[The Gentleman Gamer] Revisiting Vampire: The Masquerade

www.backerkit....
In which the gentleman in question discusses how revisiting his work for Vampire: The Masquerade has helped with the creation of The World Below.

[@BQ7511]

Your contribution to the RPG community cannot be understated either. For me, it was your review of Changeling the Lost that first open the door to RPGs outside of the Dungeons and Dragons model. And i'm certain there are many others who likewises were first introduced or encouraged to try Storyteller-style games through your videos. Very excited for the World Below and all it's high fantasy/pulp glory. And can't wait to see what other projects Onyx Path has in the works.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you, that's incredibly kind of you. I'm still fond of that Changeling video.

[@smokingowly3607]

Our favorite Ventrue returns .

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Oh I'm a Ventrue now?

[@MrDarkweaver]

I thought we'd narrowed it down to a Harbinger of Skulls :)

[@smokingowly3607]

@@TheGentlemanGamer Sorry we here at the society of leo... i mean me as a random commenter on youtube is just trying to figure this whole vampire thing out..Share more fictitious lore if you please :3

[@AquilaGuard]

I just wanted to say you are A LEGEND. I remember your guide to the VTM clans being part of my introduction to the world of darkness. To see you go on to work on V5 was amazing and I hope you continue to have a fantastic writing career for TPGs. You will always be the legendary fan thats living the dream, the fan that went on to write officially for their favorite games. Edit: I have not heard of The World Below but I'll check it out if your involved.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you very much for saying so! It's been an enjoyable journey and I'm very lucky. Do let me know what you think of The World Below, and tell me if you have any questions! We've smashed through lots of stretch goals now with the BackerKit campaign and we have more to come.

[@luizeduardomourabarbalho9301]

Actually, the staff of WoD doesn't know what to do with the beckoning, one of the keys V5's lore. That's sad! And, Beckett's Jyhad Diary shoulded guide V5 initial lore... they also doens't care of it anymore. Too sad. I loved your VTM job

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

If you like my work, please consider picking up The World Below! It would really be appreciated. WoD5 included a lot of connective tissue to Beckett's Jyhad Diary because I was developing the books and adding that connectivity. They've since gone in a different direction and I wish them well.

[@justincroteau1458]

I completely agree. And we hear this from all over the community, too.

[@Angell_Lee]

I have been following your progress for years now, it makes me so happy that you are living your passion and your dreams. Please mark my words that it's only going to get better, enjoy! Much love xo

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you, I very much appreciate you saying so. It you do get a chance to back The World Below, I'd very much appreciate it.

[@Angell_Lee]

@@TheGentlemanGamer With pleasure ❤

[@Onionkid99]

It's the realm building system and generational story that intrigues me the most. Crusader Kings in an underground realm full of fungus people? Sign me up!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

That was very important to me as a big fan of Pendragon and ASOIAF.

[@inventist]

Always happy to see your name in a book's credits. Looking forward to The World Below!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you for saying so!

[@vorpalrabbit4927]

Easiest $100 pledge I've ever backed. The Gentleman's Guides pulled me back into the WoD after a long break, which would be enough on it's own. But the dearth of new IPs with all the drama that's been going on with the OGL earlier this year that anything that pulls players to other systems and other ideas should be supported.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

You are a superstar, and I very much appreciate it.

[@150booyadragon]

Man I've been subscribed to you for a stupid amount of years... Congrats! You're funded, again! I wish I could help out but I am penniless at the minute. Happy you're doing well!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Your support is more than enough. Thank you!

[@RantTheRetort]

I don't play RPGs anymore, but I love the lore and canon that the Gentleman Gamer creates. I would happily just pay for a lore book or an audio book.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Well I don't think that'll happen for the World of Darkness, but you never know for The World Below. Please give it your supply and enjoy our lore!

[@otakuofmine]

@@TheGentlemanGamer you could make an audio book of that book. hah! though, for real. I would probably listen to that. you got a great voice to listen to.

[@150booyadragon]

@@otakuofmine Honestly with a nice professional microphone I could see him *easily* making it big in the audio book scene.

