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Abilities

In the above chart, "*" indicates an ability that can't be raised above 0 without a special merit or flaw. "+" indicates an ability that can't be raised above 1 without a special merit or flaw. When an ability has these restrictions we say it is "Limited to 0" or "Limited to 1".

"X" indicates an ability that must be specialized. Ability specialization simply dictates which areas a character cannot use his or her ability in without penalty. If a character is trying to work outside his or her specialty the ability score is reduced by 2, to a minimum of 0. If the score is reduced to 0, apply the standard rules for attempting an untrained activity. When a character acquires a new specialization, generally by acquiring a new Occupational merit or flaw, they can immediately apply their full ability score to that specialization as well as the old specialization. So a soldier with Melee (Gladius) 3 who spends enough time in a Legion now has Melee (Gladius, Javelin) 3. The designation "(All)" means that a character can use his or her ability fully, no matter the context.

I'm only writing full descriptions for Abilities that cannot be found in the cannon, or have changed significantly.

Academics
Limited to 1
Specialized: Literature, History, Fine Art
"Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus' son, the ruinous wrath that brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into Hades many strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey to dogs and all winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out its accomplishment from the day when first strife parted Atreides king of men and noble Achilles."
--The Illiad, Homer--
Academics is the study of the “humanities” in general. This covers knowledge of literature, history, and the appreciation of fine art (which is a less important field in this time). Literature covers the epic poetry of Homer and Vergil as well as the modern prose works of the satirists. A historian would also be familiar with the epic poems, for their historical value, and would also know the works of the chroniclers of history such as Polybius and Caesar. A student of fine art would be familiar with the works of the great sculptors, musicians, painters and mosaisists. Unlike the cannon version, this does not cover Philosophy, which is a separate knowledge nor math, which falls under Natural Philosophy.
O Dabbler: You know the first line of the Iliad.
OO Student: You can describe the major battles of Hanibul.
OOO Learned: You have memorized several great works.
OOOO Scholar: You can write original works of history or literature.
OOOOO Savant: Your works will stand the test of time.

Alertness
Same as cannon. Also serves as Dodge when attacked by ranged weapons.

Athletics
Same as cannon.

Animal Ken
Same as cannon.

Archery
Same as cannon.

Brawl
Same as cannon. Also serves as Dodge when fighting with your hands.

Bueracracy
Same as cannon.

Chirurgy
Limited to 0
"There are two views of bandaging: that which regards it while doing, and that which regards it when done. It should be done quickly, without pain, with ease, and with elegance; quickly, by despatching the without pain, by being readily done; with ease, by being prepared for everything; and with elegance, so that it may be agreeable to the sight. By what mode of training these accomplishments are to be acquired has been stated. When done, it should fit well and neatly; it is neatly done when with judgment, and when it is equal and unequal, according as the parts are equal or unequal. The forms of it (the bandage?) are the simple, the slightly winding (called ascia), the sloping (sima), the monoculus, the rhombus, and the semi-rhombus. The form of bandage should be suitable to the form and the affection of the part to which it is applied."
--On Surgery, Hippocrates--
Serves as cannon's Medicine. This knowledge covers everything from surgery to dentistry to treating illness. This knowledge can be aided by Herbalism, but Herbalism cannot be a substitute, except in things like first aid.
O Dabbler: You can bandage a wound and remove a tooth.
OO Student: You have some hope of curing someone of a disease.
OOO Learned: You can perform an amputation, and your patient may even live.
OOOO Scholar: People have learned to come to you before asking the gods for help.
OOOOO Savant: You could be trusted with the Emperor's health.

