White Wolf Wiki
Register
Advertisement
For a list of Merits in the Storytelling System, see List of Merits (Storytelling System).

This is a list of Merits and Flaws in the Storyteller System used by the Classic World of Darkness and other game lines.

Some traits are presented as Merits in some sources and as Backgrounds in others; this list only covers sources that list traits as Merits.

Merits

One

Acute Vision You have exceptionally keen eyesight. The difficulties of all dice rolls that relate to vision (e.g., a Perception roll to spot a clue, or Perception + Alertness to see the shadow of an approaching attacker) are reduced by one. Combined with Heightened Senses, this Merit can provide superhuman visual acuity. Recommended: Ghouls.

Animal Affinity The character has an innate understanding of and rapport with a certain type of animal. All difficulties dealing with that Animal are reduced by 2. (DSBH)

Animal Magnetism You are especially attractive to others. You receive a -2 to your difficulty on Seduction or Subterfuge rolls. However, this will aggravate others of your gender.

Celestial Attunement You have an innate link to the passage of time and the movement of the celestial bodies. You can estimate the time until sunrise or sunset within a matter of a couple moments, and you can follow the phases of the moon in your head. Those with some training in astrology and this Merit can foretell astrological conjunctions without access to charts. You can accomplish any of these feats with a minimum of concentration.

Common Sense You have a significant amount of practical, everyday wisdom. Whenever the character is about to act in a way contrary to common sense, the Storyteller can make suggestions or warnings about the implications of said action. This is a very useful Merit to give to beginning players unfamiliar with the game.

Controlled Thirst Regular time spent among mortals has dulled the hungers of your palette. You reduce the difficulty of any frenzy roll involving the sight, scent or taste of blood by one. You cannot frenzy from sensing blood if your blood pool is full; conversely, you lose your normal difficulty reduction if your blood pool is less than a quarter full (rounded down).

Crack Driver You have a natural affinity with driving motorized wheeled vehicles, such as cars, 18-wheelers and even tractors. The difficulties of all rolls requiring risky or especially difficult driving maneuvers are two less.  You must have at least 2 dots in Drive to take this merit.

Cupid's Gift You’re unusually seductive. It isn’t so much that you’re fair or quick of wit (though you may be) – you simply possess a certain animal charm that few can resist. In any roll based on Seduction or Subterfuge, subtract two from the difficulty… and get ready to suffer the displeasure of your rivals! Folk who are not swayed by your charms often hate you for possessing them.

Early Riser No one can explain it, but you seem to have the ability to exist on less rest than your fellow packmates, tending to rise at least one hour before everyone else. You always seem to be the first to rise and the last to go to bed even if you’ve been out until dawn. While your packmates may still be groggy, you tend to be awake and aware.

Eat Food You have the capacity to eat food and even savor its taste. While you cannot derive any nourishment from eating regular foods, this ability will serve you well in maintaining the Masquerade. Of course, you can’t digest what you eat, and there will be some point during the evening when you must force yourself to heave it back up.

Elysium Domain The character controls some part of the city's Elysium. She is its recognized protector and in many ways it is considered her domain but it does not belong to the character and other Kindred can enjoy it freely. The character gains respect as the Keeper of Elysium which she controls. (DSBH)

Entrepreneur Making money comes easy to the character. All difficulty of rolls that involve acquiring money through business are reduced by 2. (DSBH)

Healing Touch (Caress) Normally vampires can only seal the wounds they inflict by licking them. With but a touch, you can achieve the same effect.  Dark Ages describe the ability differently, but the cost and effect are the same. Normally, vampires can only seal the wounds they inflict when feeding by licking them closed. Yet, for reasons unknown, a simple touch from you is enough to illict the same effect. A brush of the fingertips, a press of the palm, even the nuzzle of a cheek would be sufficient. All that is required is flesh-to-flesh contact firm enough to be registered as a touch. This does not heal other sorts of wounds whatoever.

Innocent You are always thought of in the most positive light, unless evidence exists to prove otherwise.  If you do something wrong and the act is not easily attributed to you, it will most likely be blamed on someone else.  This does not mean that you are "an innocent" - it means everyone thinks you are. (INQ)

Light Sleeper You need less sleep than other mortals; you can function quite well on four hours a night.  If the Storyteller imposes penalties on other mortals for sleep deprivation (1 or 2 die penalties are suggested), then you are  exempt.  Needless to say this allows you to accomplish a lot more with your daily activities, regardless of whether you are an Inquisitor or a freelance writer. (INQ)

Natural Leader You are a natural born leader.  While not everyone will simply surrender authority to you, they will usually consent to "follow your lead."  Reduce the difficulty level of any situation directly related to leadership by 3. (INQ)

Pale Aura (Ghoul) Due to some quirk of fate or your reaction to the Blood, your aura is naturally pale.  Vampires reading your aura via Auspex assume you to be Kindred unless they have strong reason to suspect otherwise.  The Merit can be of great use if you wish to impersonate a vampire, but can also cause some very dangerous misunderstandings. (GFA)

Prestigious Mentor Your Mentor had or has great Status among your Tradition, and this has accorded you a peculiar honor. Most treat you respectfully as a result, while some have only contempt for you, believing you to be nothing compared to them. This prestige could greatly aid you when dealing with elders acquainted with your Mentor. Indeed, your Mentor’s contacts may actually approach you at some point offering aid. Although your Mentor might no longer have contact with you, the simple fact of your apprenticeship has marked you forever.

Prestigious Sire Your sire has or had great status in her sect or clan, and this has accorded you with a certain amount of prestige. Though your sire may no longer have any dealings with you, the simple fact of your ancestry has marked you forever. This prestige might aid you greatly in dealings with your elders or other neonates, or it might engender jealousy or contempt. This may not be taken with the flaw Infamous Sire.

Safe Passage The character has the right to pass through the territory of some other vampire or sect that does not normally allow others (or at least members of his particular sect) passage through their territory. Toreador often have this Merit for various hostile cities, allowing them to enjoy the Elysium of those cities without fear. (DSBH)

Student The character serves as a mentor to a younger, more inexperienced vampire. The student is most likely a neonate or an Ancillae. This student will assist the character as he commands, but he also considers this Kindred his ward. The character takes responsibility for training this vampire and for protecting her from harm. (DSBH)

Sweet Blood Your vitae tastes like the finest wine, sweet and heady without the slightest trace of salt or metallic tang. As such, you may hide your blood in a chalice or feed ghouls without betraying the true nature of their draught.

