wod merits

Standard Backgrounds

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World of Darkness Classic: Backgrounds Master Index

Note: This document is uses 20th Anniversary

Editions where available, and does not contain the

backgrounds for Wraith: The Oblivion or Mummy,

nor does it contain any backgrounds from

Orpheus, as any Orpheus backgrounds that are

not Orpheus/Wraith- specific are better covered

elsewhere, i.e. Detective Licence vs M20s

Certification, or Personal Trainer covered by

Mentor. In the case of Mummy and Wraith, my

group doesnt play them, so I didnt include them.

Further, some House rulings on eligibility are

applied within. Further, to reduce confusion with

the Alertness Talent, our group refers to the

Awareness talent as Arcane Awareness.

Special Backgrounds Certain Backgrounds may have special functions,

and will be denoted by the following:

(+) These Backgrounds may exceed 5 dots,

whether through pooling or special circumstance.

Backgrounds beyond 5 dots should only be

granted with special approval from the ST.

($) These Backgrounds cost double the usual

points (2 background points or 2 freebies, 2x the

XP cost for backgrounds set by the Storyteller)

(P) These backgrounds may be pooled.

Standard Backgrounds These backgrounds can be taken by any mortal or

supernatural that does not have an explicit

restriction stated in their rules (i.e, certain

Shapechangers may not take Resources or

Influence.)

Allies (+, P) Allies represent people who have your back in

times of need Friends, People with connections,

errand runners, or even minor supernatural

beings. This background generally refers to

mundane human or animal allies Not

Supernatural acquaintances, which may have their

own backgrounds, though the Storyteller may

allow otherwise at their discretion.

X (none) No allies to help in times of need

(1)

One ally of moderate power/two sidekicks

(2)

Two Moderate Allies, Four Sidekicks or one powerful ally

(3)

Three Moderate allies, or a combination of lesser ones

(4)

Four moderate allies, six sidekicks, or a combination of all 3

(5 Normal Limit)

Five Moderates or an assortment of lesser and greater ones

(6)

Six moderates, a small gang of sidekicks, one or two really powerful friends

(7)

Seven moderates, a staff of sidekicks, or a handful of strong companions

(8)

Eight moderates, a bunch of followers, or a few major badasses.

(9)

Nine moderates, a private militia, or a pack of major friends.

(10 max)

Ten capable allies, a small army, or a truly deadly gang.

Note that Allies are friends, contacts and

associates they are not minions to be dragged

along for every romp into enemy territory. This is

better reflected instead by the Retainers

background.

Alternate Identity With this background, you have an established

alternate identity. The number of dots in this

background represents how well your ID holds up,

and how complete it is. This background may be

taken multiple times to show multiple identities.

A fake ID that kinda looks like you


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A passable fake ID, plus supporting documents

Respectable ID papers and supporting documents thatll pass casual inspection

An established alternate identity A fully supported identity with

complete history, support documents, witnesses, fake family photos, alternate homes, etc.

Animal Companion This background represents useful pets or work

animals, as opposed to run of the mill pets a

Rottweiler that can crush soup bones, or a cat

that is sensitive to supernatural presences.

A very loud cat that is sensitive to unnatural presences (8-dice Arcane awareness pool)

A big, mean dog A horse, raised from a colt A horse and a big dog, several dogs, or

equivalent. You own a stable, or you train

attack/seeing eye dogs professionally

Suggested Stats: Animal Companions

Big, Mean Dog Strength: 4, Dex: 3, Stamina: 3, Perception: 4 Abilities: Alertness: 3, Athletics: 2, Brawl: 3, Dodge: 3, Empathy: 2, Intimidation: 3, Stealth: 2 Health: OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, Dead Attack: Bite (5 dice), Claw (4 Dice) Willpower: 5

Well-Trained Horse Strength: 5, Dex: 2, Stamina: 4 Abilities: Alertness: 3, Athletics: 2, Brawl: 3, Empathy: 2, Intimidation: 2 Health: OK, OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, Incapacitated Attack: Trample or kick (6 dice), bite (3 dice) Willpower: 3

Aware Cat Strength: 1, Dex: 3, Stamina: 3, Perception: 3 Abilities: Alertness: 5, Athletics: 3, Brawl: 2, Intimidation: 2, Stealth: 4, Empathy: 2, Subterfuge: 2

Armoury This background represents a large stockpile of

weapons and associated paraphernalia. Note that

this background does not represent the necessary

qualifications and licenses required to allow their

possession, merely the possession itself, and

without other backgrounds (such as Influence,

Certification and Rank), a character may find

themselves losing the points invested into this

background very quickly if they arent careful,

especially in a chronicle set outside the trigger-

happy United States.

