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Introduction to Dark Ages: Vampire
In this guide, we'll introduce the nature of vampires in this era and outline the mechanics behind their existence in the World of Darkness.
What Are Vampires?
Vampires in the World of Darkness share traits with mythological, literary, and cinematic vampires but are uniquely shaped by the game's lore. Let's clarify their characteristics:- Immortality: Vampires can live forever unless destroyed by specific means. Their eternal existence is both a blessing and a curse.
- Blood Dependency: Vampires feed exclusively on the blood of the living. They have retractable fangs for this purpose and can heal feeding wounds with a lick, leaving no trace.
- Creation of New Vampires: Not every vampire victim rises as one of the undead. New vampires are created deliberately through a process called the Embrace.
- The Beast Within: Vampires are not demons but are driven by an inner Beast—an animalistic, monstrous force urging them toward violence and survival.
- Vulnerabilities:
- Sunlight: Exposure to the sun turns vampires to ash.
- Staking: A wooden stake through the heart doesn't kill a vampire but paralyzes them.
- Faith: Strong faith from certain mortals can repel vampires.
- Powers: Vampires develop supernatural abilities, including enhanced strength, persuasion, and shapeshifting, depending on their lineage and age.
- Sensual Existence: Vampires can engage in sex, though it requires the expenditure of blood to mimic human functions. The act of feeding, however, provides unmatched ecstasy.
Vampiric Origins
Most European vampires believe they descend from Caine, the biblical figure cursed by God after murdering his brother Abel. According to legend:- Caine created three vampires, the Second Generation.
- These three sired thirteen vampires, the Third Generation, who became the founders of the Clans. It is believed that these creatures have existed since the days of the Great Flood of Abrahamic sources.
- Each Clan has its own characteristics, abilities, and weaknesses, shaping the diverse society of vampires.
The Embrace: Becoming a Vampire
The process of becoming a vampire is called the Embrace:- A vampire drains a mortal of all their blood.
- The vampire feeds the corpse some of their own cursed blood.
- The mortal rises as a Cainite, undead and bound by their sire's vitae.
The newly Embraced vampire no longer breathes or eats and must adapt to their new existence over time.
The Hunt: Feeding and Survival
For vampires, the hunt for blood is essential and deeply personal:- Some seek easy prey, like the vulnerable or intoxicated.
- Others seduce willing participants who crave the vampiric Kiss.
- Some display their powers to intimidate and dominate their victims.
- Many cultivate relationships with mortals who grow dependent on the Kiss, becoming enthralled by its pleasure.
The hunt reflects a vampire's approach to power and survival, revealing their true nature.
Playing Dark Ages: Vampire
Themes of the Game
- Power and Corruption: Vampires hold immense power but are constantly at risk of losing themselves to the Beast.
- Politics and Intrigue: Medieval vampires navigate a society rife with feuds, alliances, and betrayals.
- Horror and Tragedy: Immortality and bloodlust weigh heavily on vampires, making every choice a moral struggle. This is a game of personal horror, to indulge is to slowly lose yourself to the Beast until your character is no longer playable, to hold out is to shorten your immortal life. Your actions have consequences, embrace the night.
Game Mechanics
Dark Ages: Vampire uses the Storyteller System, a D10-based ruleset, to resolve actions and conflicts. Players roll pools of D10s based on their character's Attributes and Abilities to achieve successes against set difficulties. The mechanics emphasize storytelling, with dice rolls serving to guide and enhance the narrative.This introduction only scratches the surface of the rich and dark world of Dark Ages: Vampire. As you step into this gothic setting, you'll encounter complex moral dilemmas, ancient rivalries, and the eternal struggle between humanity and monstrosity. Are you ready to embrace the night?
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