Dog build:
-Cost: 15xp (Bond Famulus, Feral Whispers)
-Damage: +3 with gun; +1 dog
-Dice pool: 5-7 with melee gun, 4-6 with normal gun, 5 with stake; 6 dog
I finally got around to looking at the rules for this and Jesus Christ, I can see why Kebarton's wanted one for so long! 6 dice in combat, subtracts 1 die from the enemy during team attacks, has utility uses, can turn invisible thanks to being our ghoul, and won't get us arrested. Pretty great pick! Rank: S-tier
Thank you! It's admittedly hard to find all the rules for this idea, as their spread through out the book. Imagine a St. Bernard sleeping on the floor while invisible, only to be woken up from his nap by an intruder. He remains invisible and unmoving, simply waiting for the intruder to draw closer to his position.
Gun Kata build:
-Cost: 17xp (Lightning Reflexes, Prowess)
-Damage: +3 with gun, +2 with fists, +1 with melee stake, +0 with thrown stake
-Dice pool: 8-9 with melee gun, 5-6 with normal gun, 5 with thrown stake, 4 with melee stake
This build provides us with the biggest dice pool of all the builds, ups Strength, and gives us a bit more chance to stake someone, all while not even being the most expensive item on the list. Rank: A-tier
I do like this build, it gives us a mix of defense and offense in combat. I'm still leaning towards stake fighting simply so we can take kindred alive and untorpored. For example that Attacker that we gun down could remain in torpor anywhere between 3 days to 5 centuries. It entirely depends on her Humanity.
I appreciate the thought you've put into this, @Andres. However, I believe the Strength bonus from Prowess only applies to Brawl damage and feats of Strength, like lifting a car. In other words, Prowess won't help Artie land blows or shots at close-range.
@Rogue Attican Heres a question to clear up some confusion. If we wanted to, could we spend 5 XP points to gain the second ability of a Discipline? So for example let's say we want to get a new discipline, if we spend 7 XP we get 1 dot and one ability. If we spend 14 XP could we get two level 1 abilities at 1 dot?
If we wanted to, could we spend 5 XP points to gain the second ability of a Discipline? So for example let's say we want to get a new discipline, if we spend 7 XP we get 1 dot and one ability. If we spend 14 XP could we get two level 1 abilities at 1 dot?
You can get multiple powers of the same level. However, you still have to pay for the next dot in the Discipline. For example, if you get the second dot of Potence, you can choose between taking Prowess or Soaring Leap. However, both would cost 10 XP. If you want both powers, you must spend an additional 15 XP for the third dot of Potence.
I'm still thinking about whether or not to let you guys purchase additional powers in a Discipline once you've mastered it.
I appreciate the thought you've put into this, @Andres. However, I believe the Strength bonus from Prowess only applies to Brawl damage and feats of Strength, like lifting a car. In other words, Prowess won't help Artie land blows or shots at close-range.
Oh you're right! Feats of strength, that's what's found in pages 411-412. I haven't played VtM yet so I'm really glad to learn more about the rules before I do!
Looking back, I was very unfair to the Throwing build. Compared to the Soldier build, it's a little worse in melee but a little better outside melee. Breaking that tie is a higher stake chance, making it a little better in combat overall, plus it's got more utility use since Athletics is Athletics. (The max Soldier build is a little better for normal combat, but loses due to the lack of stake chance and utility.
Unless we decide to build our own miniature artillery piece, dog or throwing will be the way to go.
I'm still leaning towards stake fighting simply so we can take kindred alive and untorpored. For example that Attacker that we gun down could remain in torpor anywhere between 3 days to 5 centuries. It entirely depends on her Humanity.
Yeah, if we pick up the throwing build, we'll definitely want to get the stake fighting advantage. Ultimately though, I think we have to decide between staking people and the dog build, otherwise it'd cost way too much xp.
Yeah, if we pick up the throwing build, we'll definitely want to get the stake fighting advantage. Ultimately though, I think we have to decide between staking people and the dog build, otherwise it'd cost way too much xp.