You have an excellent starter armoury, including many legal weapons copmonly available on the street, and extra weapons relevant to regional culture.

You have access to enough legal weaponry to outfit a street gang of 10 men

You could start your own small militia, and have access to weaponry that exists in a legal grey area for the region

You have an armoury appropriate to a SWAT team, including some military hardware, and could outfit 10 men with such advanced weaponry

Your armoury could outfit a paramilitary force, can clean and repair almost any personal weapon, and have access to significant quantities of illegal weaponry.

Backers This is similar to the Allies background, but

represents unknown forces with a stake in the

Characters activities. These Backers are secret

forces that support the character for reasons of

their own. (Note: See Patron below)

One backer of moderate influence and power

Two backers, both of moderate power Three backers, one of them quite

influential Four backers, one very influential Five backers, one of them extremely

influential.


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Backup (+, P) This background represents a large pool of skilled,

but mundane, personnel you can call in an

emergency. Unlike Allies, these people are largely

faceless, have limited skills, and are effectively

expendable mooks Generic, faceless nobodies.

They could be gun-wielding grunts that come to

cover a characters escape, a group of drunken

students that serve as a distraction, or a rock

stars roadies. With the storytellers permission

and appropriate justification, this background may

even cover spirits or animals.

The number of individuals provided by this

background depends on the kind of individuals

involved a motley band of drunken gang bangers

versus paramilitary shock troops. Note that these

individuals are not your servants they belong

to a particular organization, of which you must

also be a member. Further, once their job is done,

these individuals return from whence they came

(provided their alive You may have to clean up

any casualties yourself.)

X (none) Youre on your own (1)

Two typical individuals

(2)

Four typicals or two elites.

(3)

Six typicals

(4)

Eight typicals or four elites

(5 Normal Limit)

Ten typicals

(6)

Twelve typicals or six elites

(7)

14 typicals

(8)

16 typicals or eight elites

(9)

18 typicals

(10 max)

20 typicals, 10 elites

Base of Operations (P) This background represents a secure location,

controlled and owned by your character. In this

place, you may rest, train and plan in relative

safety. This background has three different

categories that points may be split between

effectively, this background has a minimum of 3

dots, and a maximum of 15, with 1-5 in each

category.

Luxury Quality and comfort Thrift Store and low cost furniture Modest decoration, basics of first

world lifestyle where appropriate Relative comfort and a host of

amenities Luxurious respite, unique in both

design and appearance A degree of ostentation usually

reserved for the extremely wealthy or celebrities.

Size: The approximate size and floorplan A small apartment or underground

chamber, 1 or 2 rooms A large apartment or family home, 3-4

rooms A Warehouse, Church or large home,

5-8 rooms A mansion or network of tunnels, 9-15

rooms or chambers A sprawling estate or vast network of

subway tunnels, 20+ rooms. Security: How tough it is to break into the base. Each dot adds 1 to the difficulty of any roll to penetrate the base, or 1 to number of successes to gain access. Locks on the doors, but little else Doors have deadbolts and windows are

barred, perhaps a guard dog that barks Modern locks, bars on windows,

electronic security measures such as alarms and CCTV

Reinforced walls, Sectionalized access, panic rooms and hidden chambers

Protected by a remote location, geographical boundary (Waterfall/mountain pass), and possibly even occult protections.


