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Frenzy is a term describing a supernatural fight-or-flight reaction experienced by characters in Vampire: The Masquerade. For other uses of the term, see Frenzy (disambiguation).
In V:TM, frenzy is when the Beast takes over the vampire's personality, usually a result of extreme stress such as starvation or public humiliation. In Vampire the term only applies to the "fight" half of the "fight-or-flight" response, though Rötschreck (the "flight" half) is a similar experience in many respects. The primary purpose of the frenzy is to kill or otherwise neutralize the stimulus responsible for it, so a vampire driven to frenzy will attempt to feed on anything she can catch whereas a character entering frenzy in combat will attempt to kill all nearby combatants. The Kindred of the Camarilla consider frenzy dangerous, beastial and a sign of weak will and try to avoid it whenever possible. Sabbat vampires may resist or embrace frenzy (or "ride the wave") depending on their Path of Enlightenment.
Game Mechanics
The player may choose to resist frenzy (with a Self-Control roll) or enter the frenzy but attempt to guide the character's actions with Instinct rolls. The player may spend a point of Willpower to put the frenzy on hold for one round. Character in frenzy are immune to Rötschreck. More detailed rules may be found in Vampire: The Masquerade and Dark Ages: Vampire.
Frenzy as a Clan Flaw
Brujah are known for their short tempers and suffer a +2 difficulty to resist entering frenzy. Gangrel gain a physical feature characteristic of an animal as a sign of their closeness to the Beast.