Vicissitude Modifications (Ghoul) Although you may not be talented at the Tzimisce forms of fleshcrafting and boneshaping, at some point you have been... modified into a more warlike form.  Generally speaking, you're a szlachta, and most modifications necessitate the purchase of the Flow: Monstrous (The Vampire Players Guide, p.19).  As a rule, the Tzimiscse make sufficient cosmetic alterations to ruin the looks of all their battle-ghouls, even those whose modiciations are not in and of themselves hideous.  These modifications are permanent unless shaped away by further Vicissitude.  Although dangerous, any weaponry causes normal damage only; despite its horrid appearance, your arsenal is still only mortal flesh and bone.  You may purchase as many modifications as you can afford, but your social abilities are probably doomed.

  • Circular Vision One of your eyes has been moved to the back of your head, granting you the ability to see at a wider angle.  This is a difficult operation and can be performed onyl by masters of medicine and Vicissitude.  In addition, your depth perception is poor at any angle, and you suffer a 2-die penalty to any rolls that involve gauging distance, including use of missile weapons.  You must take the Monstrous Flaw.
  • Fangs Your teeth have been lengthened and sharpened; your smile may resemble a shark's or cat's, or may be unlike anything found in nature.  You may use the Bite Manuever, but lose two dice from any Manipulation Dice Pools that do not involve intimidation or causing fear.

Note: Ghouls may never heal Vicissitude modifications , not even with vampire blood.  In this respect they are as helpless as mortals.  The exceptions are ghouls who temsleves possess Vicissitude, though a lowly Zantosa may well find herself helpless to repair the mutilation inflicted by a seventh-generation Tzimisce (to repair Vicissitude alterations, a ghoul must have a level of Vicissitude superior to that of the vampire who inflicted the mutilation). (GFA)

Two

Baby Face You look more human than other vampires, enabling you to fit in the human world much more easily. Your skin is pink, you never really stopped breathing (even though you don’t need to), and even sneezing comes naturally. You can make your heart beat as long as you have at least one Blood Point. This Merit cannot be taken by Nosferatu.

Bardic Gift Gifted by the Muses, you sing sweetly, play an instrument divinely and speak with passion and eloquence. In all cases, your skill is not as impressive as your delivery. Somehow, everything you say or perform rings with power and conviction. In game terms, subtract two from the difficulty of any Social-based roll that involves speaking, poetry, music or song. Naturally, you’ll make an impression wherever you go. People are bound to talk about such a distinctive individual, and such talk may not always be in a character’s best interests…

Burning Aura Your aura, no matter what color it takes, is unusually brilliant to those who can see it’ you are practically a beacon among other mortals, burning with a mystical fire. Even those who cannot see auras are immediately drawn to your presence. Some supernaturals will find this a positive aspect; others, particularly vampires, may likely be hostile to you. Many will believe you possess great power (regardless of whether you truly do), and will be appropriately respectful of you.

Dual Nature You have two distinct Natures, both of which have an influence on your personality and behavior. When you pick these Natures, be careful to choose Archetypes that are somewhat compatible. Dual Nature does not mean schizophrenia (that is a Derangement). This Merit allows you to regain Willpower using both Natures. You may still choose a Demeanor, and it can be as different from the character’ Natures as the player desires.  Recommended: Ghouls

Enchanting Gaze You’ve got the most fascinating eyes. People find it hard to avoid them. Even if your gaze is sort of… unearthly… it’s most seductive. There isn’t anything actually magickal about your gaze, but others cannot help finding it intriguing, whether you want them to or not. Perhaps your eyes are unusually vivid, or uncannily colored, or incredibly trusting and inviting… they’re distinct, regardless, so you might as well make use of’em. In game terms, this Merit subtracts two from the difficulty of any Social roll that involves sustained eye contact, or from an influence spell that includes eye contact as a focus. It also makes you stand out in a crowd; long after you’re gone, people will still talk about those marvelous eyes.

Enchanting Voice There is something about your voice that others cannot ignore. When you command, they are cowed. When you seduce, they swoon. Whether thunderous, gentle, persuading or simply talking, your voice commands attention. The difficulties of all die rolls involving the use of the voice to persuade, charm or command are reduced by two. 

Estatic This is a Merit of dubious benefit.  You are prone to the features of religious ecstasy - stigmata, glossalia (speaking in tongues), visions and trances, et al.  While some may distrust you as a religious hysteric, you will be highly regarded among other Inquisitors as "touched by God."  Add 1-die to any rolls involving social interationcs in the Society. (INQ)

Flirt You claim you’re a terrible flirt, but that quite manifestly isn’t true. You’re great at it. You’re an absolute master of all the subtle signals that give off the particular combination of promise and denial that makes teasing so much fun. At your best, you can make members of the opposite sex, or members of the same sex, putty in your hands. Add two dice to all social rolls in such circumstances.

Holy Aura Your aura, no matter what color it takes, is unusually brilliant to those who can see it; you are practically a beacon among other mortals, burning with a religious devotion.  Even those who cannot see auras are immediately drawn to your presence.  Some Supernaturals will find this a positive aspect; others, particularly Kindred, may likely be hostile to you.  Many will believe you to possess great power (regardless of the truth), and will be appropriately respectful of you. (INQ)

Innocent You convey an aura of childlike innocence. Surely you cannot be guilty of any wrongdoing! Even if people catch you in the act, your impression of innocence leads them to suspect someone or something else to be behind your deeds. In story terms, this Merit makes life a lot easier for you. You usually suffer mild punishments (even if someone catches you in the act), and your accusers tend to give you the benefit of doubt. In game terms, this Merit lowers the difficulties of rolls involving Subterfuge or Manipulation by two. Still, be wary of how far you press this advantage. There may come a time when a saintly face is not enough to save you.

Light Sleeper You can awaken instantly at any sign of trouble or danger, and do so without any sleepiness or hesitation. You may ignore rules regarding how Humanity/Path restricts the number of dice available during the day. This may not be taken with the flaw Deep Sleeper.

