3Table of Contents

Table of ContentsWhere Is My Mind? (Part I) 6

Introduction 11Theme: Power 11Mood: Corruption 11Past Masters 11What’s in This Book 12Ventrue Media 13Vampire Media 13Non-Vampire Media 13Requiem Books 13

Where Is My Mind? (Part II) 68

Chapter One: Dead Dynasties 19Adrestoi 20

Bloodline Origins 21In the Covenants 22Rumors 23Leta Corazón 23Blood Tether 24Lashes of Blood Tether 24Twists of the Blood: Golden Calves 25

The Brethren of the Hundred Faces 26Gottlings 27

Bloodline Origins 28In the Covenants 28Rumors 29Virginia Knox 29New Devotions 30Twists of the Blood: Shadow Puppeteers 31

Keravnos 32Bloodline Origins 33In the Covenants 34Rumors 34Zahra Davis 35Surge 36New Devotions 36Horror: The Powdermen 37

Malocusians 38Bloodline Origins 39In the Covenants 40Rumors 40Zachery Carter 41Bloodline Gift: Domus 41New Devotions 42Twists of the Blood: Spreading the Curse 43

Melissidae 44Bloodline Origins 45In the Covenants 46

Rumors 46Mary Harlwood 47Bloodline Gift: Insectoid Kinship 47New Merits 48New Devotions 48Twists of the Blood: Collapsed Colony 49

Rotgrafen 50Bloodline Origins 51In the Covenants 52Rumors 52The Commodore 53New Merits 54New Devotion 54

Typhos 55Bloodline Origins 56In the Covenants 57Rumors 57Margaret Sheldon 58Arthmoic Surgery 58Arthmoic Surgery Procedures 59New Devotion 60Twists of the Blood: Conspiracy Theory 60

Warumono 61Bloodline Origins 62In the Covenants 63Rumors 63Katsuo Nagoshi 64New Merits 64

Where Is My Mind? (Part III) 68

Chapter Two: The Malkavia Chronicle 73Wild and Whirling Words 73Secrets 73Lies 74Truth 74Pathologies 74Dementation 74

Case Studies 75Old Glories 75Appellations 76The Codex 76Vectors 76

Possible Worlds 77The Network 77Dominatus Delendus Est 77New Symptom 78Wasted Wisdom 78Sliders 78The Owls 79Greater Malignancies 80

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4 False Gods: Ventrue

Decoding Reality: Malkavian Systems 81Malkavia Conditions 81Dementation 81Tuning Out: Bystanders 84Tuning In: Infection 84

Storytelling Malkavia 85The Tiers 85The Cure 88Malkavia and Mental Illness 88Affliction Is (Not) Consistent 89

The Fools’ Journey: Four Afflicted 89The Empress: Nadia Lambert 90The Hanged Man: Tapper 91The Tower: Lucky Lenny 93The World: Widelene Santil 94

Malkovians 96Bloodline Origins 97The Knights of the Moon 97Bloodline Gift: Pareidolia 98Twists of the Blood: Malkavia Classic 98

Inspirational Media 98

Where Is My Mind? (Part IV) 100

Chapter Three: Crown Jewels 105Lordly Treasures 105Archetypes 105Devotions 106Merits 111

Heavy Lies the Crown: The Aloof Curse 115How to Lose Friends and Alienate People 115Failing Upwards: Playing the Bane 116Common Banes 116

Where Is My Mind? (Part V) 118

Chapter Four: Friends & Other Rivals 123Crassus 124

Where we came from 124Who we are tonight 125Three Caesars 125

DeRose 127Where we came from 127Who we are tonight 127Three Flowers 128

Omokage 130Where we came from 130Who we are tonight 130Three Stewards 131

The Architects of the Monolith 133Sample Mason: Vikki Valente 136Gilded Cage 136Gilded Cage Invocations 137New Merits 139

The Legio Noctis 140Sample Soldier: Luna Ruiz 143CLOTs 144Sample CLOTs 144

The Faithful 147Background 147Rumors 148Argos 148Systems 149Dread Powers 150

Mnemovores 151Background 151Rumors 152Jonah Griffin 152Systems 153

Where Is My Mind? (Epilogue) 156

Index of Conditions and TiltsChronic Malkavia (Persistent) 81Directive (Persistent) 113Pareidolia (Persistent) 98Stampede (Environmental Tilt) 139

Stolen Memories (Persistent) 154Subsumed 26Terminal Malkavia (Persistent) 81Waning Mind (Persistent) 154Sample

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WWhheerree I Iss M Myy M Miinndd??By Kelly J Clark

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False Gods: Ventrue6

Part One: The ResurrectionPart One: The ResurrectionWhere am I?Where am I?

