PART FOUR: THINGS THAT THE PLAYER NEEDS TO KNOW

SECTION ONE: EXPERIENCE POINTS.

SECTION TWO: VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS

SECTION THREE: REACTING TO WHATS HAPPENING

SECTION FOUR: IN CHARACTER/ OUT OF CHARACTER SITUATIONS

CHARACTER CARDS/EQUIPMENT CARDS /BLOOD CARDS.

LIST OF TABLES

THAUMATURGY

Acknowledgements

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION

"…….. Come freely, go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!.

- Dracula.

Welcome to Bradford By Night (BBN). A live role-playing game for the slightly unhinged.

Only joking, this is a live role playing game (LRPG) based on an existing tabletop vampire role-playing game.

We recommend that you read the White Wolf "Vampire the Masquerade" books to give you a general idea of what the game is about.

Live role-playing is very much like improvised drama meets the "X. Files," with a bit of "Gladiators" thrown in.

These rules are aimed at people who have joined the system and know a little bit about what it entails, if you do not know, ask a friend who plays, or a ref. If it's still confusing and vaguely weird, do not play.

Basically the game involves a group of vampire characters running around solving fiendish plots (or not). Pitting their wits against the refs and each other, and generally having an entertaining and fun time, that is a little out of the ordinary.

The game of BBN can be quite physical, involving running around streets, clubs, graveyards, etc.. Diving to the floor and having people fall on you. If you have any special physical needs please think carefully before joining. We would not want you to feel disappointed if the club we hire for the night has five hundred flights of stairs and no wheel chair access (which happens). So if you are on crutches, use a wheelchair, have asthma, etc. please consider the above.

Having said that if you want to role-play and you make the effort we will try our best to accommodate your needs.

BBN operates a policy of equality we welcome any Race, religious persuasion, gender, sexual orientation, subculture (You do not have to be a Goth. to play) and those with special, physical needs, as mentioned above, all we ask is that you want to role-play.

The game is set in Bradford and its environs, (because we’re here, it sort of makes sense). Your character will go to nightclubs, graveyards and other "interesting" locations. Seeking out information, prey, items of power and the like. Along the way you will encounter other players and people who inhabit the world of Bradford By Night. Some of these people will be friendly and helpful and some....won't.

The game is set in the present. (For obvious reasons.) It is an evil and sinister world where your darkest fears (or fantasies) are real. Werewolves stalk the remains of the great forests that once covered the land. Sinister cults summon demons in darkened cellars. All of those creatures that have haunted the dreams of men for centuries lurk in darkness waiting for unwary, desperate mortals.

Those mortals that believe "The truth is out there," fight against the denizens of the night. These humans use whatever tools they can lay their hands on. Magic is real and vampires hunt the city streets in search of prey. You of course know this, you are one.........

........Well almost.

There are a few things to sort out first, so put the fangs down and read on......

To play BBN you will need the following:

A brain

An imagination

A character

We are assuming (hoping) you have the first two, so we will skip straight to number three.

You have as a starting character a number of points to spend on developing your character.

You will be allocated 20 points to create your character.

As the game progresses and your character does things, they will gain "Experience Points" these are like CCP’s and will be discussed in a section of their own.

(See Part Four, Section One: Experience Points.)

Below is a list of costs that you will need to use when creating your character. It is best not to spend as you go through each step. Instead make a list of roughly what areas you want to develop after you have read each relevant section. Then work out the actual costs, when you are sure of exactly what you want. A Ref. will check that your character is acceptable then create a character card for you.

Costs for, Disciplines: 3 CCP’S per level.

Costs for Stats: 2 CCP’S per level. (+ 1 point in each Stat to start with, +5 points to distribute amongst Stats where you want).

Costs for Skills: 1 CCP per level.

Costs for Merits and Flaws: *Special* (See Section 5: Merits and Flaws).

The first thing you must do to create your character doesn’t cost any points.

This means decide on who your vampire is, what they look like, what they enjoy doing, whom they enjoy doing it to. You may have an idea for a character that is based on one that you have seen in a film, or read in a book, or one from your imagination. Any of these options is fine and employed regularly. The character will change and develop as you play the game but the above are good points to start from.

Decide such things as who they were before they became a vampire, how they became a vampire, what they dress like, how they talk and what their goals and aims are.

NB: GOALS AND AIMS are very, very important if you just want your vampire to have a quiet life at home with a few good books, then do not even bother wasting your time (or ours). A quiet life does not make for great role-playing moments. Give your character something they want to achieve, no matter how impossible (or implausible) even if you never reach your goal, it will be fun trying.

Brief example of a background idea:

In the real world "Bill" is an office clerk. His vampire character, however, was an Egyptologist. Whilst he was on a dig in Egypt, (back in the 1920’s) he came across a lost tomb that had a vampire in it. When Bill, (or rather his character Dr. Luther Rathbone) opened it, the fiend struck and killed the Dr.'s spouse and turned Luther into an undead creature of the night (for a laugh), before fleeing into the night. With the horror of what he had become and the loss of his beloved still fresh in his mind, Luther vows to track the fiend down and destroy him. Luther may then find peace eternal with his loving wife.

That is where Luther enters the dark world of Bradford by Night, with the name of the fiend his only lead.

Simple and effective and that is a VERY brief idea. Please, do not write a novel. If your character is killed on the first night that you play it, that would be a bit of a waste wouldn’t it (it does happen). Just stick to the salient points that define your character and how they got to where they start the game. The object of playing a Live role-play game is to develop a character through playing it and interacting with other characters not writing about it.

As stated our live role-playing system is based on a table-top RPG that is rather good and well worth a bash. (They have a live role-play version that is pretty crap hence some clever fellows thinking this one up, which believe us, is much better.)

Basically all vampires belong to a family, or as they are known amongst themselves, a "Clan." The clan your vampire comes from, the blood-line of the vampire who created you, determines what kind of vampire you are. This is in as much as what powers and abilities, strengths and weaknesses you will start off with.

White Wolf, have written some excellent source books and for a more rounded view of each clan. DO look at them but….. bear in mind that the contents of this book are the definitive rules for BBN, not what is written in the White Wolf books. Items, people, skills and general rules are different in BBN.

(See Section 1: The Clans for a list of clans and descriptions and Section 2: Disciplines, for a description of the set abilities that each clan has.) NB Each clan has a set of 3 Disciplines. You may want to develop all three of your clan disciplines or specialise in one or two. It's up to you.

It is to be hoped that you have now decided on a background and a Clan that suits your character, if not, give it up and go watch television.

The next step is to decide the character's Statistics. (Stats.) These are not optional. You will get free points to spend, (see above list of costs), on your Stats. To reflect the fact you have had everyday experiences, like walking and talking, etc. If you chose to increase them further this will cost CCP’s. What skills (if any) that you desire your character to have, is up to you, but every creature, human, vampire werewolf, cat etc, has Stats.

(See Section 3: Statistics)

You have now decided your background, clan and what Stats you want to develop. Now you must decide what skills (if any) you want your character to have. Bear in mind skills also cost CCP s, so initially pencil in the skills that you think your character would have.

Having some skills is usually a good idea. Hopefully they will be ones that fit in with the type of person your character is, do not choose skills just because they appear "useful." The more that the different aspects of your character tie into your background, the easier it will be to role-play it.

(See Section 4: Skills)

Merits and flaws are advantages or drawbacks to your character that you neither learn nor develop. They are for all intents and purposes innate. Some people are exceptionally lucky, others may be excessively clumsy, some people may be unshakeable in the face of danger whereas some, would run screaming at the sight of a mouse.

During the course of the game you can buy more skills and increase Stats and disciplines by spending points earned through experience (see Part Four, Section One: Experience Points). Merits and Flaws are only available to buy using your CCP’S at the creation of your character, although you can choose not to have any Flaws or Merits.

Now it’s pretty obvious that a merit is a good thing but why take a flaw, that will be detrimental to your character? There are a few reasons for doing this;

Flaws are indeed drawbacks but they do present interesting role-playing challenges. If you chose to take any Flaws you will gain CCP’s to compensate for having disadvantages, that will most definitely effect your character for as long as it exists.

(See Section 5: Merits and Flaws)

The "Generation" of your character determines how potent your vampire blood is. If you are an 8^th generation, (8^th gen.) vampire you can do more than, say a 12^th gen. Vampire.

It is up to you whether you choose to spend any CCP’s to increase your generation but, if you do not do it now, when creating your character, it is highly unlikely that you will EVER be able to do it. You will be able to increase your Stats, gain more skill and disciplines or increase the ones you have. You will not be able to increase your Generation, or gain any more Flaws or Merits.

(See Section 6: Generation)

If you have followed each step you will now have your character jotted down. Now is the time to sit down with a ref and add up the relevant costs, and then the Ref. will make you a character card.

These vampires are the archetypal "Lost Boys." Bikers, rebels, punks the disaffected.

They see themselves as being good fighters. Thankfully they get on quite well with the "Gangrel" clan, who are also "physically orientated."

Brujah tend to be quick tempered and go into frenzy easily.

European Brujah tend to be more staid than their American counterparts, they tend to channel their excess energy into wild debate and rabble rousing speeches or bitter reflection on what a dull old place the world has become. They usually support any Anarch movement that starts (if they themselves have not started it).

Clan weakness: They frenzy on 5 blood (see, Part Three, Section Five: Frenzy)

Organisation: The clan is poorly organised and rarely meet formally.

Concepts: Anarchist, Hippie, philosopher, biker, dissident, rock musician.

Caitiff are different to other vampires in that they are not part of a recognised clan. Somehow, something went wrong and they were created bastards of no true lineage.

For this reason those who belong to recognised clans’ generally do not trust, or respect those who are Caitiff, they are regarded as outsiders due to their rarity, and unknown abilities. Caitiff have no set disciplines.

Caitiff generally do not attain positions of power within vampire society, due to their lack of "pedigree"

They also tend to be used as scapegoats when things go wrong, as they do not have the "backup" of a clan.

They are also vulnerable to attack due to this.

N.B If you chose to play a Caitiff you choose your mortal background but the refs. will decide the disciplines you get to start off with.

Caitiff frenzy on 4 blood.

Concepts?

This clan is composed of loners and travellers, but they have very close relations with the true gypsies (Romany)

Gangrel are shape-shifters. They are the only clan who will not be attacked on sight by Werewolves. (They will be given one warning and one warning only.)

They see themselves as the champions of the wild, Eco-Warriors out to protect the planet.

Gangrel are mostly an honourable lot and will support the" Camarilla" to their utmost (usually)

They tend not to be politically motivated and generally avoid the spotlight.

Gangrel Frenzy on 4 blood.

Clan weakness: When they frenzy they gain an animal aspect e g a tail, bushy eyebrows, permanent fangs, etc.

Organisation: The Gangrel do not really act like a clan and rarely have clan meetings. Rarely will more than two Gangrel attend a Camarilla* gathering any one time.

Concepts: Eco-warrior, shaman, new age traveller, naturalist.

(See Part Three: The world of The Vampire)

The members of this clan are all of Italian descent, due to the fact that all belong to one human family, (The Giovanni family) who happen to be Italian.

They choose only those of their own blood to make into vampires, perversely seeing it as a gift, rather than a curse. The Giovanni clan is not really trusted by other vampires due to their closely guarded discipline of Necromancy (see, Part Two, Section Two: Disciplines)

The Giovanni are obsessed with power and wealth, and have interests in many mortal companies and business ventures, which leads’ them into conflict with clan "Ventrue" who also have strong interests in mortal business affairs. The Giovanni are the Mafia of the vampire world. They dress expensively and maintain a high-powered corporate image, if a little on the flashy side.

Note: Giovanni MUST purchase at least one point in resources.

(See Part Two, Section: Merits and Flaws).

Giovanni frenzy on 4 blood

Clan weakness: They cause damage to their victims when feeding.

Organisation: They are very loyal and well organised due to their mortal family ties.

Concepts: Mob enforcer, Voodoo priest/priestess, medium, God-father.

Lasombra are talented strategists. If there is a power behind a vampire throne, look deeply into the shadows. There will probably be a Lasombra there. This clan works better in the background. Manipulators and tacticians, they are trusted by few. Lasombra make excellent spies. They tend to be cool-headed and quick thinking. If you cross a Lasombra you should be prepared for trouble. It will come from where you least expect it. It may take a long time but Lasombra are very patient and strike from the shadows.

