5. Rules for Art and Parties
5.1. Art
Art is a subjective thing, and one person's masterpiece may well be
another's carbuncle. However, often some kind of consensus exists and
certain people are generally felt to have more talent or technical
ability than others.Art can be represented in a variety of ways some suggestions are:
- Artwork genuinely produced by the player may be displayed.
- Art from other sources may be used i.e. claiming another person's poem as your own, displaying a poster of a work of art, or even miming along to a piece of music, I would suggest care is taken not to choose really famous stuff for this, I would rather that Da Vinci genuinely produced the Mona Lisa in the World of Darkness otherwise the whole of art history is going to have to be rewritten every time someone decides that they've just produced some world famous painting.
- A work of art may be described, a written description can be pinned to a board (in the case of something displayed) or read out (in the case of something performed).
At the same time the appropriate level of artistic expression should be given. Either by displaying it, or simply announcing it (whichever is least intrusive).
Comment: Players need to be given both an idea of what the piece of art is, and a guideline as to the competence of the creator from that point they can roleplay their judgement of the piece. The only thing is, I don't really want Toreador saying "Sing 3 everybody" before they perform. However, taking the lead from the Obfuscate stuff, I would suggest that if a piece of art is being "displayed" then a small note be put in one corner which says "Painting 2" (or whatever). If a piece of art is performed, then I would suggest the performer either carry or wear one of those funky laminated cards with "Sing 2" written on it. However, announcing it may turn out to be the best option.
5.1.1 Selling Art
Art is not a quick way to gain a regular income. That is what the
income merit is for. The income merit indicates that money is coming
in, it is up to you to specify how, maybe its from the sale of
artwork, maybe not. If you regularly produce artwork, but have not
bought the income merit then you have to assume that your character is
a bad businessman/can't afford to become well known because the art
would be recognised/whatever.
It is also unacceptable to give works of art to other people, who then sells them and gives you a mansion, or a car or whatever in return (OK, so no one's doing this at present but I've seen something similar happen in another game ``Oh, I have to pay 80% of my income to the church. I know don't pay me for this mission, pay my mate Jon and he'll buy me any equipment or magic potions or stuff that I need'' and I want to stomp on it before it happens). If you are given works of art by someone then again any money you make from selling it is assumed to be covered by your income merit and any perks you choose to give to the artist in return, should come out of this income. If you have suddenly made friends with an artist ``in game'' who you did not know when you created your character then you should apply to the story council for permission to increase your income merit with experience points, they will tell you how many it is going to cost.
You may think that the sort of increase in money that can be gained in an increase of income is too small to indicate the genuine increase in income that would follow from ready access to good paintings. However, bear in mind that the value of modern art depends greatly on its availability. Either you are selling a constant stream of work, in which case you will flood the market and its value will go down, or you are only selling the occasional piece, in which case although it commands a high price, the net effect spread over a number of months is mirrored by the increase in income.
There may be rare occasions when you are likely to come by an unexpected windfall of money due to the sale of a picture. This should not occur more than once a year (if that - otherwise it will count as income). If this is the case then discuss it with the story council.
Disclaimer
Obviously if one character is willing and able to hand over a large
sum of money (or whatever) to another that is quite all right by these
rules. So long as the first character can justify possession of his
money with his income merit, and (if the sum is larger than his
income) is aware than he cannot do this sort of thing too often. That
is so long as the money comes from somewhere and is no longer there
once it has been given away!!!!!
5.1.2 Art Collections
The player may also own and/or build up a collection of
art (This suggestion courtesy of John Logan). A character may start out with 3x income points in a collection. These points may be spent on individual works of art as the player chooses, up to a maximum of his income level on any one work (e.g. Jean-Paul has income:3, this gives him 9 points to spend when he starts out. He can own 3 pieces of art of talent level 3 (i.e. done by an artist with artistic expression:3), or 1 at 3 and 3 at 2, or whatever combination he pleases). Remember artwork cannot exceed a talent level of 3 (unless with the permission of the story council). 4 points in income simply gives you more points to buy artwork of level 3 and below.
Every 3 months the character gains his income level in points which they may use to purchase new works for their collection. Again the total talent for each work may not exceed their income.