If we're going for a single purchase improvement I'd lobby for the Dog build. If we're willing to build up over this arch and the next we could improve our Stake fighting.
For now let's see we're this goes and I'll list out all the plans in my vault come next voting session.
If we're going for a single purchase improvement I'd lobby for the Dog build. If we're willing to build up over this arch and the next we could improve our Stake fighting.
For now let's see we're this goes and I'll list out all the plans in my vault come next voting session.
@Rogue Attican
Hey Rogue, hope your doing well. I had an idea/question I wanted to ask. If we get a Famulus from Animalism can we pick some ghoul merits/flaws to make that Famulus more distinct as a character?
I have an idea but I want to see if it's okay first on principle.
Right now? Okay here's is my favorite plan for the next vote.
[] Plan: Courage a Man's Best Friend (15 XP) (Part 1)
-[] Animalism 1: I formed a bond with an animal, turning them into my familiar. (5 XP)
--[] Animalism 2: I even learned how to communicate with and call out to them. (10 XP)
---[] A military working dog, even a retired one, is an excellent protector.
——[] Unseemly Aura 2: The aura of the dog reacted strangely to the Blood bonding process. Instead of being vibrant and lively it is now muted and indistinguishable from the aura's of other Kindred. This valiant pooch is sometimes mistaken for a shapeshifted Kindred and is treated as such. Rather than as the Famulus that he is. (Ghoul Merit)
——[] Baneful Blood 2: Due to the strange properties of the Blood, this Famulus inherited the unique clan Bane variation of its master. The clan Bane manifests as a repulsive aura that convince bystanders on first impression that the dog is intimidating, aggressive or standoffish. (Ghoul Flaw)
Basically a 'Blank' dog, somewhat paying homage to Courage.
Okay, I'll make a note of that for the future plan vote. Until you pointed it out I was thinking of the the merit and flaw as two separate isolated effects. I now see how they reinforce each other and the impression that there's more than meets the eye with the dog.
Now I'll admit to being guilty of min-maxing characters in my own ttrpg's, but I didn't mean to here. So I'm sorry.
Okay, I'll make a note of that for the future plan vote. Until you pointed it out I was thinking of the merit and flaw as two separate isolated effects. I now see how they reinforce each other and the impression that there's more than meets the eye with the dog. Now I'll admit to being guilty of min-maxing characters in my own TTRPGs, but I didn't mean to here. So I'm sorry.
It's just that the Bane of Clan Nosferatu impacts positive Social interactions. Somehow, I doubt that you'll send Mr. Fluffypants to negotiate business deals with mortals, so the Baneful Blood Flaw doesn't really hinder your pet.
Turns out there's a list of all the loresheets in V5 and through it, I managed to find the Kindred Social Media Influencer loresheet. I think Artie could benefit from it since he's already made a name for themself in social media.
• Friends Everywhere: You have a small following, mostly consisting of friends and close acquaintances. Occasionally, someone with a larger social media footprint will boost or share one of your posts, bringing you a temporary increase in visibility. Once per chapter, you can crowdsource a solution to a problem, providing you have enough time to consult your followers, allowing you to roll two dice in a Skill you don't possess or adding two automatic successes in an area you already have familiarity.
•• Niche Following: Your knowledge in a specific area grants you a degree of online authority. Your Twitter threads occasionally go viral, and you've been paid to write articles for newspapers and websites thanks to your unique voice. Gain two dots of Influence in your field. Once per story, you may temporarily increase your Resources by one dot when you pen an article or do a video hangout for a small audience.
Friends Everywhere gives us two dice or two automatic successes for the mere cost of 3xp and a bit of prep time. That's a very good reward for a very modest price.
Niche Following isn't as good but it's solid. It costs the same as what two dots of Influence would normally cost, but also comes with a temporary bump in Resources. Nice.
••• Internet Famous: Your follower count is in the tens of thousands across several social media platforms. Loyal fans provide a small amount of ad revenue and buy branded swag, providing you with an additional two dots in Resources. Once per story, you can arrange a small, local meetup and feed from one of the attendees, granting you one dot in Herd.