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Blessing This background represents something out there

that has left a mark on your character. Blessing

ties a character to forces greater than themselves

a minor quirk of fate. Choose one non-combat,

story-based ability that blesses your character

with an unusual talent. The higher the rating, the

more useful that talent becomes. Note that the

blessing must follow certain guidelines it must:

- be based on the characters beliefs about the

world (Magical Paradigm for mages)

- Tie into their personal history

- Be connected to a potent supernatural or

mythical figure (God, Hero, Fae Noble) that fits

the characters concept

- It may not influence combat directly (Knives may

remain sharp, one bullet may be left at a critical

moment, but no bonus to aim or the like)

- Not be obviously inhuman or impossible, and

must have a rational explanation

- have a corresponding weird quirk, also story-

based, that mirrors the blessing (odd breeze, one

eye and an affinity for ravens, etc.)

- If the character breaks faith with their patron,

the blessing disappears.

The blessing shares a clear connection with the

figure that favours your character A man blessed

by Pan always goes home with the best-looking

person in the club, a guy nicknamed Lucifer can

talk people into anything, and his skin seems a

little red.

Small favours, clothes always look clean, kitchen always tidy, you find the odd dollar on the ground

Little things, you always find parking, win a little whenever you play lotto

An affinity for things, cooking always tastes good, you never get lost

Uncanny, kids shut up as soon as you tell them to, suggestions always sound reasonable

Major, your wallet and bank account always have a dollar left, always have

one final bullet, you know secrets nobody should be able to know, etc.

The Storyteller may require certain characters to

take complementary backgrounds alongside this

(i.e. Totem, Past Life, Madness Network, etc.)

Certification This background represents official papers that

allow your character to pursue some regulated

activity hunting, driving, operating heavy

machinery, medicine, etc. Unless the character

has somehow gained the permit without proper

training, this background cannot be higher than

the relevant ability (i.e. a Medical Licence requires

4 dots in Medicine.) This background may be

taken multiple times, representing multiple types

of licence.

X Drivers Licence, Government ID, nothing special

Hunting Licence, Business Licence, Passport to an open country, etc.

Teaching Certificate, Bodywork Licence, basic firearms permit

Concealed weapon permit, HAZMAT disposal licence, Church Ordainment, private investigator licence, private pilot permit

Class C weapons permit, Medical or Legal professional, professional aircraft licence, government intelligence operative

Diplomatic Immunity, licence to kill

Contacts (+, P) This background represents people who know

things. They may lack the personal investment

that Allies or Backers have, but they can help dig

up information, spread messages, and maybe call

in small favours though theyll expect the same

of you of course. Each dot in Contacts represents

a major contact, a proper individual you know

(and who the Storyteller gives a proper profile and

personality), as well as a number of minor

contacts.) When calling on these minor contacts,

roll an appropriate social attribute + Contacts.

Note that these contacts are all in the same field

street artists, doctors, military and the

background must be taken multiple times for


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separate fields of contact (i.e. Contacts (Military)

and Contacts (Legal) are not the same

background), further these contacts are not

reliable with sensitive information for the most

part, theyre just run-of-the-mill folks that will

spread you average information. For sensitive or

secret information, see the Spies background

below.

Each dot in this background represents one major

Contact.

Database This background represents access to a

commercial or civil database, with the rating

representing the depth, detail and scope of the

information within. The nature and scope of the

database is at the storytellers discretion, and like

Contacts, this background may be taken multiple

times to represent multiple databases. An Ex-Cop

might still have access to crime records, while a

bank teller might have access to bank records

with their bosss passwords.

A database with basic personal info (A phone companys database of unlisted numbers, a businesss Loyal Customer list with names, emails and phone numbers)

Local government databases (City Police, Vehicle Registration, property records)

Sensitive personal data (Credit Histories, Bank Statements, social security information)

With time, you can call upon nationwide resources the FBIs criminal database, Medical Histories on a nationwide basis. Gaining data from these massive databases may take between 4 and 48 hours

You have access to state and federal databases, providing everything from ATM Transactions to sealed military records, and even worldwide law or financial databases such as INTERPOL. Results may take one to five working days, but provide a wealth of detail.

Destiny Note: This is the Mage: 20th anniversary version of

the Destiny background. For simplification, the

Hunter: The Reckoning Background of the same

name has been renamed Providence in this

document. The Fate background is a similar trait

from the Werewolf 20th anniversary book.

