Heartland Orphans: The Beast

Every family has a troublemaker, a divergent soul that attracts trouble for the rest. For the Strix in my Vampire the Requiem Chronicle, Heartland Orphans, that was the Beast. This monster played at being a seductive demon, a ravening monster and corrupting force. It did so imperfectly leading local Kindred to destroy it and others.

The Beast

An owl of smoke and shadows, the Beast looks down on Kindred who cling to their mortal limits. With power over shadows and illusion, it seeks to undermine the humanity of others.

The Beast sees itself as a literal devil, tempting Kindred to their true natures. To that end, it lies and misleads its hosts, trying to lead them to murder and worse crimes.

Vice: Temptation

Aspirations:

• Tempt a vampire into losing Humanity
• Despoil the territory of a rival

Shadow Potency: 4

Attributes: Power 3, Finesse 7, Resistance 4
Skills: Athletics 3, Brawl 3, Occult 1, Persuasion 4, Stealth 3

Corpus: 6
Willpower: 10
Size: 2
Speed: 12
Defense: 7
Initiative: 11

Embodiments: Shadow Form, Possess Corpse, Possess Revenant, Posses Kindred
Dread Powers: Ambition’s Source, Beast’s Rebuke, Breath Eater, Mother’s Kiss, Voice in Your Head (cohabitating possession), Smoke and Mirrors
Vitae: 14, 4/turn
Banes: fire, sunlight, bells

Voice in Your Head: this power allows the Beast to possess any Kindred either willing or unable to resist (for example in daysleep). Roll as if possessing a torpored vampire. If successful, both the Strix and the host remain conscious. Both can use their powers independently or direct the actions of their common body. If they disagree, roll Power + Finesse + Shadow Potency vs. the host’s Resolve + Composure + Blood Potency. The winner directs the host body for a scene.

The Beast can call upon the traits of its lair if one of them (or one of its Siblings) is already present: Dim light, Engulfing, Razored.