[City] Lore
    Octavia dashed through the narrow streets, the howls of Oregetorix’s hunting pack seeming to come from all directions. She needed somewhere to hide, somewhere they couldn’t track her scent, and somewhere she could get to soon. Very soon – she mentally revised her estimate as she skidded in the mud, losing a precious few seconds. If she could only survive for two days, she could throw herself on the mercy of the legatus who would be arriving soon, and whose ‘little favor’ had gotten her into this mess in the first place.
    Dark buildings loomed ahead. She’d made it! The stench of piss and rotting flesh filled the air around the tannery. It would be impossible for the dogs to track her: now she only had to get out of sight.
This ability covers both familiarity with the physical and social climate of a given city. With this knowledge, you can find your way around a given city as well as navigate its social waters with at least some sense of direction. While it does not include deep secrets of the city, it can give a political overview, an idea of where criminals might hang out, what Kindred live in the city, or anything else related to how the city functions on a night-to-night basis.
O Dabbler: You can find major landmarks without a map.
OO Student: You rarely get lost.
OOO Learned: You can easily pass for a local.
OOOO Scholar: Even subtle changes in the city come to your attention quickly.
OOOOO Savant: You can play the city like an instrument.
Possessed by: Locals, Scholars, Historians, Underworld.
Specialties: History, Geography, Politics, Crime, Law, Kindred, Customs.

Clan Lore
    “Ulrike was my sire, you half-sprouted half-wit,” growled the tall woman. Deliberately, she reached back and began to loosen her hair from its elaborate braids. Septimus swallowed hard: no outlander Skadi would never take down their hair in front of anyone they meant to leave alive, and he had no illusions about how long his knife would protect him against her raking claws. He had to talk his way out of this, and fast.
    “Wait!” He cursed himself silently for the tremble terror put in his voice. “Ulrike herself told me about it when we shared fire and the hunt.” And if this worked, Lorelei would hardly dare to attack someone her sire had placed under the three-fold protection of blood, flame and story.
    Lorelei sneered, but her hands stopped their busy movement in her hair. “You spoke with my sire?”
    Septimus suppressed a hysterical laugh of relief. He’d gotten her to admit it was possible; now he just had to prove it.
This ability covers familiarity with the workings of one of the fourteen great families of Kindred – the clans. It includes knowledge of social mores, who is important within the clan, clan culture, legends, lore and the like. It can be used to gain knowledge about another clan, or to know how to behave in order to gain status in one’s own.
O Dabbler: You know not to insult an Assamite’s sire or a Ventrue’s mother – or is it the other way around?
OO Student: You can avoid social mistakes at clan gatherings.
OOO Learned: You could pass for a member of the clan.
OOOO Scholar: Not only do you know the clan has secrets, you even know what some of them are.
OOOOO Savant: No one would believe you aren’t a friend of the clan founders.
Possessed by: Clan Members, Scholars, Wanna-bes, Adopted Childer.
Specialties: Culture, Legends and Lore, History, Gossip, Gatherings, Power Structure, Secrets, Who’s Who.

Crafts
Specialized: Sculpture, Mozaics, Painting, Pottery, Cobbling, Cooping, Carpentry, Stonework, Sculpture
This is mostly the same as cannon. The “you can even create lasting works of art with this Skill” is emphasised in the Gloria Mundi system. Creating a marble bust worthy of the ages might require both a Perception + Empathy roll and a Dexterity + Crafts (Sculpture) roll.

Empathy
Same as cannon.

Etiquette
Limited to 1
Specialized: Roman, Gaulic, Greek, Egyptian, Numidian, Persian, German, Carthegenian
This is mostly the same as cannon. The real difference is in specializations. Instead of covering situations where Etiquette is used, they cover differences in cultural Etiquette. Because of the vast differences in culture from one area to another few characters will know multiple Specializations unless they are well traveled. It should also be noted that Etiquette represents dealing with those who are well cultured. There is a seperate set of rules and customs for the lower class, simulated by Streetwise.

Expression
Same as cannon. Note this covers personal and small group interactions as well as poetry and prose writing. It does not cover public speaking or dramatic performance, those are covered by Performance.

Finance
Limited to 1
Same as cannon.

Herbalism
Same as cannon. Can be used to create short term pain killers and the like, only useful on mortals of course. Poisons and soporiphics can also be created.

Intimidation
Same as cannon.

Investigation
Same as cannon.

Larceny
Mostly the same as cannon. This covers actual theiving, not social interaction, which is covered by Streetwise. This is similar to the modern day Security, with some additions. So one can cut purses, pick locks, and the like, if one is feeling nasty. The defensive uses of Security also apply to Larceny, so choosing the right locks, and making sure the doors and shutters are of stout material fall under this Ability.

