• Pact of Allure
Even the most primitive students of Ralab are armed with something to offer — and something to take. This Discipline takes the form of a pact between the Sanam and a mortal, who must willingly submit to it (though the Sanam is under no compulsion to explain the full ramifications of the deal). The essence of the pact is that the pair exchanges that intangible quality called “allure” until the next sunset. Neither party changes appearance, but the mortal typically seems more poised, charming, vital — she’s nicer to look at, though not in any way anyone can name.
The pact is consummated when the Sanam anoints the human with his blood, and the human lets the Sanam taste hers. (Only a drop is needed, though often Asnâm imply that much more is required.)
In olden times, this Discipline was commonly used as a direct exchange — you pay me, I make you beautiful for a while. In modern nights, fewer people believe in such things (though there are still gullible occult dabblers in every city), so a Sanam is more likely to use this with one of his own long-term followers to create a sort of “body double.”
The pact is consummated when the Sanam anoints the human with his blood, and the human lets the Sanam taste hers. (Only a drop is needed, though often Asnâm imply that much more is required.)
In olden times, this Discipline was commonly used as a direct exchange — you pay me, I make you beautiful for a while. In modern nights, fewer people believe in such things (though there are still gullible occult dabblers in every city), so a Sanam is more likely to use this with one of his own long-term followers to create a sort of “body double.”
Effect
Once The Asnâm has taken and spent a Vitae from the subject, the mortal (or ghoul) can substitute the Sanam’s Presence score for her own, if it’s higher. This bonus lasts until The Asnâm next rises from sleep or Torpor. (Thus the risk to The Asnâm: if the ghoul learns this, he may have good reason not to rescue his regnant from Torpor so quickly.) Typically, only the homely seek out the Pact of Allure, but even the lovely can be driven to extremes by competition. Many Asnâm use Majesty to “polish up” what they offer, though the effects of that Discipline do not enhance a mortal who has made a Pact of Allure.
For that same duration, the Sanam does not provoke the Predator’s Taint in other Kindred (though he still needs to make Resolve + Composure rolls for frenzy as usual). His aura may reveal his nature, but the Taint is muted for the duration. Specifically, it’s redirected to his mortal pact-mate. Her aura shows her Humanity, but she provokes Predator’s Taint in vampires as if she had the Sanam’s Blood Potency.
For that same duration, the Sanam does not provoke the Predator’s Taint in other Kindred (though he still needs to make Resolve + Composure rolls for frenzy as usual). His aura may reveal his nature, but the Taint is muted for the duration. Specifically, it’s redirected to his mortal pact-mate. Her aura shows her Humanity, but she provokes Predator’s Taint in vampires as if she had the Sanam’s Blood Potency.
Side/Secondary Effects
For an additional three experience points, this power may be expanded, granting the subject the equivalent of the Striking Looks Merit (••) for its duration. If the subject already has Striking Looks ••, then this expanded power grants Striking Looks •••• instead.
Material Components
Cost: 1 Vitae
Gestures & Ritual
Dice Pool: This Discipline is not rolled.
Related Discipline
Effect Duration
This bonus lasts until the Asnâm next rises from sleep or torpor.
Effect Casting Time
Once the Asnâm has taken and spent a Vitae from the subject, the mortal (or ghoul) can substitute the Sanam’s Presence score for her own, if it’s higher.
Level
1