Games
Vampire: The Masquarade
Vampire: The Masquerade is both the first game in the World of Darkness series and the debut of White Wolf's Storyteller System. Departing from the heroic, power-driven games of its time, VTM focuses on personal horror. It is the most popular and foundational game in the World of Darkness universe, inspiring many of the core ideas associated with White Wolf.
In Vampire: The Masquerade, players take on the roles of vampires—immortal beings cursed with an insatiable thirst for blood and a fatal vulnerability to sunlight. These creatures are constantly struggling with their inner Beast, the primal instincts of hunger, fear, and rage. The game explores the horror of this existence as players balance the need for survival against the terrible actions they must commit to sustain themselves.
The Main Idea
Vampires are one of the three key supernatural races in the *World of Darkness* universe, serving as the central figures in *Vampire: The Masquerade* and its spin-offs, such as *Vampire: The Dark Ages* and *Kindred of the East*. These games explore vampire physiology, their intricate politics, and the division into various clans. In *Vampire: The Masquerade*, vampires are commonly referred to as "Kindred," especially by those who seek to preserve their Humanity. However, members of the Sabbat—a faction of vampires—use the term "Cainite" to describe themselves, as many believe their curse originated with Cain from the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Conversely, the term "kine" (meaning "cattle") is used to refer to humans, emphasizing their role as prey.
Vampiric Society
Most vampires reside in cities governed by feudal lords known as Princes. Urban life for vampires is marked by constant political scheming, paranoia, and competition over food, territory, and power. Despite their need to live near humans, their source of sustenance, vampires fear exposure to the mortal world. Since the time of the Inquisition, they have lived under the Masquerade—an enforced effort to conceal their supernatural nature from humanity. Vampiric society operates on two primary levels: sects and clans. Characters in Vampire: The Masquerade belong to one of the clans or minor bloodlines, and they usually affiliate with a sect that reflects their ideological stance. For instance, a Brujah may align with the Camarilla, Sabbat, or Anarchs, but it is uncommon for a Tremere to join the Sabbat, and even rarer for them to be part of the Anarchs.
Some clans, as well as many minor bloodlines, remain independent of any sect. The Laibon, also known as the Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom by Western vampires, are not a sect but rather a cultural group tied by a strong spiritual connection to the land and people of Africa. Similarly, the Kuei-jin, or Kindred of the East, share surface similarities with Western vampires, but they are a distinct kind of supernatural being, more closely related to the Wraith’s Risen. The dynamic between sects and clans creates a complex web of allegiances and rivalries. The Camarilla, a prominent sect, values tradition and the preservation of the Masquerade, often enforcing strict rules and hierarchies among its members. In contrast, the Sabbat embraces a more anarchic approach, rejecting the Masquerade and seeking to overturn the established order. The Anarchs occupy a middle ground, advocating for greater freedom and autonomy while challenging both the Camarilla and the Sabbat. Each sect has its own internal politics and power struggles, adding layers of intrigue to vampire society.
Outside the Western sphere, the Laibon and Kuei-jin provide unique cultural and supernatural perspectives. The Laibon’s connection to the land and its spiritual heritage shapes their practices and worldview, distinguishing them from their Western counterparts. The Kuei-jin, influenced by Eastern philosophies and supernatural traditions, exhibit different abilities and societal structures compared to Western vampires. These diverse groups enrich the World of Darkness setting, offering players a wide range of experiences and narratives within the vampire mythos.
Character Creation
Before you delve into the details, it's essential to understand the fundamental nature of a vampire. Vampires are creatures of the night, bound by their unnatural hunger and the secrets of their existence. Consider the allure and the burdens of immortality as you begin to shape your character. Each vampire clan possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, and cultural traditions. The clan you select will significantly influence your character's abilities, limitations, and role within the vampire society. Consider factors such as your preferred playstyle, philosophical beliefs, and the type of challenges you want to face.
- Ventrue: Known for their ambition and business acumen, Ventrue often hold positions of power and influence within human society.
- Malkavian: Eccentric and often unpredictable, Malkavian vampires are often seen as unstable and dangerous.
- Toreador: Artists and lovers of beauty, Toreador vampires are known for their charm and charisma.
- Brujah: Fiercely independent and often rebellious, Brujah vampires are driven by passion and a desire for freedom.
- Nosferatu: Disfigured and shunned by society, Nosferatu vampires excel in stealth and espionage.
- Tremere: Powerful mages who have embraced vampirism, Tremere vampires possess exceptional magical abilities.
- Gangrel: Nomadic and adaptable, Gangrel vampires have a deep connection to nature and often live outside of traditional vampire society.
A vampire's Humanity represents their remaining connection to humanity. The higher your Humanity, the more you retain your human qualities and morals. However, as you embrace your vampiric nature, your Humanity may decline, leading to a loss of empathy and a descent into darkness. Your character's backstory will shape their motivations, relationships, and overall personality. Consider factors such as their human life, the circumstances of their Embrace, and their experiences within the vampire world. A well-developed backstory will help you bring your character to life and make their actions more meaningful. Your character concept is a brief summary of your character's personality, goals, and overall approach to the world of Vampire: The Masquerade. This will help you stay focused and consistent as you develop your character throughout the game.