[@otakuofmine]

@@150booyadragonabsolutely, agree

[@Angell_Lee]

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU DID IT!!! Now hopefully the goal can be doubled, tripled :D

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

That would be absolutely wonderful. I hope you check out The World Below too! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@Voudoun]

Been a big fan of your work for a long time, have happily backed The World Below, looking forward to it its release. Also wanted to say I love the path cast, my favourite podcast for the people as much as the content. Anyhow, wish you all the best with the crowdfunder!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Even with our deviating from the topic at any given moment??

[@Voudoun]

@@TheGentlemanGamer especially with that 😅

[@MrVoidbringer2002]

love your work been watching you for a long bit... With this game Worlds Below is it a rule-heavy slog like Shadow Run or is it a more flowing storyteller-type system? Also, it might help sell this if you walked us through a character creation. Would also give more depth and a chance to show more of the books and art which sells games to my mind. Again thanks for all you do...

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Great idea for a character creation video! This game is pretty light, all told. The Storypath Ultra system derives from Storyteller, which WoD uses.

[@MrVoidbringer2002]

ty for the quick response trying to check funds for the PDF Kickstarter level...

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@MrVoidbringer2002 Games can be pricey these days, but based on the art and the size of this one, I think the PDF level is definitely worth it.

[@charronbonvalet6786]

@The Gentleman Gamer I enjoyed my time under your tutelage and as a player, I am confidant in saying that you did make a lasting impression on me. I know I kind of washed out due to health issues but I truly appreciated the experience you gave me as my DM. I hope that I can, one day, try to play another game with you as GM. I hope the best for you and yours.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

You're always welcome as time and health allows!

[@justincroteau1458]

Great video as always, Gentleman! It is very sad to hear your words about WoD5/V5 because, in my opinion, your work on it is the direction I was hoping that it would go. I had an inkling that Paradox had a particular vision of where they want to take it. Some books released are clear with this. On a different level though, the World Below is amazing!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you for saying so, that's truly kind of you.

[@MrSororitas]

Will definitely back the world below at the end of the month. One question out of curiosity. What inspired you to create this setting?

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Mainly J.G. Ballard, who lives rent free in my head! And thank you so much. I genuinely appreciate it.

[@dsklava253]

WOD's loss hopefully they will wise up as you have done so much for our community. You are a major backbone to reinvigorating VtM with V5 and the WOD universe. It is sad because you are one of the best VtM STs, know all the lore (oh much so much lore), and you should really get more credit for doing those initial lore videos which inspired others to follow in your path. You did it genuinely and are truly an influencer before it became a thing. You are the OG real life Critias hiding in plain site. If one could receive a PhD in WOD, it would be you! Thank goodness that that tree branch didn't take you down in one of your earlier videos. It is great that you turn it around for your benefit and you will move on with or without WOD. I hope that you will be able to ST a WOD in the future especially on Red Moon Roleplaying... that'll show WOD their loss. FYI I am not a fan of horror, but I need to get my Gentleman Gamer fix and have started to listen to your Kult Divinity Lost series on Red Moon Roleplaying. You are freakin amazballs.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Oh I do love running KULT for those freaks at RMR, and I'm so glad you enjoy my WoD work. I don't think I'll be working on WoD again, but please do consider backing The World Below. If you like what I do with Vampire, you'll enjoy it.

[@dsklava253]

I think I may have done one better... I just joined RMR's Patreon at the $10 level, and I left a message there that you referred this fledgling. Sidenote: my fledgling firstborn as seen here on her first smile is now 12 and I don't plan to change the picture she makes me smile. Thank you for being you, best wishes for your new endeavors, and thank you for all you do for us listeners.

[@almightytallestred]

Congratulations! 🎉 At the time of me watching this the funding is already $70 above the goal. You guys did it! And with almost a month left.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Yep, we smashed our way through! Now on to a bevy of stretch goals!