This background represents the divine pulls of

fate on a character, marking you as having a grand

part to play in coming events and you know

youre fated to be special. Once per game session,

while facing a challenge or tight spot, you may call

upon this sense of destiny. If youve spent all of

your Willpower points before this crisis, roll your

Destiny dice pool against Difficulty 8. Each success

you roll instantly restores one point of Willpower.

At some point, however, you will face your final

destiny. When that time comes, the Storyteller

declares that this is your moment of destiny, and

you lose access to this background. Should you

survive this background and achieve something

memorable, this background goes away and may

be replaced by another background or effect

(Storytellers discretion.) If you fail, destiny came

calling, and you werent up to the task.

A minor destiny, 1 die Significant, 2 dice Important, 3 dice Destined for greatness, 4 dice Destined for Legend, 5 dice

Fame For a story-based reason, youre famous in

mundane society. Maybe youre a musical star, a

politician or athlete, or a youtube-famous e-star.

Among folks in the know, youre a celebrity, the

greater your rating, the more famous you are.

Authorities may be less likely to mess with you (or

more likely, if theyre out to make an example.)

Fans will give you deference, and people may

believe things from you they otherwise wouldnt.

However, this comes with a caveat People know

who you are, and may bring stalkers, haters,

critics and thieves. And of course, with Fame

comes the need to maintain it, or face the

Hollywood nightmare irrelevance!


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Known in a subculture, perhaps youre a has-been star.

A local celebrity, known in the community

Someone of note, known by portions of the population at large

A national or minor international figure Youre famous almost everywhere.

Fate (P) Note: This is the Werewolf 20th Background. For

the similar Mage 20th background, see Destiny

above. Or for the similar Hunter: The Reckoning

background, see Providence below.

This background represents a prophecy that

accompanies your character from birth, or the

formation of their group (cell, pack, cabal, etc.) A

fate is always significant, but likely to be dark and

infamous as it is to be full of glory. In addition to

whatever fame or infamy this prophecy brings to

you, once per game session, after failing a roll or

coming short in the number of required successes,

you may roll your rating in this background

(Difficulty 8). Each success is added to the failed

roll, and if it succeeds the player should describe

the fortuitous events that caused them to succeed

However, if the action the player seeks to take

goes against the prophecy given, the Storyteller

may disallow the use of this background.

If Fate is pooled, each player may call on this

background once per game session. If the action

failed involves the entire group in some way, the

player may draw on an amount of fate up to the

highest individual fate in the group. If acting

alone, they may only draw on the lowest (to a

minimum of 1). Further, in a pack with pooled

fate, the character may raise their personal fate

with XP, to a maximum of the highest fate in the

group (thus, the highest cannot raise theirs, and if

all members have the same fate, nobody may

raise it).

Your group will be involved in an event that will make you known amongst all of your society, though only the organization with which you are involved knows of your fate.

Your group will be the cause of an event that greatly impacts your organization, such as the destruction of a long-time enemy or highly admired individual. Those of your society throughout the city or local geography know your fate.

You will be responsible for an event that impacts your society across the continent, perhaps singlehandedly saving or destroying a Caern or Node. All of your society in your hemisphere might know of the prophecy

Your group will affect the entirety of your society, perhaps defeating a great Wyrm creature or disgracing a Methuselah.

You or your group will be a direct factor in the fate of the world, one way or another. There are none among your organization that havent heard of your destiny.

Note: To make this background more apt to fit

with multiple Archetypes, the terms

Organization and Society are used. It is up to

the Storyteller what this reflects Among

Werewolves, the Organization is the Sept and the

Society is the Garou Nation. Among Vampires, it is

most likely the city Elysium and Sect, and Mages

their Chantry and Tradition. For groups such as the

Imbued or Demons, the Storyteller should use their

own judgement.

