Vampire: Bloodlines

So the original game w as part of some larger, maybe original tabletop universe, right? World of Darkness, right? Do you need to know anything about that or can you just jump straight in?

A while ago I asked for CRPG recs and a lot of people suggested Bloodlines. Maybe it's time I picked it up.

It is, Bloodlines is part of the greater Vampire The Masquerade setting.

It's fairly self-contained and explains the concepts satisfactorily, some things will be easier to understand if you have knowledge of the setting but none of it is required.

I've found the Unofficial White Wolf wiki to be a good source if you're curious about anything.

Edited by Fourthspartan56 on Apr 12th 2019 at 3:47:49 AM

The first game did a good enough job explaining the universe...though I personally already tore apart TVTropes' own articles on the universe beforehand myself anyway.

You know maybe just do that too.

Edited by VutherA on Apr 12th 2019 at 6:49:07 AM

All that info looks really cool.

One question that has been bugging me, how will our thin-blooded PC join a clan? Are there confirmed methods or is it something that the devs will have to design on their own?

The devs haven't confirmed it but it pretty much has to be diablerie, after all, it's not unknown for the Camarilla to offer it to promising Thin Bloods during a blood hunt.

Edited by Fourthspartan56 on Apr 12th 2019 at 5:25:28 AM

So in this Bloodlines game, you can be part of any one of these Vampire Clans?

I'm just trying to figure out what to research. I found books on the various Vt M Clans.

Edited by Nikkolas on Apr 13th 2019 at 7:25:01 AM

The game gives short descriptions of every playable clan in the character creation. It's not really necessary to read up on every clan beforehand. But if you want to look up more info on them right now, for reference the playable clans in the game are Brujah, Gangrel, Malkavian, Nosferatu, Toreador, Tremere, and Ventrue.

To expand on this I would strongly advise any first time players to not choose Nosferatu or Malkavian.

Nosferatu have to hide and go by sewers (for the most part) so they aren't the best choice for a first playthrough because you won't be able to see everything that you would as non-Nos Clan.

Malkavians, on the other hand, have warped and deranged prophetic dialogue which often reveals future plot twists and thus is most impactful after one has completed a full playthrough.

Add Ventrue alongside Malk and Nos,they can't feed off rats which makes healing a pain for then

Edited by Ultimatum on Apr 13th 2019 at 4:41:47 PM

I'm gonna boot up the original once I'm done with Vampyr - have to say that game really sells the underworld and dark elements of vampirism alongside the suave, seductive side of it.

It, too, has you using rats in a pinch for swift healing.

I hope we get some more info at E3.

PDXCON 2019 is coming up, so we may very well get info there.

Though, I'm personally assuming that a proper gameplay reveal will be at E3.

So I had a write-up and just meant to cut and then re-paste it but it went away because fuck me. So gonna try to sum up my original fresh thoughts as best as I can.

First off, I went through Explosive Beginnings twice. First time I had no clue what I was doing. Second time I felt I had a better feeling for what was going on. I really only did the reload because I fucked up installing this mod: https://www.moddb.com/mods/vtmb-companion-mod

I still am not 100% sure it will work for me... I know it works for Ventrue possessing random NPC's but I have yet to see an opportunity to recruit somebody I like or the other intriguing features.

In any event, onto my character!

1◊

2◊

Starting the game, I was quite conflicted on what Clan to be. I had some my little research but it got me nowhere. I did the Questionaire just out of curiosity and got Malkavian. But since I was told NOT to be Malkavian across three different forums, that was a no-go. Then I saw the pic for Gangrel and read the description and it just...felt right. Gotta go with your instincts, your impulses. When I read the "Insectoid History" it felt even more right. Being a vampire isn't about being snooty or wearing fancy clothes, it's about being a hunter.

Not a particularly bright, stealthy or cunning hunter, of course... I picture my PC as rather brutish. It's about a rush and a thrill and that leaves no place for thinking things through. The only social skill I view as being right for her is Intimidation.