Strictly worse than spending 9xp to get two dots in Resources and a dot in Herd. Pass.
•••• Collabs and Sponsorships: Everyone who's interested in your particular subject matter knows your name. Companies offer to work with you to create branded products and attempt to woo you with freebies they hope you'll promote. In addition to two dots in Fame, gain Allies (••) from among your fans and declare a two-dot Contact at one of the companies you've promoted.
And we're back on the xp efficiency train. Two dots in Fame plus two dots in Allies plus two dots in Contact would normally cost 18xp, but with Collabs and Sponsorships, it costs 12xp instead. I think there are more attractive things to spend xp on, but it's still a good pick if we dice to go that route. Though it should be noted that it would include subjecting poor Artie to more stage fright. Speaking of tormenting Arturo Delacruz with fame and attention...
••••• Superstar: Your social media presence makes you a household name. You set trends and pull in a sizable income from products, promotions, ad revenue, and patron donations. Maintaining your presence and place in the ever-changing hierarchy requires a full-time schedule of recording, posting, promoting. While this grants you three dots in both Fame and Resources, your notoriety also puts you in a precarious position with Kindred elders. Should they (or worse, FIRSTLIGHT) discover your vampiric identity, punishment will be swift and deadly.
I managed to find the Kindred Social Media Influencer Loresheet. I think Artie could benefit from it since he's already made a name for themself on social media.
You know you have it bad when people would rather pay attention to your older brother, the accountant, making jokes about depreciating land. (Seriously, Nick has three dots of Charisma, plus Performance 1 on the rough character sheet I have for him.)
It's just that the Bane of Clan Nosferatu impacts positive Social interactions. Somehow, I doubt that you'll send Mr. Fluffypants to negotiate business deals with mortals, so the Baneful Blood Flaw doesn't really hinder your pet.
True, though Mr. Fluffypants would find it very difficult to get free pets from random people and kindred. Jokes aside, what flaw do you think would work better for a ghouled dog?
You know you have it bad when people would rather pay attention to your older brother, the accountant, making jokes about depreciating land. (Seriously, Nick has three dots of Charisma, plus Performance 1 on the rough character sheet I have for him.)
Oooph, that's a mood, my younger brother was a band geek and a massive social butterfly. He was called 'The Quadfather' on the account he mostly played the quads and helped the new music teacher run the classes and organize the events.
While I'm the socially awkward, nerdy older brother with passable drawing skills, an interest in robotics and an encyclopedic like knowledge in many subjects.
Everyone has their own cup of tea they enjoy. So I can't fault you for not being interested. I think any merit that can give the impression how ever brief there maybe more vampires in a fight than there actually is, would be useful.
To the more naive, it would look like Artie has roped a Gangrel into his service. It probably won't have any mechanical effect on the game but narratively it would be interesting.
[] [PLAN] The Lasombra can drive themselves to safety while I stay behind with the ghouls.
[] [HEAL] I'll roll twice to erase two slashes from my Health tracker.
"I'll stay behind with your people while you take Celia and this lick," you say as you hoist the Nosferatu in torpor up onto your shoulder, "to meet the Prince. The three of us should be able to buy enough time for you to ride in with the cavalry."
Sierra nods as she catches the car keys you toss her way. As her ghouls arm themselves with shotguns no doubt loaded with dragon's breath rounds, Sierra opens the trunk of your undamaged car and removes the weapons inside, allowing you to dump the Kindred prisoner in their place. You take one last look at the Nosferatu before closing the trunk, and it seems you're not the only one feeling contemplative. "Something on your mind, Celia?"
"Is… Is unlife always like this?" Celia is shaken by what happened, but for an untrained civilian, she's holding herself together quite admirably.
You consider the question for a moment before answering. The pause also gives you time for your Blood to mend your wounds. "Thankfully, no. Unfortunately, not all the dangers of our existence are as obvious as a lick with a gun. Now get in the car. You and Sierra have to get moving now."
