VtR: Setting and Character Options

[GentlemanVoodoo]

A few ideas:

#1. If you set this in the 19th century it depends on when exactly and where in the world. If for example set in America and is at the later part, almost to the turn of the 20th century, then an attraction would be something like oil being discovered. Or if in the more middle part you could have it set to where the college town is in the path of a new railroad expansion connecting major points and the growth of the town is a result of it. Modern nights can play on the same instance but for different reason. A college town might capture the attention of the prince if something was going on their that proves to be a boon. Something tech or medical wise would probably be easier to work with as the town is becoming the new MIT or John Hopkins. And the growth is attracting new major businesses from major players like Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, etc. for a specific reason.

#2. Either idea can work. Though I will argue that if you set this in the 19th century there is grounds to allow the Carthian but perhaps by a different name. Much change was going on in this world, though arguably more towards the middle and later part of the century, but the Carthians could be known simply by another name. If starting with the same covenant, I would suggest to allow the players opportunities to join different ones at some point. One instance I personally use for this approach is to allow a big stink of some kind where the current leadership has gone south. This allows the players to seek out new factions based on their distaste for what has occurred in their current covenant. Those that stay do so because they like what the new leadership is bringing to the table.

A more interesting take that fits into either period you are going with might be to allow the players to start as a pariah for one reason or another. As either the town grows or gets something to attract the Prince's attention, should the players complete the task they will be granted status back into the community with other boons/rewards. In this case you could have representatives from the covenants attempting to sway the players to their side allowing for more interesting political events to unfold.

Though some ideas at least. Your base premise is at a good start for what seems to be an interesting game.