TUESDAY, AUGUST 10

Getting In – Joining or creating a bloodline doesn't just happen. The character actually forces his Vitae to take on new characteristics or to conform to the characteristics of another. Needless to say, effecting a change like this in the static body of a Kindred takes time and effort. Creating a new bloodline or joining an existing one isn't something that should happen overnight, and it costs a full Willpower dot (not point) to force the Kindred to change.

Activating a sire's bloodline is the easiest transformation. Although it still requires great will, the sire's blood already flows in the childe's body and the opportunity for change is inherent. To join a different bloodline, however, the character must sample the blood of one of the bloodline's existing members and receive special tutelage. The candidate thus must find an ally within the bloodline, called an Avus (Latin for "Grandfather"). The Avus acts not only as a sponsor for the character, but as a mentor, as well. The Avus offers his blood so that the Kindred can change his own to emulate it and join the bloodline, as well as teaching the candidate the history of the bloodline, and even rare Disciplines and Devotions. As bloodlines themselves are rare, a willing Avus is quite hard to find. Generally, the Avus must be persuaded into the role, and demands such as quest-like tasks or imposed Vinculum are not uncommon. In addition to the candidate losing a Willpower dot, the Avus must expend at least one Willpower point and Vitae in helping the candidate through the transformation.

Another option exists, although it is taboo among most Kindred. By diablerizing a bloodline member, a Kindred can acquire the knowledge needed directly from that vampires Vitae and soul. The candidate must still spend a Willpower dot, but needs no Avus beyond his victim.

Drink of Me – Here's another piece of art from Vampire: The Requiem by Mattias Snygg.

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