- For auras as they are used in the Dark Ages setting, see Aura (DAV).
The Aura is an unusual energy that emanates from all living, undead and spiritual beings. It reflects both their nature (e.g. mortal, mage, or werewolf), as well as their current emotional state, in both the Classic World of Darkness and the Chronicles of Darkness.
Overview[]
Apart from reflecting the nature and emotional states, the auras also might reflect supernatural characteristics. In some cases, resonance or taint can also be reflected in one's aura. The auras of vampires who have committed diablerie also appear to be streaked through with black veins.
In Dark Ages: Vampire, a vampire's Road (or Path) rating affects the type of Aura they manifest. Similarly, in Mage: The Awakening, a mage's aura becomes easier for others to detect as the mage's Gnosis rating increases.
Aura Detection[]
Many supernatural beings possess some way to perceive and read auras. Examples of these abilities include:
- The vampiric Auspex power of Aura Perception or Karmic Sight
- The mage Sphere/Arcanum of Prime
- The wraith and Kuei-jin inherent ability of Lifesight
- The Promethean Transmutation of Sensorium
- The Sin-Eater Oracle of Passion
- The Thaumatechnology Endowment of Devil's Eyes
- The Second Sight Merits of Aura Reading and See Auras
- The Awareness talent Ability at 3 dots and above for mages and sorcerers2
Aura Colors (Classic World of Darkness)[]
The colors change in sympathy with the subject’s emotional state, blending into new tones in a constantly dancing pattern. The stronger the emotions involved, the more intense the hues become. A skilled vampire or mage can learn much from her subject by reading the nuances of color and brilliance in the aura’s flow. Certain supernatural conditions, some unique to vampires and some not, will also display as either colors or additions to the aura.
Emotional Auras[]
- Afraid: Orange
- Aggressive: Purple
- Angry: Red
- Bitter: Brown
- Calm: Light Blue
- Compassionate: Pink
- Conservative: Lavender
- Depressed, Uncertain: Gray
- Desirous or Lustful: Deep Red
- Distrustful: Light Green
- Envious: Dark Green
- Excited: Violet
- Generous: Rose
- Happy: Vermilion
- Hateful: Black
- Idealistic: Yellow
- Innocent: White
- Lovestruck: Blue
- Obsessed: Green
- Sad: Silver
- Spiritual: Gold
- Suspicious: Dark Blue
- Anxious: Auras appear scrambled like static or white noise
- Confused: Mottled, shifting colors
- Daydreaming: Sharp, flickering colors
- Psychotic: Hypnotic, swirling colors
Supernatural Auras[]
- Vampire: Aura colors are pale
- Ghoul: Pale blotches in the aura
- Diablerist: Black veins in aura
- Frenzied: Rapidly rippling colors
- Magic, Magic User: Myriad sparkles in aura.
- Nephandus: Constant, black ripples across the aura.1
- Werebeast: Bright, vibrant aura
- Ghost: Weak, intermittent, faded aura
- Faerie: Rainbow highlights in aura
- Kuei-Jin: Either like that of a Western vampire (if Yin-cycled) or slightly brighter (if Yang-cycled)
- Imbued: Gold, shimmering, and sparkling, alive with energy and power.[1][2]
- Fallen: Plethora of rapid shifting colors that are difficult to discern
- True Faith: Silver or gold "halo" surrounding the body. The strength of Faith determines the halo's brightness.[3]
Notes[]
- Nephandi do not have a noticeable or distinguishable Aura in M20.
- According to M20, any character with 3+ dots in Awareness can "detect auras".
References[]
- VTM: Vampire: The Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition, p. 136
- MTAs: Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition, p. 507
- ↑ VTM, HTR: Nights of Prophecy, p. 112
- ↑ HTR: Storyteller's Handbook, p. 19
- ↑ VTM: Vampire: The Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition, p. 373