Clan weakness: They cast no reflection (so they dislike mirrors and reflective surfaces intensely) They do not appear on film or video cameras.

Organisation: Lasombra tend to be well organised

Concepts: Manipulator, Gambler, Trouble-shooter.

Every member of this clan has some form of derangement, or insanity, to varying degrees.

Clan Malkavian consists of Kooks, weirdoes and crazies. These vampires are out to lunch, dinner, and tea, not in for a single meal! Having said that some hold them to be the wisest of vampires, believing that they must have had an insight into the world that drove them insane. Do not mistake insane for stupid or incompetent. Malkavians are extremely complex creatures. Underestimate them at your peril.

They also love practical jokes, though not everyone finds their jokes very funny.

Clan weakness: They all have some kind of derangement, which MUST be taken as a flaw when creating your character.

Organisation: What do you think!

Concepts: Psycho, Kook, Megalomaniac, Jester, Madman, Prophet.

The members of this clan are all hideously ugly (see film "Nosferatu, 1922/1979 and film," Salem's Lot"1979). They are twisted creatures. Pitied by some, loathed by others, they are the pariahs of vampire society, and they smell as bad as they look.

They are however, the best information gatherers in a city, seemingly with eyes and ears everywhere.

They tend to distrust all other vampires but they do respect the Gangrel for being loners like themselves.

Nosferatu tend to make their lairs in the dank and squalid places where not even creatures of the night would want to go (sewers and the like).

Nosferatu are very secretive and rarely make friends outside of their clan, though they will deal with other vampires.... for a price. They understand the meaning of the phrase, "knowledge is power," swapping secret for secret. Any vampire who wants to find something out, will (if they are smart) go to the Nosferatu. They will probably know. Just the sight of a Nosferatu will terrify a mortal. These vampires do not blend into a crowd.

Clan weakness: Nosferatu are deformed and must choose a deformity as a flaw. In order to go out in public they must adopt heavy coverings or disguises.

Organisation: As far as people know they are highly organised, hoarding information about the goings on in any and all cities where vampires are to be found, and then some.

Concepts: Phantom of the Opera, Hacker, Bag Lady, The Bogey Man.

These wild looking vampires are sometimes mistaken for Gangrel. They are however totally opposite in demeanour. They love to party and hate all forms of violent conflict. They are tricksters and rogues and like Malkavians, they enjoy a good practical joke.

To a Ravnos lying is an art form to be developed in one's self and admired in others. They tend to associate with circus folk. They are usually the first ones to be blamed if anything is stolen and they are around, for good reason, they are thieves as well as liars.

Ravnos will specialise in a particular type of crime, (cat burglary, pick pocketing, etc.)

To accuse a Ravnos of a crime they did not commit is liable to cause great offence.

To become a great criminal is the goal of many of this clan.

Clan weakness: Ravnos must choose a particular crime that they will commit whenever the opportunity arises, e. g, pick-pocketing, bank robbery, etc.

Organisation: They tend to travel together in caravans and enjoy each other's company and friendship.

Concepts: Roving Gypsy, Magician, Vagabond, Tinker, Rogue.

A possible off- shoot of either, the Nosferatu or the Giovanni, it is unknown, as both clans deny anything to do with these, the most hideous of vampires. Warped beyond even the visage of a Nosferatu the Samedi are the vilest of vampires to behold. Samedi are fascinated by death and decay. They themselves seem to drip and ooze but somehow manage to keep their physical form. They are very secretive, although few vampires have ever really tried to engage a Samedi in conversation.

The members of this clan tend to fulfil the role of assassin or spy. They have a very mercenary outlook and appear to be as cold and calculating as they are monstrous to behold. If they have their own agenda they keep it to themselves. These vampires are extremely rare. You will never see more than one at a time anywhere. If you are lucky you won't even see that many.

Clan weakness: Hideous appearance.

Organisation: None known.

Concept Monstrous Accomplice, Bounty Hunter, Hired Killer.

Vampires are, to all intents and purposes, evil creatures, of all vampires there are none more evil than the Setites. This unaligned clan are dedicated to causing the creator of their clan, (Set) to return from whatever hell he resides in.

Setites are evil through and through. Base and decadent they seek to corrupt everything and everyone. They enjoy nothing more than slowly destroying any who they perceive to be good, by turning then into creatures as sick and perverse as themselves.

Setites have adapted many of the symbols and myths of the ancient Egyptian civilisation to their own purposes, often wearing cloths and jewellery in that style.

They are very cult orientated. They set up temples, where they meet and practice their diabolic traditions.

Often a Setite will be behind a cult that has human followers. They see these as a way of furthering their corruption to humankind. Setites are hated by most other clans, and tend to be destroyed on sight.

Clan weakness: They are highly sensitive to bright light and are paralysed in sunlight as well as taking double damage from it.

Organisation: They operate from well organised temples and have many dealings in the mortal underworld

Concepts: Svengali, Cultist, Drug dealer, Pimp.

This clan consists of the beautiful people, artists, musicians, performers, etc.

They are passionate, sensitive creatures, who pursue their art beyond the grave with absolute dedication. To a Toreador everything has some merit, some fascination unique to whatever it is. They will often lose themselves in contemplation of an object or concept for hours, even days. This can be dangerous; many a young Toreador has met their doom gazing at the sun rise, said to be the most beautiful thing a vampire can behold, (if only once).

Though they tend to show a blissfully united front the clan is divided in to two main groups, poseurs and artists. Artists are chosen to become Toreadors to keep their art alive. Poseurs tend to be created on the whim of a love sick sire. The poseurs tend to gain prestige by becoming hosts of great parties and patrons of the arts, whilst the true artists amongst their clan are rather introverted and obsessive creatures.

Clan weakness: Toreador's Bane. Occasionally a Toreador will behold or hear something or someone of such great beauty to them, that they will be held utterly spellbound by it, almost paralysed. It could be anything a mortal, a song, or more dangerously… the sun.

Organisation: They have close social connections and spend much time mixing with each other at parties and other social functions. They are the socialites of the vampire world.

Concepts: Musician, Socialite, Artist, Poet.

The Tremere clan came into being by their own hands. A group of power hungry Magi caught a vampire and forced him to make them undead, to increase not only their life spans, but their arcane powers. This happened and their power has grown steadily since that time. Feared and disliked by most vampires they also demand a certain respect for the magic they wield, which is called Thaumaturgy,(see Part Four Section Thaumaturgy) it has saved many vampires in times of trouble. It is a magic that they guard jealously. The Tremere believe that the end justifies the means. In the pursuit of their goals, (power, magic, prestige) they are ruthless. There are few female Tremere though in this modern age more women are being recruited. Powerful and manipulative the Tremere are rivals of clan Ventrue for the positions of power within the Camarilla. These two clans are usually waging a surreptitious war against each other, one that occasionally breaks out into open warfare. Cross the Tremere at your peril. They are as dangerous as they are ruthless, (and they are very ruthless). The Tremere avidly pursue all things arcane.

Clan weakness: All Tremere are one step Blood Bound (see, Part Three, Section three: Blood) to the council of seven. The council of Seven rule clan Tremere, so they cannot take the Merit of un-bondable (see sec... merits and flaws)

Organisation: Is the pope Catholic? are the Tremere organised? The Tremere take their orders directly from "The Council of Seven" immensely powerful magi, who dwell in Vienna.

Concepts: Mage, Evil Genius, Spy master, King maker.

A proud and extremely evil clan, (even by vampire standards) the Tzimisce are infamous for their poor treatment of both mortal and kindred (vampires) alike.

Tzimisce are second only to the Tremere in arcane knowledge. (They despise the Tremere with a passion.) They spend a great deal of their time researching forbidden knowledge. Delving into things that most vampires and sane creatures leave well alone.

They are the fiends who steal children in the night and who have become the stuff of legend in the folk tales of Eastern European countries, where this clan originates from.

Tzimisce are quick to anger, due to their great pride and have a gift for all that is cruel and perverse. They are hated and/or feared by most other vampires. Yet these diabolic creatures are not totally without honour and have a strict set of rules which they strictly abide by;

1) A Tzimisce will never enter a home without being given permission.

2) They will protect guests to their havens, be they friend or foe.

Clan weakness: They must sleep on a bed of earth from their homeland, otherwise they lose one blood per night (that cannot be regained through feeding) until they enter torpor. (See sec. torpor.)

Organisation: Since few other vampires like hanging around with these gruesome creatures they tend to stick close to their own kind or with those as evil and base as they are.

Concepts: The Count, Torturer, Arch-fiend, Black Magician.

These vampires are very tradition orientated chaps. They are usually the leaders of vampire kind, well organised, and generally very honourable. They may be disdainful of other "lesser" clans but they will generally help those in trouble. They see themselves as born leaders and in truth it tends to be the most charismatic and forceful people who are chosen to be in this most noble of clans.

Ventrue are the aristocracy of the vampire world, always proper, always correct they dress impeccably (in whatever style they chose, but mostly suits). They are generally respected by elder vampires although the younger kindred tend to think of them as a bit pompous. Most Ventrue are elegant and well spoken but beneath their charm lies a core of steel. Not as ruthless as the Tremere they are just as driven, if not more so and will fight to maintain the Status Quo and old fashioned vampire values. Ventrue make shrewd business people and often move in high-powered circles in the mortal world.

Clan weakness: Selective prey (i. e each Ventrue will only feed from a certain type of prey, e.g. women, students, etc).

Organisation: The Ventrue are highly organised very much like a global corporation.

Concepts: Corporate Executive, Military Intelligence Officer, Born Leader.

The above is a brief guide to the clans used in the game. For a more in-depth look at the clans, check out the White Wolf books. Note: the concepts and descriptions given are very general. You can and hopefully will, tailor your character to your own ideas.

Now it would be a good idea to read, Section 2: Disciplines, to see what each clan's vampiric powers are.

Brujah Celerity, Presence, Potence.

Caitiff ???

Gangrel Animalism, Fortitude, Protean.

Giovanni Dominate, Necromancy, Potence.

Malkavian Auspex, Dominate, Obfuscate.

Nosferatu Animalism, Obfuscate, Potence.

Lasombra Dominate, Obtenebration, Potence.

Ravnos Animalism, Fortitude, Chimestry.

Samedi Necromancy, Obfuscate, Vicissitude.

Setite Serpentis, Presence, Obfuscate.

Toreador Auspex, Celerity, Presence.

Tremere Auspex, Dominate, Thaumaturgy.

Tzimisce Auspex, Animalism, Dominate.

Ventrue Fortitude, Presence, Dominate.

The above are the powers that each vampire clan can use, they are the terrifying supernatural abilities that have made vampires feared throughout history.

N.B You will have to buy (using CCP’s) each separate discipline that your chosen clan can wield.

Dealing primarily with animals. This discipline allows a vampire to commune with the animal world, control is members, and later, wield some power over their own beast.

The acting Vampire chooses a type of animal. All animals of this type are summoned to the Vampire from the surrounding area. The acting Vampire may now feed from the animals that have been summoned. This action must always be cleared with a referee!

NB Obviously you can only summon creatures that live within your current habitat.

E.G, Jason Freintz (a Gangrel of some repute) finds himself in a situation where he needs to feed and quickly.

He calls out to the wilds around him (an inner city housing estate) for all panthers in the surrounding area. Rather unsurprisingly no creature will come to answer his call (not even an over zealous cat).

Pondering the problem again Jason calls to the wild again, this time to all cats within the area. Those that are prowling the night that are not otherwise engaged come to his summons. Within a short period of time enough felines answer the summons to allow Jason to feed and regain his full strength.

You have the ability to mimic the sound of an animal exactly, (if you have studied the animal).

NB this ability will mimic the sounds made by a natural animal a wolf, not a werewolf. You will be able to fool another species but not the same species as the animal you are mimicking.

For example: Jason is sneaking around an old scrap yard. A security guard is patrolling the yard.