Health - [ ][ ][ ][ ][/]
As the Lasombra Kindred speed off in your car, you take up a concealed position behind the corner of a building. Warde and Beazley have done the same, and together, the three of you wait. Eventually, a beat-up sedan arrives at the scene of the crash. From the car emerges three African-American Kindred and a Rottweiler.
The Kindred holding the Rottweiler's leash is thin and wiry, the signs of heavy drug use apparent on his face. If you had to guess from the dog and his normal-ish appearance, he's a Gangrel like Rosa. Your suspicions are confirmed when his coke nails extend into wicked talons. Shapeshifting is an art practiced by only a few clans, like the Gangrel and Ministry.
The second vampire to draw your attention draws a 9mm pistol from inside his waistband. Hardly the safest way to holster a gun, but you suppose the undead condition dramatically reduces the danger of shooting yourself in the crotch by accident. As his eyes scan his surroundings, the fingernails on his left hand extend into wicked talons. An Outlander, just like the first Kindred.
The last Kindred is a beefy woman. Unlike her male compatriots, her clothes are clean. The resemblance to the Gangrel armed with a pistol is strong enough to make you wonder if the two are siblings. Though she lacks a weapon such as a K9 or 9mm, something about the familiar way she cracks her knuckles tells you she can handle herself just fine.
The shadows of the building you're hiding behind are dark enough for you to use the dark arts of Clan Lasombra to conceal yourself. As the unfamiliar coterie draws closer to the kill zone you've set up, you single out a target from among their number.
[] [Target] I don't want that Gangrel with the pistol in a position to fire back.
[] [Target] The female Kindred in the tracksuit cannot be allowed to get in close quarters.
[] [Target] I should neutralize the vampire commanding the attack dog first.
[] [Target] The Rottweiler should be a much squishier target than its vampiric master.
How will you do this?
[] [Action] I'll just shoot them with my assault rifle.
-[] I'll make a Rouse check to add two more dice to my pool.
-[] I'll spend a point of Willpower to reroll up to three regular dice. Resolve + Firearms (Difficulty: 1)
[] [Action] It's time for some more CQC with my Glock. It's riskier, but I can do more damage this way.
-[] I'll make a Rouse check to add two more dice to my pool.
-[] I'll spend a point of Willpower to reroll up to three regular dice. Strength + Firearms (Difficulty: 1)
[] [Action] I'll use my grenade launcher to fire a wooden stake into their heart.
-[] I'll make a Rouse check to add two more dice to my pool.
-[] I'll spend a point of Willpower to reroll up to three regular dice. Resolve + Firearms (Difficulty: 8)
[] [Action] I borrowed a pump-action shotgun from Sierra's wrecked SUV.
-[] Dragon's breath rounds are loaded inside to deal Aggravated damage to vampires.
-[] I'll make a Rouse check to add two more dice to my pool.
-[] I'll spend a point of Willpower to reroll up to three regular dice. Resolve + Firearms (Difficulty: 1)
I've reread the called shot rules in the V5 core book. According to them, you subtract successes from the result, not dice in your pool. Going forward, the Difficulties for rolls involving called shots will reflect what's in the rulebook. In other words, Artie will no longer subtract dice for called shots in exchange for increased Difficulty on such rolls.
[X] [Target] The female Kindred in the tracksuit cannot be allowed to get in close quarters.
[X] [Action] I borrowed a pump-action shotgun from Sierra's wrecked SUV.
-[X] Dragon's breath rounds are loaded inside to deal Aggravated damage to vampires.
-[X] I'll make a Rouse check to add two more dice to my pool.
-[X] I'll spend a point of Willpower to reroll up to three regular dice.
1. Can we make called shots to their legs with the shotgun to cripple their legs?
2. Can we split our dice pool to attack multiple opponents? This would disperse the damage we do with a shotgun, but I'm hoping it'd make more vampires test for terror frenzy. (With a rifle, it'd increase the total amount of damage we do, assuming we hit.)