[@Ana-ng1xk]

I've been a fan of your content for years, and I remember how excited I was for you when you were hired on to write for World of Darkness! I remember when you talked about queer characters in games and even just mentioning trans people in a video gave me so much excitement for the future writing for Vampires. The books you worked I could feel your touch on them. I'm excited to see all that is ahead of you on your path. Honestly, thank you for everything you've done for the roleplay community. You were an inspiration to me in my early days of getting into the hobby, and now as the eternal storyteller for my friend groups with a near encyclopedic knowledge of the lore, I owe so much of this to you and your videos. You showed me the rabbit hole, gave me a map, and I went spelunking.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

That's one of the loveliest things I've ever been told. Thank you so much for your continuous support. I genuinely appreciate it.

[@villeuusivuori7150]

In world Below, how do you square the circle of high lethality adventuring, that is to say, how to keep the death of PCs from leading into the player being sidelined for extended period of time? Also congrats on making th 30 000$ goal

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you! And the simplest way is generational play. You play part of a lineage and when your character dies, you play as a new member of your family. Each deceased ancestor has their legend you have to live up to or overcome.

[@lancemeibos5588]

I didn't realize you were a contributor to some of these books!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

I co-wrote and developed a lot of Vampire books!

[@lancemeibos5588]

@@TheGentlemanGamer well no wonder you're so knowledgeable about the milieu, setting, lore, and the ins and outs of the gameplay!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@lancemeibos5588 Well that came first ;) I started making videos in 2009 and started writing for Vampire in... 2015? Anyway, please do check out The World Below using the link in the video description. The project needs your support, and I'd appreciate it! For all the years of Vampire.

[@ConernicusRex]

I hated V5 from a mechanical perspective and was only so-so with the new lore updates. A lot of your contributions were the few new things I liked and they seem to be throwing those to the wayside to the further detriment of the game. I do wish you luck in the future though, your distinctive voice makes for great TTRPG content.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Sadly a sentiment several share, but there are others who love it! If you do enjoy my books, please give this one your backing. I'd very much appreciate it.

[@BlastBoyX]

At least I am not alone in this. 5th Edition basically ruined RPGs for me, since we primarily played World of Darkness, and my friends always jump on the flavor-of-the-month bandwagon.

[@ConernicusRex]

@@TheGentlemanGamer I do, Beckett's Jyhad diary was very cool indeed.

[@MadameDeSquiggles]

Really excited for this!!!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Me too!

[@PaulRGauthier]

Congratulations on your successful kickstarter! You *have* made a massive contribution to the World of Darkness. A contribution we fans deeply appreciate. Simply put, the Vampire: the Masquerade that we love wouldn't exist without you. It's the end of 2023 and things change... Nuff said... I missed the kickstarter, and I don't have a lot of funds available to put towards games right now , but I will certainly put The World Below on my list to consider. A hybrid of old school dungeon crawling and WoD intrigue sounds... well... intriguing :)

[@xatatatau]

Good to see you buildig your own world! I hope it's a smashing success. You deserve it!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you! I hope you check it out. It would be hugely appreciated.

[@ventrue4600]

What a honest and toutching 13:19 Minutes and see less and less in the Industrie.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

No reason to not be honest! I'm glad to have worked on Vampire, but very happy to get to develop games like The World Below.

[@Siemus138]

I am so excited for you! Congratulations, and thank you for all of the delightful videos.

[@MegaVice10]

Like for many, it was your videos that first got me into Vampire and the World of Darkness as a whole and I've subbed ever since 2010. Always loved the work you put out for Vampire and your other products, so I will def be checking this out.

[@v3ldin]

I'm a beginner DM playing DND and got lost and drowned in the 'Out of the Abyss' campaign. How beginner friendly and compatible is 'The World Below'? Would love to know! Thanks for the video.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

It's incredibly friendly to beginners. A simple starter campaign would have your characters attached to a single settlement and tasked with resource gathering, monster hunting, and settlement protection when the Kaos storms roll in. Lovely and simple!