Old Flame Someone you once cared for deeply is now with the enemy. He still attempts to play on your sympathies “for old times’ sake” while working against you. Unless you succeed on a contested Manipulation + Expression roll against your former friend, you do not act against him unless the situation becomes life-threatening.

Personal Aura You do not project the aura associated with your road. Instead, your aura reflects some deeper aspect of your Nature or personality. You may choose the aura associated with any road or design your own (subject to Storyteller approval), calculating your aura modifier according to your permanent Willpower.

Sanctifying Kiss Your lips have a particular crimson luster like roses or fine wine. Whenever you kiss someone, you leave traces of sweet vitae behind. This secretion is not sufficient to create a ghoul or sire progeny, although you may surreptitiously administer the blood oath if you kiss on the mouth or touch your lips to an open cut. It requires a Perception + Alertness roll (difficulty 8) to notice the slight taste of your blood.

Sanctity This Merit is sometimes called the halo effect; everyone considers the player pure and innocent, though not necessarily not naive. The player has a saint-like quality that is hard to pinpoint but cannot be denied. The player is trusted, even if they are not trustworthy. At the Storyteller's discretion, the players tend to receive lesser punishments for wrongdoing, and they are liked by most.

Sanctuary Another vampire has promised the character protection from all harm should he come to her for sanctuary. This may be a mentor, a sire, or someone who owes him a boon. The vampire has the power to protect the character from most threats. (DSBH)

Sexy You are one sexy mutha. You might not necessarily be that good looking, but there’s something about the way you move and act that exudes sexuality. As a result, you draw attention from members of the opposite sex, or your own sex, with raw animal magnetism. You may lower the difficulty of any Social roll by two when dealing with someone who is attracted to you. If you actively attempt to direct your charms at a person, you may lower the difficulty by three.

Vicissitude Modifications (Ghoul) Although you may not be talented at the Tzimisce forms of fleshcrafting and boneshaping, at some point you have been... modified into a more warlike form.  Generally speaking, you're a szlachta, and most modifications necessitate the purchase of the Flow: Monstrous (The Vampire Players Guide, p.19).  As a rule, the Tzimiscse make sufficient cosmetic alterations to ruin the looks of all their battle-ghouls, even those whose modiciations ar enot in and of themselves hidesous.  These modifications are permanent unless shaped away by further Vicissitude.  Although dangerous, any weaponry causes normal damage only; despite its horrid appearance, your arsenal is still only mortal flesh and bone.  You may purchase as many modifications as you can afford, but your social abilities are probably doomed.

  • Digestive Modifications  You are able to digest any organic material that you can break up and swallow.  Your Stamina is treated a two points higher for purposes of resisting ingested poisons.
  • Spurs Long bone spurs protrude from your forearms, back, and/or legs.  You may slash with these for Str +2 damage; however, they are hard to conceal, and you must subtract 3 dice from any Social Dice Pools save those involving intimidation.

Note: Ghouls may never heal Vicissitude modifications , not even with vampire blood.  In this respect they are as helpless as mortals.  The exceptions are ghouls who temsleves possess Vicissitude, though a lowly Zantosa may well find herself helpless to repair the mutilation inflicted by a seventh-generation Tzimisce (to repair Vicissitude alterations, a ghoul must have a level of Vicissitude superior to that of the vampire who inflicted the mutilation). (GFA)

Well-Traveled The character has traveled all over the globe, seen many different cities, and met a great number of Kindred. There is a chance he will know of a vampire from another city when he hear his name. This is an intelligence roll (difficulty 10 - the Kindred's Status). (DSBH)

Without a Trace The wilderness is your friend, working to hide your passage. You leave no trail to follow as the earth swallows your footprints, and the trees and grasses cover your scent. Even magical means of tracking you are inhibited. You pass through places like the wind, leaving nothing behind but a whisper. Even Lupines have trouble following you. Normal means of tracking you (with Survival, the use of dogs etc) fail automatically. Supernatural methods of tracking you, such as with Auspex, have a chance, but with greater difficulty (+2 diff).

Three

Addictive Blood Your blood is especially delicious to others, Kindred or Kine, containing a substance they find physically addictive. Once they have drunk it, they must drink again, or spend a Willpower point at inconvenient moments to avoid the pangs of craving. Members of the Ministry with this Merit find it much easier to Blood Bond an opponent, as once they have tasted the tainted vitae, they will do almost anything to drink it again.

Benevolent Domitor (Ghoul) You must purchase the Domitor Background to buy this Merit.  For whatever reason, your domitor is actually rather fond of you.  Perhaps your service has been exemplary, or perhaps you simply remind him of someone in his past - given the alien nature of the vampire mind, you may never know for sure.  Your domitor treats you with some measure of compassion and does not casually endanger your life.  Of course, he still expects you to give your life for his if need be, but until that night, the two of you are something akin to friends. (GFA)

Blood Flaw Immunity (Ghoul) For some reason, you are resistant to the bloodline flaws of any vampire form whom you drink.  You can guzzle Nosferatu vitae until your stomach bursts, and your complexion won't suffe a whit. (GFA)

Bloodsuckle You find yourself able to suck blood from extremities without piercing the skin, reducing the difficulty of self control rolls made to control the feeding. Additionally you get 1 extra blood point on a successful feed, which is usually lost through messiness and healing the wound. (DSBH)

Disciplined Eye With a point each of blood and Willpower and a successful Willpower roll (difficulty 6), you may force your third eye closed for a full scene. It will not betray you no matter what Valeren/Obeah powers you use. Other Salubri may regard you with distrust or envy if they know of your unusual gift. Only vampires with two or more dots of Valeren/Obeah may purchase this Merit.  This may not be taken with the flaw Visible Eye.

Ecclesial Rank (1 - 3 Merit) In addition to being a member of the Society of Leopold, you are also a member of the Roman Catholic hierarchy.  This Merit determines your standing within the heirarchy.  Note that anyone possessing a high rank within the Church is usually at least in their mid-30s. (INQ)

Efficient Digestion You are able to draw more than the usual amount of nourishment from blood. When feeding, you gain an additional point to your blood pool for every two points of blood you consume. This does not allow you to exceed your blood pool maximum.

