Torture (LS1)
Anyone can hurt a helpless victim, this Skill covers the ability to do so ina planned fashion, for a specific end. A skilled torturer can use devices to damage a victim's Willpower. When Willpower is stripped to zero, the victim confesses to whatever the torturer desires (even falsely admitting guilt if necessary).
* Novice: Older brother
** Practiced: Town guard
*** Competent: Magistrate's man
**** Expert: King's torturer
***** Master: Voivode
****** Legend: Torquemada
Merits (LS1)
Naturally Supple (3pt Merit)
You are attuned to Vicissitude like a fish to water (or blood, or pus...). It is less difficult to use Vicissitude on yourself.
Secular (4pt Merit)
YOu have begun to explore the first glimmer of what awaits mankind after the Renaissance. You have a dim understanding of the scientific method, and while such concepts as evolution and entrophy are still beyond you, you have begun to suspect that the world is much more complex than the Christian and Pagan fools imagine. The difficulty to affect you with any Faith-based power (including infernal magic) is raised by one. Once per story, you may automatically regain a single Willpower point (you do not live with the same dread of damnation that many other Cainite do). Moreover, by spending a Willpower point you may formulate concepts and invent machines unknown in your time (higher mathmatics, elaborate torture devices, etc). A da-Vinci-esque flying machine is remotely conceivable, while an A-bomb (fun as the thought might be) is impossible. You may not follow the Road of Heaven or the Road of the Devil.
Vindictive (3pt Merit)
Your personal honor is your life, and you will go to the ends of the world to settle a score or avenge a slight. When directly opposing someone who has insulted, shamed or harmed you, you gain additional die to all Combat.
This does not apply toward casual foes, only blood enemies. For example, a Tzimisce would not get this bonus against the bandit who ambushes her on the road but would receive the bonus against the Shadow Lord who slew her sire and drove her from her ancestral home.
The downside is that you must do everything in your power to avenge such deeds or insults. Should you refrain, the ST can deduct temporary Willpower until such time as you pursue your vengeance once more.
