Camarilla Game ~ Gaining Influence. Camarilla Game ~ Gaining Influence.Most players at some time try to manipulate the game world around them. To this you need to gain Influence over one or more areas of the city. To help people get started, here are ten pointers for those stepping onto the boat.
Build on what you have.
It's easier to branch out into other Influences if you already have a solid base elsewhere. If you gain dominance in one field, people from other spheres of influence will take notice. Most PCs are given free influences during Character Creation; use these as a springboard to greater things.
Read the rumours.
Read the current rumours and see what is happening in the city. Talk to other characters and find out they know. Use this information to find out what Influences would be of most use to you. Being up to date with the latest information can sometimes mean the difference from having to work hard to gain Influence or just walking in through the door.
Be sure that the Influence you're after is the one you need.
All you want is for your character to be able to park their car outside their house, and the obvious Influence to get this sorted is Transport, right? Wrong! Bureaucracy will get you that parking space quicker, and all the paperwork will be correct. Make sure you go after the Influence you need, not the one you think you need.
Slow and steady wins the race.
You're new to the city, don't know your arse from your elbow, but you're going to have a pop at getting the Police Chief to listen to you're every command. Stop! It's far better to start small with you're local Constable than go for the head honcho immediately. Think about the long term prospects rather than short term gain.
But take risks.
No one else has any control of the Universities? Get in there quick and worry about tidying up afterwards, you may only get one chance! Don't be afraid to move quickly if the chance presents itself.
Do your research.
You can never do enough research. If you're thinking of getting involved in something you don't know the first thing about, read up on it, watch the news and talk to people about the subject. The more research you do the easier you'll find it to communicate you ideas to the ST.
Be sure to check out the competition.
Sometimes so many people will be vying for control of an Influence that it's not worth getting involved. Try and establish which spheres of Influence are undersubscribed and concentrate your efforts on them instead.
Good housekeeping.
When you gain an Influence, quickly establish how you intend to interact with it. Set up safety systems that will prevent others from using your Influences against you or be prepared for other players to quickly gain control of your hard won treasure.
Keep it simple.
If you can't communicate the gist of your plan in the opening paragraph, then it may be that your plan requires a rethink. If you're relying too much on coincidence then it definitely in need of a rethink. The more complex the plan, the more likely it is that something can go wrong.
And make it interesting!
Despite rumours to the contrary, STs are human and like original ideas. If you've got a plan to gain control of an Influence but no legitimate means of implementing it, they may meet you half way if the idea behind it is interesting. Be original: it will sometimes get you further than you think!
