Vampire: The Masquerade 5E is getting new clans, powers and rules for mortals in a free supplement out next month
VTM Companion introduces shape-shifting Tzimisce, illusory Ravnos and healing Salubri.
Vampire: The Masquerade is expanding with the release of a new companion supplement in December that brings new playable clans, character abilities and rules to the horror RPG.
Vampire: The Masquerade Companion will be available as a free PDF, containing information on three additional vampire clans - the Tzimisce, Ravnos and Salubri - their unique powers, extra merits for players to use when creating characters and rules for including ghouls and mortals in sessions.
The Tzimisce are described as being a clan focused on control and possession, with the ability to reshape their own body - or those of others - to shapeshift, much like Count Dracula’s own power to take the form of a bat or wolf. The Ravnos, meanwhile, are trickster bloodsuckers who can create hallucinations and illusions to distract, deceive or manipulate targets. Finally, the Salubri are a small group of vampires seeking redemption from their cursed existence; identifiable by a third eye that weeps blood, they can heal the physical, mental and spiritual ills suffered by others.
The Companion supplement is compatible with Vampire: The Masquerade’s fifth edition - also known as V5 - and will include gameplay rules for each of the new clans’ discipline powers, as well as details on their place in the setting’s lore. The booklet will also feature rules on how to play ghouls and everyday mortals, additional merits - optional advantages and abilities chosen during character creation - and general updates to the VTM 5E core rules.
“World of Darkness fans have been asking us for more Vampire: The Masquerade content since we launched the fifth edition core book in 2018. Vampire: The Masquerade Companion is our answer, adding in some of their most-requested features like clan Tzimisce and rules for mortals”, said brand community developer Martyna Zych. “This is just one of many products we have in the pipeline, and while we can’t reveal anything else now, I will say that it is a great time to be a World of Darkness fan.”
The supplement was revealed alongside the announcement that Vampire: The Masquerade studio Paradox would now develop all story material relating to the World of Darkness in-house, with new partner Renegade - the studio behind games including Kids on Bikes, Overlight and Clank! - publishing its tabletop RPGs.
As part of the announcement, Paradox said all future World of Darkness books would include sensitivity reviews during development, with the studio working with diversity consultants and diversity readers.
The Vampire: The Masquerade Companion will be released as a free PDF in December, with an exact release date to be announced. In order to access the book, players will require an Paradox account on the World of Darkness website.