Vampires in the game Vampire: The Masquerade have a distinctiveness that sets them apart from vampires in other forms of media. Their origins trace back to biblical times, and they are categorized into different clans, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities.
Within the World of Darkness, the supernatural powers possessed by vampires are referred to as disciplines. Each discipline specializes in a different aspect such as enhancing physical attributes like strength and speed, manipulating the minds of others, or even cloaking themselves in invisibility. These disciplines enable vampires to navigate the perilous nights that are fraught with danger, even for their immortal kind.
9 Fortitude
Fortitude, a power exclusive to the Ventrue and Gangrel clans, serves as a means of safeguard. As the Ventrue lead and guide their fellow vampires, and the Gangrel engage in social interactions with both domestic and wild animals, it is only natural for these clans to require advanced protection beyond the inherent durability bestowed upon vampires upon their conversion.
By utilizing Fortitude, vampires can enhance their endurance by fortifying their skin, thus enabling them to withstand more damage and safeguard their minds against supernatural manipulation. As the power progresses, vampires gain the ability to disregard the initial source of harm in each combat turn, even if it pertains to fire, which poses vulnerability to all vampires.
8 Celerity
Celerity is the discipline of choice for vampires who prioritize speed over strength and endurance. It is a clan discipline for Brujah, Toreador, and Banu Haqim, granting them the ability to move in a way that is nearly imperceptible, showcasing exceptional agility and balance.
For those without this discipline, vampires who possess it will appear as a blur of motion, making it difficult to keep tabs on them. In addition, Celerity can be utilized for defensive purposes, enabling vampires to effortlessly evade gunfire with their heightened reflexes. Masters of this power can even surpass the limitations set by the Storyteller, executing a brief action before their narrations catch up.
7 Presence
In the realm of Vampire: The Masquerade, many vampires possess an alluring presence that can captivate mortal onlookers, unless burdened by the Nosferatu clan's curse. This ability proves useful for evading conflict, gaining entry to heavily guarded locations, and acquiring nourishment from willing donors - a specialty of the Siren predator type.
However, individuals with a stronger willpower may require some persuasion to succumb to the vampire's charms, which is where Presence enters the picture. This clan discipline courses through the veins of Toreador, Ventrue, Ministry, and Brujah clan members. When activated, this power transforms vampires into beings of ethereal beauty or unsettling terror, leading mortals to strive to please them. At advanced stages, vampires have the ability to mesmerize vast numbers of mortals and supernatural creatures alike.
6 Obfuscate
Vampires in the World of Darkness possess the ability to remain concealed, effortlessly navigating past mortal and supernatural threats by staying completely invisible. This unique talent is bestowed upon members of clans Nosferatu, Malkavian, Ministry, and Banu Haqim.
Moreover, vampires can also acquire the power of Mask of a Thousand Faces, permitting them to alter their physical appearance. This ability is particularly favored by Nosferatu, enabling them to blend in seamlessly when entering crowded areas and avoiding unwanted scrutiny towards their true selves.
5 Protean
Protean is a discipline shared by the Gangrel, Ministry, and Tzimisce factions. It offers more than just aesthetic benefits, as those who possess this power can enhance themselves in useful ways.
In its lower levels, Protean grants vampires the ability to see in the dark and equip their hands with razor-sharp claws capable of tearing flesh. With advanced mastery, players can even transform into various animal shapes or seamlessly turn into mist, providing an ideal solution for evading difficult or uncomfortable circumstances.
4 Potence
Potence is a raw power that appeals to individuals who prioritize physical force above all else. Specifically developed to aid vampires in combat scenarios, those embraced by Lasombra, Brujah, and Nosferatu are granted access to this discipline and can wield it to devastating effect.
Potence grants the user supernatural strength, enhancing the force behind their bare-fisted strikes against enemies. Additionally, it enables the user to leap higher and farther than an average person, proving invaluable when evading danger. Vampires who choose to amplify their Potence will acquire the ability to incapacitate foes with shockwaves or even deliver fatal blows with a single strike. In terms of pure physical might, Potence unquestionably ranks among the most formidable options.
3 Oblivion
Clan Lasombra is renowned for its ruthlessness as the leaders of the bloodthirsty Sabbat, until the rise of modern-day vampire threats forced them to seek refuge and protection within the Camarilla. However, they are also celebrated as expert shadow dancers, having the ability to access the enigmatic abyss, a realm of overwhelming darkness and crushing cold. Lasombra members can draw forth this darkness and manipulate it according to their desires.
This extraordinary power, known as Oblivion, can be harnessed by both clans Lasombra and Hecata. Since it derives from something profoundly unnatural, its users do not risk experiencing hunger but instead slowly lose their humanity with each use. Despite the severe consequences that come with employing Oblivion, the capability to merge with shadows, occupy the shadows of others, and summon tendrils of darkness might just outweigh the price.
2 Blood Sorcery
Vampires and magic may appear to be an unusual pairing, particularly in a world where mages exist. However, the Tremere and Banu Haqim possess a unique skill known as Blood Sorcery, which enables them to harness their own vitae with remarkable efficacy. This discipline holds incredible utility and combat potential, making it indispensable.
In contrast to other disciplines, Blood Sorcery cannot be inherited through bloodline, but must be acquired through instruction from an experienced practitioner. Once mastered, individuals gain the ability to transform their blood into corrosive acid, discern basic information about others by sampling their blood, and even convert someone else's blood into a lethal poison that affects both kin and kindred. It would be prudent for vampires to avoid antagonizing formidable blood sorcerers.
1 Dominate
In a world where vampires possess immense strength, the ability to turn blood into poison, and manipulate darkness to attack enemies, there is one power that stands above them all: Dominate. Lasombra, Malkavians, Tremere, and Tzimisce vampires possess this vampiric ability, which is essential for the Ventrue clan, known for their aristocratic lineage.
Similar to Presence, Dominate affects the target's psyche, but instead of simply influencing minds, Dominate exercises absolute control. Vampires with this power can erase or alter their victims' memories and issue commands that must be obeyed. As Kindred advance in their mastery of Dominate, they can even make their commands appear as the target's original thoughts or compel individuals to harm themselves or loved ones. Among all the vampire abilities, Dominate reigns supreme.