That was Thomas’s first thought as his consciousness snapped back like an elastic band.That was Thomas’s first thought as his consciousness snapped back like an elastic band.

Am I in a fucking coffin?Am I in a fucking coffin? was his second. He ran his fingers along the lid of the wooden box he was his second. He ran his fingers along the lid of the wooden box he was entombed within; it was handmade, lovingly varnished, and lined with a thick, crushed velvet was entombed within; it was handmade, lovingly varnished, and lined with a thick, crushed velvet that smelled of rosewater and rot. The polished wood of the lid was marred by the faint scars of that smelled of rosewater and rot. The polished wood of the lid was marred by the faint scars of scratch marks that had been plugged with wood filler. Even in near-total darkness, he could see scratch marks that had been plugged with wood filler. Even in near-total darkness, he could see the color didn’t quite match.the color didn’t quite match.

He had no recollection of how he’d ended up in the coffin, let alone who would’ve put him in He had no recollection of how he’d ended up in the coffin, let alone who would’ve put him in it. He braced himself and pushed the lid, sure it would be locked. Instead, it opened freely.it. He braced himself and pushed the lid, sure it would be locked. Instead, it opened freely.

Thomas didn’t know what he expected, but it wasn’t a bomb shelter. A stylish one, to be sure, Thomas didn’t know what he expected, but it wasn’t a bomb shelter. A stylish one, to be sure, but a bunker all the same. The room was twenty feet square with a ten-foot high ceiling, with thick but a bunker all the same. The room was twenty feet square with a ten-foot high ceiling, with thick brick walls draped in cloth and sconces bearing unlit torches. A wrought-iron candelabra hung brick walls draped in cloth and sconces bearing unlit torches. A wrought-iron candelabra hung from the ceiling above the coffin, so low the lid nearly clipped one of the lower rungs as it swung from the ceiling above the coffin, so low the lid nearly clipped one of the lower rungs as it swung open. The candelabra was filled with candles, and Thomas flinched away with a soft snarl before open. The candelabra was filled with candles, and Thomas flinched away with a soft snarl before realizing they were electric, made to resemble actual, moving flame. Nothing more. Even his Beast realizing they were electric, made to resemble actual, moving flame. Nothing more. Even his Beast felt a bit silly.felt a bit silly.

The room was clean of dust but cluttered with mountains of furniture, all covered in ghostly drop The room was clean of dust but cluttered with mountains of furniture, all covered in ghostly drop cloths. cloths. Am I part of someone’s collectionAm I part of someone’s collection? Thomas thought as he climbed over the lip of the coffin. ? Thomas thought as he climbed over the lip of the coffin. So why So why the hell can’t I remember being caughtthe hell can’t I remember being caught? He dropped into a low crouch the moment the soles of his shoes ? He dropped into a low crouch the moment the soles of his shoes touched down on the carpet. He was alone — at least as far as he could see — and that gave him a touched down on the carpet. He was alone — at least as far as he could see — and that gave him a moment to think. He patted himself down in search of either weapons or wounds: He found neither. moment to think. He patted himself down in search of either weapons or wounds: He found neither.

A shape moved beside him, barely visible from the corner of his eye. He spun, fist pulled back, A shape moved beside him, barely visible from the corner of his eye. He spun, fist pulled back, and was met by the same motion from his attacker. A mirror. Huge and framed in opulent gold and was met by the same motion from his attacker. A mirror. Huge and framed in opulent gold trim, bolted to the wall. Its ancient glass was scratched and worn, but it was obviously valuable. trim, bolted to the wall. Its ancient glass was scratched and worn, but it was obviously valuable. Thomas admired the shadowy outline of his reflection, his Kindred nature concealing his form. Thomas admired the shadowy outline of his reflection, his Kindred nature concealing his form. He traced the distorted reflection and focused.He traced the distorted reflection and focused.

The mirror refused to clear.The mirror refused to clear.

I’m more tired than I thoughtI’m more tired than I thought..

He wondered if he’d fallen into enemy hands. The Acolytes? He’d had a run-in with a Witch a He wondered if he’d fallen into enemy hands. The Acolytes? He’d had a run-in with a Witch a few months back. This place had definite Witch vibes.few months back. This place had definite Witch vibes.