Favours Members of an organization, generally of which

you are part, owe you certain favours and

concessions. Similar to Contacts or Allies, these

represent individuals of power and influence. But

unlike Contacts or Allies, these individuals are only

offering you help because they owe you. Once a

favour is used up, its gone. Note: This background

appears in several books. In Freak Legion and

Project Twilight, each dot represents one favour,

while in World of Darkness: Mafia, the

background is exponential. The table below

presents both sets of rules, for the storytellers

discretion. In general, a supernatural organization

like Project Twilight or the Technocracy should be

at a 1:1 ration, whereas more mundane groups


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The Mafia, the Triad, the Military may call for

the higher rate.

1 favour 2 favours Three supernatural/four mundane

favours Four supernatural/seven mundane

favours Five supernatural/ten mundane

favours

Influence (+, P) While Fame represents how well known you are

in mundane society, Influence represents your

power. This background represents a certain

amount of social deference you receive even

without rolling. When a high-influence person

walks into a room, people take notice.

Arrangements are made, favours are offered, and

people may bend over backwards for you. Similar

to Fame, this background may combined with

social attributes to use its pull, while mental

attributes may be used to spot or secure

information through your networks.

X (none) No influence to speak of (1)

Folks within your profession recognize you

(2)

Youve got various associates and a small degree of clout

(3)

People within your field respect your abilities

(4)

Youve got quite a bit of clout

(5 Normal Limit)

Youre a force to be reckoned with

(6)

You command influence in national political affairs

(7)

Your actions influence various allied nations

(8)

You command vast respect across whole cultural regions

(9)

Your dominance extends across whole socio-political spheres (the EU, UN, etc.)

(10 max)

Your influence extends across the mortal world, and may confer some respect in others.

Information Network This background represents a network of

informants that come to you, bringing you secrets

to trade. Many may be irrelevant to the problems

you have right now, in which case you might trade

them away for secrets you can use, or wait until

time permits you act. Facts and data you harvest

may not be relevant yet, but may come to

relevance later. (Note that the Storyteller may

elect bundle this backgrounds ability in with the

Contacts background, rather than making players

spend points for it by itself)

At the beginning of each Chapter of a story, roll a

number of dice equal to the number of dots you

have in this background against Difficulty Eight. If

you succeed, the storyteller will give you a

random rumour youve acquired from one of your

contacts. One success is a hint, three includes

some commentary on the reliability, and five

should reveal a secret valuable enough to elicit a

favour from another supernatural creature in the

city.

Library (+, P) This background represents access to a wealth of

information vital to the character A collection of

dusty old tomes, DVDs or even a massive

computerized database. Because the background

is based around a store of information useful to

your character, it may help you research your

chosen Abilities and Advantages. Youll need to

add to your library when learning new topics, but

provided you have the appropriate material you

may research topics regarding the traits with a

successful Mental Trait + Library Roll, though such

research requires both time and effort.

When pooled, the Library Background is equal to

the rating of the highest contributor, plus one for

each contributing member After all, with so

much material, there will be some overlap. (i.e.

3,4,2,2 would equal seven, not 11)

X (none) A few trashy magazines are no use to you.

(1)

You have a few new-age paperbacks.

(2)

Lots of fiction, little of use.


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(3)

Theres some useful stuff in here if you dig.

(4)

Your collection of Occult data is respectable.

(5 Normal Limit)

Youve got a pretty decent collection of diverse lore.

(6)

You enjoy a huge personal archive.

(7)

Your database features extensive written, recorded and virtual information.

(8)

Youve got full access to a national archive.

(9)

You enjoy unrestricted access to personal, national and classified databases.

(10 max)

Given enough time (and assistance), you can access almost anything thats been written down and stored. You might not Understand it, but you can probably find it

Note: The Storyteller should exercise their

judgement on what kind of data is included in a

Library for Non-Mage Characters, as well as

whether they will allow pooling for mixed-

cosmology characters A Vampire is likely to have

little material of use to a Mage, while an Imbued

Hunter is unlikely to have any information on

Edges and the Messengers, except for the most

esoteric and ancient documents written by the

Hengeyokai on the Kue-Jin.

Military Force (+, P, $*) This background represents command of an

armed group, from a gang of thugs to elite

military forces. Note that ratings of six or above

generally require some kind of government

sponsorship.