Jason trips over a piece of metal which crashes to the ground making an awful racket and alerting the watchman. Jason hides in the shadows, as the torch beam of the watchman searches the darkness he makes the noise of an angry tomcat. This saves his bacon as the watchman moves away, satisfied as to the cause of the ruckus.

With this level of Animalism you can impart your scent to an item, on a very subtle level that only you can detect.

You must touch the item to be scent marked. When you are in proximity to the scent marked item (to the range of your smell) you will recognise the object again.

The scent mark will last for your level of animalism in weeks.

This discipline will not work on people, but will work on the clothes they wear the scent mark cannot be washed out but will fade gradually see the above for duration.

For example: Jason is alone in an unfamiliar house, there are many doors, many passageways as he walks the silent halls he scent marks the route as he goes, just in-case he gets lost.

This allows the acting Vampire to exert his mental superiority over a lifelong animal/ ghoul companion. The Vampire passes his mental essence into the animal host, controlling its actions and experiencing its senses. While he controls the animal’s senses, the acting Vampire’s body remains motionless as if in torpor. While the Vampire is in control of the animal he is vaguely aware of his bodies surroundings and will know if it is in any way damaged or moved. Likewise if the animal host is damaged while the Vampire is within it he will be very aware of it. In cases like this, the acting Vampire will take damage as his familiar is damaged.

NB A Vampire may only have one host at any time and may not bring about the death of the current ghoul companion. Their bonding is so great that to break it would bring great mental harm to the Vampire.

For example Jason Freintz finds his investigation into the seedy drug culture of Cleckheaton stopped by a heavy steel door. Realising he will bring attention to himself (and probably fail) if he tries to break the door down he removes himself into a dark alleyway and hides in a shady corner. From his coat pocket he produces 'Ratsy' after exerting control over 'Ratsy' he searches the area. Jason's player speaks to a referee who informs him that he eventually finds a hole he can crawl through to enter the room. From here he can listen in on the conversation. His investigation continues.

A Vampire uses this ability when they are on the point of frenzy. Instead of letting the beast take control of them they pass their beast into another. The target is infused with the other Vampires beast and is now affected by frenzy. This saves the acting Vampire from the negative effects of frenzy (see section on frenzy).

NB The acting Vampire must be present when the target vampire calms from its frenzy. Only then can he retake his beast and continue his existence. Without his beast a Vampire can no longer gain sustenance from blood and so cannot continue to survive.

For example: After fighting with the drug barons in Cleckheaton, Jason Freintz is wounded badly and low on blood. He feels the age- old rage build within him. As he waits for the frenzy to overtake him he notices Cynthia of clan toreador, agent of the Prince…. the perfect target. As she rushes over towards him he transfers his beast into her. Jason's player informs Cynthia's player of what he is doing and she reacts accordingly. Cynthia instantly frenzies and rips apart a Drug Baron trying to pick himself off the floor. Jason watches waiting for her frenzy to subside so he can once again retake his beast, when to his surprise Cynthia spies another target and runs down the street. Jason breathes a heavy sigh and chases after Cynthia, and his beast.

Auspex is mainly concerned with the heightening of the five senses and the vampires hidden sixth sense. Through the correct use of Auspex a vampire can become far more aware of the world that he resides in.

This allows the acting Vampire to sharpen all of her five senses at will. Thus giving the Vampire better sight, hearing, scent, etc.…Thus they might overhear a conversation or smell petrol before an explosion, or track a shadowy figure from the sound of their footsteps in the dark.

This may allow the vampire to spot Obfuscated Vampires. (Provided her Auspex level is greater than their Obfuscate level. (See Obfuscate.)

For example: Cynthia is in the *Elysium. She notices Jason Freintz talking to Rachel. Cynthia is suspicious of Rachel at the best of times and decides to listen in on the conversation. She turns on heightened senses and Cynthia's player walks over to the people playing Jason and Rachel. She informs them that she is using heightened senses to listen to them talk and stands in on the rest of the conversation.

"You see the game last night? Man what about them Bears!!!"

*Elysium = meeting place of vampires.

NB While using heightened senses a Vampire is susceptible to loud noises and bright lights in their local area. These can over-run their senses and cause temporary damage.

Using this skill a Vampire can examine a person nearby. Instead of looking at their

clothing, and general features the Vampire gazes into the aura around the target. Through experience the Vampire picks out the colours of the target's aura, the shades and textures. Thus the Vampire can recognise familiar combinations and ascertain the targets emotional state.

For example: Cynthia sees Rachel later in the night talking secretly to a strange man she does not recognise. The man is smoking a cigarette. She uses aura perception and Cynthia's player asks the player of the strange man what his emotions are and whether he is mortal or not, explaining that she is using Aura Perception. Cynthia reads the colours of the man’s aura. She can tell by the subtle shades that the man is nervous and by the hue of the colours that he is mortal. The man puts out his cigarette.

This allows a vampire to gain information from an inanimate object, concerning the last person to come into contact with it. The information that the Vampire obtains depends on their skill in Auspex and can be anything from their basic thoughts when they last touched the object, to their full name address and favorite colour.

For example: Cynthia moves over to the table as Rachel and the Man part company. She pulls the man’s stubbed cigarette from the ashtray and uses her Auspex to spirits touch the item. Cynthia's player calls upon the services of a referee and waits patiently for one to arrive. The referee informs her of the man’s basic thoughts – (money transfer) and the street he lives on. Cynthia is quite skilled in spirits touch but not as skilled as she would like.

This allows the acting Vampire to read another persons surface thoughts.

For example Cynthia turns her attention back to Rachel and uses her telepathy on him. Cynthia's player moves over to Rachel's player and informs her that she is using telepathy to read her surface thoughts. Slightly irritated Rachel's player informs Cynthia's player that Rachel is thinking about an exchange of some sort in the city-square at 3am.

This causes the Vampires spirit to leave her body. Whilst projecting the Vampire may travel at speed from her motionless body. She may not however use any other disciplines and must return before her blood runs out or she will snap back to her body and enter torpor.

While in spirit form the acting Vampire may materialise as a ghostly image and communicate with the material world.

For example: Cynthia wants to be at the meeting but dare not turn up in person lest she come to some harm. So she returns to her haven and Projects herself. Her spirit moves quickly to the meeting place in time to see both parties arrive carrying briefcases. Cynthia's player turns up in person to the meeting and holds her hand in the air (showing that she is not visible) she sees the exchange on behalf of Cynthia's spirit. Cynthia wants to follow the man to see where he goes. Alas her blood is running out and she must return to her body.

This is the ability that some Vampires have to move faster than their brethren. When using this enhanced 'Dead Speed' (as it is known) the acting Vampire appears blurred as they complete actions so fast that those around them cannot move fast enough to respond. Alas the 'Dead Speed' is only a short burst of speed and cannot be maintained for a long period of time so it must be used carefully.

The acting Vampire spends a blood point to activate Celerity, giving him as many seconds dead speed as he has in Celerity. While using this he calls Celerity 'X' where X is the number of seconds 'Dead Speed' (points in Celerity) that the Vampire has. From this point onwards until the end of his Celerity 'Dead Speed Period' no-one else should move. The nearest referee (or unaffected player) should then count down (aloud) the remaining seconds of his Celerity. If no referee or unaffected player is available then the active Vampire must call his own celerity seconds.

For example: Alex Smith is a Brujah and is currently acting as a bodyguard for the Prince. On his way to the Elysium he hears the sound of a gun being cocked. He spies a shadowy figure at the end of the street he is on, with a very large silhouette of a gun. Alex has 3 points in Celerity and decides that they would be well used now so Alex's player instantly calls "Celerity Dead Speed 3." The person at the top of the street stands motionless as Alex leaps to one side and into an alleyway, running into a disused warehouse and behind a stack of crates. All the while the referee calls "3." "2"…. "1"…. One second after the "1" is called the man at the top of the street can move again. He looks confused as his intended target has disappeared and warily makes his way down the street. He may find Alex, or he may not. Whatever the outcome Alex's chances are vastly improved due to his short burst of speed.

For example: Later that night the man catches up with Alex again, or rather Alex spots the man again and sets up and an ambush. As the man walks passed Alex calls Celerity. Alex is a 9th Generation Vampire and can therefore spend two blood per turn. Alex's player spends one blood to activate Celerity, then he spends another blood to give an extra second of dead speed. This time Alex's player calls out "Celerity Dead Speed 4." The countdown now begins "4" Alex leaps forwards and connects a heavy fist with the Mans jaw throwing his head backwards. "3" Alex readies himself again. "2" Alex again strikes the Man, this time in the left arm, making him drop a rather large gun. "1" Alex pulls back ready to strike again.

The man can now move. He has been hit twice and is going to be off balance and without his weapon with Alex poised to strike again…. The fight continues.

NB If more than one person calls Celerity then the 'Dead Speed' starts at the highest number called. The countdown begins, with each Vampire using Celerity able to move when the number reaches the 'Dead Speed' that they called.

For example: Later Alex is confronted by another dark man with a gun (will his night ever end). Alex's player calls "Celerity Dead Speed 4." The other man calls "Celerity Dead Speed 3." "4" Alex punches the man, "3" Alex pulls back for another strike. The man activates and rolls to the right controlling the momentum of the hit and leaps back aiming his gun. "2" Alex leaps towards the man with another punch but is met by a spray of bullet fire as the man fires his gun.

Held mainly by clan Ravnos this discipline allows a vampire to create illusions (minor to begin with and later major). It must be stated now that Chimestry is a difficult skill to work with within the system. Therefore players wishing to use Chimestry must go through a referee whenever necessary. This obviously requires some common sense so please use the examples below as a guideline as to when a referee must be present. When using a referee you must give them fair warning, in case any props are required. (More warning the more extravagant the effect is to be.) Please remember this when choosing and using this discipline.

The vampire can create a minor static illusion that affects one sense only. Touch illusions for example can be felt but may still be passed through. The illusion will last until the affected party uncovers the illusion for what it is. Or until the acting Vampire ends the illusion. The illusion will also end if the acting vampire loses line of sight with it.

For example: Jherad is a Ravnos attempting to create an Ignis Fatuus illusion to allow him entry into a secret societies' club. As he opens his wallet he creates an illusion of a membership card (he has seen someone else's as they showed it at the door) behind the plastic screen in his wallet. Jherad's player informs the doorman that he has created an illusion of a membership card behind the plastic screen (preferably with a referee to verify it). The doorman looks at the illusionary pass and lets him in.

This creates a minor static Illusion that affects any or all of the senses. Again this is ended by the affected party uncovering the illusion, (e.g, walking through the wall that isn't there). Again the acting vampire must retain line of sight with his illusion at all times.

For example: Jherad moves within the club. After surreptitiously feeding to regain his strength from his first illusion he spies the ominous door he wanted, the one marked private. A few steps before the door is a guard. Jherad recognises him as Jason Freintz. Jason and Jherad have never seen eye to eye so Jherad would like to avoid him if at all possible. Looking around the room he notices that there are a number of large plants in urns. Jherad's player calls a referee over. He informs them of his intention to find a spot near the door marked private and create an illusion of a large plant in an urn between himself and Jason. The referee then informs Jason that he cannot see Jherad, only a large plant. Jason is somewhat confused, as there wasn’t a plant there before. He decides that someone has probably moved it there while he wasn't looking (rather odd for such a large plant and urn, but there is no accounting for intelligence. If he had gone to look at the 'new' and tried to move it, he would have broken the illusion making it disappear leaving Jherad exposed behind it).

Using this ability the acting vampire is able to apply motion to a Fata Morgana illusion or an Ignis Fatuus illusion. This can take the form of an illusion moving around a room, or simply an illusion that shows its own movement (for example rippling flames in a fire). As this is a more advanced Illusion referee involvement is always essential. As above, the illusion must stay within line of sight of the casting vampire.

For example: Jherad now wants to move Jason from in front of the door marked private. He decides to use a Fata Morgana illusion with movement. He notices that Jason holds a walking stick with a carved wolf's head on it. Jherad's player calls for a referee and waits patiently for one to arrive. When one is available he informs them that he wishes to make the carved head on Jason's stick bite him continuously. The referee breathes a sad sigh and goes to tell Jason's player.