The Beast objected to his lengthy investigation, growling through empty veins. His hunger drew The Beast objected to his lengthy investigation, growling through empty veins. His hunger drew him to the presence of a metallic scent a few feet in front of him.him to the presence of a metallic scent a few feet in front of him.

Next to a door was a minifridge with a clear glass front. It bore a jagged, angled logo reading Next to a door was a minifridge with a clear glass front. It bore a jagged, angled logo reading PREDATORPREDATOR, promotional swag for an energy drink he’d never heard of. Three bags of blood lay , promotional swag for an energy drink he’d never heard of. Three bags of blood lay within like cold red slugs. The plasma had settled a bit, but they looked fresh. A sign atop the within like cold red slugs. The plasma had settled a bit, but they looked fresh. A sign atop the fridge proclaimed fridge proclaimed Drink MeDrink Me. Thomas’s hunger rose up, and feeling as much like Alice as he could, . Thomas’s hunger rose up, and feeling as much like Alice as he could, he cracked the fridge open and grabbed one of the sacks. He hesitated for the briefest moment, he cracked the fridge open and grabbed one of the sacks. He hesitated for the briefest moment, but his ravenous Beast quashed any concerns over drugs and poisons. He drank all three bags, but his ravenous Beast quashed any concerns over drugs and poisons. He drank all three bags, leaving the fridge empty.leaving the fridge empty.

He dropped the sacks into a nearby trash can and realized he was still hungry. The bagged blood He dropped the sacks into a nearby trash can and realized he was still hungry. The bagged blood was like water, but it would do until he could get out of wherever this was.was like water, but it would do until he could get out of wherever this was.

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Where Is My Mind? 7

The door was locked to the outside world, but it opened at his touch with a mechanical whir. He The door was locked to the outside world, but it opened at his touch with a mechanical whir. He pushed it, feeling the whispered protest of cloth as the door pressed into a black tapestry behind it. pushed it, feeling the whispered protest of cloth as the door pressed into a black tapestry behind it. He brushed the fabric aside to reveal a broad hallway adorned with a lush scarlet carpet, running He brushed the fabric aside to reveal a broad hallway adorned with a lush scarlet carpet, running nearly a hundred feet between two sets of heavy double doors. A pair of naked bulbs in caged nearly a hundred feet between two sets of heavy double doors. A pair of naked bulbs in caged sconces provided barely enough light to reveal that the gray concrete walls were punctuated with sconces provided barely enough light to reveal that the gray concrete walls were punctuated with nine more tapestries. Thomas wondered how many of them also obscured steel doors with high-nine more tapestries. Thomas wondered how many of them also obscured steel doors with high-security locks.security locks.

He stepped onto the plush carpet and considered his options. Of the two sets of doors, the ones He stepped onto the plush carpet and considered his options. Of the two sets of doors, the ones on his right were ajar and emanating an orange glow. He walked toward them, and upon reaching on his right were ajar and emanating an orange glow. He walked toward them, and upon reaching them, saw that the room within was cavernous, lined with long wooden pews and lit by an iron them, saw that the room within was cavernous, lined with long wooden pews and lit by an iron candelabra and electric bulbs. It was a church, and not just any church: Above the altar at the head candelabra and electric bulbs. It was a church, and not just any church: Above the altar at the head of the room hung the sign of the Dark Messiah.of the room hung the sign of the Dark Messiah.

Thomas was in a Church of Longinus.Thomas was in a Church of Longinus.

He pushed the door open only enough to slip through. The room was well-used and, despite its He pushed the door open only enough to slip through. The room was well-used and, despite its underground aesthetics, free of dust or clutter. As he crept down the aisle, ready to defend himself, underground aesthetics, free of dust or clutter. As he crept down the aisle, ready to defend himself, he smelled blood. A lot of blood. The heavy scent of iron hung in the air like a sweet, salacious he smelled blood. A lot of blood. The heavy scent of iron hung in the air like a sweet, salacious perfume. It drifted from a thick black curtain hanging behind the altar, accompanied by the gentle perfume. It drifted from a thick black curtain hanging behind the altar, accompanied by the gentle sound of dripping. Thomas scanned the room for a weapon, but there was little to grab beyond sound of dripping. Thomas scanned the room for a weapon, but there was little to grab beyond the grim symbol hanging on the wall. It would have to do. He moved forward, keeping his eyes the grim symbol hanging on the wall. It would have to do. He moved forward, keeping his eyes sharp for any sign of motion or hidden enemies. There was no sound except the liquid staccato. sharp for any sign of motion or hidden enemies. There was no sound except the liquid staccato.

