Player's Handbook · Chapter 5

Backgrounds

Backgrounds are the relationships, resources, and advantages your vampire carries into the night. They are not abstract numbers — they are people, places, and powers that shape your story.

How to use this chapter

During character creation, distribute 7 dots among Backgrounds. No Background may exceed 5 dots at creation. The Storyteller may allow additional dots through play, experience, or story events.

Backgrounds

Allies

An Ally is a person or group who will help you. They may be a mortal contact, a supernatural ally, or an organization that owes you a favor. Allies are loyal, but they have their own agendas and limits.

  • 1 dot: A friend, a contact, or a minor helper
  • 2 dots: A reliable ally with some resources or influence
  • 3 dots: A powerful ally with significant resources or influence
  • 4 dots: A major ally with extensive resources or influence
  • 5 dots: A legendary ally with vast resources or influence

Contacts

A Contact is a person or group who provides information. They may be a informant, a researcher, or a specialist who knows things you need to know. Contacts are useful, but they may be unreliable, expensive, or dangerous.

  • 1 dot: A minor source of information
  • 2 dots: A reliable source with some expertise
  • 3 dots: A major source with significant expertise or access
  • 4 dots: A powerful source with extensive expertise or access
  • 5 dots: A legendary source with vast expertise or access

Fame

Fame is the recognition you receive from mortals. It may be positive or negative, but it is always public. Fame makes you visible — and vulnerable.

  • 1 dot: Known in a small community or subculture
  • 2 dots: Known in a city or region
  • 3 dots: Known nationally or internationally
  • 4 dots: Known globally or in multiple nations
  • 5 dots: A household name or a cultural icon

Haven

A Haven is a safe place to rest. It may be a apartment, a mansion, a warehouse, or a hidden room. A Haven is essential for a vampire's survival — without one, you are exposed and vulnerable.

  • 1 dot: A basic hiding place
  • 2 dots: A secure room or apartment
  • 3 dots: A well-hidden or fortified haven
  • 4 dots: A fortress or hidden lair
  • 5 dots: A legendary or supernatural haven

Herd

A Herd is a group of willing mortal donors. They may be lovers, followers, or employees who give you blood willingly. A Herd provides safe feeding, but it also creates dependencies and obligations.

  • 1 dot: One or two willing donors
  • 2 dots: A small group of willing donors
  • 3 dots: A large group of willing donors
  • 4 dots: A major source of willing donors
  • 5 dots: A legendary or supernatural herd

Influence

Influence is power in mortal institutions. It may be political, economic, cultural, or social. Influence allows you to shape events in the mortal world — but it also makes you a target.

  • 1 dot: Minor influence in one area
  • 2 dots: Moderate influence in one area
  • 3 dots: Significant influence in one area
  • 4 dots: Major influence in multiple areas
  • 5 dots: Legendary influence in many areas

Mask

A Mask is a convincing mortal identity. It may be a fake name, a professional reputation, or a social cover. A Mask allows you to move through the mortal world without suspicion — but it can be broken.

  • 1 dot: A basic fake identity
  • 2 dots: A convincing fake identity
  • 3 dots: A detailed fake identity with documentation
  • 4 dots: A flawless fake identity with extensive documentation
  • 5 dots: A legendary fake identity with supernatural protection

Mawla

A Mawla is a powerful supernatural ally. They may be an elder vampire, a spirit, a demon, or another supernatural entity. A Mawla provides knowledge, power, and protection — but they always want something in return.

  • 1 dot: A minor supernatural ally
  • 2 dots: A reliable supernatural ally
  • 3 dots: A powerful supernatural ally
  • 4 dots: A major supernatural ally
  • 5 dots: A legendary supernatural ally

Resources

Resources represent wealth and material goods. They may be money, property, equipment, or assets. Resources allow you to purchase what you need — but they also create dependencies and obligations.

  • 1 dot: Minor wealth or assets
  • 2 dots: Moderate wealth or assets
  • 3 dots: Significant wealth or assets
  • 4 dots: Major wealth or assets
  • 5 dots: Legendary wealth or assets

Retainers

A Retainer is a loyal servant or ghoul. They may be a mortal servant, a supernatural thrall, or a devoted follower. A Retainer provides assistance, protection, and loyalty — but they are dependent on you.

  • 1 dot: A minor servant or helper
  • 2 dots: A reliable servant or helper
  • 3 dots: A skilled servant or helper
  • 4 dots: A highly skilled servant or helper
  • 5 dots: A legendary servant or helper

Status

Status is standing in vampire society. It may be official rank, social prestige, or supernatural authority. Status provides access, influence, and protection — but it also creates obligations and enemies.

  • 1 dot: Minor status in one group
  • 2 dots: Moderate status in one group
  • 3 dots: Significant status in one group
  • 4 dots: Major status in one group
  • 5 dots: Legendary status in one group
Manual updated Aug 18, 2026.