A note on Military Force and Backup: This

Background exists in Vampire: The Masquerade

books dealing with powerful vampires, Elysium:

The Elder Way, and may not be appropriate for

most chronicles. See instead the Backup

background, which is far more suitable for

average characters. After all, it is extremely

unlikely for a group of five hunters to lead an

entire nations Armed forces! By the Elysium rules,

points in this background are 1:1, however the

Storyteller may decide to make them cost 2 or 3x if

they are allowing purchase in a lower-power

chronicle, though some Storytellers may desire to

play a high-military chronicle where Vampire

Hunters besiege the strongholds of the Inconnu or

the Technocracy besieges Tradition bastions.

(1)

15-Person mob, generally unorganized and untrained. Street gang or student rebels.

(2)

25-person team, generally with some combat training; police, crime family

(3)

40-person platoon, all combat trained, SWAT team or army reserves.

(4)

75-person troop, all veterans. Mercenary soldiers, Terrorist unit

(5 Normal Limit)

100-person company, Elite troops; special forces company, intelligence unit

(6)

Several companies with a mix of weapons; mechanized infantry, air assault group

(7)

Military division, thousands of trained soldiers.

(8)

One branch: A countrys entire army, navy, air force or similar

(9)

National: An entire countrys military

(10 max)

Forces worldwide

Characters may allow higher numbers of mortals

with lower training, generally one-up-one-down

i.e. 2 dots may be a 40 man mob, while 4 may be a

100-man SWAT team.

Patron The Patron background reflects a powerful party

whos watching out for your characters interests.

Only the Storyteller knows what this partys plans

are, and what their interest in the character might

be. At the beginning of the chronicle, at least, this

benefactor exerts force in mysterious ways:

Orders get reversed, contracts issued or

terminated, hits dropped and strings pulled.

Magic or disciplines will not reveal the reason for

these indulgences, but theres clearly some


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alliance or common ground involved, though the

meaning of this is elusive.

Note: This background is extremely similar to the

Backers background above, from Project Twilight.

This background comes from Mage 20th

anniversary, and thus if the Storyteller decides to

use only one, this background is the most recent,

and should supersede. Not to be mistaken for the

Imbued-Specific background of the same name,

representing the Heralds influence. Alternatively,

the Storyteller may treat this as a more Active or

Supernatural version of the Backers while

Backers might represent an organization like the

Society of Leopold, Strike Force Zero or Project

Twilight, Patron might represent the Technocracy,

the Camarilla or the Garou Nation.

A shadowy someone pulling occasional strings

A helpful benefactor who chooses to remain concealed

A superior or Elder who helps you for mysterious reasons

A powerful party who appears to favour you

A high-ranking mage, Technocrat or Prince who seems dedicated to your wellbeing For now.

Providence Note: This is the Hunter: The Reckoning

background Destiny, re-named due to conflict

with the Mage: The Ascension background of the

same name with differing function.

This background represents the mark of destiny

on your character, marking them as having a vital

part to play in shaping the future. Your character

may be aware of this manifest destiny, or they

may be unaware until another individual points it

out. Regardless, they carry their destiny like a

standard that must be respected, feared or envied

by those who recognize their significance. A

Blessed One must be watched closely and

criticized when seen not following what is

believed to be their True Path, and others may

even try utilize their Higher calling to their own

ends, though nobody has a clear idea of what

awaits these individuals, and fate is not

unwavering destined people have been known

to die before fulfilling their roles, though rarely in

an inglorious manner.

For each dot your character possesses in this

background, they may make one re-roll per game

session. If a single roll fails or does not achieve the

successes that you hoped for, you may roll again.

Only one re-roll is allowed per action, and re-rolls

are even allowed in situations where Willpower

does not apply, such as an Imbued conviction

gamble.

You have a funny feeling about your future

You are bound to make an indelible impact on the lives of many others

Your destiny is powerful, perhaps a respected innovator or leader Winston Churchill, Nikola Tesla

Your destiny is one of Arthurian Legend The course of the world may be

revolutionized by your fate

Rank While Influence represents control and Fame

represents how well known you are, Rank

represents some distinction in mundane society,

such as military rank or political office. Naturally,

while this background grants certain perks, it also

requires responsibility A Governor cant go

hunting Werewolves in the woods for a week!