My first time through I ignored Security and put points into Firearms and Melee. I regretted this since I ended up fighting Unarmed most of the time anyway. Also all those doors I couldn't get in were driving me crazy. I still can't get in a lot of doors but I'm doing better now. Computers though...well, -smashes keyboard- Did that work? No? Guess they are beyond my PC.

My fear that I won't just be able to kill my way to victory though is troubling.I'm trying to help Knox (for XP. No way I'd do anything for him otherwise) and the quest led me to the Santa Monica Medical Center and I think the next step lies in a computer. Are passwords always around or do you have to crack PC's at times?

Now, onto story impressions and recaps of what I have done.

I'm not telling on Mercurio and I gave him his money back because why not. Fuck Prince Snooty Pants.

I reckon I am not alone in loving Jeanette. If my PC has anyone they actually like, it's her. Guess you can figure out who I made sure survived.

Speaking of flirty girls though, The Asylum has a couple. Well, they aren't so much flirty as... I am? My PC has no capability with romance but they still give me the options to try. It's kinda funn, if OOC. I certainly can't bring the one girl to the Blood Bank to replace Lily. I might if it required a more heavy hand but, alas.

Speaking of which, in my first run, I just ran around fucking with shit. I totally missed out on some sidequests. I killed the Bail Bonds dude because he was alone in a empty building. With my urge to kill and just go crazy sated, he lives and I get more money and XP. Yay!

Speaking of which, in my last run, a woman with a Torch randomly attacked me. Guessing she knew I was a vampire?

The Haunted Hotel was sure an interesting way to start the game. I'll be honest, I was scared at times, a lot of times. Especially when you load a save and hear the footsteps... But it's like, the vampire fantasy is, well, a power fantasy. It's all about being an uber powerful badass. The game practically starts with a mission where you are completely helpless and you feel beyond powerless. All your vampiric power means nothing.

What's up with the newspaper clipping though saying they didn't know if it was the husband or wife who did it? The journal clearly says it was the husband and that is backed up by everything you see and hear. I kept waiting for some TWEEST but it did not come.

Nobody ever answered me if there were multiple endings. Can you choose to side with any one of the three factions? I get the feeling alre ady the game really wants me to be an Anarch but...I dunno.

It all sounds very...robotic the way I'm typing now because I'm sleepy and this is the second time I did all this in as many days. But I assure you, I am loving this game a lot. The reason I was going around just fucking shit up initially was because I loved how immersive it a ll was. I can't wait to start the game up tomorrow and see a brand new area, Downtown. I gotta find some Regent guy.

P.S.

Typed all this with the VTMB theme playing. This game's atmosphere is helped immeasurably by this amazing music.

P.S.S. I hope I get new outfits soon. This one doesn't fit how I picture my PC at all.

Edited by Nikkolas on Apr 15th 2019 at 9:29:34 AM

there arrrre iirc a total of five endings? and then a sixth that's a bit more hidden

Outfits are permanent - and tied with your character choice, unfortunately - but you can upgrade your "armour" but if I remember right that's just a value of defence.

And yes, the O Cean View Hotel is an AMAZING level. Fantastic scene setter laying out just how out of your depth you are. The game does a good job of really letting you build up to become an absolute MONSTER of a character in terms of what you achieve as well.

I also like how you CAN play as a complete deranged monster, but there are consequences for it. Gangrel are an interesting choice (I found it hard to really tell them apart from Brujah, but in lore the Gangrel are more loners and "naturey" vampires, whilst the Brujah are more PUNCHY PUNCHY FIGHT THE MAN types)

I'm going to try a Tremere run through (Never went with magic powers. Instead I was a charming Toreador with GUNPLAY first time round) Nosferatu I think is a good idea but limiting in that you are so reliant on obfuscate and the world isn't quite intricate enough in design to let you really creep around. Hoping the sequel manages to accommodate that so you don't cause mass panic when out and about.

