Vampire: The Masquerade
(introductory kit)

Section II

Vampire: The Masquerade Introductory Kit

Character Creation

Now that you know a little bit about the world of the undead, it is time to create a character. Character creation consists of three basic choices: choice of clan, ranking of Traits, and choice of Disciplines. Additionally, every vampire starts with 10 Blood Levels and seven Health Levels; Blood and Health Levels can increase or decrease as the character injures or heals herself, feeds or grows hungry.

Creating a character is easy, involving just a few simple choices. It is a good idea to have a general concept of what you want your vampire to be like (Was he a gangbanger abducted off the street? A rich boy chosen at a society ball? A computer specialist picked for expedience by an ancient vampire who knows nothing about "those infernal contraptions"?). Even this is not necessary, however; a concept can be created as you go.

The first thing to do is pick the character's clan; this provides a lot of details about the character's strengths, weaknesses and general outlook on existence. Do you want to be an angry Brujah punk? A loathsome, sewer-creeping Nosferatu? A gorgeous, immaculate Toreador? Once a clan is chosen, write down the listed Aptitude, Advantage and Weakness. Make a note of the Disciplines as well, so you'll have them handy during the Discipline-choosing phase.

Next, you get to decide your character's Trait levels. Characters have four Traits: Physical, Mental, Social and Psychic. Rank these from 1 to 4; 4 is the best, 1 is the worst. (Each number may only be assigned to one Trait; you can't give your character a 4 in everything!) So, if you decide your character is really bright, in good shape, fairly self-disciplined, but abrasive and introverted, you might decide the character has Mental 4, Physical 3, Psychic 2, Social 1.

Now, pick your character's Discipline Levels. Each clan teaches three Disciplines - magical powers - to its members, but some vampires are more adept with some Disciplines than others. Disciplines come in two levels: Basic and Advanced. A beginning character may choose one of three "Discipline schemes":

All three clan Disciplines at the Basic level.

Two clan Disciplines: one Basic Discipline and one Advanced Discipline.

Two clan Disciplines at the Basic level, plus an additional two points to spend on Traits. (If this option is chosen, the vampire may raise one Trait to 5 - superhuman capacity.)

That's about it. Write down your character's Blood Levels (10), Health Levels (7), and make up some further details about your vampire. What is her name? What does she look like? Does she still have mortal friends? Does she hate vampires of another clan? What outstanding personality traits does she have?

Once this is done, your character is ready to enter the world of the eternal night.

Details about clans, Traits and Disciplines can be found on the following pages.

Character-Creation

Quick Chart

Choose clan: Write down the clan Aptitude, Advantage and Weakness. The choice of clan also determines which Disciplines you may select for your character.

Choose Traits: Rank the character's Physical, Mental, Social and Psychic Traits from 1 to 4; 4 is the best, 1 is the worst.

Choose Disciplines: Each clan has three Disciplines listed with it. These are the clan Disciplines, powers in which a particular clan specializes. The player may choose one of three Discipline schemes:

All three listed Disciplines at the Basic level.

One Basic Discipline and one Advanced Discipline (player's choice)

Two Basic Disciplines, plus an extra two points to place in Traits. (If this option is chosen, one Trait may be raised to 5 - a superhuman level of proficiency.)

Write down Health and Blood Levels: Beginning characters start with 10 Blood Levels (they are assumed to have recently fed).

Give your character a name, and make up some details about her appearance, personality, mannerisms and other features salient to roleplaying.