This background may have the same effects as the

Influence background, but only on individuals

beneath the ranks denomination (A captain

commanding sailors)

Minor rank: Army sergeant, squire, deacon, school board member, junior manager

Low: Junior officer, knight, prior, city councillor, senior manager, professor

Medium: Captain, Baron, Abbot, Mayor, middle-management, tenure.

High: Major, count, bishop, governor, department head

Command: General, prince, archbishop, corporate VP, dean


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Resources This background represents your material wealth

both material and income. The higher this

background, the richer you are, though it must be

carefully managed. A fool and his money are

easily parted, and if a character never turns up for

work, they wont retain that resources 5 for long.

X (None) Working poor: You live paycheck-to-paycheck.

(1)

Working class income, small apartment and cheap vehicle

(2)

Lower middle class: Condo or apartment, plus vehicle, some savings and money for occasional indulgence

(3)

Middle class: You either own or have decent equity in some property plus a vehicle, investments and savings. You could maintain a 1-dot standard of living indefinitely.

(4)

Well-Off: You own a large house, some property, and at least two vehicles, as well as notable savings and investments.

(5 Normal Limit)

You are the 1%, multimillionaire with substantial holdings and investments.

(6)

Hollywood; you want it you got it

(7)

Billionaires club. You can influence entire businesses or industries

(8)

Bruce Wayne. You own companies

(9)

Tony Stark. You own Industries.

(10 max)

Doctor Doom. You own governments.

Retainers Unlike Allies or Familiars, Retainers have no

supernatural skills or combat abilities, but unlike

Backup and Spies they arent faceless guns or

information streams. Each retainer represents a

devoted servant, employee, mind-controlled thrall

or minor supernatural construct who does your

bidding with a decent sense of loyalty Perhaps a

lab assistant, apprentice, lover or devoted friend.

Retainers have strictly mundane skills, they cant

generally heft a machine gun or take on Vampires.

If you train a Retainer character up, they become

an Ally instead. Even Constructs or Spirits are

essentially normal individuals with certain special

effects and origins, but no special powers beyond

perhaps flight or unusual strength.

Each dot in this background represents one

retainer, though at the Storytellers discretion the

character may instead take less, but greater

retainers i.e. a 3-pt retainer for a talented

bodyguard.

Roots Your character has especially deep ties to their

local community They are a benefactor or

confidant, someone that they may tell their

problems or expect reliable help from. In return,

they might look out for your character, so long as

they remain there for them. Your character still

cannot reveal matters of the Supernatural to

them without seeming insane. Combined with

Allies, bystanders and contacts, this can make a

truly connected character.

You watch over a small group, such as a single family or friend group

You protect a specific community, such as a housing complex or high school

You are the patron of a small neighbourhood, no more than a few blocks

You are the patron of a large neighbourhood of several dozen blocks or a small social or ethnic group

You watch over a significant ethnic or social group in your city

Secrets The character possesses information that would

be considered desirable or damaging by

someone else. While such knowledge may

sometimes place the character in danger, mostly

it gives them leverage and advantages. What they

do with the secrets is up to them they could be

bartered for favours or cash, or used to take down

enemies, or something else entirely. The player


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and storyteller should work together to determine

what sort of secrets the character possesses.

Small but noteworthy A secret affair, a hidden sexual orientation, a minor crime

A moderate secret the human identities of a Werewolf pack, location of a criminal on the run, a significant crime.

A substantial, or equivalent number of lesser secrets. A matter of life or death, or utter ruination for someone. The location of a lost artefact somebody needs to stay lost.

A heavy secret, or equivalent amount of lesser secrets. The location of a national fugitive, a vampires book of contacts, the location of a Gurahl.

An enormous secret or equivalent number of lesser secrets. A high-level Pentex plot, the location of a legendary cursed artefact, the secret weakness of an Incarna spirit.

Spies (P, +) This backgrounds represents a collections of

informers and agents. These people may not

necessarily like you some may even hate you

but for whatever reason, you have something

they want, whether that be money, sex, drugs, or

power. In return for whatever that indulgence

may be, theyll tell you what you know.