Suddenly, a digital chime echoed across the chamber. Thomas froze. At his right ankle was a thin Suddenly, a digital chime echoed across the chamber. Thomas froze. At his right ankle was a thin pinpoint of red light, issuing from a black box tucked beneath the pew: an alarm. The sloshing pinpoint of red light, issuing from a black box tucked beneath the pew: an alarm. The sloshing went deadly silent. He’d been made.went deadly silent. He’d been made.

Rather than be caught off guard, he took the initiative and called out, “Hello?”Rather than be caught off guard, he took the initiative and called out, “Hello?”

There was a pause, followed by a deep, calm voice. “Just a moment.” It was familiar, but muffled There was a pause, followed by a deep, calm voice. “Just a moment.” It was familiar, but muffled and somehow metallic. Thomas heard liquid splashing, followed by the thud of heavy steps. A and somehow metallic. Thomas heard liquid splashing, followed by the thud of heavy steps. A figure emerged from the curtain, revealing a sacristy behind the altar. The man was naked, and figure emerged from the curtain, revealing a sacristy behind the altar. The man was naked, and wore a golden mask strapped to a pale, bald head. His scarred, muscled flesh was coated with globs wore a golden mask strapped to a pale, bald head. His scarred, muscled flesh was coated with globs of dark blood. In one hand he carried a white towel, which he used to methodically wipe away the of dark blood. In one hand he carried a white towel, which he used to methodically wipe away the gore clinging to his body.gore clinging to his body.

“You caught me in the middle of a bath.”“You caught me in the middle of a bath.”

“Solomon Birch,” Thomas whispered, trying to keep the fear from his voice.“Solomon Birch,” Thomas whispered, trying to keep the fear from his voice.

““BishopBishop Birch, thank you.” The man took stock of the newcomer, his eyes shining behind the Birch, thank you.” The man took stock of the newcomer, his eyes shining behind the golden mask. “And who am I speaking to?”golden mask. “And who am I speaking to?”

Thomas averted his eyes, suddenly feeling dizzy. He grabbed onto one of the pews for support Thomas averted his eyes, suddenly feeling dizzy. He grabbed onto one of the pews for support and lowered himself into its hard embrace. Birch didn’t take his eyes off him.and lowered himself into its hard embrace. Birch didn’t take his eyes off him.

“Azazel — uh, Thomas.”“Azazel — uh, Thomas.”

“Ah, yes, Mr. Delmar, wonderful to have you awake.” Thomas noticed a hint of disappointment “Ah, yes, Mr. Delmar, wonderful to have you awake.” Thomas noticed a hint of disappointment in the Bishop’s tone. “I see you’re still clinging to your gang name. Quaint, but I feel as though we in the Bishop’s tone. “I see you’re still clinging to your gang name. Quaint, but I feel as though we discussed its intrinsic blasphemy prior to your baptism.”discussed its intrinsic blasphemy prior to your baptism.”

“We did. It’s just… old habits, I guess.”“We did. It’s just… old habits, I guess.”

“You seem unsure. Doubting, Thomas?”“You seem unsure. Doubting, Thomas?”

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False Gods: Ventrue8

“No. I’m… confused is all. Where am I? How did I…”“No. I’m… confused is all. Where am I? How did I…”

The Bishop reached his strong, calloused hands behind his head and unbuckled the straps of The Bishop reached his strong, calloused hands behind his head and unbuckled the straps of the mask, revealing a broad face with gleaming eyes and a sharp goatee. Solomon Birch was a the mask, revealing a broad face with gleaming eyes and a sharp goatee. Solomon Birch was a handsome man, but something in the curve of his lips or the crook of his eyebrows turned his handsome man, but something in the curve of his lips or the crook of his eyebrows turned his features predatory. With reverence, the Bishop laid the mask down upon his altar and reached features predatory. With reverence, the Bishop laid the mask down upon his altar and reached into the sacristy, from which he traded his blood-soaked towel for a heavy black robe. He wrapped into the sacristy, from which he traded his blood-soaked towel for a heavy black robe. He wrapped it around his waist and tied it with the sleeves, like a samurai relaxing between massacres. As he it around his waist and tied it with the sleeves, like a samurai relaxing between massacres. As he did, Thomas eyed the horrible scars crisscrossing the man’s back. They looked like they’d been did, Thomas eyed the horrible scars crisscrossing the man’s back. They looked like they’d been painful — and deliberate. The sight raised his Beast’s hackles.painful — and deliberate. The sight raised his Beast’s hackles.