Law
Limited to 0
Same as cannon.

Leadership
Same as cannon.

Linguistics
Mostly the same as cannon. The number of languages a character knows is a bit different though. The number of additional languages is equal to 2 raised to the number of dots the character has in this ability, minus one. In other words, languages = 2 ^ (dots – 1).

Melee
Specialized: Gladius and Shield, Mounted Spear, Javelin, Broadsword, Axe, Spear and Sheild
Same as cannon. Note that the javelin and other thrown weapons fall under this school. Also serves as Dodge when fighting with a weapon.

Music
Specialized: Lyre, Flute, Song, Dance
Mostly the same as cannon. The ability to play a musical instrument, to sing, or to dance. This does not cover the ability to create original works of music, that is covered in Expression.

Natural Philosophy
"A prime number is that which is measured by a unit alone.
Numbers relatively prime are those which are measured by a unit alone as a common measure.
A composite number is that which is measured by some number.
Numbers relatively composite are those which are measured by some number as a common measure."
--Elements, Euclid--
Limited to 1
Specialized: Math, Geometry, Astronomy, Biology, Elementalism
Serves as cannon's Science. This covers knowledge of how the natural world works. Of course, there are a lot of incorrect ideas floating around, like vitalism and geocentrism, but nobody knows that, nor will anyone know that for 1500 years. Players should use this skill to simulate the knowledge of period science, not as an excuse to “invent” modern science in a Roman setting. Storytellers should enforce that strictly.
O Dabbler: You have read the fundamental works of you field.
OO Student: You can bisect an angle or describe the positions of the planets.
OOO Learned: You can take on students in your area of expertise.
OOOO Scholar: You are ready to tackle the difficult questions of your field, such as trisecting an angle.
OOOOO Savant: You can make a discovery for the ages, like a mathematical codification of the crystal spheres.

Occult
Limited to 0
Specialized: Mithraeic, Issic, Shades, Magic, Spirits, State Gods
Same as cannon. If a Discipline roll involves Occult, specialization may be ignored, it is assumed that a character understands the Discipline use in the same way they understand Occult. Occult covers the practical applications of mystical knowledge. Someone with the Occult Ability might know the gestures and incantations their mythic tradition uses to summon spirits. Of course, without an actual supernatural ability their knowledge can't be effectively used. Also, each Occult specialization belives it knows more about the Occult than it actually does. So some one with Occult (Issic) would have a lot more skill in summoning spirits than someone with Occult (Mithreaic), even though the Occult (Mithreaic) character might know plenty of incantations and gestures. They are just not effective incantations and gestures. Occult differs from the Lore abilities in that Occult is knowledge of how to interact with the supernatural, while Lores are knowledge of the practices and beliefs of the different religions and cults.

Performance
"Friends, Romans,
countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious:
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it.
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest --
For Brutus is an honourable man;"
--Julius Caesar, Shakespear--
Completely different from cannon. The only reason we kept the name was because Performance is used by a number of Disciplines. Performance represents playing to a crowd. So acting, oratory, and debate are all covered by Performance, but singing and dancing are not. Performance differs from Expression in that it covers crowds rather than one on one situations.
O Novice: You can deliver a short speech.
OO Practiced: You draw small crowds when you speak in the Forum.
OOO Competant: You can inflame a crowd to riot given the proper cause.
OOOO Expert: You can hold your own in Senatorial debate.
OOOOO Master: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!” was your line.
Possessed by: Politicians, Generals, Scholars, Philosophers.

