Temple
(• to •••••; special)
Effect: An Acolyte temple is similar to a vampire’s Haven. (This Merit may, in fact, replace the Haven Merit, if this is somewhere that the cultists reside as well. If not, then each must be bought separately.) Similar to the Haven Merit, a Circle temple is represented by three component Traits: Location, Size and Security. All three are bought separately, and provide the exact same functions and mechanics listed under the Haven Merit (see pp. 100–101, Vampire: The Requiem).
That said, players have the option of purchasing a fourth element to this Merit: Temple Library. This Trait allows the cult to maintain a library devoted to the subjects dearest to the cult. For every dot purchased in the Library facet, the coterie enjoys a +1 Equipment bonus to any Intelligence + Occult rolls made for Research purposes. This may not lead to a cumulative bonus larger than +5. The Library Trait does not necessarily represent books. Depending on the contributing vampire’s Resources, a temple’s archives may contain relics, vases, old scrolls or other artifacts that don’t necessarily contain literal texts but rather inspiring or enlightening artistic or historical details.
Special: Similar to Haven, characters can share this Merit. The same rules apply. If a character leaves the cult or suffers Final Death, her contributed points are removed — perhaps she takes her books with her, damages vases or relics on her way out or the gods visit some seemingly coincidental catastrophe on the collection.
That said, players have the option of purchasing a fourth element to this Merit: Temple Library. This Trait allows the cult to maintain a library devoted to the subjects dearest to the cult. For every dot purchased in the Library facet, the coterie enjoys a +1 Equipment bonus to any Intelligence + Occult rolls made for Research purposes. This may not lead to a cumulative bonus larger than +5. The Library Trait does not necessarily represent books. Depending on the contributing vampire’s Resources, a temple’s archives may contain relics, vases, old scrolls or other artifacts that don’t necessarily contain literal texts but rather inspiring or enlightening artistic or historical details.
Special: Similar to Haven, characters can share this Merit. The same rules apply. If a character leaves the cult or suffers Final Death, her contributed points are removed — perhaps she takes her books with her, damages vases or relics on her way out or the gods visit some seemingly coincidental catastrophe on the collection.