The illusion begins. Jason looks shocked when his staff bites him. Then he realises that staffs don't bite people (no-one could be that stupid). The illusion disappears and a very angry Gangrel is looking for a Ravnos trickster. Jherad has to think fast so his player calls the referee again informing her that he wishes to create an illusion of himself blowing a raspberry at Jason from the other end of the club. The referee breathes another heavy sigh and tells Jason. The angry Gangrel immediately walks towards the illusion and Jherad sneaks inside the door marked private.

This is used with illusions' one and two (perhaps even three) to create an illusion that continues out of the casting vampire's line of sight. The illusion can go on until it is ended by the caster or uncovered by another. However the casting vampire must spend one blood at the start of each night to maintain the illusion. The final cost for the illusion (with or without apparition movement is 4). Note, once out of line of sight with the caster the illusion can only display self movement and may not move around the location it is held within (i.e, an illusionary mouse would have to stay in the same location although its nose would keep twitching).

For example: Upon passing through the door marked private Jherad forces the lock, because he must be so quick he damages it quite badly. Cursing he pauses and casts an illusion of an unforced undamaged lock over the door. He calls the poor exhausted referee again who makes a mental note of the illusion (and to kill Jherad's player later on).

This is used on an illusion that has already been created. It affects the minds of the people who see the illusion, making them believe it can hurt them. Thus they will feel fire burn them and a sword will wound them. All the damage is illusionary and can only knock out a character as they faint, believing their selves to be dead. To the target at the time the damage is very real. They can feel and see the cuts and believe that they are being physically damaged.

For example: Once past the door Jherad comes across another door into a room where there are two security guards watching monitors of the club inside. Jherad wishes to knock these out while he finishes his business, but knows he cannot do this himself. He calls a referee over and tells them of his intention. He wants to create and illusionary gunman who will walk into the room and fire a hail of bullets over the guards with horrid reality in effect. The referee tells Jherad that as he has not asked for such an elaborate illusion in advance of the night, he cannot have it. Then the referee points out to Jherad's player that this illusion would cost Jherad 6 blood to cast. After the night's illusion making Jherad's player realises he has only 1 blood left (even though he is an eight Generation (see blood rules) and Jherad frenzies on the spot. He bursts out through the other door back into the arms of Jason who has returned to his post.

This hopefully shows what a double-edged sword Chimestry is and how it must be used carefully and pre-planned with a referee in most cases (to avoid disappointment). It also reiterates the need to keep track of your blood (see blood rules).

Dominate is the ability to command a target, eventually learning to overcome their natural barriers to gain a more permanent hold on their mind.

Dominate is a powerful ability but can only be used on those of the same or a weaker generation than yourself. Dominate requires eye contact to be established between the acting Vampire and the target.

Using this discipline the acting Vampire can give a one word command to another vampire. This must be in the form of a verb and one that the player can easily enact, without embarrassment (masturbate is right out)!

For example: Johnny the Weasel, a rather loopy Malkavian is in a small park near the University area in Bradford, taking a short cut through to his haven. All of a sudden, a Werewolf leaps out of the nearby bushes and runs towards him. As their eyes meet Johnny realises that the wolf means to rip him limb from limb. Johnny's player calls out "Dominate 1 collapse!" The Werewolf sprawls forwards on the floor as the subconscious message is sent through his body. Meanwhile Johnny is doing some running of his own. Out of the park and as far away as possible.

This is a more powerful version of Command. The active Vampire can give a command to his target, to be carried out immediately or after some form of stimuli triggers the command.

The command however cannot tell the target to do something against their innate nature and the target will unconsciously try to pervert the spirit of the mental suggestion as far as is possible.

For example: Upon arriving at the Elysium Johnny is frisked at the door by a ghoul of the Prince's. Taking offence to this Johnny mesmerises the ghoul with several commands, each costing 1 blood point. "Go to the Prince, blow a raspberry at her and call her a 'pudding' when she opens her mouth to speak." The ghoul duly goes to the Prince but he doesn't blow a raspberry at her because he is her servant and it is against his innate nature and when the Prince opens her mouth to speak he rushes to the nearest phone. The extent to the perversion of the command is seen when, five minutes later the Prince is delivered a Chocolate Fudge Cake from the nearby take away.

Using this ability a Vampire can cause his target to forget the events that happened over a time period that can be from the last five minutes through to the last 24 hours. The blood cost for a five minute memory loss is 1. For a 24 hour memory loss is 5. It is up to the player to estimate a suitable loss for the period required.

For example: Johnny can see the Prince's ghoul thinking carefully about the events of the last half hour. Johnny is worried that the ghoul might realise that he was dominated and tell the Prince. The only way to make this right is for Johnny to commit another wrong. So he goes to the ghoul and catches his gaze. Johnny's player informs the ghoul's player that he is removing his memory for the last hour, he then spends 3 blood and the ghoul loses all recollection of the events of the last hour. The ghoul looks confused for a while and then continues with the nights' activities.

Conditioning is achieved by the acting vampire slowly exerting control over the target. This is not instantaneous but occurs over a period of time. It is achieved during intense contact between the target and the acting vampire.

The acting vampire must choose their approach carefully and role-play it to the best of their ability.

A conditioned target will treat the acting vampire as a servant would his master. They will perform tasks for the dominating vampire (even if they go against their natural instincts) and will always try to follow the spirit of commands. To have a target dominated thus is a great advantage to any vampire.

This takes hours not minutes.

For example: Having dealt with the Ghoul, Johnny moves over to Jason Freintz. He speaks slowly and in a low voice to Jason. Jason makes eye contact with Johnny. Johnny's player informs Jason’s player that he is beginning to condition him. The conversation continues, Johnny suggests they go somewhere a bit more private, Jason reluctantly complies.

With this skill the acting Vampire can take full control of a target's mind and body. The target will then continue to obey the acting Vampire even when he is not present. This ability can only be used upon a mortal, or a *kindred who is blood bound to the acting Vampire. In any case the victim must first be conditioned as above.

*Kindred = vampire.

For example: After the busy start to the evening Johnny moves over to his conditioned subject, Elouise (one of the Princes Blood Dolls). Elouise greets his appearance in a friendly manner. When Johnny instructs her to tell him all the information she has gathered concerning the activities of the Prince her face becomes expressionless as she reels off the information he requires. Johnny listens to what he is told and then asks her to keep an eye on Jherad.

In this situation both of the players know the situation their characters hold within the conditioning chain and the possession that has been created from it. All they need do is role-play the situation.

Fortitude is the resistance that certain vampires have to being physically damaged. A vampire that has a high fortitude is very difficult to damage significantly. While a younger vampire, with a small amount of Fortitude is more likely to survive to be an old vampire with very high Fortitude. Fortitude can be taken to a maximum level of 5 unless the Vampire is of seventh generation or lower.

For each point a Vampire has in Fortitude they can heal 1 point of damage incurred by one blow. This ability costs 1 blood point to activate. The damaged healed can be either normal or aggravated with no extra blood cost.

Thus a Vampire with 4 Fortitude can spend one point to heal four points of damage.

NB It is not possible to heal damage down to a negative and gain health back.

Neither can you use Fortitude more than once per set of damage incurred.

Neither is it possible to spend two blood to heal double your Fortitude.

For example: Frederick Mansburg is the recognised head of Clan Ventrue. During a heated discussion with Alex of clan Brujah, the Brujah loses his temper and punches the Ventrue with all his might. This is a rib smashing 8 points of damage which Alex’s character calls out as he strikes. Frederick however has Fortitude to the level of 5 and spends one blood point to cancel five of the damage, with his player calling ‘Fortitude’ as this happens. (The use of Fortitude is an instant decision, not one taken after the event.)

Frederick only takes 3 points of damage from the hit (still enough to knock him to the ground). From here the encounter continues….

Necromancy (as the name suggests) is a skill that primarily deals with the spirits of the dead

Level 1. Insight. Blood Cost 1.

With this skill the acting Vampire can gaze into a corpse’s eyes (for at least five seconds) and experience their final moments through them. What they see as they gaze into the targets' eyes is the last thing that the target saw as they died.

For example: Michael creeps into the chapel of rest late at night. He moves over to the coffin and lifts the lid to reveal his mortal brother. A pang of lost companionship is felt as he holds his brothers face to his own and lifts the eyelids. He begins to gaze into the eyes of the body and Michael’s player goes to call for a referee, the referee however is already there and tells him of all that he sees.

A tall man carries his son in one arm, deathly pale eyes look into his and a voice speaks, "Andrew you will take a message to Michael." A knife rips into his ribs and his heart is pierced, as the light fades the voice continues. "Stop your helping of Jason and you may save the rest of your old family."

Then a child’s voice, "Where are we going" the vision fades.

Michael breaks the eye contact screaming…

With this ability the acting Vampire may summon a spirit. Once the spirit is summoned the Vampire may ask it as many questions as he has points in Necromancy, all of which it will answer (in one form or another).

For example: Michael moves through the house. It has been many years since he has last been here. There is still blood on the walls and the smell of death….that smell. He concentrates his mind and summons the spirit of the house, of the life that once moved within it. The referee informs Michael’s Player that the spirit answers the summons and appears in front of him. Michael has Necromancy 5 and can therefore ask five questions of the spirit.

Michael’s player asks the referee as Michael asks the spirit, "Who killed my mortal brother?"

The referee replies for the spirit, "A man named David Lear,

"Who does he serve?"

"He serves the dark lord."

"Where can I find David Lear"

"In the World of Darkness." The last two questions gain no further information and with that the spirit disappears, leaving Michael with more questions than he had when he started.

Using this skill the acting Vampire can summon a spirit and ask it to perform a task for him. The spirit will do so, although as with Summon Spirit the task should be clearly defined in order to get the desired result.

For example: Michael enters the Underworld (as the spirit described, "World of Darkness"). Once inside he finds a quiet corner and Michael’s player calls for a referee. After explaining that he wants to summon a spirit and ask it to lead him through the club to the man whom is named David Lear. The referee explains that the spirit leads him to a shady figure in the opposite end of the club. Michael sees the man who killed his brother.

By spending three blood at the start of each day the acting Vampire can prevent a summoned spirit from returning to the spirit world, thus trapping it in the land of the living.

For example Michael decides he doesn’t trust the spirit and will keep it trapped in this dimension until he is sure that he has been lead to the right man. Michael’s player informs the referee who makes a note of this and informs him of the displeasure of the spirit.

This particularly unsavoury skill allows the acting Vampire to rip the spirit from a living body. The Vampire must spend additional blood points equal to the target's willpower to accomplish this. Once the target spirit is removed from its body the Vampire may use ‘Haunting’ to prevent it returning to its body. ‘Compel’ to force it to perform a task, or ‘Summon Spirit’ to force answers out of it.

While the spirit is away from the body, the body falls into a coma and will deteriorate at the rate of one point of physical damage per hour, until dead. To return to its body the spirit (the target) must permanently lose one point of willpower.

For example: Michael manages to drag David Lear back to a safe location he has. After several beatings David still refuses to tell Michael whom he works for. Michael loses his patience and decides to use ‘Soul Stealing.' He informs David’s player and asks him his willpower. David has willpower 2 so the act will cost Michael 5 blood. Once the spirit is removed from the body Michael quickly "Haunts" it so that it cannot return. He could have sent it on a task, or asked it questions but his patience is running thin.

Once he realises his predicament, David is more than happy to inform Michael of who the Dark Lord is and patiently waits for Michael to place him back in his body…. Michael smiles at the spirit as he leaves the room. David’s spirit wails as it watches its body decay.

This discipline is held by the members of clan Lasombra. It allows them to manipulate darkness and force it to serve them.

NB There must be shadows in the local of the acting Vampire for discipline levels 1, 3 & 4. Therefore these can not be cast in a room fully lit by halogen lamps so that there are no shadows.

The acting Vampire can manipulate lighting effects and shadows, making them stretch further or writhe. Thus he can make the shadows around a house look more scary, or deepen a shadow to hide within.

For example: Michael enters the Dark Lords haven. Rachel the Caitiff, (truly a Lasombra) is there. It is she that has been causing all the cities' ill’s. Little does he know he is expected. As he enters the house a referee informs him that the shadows fall and writhe around him and that he sees the shadow of a figure run from a far door. Rachel watches as Michael chases the shadow. It is all an illusion of Shadow Play that Rachel pre-arranged with the referee.