Philosophy
Limited to 0
"And now look again, and see what will naturally follow if the prisoners are released and disabused of their error. At first, when any of them is liberated and compelled suddenly to stand up and turn his neck round and walk and look toward the light, he will suffer sharp pains; the glare will distress him, and he will be unable to see the realities of which in his former state he had seen the shadows; and then conceive someone saying to him, that what he saw before was an illusion, but that now, when he is approaching nearer to being and his eye is turned toward more real existence, he has a clearer vision - what will be his reply? And you may further imagine that his instructor is pointing to the objects as they pass and requiring him to name them - will he not be perplexed? Will he not fancy that the shadows which he formerly saw are truer than the objects which are now shown to him?"
--Republic, Plato--
Serves as parts of both cannon's Enigmas and Academics. Philosophy is both the knowledge of the great works of philosophers who have come before, and the ability to answer seemingly intractable questions yourself. For how could one answer meaningful questions without the wisdom of those who have gone before? And what use is wisdom without the skill to apply it?
O Dabbler: You've read Plato and understand some of it.
OO Student: You can explain several of Socrates' points in depth.
OOO Learned: You are entirely familiar with the great Greek and Roman philosophers.
OOOO Scholar: Other philosophers look to you for wisdom.
OOOOO Savant: You begin to see small flaws in the great works.

Politics
Limited to 1
Mostly the same as cannon. This covers both the fundamentals of how governments work, as discussed by many philosphers, and the details of what is currently going on politically. Someone skilled with this abilty can find parallels between his or her observations of the current political situation and the wittings of the philosophers, and use those parallels to their advantage.

[Province] Lore
    Rufus smiled and shook his head. “No, Magistrate, I’m afraid your suggestion for Arelate is unacceptable. The trade routes that pass through there are extremely valuable to both of us, and I would hate to put them at risk.”
    The magistrate leaned forward with a look of irritation. “Risk?” he growled. “Tertullius has been a faithful servant for thirty years. Or are you suggesting he’s incompetent to do the job?”
    “Not at all,” Rufus bowed his head slightly, as if acknowledging a point. “Then I am certain that his recent visits to certain inhabitants of Narbo must be at your express command. I hope you will permit me to retract any doubts I may have expressed about this arrangement.”
    The magistrate narrowed his eyes. “On second thought, perhaps I should speak to Tertullius and be certain he is … ready … for such an honor. You are dismissed.”
    As the angry magistrate prepared for an internal investigation, Rufus turned for the door and chuckled inwardly. His continued hold on the rich trade of Arelate was secure.
This ability covers familiarity with the physical, political and social situation in an entire province. This knowledge includes some knowledge of province geography, trade routes, major cities and their political relationships, and the larger power structure of Kindred in the area. It includes basic knowledge of the major players in each city within the province, though not in as great detail as City Lore might provide.
O Dabbler: You can name the major cities of the province and explain why they’re important.
OO Student: You can name most of the power players in the province’s cities.
OOO Learned: You can easily pass for a native of the province.
OOOO Scholar: You are fluent in provincial political and economic issues.
OOOOO Savant: The provincial magistrates come to you for advice.
Possessed by: Legionnaires, Magistrates, Scholars, Travelers.
Specialties: History, Geography, Politics, Military, Law, Kindred, Trade.

Ride
Same as cannon. When in mounted combat roll the lesser of your Ride and weapon skill.

[Specific Religion] Lore
Limited to 0
    Marcus peered around the rough stone corner of the tunnel and into the cave. Near the front of the room, a naked man in a lion’s mask danced atop a rough stone altar. By his side, a solemn gray-cloaked attendant held a torch that the dancer periodically plunged his hands into for a brief moment; the smell of roasted flesh hung over the rest of what appeared to be an impressive orgy.
    He turned back to the legionnaires crouching in the tunnel behind him. “All right, men. Take as many of them as you can into custody. And ignore that fool dancing on the altar – the real ring-leader is the one with the torch. A hundred sesterces for the man who brings his head to me.”
    Eager grins appeared on the legionnaires’ faces, and the muted rasp of gladii being drawn filled the tunnel. Marcus nodded, and with a howl the men charged into the disordered ranks of the enemy.
This ability covers knowledge of one particular religious cult within the Empire; it can also cover non-State religions such as Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Christianity (which, within the borders of the Empire, definitely qualify as cults). Like Clan Lore, it must be taken separately for each Cult one wishes to gain knowledge of. One could use this ability to manipulate a follower of the cult, pass as a follower oneself, or simply understand the internal workings of the group. However, this does not cover any occult abilities the cult may or may not possess.
O Dabbler: “Jews? I’ve heard of them.”
OO Student: You know not to ask a Christian about his last sacrifice to Augustus.
OOO Learned: You could pass for a cult member.
OOOO Scholar: You could write a book on the differences between Mithraism and the Unconquered Sun.
OOOOO Savant: When you speak, you redefine cult canon.
Possessed by: Cult Members, Inquisitors, Priests.
Specialties: Rituals, Sacrifices, Power Structure, Specific Gods/Goddesses, Influence, Beliefs, Gatherings.