If a player wished to start out with a larger/better collection than their income permits, or to acquire works higher than their income, they should discuss it with the story council when they generate their character or when the situation occurs.
5.1.3 Producing Art
Please excercise common sense when producing works of art. Artists
are not production lines. If you are producing something new every
day, then the work will, in all likelihood, be substandard examples of
less artistic merit than you are capable. About one piece per
Toreador Ball should be more than sufficient.
5.2. Parties
Toreador continually throw parties. They are a lifeline for the
gossips and for those outside Le Salon Fermé they are the best way
to meet, discuss clan business and talk to the primogen. Any Toreador
may throw a party and they frequently do.If you throw a party you should make sure that you invite everyone of higher prestige than yourself. If you neglect to invite such people they will regard it as a prestige challenge.
Comment: This is not supposed to handicap those people unable to throw parties in their own flats. There is nothing to stop you using somewhere like the back room of the Southsider, or persuading a friend who plays Nightfall (or even one who doesn't !!!) to let you use their home. If in real difficulties speak to the primogen who ought to know of a variety of places that can be used, or at a pinch, will let you use her flat. She is bribable with chocolate \ldots and alcohol.
Toreador Balls
Toreador Balls are semi-official
occasions, a Toreador needs permission from the primogen to throw
one ( just so someone is vaguely regulating their frequency
etc.). A Toreador ball is a bit like a party with cabaret. Artists
will be invited to display. The thrower of a ball will
often be petitioned by people seeking an opportunity, at the same
time, they will be seeking out artists. The success of the ball is
often measured by the standard of the art on display. High prestige
poseurs often throw balls and use them to exercise their power,
picking and choosing what is on display. A lot of prestige goes with
throwing balls and exhibiting regularly at them.Parties that are not official "balls" may also have this cabaret-style format, but it is generally disapproved of. Normal parties are expected to be occasions where Toreador can relax more. If art is displayed then it will generally be of the host's personal collection under the pretext that this is where these pieces hang anyway.
Exhibitions
Another flavour of party is the exhibition.
This covers not only the display of pictures and
sculptures but book and play launches, the first performances of
concertos etc. etc. It's purpose is to publicise some large scale
artistic endeavour.Exhibitions cost money. You need a venue, insurance, publicity etc. etc. You need to explain where this came from before you can host one.
Comment: Balls and exhibitions are not the only sort of parties possible. They are merely the names of two sorts that get mentioned elsewhere in these rules.
5.2.1. NPCs
The Toreador prestige scene is only a small part of the art prestige
scene and the opinions of famous mortal artists are often taken into
account in prestige disputes. They are often guests at Toreador
parties and even if the party is vampyre only you will often find
mortal artwork on display. Players may invite guest NPCs to parties. Though, when inviting mortal guests to someone else's party you are expected to inform them first in case they had been planing a vampyre only event.
Comment: There is a subisiduary reason for allowing NPC guests which is that this way Bob the Brujah can still roleplay at Toreador parties without having to come as Bob the Brujah. The hope here is that his NPC will still be courted and talked to by the Toreador because they will want his opinion on and praise for their artwork. They may simply want to be able to claim "Of course Dmitri and I are such friends, just look how he treated me at the last party". There is even a suggestion that we should ask the refs about awarding players a few extra experience points for their character for good roleplaying of NPCs.
Since people may try and influence/use/stay in touch with these NPCs (especially if they are of high prestige) they should have reasonably detailed backgrounds which should be given to the Toreador primogen before the NPC appears. You should also contact the primogen if you are intending to invite this NPC somewhere, some of them (at the story council's discretion) will have lives of their own and may not wish to turn up.
These NPCs are a limited resource. If they are lost or killed you cannot create new ones unless you gain prestige yourself, or buy more influence points etc. Hence it is considered very bad form among Toreador to presence away other people's artists.
Generally the identity of an NPC will be revealed through roleplaying. However, if they are of high prestige or talent then they will be well known and a short description should be stuck up in full view somewhere (eg. Andy is playing Dmitri Totrov, star of the Kirov ballet which is currently in Edinburgh). The player may well want to publicise the fact that this prestigious NPC will be present.