This creates an area approximately 20ft square around the creator that obscures vision completely. The creator may move within the darkness but may not take any further actions, as it requires all of his concentration to maintain the shroud. The shroud does not move with its creator.

All other people within the shroud are unable to move freely as they cannot see where they are going. Only vampires with ‘Gleam of Red Eyes’ can see in any way in the darkness. They can move at half speed through the darkness but can take no action as they are fully concentrating on peering into the blackness of the shroud. Vampires with heightened senses cannot necessarily see through the shroud but their hearing is enhanced such that they can hear all that goes on around them and move through the darkness using their enhanced sense.

For example: Michael realizes quickly that the shadow was an illusion and after hearing a noise from the floor above he races up there. Rachel is busy shoving some personal effects into a handbag. She isn’t surprised as Michael charges into the room. Rachel’s player calls ‘Shroud the Night’ as he comes towards her and Rachel carefully walks around him and leaves the room. Michael fumbles in the darkness until the shroud is broken as Rachel’s concentration turns to the long run out of her homes' grounds.

Using this ability the acting Vampire causes tendrils of darkness to form from the shadows. These tendrils reach out and grapple a chosen target, (or targets) that are within range. The target that is held by the tendrils must have strength 4 to break free of the tendril’s grasp. Although two people (one trapped, one free) with a combined strength of 4 can help the trapped target escape. The casting Vampire can move but make no other action whilst this is active.

The maximum range from themselves that the casting vampire can cause the tendrils to appear is twenty feet.

The length of the tendrils is up to the casting vampires Obtenebration level in meters.

NB You don’t have to be absolutely exact with the above ranges they are just a guide.

For example: Rachel starts to run out of her long drive when as she nears the gates she sees Michael by one of the gate columns. "Damn he moves fast" she curses to herself and her player calls ‘Arms of the Abyss’. Michael’s player now knows that Michael is trapped by a long tendril and role-plays it. He also knows that Michael has Strength 4. Rachel doesn’t and fails to see him break free as she runs past.

As this skill is activated, a host of dark humanoid shaped shadow creatures rise from the dark corners of the current location. They will assail those who the caster chooses. Those attacked will be hit at least three times (for no damage) slowing their progress to such an extent that they are kept busy for 10 seconds + an extra 10 seconds per extra blood spent. The only way to avoid the effects of this is to call a dodge (see combat and skill sections).

For example: Rachel manages to throw Michael off her as he leaps towards her. As they both roll to standing positions Rachel’s character calls ‘Nightshades 20 seconds’ spending 4 blood in the process. The Nightshades keep Michael busy as Rachel escapes.

A Lasombra with this ability can change their form from a physical one to that of an insubstantial shadow. While in this form the Lasombra can take no physical damage. However if the Lasombra comes within 10ft of naked flames she will instantly spend the blood to reform to her physical state, and Frenzy on regaining this (see rules on frenzy).

N.B if you use your blood up to the point where you would frenzy, to change into a shadow body you will immediately reform and be in a state of frenzy

For example: "We have to move fast, the Prince has gone haywire. He has blood hunted us within the city. It must have been the work of that bitch Cynthia." Jherad looks up at Rachel as she spouts the words while bursting through his front door. She looks at the cuts and slashes across his arms and face. "You look as if you had a run in with a train."

"Not a train, a Gangrel" mutters Jherad "what’s this about a blood hunt?"

"He must have been offended by our moves into the coffee market. One way or another though he has gone mad."

Jherad moves carefully to the floor and opens the back entrance…to see Jason, eyes glowing. Rachel turns to see Michael at the front door.

"No Rachel, the blood hunt is due to your drug trafficking in Cleckheaton. Cynthia told us of the meeting you had. We figured it was you who tried to have Alex killed, and I know it was you who had my mortal brother killed" scowls Michael.

Jherad’s jaw drops to the floor in disbelief as Rachel’s character calls "Shadow Body" starts to become insubstantial, shimmering gently before disappearing through the wall. His mouth manages to shape the words "Oh s…" as Jason's hand closes around his throat crushing his neck bones.

Obfuscate is the ability to affect the minds of those around you so that they are fooled into thinking that they cannot see you, or see you differently. This mind haze follows the Vampire as he moves around, affecting all those that would look upon him. While using Obfuscate the player must hold their arm in the air with as many fingers held up as they have points in Obfuscate.

If the acting Vampire is standing perfectly still and quiet, behind an object or in a very dark room, side street, etc.… then they can render themselves effectively invisible.

For example: Jeremy (Nosferatu), is walking through the streets of Bradford late at night. He hears the sound of footsteps, coming towards him. Jeremy has a rather hideous appearance, so he doesn’t want whoever it is to see him. He therefore moves into a shady corner and puts his hand in the air. As it happens it is Rachel walking up the street. Rachel’s player turns to look at Jeremy then sees Jeremy’s hand in the air he says "Cloak of Shadows" Rachel turns away and ignores him. Jeremy has successfully eluded someone by using his Obfuscate.

NB If Jeremy moves his cloak of shadows will vanish and he will once again be visible.

The active Vampire may disappear completely from view (For 10 seconds). He can do this provided he keeps a low profile. This costs 1 blood point. If the player wishes to disappear and for no one to remember he was there in the first place then he must spend 2 blood points.

For example: Jeremy is having a clandestine meeting with one of his shady contacts, (neither wants to be seen together). From down the alleyway Jeremy hears a familiar voice getting closer, there is only one way out of the alley, past where the noise is coming from. Two figures round the corner. They peer into the shadows where Jeremy and his informant are standing. Jeremy gathers his ragged cloak around his skinny frame and spends 2 blood to vanish and also to make the newcomers forget that he was there, just in case they had seen him.

NB Jeremy’s informant will not forget Jeremy was there, as he had been talking to him for quite sometime prior to Jeremy disappearing

Level 3. Mask of a Thousand Faces. Blood cost Variable.

You are again using your power to cloud people’s minds. This level of obfuscate will allow you to fool other people into believing you are not you, by altering the way others perceive your face.

Blood cost 1: You still look vaguely familiar to the target.

Blood cost 2: Everyone who sees you, (not just a single person as above) will not recognise you for who you actually are. You do not however look like anyone else specifically.

Blood cost 3: You can make yourself look like another person.

NB you do not sound or smell like them, nor does this level of discipline give you the skill of mimicry. It is a purely visual con trick. If you interact with people who know the one you are pretending to be they may be able to spot that you are not them, depending on their perception, (above 3)

Blood cost 4: You can pass yourself off for another person, mannerisms expressions that kind of thing.

NB If you use this masquerade for longer than 30 minutes people with a perception over 4 will be able to spot the deception. You must have studied the one you are masquerading as for at least an hour.

Blood cost 5: You can pass as a mortal, you appear to breathe and sweat your skin appears warm and fleshy. You do not have to look like yourself but may take on the guise of a mortal you have studied with the rules applied for level 4 mask of a thousand faces.

For example: Jeremy is in a night club. A friend comes up and asks for his help. After negotiating a suitable remuneration Jeremy agrees to help him. He has been asked to make himself look like his friend then leave the club, as a couple of "goons" have been following said person all night. They both slip into the toilets and Jeremy spends 3 blood and takes on the guise of his friend who remains in the toilet.

Jeremy then leaves the club (without stopping to talk to anyone) and as guessed the two "goons" follow him out.

By taking time if you are a high gen. character you can achieve all of the above by spending your blood every 10 seconds to build up to the level you want.

This level of Obfuscate allows you to vanish. (If you are not under scrutiny) You can effectively vanish for an indefinite period of time, as long as you do not make any aggressive actions. You can move, (discretely) and if you spend 2 blood you can vanish and communicate (quietly) with a person.

For example: Jeremy leaves the club with the two "goons" following close behind. He turns a corner and stands in the shadow of a hedge. Using Unseen Presence he spends one blood and disappears. The two "goons" round the corner they look confused, as their target has vanished. Jeremy cannot resist spending another blood and whilst the hapless duo are searching the undergrowth he whispers in the ear of one of them, "Boo!" before leaving the area.

Level 5. Cloak the Gathering. Blood cost +1 per person.

This discipline can be used to make people, (other than yourself) vanish. You must spend 1 blood per person. They must not be being watched whilst they vanish or it will not work. They must also be within 5 feet of you when this discipline is activated. If you do something to break the cloak (like punching someone) then the whole of the cloaked group will become instantly visible. If one of the members of the group other than your self does something to break the cloak only they become visible.

NB You may not communicate whilst cloaking the gathering, neither can any of your group.

For example: Jeremy returns to the club, and tells his friend that he has lost the two "goons."

His friend however has some bad new. A few more have turned up and are watching the exits to the club. Jeremy’s friend tell’ s him that he must get to a meeting, (without anyone knowing). Jeremy agrees to smuggle his friend out.

Jeremy spends 1 blood to cause himself to vanish and then another 1 blood to make his friend vanish. The two then slip quietly out of the backdoor and by using the dark shadows in the dimly lit back street they pass the people watching the exits without being spotted.

NB If a person with a higher Auspex level than your obfuscate level is witness to you using Your obfuscate abilities they will spot your deception.

(I) Potence may be used to increase a Vampires strength to perform strength oriented feats: jumping, barging down doors, lifting heavy weights, etc..

For Example: Rawson is a 9th Generation Brujah with Strength 3 and Potence 2. At a Brujah party he finds himself challenged to a battle of strength against a rival in his Clan. The challenge is an arm wrestle over bowls of Holy water. The competition begins with both opponents straining against each other using brute force. Both call "Strength 3" and strain for a few seconds, assessing each other's potential. The challenger, Lilly, also a Brujah uses her blood to activate her Potence, gaining the upper hand, calling a strength of 5. Rawson Then spends one point of blood to activate his Potence. His Potence level of 2 is then added to his Strength of 3, allowing him to also increase his effective strength of 5. The Brujah are locked.

For example: Rawson is locked in his wrestle with Lilly, both calling their effective Strength of 5. Rawson, however is 9th Generation that means he can spend 2 blood per round whereas Lilly is only 11th and thus can only spend 1 blood per round. Rawson is therefore able to spend his extra point of blood available per round to add it to his Potence, giving him a total of 3 instead of 2. This increases his effective strength to 6, weighting the struggle in his favour. Rawson forces his opponents hand into the bowl of Holy water, and howls in triumph as the upstart 11th Gen. throws herself away in agony.

N.B. Potence may also be used for jumping purposes, where the total Potence allows the Vampire to leap that number of metres vertically, or horizontally.

(ii) Potence may also be used in a combat situation to increase a Vampires offensive ESR.

For example: Seth, a 12th Gen. Nosferatu while out of the relative safety of his Haven is followed and attacked by a mortal enemy. Not a particularly combat oriented Character, Seth only has a Strength of 2, and Knife skill of 2. Thus having a knife ESR of 2. Luckily his Clan is gifted with Potence, and he has seen it prudent to learn this Discipline to level 2. Seth uses his blood point to activate his Potence. In a combat situation, Potence is added to the ESR of the attack, allowing him to call 4 (damage) when striking at his opponent.

When used in combat Potence is still used in the same manner as Celerity, where an initial point of blood is spent to activate it, but then may be increased with any extra blood being spent, each point adding an additional point of Potence.

Potence lasts for the duration of the combat-encounter taking place.

NB In a combat situation, it should be noted that Potence is added directly to the ESR of the skill, not to a Vampire’s Strength before generating the ESR for that combat.

Note: All effects of Presence are broken if the user acts in an aggressive or harmful way towards the target.

Awe enables the user to intensify the emotion being felt by one other person.

Daniel, a Toreador, has been threatened by Jason, (a hot headed Gangrel) in the Elysium. He brings this to the attention of the Prince who expresses her annoyance. Not satisfied with the Princes reaction, Daniel's player tells her he is using awe to intensify her annoyance to anger. (The Gangrel is subsequently threatened with exile from the City by a very angry Prince).

To use this Discipline the Vampire must hold a friendly five minute conversation with the intended target. After the five minute period the Vampire informs the target that they have been using Make Friends. From this point forward the target must treat the acting Vampire as a friend.