“You remember nothing?” Birch said, leaning against the altar like a professor waiting for his “You remember nothing?” Birch said, leaning against the altar like a professor waiting for his class to answer a softball question.class to answer a softball question.

“I remember you were missing.”“I remember you were missing.”

“I was, for quite some time. Torpor. An attack by the devout followers of my former nemesis, “I was, for quite some time. Torpor. An attack by the devout followers of my former nemesis, Sylvia Raines. That was shortly after you joined the faith, I believe.”Sylvia Raines. That was shortly after you joined the faith, I believe.”

Thomas sat up straighter and glanced back at the exit. “I didn’t have anything to do with that.”Thomas sat up straighter and glanced back at the exit. “I didn’t have anything to do with that.”

Birch raised an eyebrow, and a look of performative realization crossed his face. “No. No, of Birch raised an eyebrow, and a look of performative realization crossed his face. “No. No, of course not. Coincidence. I remember how you were when you came to us. Damaged, abused. On course not. Coincidence. I remember how you were when you came to us. Damaged, abused. On the edge of losing yourself. There are moments of darkness even the most gifted infiltrator can’t the edge of losing yourself. There are moments of darkness even the most gifted infiltrator can’t falsify. That, and you were very adamant about not abandoning your ‘comrades’ in the Carthian falsify. That, and you were very adamant about not abandoning your ‘comrades’ in the Carthian Movement. We never gave you enough latitude to betray us.”Movement. We never gave you enough latitude to betray us.”

The Bishop stepped back and spread his arms wide, showing off the church. Electric candle flames The Bishop stepped back and spread his arms wide, showing off the church. Electric candle flames licked at the darkness, but the room was as chill as a morgue. “As for where: If it isn’t obvious, licked at the darkness, but the room was as chill as a morgue. “As for where: If it isn’t obvious, you’re in the Church of the Dark Prophet.”you’re in the Church of the Dark Prophet.”

“It looks different. I didn’t recognize it with all the… candles?”“It looks different. I didn’t recognize it with all the… candles?”

Birch grinned. “Heatless. Riskless. I even use rechargeable batteries to lower my carbon footprint Birch grinned. “Heatless. Riskless. I even use rechargeable batteries to lower my carbon footprint when possible. Have to plan for the future. The wax is real, so the look holds up.”when possible. Have to plan for the future. The wax is real, so the look holds up.”

“You really redecorated.”“You really redecorated.”

“Oh, no, Mr. Delmar, this isn’t the same church. That site was sadly destroyed after my “Oh, no, Mr. Delmar, this isn’t the same church. That site was sadly destroyed after my resurrection… along with a false prophet. We moved to this location about three years ago.”resurrection… along with a false prophet. We moved to this location about three years ago.”

Thomas’s still heart throbbed once in his chest. Years? No. It was impossible. He remembered Thomas’s still heart throbbed once in his chest. Years? No. It was impossible. He remembered just receiving dark communion from one of the deacons before they…just receiving dark communion from one of the deacons before they…

He coughed, clearing his throat. “What year is it?”He coughed, clearing his throat. “What year is it?”

“2021.” Birch’s eyes were locked with his, boring into Thomas’s soul in search of some reaction. “2021.” Birch’s eyes were locked with his, boring into Thomas’s soul in search of some reaction. He didn’t disappoint. He dropped his head into his hands and rubbed his face hard, as if he could He didn’t disappoint. He dropped his head into his hands and rubbed his face hard, as if he could scrub away the truth. scrub away the truth.

“It can’t be that long. Six years?”“It can’t be that long. Six years?”

“It is what it is. Do you know why you’re here, Mr. Delmar?” When Thomas shook his head, “It is what it is. Do you know why you’re here, Mr. Delmar?” When Thomas shook his head, still drowning in disbelief, Birch continued. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had this conversation. still drowning in disbelief, Birch continued. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had this conversation. You came to us during a dark night of the soul. You wanted help, and so the Church was happy You came to us during a dark night of the soul. You wanted help, and so the Church was happy to provide it.”to provide it.”

“Why did I come here?”“Why did I come here?”

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Where Is My Mind? 9

“You were losing your mind.”“You were losing your mind.”

