Influence +jnotes are used to stipulate the manner in which your character can influence mortal society. An Influence +jnote should detail the following:
1. What it is, which is often defined by:
A. Scope
B. Source
2. Capabilities & limits
1. What it is
Detail what your influence is by using names, locations and activities as appropriate. What your influence represents is often defined by its scope and source.
1A. Scope
You can find guidelines on the scope of an influence per level by typing +explain <influence>. Going from these you should be able to define the geographical boundaries of the influence. For characters new in LA, their influence may still be situated outside Los Angeles, and it will be an IC-effort to transfer or rebuild.
You also specify the level of control your character holds, such as 'limited' or 'significant'. In this, please take into consideration that due to our 'Out of Control'-Theme we wish to avoid wordings such as 'control' of 'absolute control'. Even the most totalitarian ruler had cracks in their armor. Different players should be able to claim different parts of influences.
1B. Source
Think about how your character is able to wield the level of influence defined.
A level 1 or 2 influence could represent pull over people in your direct environment; a clique of social butterflies, a shop you own, a club you manage, a gang of bikers you're a part of etc.
Going from level 2 and up, your influence grows from 'personal range' to covering entire grids, areas and domains. Wielding influence on that level may require some amount of control over several regional leaders, or a position in the upper level of an organization.
You may choose to hold such a position of leadership yourself, as long as you keep things realistic on a level of time-management and capability. Positions of leadership can be very time-consuming and vampires cannot attend to business during the day. In addition you may require some stats to justify your character's ability to lead and/or competence in that area. Vampires that are close to mortals on a regular basis also have the Masquerade to consider.
Instead of wielding influence yourself, you may also use background NPC's or retainers (mentioned in your Retainers +jnote).
These background NPC's could be mortals that you have some amount of control over, be it via blackmail, bribery, bloodbonds, power-use, friendship etc. Keep in mind however, that they may never be used for anything but using that particular influence.
The main advantage of dedicating a retainer to manage your influences is that it grants an XP-reduction when you wish to buy new influence (levels). (See: +xp/influence <influence type>)
2. Capabilities & Limits
Finally, you can detail a list of tasks your character can accomplish using this influence (dot points can be used to describe examples). Where appropriate you also explain the limitations your character faces when utilizing the influence.
Keep in mind the differing levels of influence when documenting this and attempt to maintain a sense of realism and logic for your submission. Actions will have consequences, and when they are bad for the mortals involved that may result in (temporary or permanent) loss of control.
Example Criminal Influence 3 +jnote
Llewellyn has significant influence over a crime organization in Venice through his ghoul RETAINER Robert Lincoln who functions as the 'official' head of the operation. The organization has an acknowledged reputation that allows activity only within the borders of the Venice Neighborhood at present. The operation itself bases its activities around the acquisition and selling of stolen goods and extortion. A guarded warehouse in Venice serves as the base of operations for this organization. Through this organization, Llewellyn can accomplish a variety of tasks within the Venice neighborhood that might include:
- Increasing or decreasing the frequency of theft and/or extortion by his organization,
- Stockpiling or selling stolen goods to impact the consumer market for specific products,
- Target specific businesses or companies for extortion purposes as per his instructions,
- Target known areas of influence controlled by competitors through extortion and/or theft of goods, with intent to undermine that influence,
- Potentially obtain products or items without incurring normal associated costs as per request,
- Engage members of the organization in specific violent tasks and/or protection of persons or assets.