Spies may represent disgruntled associates,

dismayed staff, desperate addicts, or even loyal

idealists to your cause and folks who owe you

favours. Some may even have strange devices or

tiny critters to report back to them. This trait lets

you ferret out information (Intelligence + Spies);

circulate misinformation (Manipulate + Spies);

impress people from a distance (Charisma +

Spies); or be aware of potential threats before

they manifest (Perception + Spies.)

X (None) No special informants (1)

One or two spies in helpful places the police, the mob, Wall Street, etc.

(2)

Four to Six informants in various helpful areas

(3)

A handful of spies in helpful places, plus a few in hard-to-reach areas (The Pentagon, the CIA, the UN, etc.), or one or two in highly secure areas (A classified government bureau, a supernatural organization)

(4)

Infiltrators in a whole sphere of influence (National government, the underworld, stock market) or a handful in a Supernatural Group Vampire clan, Werewolf Tribe, Mage Chantry, Hunter-Net, etc.

(5 Normal Limit)

Eyes and ears throughout the mortal world, or several in the supernatural realm

(6)

A small news industry or intelligence agency on your payroll, and some perspective on supernatural affairs as well.

(7)

Hundreds of mundane contacts and plenty of supernatural Friends as well

(8)

You have an entire intelligence agency fielding and processing info for you

(9)

Big Brother

(10 max)

Big Brother on a global scale

Status Similar to influence, this background represents

your status among your supernatural peers Your

rank in the Camarilla, among your Mystic

Tradition, Convention or Craft, or rank in an

organization such as the Society of Leopold or

Project Twilight. Note that Shapeshifters cannot

take this background for status in their tribes or

nations it is instead replaced by their Renown

attributes. Similarly, Imbued Hunters or Mortals

must be part of a relevant secretive society in

order for this to apply.

Acknowledged; your peers recognize your name when it comes up.


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Credible; youre considered noteworthy.

Respected; your word carries weight Admired; most people in your group

look up to you. Revered; youre considered a paragon

of your groups principles.

Stronghold Note: This background is similar in theme, if not

function, to a high-security Base of Operations

background above, and Storytellers may elect to

disallow it for better rule cohesion, or combine this

backgrounds rules with the Security portion of

that background.

This background represents a room or facility your

character has invested time and resources in for

their plans and protection. Its filled with maps,

tools, books and computers useful to plan, secure

and defend the place and maintain the watch.

More importantly, its designed as a supernatural

bomb shelter, rigged with traps and security

devices, and stocked with enough food, supplies,

and perhaps weaponry (dependent on Armoury)

to outfit the hunter and perhaps several other

besieged people.

For each dot in Stronghold, design one trap,

reviewed by the storyteller to ensure its

reasonable and within the characters means. This

background also provides a dice pool from which

you can draw when the hideout is attacked. These

dice can be added to any roll used to harm or

repel intruders in the scene, as long as the

storyteller agrees the application makes sense in

context. Once dice are assigned, they are spent

for the scene Thus, with five dice, you might

assign two to the flame-thrower trap in the

corridor and one to hold the door, but not three

in each.

A workroom in a house, with high-speed internet and provisions for one or two people over a few days.

Your citadel can feed and supply two to five people for a week

Food for six to eight people for two weeks and state-of-the-art security

A sealed environment the size of a large house, it can withstand assault for a few months, if its you alone, or a dozen people for a month, though times will be lean and cramped.

The fortress is a bunker. You and a handful of others could live there for several months.

Quick Index: Standard Backgrounds

Allies 1

Alternate Identity 1

Animal Companion 2

Armoury 2

Backers 2

Backup 3

Base of Operations 3

Blessing 4

Certification 4

Contacts 4

Database 5

Destiny [Mage] 5

Destiny [Hunter] (See: Providence)

Fame 5

Fate 6

Favours 6

Influence 7

Information Network 7

Library 7

Military Force 8

Patron 8

Providence 9

Rank 10

Resources 10

Retainers 10

Roots 10

Secrets 10

Spies 11

Status 11

Stronghold 12

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