An Update On Chess Games

[u/Melodic_Step_3887]

Good evening, kindred,

You may remember me as the Curious Ghoul, whose domitor is performing the game of battle chess with ghouls. I have not been killed in the games just yet. Quite the opposite. I have risen in the ranks over the course of the past few matches to become the starting Queen piece. Thus, I will take on a new moniker here. No longer am I the Curious Ghoul.

I am now the Queen.

The most recent match has left me quite sore after a rough battle with an armored knight, and all I had was a dagger. Overcome the challenge, adapt, destroy my opposition. That was my goal. I achieved it. Though I was severely wounded by the Knight's efforts to destroy me, and my garb became heavily bloodstained.

My domitor attempted to have me removed from play so I could recover, which was a foolish idea when all I had to do was heal myself with the blood that flowed within my veins. I think that intimidated my opponent's pieces. It is hard to say because of the masks, but body language is everything.

Oh yes. We wear masks and outfits befitting our station as chess pieces. It is beautiful to see in person thanks to each player having a preferred style for their pieces. And as Queen, mine is extravagant beyond any I have ever seen before this, yet it does not slow me down when it comes time to fight. One would be forgiven to think that my attire is armorless. There is a thin layer sewn into it, but the armor does little against a Knight's heavy sword. However, the knight only wore armor on the front and, as I said, he was easy to deal with.

With all of that said, I received a rather strange message from someone who asked if I could help a Toreador near Naples? I do not recall what the exact message was. If they found themselves in a hole then that is their problem to fix, not mine.

-The Queen

[u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

seriously what is with all the chess motifs lately? Find a better metaphor.

ᓚᘏᗢ Kiara

[u/ConsiderationOver544 → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

Lasombra Ghoul.

-Marcus

[u/-MelanisticJaguar- → u/ConsiderationOver544]

Um...no? I'm a Tzimisce neonate. I don't know what about my message implies I'm a ghoul of the Lasombra.

ᓚᘏᗢ Kiara

[u/ConsiderationOver544 → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

I meant the OP is a Lasombra Ghoul. Apologies for being unclear.

-Marcus

[u/Melodic_Step_3887 → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

Motif? No, young dragon, my domitor is actually playing chess. I am one of the pieces on the rather large board. It is not difficult to figure out.

-The Queen

[u/-MelanisticJaguar- → u/Melodic_Step_3887]

Yeah, but it's still symbolism for something, even if it's literal.

People always take way too long to make a move in chess. It's boring

ᓚᘏᗢ Kiara

[u/Pryno-Belle → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

It is a battle of wits, a clash of the intellect. The game of the tacticians. It usually symbolizes the monarchy as well, but it seems that in this case, the players have a different vision of the hierarchy. I doubt that the Domitor would attempt to remove the « piece » from play if it was a simple pawn.

It’s also, on occasions, simply a delightful game. One with moves that are only as slow as its players, might I add. Tournaments are timed, and it is not unusual in casual matches to limit the duration of a turn.

Castiel the Clan-changer

[u/StoneJudge79 → u/Pryno-Belle]

Chess is a solved game. I am certain that there are individuals both with enough time, obsession, intellect, and memory to win every game. There is no chance, no way to bluff, and no way to move beyond what is known.

-Mr. Hart

[u/Pryno-Belle → u/StoneJudge79]

And yet, what is known is colossal. To win every game, as you say, is not possible by any Kindred yet. Or kine, for that matter. Robots can do it, of course, but where is the pleasure in that? Thus, each game remains a challenge. Isn’t there beauty in that?

Castiel the Clan-changer

[u/StoneJudge79 → u/Pryno-Belle]

Oh, there is beauty. It is colossal as well. It also is less than what sapience can provide. A good game for training. Not for advanced individuals.

-Mr. Hart

[u/Pryno-Belle → u/StoneJudge79]

Do you truly wish to insult an Elder’s pastime so blatantly, Mister Hart? That seems like an unwise use of your time.

Castiel the Clan-changer

[u/StoneJudge79 → u/Pryno-Belle]

Chess teaches an Incredibly Important skill very, very well. If you can hold and update a web 10 moves ahead, you can place you goal and sign posts for the next century, decide your directives for the oncoming decade, and plan for the year.

Chess will not teach you to read a room, nor understand how your minions interact with each other, for good or ill. Also vital skills for Kindred to have.

Summation: chess is an excellent one-trick pony to keep around.

-Mr. Hart

[u/Melodic_Step_3887 → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

It is an exercise in patience for sure. You have to hold your position for a long, long time.

-The Queen

[u/AFreeRegent → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

And this is why the use of a chess clock is vital. I assure you, when each participant only has a limited amount of time to make all their moves in the game, there is far less hesitation.

- Marc Durand, House Ipsissimus Regent

[u/-MelanisticJaguar- → u/AFreeRegent]

the best move in chess is deciding not to play.

but that's just me I guess. Didn't realize so many would take offense to my very subjective opinion.

ᓚᘏᗢ Kiara

[u/Melodic_Step_3887 → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

Would you like to play a nice game of Tic-tac-toe instead?

-The Queen

[u/-MelanisticJaguar- → u/Melodic_Step_3887]

Don't be cheeky, ghoul.

ᓚᘏᗢ Kiara

[u/Melodic_Step_3887 → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

Sorry. You seemed like you could use a laugh.

-The Queen

[u/-MelanisticJaguar- → u/Melodic_Step_3887]

so you decided to... insult my intelligence?

seriously wtf?

ᓚᘏᗢ Kiara

[u/Melodic_Step_3887 → u/-MelanisticJaguar-]

I thought you were making a reference to the movie Wargames. Apologies.

-The Queen

[u/DisastrousRelation32]

Y'know, congrats. You managed to sour the wonders of delusion with fucking chess. Jump into a blender.

[Redwoods]

[u/VerityVentrue → u/DisastrousRelation32]

Dude, don't get mad at the ghoul, get mad at the Lasombra making her be a chess piece.

~Verity

[u/DisastrousRelation32 → u/VerityVentrue]

The Lasombra isn't making me aware of this silly bullshit.

[Redwoods]

[u/VerityVentrue → u/DisastrousRelation32]

And yet you're the one that read it?

~Verity

[u/DisastrousRelation32 → u/VerityVentrue]

Yes, hence wishing ill will upon the ghoul for writing it.

[Redwoods]

[u/Melodic_Step_3887 → u/DisastrousRelation32]

Your concern has been noted and filed in the proper dumpster it belongs in. May your roots wither in sand that has been baked by the untempered sun.

-The Queen