Face the Flames The weakness of your Beast renders you less susceptible to blind panic when faced with fire. You receive two extra dice on Rotschreck rolls.

Hidden Diablerie The tell-tale black streaks of diablerie do not manifest in your aura.

Lucky You were born lucky – or else the Devil looks after his own. Either way, you may repeat any three failed rolls per story, including botches, but you may try only once per failed roll.

Mage Companion The character is friends with someone who has Awakened and is a Mage. She can be of any Tradition, Craft, or Convention but most likely is a member of the Euthanatos or Verbena. (DSBH)

Piercing Gaze Your gaze seems to be paralyzing. Whether it instills people with fear, love, or self-loathing, all Disciplines that require sight contact have their difficulties reduced by 3.

Rising Star You’re one of the up and comers in your city, a rising star in the Camarilla’s firmament. Everyone wants to know you and be your friend, even as those in power groom you for positions of higher responsibility. You are at -1 difficulty on all Social rolls against any Camarilla vampire who aren’t actively opposing your ascent.

Sex Appeal The sway of your hips and the pout of your lips give you a natural sexiness and sensuality that attract lovers to you like flies to honey. Perhaps it’s your pheromones. Whatever the cause, you are sex incarnate. You are irresistible. When you flirt, you find many willing minions. This characteristic makes you the center of attention at any gathering, since they all want to wholeheartedly please you. With a look, a word, or a wave of your hand, you can make or break hearts. Even the most cold-hearted are not immune to your power. Though this does draw unwanted attention sometimes, you always manage to extricate yourself from unwanted situations. (The player makes all rolls related to either Charisma or Appearance at -2 difficulty.)

Soothing Voice Your voice is calm and soothing, almost entrancing.  You may add 2 dice to all rolls that directly include use of your voice: singing, preaching, leadership, etc. (INQ)

Special Gift (1 - 3 Merit) Your sire gave you a valuable gift after the Embrace. The Storyteller should create something suitable or choose one item from the Mystical Items list to give to you (though you can ‘suggest’ something). The Storyteller will decide how much a particular item is worth.

Surreal Beauty You are blessed with unspeakable beauty that supercedes most people’s notions of loveliness and a sense of grace and dignity that makes you undeniable. Because of this, all Appearance-based rolls receive two extra bonus dice, as well as a -1 Difficulty rating to seduction-based Appearance rolls, too. You must have an Appearance rating of 4 or higher to take this Merit.

Symbol Independence The use of True Faith against a supernatural creature typically requires use of a holy symbol.  However, Inquisitors and other hunters with this Merit are free from this restriction; they may use their Faith unfettered by any such psychological or religious crutch. (INQ)

Tough as Nails You come from hardy, thick-skinned stock, or perhaps the gods have favored you. You shrug off damage easier than most. All soak rolls are made at -1 diff.

Valuable Secret (1 - 3 Merit) Others would kill or die to know this secret the character guards. The Valuable Secret should be created and given by the Storyteller. Perhaps the character knows that the prince is an Infernal Diablorist or that the primogen are actually all Sabbat. Whatever the case, only those involved in the secret and the character know about the Valuable Secret. (DSBH)

Vicissitude Modifications (Ghoul) Although you may not be talented at the Tzimisce forms of fleshcrafting and boneshaping, at some point you have been... modified into a more warlike form.  Generally speaking, you're a szlachta, and most modifications necessitate the purchase of the Flow: Monstrous (The Vampire Players Guide, p.19).  As a rule, the Tzimiscse make sufficient cosmetic alterations to ruin the looks of all their battle-ghouls, even those whose modiciations ar enot in and of themselves hidesous.  These modifications are permanent unless shaped away by further Vicissitude.  Although dangerous, any weaponry causes normal damage only; despite its horrid appearance, your arsenal is still only mortal flesh and bone.  You may purchase as many modifications as you can afford, but your social abilities are probably doomed.

  • Carapace You are covered with bony or horny plates that protect you from attack.  You may add two soak dice to your pool, but you must take the Monstrous Flaw.

Note: Ghouls may never heal Vicissitude modifications , not even with vampire blood.  In this respect they are as helpless as mortals.  The exceptions are ghouls who temsleves possess Vicissitude, though a lowly Zantosa may well find herself helpless to repair the mutilation inflicted by a seventh-generation Tzimisce (to repair Vicissitude alterations, a ghoul must have a level of Vicissitude superior to that of the vampire who inflicted the mutilation). (GFA)

Vindictive Your personal honor is your life, and you will go to the ends of the earth to settle a score or avenge a slight. When directly opposing someone who has insulted, shamed or harmed you, you gain an additional die to all combat Dice Pools. This bonus does not apply towards casual foes, only blood enemies. For example, a Tzimisce would not get this bonus against the bandit who ambushes her on the road but would receive against the Shadow Lord who slew her sire and drove her from her ancestral fief. The down side to this Merit is that you must do everything in your power to avenge such deeds or insults. Should you refrain from action, the Storyteller is within his rights to deduct temporary Willpower from your character until such time as you pursue your vengeance once more. (This was labeled as a Tzimisce merit but is suitable for any character.)

Wraith Companion The character has a mentor that is a wraith. The character will be able to touch and see him if in the Underworld, but in the Skinlands only the wraith will be able to contact the character unless the character has rituals or powers that allows her to see and interact with the Shadowlands from the Skinlands. (DSBH)

Four

Airport The character controls a major airport, and all Kindred who would use it must answer to him, for it is his domain. (DSBH)

Ecumenist Although you are steadfast in your own faith, you recognize the workings of the Holy Spirit, which "bloweth where it listeth," in other religions.  Usually, when using True Faith, you must use a holy symbol from your own religious tradition.  With this Merit, you see the divine spark at the core of religions beyond your own, and you are able to make use of their religious icons and holy ground when confronting the supernatural.  Likewise, a group of individuals from different religious traditions, all with this Merit, may "pool" their Faith for greater effect. (INQ)