Changing armour also changes what your character looks like, in terms of clothes. A basic aesthetic tends to be carried through, though. The main purpose is to buff up your defense, but they also come at the cost of lowering your Dexterity — this isn't really too much of a problem because you can change outfits on the fly when you need to lockpick or whathaveyou.

Edited by Lavaeolus on Apr 16th 2019 at 11:11:51 AM

Well when I read the descriptions of the Clans before starting the game, Brujah sounded like The Thug Vampire. In the game, their description is more like...passionate revolutionary. That isn't my character. The Gangrel sounded simple and animalistic and that felt right to me. My character neither understands nor cares about much beyond herself and her immediate gratification. Like, when you rescue Lily, you can say "yeah, whatever. i did my good deed for the day." That about sums "me" up pretty well.

Thanks for the replies, everyone, especially since you replied twice.

Edited by Nikkolas on Apr 16th 2019 at 3:40:15 AM

It sounds like you're having fun with it, which is awesome. Are you playing with the fan patch or any mods?

And yeah, I enjoy how you can be a self focused vamp, or more charitable (Read: Manipulative)

The descriptions of the clans do get a bit odd, compared to in game. Jack is a good example of B Rujah - being mainly all action (But is VERY capable at planning too); the others do fit well with their clan origins when you think about it too.

I'm playing with the Companion Mod I linked earlier. I had to start the game over because I installed it wrong. Apparently it's built on the old unofficial patch from ten years ago. Anyway, I haven't been able to make use of it yet... I'm 100% sure I installed it right this time because Ventrue can possess NPC's right at the start. Gangrel can't do that so I'm guessing my options are limited to recruiting named characters I like and that's pretty much exactly why I installed it. Here's hoping that happens soon.

I might install a new skin for my PC, dunno yet.

And yeah I'm having a lot of fun. The atmosphere and immersion in this game is top notch and I feel very attached to my PC which is always vital to a great RPG.

Super Refined Vampire Guy: There's an epidemic going on. Most troubling. Me: Dude, that shit is WACK! Strauss: Yes, indeed.

Seriously though, finally getting the lowdown on Anarchs, Camarilla, etc.. I wonder if the Sabbat are just the designated bad guys? Doesn't seem like they're an option so far. In any event, some freedom fighters t hese Anarchs are. Skelter yells at me about how my blessing is a curse that will shackle me forever. And they want to continue the Masquerade right down to killing people to maintain it. Don't give a shit about offing Paty, but be honest with yourselves. Same way they object to Rodriguez being called Prince of the Anarchs. Me thinks thou dost protest too much. The long and short of it is there will always be people on top and people on the bottom. If they want to preach about equality, fine, but Rodriguez is clearly the strongest and most capable so he leads and the rest follow. Not So Different.

Besides, Damsel upstairs says the Camarilla will kill me for violating their rules, even if I'm not one of them. Downstairs, Skelter has me kill Patty for violating a rule she didn't agree to. Heh, very fitting.

What kind of pretentious vampire gets all pissy about eating meat? Hell, I like my meat well done precisely because meat is less gross than blood. In anyevent it sure is convenient I met Pisha before I did the Patty quest. She's a cool lady.

I wanted to put another point into Lockpicking but nooooo. I figured "okay, Nines gives me a free Brawl point, awesome. I'll get 5 Intimidate and then work on Lockpicking." My vaunted 5 Intimidate didn't even work on Igor, random nothing thug from a sidequest. So now I need to spend a minimum of 8 XP to get 6 Intimidate. And then after that it will be 9+ XP for one point of Intimidation. Ugh. And what about my combat skills?! Most frustrating.

Looking at reskins for my PC has 4 results, 2 of them promoting bands, specifically Deftone and Dead Kennedy's. I got nothing against them but they aren't really my type. They're also. Also I love retro music but never expected to see it in a video game mod.