Thomas looked up at the Bishop, no longer caring about the man’s cold stare. Reflexively, he Thomas looked up at the Bishop, no longer caring about the man’s cold stare. Reflexively, he focused his senses, analyzing the Serpent with supernatural force. focused his senses, analyzing the Serpent with supernatural force. Is he lying?Is he lying? Thomas asked, and Thomas asked, and the Beast replied, the Beast replied, He’s not telling the whole truth. It dismays him. He’s regretful. He’s not telling the whole truth. It dismays him. He’s regretful. The sudden clarity was The sudden clarity was jarring, not the least of which was because he couldn’t remember learning that ability.jarring, not the least of which was because he couldn’t remember learning that ability.

“Why?” he finally managed.“Why?” he finally managed.

“I haven’t the foggiest,” said Birch. “When we speak, you seem quite confused. However, you’re “I haven’t the foggiest,” said Birch. “When we speak, you seem quite confused. However, you’re in luck! I’ve recently taken up studying clinical psychology.” Thomas’s brows bridged. “Don’t give in luck! I’ve recently taken up studying clinical psychology.” Thomas’s brows bridged. “Don’t give me that look. It’s only partly inspired by your circumstances, but it does give me an idea. Tell me me that look. It’s only partly inspired by your circumstances, but it does give me an idea. Tell me what you what you dodo remember, and we can work our way forward. Perhaps then we can both uncover the remember, and we can work our way forward. Perhaps then we can both uncover the root of your problem.”root of your problem.”

“You’re going to be my therapist?”“You’re going to be my therapist?”

Birch laughed. “Why not? Priests and therapists aren’t dissimilar. Indulge me. I swear to keep Birch laughed. “Why not? Priests and therapists aren’t dissimilar. Indulge me. I swear to keep your confession in the your confession in the stricteststrictest confidence.” confidence.”

“I don’t know where to start.”“I don’t know where to start.”

“The beginning. What’s the first thing you remember?”“The beginning. What’s the first thing you remember?”

Thomas thought back as hard as he could. The smell of weed, old leather, and gun oil flooded Thomas thought back as hard as he could. The smell of weed, old leather, and gun oil flooded his senses. His mind was drifting back into the past.his senses. His mind was drifting back into the past.

“I remember getting ready to kill someone. We “I remember getting ready to kill someone. We diddid kill someone…” kill someone…”

“Just…“Just… someone someone?”?”

Thomas closed his eyes. His voice caught in his throat.Thomas closed his eyes. His voice caught in his throat.

“We killed Maxwell Clarke.”“We killed Maxwell Clarke.”

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Introduction 11

The Ventrue are untouchable.That vampires still exist in the world tonight is the Lords’

work. That’s what they’d have you believe, at any rate, but it’s a boast they bear no shame in making. Look into their eyes and know their truth: They are old money maintaining the manse on the moonlit hill, the new-world nouveau riche rewriting laws to suit their schemes, and the hard-yet-sparkling smile that cannot be denied.

Lords of the Dead, Lords over the Damned — no matter how decrepit their kingdoms, the Ventrue rule from on high. They decide what you should say, do, think, and even be… not that you’ll ever know it. That’s how good they are. Power is a font to be cultured and curated over long centuries, and the Lords are nothing if not thorough. After all, they have a legacy to uphold: Control.

False Gods is the definitive sourcebook for all things Ventrue in Vampire: The Requiem Second Edition. In addition to new Lord fiction, systems, and bloodlines, it includes a complete update of the mechanics in their original sourcebook, Lords Over the Damned.

This book is the third in a series that began with Strange Shades: Mekhet and continued with Better Feared: Nosferatu. It isn’t trying to be Clanbook: Ventrue Revised, but you could call it an homage. It’s also a chance to reexamine Ventrue material from other First Edition sources, some of which hasn’t been heard from since the very first years of the Danse Macabre.

It’s dangerous to peek behind the curtain, but if your will is strong enough, you might just have what it takes to become one of the Lords.

Theme: PowerPower takes many forms. A school board deciding what can

and can’t be taught. A politician presenting self-serving bills to the House. A judge setting a dangerous new precedent. But true power is being able to write the story, erasing all competing

narratives. Using others only gets easier with practice, but power is neither easily won nor painlessly kept. It’s dangerous at the top — fraught and self-destructive — but for the Lords? It’s worth every drop of blood.