[@RobCrowley85]

Your Gentleman's Guide to Vampires really helped me understand more about how things work and am writinv my first game for the group I'm in. Never actually played it yet, but one day. I remain optimistic. I don't know if you remember this, but one time, you mention on Facebook thoughts on taking it down and I practically begged you not to 😂 I think it was just a passing thought you had in a comment thread, something like that. I still watch it to this day. That, The Ivory Wall, and Pentex Guide to Werewolves are among my favourite playlists on KZbin. And this game is intriguing. I have Dystopia Rising that you mentioned, backed that years ago and it's a great book. I'll jump into this one too, I think. EDIT: What does PoD stand for in the pledges?

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

PoD is Print on Demand! You get a personally printed (rather than traditionally printed) version of the book. And I do remember!

[@RobCrowley85]

@@TheGentlemanGamer Ah, thanks, now I understand! And you just made my day 🙏

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@RobCrowley85 And you'll make mine if you pick up a copy of The World Below! We're within a hair's breadth of the next stretch goal...

[@RobCrowley85]

@@TheGentlemanGamer I'll try, had difficulty getting something working the other day. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@RobCrowley85 Best of luck to you!

[@luizeduardomourabarbalho9301]

Mat, what should be the beckoning, in your opinion? Make a video about this, if you can!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Back The World Below and you have my word I'll make a video on the Beckoning ;)

[@luizeduardomourabarbalho9301]

@@TheGentlemanGamer Starting TWB in 1... 2... 3...😊It will be awesome!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@luizeduardomourabarbalho9301 Then I shall make a video! Be sure to comment on the BackerKit so I know it's you!

[@anon-yw4wd]

Ha! I was searching through some old boxes from storage and found my original Vampire 1st edition book. I think it's even 1st printing too. It's in amazing condition too.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

It's a classic for a reason. I hope you check out The World Below too! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@anon-yw4wd]

I used to play a lot of WoD games. My fav was Werewolf personally, but we used to LARP Vampire too. Good times. 👍👍👍

[@Michael-bn1oi]

I run VtM every year for Halloween and every year a player asks for more info on the setting. You're always top of the list!

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

Thank you for saying so! I hope you check out The World Below too! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@Michael-bn1oi]

​​@@TheGentlemanGamer I grabbed the Ashcan edition after watching a few of your videos but haven't gone too deep yet. Lucky enough to have a group of players that will actually try new systems though, so once the full book is out we will absolutely give it a whirl! For sure like the look of "Storypath Ultra". I'm a big fan of Narrative Dice where it feels like reading the bones to learn what happened in the scene. Some of the best moments in games come from "success with consequences" outcomes and you just don't get those with hard Pass/Fail systems.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@Michael-bn1oi Superb! Let me know if you have any questions I can answer that might convince you to back the campaign at this stage. We're a hair's breadth from the next stretch goal.

[@Michael-bn1oi]

@@TheGentlemanGamer No need to twist my arm! Was sold as soon as I knew who all was working on it. Hope you hit the next tier as well for the monster manual. Would love to hear more about the factions and politics in future videos/podcasts. Something to really get a feel of what it's actually like to exist in such a place.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@Michael-bn1oi Excellent idea. I shall make a video on those subjects.

[@bakuubb5718]

Hey man, I truly love your stuff and seriously considered backing The World Below. But and that is a big but, 60$ for shipping to the EU is ridiculous and waaaaaaay too much.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

A sad reality based on our estimates of increasing costs! Please consider backing for a PDF if you can't go for a hard copy. It would be appreciated.

[@otakuofmine]