Extremist Group The character has both Influence over and Contacts within an extremist group of some sort. This could be a group of near insane survivalists with a cause, some hate group or a terrorist group. This group provides him with assistance, and possibly even agents to handle his dirty work. It might also provide him with ties to similar groups. The more often he use your ties, the weaker they grow. (DSBH)

Inconnu Associate The character is friends with another Kindred who belongs to the Inconnu. Though he may call upon his friend in times of need, she may call on him as well. Neither of the sects appreciate such relationships, and his leaders would punish him if his friendship were discovered. Arranging methods of communication and meeting places will be difficult. (DSBH)

Iron Will (Mortal) This version of Iron Will is the same as the one for Vampire except that it costs one extra point (for a total of four) for a mortal hunter to be immune to Kindred Domination. (INQ)

Kinfolk (Ghouls/Independent) Whether you know it or not, you are kin to a werewolf tribe.  You carry the blood of the Garou in your veins, nd your own children may be Garou. For ghouls, being Kinfolk can be an advantage or a hindrance.  If purchased as a Merit, then you are still on amicable terms with your relatives (Garou and Kinfolk alike).  Although they will never allow you to bring any vampire "friends" into their territory (and may well use lethal means to enforce their privacy), they have an interest in your well-being and give you aid so long as this doesn't compromise their principles. Of course, your kin do not want you to be a ghoul forever, as they would like you to return to their society and raise a family of your own.  Typically, only independent ghouls may purchase Kinfolk as a Merit. Revenants cannot be Kinfolk, either as a Merit or as a Flaw.(GFA)

Pied Piper (2 - 4 Merit) Animals follow you around, making it fairly easy to track you and/or find your haven. The points of the flaw determine the size of the animals (2pt -rats, bats and mice, 3pt – Cats and dogs, 4pt – Wolves, deer, bears as examples).

Prophetic Ability God speaks to you in signs and portents, visions and images.  SOme visions may be precognitive, while others might be warnings or advice.  You cannot request or induce a prophetic vision; they come on their own.  These visions will range from the obvious to the symbolic; the exact nature and effect of the visions is up to the Storyteller.  This merit should provide dramatic mements, and players should not come to rely upon them for plot resolution. (INQ)

Sorcerous Awareness For some reason, you have been gifted with the ability to detect when any of the Devil's arts (i.e. magic) is in use or has been used recently within a 10' radius of yourself.  This also includes all supernatural Disciplines and Gifts.  How much you may knowabout this magic depends upon the number of successes you roll using Perception + Occult (dificulty 8). (INQ)

Supernatual Companion (Ghoul) You are allied with a supernatural being, but not a vampire.  This may be a werewolf comrade, the ghost of a relative, or even a friendly mage.  You may ask for her help in times of need, but she may not always be able to help.  She may also require your help at inconvenient times (such is the cost of friendship).  It is highly improbable that your allegiance is looked on favorably by her kind, and any Kindred who discovered your relationship would almost certainly disapprove.  The Storyteller will create your companion, be it werewolf, wraith, mage, or something else entirely, and won't reveal her full capabilities. This Merit supersedes those of Werewolf Companion and Spirit Mentor in The Vampire Players Guide.) (GFA)

University The character has control over a university. The trustees and important officials serve his interests. The character has full access to the school, and he can hunt the campus freely. The professors and libraries are useful in providing him with research information. The campus also has lots of computer equipment, along with those who know how to use it. (DSBH)

Vicissitude Modifications (Ghoul) Although you may not be talented at the Tzimisce forms of fleshcrafting and boneshaping, at some point you have been... modified into a more warlike form.  Generally speaking, you're a szlachta, and most modifications necessitate the purchase of the Flow: Monstrous (The Vampire Players Guide, p.19).  As a rule, the Tzimiscse make sufficient cosmetic alterations to ruin the looks of all their battle-ghouls, even those whose modiciations ar enot in and of themselves hidesous.  These modifications are permanent unless shaped away by further Vicissitude.  Although dangerous, any weaponry causes normal damage only; despite its horrid appearance, your arsenal is still only mortal flesh and bone.  You may purchase as many modifications as you can afford, but your social abilities are probably doomed.

  • Patagia Your bones have been hollowed, and flaps of skin (from yourself or another hapless soul) have been grafted onto your arms, giving you the appearance of a human pterodactyl.  You may use these flaps to glade, though you may not actually fly.  While gliding, you may not use your arms.  Furthermore, you subtract one from all soak pools to resist strkes from fists and blunt weapons, or any other form fo concussive damage (your bones are hollow)  You must take the Monstrous Flaw.

Note: Ghouls may never heal Vicissitude modifications , not even with vampire blood.  In this respect they are as helpless as mortals.  The exceptions are ghouls who temsleves possess Vicissitude, though a lowly Zantosa may well find herself helpless to repair the mutilation inflicted by a seventh-generation Tzimisce (to repair Vicissitude alterations, a ghoul must have a level of Vicissitude superior to that of the vampire who inflicted the mutilation). (GFA)

Five

Additional Discipline You can take one additional Discipline (Storyteller discretion) as if it were a clan Discipline. All costs to learn that Discipline are paid out as if it were native to your clan. A character can not take this merit more than once.

Castle The character owns a castle with at least 50 rooms and maybe as many as 500. He also controls a large estate around the castle. The servants, if he has any, are provided for if you choose this Merit. The castle can be in as poor or as good a condition as the character wishes. The more inhabited it appears to be, the more attention it will garner. Characters in the New World cannot have this Merit unless they can justify it - "An insane relative had the castle moved from Scotland, stone by stone." (DSBH)

Charmed Existence Your unlife is somehow protected, and you do not face the perils that others must. It could be that you are simply lucky. Whatever the reason, you may ignore a single “one” on every roll you make. This makes it far less likely that you will ever botch, and grants you more successes than others obtain.

Closer than Blood (3 or 5 Merit) You have an affinity with another Cainite (most likely a Toreador, but possibly one of another clan) not brought about Blood Oath other artificed means. You would lay down your unlives for each other, and you feel empty without the other nearby. Such bonds can be same sex or opposite sex, and there is no way to predict who your “twin” will be. A 3-point Merit indicates that you occasionally can sense the other’s strong emotions (fear, joy, pain) if your “twin” is in the vicinity. A 5 point Merit means that you often sense your other’s emotions, even at a distance, and can feel the other’s physical pain or peril.