For example: Kevin, the Slaughtering Avenging Angel of Doom (Brujah) has always looked down upon clan Toreador. Vivienne, Flower Fairy of the West Bowling, decides to 'Make Friends' with him. After the conversation, Kevin still looks down on Clan Toreador - apart from his friend Vivienne. In time, perhaps Vivienne may change his opinions ... as a friend.

NB This is not a permanent effect, friendships may end after the smallest of arguments.

This allows the user to stimulate a desired emotion in a small group of Vampires, up to 3, +1 per extra blood spent.

For example: Joshua, a Ventrue Elder, is petitioning the Primogen for the right to inherit 'The Underworld' (site of the *Elysium) from a recently deceased owner. He makes some very pertinent points, and believes by the end of his speech that he has the Primogen in his hands. Unfortunately the Tremere Primogen doesn’t seem to want this transaction to take place (surprise, surprise) and argues against the decision. During the Tremere's speech, Joshua (who has realised the potential threat to his plans) informs the rest of the Primogen that he is inducing boredom in them all. They then seem to lose interest in the Tremere’s arguments, and the rest of his oration goes unheeded. The Ventrue gains control of the Elysium to the bewilderment of the Tremere, who thought he had made some pretty good points.

*Elysium- place where vampires can meet arranged by the prince of a city, no fighting allowed.

The user of this Discipline may compel a person, mortal or Vampire, to come to them. The target does not know why, but feels a compulsion to go to wherever the summoner is, nor does the target know who has summoned them.

Targets known to the summoner may be summoned from any distance, but unknown targets may only be summoned within your line of sight. (LOS).

The cost of this Discipline is relative to the distance of the target. 1 point being line of sight, 2 within the general area (city block), 3 anywhere in the same city, 4 the same country, and 5 the world.

For example: Joshua finds himself, for some reason, as an unwilling guest in the Tremere *Chantry. Realising he is unable to cope with the situation on his own, he calls in the troops (well, a troop anyway). Calling on his old friend the Robert Death Bringer the Gangrel Primogen. (Joshua tells a Ref. that he is summoning Robert to his aid. He then arranges a Vampire night for this to take place, with himself, Robert, a Ref. and Clan Tremere.) Robert feels a compulsion to go somewhere, and sets out. He finds himself approaching the Tremere Chantry, and feeling the need to enter, knocks on the door. The Tremere invite him into their audience chamber where they appear concerned over his restlessness, they discuss a minor Primogen matter, and Robert leaves, his restlessness (and summons) satisfied. Joshua lies in a lead box in the audience chamber fantasising over the things they'll do to the Tremere when his mate Robert rescues him.

*Chantry - Tremere stronghold.

All in the presence of the user become enthralled with them. They become respected and feared and remain the absolute centre of attention for everyone present for the duration of the Discipline, being up to five minutes for each blood point spent, or until it is cancelled by the user.

For example: Joshua manages to prise open the lid on the lead lined box only to find three very grim looking ghouls glaring at him as if he was tasty morsel. Realising that they probably want to have more than a "polite chat" Joshua draws himself up to his full height, and in his bestist big voice he calls "Majesty". Joshua proceeds to tell the Ghouls, "The need sometimes to let bygones be bygones, to forgive and forget…." (Whilst edging towards the door.) The ghouls are very impressed by Joshua, and so it comes as a great surprise to them when he leaps towards the door and pelts down the corridor at high speed.

The eyes of the user glow bright red, and they are able to see clearly in complete darkness (natural or unnatural).

For example: Deathbringer, the Gangrel (Bob to his mates) is enjoying a peaceful Elysium. 'Shroud the Night' is called and suddenly the room is plunged into an unnatural darkness. After stumbling from the initial shock, Bob calls Gleam of Red Eyes, in time to see someone dropping a parcel and carefully leaving the building. Putting two and two together, Bob realises that it is time he was not there. He stumbles (at half speed) to the relative cover behind the Pool table. (Whilst everyone else in the Elysium fumbles around in the darkness.) Just in time, he plunges to the floor as an explosion rocks the room, damaging all exposed to the blast.

Using this you may descend into any natural earth or stone that is large enough in volume to contain you. You cannot move and all clothes, etc. Must stay on the surface.

This Discipline costs one point of blood to meld and one to rise.

For example: While recovering from the shock of the blast, Bob hears the pounding of many feet entering the Elysium, accompanied by shouts of, "Kill the Damned!". Trusting his instincts that this is not an invasion of Gothic revellers, but a large-scale attack by vampire hunters, he bravely decides it prudent to sink unnoticed into the natural stone floor. (Kindly fitted by his strangely absent friend Joshua.) Hoping his pile of clothes will go unnoticed. (Bob’s player lays immobile on the ground with his fist in the air to indicate that he is not visible or present.) He prepares to wait it out until the excitement has died down.

Wolf Claws allows the possessor to spend a point of blood and grow a 1 inch long claw on each finger. Wolf Claws can be used to afflict aggravated damage, cannot be broken by normal means and remain indefinitely (until retracted).

For example: Bob has Strength 4 and Unarmed Combat skill 5, which gives him an ESR of 6. Were he to "pump" one point of blood into his Protean to activate his Wolf Claws this ESR of 6 would become 6 Agg. Why he feels the need to hide behind pool tables we may never know. (See section on Aggravated Damage to realise how formidable this type of damage is.)

NB Vis-Reps are required for Wolf Claws. An easy way of doing this is having a pair of gloves with Role-Playing safe (e g rubber) claws protruding from the fingertips. These are very quick to put on and take off.

Shadow of the beast allows the possessor to transform (indefinitely if desired) into a transitional form between man and wolf. When in this form, you are part man/part wolf, with all the desires of a wolf but with a man’s mind to guide it, somewhat. This does not mean changing purely for the statistical benefits. It means becoming part wolf, i e, A Wolf-man walks hunched nearly on all fours, runs with the aid (but not dependence) of the upper as well as lower limbs, and communicates purely in snarls, grunts and gestures, Although they do receive a bonus of +2 to all their physical Stats.

NB when in this form a vampire will frenzy on one more blood.

NB Gangrel do not change into Wolves if they drink Werewolf blood, whether it's pasteurised, homogenised, semi-skimmed, or even full fat.

This is the ability to transform one's body into an unnatural cloud of mist, at the cost of one point of blood to enter mist form, and an additional one to regain solidity. When in mist form one is invulnerable to physical attacks and can drift through any gas permeable barrier or small opening. To the casual onlooker the Mist Form appears as a strange cloud, full of unnatural ebbs and flows.

For example: Rowan the Gangrel arranges a meeting with Marco Giovanni a particularly dangerous adversary for peace talks. Half way through the talks it becomes evident that the location of their meeting has been leaked to a local werewolf contingent, As the place is surrounded with snarling beasts with no apparent escape route. "Oh my!" Says Rowan. "What foul work is this?" Laughing as he changes into to a mist and drifts away unharmed. (Rowan's player says "Mist Form," raises his arm into the air and walks slowly in the direction he wishes to leave.) Marco is left to face the music of the werewolves and what sweet music they make…

NB If there were a strong wind, a person in mist form would be compelled to move in the direction it was blowing.

NB The transformation is a gradual drift into insubstantiality. It cannot be used to dodge attacks. Unless of course the attacker has both legs broken and opts to attempt the momentum school of attack. (Where wandering away is usually the simplest solution.)

(Yawn) NB When in Mist Form, the player is only partially aware of their surroundings. They cannot see clearly, hear clearly, or communicate in any way. The will not however, materialise in the middle of a road, over a river, etc..

This discipline is possessed by Setites and deals with all things reptilian as the name suggests.

At the cost of 1 point of blood, the user of this Discipline is able to transfix their target. This needs 5 seconds of eye contact, after which the target is unable to do anything whilst eye contact remains and they are only vaguely aware of what is going on around them.

The target must be within the range of the users discipline level in meters. If eye contact is broken then the link will end, say, someone walking between the user and the target if the lock was being made across a room.

For example: Shiva is a Setite spy sent by the Sabbat to infiltrate the Camarilla. She believes that Arthur, (a Ventrue), has some information she could use, written in his personal journal that he keeps with him at all times. She invites Arthur to her table at the Elysium for a chat. When she believes they will not be disturbed she makes continuous eye contact and then informs the player that she has used Eyes of the Serpent so that he can't break from her gaze. As she speaks intently to him her accomplice filches the book from his pocket. The accomplice then photographs and replaces the book. She then makes her excuses, and leaves with the information, her deception completely unknown to Arthur.

This is a ranged attack, where the tongue of the user, lashes out and strikes the target. This requires no blood to activate, will strike up to 1 meter and does the users Serpentis level in damage.

For example Shiva has been found out by "Count Zharbo", a Camarilla Malkavian, who decides to take matters into his own hands. Fortunately for Shiva the Malkavian believes himself to be an arch villain, and in true arch-villain style has devised a complicated manner of death for her.

She finds her self in the compromising position of being chained to a large barrel of gunpowder. (Over zealous, but then there’s no accounting for Malkavians.) There is a trail of gunpowder leading from the barrel to the base of a candle that is set up to topple and ignite the trail after a period of time.

After explaining the manner of death (with much manic cackling involved) the Count leaves the room to retire to a safe distance from the impending explosion. Shiva then informs the ref. present that she is using her Tongue of the Serpent to strike the candle, hoping to knock it away from the black powder. The ref considers the result of this action, and to the relief of Shiva’s player decides that the candle is within her reach and doesn't fall into the powder but away when her tongue strikes it. Shiva then waits, hoping her allies will arrive before Count Zharbo returns.

This Discipline enables the user to transform into a mummified, desiccated state. Whilst in this state, the user can only be harmed by fire or sunlight. They will remain in this form, unable to do anything until they taste blood, where they will revive.

For example: The Elysium is attacked by hunters. Three people storm through the front door carrying automatic weapons. As the first volley of gunfire sprays the room, Shiva falls to the ground. She is not killed, but merely in mummy form. The gun-battle continues around her. When the hunters leave after causing much damage, the remaining vampires find Shiva, feed her some blood and she revives, unharmed.

This level allows the user to transform themselves into the form of a Serpent-man or woman (in 20 seconds). This costs one point of blood to transform into this state, and then one point to transform back. When in this form, the user becomes deaf, but is very sensitive to vibrations around them. This doesn't mean that they are harmed by strong vibrations, but that they may sense someone approaching from behind, or a door closing in another room, etc… All other senses are heightened (as in Auspex heightened senses) and the players Perception increases by 2.

If a Serpent-man bites someone the target takes damage equal to the Serpent-mans strength, and then one point of damage per minute until they are able to feed on the blood of the Serpent-man.

For example: The information Shiva has stolen from the Ventrue Arthur is written in code. She needs that information fast, or her cover could be blown (again). She has kidnapped Arthur who is now chained to a chair in a room bear except for a table. Shiva is attempting to persuade him to be reasonable and simply tell her how to break the code. Arthur refuses. Shiva takes a couple of steps away, says "Form of the Serpent" and begins to change. (This process takes 20 seconds, and with a ref. present Shiva’s player takes full advantage of the role-play opportunity and experience gaining opportunity.)

When fully transformed, She paces around the helpless Ventrue (for effect) then leaps to the attack. Instead of ripping him to the shreds as poor Arthur expected her to, she bites him once, then retreats. After returning to her natural form, she calmly sits across from Arthur. She informs him that without the use of her blood, he will deteriorate at the rate of one point of damage per minute. A slow and excruciatingly painful death.

After a few minutes Arthur spills his guts. Shiva gets the information and leaves him to his painful fate.

On the night of the full moon this level of Serpentis allows the Vampire to remove their own (or someone else’s) heart, and transfer it to a specially made clay urn. This makes the target impossible to stake, and also makes it harder for them to frenzy, (their frenzy level is reduced by 1) and increases their willpower by 1. The link still remains between the heart and body however, so if the heart is staked or burnt for example, the owner will react as if this were happening directly to them.

For example: When Shiva offers to remove Bobs heart and therefore make him unstakeable, he thinks this is a wonderful idea, and accompanies Shiva to her Dark Temple of Set (damp cellar with drapes). After the ritual Bob is pleased he can no longer be staked by anyone ... except Shiva who now holds his heart in one hand and a stake in another and is wanting to discuss certain feeding rights.

