Because the Sabbat continue to squabble and fight amongst themselves, they will most likely not pay any real attention of other vampires entering their domain. Unless of course those vampires make themselves a nuisance or in other ways draw negative attention to themselves. (Keep in mind, expect in-world consequences for in-world actions.)
Each Camarilla Clan must regroup to attempt to reclaim their territory from the Sabbat. This can be done by building your clan, and then letting the Admins know when you plan to attack the Sabbat in your conquered domain as a roleplay event. If you are successful, you defeat the Sabbat faction and reclaim the historical home of your clan, which you may now occupy.
Once half of the Camarilla clans have defeated the Sabbat occupying their territories, the Sabbat will vacate the city and the Camarilla will be able to reform by crowning a new Prince of Miam.
NOTE: Your Clan's attacking group must include no less than 3/4s of actual clan members of the territory you are attacking. For example, if Clan Toreador is attacking to reclaim their domain from the Sabbat then only a quarter of their number may be made up of other clans. So if there are four people in your group, three of them must be Toreador. The more people fighting for your clan, the more likely you will succeed without someone meeting the true death.
General Rules of Miami
NOTE: For Dominions of Darkness Rules, Regulations and Lodging a Complaint, CLICK HERE.
The standard time in Miami is always night. There is no day. Though you may of course RP it being day as long as you do this in the seclusion of a skybox, a rented residence in Miami, or any other isolated or unoccupied Miami venue.
When venturing out into the city, be aware that it is night and all manner of creatures could be lurking about. Sections of the city are the historical domains of specific creatures. While no place in Miami is off limits to anyone for in-character roleplay, be advised that there are those who may look at you as a trespasser and treat you accordingly.
Housing - Common and For Rent
- Common Buildings: Though common buildings, offices, Clan Enclaves and similar properties are free for the use of all (including any private space for designated leaders), a variety of housing is available for rent within this RP sim. Housing is open only to Dominions of Darkness Roleplayers with one of the City of Miami Group tags and is a privilege of being an active member.
Unless other arrangements have been made, those who have not been roleplaying in the City of Miami for 20 consecutive days may be removed from the free-rental common buildings to make room for more active Roleplayers. - Rentals: The City of Miami has an exclusive beachfront residential homestead sim attached to the city, some of which are for those with Premium Memberships. There are also luxury skyrise condos overlooking the beach and ocean, each offering impressive city and ocean views. Private skyboxes are also available as rentals. Within the city are city condo rentals, and some apartments with storefronts. For a full list of available rentals, please visit the Rental Board located in the Everglades Welcome Center.
Free Housing:
- Everyone: Available at the Flamingo Hotel are a limited number of hotel rooms, first come, first served. Occupancy boxes in the hotel rooms are good for one week at a time, after which they again turn green and must be clicked to reestablish your free rental time in the Hotel. The current resident may click the yellow rental box on day 6 to keep the room for another week. However, please be advised that once the rental box turns green, anyone may rent and occupy the free hotel room. No permanent prims are allowed and any prims being used must be picked up before you log off. If you log off without picking up your prims, they will be returned to your Lost and Found folder.
- Vampires: The Nospheratu will be granted the dilapidated historic buildings, crypts and mausoleums, rent free for living as there are no sewers in Miami. These are squatter’s rights domains. Meaning, occupancy/rental boxes with free rental will be included in certain areas that only Nospheratu may claim. Rental is for a week only and must be reclaimed on the 6th or 7th day of the rental. If not, the box turns green and any Nospheratu may claim squatters’ rights on the room or area. All prims must be picked up before you log off.
- Garou: In the Garou Swamps, there are two hotel rooms in the upstairs of Stormwater's Howling Moon Swamp Bar. These are free on a first come, first served basis. Like the Flamingo Hotel, rental boxes are good for one week, after which they must be clicked again to retain the free rental. Any prims put down must be picked up before logging off.
NOTE: A limited number of rental units are available in Stormwater, the small everglades town several miles outside the Garou Cairn. These rental areas are only open to Garou and the Apex Kinfolk (Swamps/Forests). Anyone renting there does so at their own risk. In short, any Garou or Apex Kinfolk may take an available rental. Several Premium Rentals will also be available there. Vampires or regular humans wandering into this area and renting in the Garou Village will be removed. - The outskirts of the city and the teaming Everglade woodlands have become the undisputed territory of the Garou. These domains will be accessed via skyboxes on the main platform to ensure they are properly secluded from the city itself. Anyone wishing to take a long hike into the swamps and surrounding forests or go gator hunting or fishing may stumble across the Garou village, which is a very tight-knit community naturally suspicious of outsiders. While going to the village is not forbidden by any means, keep in mind that this is a dangerous area of predators and a guide is advised.