Discipline Prodigy You are especially skilled in the use of one of your clan Disciplines. The difficulty to use any level of this Discipline is reduced by 1, although this Merit can never reduce the difficulty of any roll below 4. Characters may purchase this Merit only once and gain no benefit when using Discipline techniques. Prodigies of Koldunic Sorcery or other forms of blood sorcery reduce the difficulty of all paths and rituals. Prodigies of Obtenebration also find Abyss rituals easier.

Fountain of Life The healing power of God runs through you.  Non-Aggravated damage (normally an irrelevant distinction for mortals, who have no supernatural means of healing damage) heals as though it is one wound level less.  If you are Wounded, you will heal in one week.  If you are Bruised, you will heal in a matter of hours.  If you are not wounded, then those who are under your medical care will heal at your enhanced rate as well.  Note that this might seem "miraculous," but it will not be scientifically verifiable.  You won't get canonized just for this. Unfortunately, vampires find your blood particularly strong and tasty - twice as potent as that of other mortals, in fact.  Even better, you heal more quickly.  Vampires consider you in the same manner you look at an all-you-can eat buffet. (INQ)

Legendary Attribute Your character has a superhuman Attribute, something in which he has the potential to be greater than human. Although this Attribute isn’t necessarily automatically better, the character could potentially exceed the bounds of human ability. Such a gift is rare and precious, and many people with this capacity never even manage to fulfill their true potential. In your character’s legendary Attribute, your character has the potential for a rating of six dots. Thus, your character might have the Strength of Hercules or the Intelligence of Occam. This Merit doesn’t confer such a rating automatically; it must still be purchased with Attribute points, Freebie Points, or Experience. In addition to the potential for inhuman power, your character has some miraculous capability tied to that Attribute. A character with legendary Stamina might have the ability to roll a soak against any form of damage, for instance, while a character with legendary Wits might be able to shift his initiative category by one place in any given turn automatically. This power is generally automatic, and it’s subject to the Storyteller’s approval. Its potency varies with the character’s actual Attribute rating, so a character with a legendary Stamina of 1 has a weak legendary power that might grow with time and experience. This Merit obviously has the potential for abuse, and it’s not appropriate for all chronicles or characters.

Pure Blood The Curse of Caine runs strongly in your veins. You may spend one more blood point per turn than your generation should permit. You look especially pale and drawn under Aura Perception and yet oddly flushed with abundant health.

Strong Blood The character's blood is especially potent. Any Kindred who tastes his blood will find it extremely rich and potent and will recognize its great strength. Any diabolist who tastes it will lust after it. The character can Blood Bond someone with but two drinks of his blood. (DSBH)

Sympathetic Bond For whatever reason, you unconsciously cause a peculiar supernatural form of feedback through the links of the blood bond. Although you’re not immune to being blood bound (and cannot take the Merit: Unbondable), if you do become bound to someone, your regnant also becomes blood bound to you to an equal extent. Even if she was already blood bound to another, she now has the unenviable position of being regnant to two vampires at once. This can obviously lead to some unplanned and quite twisted codependent relationships.

True Gypsy (Ghoul) The blood of the Rom runs true in your veins.  Perhaps you have a Ravnos domitor who chose you for your potential, or perhaps you simply acquired a taste for Kindred blood in your travels.  You may purchase Blood Affinities, or other Gypsy-only abilities from World Of Darkness: Gypsies.  Your realtives may or may not approve, depending on the whys and wherefores of your ghouling. Revenants may not purchase this Merit under any circumstances. (GFA)

Six

Clear Sighted You can see through all levels of Kindred Obfuscate, Chimerstry, and other related Disciplines or Gifts with a Perception + Alerness roll (difficulty of the opposing power's level + 3). (INQ)

Guardian Angel  Someone or something watches over you and protects you from harm. You have no idea who or what it is, but you have an idea that someone is looking out for you. In times of great need you may be supernaturally protected. However, one can never count upon a guardian angel. The Storyteller must decide why you are being watched over, and by what (not necessarily an angel, despite the name).

Unbondable (Ghoul) You cannot be Blood Bound to a vampire, no matter how often you drink from his veins.  This Merit is obviously very useful for one who powers depend on vitae, and its cost is accordingly high for ghoul characters. (GFA)

Seven

Capable Assistant The character has another vampire who acts as her right hand in everything. This vampire is loyal, capable, and powerful enough to stand against anyone in her way. She may be Blood Bound to the character but would serve anyway. (DSBH)

Fist of God With this Merit, sometimes called the "Witch-Hammer," you can cause aggravated damage to a Kindred or other supernatural creature by simply striking her.  Work with your Storyteller to create a good reason for this effect, and how it developed.  The damage done is Standard Brawling damage, only it is considered aggravated against supernaturals.  Only mortal with a Humanity of seven or higher may purchase (or keep) this Merit. (INQ)

Virulent Strike (Ghoul) Through strange Thaumaturgical sorcery, unknown rituals or even an odd quirk of your ghoul physiognomy, you have been imbued with the power of the supernatural  You can cause aggravated damage to supernatural creatures by striking them, biting them, raking them with bonecrafted spurs - whatever.  This is considered standard Brawl damage against mortals, and should normally apply to only one attack form (bite, bone claws, etc.).  You should work with the Storyteller to find an explanation for this Merit, and the Storyteller may disallow this Merit entirely if she so chooses. (GFA)

Flaws

One

Anachronism (Mortal) This Flaw reads exactly the same as the Mortal Society flaw for Vampires, however, its point value is diminished because it has limited effect.  (INQ) Disallowed: Ghouls (Modern Ghouls, but possible for over 100 years of age.)

Bard's Tongue You speak the truth, uncannily so. Things you say tend to come true. This not a facility for blessing or cursing, or an ability that can be ruled by any conscious control. However, at least once per story, an uncomfortable truth regarding any current situation will appear in your head and come out your lips. To avoid speaking prophecy, the owner of the ‘gift’ must expend a Willpower point and take a wound level from the strain of resisting (especially if he bites a hole in his tongue)

Blackmailed The character is being blackmailed by another Kindred who is powerful and smart enough to keep the character from destroying her nemesis. The character is used by the Blackmailer to her personal advantage, forcing all sorts of awful things. Money or blood may be taken or she may force the character to aid the blackmailer in her own schemes. (DSBH)

Dark Secret You have some sort of secret that, if uncovered, would be of immense embarrassment to you and would make you a pariah in the local Kindred community. This could be anything from having murdered an elder to being a member of the Sabbat.

