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The intrepid investigators |
Last Dance at Renauld's is a story for the RPG Vampire: The Masquerade 5th edition. A part of the Play Renegade program, it is particularly suited for use at conventions.
In fact, I had the opportunity to test it as a storyteller at Stockholm's Slay Beyond Slay Club with a group of players ranging from first timers to fairly experienced ones. Neither they or me had tried on the 5th edition before.
*Slight spoilers*
As a convention story Last Dance at Renauld's works fairly well. The intrigue is an interesting investigation with quite a lot of suspence. It particularly showcases the social combat mechanics.
The beginning of the story could be challenging for new storytellers and players. It starts in the midst of the plot, abruptly removing some certainties in the player characters' background stories. The plot then gives the storyteller the task to provide the players with important information through flashback scenes. That is an advanced storyteller technique that might not work with all troupes. There are many, and varied, SPCs in the story so a storyteller might what to concentrate on a few of them. Otherwise, the players might miss out on clues, as the stage gets too cluttered.
In fact, Last Dance at Renauld's, feels bigger in scope than just a convention one shot. The pregenerated characters make for a coterie with some engaging dynamics that are well worth exploring over a chronicle.
In all, a story to recommend, but that might need the most work from a storyteller if used at a convention. At a regular session, it will probably run much smoother.