I am really glad it is doing well. I cant back it unfortuneatly cause I put my money already in too many projects and thematically not high enough on my list, but on the list nontheless. It is good when new/small settings have a chance to bloom (or whatever the mushroom equivalent is. spores? spores!). There is always a place for something new. For sure DnD supplements are going big and wild still by 3rd parties, and still a good thing for the indie market, but I tap myself every time - but what if they would have done its own thing. It takes bravity, an interesting system idea and the loss of the brand boost in money, but I would always say its worth it. Even if another existing system that hasnt shown such an idea. I think City of Mist is a good example of that from the people behind it themselves - perfect fit for what they did. but hey, lets do super sentai or lets do a cyberpunk version - what, we need to rework the system to fit it better? alright, lets do it. Risks are most times worth the reward. Finances are the only thing that should hold one back, but even than its worth the try. People usually reward a great input, even if its the first. A rpg based on Edgar Allen Poe - funded. a rpg based on 64bit era videogames - funded. a corporate horror rpg - funded. (just to name a few i backed. feel free to guess them or ask). Plus a garrant of trust comes with liking stuff from a studio already when they put out something new. Or a person we know does always a tremendous job like here? I actually once again dont know where i was going with this as is my adhd brand. just wishing the best for this project and chapeau ;)

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

You make excellent points. And City of Mist is a great example of a game done bravely and interestingly. If your finances don't stretch to a hard copy, do remember you can pick up a PDF and always change your tier later if circumstances change!

[@otakuofmine]

@@TheGentlemanGamer Oh I know, but i really am low rn. september and october was full of good stuff "sadly". And i my eyes prefer to read physical, pdf gives me headache after a while and its nice to have something in my shelf to pick up. otherwise it would be a no brainer. again, my adhd brain cant resist - need to learn to take less hah. and it wont go off my list. i like theme still a lot. and feel honored, u think i make good points in my wild ramble ;) i love ttrpg and the community.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@otakuofmine Then I won't hassle you any further! I'm grateful for the support nonetheless 😄

[@otakuofmine]

@@TheGentlemanGamer Oh hassle you can, always an honor ;) There can never be too much passion behind the own project. (knowing especially as i am working on/off my own system)

[@bubbadumps3747]

V20 is the only version of vtm. 5e is an illusion

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

High level Chimerstry?

[@wsorrentini]

Their loss you could have taking VTM 20th ed to the next lvl the new stuff is garbage I could not get into it. I still watch your videos I need to save them just in case.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

I enjoyed working on both V20 and V5 and I hope you give The World Below your support! I'd very much appreciate it.

[@snakeyman5560]

Paradox is going to disney-ify Vampire the Masquerade 😂 Kill me now 😂

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

How do?

[@snakeyman5560]

@TheGentlemanGamer Hi Mathew! I believe they are going to "Disney-ify" the setting by taking steps to water it down to be more palatable for a general public and have more mass-market appeal. There are a number of ways this could be done, but I believe the easiest way they could do this is by awakening the Methuselahs during the Gehenna war and having them cast doubt on Vampire history They could try going the Starwars route by declaring older material to be no longer cannon or in continuity and have V5 be its own universe separate from previous editions and use the awakening of the Methuselahs to retcon into existence a more palatable and easier to jump into world lore, or be more subtle and go for a soft reboot where less palatable things are retconned out, this was already tried in Vampire: The Requiem by having vampire elders have clouded and foggy memories of what happened in the past but I have doubts they will do something this drastic as VTR wasn't well recieved and Cecilia Bane's comics were released pretty recently (the complete edition / omnibus isn't even available for release yet), which is why I think a soft reboot as seen in Marvel comics consisting of retcons and an unreliable narrator shtick being applied to some vampire history being the easiest path to go down for broad audience appeal. As for an example of what could be seen as unpalatable and easy prey for retcon ( don't get any ideas, Paradox ): Sascha Vykos... don't get me wrong, I love the character and wouldn't change a word of anything about Sascha, but a more than cursory glance of the character's history shows several targets for retcon and I'm frankly suprised it hasn't been done yet considering how Sascha is a pretty major character all things considered. I don't know about you, Richard, but I smell a Gehenna War tabletop war game or something of that sort in the works. Of course, they could go the 40k Tacticus route or horus heresy legions route to get into the strategy gaming market.

[@snakeyman5560]

@@TheGentlemanGamer I accidentally got your name wrong. I apologize.

[@TheGentlemanGamer]

@@snakeyman5560 You did?

[@snakeyman5560]

@TheGentlemanGamer Yes, I fixed my mistake with an edit pretty quickly though.