It is again time for my periodic love letter to Private Nightmares by Project Ghostlight. It's literally fantastic.
Affectionate Rant and Rave under the cut
Alexander Ward, who I had only seen as Crokas in EXU:Divergence* and from the Blood on the Clocktower playthrough on Good Time Society when I started, is a fantastic Storyteller. He plays the Beast in a nuanced way for each person and reads the players very well. He clearly loves Vampire in a way that feels palpable. His humor and wit is also just right up my alley. I'm not a horror fan, so the regular reference to it being a horror show/system concerned me at first, but it's such an approachable, personal horror that was very digestible and full of a satisfying amount of angst.
Luis and Aabria I knew from my beloved EXU:Calamity* (and several D20 seasons in Aabria's case) so I knew they would kill it in whatever way they showed up, but the multifaceted character builds never fail to disappoint. The banter was top tier, and the wrestling with the lack of humanity was really well done. The different approaches to parenthood as a kindred is wonderful and terrible in a great to watch way, and the juxtaposition of bad parent and baby, inexperienced Thinblood works so well. They are riddled with flaws in an engaging sense that makes you root for them and gasp too. And their characters, as regularly stated, are very pretty.
Xander I had only seen in Blood on the Clocktower so I knew very little about him going in. I feel like he did a really good job at providing a sort of comic relief without being one dimensional and while still aligning with the tone of the setting. Gable is still very much a kindred and battling with all that comes with that as well as standing up to the coterie when he feels it is needed.
Gina. I literally can't. I had never heard of her before so she was a wildcard in my book, but dang. Jade is fantastic. The give and hold of information is impeccable. The complexity of the backstory is lovely, and there's still so many questions. She has a very distinct personality that is intriguing and entertaining. Her quirks and reactions make you want to reach through the screen (in a puppy dog way).
The format of the stage and moving chairs is wonderful. (I am running out of synonyms for great) It really lets the players diy the vibe of the interactions in a way I have never seen in ttrpg before. The freedom of movement really grounded a lot of the scenes (staring at the stars comes to mind) which you could really feel.
Count me obsessed. This was my first ever interaction with Vampire: the Masquerade, and I have now since gotten the rule book. I can't wait for season 2.
*P.S. Go watch EXU:Divergence and EXU:Calamity, they are also fantastic and have some of these lovely people. I have also started LA by Night which I have been binging at the detriment to my actual life. Jasper is fantastic. And go watch Critical Role campaign 4!
Feeling the Christmas Spirit with Oppa Xander 😍😘 🎄🎉🎇🎁 Big boy na akong #Xanderrific mura nag ulitaw 😱🙊😘 Please don't grow up too fast bby. 👼👶🙈 (at Camagong Lahug)
Our baby Xander's 2nd birthday party! Thank you Lord God for blessing us with this baby boy!!! Our happy pill 😘😘 May he always have a good health and stay as bubbly and smiling as evaaah ☺😘❤👶 #Xanderrific #XandersTWOrrific