Impatient You have no patience for standing around and waiting. You want to do everything now, and the Devil take the hindmost. Every time you are forced to wait around instead off acting, a Self-Control roll is required to see if you go haring off on your own instead.

Irretractable Fangs The character is unable to retract his fangs. He should be very careful, lest the wrong mortals see them. Vicissitude 3 (Bonecraft) can be used to forcibly cause them to shrink, but the process is painful and the fangs will return the next night. (DSBH)

Isolated Upbringing (Inquisition)  You were born to an Inquisitor, or you were adopted by the Society at an early age.  The entirety of your life has been training to be an Inquisitor, a warrior for the Society of Leopold.  Unfortunately, you have only limited understanding of the world outside the Inquisition.  Whenever you are in a non-Society setting, you have a 1-die penalty to all social skills. (INQ)

Offensive to Animals For some reason, animals cringe from your touch and are uneasy in your presence.  Perhaps it is because you have been tainted by your dealings with the Infernal, or perhaps they just dislike your smell.  For whatever reason, animals are jittery around you, including any hounds used to guard your Cenaculum.  You have a 2-Dice penality in any actions involving animals. (INQ)

Two

Artificially Aged (Ghoul / Revenant) You have been fleshcrafted to look like an adult, although true maturity is still some time in your future.  Although you can pass as older than you actually feel, you have difficulty dealing with complex situations.  Your difficulty to resist frenzy is only one less than that of a vampire (or one more than normal, in the vase of Bratovitches); tantrums come easily to you.  You must also subtract 1-die from all Social Dice Pools that involve subtlety or sophistication. (GFA)

Curiosity You are naturally curious and find mysteries of any sort irresistible. In most circumstances, you find that your curiosity easily overrides your common sense. To resist the temptation, make a Wits roll (Difficulty 5) for simple things like “I wonder what is in that cabinet!” Increase the Difficulty up to 9 for things like “I’ll just peek into the dragons lair – no one will know. What could possibly go wrong?”

Dark Heritage Your bloodline has been tainted in the eyes of the Inquisition.  You might have had a distant ancestor who was burned at the stake for practicing witchcraft, or another relative is believed to have become one of the children of Caine, or lycanthropy is said to run in your blood.    Whatever the case may be, the Inquisition believes that your bloodline is tainted, and you may one day pose a danger as well ("the sins of the father," after all).  Even if your heritage has no other effect on you (in terms of Merits and Flaws, Attributes, or otherwise), you have what you and others believe ot be a blotch on your soul. (INQ)

Demon Plagued Either at one time the character practiced Infernal Diablerie and then broke it off or ran a foul of Baali, or another Infernalist and her cultists. Whatever the case, the vampire is now plagued by the evil efforts of a demon. It constantly tries to cause all sorts of problems but seldom has the power to face the character directly. (DSBH)

Disreputable Cenacle Your cenacle has been shamed by an event in the past.  It is considered less prestigious, less trustworthy, or ineffective. (INQ)

Domintor Pariah (Ghoul) You are Bound to a vampire who, for whatever reason, is unwelcome among or even hated by the other Kindred of the chronicle area.  Without Cainite allies, she finds herself relying on her human and ghoul associates to get by.  You will likely find yourself given additional responsibilities, which may present opportunities for you to further ingratiate yourself with the master.  However, if other Kindred discover who you serve, your life might well be in danger.  The Storyteller will determine why your domitor is so despised; you are welcome to offer suggestions, but the Storyteller is under no obligation to tell you the cause of such antipathy.  You might not even know that your beloved liege is hated at all; afterall, who could dislike such a wonderful creature as she...? (GFA)

Faerie Hatred The character is hated by the Fae. They find her totaly repulsive either for a past deed or nothing at all. They will thwart any and all plans the character has if they are near by. (DSBH)

Incorrigible Flirt You cannot resist making playful attempts at seducing anyone who fits your criteria for the perfect sexual partner. Although you may not intend to begin a serious relationship (or any relationship) with the object of your desire, you find yourself assuming the role of coquette or seducer, whichever seems more appropriate, whenever you are in the presence of someone who you consider attractive. You may find yourself flirting with more than one person at the same time, a situation that could turn awkward in a heartbeat. You must spend a point of willpower to remain focused on the matter at hand and defer your urges until a more appropriate time. Worse, your willpower is considered to be one point lower whenever potential hook-ups try to seduce you or bend your will with supernatural powers.

Romantic Notions (Ghoul) You believe your entire existence as a ghoul to be head and shoulders above your previous life.  You feel that your domitor needs you, and that every feeding is nothing short of an ct of purest love.  Revenants with this Flaw want nothing more than to serve the glorious ideals of the Sabbat, and leap to indulge many Sabbat vampire's whim.  Your Willpower is considered to be two points lower when the object of your romanticism attempts to use Dominate or Presence on you.  For a vassal, the domitor triggers this penalty; for revenants, any vampire known to be Sabbat may easily influence a ghoul with the Flaw.  Independents may not take this Flaw unless the Storyteller approves a common sort of vampire whom the ghoul idolizes, and with whom the ghoul puts herself at a disadvantage in dealings, due to her romanticized ideas. (GFA)

Secret Friendship You have a secret friendship with a denizen of the World of Darkness: a vampire, mage, werewolf or other supernatural entity.  Knowledge of this would not only destroy your reputation among hunters - it would place you on their hit list.  You must always cover up any activities that deal with this friendship, and you are paranoid that your secret is always on the verge of discovery (which it is). (INQ)

Stalker Someone has an unhealthy obsession with your character. Despite repeated calls to the police and several restraining orders, he continus to follow and occasionally harass her. Your Storyteller should create game stats for the stalker. Any time your character heads out on the town, the Storyteller can make a Perception test on your character’s behalf (difficulty 6). If it fails or botches, the stalker has managed to tail your character throughout the night and might put in an appearance when it’s least helpful.