Mood: CorruptionSmiles of velvet coax you in as dagger eyes watch throughout

the crowd. It’s a dance you know well. The ballroom’s heady with well-practiced laughter, elegant crystal stained with sanguine vintages. You’ll have the melancholic priest, on tap, eyes fluttering. Is that God he’s calling for? He’s in luck, because you’re here, ready to receive his confessions. What a pretty thing, the way he trembles as you fill your glass from his wrist. You think it might be useful to have a man of the cloth at your disposal. It’s tempting — but, perhaps… expected. Waves of knowing snickers break on a shore of anticipation. The others are watching you, as if they can read your thoughts. Well, that won’t do. You let your glass shatter on the marble floor, sinking your fangs deep in the priest’s throat. Broken prayers bubble into the shocked silence, and you drink deep until the last Hail Mary gutters out. Blood spatters your formal wear as you sweep them all with a shameless smile. You stand taller than before: Divine. Invincible. Ventrue.

Past MastersThe Ventrue have always been autocrats, but whereas in

Vampire: The Masquerade they were magnetic leaders hungry for adulation, in Vampire: The Requiem they drop the pretense of noblesse oblige. The Blue Bloods know what’s best for their Kindred; the Lords release the hounds if you look at them funny. Indeed, the change from Presence to Animalism in the clan’s Discipline spread expanded their sphere of influence over both Men and Beasts, more recalling the vampiric nobles of Gothic fiction — as well as the not-so-subtle link between parasitic ruling classes and actual parasites.

It was pride that changed angels into devils.

Augustine of Hippo

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False Gods: Ventrue12

However, while Ventrue in the Chronicles of Darkness differed from their previous incarnation, they still had room to grow. With Lords Over the Damned, the clan’s power grabs became far more complex, and maybe just a little weirder. Through a tapestry of pretty lies and false memories, the Lords made themselves out as bulwarks against rising tides of chaos like the Strix, all the while drowning in the seductive delusions of Malkavia.

Perhaps most significantly, Vampire: The Requiem Second Edition ended the clan’s link to mental illness. Now as Lords grow in age and power, they lose the things that ground them to Humanity. Alone at the top, they become increasingly isolated in both feeling and ideal, until no one’s left to watch them fall.

What’s in This BookFalse Gods: Ventrue is for players and Storytellers alike. Inside, you’ll find all the

material you need to give your Lord characters a golden touch, from bloodlines and covenants to Merits and Devotions.

Throughout, you’ll also sit in on a little therapy session with Thomas Delmar, a young Lord who came at the King of Chicago and isn’t sure what he’s missing.

Chapter One: Dead Dynasties revisits four classic Lord bloodlines and introduces four new members to the clan’s caste system. In addition, you’ll find Twists of the Blood, mechanical Shards providing even more options for your characters and chronicles.• Within the freedom of submission, the Adrestoi become one, and

their lashes will have you begging to join in the fun. (Lords Over the Damned)

• For the Gottlings, manipulation is performance art of the highest caliber. The Requiem is just another stage, and all must play a part.

• The sizzling Keravnos have found a new way to feed: electricity. Yet sap too much, and they risk unleashing charred monsters who would plunge the whole world into darkness.

• Where the All Night Society boils over with chaos, the Malocusians offer total control… if you don’t mind never stepping a foot outside your door again. (Invictus)

• The Melissidae are buzzing to know you better, but be sure not to stir their wrath, lest the entire swarm descends upon you. (Bloodlines: The Legendary)

• When the Rotgrafen come to port, you’d best batten down the hatches. The high seas may no longer offer them a golden age of piracy, but the Fire Lords’ wicked god plots a course to a very bright future. (Bloodlines: The Chosen)

• The Typhos push surgical pursuits into the realm of speculative — not pseudo, if you please — science. Just be sure to read all the fine print.

• The Warumono rely on tradition to ride the line between control and calamity. Their bravado befits their origins in organized crime, so don’t get on the bad side of their tattooed souls.

Chapter Two: The Malkavia Chronicle features the return of the Ventrue’s dirtiest secret. The Lords fear few things, but all of them start with M. The Affliction has followed the clan since before they were Lords, but no one really understands it — not yet.

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Introduction 13

Chapter Three: Crown Jewels introduces new Lordly Masks, Dirges, Devotions, and Merits, updating nearly all the mechanics from Lords Over the Damned. You’ll also find an in-depth look at the Aloof Curse, as well as other banes common to the Ventrue.

Chapter Four: Friends & Other Rivals presents a dossier of the powers-that-be and soon-to-be. In addition to three ghoul families to pledge their undying loyalty, you’ll find two new covenants to antagonize or recruit your characters, and two Horrors to keep them from resting on their laurels.