Toreador are generally very careful about having mortals at any party where the majority of the guests will be kindred. It is a prestige disaster if a talented artist has to be destroyed because they have found out too much (or been ripped apart because they angered the Gangrel primogen).
Comment: Bear this in mind when briefing any NPC - they are unlikely to be trouble makers and you will lose prestige if they are.
The number of NPCs and their prestige/talent depends on a number of factors outlined below. The artistic ability of an NPC or piece of artwork may not exceed 3, unless in exceptional circumstances (see story council).
Comment: This is because artistic ability of 4 or 5 is in the rare bordering on supernatural range, please bear this in mind.
NOTE: These NPCs can only be used for playing prestige games and adding colour at parties. They cannot be used to wage influence over any other aspect of the game.
High Society Influence
As has been stated before the High Society scene is the arts
scene. Influence in High Society means that artists will want to know
you, want your patronage. You will be a favoured guest among
socialites and you will have friends with access to art galleries,
theatres or even just mansion houses with large rooms.For each point in High Society influence the player may patronise an artist. These artists get progressively better with each influence point. (i.e. High Society 2 gets you an artist with artistic expression 1 and one with artistic expression 2). These NPCs are distinct from those contacts already written up and submitted to the story council when the influence points were bought. If you have High Society Influence greater than 3, then you simply gain more NPC of ability 3 (i.e. High Society Influence 4, buys two NPCs of ability 3, one at 2 and one at 1).
- Each artist will produce one piece of work for display at any Ball the PC hosts.
- These NPCs may also be invited to parties as guests.
- If relevant, the PC may own one work of art by each artist they patronise.
Note: There is not a lot to be gained from patronising an artist will a artistic expression skill of 1. These things only really become useful when the talent displayed is 2 or more.
The PC may also host an exhibition for an artist/group of artists of the general overall talent level as points in High Society.
Comment: is assumed that the PC has enough influence to arrange the details and funding needed for the exhibition.
Media Influence
Journalists and those with media connections often find themselves
wined and dined by artists in search of a good review or even a
feature in a magazine, or exposure on TV.Media Influence works as High Society Influence. Except should you wish to host an exhibition for your artist you have to justify where you acquired the funds etc.
Comment: This is because journalists won't necessarily have access to venues etc. the way socialites will.
Artistic Expression
Artists themselves are often not entirely reclusive especially those
that have to work in co-operative art forms, like making music. They
will have friends and associates in the field.For each point in any artistic expression the PC has an associate in the same general field (e.g. A classical clarinetist may know other orchestral players, a pianist, conductor or composer). Again the level of talent increases with the points in artistic expression.
These artists may be used like the artists purchased with High Society or Media Influence. Once again the player needs to explain where the funds etc. were acquired if hosting an exhibition.
Prestige
Since the Toreador control the arts scene, Toreador prestige is
inextricably linked to a person's ability to patronise the arts.
- If you have high prestige you have an additional two points to put
into any one area (influence, artistic expression, income) when
creating NPC artists.
If you have average prestige you have an additional one point to put into any one area when creating NPC artists.
As you change prestige these NPCs will come and go.
- You may also create an additional NPC of your own prestige and
ones of prestige lower than you (i.e. a high prestige Toreador may
have a high prestige NPC, an average prestige NPC and a low prestige
NPC (if you really want a low prestige NPC))
Comment: These are people of general influence in the art world (but who are not artists) (e.g. the Manager of the Festival Theatre).
Again these NPCs come and go as your prestige rises or falls.
Influence Contacts in General
Since influence points in Nightfall oblige the player to specify the
identities of NPC contacts these may also be invited to parties.
Bear in mind, however, that a Street contact probably won't carry much
cop in Toreador circles.
Before asking anyone to play and NPC make sure they have read the NPC Briefing Sheet
5.2.2. Income and Exhibitions
Income allows people to purchase works of art and hire performers.
However, income is not necessarily a ticket to influence in the arts
scene. It has to be used intelligently for its owner ever to be
regarded as anything more than a punter ( that means you have to
buy points in influence if you actually want to invite artists to come to
parties as guests).Points in the merit income may be used for throwing Exhibitions. In this case the overall level of talent on display for the work exhibited is the number of points in income.