Three

Aging (Mortal) You are not as spry as you used to be; you must lower any one Physical Attribute score (your choice) by one point.  You may this this Flaw once per decade above 40 years of age. (INQ)

Beholden (1 - 3 Flaw) You owe somebody something, and some day they’ll call the marker in. Exactly who you owe, and why, and how much, depends on the value of the Flaw and the Storyteller’s twisted imagination. The value or this Flaw is based on how great a favor is owed – for example, if the person saved your life, that’s usually a three-point Flaw. Other reasons why you might be Beholden include: someone has dirt on you; you borrowed money from them; they did you a favor; they saved the life of someone important to you; they kept you (or a loved one) from suffering some horrible fate.

Demesure Démesuré refers to sinful pride that results in extraordinary (and sometimes horrendous) costs to the possessor and those around him. The most famous example is that of Childe Roland, who refused to allow his men to retreat as the Moors slaughtered them, his pride goading him to remain so that he would not appear as a coward. A player who takes this Flaw should select one (maybe more) things that his character takes great pride in – his clothes, his horsemanship, his fighting, etc. When that pride is insulted or threatened, the player must make a Willpower roll (difficulty 9). If he fails, he pursues the salvation of his “honor” to the exclusion of all other business. This obsession can result in lost allies, plans gone completely awry, loss of loved ones or even Final Death. Each time the character achieves goals relating to his obsession, he may make a Willpower roll (difficulty 7) to see if he can let the obsession rest for the remainder of the night.

Potent Blood Your blood, for some reason, is very potent and Kindred will desire to drink it. They will not easily give up the chance to continue using you as a vitae source. They gain two blood points for every one drunk.

Rebel (1 - 3 Flaw)  For some reason, you (and possibly your allies) are considered rebels by other Inquisitors.  Depending upon your reputation, you might simply be scorned (and don't expect anyone to help you), or you may be hated outright, even as much as the supernaturals.  There may be a reason for this reputation, or it might arise simply from a case of maligned reputaiton, or you might have been set up by one of the Kindred (paritcularly the anarchs, who love to do this kind of thing to Inquisitors). (INQ)

Religious Hysteria Even among the devoutly religious, there are those that take things too far.  Unlike religious ecstatics, who occasionally have visions of Heaven, your visions seem a bit too often, and a bit too untenable.  You see everything as an omen or a sign from God, devils and angels are everywhere, and you just can't read the Good Book too many times.  The difference between this Flaw and the Ecstatic Merit is that people don't take you seriously.  Whenever you are in any social encounters, you have a 1-die penalty. (INQ)

Rivalry (1 - 3 Flaw) You have an ongoing rivalry with someone (perhaps a Cainite, or even a mortal). You may or may not remember how the competition started, but now you and your rival are inseparable. This rival takes advantage of every opportunity to slander you and advance himself at your expense. There may be ways to cool or end this quarrel, but doing so will take a long time. A 1-point rival is at your own power level, and is often annoying but not too dangerous. A 2-point rival occasionally takes harmful action against you, or his words have some measure of influence. A 3-point rival has no qualms about occasionally attempting to have you killed or has some serious clout with someone of higher standing than you (a mortal authority or clan elder). For him, your rivalry has become a matter of death or dishonor.

Vitae Sink (Ghoul) For wharever reason, you metabolize vitae more quickly than other ghouls do.  You must be fed every two weeks, rather than every month, or lose all supernatural traits and revert to a human once more.  Few ghouls with this Flaw last beyond their natural life spans; at this rate, missed feedings do happen... (GFA)

Weak Willed (Mortal) This version of Weak Willed is the same as the one in Vampire but is worth one extra point for a mortal Inquisitor.  Inquisitors with this Flaw cannot use Theurgy (or Thaumaturgy), since their will is too weak for it. (INQ) Recommended: Ghouls

Four

Hunted You are pursued by a fanatical witch-hunter who believes (perhaps correctly) that you are a danger to humanity. All those with whom you associate, be they mortal or Kindred, may be hunted as well.

Kinfolk (Ghouls) Whether you know it or not, you are kin to a werewolf tribe.  You carry the blood of the Garou in your veins, nd your own children may be Garou. For ghouls, being Kinfolk can be an advantage or a hindrance.  It's more likely that the Garou consider a ghoul Kinfolk to be a serious threat.  If brought as a Flaw, then your extended family believes you may compromise their security.  They seek either to remove you entirely from your diet and/or domitor's influence, or to kill you as a favor to your corrupted soul.  This Flaw earns you dangerous enemies, one form whom your domitor (if any) is very unlikely to intercede and rescue you.  This Flaw is more appropriate for vassal ghouls, as no werewolf would agree to let one their precious kin be sworn to a vampire. Revenants cannot be Kinfolk, either as a Merit or as a Flaw. (GFA)

Five

Cursed (1 - 5 Flaw) You are the recipient of a supernatural curse. The strength and pervasiveness of the curse depend upon how many points you wish to incur. Examples follow: If you pass on a secret you were entrusted with, your betrayal will come back to harm you in some way. (1 pt.) You stutter uncontrollably when you try to describe what you have seen or heard. (2 pts.) Tools break or malfunction when you try to use them. (3 pts.) You are doomed to make enemies of those whom you most love or admire. (4 pts.) Every one of your accomplishments or triumphs will eventually become soiled or fail in some way. (5 pts.)

Enemy (1 - 5 Flaw) You have an enemy, or perhaps a group of enemies. Someone wants to harm you. The value of the Flaw determines how powerful these enemies are. The most powerful enemies (Masters or elder vampires) would be five point Flaws, while someone nearer to your own power would be worth only one point. You must decide who your enemy is and how you earned such enmity in the first place.

Unblooded You never received any ritual of blooding from your sire or other warriors, and so your training is at a standstill. You may not progress beyond the second level of Valeren until you receive a ritual of blooding. Only warrior Salubri can take this flaw.

Seven

Methuselah's Thirst The character is no longer capable of drinking mortal blood to sustain himself regardless of Blood Potency. He must feed upon the vitae of other Kindred. (DSBH)

Advertisement