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| BACKGROUNDS |
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Backgrounds represent resources, connections, and advantages your
character possesses. Unlike Attributes and Skills, Backgrounds
provide mechanical benefits that can be used in play.
BACKGROUND LIST:
Allies (dots 1-5)
Mortal or supernatural allies who can provide aid
Benefit: Can call for help. +[dots] to Social rolls when relevant
Uses: [dots] times per session
Contacts (dots 1-5)
Information sources in various areas
Benefit: +[dots] to Investigation when using contacts
Uses: [dots × 2] times per session
Fame (dots 1-5)
Recognition in mortal society
Benefit: +[dots] to Social rolls with those who recognize you
Uses: Unlimited (passive)
Haven (dots 1-5)
Quality and security of your haven/lair
Benefit: Security rating +[dots] to defend against intrusion
Uses: Passive
Herd (dots 1-5)
Regular feeding sources
Benefit: Reduce Hunger by [dots] per week without hunting (no risk)
Uses: Once per week
Influence (dots 1-5)
Sway over mortal institutions
Benefit: +[dots] to Leadership/Politics in domain
Uses: [dots] times per session
Mask (dots 1-5)
Strength of your mortal identity/cover
Benefit: +[dots] to maintain Masquerade and resist investigation
Uses: Passive
Resources (dots 1-5)
Wealth and material assets
Benefit: Can acquire items of [dots] rating or less
Uses: [dots] times per session
Retainers (dots 1-5)
Loyal servants, ghouls, or employees
Benefit: [dots] servants who can perform tasks
Uses: Unlimited (they're always there)
Status (dots 1-5)
Standing in vampire society
Benefit: +[dots] to Social rolls with Kindred
Uses: Unlimited (passive)
USING BACKGROUNDS:
Most backgrounds can be actively used for mechanical benefits:
+background
View all your backgrounds
+background <name>
View details of a specific background
Example: +background contacts
+background/use <name>=<task>
Use background for a task
Example: +background/use contacts=investigate gang activity
+background/herd
Feed from your Herd (reduces Hunger safely)
+background/resources <item>=<rating>
Acquire an item using Resources
Example: +background/resources pistol=2
BACKGROUND RATINGS:
1 dot: Minor benefit (small apartment, one good contact)
2 dots: Useful benefit (nice house, several contacts)
3 dots: Significant benefit (mansion, network of contacts)
4 dots: Major benefit (estate, influential connections)
5 dots: Exceptional benefit (multiple properties, powerful allies)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Most backgrounds have limited uses per session
- Uses reset at start of each game session
- Staff may award additional uses for good roleplay
- Backgrounds can be increased with XP
- Some backgrounds (Status, Fame) are always "on"
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Commands:
+background - List your backgrounds
+background/use - Use a background
+sheet - View character (includes backgrounds)
See also: help chargen, help xp, help status