State Religion Lore
Limited to 0
    The black sheep was led to the front of the crowd, pulling back slightly against the rope almost as if it knew what was coming. As a hush fell over the assembled legion, the hooded priest pulled the animal against the rough wood of the altar, brandishing his knife and crying out the invocation to Mars three times. Wallach stiffened as the blood gushed from the animal’s throat, its rich scent carrying even to where he crouched at the edge of the forest, but he couldn’t afford to be distracted now. He released the raven from his right hand and watched as it circled three times over the heads of the troops, a sure sign of ill-omen.
    His plant in the crowd glanced briefly up at the agreed signal and then stepped forward. “What have you done? That is no ram – you have sacrificed a black ewe, and should we battle now, surely it will be death at our shoulder instead of victory! All know that a black ewe summons only Hades! We must not fight!”
    Two legionnaires pinned the speaker as the horrified priest turned back to the altar. A wail went up from the front of the crowd as Wallach slipped away through the woods. Switching the sacrificial animals had worked even better than he had hoped. The Romans would not fight in the coming day, and by tomorrow’s dawn his tribe would be in place to smash them.
    Sometimes, he thought, it’s useful to know your enemy.
This ability covers knowledge of the Roman state religion, which is extremely socially important. While it does not grant any occult ability, you could certainly interpret omens, cast convincing divinations or pass as a priest using this knowledge. It covers knowing who and what is important in the religion, how the internal mechanism of the religious bureaucracy works, and the social implications of religious occurrences.
O Dabbler : You don’t often forget to appease your lares.
OO Student: You can tell the difference between a flamen and a haruspex at fifty paces.
OOO Learned: You know which gods to appeal to in what situations, and how to do it.
OOOO Scholar: Divinations and sacrifices have to get past your rigorous eye.
OOOOO Savant: You could spot religious impropriety in a Vestal Virgin.
Possessed by: Priests, Faithful People, Patricians.
Specialties: Sacrifice, Omens, Divination, Specific Gods/Goddesses, Power Structure, Deification, Military, Beliefs.

Stealth
Mostly the same as cannon. Streetwise also covers the social etiquette of dealing with the lower classes.

Streetwise
Same as cannon.

Subterfuge
Same as cannon.

Survival
Same as cannon.

Vampire Lore
    Flavia pulled the still-struggling Sextus off the limp body of the merchant. “You idiot,” she hissed. “That was one of the legatus’s contacts in the city, and now you’ve killed him. Do you have any idea of what you’re in for?”
    His mouth still covered with the man’s blood, but his eyes once again aware and comprehending, Sextus sank to the floor and covered his head, as if trying to deny the sight in front of him. “I didn’t mean to do it,” he moaned. Flavia snorted – they both knew just how effective that argument would be.     “Isn’t there anything I can do? I have to do something. I have to fix it.”
    Flavia smiled. “Oh, is that all you want? You know, if you put some of your own blood in his mouth, I’ve heard he’ll come back to life.” Sextus scrambled for the corpse, as if this slim hope would vanish any second. He bit at his own lip and lowered his head, dripping with sweet blood, toward the dead man’s mouth. Flavia watched, amused. A deliberate moment too late, she added, “Of course, he’ll be a vampire too.”
    The dead man’s eyes flickered open as Sextus recoiled in shock. Excellent,she thought. This would be much harder for Sextus to explain.
This ability covers knowledge of just what the Kindred are all about. It includes both familiarity with Kindred physiology and abilities as well as knowledge about the history and legends of Kindred culture. In order to take full advantage of one’s unique abilities as a vampire, you must have some ability in this score. See the end of this document for some specifics of what various levels of Vampire Lore mean in the practical sense.
O Dabbler: Mmmm, blood tastes good.
OO Student: You have a good practical grasp of the basic abilities of the Kindred.
OOO Learned: Kindred life is second nature to you.
OOOO Scholar: You know many of the secrets of this dark world.
OOOOO Savant: Advancing the theoretical understanding of vampiric nature is child’s play to you.
Possessed by: Kindred, Occultists, Hunters.
Specialties: Physiology, History, Legends and Lore, Genealogy, Customs, Blood, Theology.