This allows the vampire to change their appearance by moulding their flesh, and is effective as Disguise skill at level 5. To mould flesh costs 1 point of blood each time it is done.

For example: Shiva's Sabbat allies find out that there is a conspiracy to kill her. None of them are able to enter the Elysium to warn her, as they are all known enemies of the Camarilla. Fortunately for Shiva one of the pack, Vlad is a Tzimisce. Vlad possesses the discipline of Vicissitude and thus uses changeling to alter his features. He then is able to enter the Elysium claiming to be a wandering Vampire and after a short time gets close enough to Shiva to warn her of the danger she is in.

This discipline level can seriously alter the appearance of another. It is the same as the Changeling level in effect and blood cost, but may be used on someone else.

For example: After Shiva escapes to safety the Sabbat perform a hostile take-over of the city. The Camarilla fall before them. While the Bishop of the pack is giving his traditional 'Sabbat are ace, Camarilla is crap' speech, a plucky (if foolhardy) listener makes a derisive comment. He is dragged to the front of the crowd where Vlad throws him to the ground and hunches over his body appearing (from behind) to knead his face. Vlad returns to his position, and the distraught Vampire rises to his feet, unchanged except for the removal of his mouth from his face.

This level of the discipline is used to permanently reshape a bone of the target's body.

To use this Discipline the Vampire is able to spend 1 point of blood to reshape a bone causing 3 damage. They may spend additional blood available to them per round to make it a particularly nasty affliction. In order to heal the twisted bones to their original form the target must re-break the bone with equivalent damage to that done, before it will reform in its original shape. Then to reform the bone they must heal the damage they have done themselves as well as that done through Vicissitude.

For example: Daniel uses Bone-craft on Lee's leg. He is an 8th Generation Vampire able to spend 3 blood per round and so may spend an additional 2 points of blood over the 1 point it takes to use the Discipline, calling Bone-craft 5. Lee must then do 5 points of damage to her leg to break the bone sufficiently for it to re-set in its original form. In order to be able to use her leg she must then heal both the 5 points of damage she caused to herself, on of top of the 5 points of damage caused by the Bone-craft.

With this ability the user is able to transform their entire body into a 7 feet tall monstrous form. In this form a Vampire's Physical Stats are increased by 2 and any damage done is Aggravated damage.

For example: Daniel is surrounded by a group of Lee’s friends who are a little put out that he turned her leg round backwards. They express their desire to do likewise, and a bit more to Daniel. He can see no escape and so transforms (20 seconds of bone crunching ugliness) into his Zulo form. The group of avenging angels stand aghast, as where once stood Daniel the Tzimisce there is now a seven feet tall slavering monster, with an evil glint in its eye and rather nasty looking claws on its fingers.

Level 5. Blood Form. Blood cost 2 to transform, 2 to transform back.

This ability allows the vampire to turn their physical form into one of blood, they can then ooze down cracks in floors seep through porous surfaces and then reform.

In this form the vampire can move (amorphously) quickly.

The vampire in blood form cannot be hurt by any physical attack forms, except fire.

For example: Daniel finds himself trapped (again) this time by a pack of angry Gangrel who wouldn’t be that impressed by his zulo form. He notices the floor is made of wooden planks, so he decides to turn into Blood and literally slip away.

It takes 10 seconds to turn into blood form.

Daniel summons up his powers, and before the Gangrel can react, he splashes to the floor as a pool of blood and drips through the gaps in the floorboards.

Statistics are basically your character defined by a number that relates to a set level of power within the game.

The different statistics that go to making your character are as follows:

Statistics are the basic you. Without any skills or disciplines you have basic abilities that are your Stats, walking talking breathing, etc.

For example: If you have a high strength you may be able to "muscle" the lid off of a locked box, not as neat as if you had the Skill of Lockpicking, but if you have sufficient strength you will get the job done, in most cases.

Just as a very intelligent person might be able to work out a way of making a bomb, (given enough time and the right equipment) without necessarily having the Skill of Explosives.

(See table 1 for relative Stat power levels)

As well as giving a character a chance at doing something that they have little or no understanding of, Stats effect skills that your character will have, either positively, (by increasing the level of that skill) or negatively, (by taking away from your skill in that area.)

For example: You have the skill of arm wrestling but only strength 1. (Strength being the relevant Stat, as arm wrestling is a physical thing.) Your skill at arm wrestling is 3. (Pretty good.) So you have good technique, but your weakness will let you down against some no neck bruiser with a huge amount of strength even if they have a lesser skill rank than you in arm wrestling.

(See table 2 for statistic modifiers for skills.)

For the purposes of deciding what Stat affects what skill, Stats are divided into two categories physical, (Strength and Dexterity) and mental, (Perception, Intelligence and Willpower.)

When using skills in a game situation you will have to calculate all the plusses and minuses to get to a final number, this number is your EFFECTIVE STRIKE RANK, (or ESR), which is your ability to effect your intentions.

Example 1 You have strength 3 and Unarmed combat 2. Strength 3, if you look on the table has neither a plus, or minus therefore, it will not increase your skill (or detract from it) so your ESR for Unarmed combat, (punching someone's puddings in) is 2.(ESR 2)

Example 2 You have Intelligence 4 (professor) and a computer skill of 3 lets say you want to hack someone's hard drive. The referee has given this task a difficulty level (based on the person who's hard drive it is computer skill), lets say level 4. Your intelligence of 4 gives you a skill modifier of +1. 1 (Stat modifier) + 3 (skill rank) = 4. So your ESR is 4, which in this case gives you the required level of skill to succeed in your efforts.

Example 3 You have 1 dexterity and a firearms skill rank of 1. You want to shoot someone sitting across the room from you. (It happens.) Your dexterity level gives you a -1 (which takes away from you skill)-1 (Stat modifier) + (skill rank) 1= ESR= 0 you couldn't hit a barn door if you tried.

If you still don't get the idea after these very simple examples, then it is a miracle you can actually read this book, go away and die.

Skills are abilities that are learnt rather than innate. Skills are used heavily in the game to achieve various results (its O.K being super strong and very smart but without skills you're like a gun without a firing pin).

Skills are divided into two categories, PHYSICAL and MENTAL. They are further divided into groups affected by different Stats.

For example: The skill of Medicine is a mental skill, (you don't have to be strong to be a brain surgeon) and the mental Stat that will affect your medicine skill is your Intelligence Stat.

When you use a skill it can be opposed by the relevant Skill or Stat, of the person or target you are trying to affect.

For example: You are trying to steal a book from off of a table using your filching skill. If no one is around fair enough you do it, no problems. (After all this is a live role-playing game and using your innate cunning and guile is most important.) However, if someone is watching you then your skill comes into play, i.e, you will have to tell them your Filching skill ESR and then they will check, (in this instance their Perception Stat) to see if they spot you.

Remember you are not your character. What you can do they may not be able to do, and vice versa. This is why we have skills and Stats, etc. to demonstrate the difference between various characters, be they vampires or mortals, and to separate your CHARACTER from YOU the player.

(See table below for lists of skill and relevant governing STAT and STAT area.)

SKILL STAT STAT TYPE

Unarmed combat Strength Physical

Knives * *

Swords * *

Thrown weapon * *

Climbing * *

Firearms * *

Explosives * *

Filching * *

Lock picking * *

Sprinting * *

Dodging * *

Computer Intelligence Mental

Forensics * *

Lore * *

Medicine * *

First Aid * *

Persuasion Willpower Mental

Seduction * *

Authority * *

Empathy * *

Disguise Perception Mental

Hide * *

Lip Reading * *

This is the umbrella term for various forms of fighting without the use of actual weapons.

The style you chose for your character's skill in unarmed combat is up to you. You may be a brawler, a boxer, a martial artist, whatever the aim is still the same to beat the crap out of someone.

Your unarmed combat ESR is for any part of your body that you use in any given fight head, fist, leg etc,

It also covers the use of everyday objects that are not regarded as arms, e.g chairs, lumps of wood, bottles and the like, if in doubt ask a ref.

NB Your unarmed combat ESR is the DAMAGE you cause to your opponent. You can choose not to use lethal damage and instead opt for subduing your opponent. Which means if you deliver a lot of damage that would kill your opponent you can choose just to knock them out temporarily, which means they will recover very quickly.

You MUST decide as you call out your damage (or ESR) whether it is subdual or actual.

If you do over 20 points of damage consecutively (calling subdual) your opponent is considered stunned for 5 seconds. They are unable to perform any action whilst stunned except heal the subdual damage they have sustained.

Your opponent can heal 10 points of subdual damage for the cost of 1 blood.

For example: John has an Unarmed combat skill of 4 and a strength of 4 giving him an ESR of 5, which = 5 damage but he quite likes Bill who he is fighting and doesn't really want to hurt him. So, instead of just calling "five!" he shouts out, "five sub!"

NB Due to the live role-playing nature of our game you will engage in actual combat. With these few absolute exceptions;

You will not make actual contact with your opponents, nor will you swing wildly at someone and hope that you miss. You will pull every blow and you will keep a cool head at all times. If you don't think you can do this, do not get involved in any fights. If you do get involved in our pretend fights and fail to pay due care and attention you will be asked to leave the system. Hot heads need not apply.

This skill covers all short bladed weapons.

The damage you cause with a knife IS your ESR (unless the weapon is special in some way and has a bonus unto itself). This reflects you skill in using a knife effectively, knowing where to strike, what grip to use, etc.

You cannot cause subdual damage with a knife or any short bladed weapon

NB With BBN being a Live Role-playing game you will actually engage in combat (though stylised) to some degree but you WILL NOT use a REAL knife or ANYTHING that has not been cleared by a REF as role-playing safe (see sec. VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS).

Like knives only longer. The same rules apply for swords as for knives with the following exception;

You can IMPALE an opponent with a sword. To do this the target must be; distracted, held down, or a complete idiot. If you pull off an impale you do double your ESR for damage.

NB: You CAN do subdual damage with a sword if you use the FLAT of the blade and call subdual type of damage. You cannot use subdual damage for an impale, if you impale someone it is going to smart.

With this skill you may throw a knife, throwing star, axe, etc. for a distance of your ESR times 2 in metres.

Damage is your thrown weapon skill.

NB You can only use this skill to THROW a weapon. You will not have an ESR for fighting hand to hand with it, unless you have the relevant weapon skill as a separate thing.

You cannot cause subdual damage whilst throwing a weapon,

For example: Marcie has thrown weapon, ESR 5 (she has a very nice set of throwing knives just for this purpose) but she gets attacked at close quarters and cannot throw her knives. Unfortunately she is a bit of a specialist and has not chosen KNIVES as a separate skill. She cannot use her ESR 5 for thrown weapons against her opponent at hand to hand range. Luckily for her she is a fast runner

Damage for a thrown weapon is your ESR -1 unless the weapon is specifically designed for throwing.

If it is designed for throwing the damage is your ESR

NB Anyone can throw anything, but with less skill than one who specialises in it This is based on your strength Stat as range and damage. E. g strength 4 means you can lob a chair at someone up to 4 meters away and do four damage, due to impact rather than skill.

Your character can climb vertically for her ESR times 10 in meters, Without the aid of equipment.

NB This may vary depending on the surface, a brick wall no problem. A cliff, easy. A glass wall however may have a difficulty assigned by a ref. which you must match or beat with your ESR in order for you to get up it.

As with Unarmed combat the aim of all people who use a gun is to inflict damage irrespective of the weapon used. General firearms covers all weapons with the following rules applied;

FIRE-ARMS skill level: 1 and 2, allow the character to use BASIC pistols and revolvers. You can clean it and point it, load it and fire it.

Damage = ESR +1

FIRE -ARMS skill level: 3 and 4, allow the character to use the above but they can fix jams and have a knowledge of exotic types of bullets (like dumb- dumb bullets for example)

They can also use automatic and semi-automatic weapons and shot guns.

Damage = ESR +2

FIRE-ARMS skill level:5 allows the character to use specialist weapons like, heavy assault cannons, rocket launchers, sniper rifles. As well as the above skills the character can also affect Slight customisations to their weapon, like filing down a sight for that extra 8th of a second off their draw. They can also repair MINOR damage, (that is not an engineering job), if in doubt see a ref.