The problem with Protean, at least its second level, is the awesome flourishes and stuff just don't work in this combat engine which is not exactly ideal. Spinning aroun d for that third strike is going to probably miss, waste time and get you hit. Jezebel kept killing me so I gave up on the Claws and just went with Blood Buff and Fortitude and regular strikes. Managed to get her down against a wall and deplete most of her health that way so she couldn't actually attack and annihilate me. Still took off half my HP.

The good "Bishop" wasn't quite as hard but not helping was how I randomly Frenzied at the start but, well, neither he nor anythingelse was near me so good lotof help that did. Speaking of which, I Frenzied while frantically searching for health and blood after the fight and had to reload a few times lest I wind up exposing myself in the middle of the street with no HP so cops could shoot me.

I was hoping I could earn Strauss' trust by completing this quest and get him to criticize Lacroix more but no such luck. I hope it's not locked behind Persuasion or else that possibility is nonexistent. I'll be frank, I like Strauss a lot. I forget if I mentioned it before but I imagined my PC liked nobody except maybe Jeanette. Strauss and Jeanette could not be more dissimilar but, well, are all your friends identical? Besides, calling him a "friend" might be the wrong term. It's more like he is somebody my character actually respects.

Actually, I just thought of something. I do have 1 point in Persuasion so Persuasion options, if they are possible, will appear, right? I remember I randomly could try to turn Tung against Lacroix and it was blue or whatever. The stuff with Strauss and Lacroix was regular text so maybe there is hope!

Speaking of which,I have received multiple warnings that the endgame is nothing but fighting enemies in corridors and so not to neglect combat attributes. That and me dying alot to Jezebel and Vick has me worried. Are there any important events that demand a 9 or 10 Persuasion or Intimidation? Well, Intimidation since I have no hope with Persuasion? I currently have 5 Lockpicking (6 with Blood Buff) and 6 Intimidation. I really want to put maybe 1 or 2 more points into Locking and then drop it. That plus Intimidation are the only non-combat att ributes I care about now. 7Intimidate still isn't enough to talk down fucking Igor. This is ridiculous.At least Intelligence, part of Intimidation and my last stat increase, also gives me Defense....

Also maybe I should buy that new outfit, Heavy Clothing. I just wasn't sure if it was worth it. Only 1 Armor? Maybe I should just wait to the next area and buy the armor from that person.

Gonna stop now and eat and then head back to Santa Monica to do Bounties. Also check in to see if Jeanette is available again.

A quick check of my own game files says that Igor only requires 5 Intimidate. If you're having trouble getting Intimidate to work on characters then it's possible the version of the unofficial patch you have didn't fix them yet, since apparently most Intimidate options where broken in the base version of the game and needed to be fixed.

Edited by KuroBaraHime on Apr 16th 2019 at 7:48:26 AM

In terms of the social skills, Persuasion is the most useful in terms of favourable quest outcomes, there is a few (two of the top of my head) that require 8-10. Intimidation doesn't get much higher than 5 or so required, IIRC. But I also didn't know they were bugged in the base game, that's unfortunate.

Edited by deludedmusings on Apr 16th 2019 at 9:28:29 PM

The mod I've been using is built on the UP of 10 years ago. I guess they hadn't gotten around to fixing Intimidation even five years after the game came out.

Thanks for the info, though. I'm tempted to just drop Intimidation now entirely.

the sabbat are kind of hugely undersold in this game

they're presented as a bunch of brutal thugs when in reality they're so much more of a threat outside LA, they're significantly stronger than the anarchs worldwide and rival the carmarilla

Yes that was my impression, too. So far they seem very stupid and thuggish to me which does not add up with what I had read.

But I can see why the main conflict is Anarch vs. Camarilla in the game. A lot more philosophical and political brain teasing going on there.

Well, those are the Shovelheads you're fighting; the ACTUAL Sabbat you meet later (Andrei) is a bit more... nuanced.

The Shovelheads are there mainly to stir up problems and keep everyone distracted. Andrei is both a) Freaky AF b) eerily polite c) has a bit more of a plan.

Even if he does have furniture that's still alive...