Vampire Lore Redux
Your character's Vampire Lore score determines just how much they know about the basics of being a vampire. This is different from the White Wolf definition of Vampire Lore, though it does include information about the myths and legends of Kindred origins.
We strongly recommend all neonate characters to take at least Vampire Lore 1. Every Kindred is assumed to know how to feed, how to lick the wounds made by feeding, how to heal themselves, and how to use blood to fuel stat increases and disciplines - though this may or may not be conscious knowledge.

Vampire Lore 1:
You know what causes you to Rotschreck and Frenzy. You know about how much blood you can afford to take from a mortal without killing them. (Characters without this level of Vampire Lore will have to roll their Intelligence + Chirurgy every time they feed.) You know what the Blood Bond is, by terrifying and inaccurate reputation, and you know that feeding a human your blood creates a ghoul. You know what Disciplines you have and how to activate them, and you know what clan you are. You know vague stories about any clans in your region for which you do not possess Clan Lore.

Vampire Lore 2:
You know what causes aggravated damage. You know how to Embrace someone. You know that a ghoul can learn Disciplines, and you know how to keep ghouls fed and at maximum potential. You know that Blood Bond is initiated through three drinks and what it means to be under one. You know fairly precisely how much blood you can take from someone and what effect it will have on them. You know about how much blood you can hold and have some conception of what a "blood point" is (though characters who ever use those words will be smacked with the ST stick). You are familiar with the "Caitiff 8" Disciplines and have heard of the other disciplines common in your area, though you likely do not know details of their use; you know about all the clans in your region and have heard inaccurate rumors about the others. You are aware of the concept of generation. You are aware of any one myth of Kindred origins and of the concept of falling to the Beast.

Vampire Lore 3:
You know how much blood you can take from someone to leave them in any desired state (dazed, injured, comatose, dead). You are aware of what limits the powers of ghouls (Domitor generation and clan, for example) and understand how they can be taught and trained. You have detailed knowledge of the disciplines of all clans in your region, and have heard rumors of the powers of Kindred outside it. You know what Diablerie is and how to do it - or perhaps how to avoid it - and some of the things it can gain you, including generation. You know what benefits generation bestows. You know quite accurate stories about all clans, and you may have heard of the existence of bloodlines. You are familiar with two myths of Kindred origins - player's choice. You are aware of what causes one to lose Humanity and the consequences thereof.

Vampire Lore 4:
You know how to break a blood bond non-mystically (and are aware that it can also be broken mystically), and you can heal so-called "permanent" wounds. You know something about every discipline that exists in our World of Darkness and are aware of the existence of alternate powers for existing disciplines. You are aware of the bloodlines that exist and know something about each of them. You are extremely familiar with four or more myths of Kindred origins: these may include White Wolf's myths, original player-generated concepts, or the myths that the STs have developed specifically for this game. You have heard of Golconda, though not how one approaches it. You know about one or more Paths of Enlightenment. PCs may only take this level of Lore at character creation with a damn good backstory.

Vampire Lore 5:
You can develop alternate discipline powers and know in detail about every discipline that exists. You are a scholar of Kindred history and are at least aware of most myths of Kindred origins, as well as knowing something about the strange cults that have sprung up around some of them. You know what Golconda is and the three paths toward it. You know of all minor sects of Kindred, though not in any great detail without the appropriate lore score. You know about all Paths of Enlightenment. PCs must gain this level of lore in-game.

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