They can also choose to AIM for a specific location or object but this requires concentration upon the target for at LEAST 20 seconds.

Damage = ESR +3

NB The skill levels given above are your ACTUAL skill NOT your ESR.

Your ESR IS the damage you do, (see above) this can end up being quite a lot but it reflects several things;

1: Your deftness and familiarity with a gun

2: The fact that this is a live role-playing game and we are not anal enough to write out huge lists of the numerous different damages for hundreds of different types of guns.

3: Guns are very scary things that really mess you up, whether you are a vampire or a mortal.

Damage bonus of each level is not cumulative.

IF the above skill makes you go white with terror don't worry just check out the skill DODGE and the discipline FORTITUDE. If they do not appeal stay out of trouble and buy a bullet-proof jacket, (see RESOURCES).

Work pretty much along the same lines as fire-arms, pretty much...

Explosives skill level 1: You have a basic knowledge of common types of explosives and their ingredients and how to assemble them. You CANNOT make detonators or complex explosives, stick to nail bombs and fun things to do with weed killer, other than kill weeds, or poison next door's dog.

NB Your ESR +1 is your damage and radius of effect in meters.

For example Your explosive skill is level 1, your Dex. is 3 (no plus or minus to the skill) +1 for the type of explosives you are using (weed killer and moth balls) = ESR 2 you can do, 2 damage to any one within a two meter radius.

Explosives skill level 2 and 3: You have an excellent working knowledge of general explosives and you can construct detonators from basic materials and timers.

Damage/radius = ESR + 3

Explosives skill level 4: You know just about all there is to know about explosives from weed killer to cemtex. You can make Nitro -Glycerin in the bath and use mercury switches, etc.

Damage/radius = ESR +4

For example: Henry has Explosives level 4, so he can make up a very fine parcel bomb from stuff he has bought in a D.I.Y shop. He can also rig a radio detonator at minimal cost and without having to go to Guns Are Us. (Just his underworld friend, Frankie Fingers for a few bits and pieces.)

Henry's Dex is 4 so he has, 4 (for the skill level) +1 (Stat modifier) +4 for the power level of the explosives he is using. His ESR therefore is, ESR = 9 which mean's he can do 9 damage to anyone within a nine meter radius, Henry is a dangerous fellow.

Explosive skill level 5: You have the skill to blow up entire buildings, real demolition work. You can examine the aftermath of a bomb and work out (probably) how it was done, by what and any M. O there maybe. You have an in-depth knowledge of just about everything that goes bang.

Damage and radius = ESR +5

NB damage is not cumulative. So if you have explosives 5 do not add +5 +4 +3 +1!

NB: There may appear to be a parity between the damage caused by firearms and the damage caused by explosives but there isn't really, for the following reasons;

Guns don't have a radius effect, explosives do

You do not have to be near something/one to blow it/them up.

Thus highlighting the fact that explosives are even more dangerous to continued existence upon this mortal plane than guns are.

Another thing to note is; If you try to over-reach your skill, i.e. you have explosives 1, but you bung a ton and a half of dynamite in a dust bin and try to rig up a military grade radio detonator that your dodgy mate sold you at a bargain price, with the idea that you will be able to take out the entire city in one fell swoop and become overlord of the post apocalyptic wasteland that will remain. YOU personally, (not your character YOU), will be shot and wall mounted in the Referee's trophy room, even if you have 5 dexterity. Got it? Good.

Picking pockets surreptitiously swiping something from a table/bag/shelf, this is what you can do with filching. The skill really works if you have potential witnesses or you're not actually that good at picking pockets. Of course it is possible to get noticed doing it, (this skill is opposed by the perception of any one who expresses an interest).

The picking of locks of doors, safes and the ability to "hot wire" a car. The difficulty of the lock to be picked will be decided upon by a REF.

This skill represents a burst of speed to gain distance from a pursuer. It is useable only once per tactical situation.

For example: Scott is being chased by Laura and she is catching him up. Scott shouts out his sprinting skill (4) that gives Scott a four second’s head start to leg it before Laura can continue the chase.

This skill represents you ability to get out of the way of something/one hitting you, a chair, a fist, a bullet. Your ESR is the amount of dodges you may perform in a night, so if your ESR is 3 you can dodge three incoming things.

When employing this skill you must go through the motions of dodging as well as calling out the skill

i. e, dive to the ground, side step a blow, that kind of thing.

NB you cannot dodge an attack that you are not aware of, like getting hit from behind, unless someone warns you of it.

This skill covers all aspects of computing, depending on level, hacking, programming, hardware, etc.

Skill level guide:

Computers skill level 1: basic computer literacy

Computers skill level 2: the ability to program, and the above.

Computers skill level 3: You can do the above perform basic hacking and repair/customise hardware for specific jobs.

Computers skill level 4: As above plus, you can perform advanced hacking and write virus programs

Computers skill level 5: As above plus constructing designer software packages, e. g surveillance programs, networks, etc. You have the ability to get into almost anywhere, you can even retrieve lost files from windows!

This skill doesn’t quite fall under the category of medicine, (hence it being here) you are able to find out information from material evidence left, generally at the scene of a crime. The higher your skill/ESR the more information you can find out from even small amounts of physical evidence.

You have a wide and varied knowledge of myths, legends, folk-tales, etc. These can be relating to human myths, or the legends of the supernatural, the higher your skill, the more likely you are to know about a given topic. Chose what lore you specialise in e. g. Vampire lore etc.

This skill encompasses the research and analysis of drugs/chemical substances, and relevant aspects of Biology. You can also construct drugs/compounds whose potencies are equivalent to your ESR.

Given the relevant equipment, made or improvised you can heal damage sustained by a mortal up to half of your ESR. E. g first aid ESR 5 = you can heal a person of 3 points of damage.

This skill allows you to empathise with another sentient being, to understand what they are feeling, You know what they are going through. In a tactical situation it would tell you if someone were feeling murderous, ecstatic, suicidal, afraid and the like. This will only work if the target of your scrutiny has less willpower than your ESR.

The best way to employ this skill, if in doubt, is to go through a ref.

For example: Angel has an Empathy ESR of 6. She wants to find out how Carl feels about a certain person. After questioning him about it she quietly gets a REF to check on two things

1) Whether her Empathy ESR is higher than Carl' s willpower

2) What feelings Carl has towards the person in question, hatred, love, etc.

The ref asks Carl (without telling him why) what his willpower is Carl gets out his character card and checks, he has will 4 (lower than Angel's Empathy ESR)

The ref then asks him what he feels about the person in question. In this case Carl feels great enmity towards the individual. The REF then quietly informs Angel that she has succeeded in the use of her skill and what Carl feels about the person in question (not what he thinks about them or what he is going to do with them) Angel then plans her next move.

This skill allows a person to turn on their natural charm. The person who uses seduction will be charming alluring and very attractive to the opposite sex.

NB Gender preferences apply. If you try to seduce someone of the same sex but they are definitely Hetro -sexual then it will not work.

You must also try your best to role-play seducing someone it will definitely improve your chances of it working. If you merely say, "Hey Luv fancy a ….etc." then you are not going to succeed.

Your ESR for seduction must be greater than the target`s willpower for this skill to work.

With this skill you can persuade people to do things for you, let you into somewhere you’re not supposed to be, tell you information, etc. You must engage in a conversation for this skill to work.

Your skill ESR must overcome the target`s will power, you can only effect one person at a time

You cannot make someone do anything that is against their nature, e.g. you cannot make a devout Buddhist eat meat.

This skill illustrates your natural leadership qualities. With Authority you can command instant attention and if you succeed compliance with your commands.

You must overcome the targets willpower to succeed.

NB you cannot make someone go against their innate nature as with persuasion.

Authority is used in command situations to get an instant response not a long and complex series of commands, to be carried out over an extended period of time.

For example: John has an Authority ESR of 4. He wants to get into a private meeting. The guard on the door has orders not to let anyone in, John glares at the man and in a quiet, yet commanding tone says, "move aside (Authority 4)". The guard checks his willpower (it is 3). The guard gulps, and shuffles out of John’s way.

DISGUISE

With this skill you can alter your appearance to fool people.

You will need costume and make-up to use this skill.

Your ESR in disguise must be higher than a person, (or group of people’s) perception to fool them.

This skill must be prepared in advance and every effort must be made to effect a convincing disguise.

This skill allows a person to hide from another, provided the location you are in will allow for this.

You would find it hard to hide from someone on a football pitch, or if you and the person you are attempting to hide from are in an empty well-lit room.

Your skill at hide must be higher that the perception of those who you are attempting to hide from.

This skill gives you the ability to lip read, the higher your skill the greater the distance, provided you are in line of sight.

Your lip reading ESR is the maximum distance that you can lip read up to (effectively) in meters

NB you must make sure you are in a position to see the target of your lip reading clearly for this skill to work. If in doubt, before attempting to lip read consult a REF as to the feasibility of the action.

Merits and Flaws as their name suggests are both good for and detrimental to your character. If you chose them they are yours forever, so do decide carefully

You may chose up to 7 points worth of merits just so long as you have the points for them, you can only chose merits and flaws at the creation of your character.

Ambidextrous: 1 point merit

With this merit you can use both hands with equal dexterity, very handy if one hand gets hurt.

Concentration: 1 point merit

You have the ability to focus your mind and ignore distractions.

Inoffensive to Animals: 1 point merit

Animals do not fear you for the filthy undead creature that you are.

Light Sleeper: 1 point merit

You awake at twilight instead of true dark.

Herd: 1 point merit

A herd is a group of mortals who a vampire feeds on, if a vampire doesn’t have a herd then feeding takes up a lot of time and can lead to confrontations with other vampires.

This merit means you have one without having to resort to scavenge the streets you know just where to get sustenance all times.

Fairy Affinity: 2 point merit

You have knowledge and friends within the realms of the fey.

Ghoul Family: 2 point merit

You support up to 3 semi- undead servants who dwell within or near to your haven (specify).

These NPC’s may be used to help you in given situations, please clear the use of Ghouls with a ref.

Fortress Haven: 2 point merit *

You must buy the merit Resources up to at least level 3 and there are only a finite number of locations within a city that can be converted into a Fortress Haven at any one time ( *see a Ref).

Calm Heart: 2 point merit

You will frenzy on one less blood than you would normally.

Ties: 2 point merit

You have ties with a member of a particular group e. g the police, an occult group, the media, the church (specify).

Your ties can help you with certain things but they may also ask your aid.

Resources: *cost variable*

You can buy a resource level that is the equivalent to a character’s material wealth. If you do not buy a resource level you are considered to be very poor.

(see table 3 resources)

Misplaced Heart: 3 point merit

Your heart isn’t where it should be, it can be up to 1ft from the normal position for a heart in a human body.

Medium: 3 point merit

You can converse with the dead and see spirits.

They however may not want to converse with you!

Baby Face: 3 point merit

You can pass for a mortal, you breathe, cry real tears, you are warm to the touch etc..

Unbondable: 4 point merit

You cannot be bound by another vampire by means of a blood bond.

N.B Tremere cannot take this merit.

Guardian Angel: 5 point merit

You will survive one fatal encounter due to this merit. You can only use this merit once per year.

Iron Will: 3 point merit

If you have a definite purpose in mind (a task to complete, a debt to discharge, a goal to attain) you cannot be effected by the discipline of Dominate.

NB a spurious example of a "purpose" will not be accepted.

Brujah merits

Bloody Minded: 7 point merit

You can ignore all damage for a period in minutes equal to your willpower twice per year, but then you will go into torpor irrespective of what blood you may have left, and lose 1 humanity for doing so.

Gangrel merits

Gift of Proteus: 2 point merit

A Gangrel with this merit can customise the discipline of protean e.g. make their gleam of red eyes, gleam of green eyes, or grow claws from their knuckles instead of their finger-tips, etc. (see a ref.)

Malkavian merits

Inspired: 4 point merit

Occasionally you get flashes of inspiration, but only very rarely and when you are sorely pressed (see a ref.) This merit allows you an inspired guess (ref. Hint) as to what is going on, or how to get out of a tricky situation, but do remember to be very pleased with yourself!