Ventrue MediaLady Báthory. Lord Ruthven. Count Dracula. The earliest

pop culture vampires were often nobility — classy, wealthy, and undeniable. Sure they’re blood-sucking corpses, but they feed with such élan you can’t help but bend to their will. Here are but a few examples from their ranks.

Vampire MediaBlood & Gold, by Anne Rice: The eighth book in Rice’s

venerable Vampire Chronicles follows the life and death of Marius, a former Roman patrician turned vampire by a cult of druids. Marius’s Requiem unfolds over millennia as he amasses wealth, shapes the covenants of vampire-kind, and offers patronage to the greatest works of art known to humanity. Luscious and sensual, this novel details the way Lords can influence the turning points of human history, and why they’ll never let you forget the debts they’re due for it.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula, directed by Francis Ford Coppola: While there have been many interpretations of Dracula since 1897, this one adds a feverish touch of obsession. Dracula’s longing for Mina Harker showcases the enthralling, dangerous extremes a Ventrue’s relationship with his Touchstone can take. Gary Oldman’s Count exudes allure, charm, and a barely restrained primal power, attractive and horrific in equal measure. The sumptuous score and costumes invite viewers into the “oceans of time” that can so shape a Lord’s isolation and decay.

Vampyr, by Dontnod Entertainment: Dr. Jonathan E. Reid gains power by preying on the very people he’s trying to save in a disease-ridden London still recovering from the Great War. A physician’s influence is vast in times of strife, and Vampyr asks players to question the cost of their survival, as well as the abuse of their authority and trust, both issues the Ventrue tackle nightly.

Non-Vampire MediaThe Borgias, created by Neil Jordan: While there are no

blood-sucking vampires here (at least not literally) the Borgias were one of humanity’s most cutthroat, infamous political entities. They had all the power in the world yet craved ever

more, and they were willing to bribe, seduce, and murder their way through Renaissance Europe to get it. All the Lords’ qualities are here on vibrant display: the Machiavellian vision, the conspiracies, the alliances and betrayals, and the obscene wealth that makes it all possible.

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas: Easily one of the greatest novels ever written, the titular Count would have made a brilliant Lord. He starts innocently enough, but when he is wrongly imprisoned, he begins a decades-long journey of revenge. He educates himself on the world and the intricacies of his enemies and secures a vast fortune, all to bring about the slow, meticulous destruction of anyone who ever wronged him. However, the Count must also grapple with the true nature of justice. His relentless pursuit of revenge erodes his own happiness, and ultimately, he must discover a better purpose for his power — if there’s enough of him left to salvage.

There Will Be Blood, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson: Not just a capitalist fever dream, There Will Be Blood has a bleak austerity to it: Greed, for lack of a better word, is misery. But the Lords know big business is power, and they can display a single-mindedness of purpose, ingenuity, and patience to see their schemes bear fruit. This ruthless drive is reflected well in Daniel Plainview, a silver miner who sees opportunity in the early 1900s oil boom. Plainview is willing to climb over friends, family, and the good Lord Himself to realize his dreams. His adopted son also provides a chilling example of a Ventrue Touchstone, and showcases just how untethered Lords become when those relationships disintegrate: “I’m finished!”

Requiem BooksA Hunger Like Fire, by Greg Stolze: Even as she comes into

her own among death’s aristocracy, Persephone Moore can never quite let go of plain old Linda. While best known as the signature Ventrue from Vampire: The Requiem First Edition (p. 113), Persephone’s attachment to her old life fits right in with modern Lords and their Touchstones, especially in the way it slips away as she makes ever more ethical compromises. Later in The Danse Macabre, those compromises will finally catch up to her, just when she starts to lose the one Touchstone she thought could never fade. (White Wolf)

“Four Years, Old John,” by Greg Stolze: Collected in The Strix Chronicle Anthology, this multi-decade story focuses on Persephone’s sire, Prince Maxwell Clarke. In addition to cracking open Chicago’s secret past, it provides a master class on the highs and lows of Ventrue praxis. Sometimes being king means taking a bullet for your people, and sometimes it means feeding the last guy to a meatgrinder. (Onyx Path Publishing)

Finally, recommending Lords Over the Damned almost feels redundant if you’re a Ventrue fan, but if it’s fallen under your radar, you don’t know what you’re missing. Lords redefined the game, laying the groundwork for Vampire: The Requiem Second Edition (and, indirectly, V5). In addition to a web of lies the Ventrue call history, it brought a new and terrifying version of the Malkavians to the Chronicles of Darkness. (White Wolf)

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