Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines Clans and first build: seven ways to play the fledgling
Compare clan identity, disciplines and the choices that most affect a first run.
Edition covered
Original 2004 PC campaign and original publisher pictures. Unofficial Patch Basic and Plus releases change or restore content; this reference does not assume Plus-only quests, shortcuts or rewards. Bloodlines 2 is a separate game.
Clan selection changes more than appearance
Each clan has its own disciplines and weakness. Choose the experience you want before distributing points; a clan’s powers can support a build, but they do not remove its travel, feeding or social limitations.
| Clan | Recognizable strength | Planning concern |
|---|---|---|
| Brujah | Potence and Celerity support physical combat | Control the risk of frenzy |
| Gangrel | Protean supports an animalistic fighting style | Frenzy remains a serious consideration |
| Malkavian | Dementation and unusual dialogue | Conversations can obscure a first run’s context |
| Nosferatu | Obfuscate and stealth-oriented travel | Avoid alarming ordinary people |
| Toreador | Celerity and social presence | Humanity changes deserve attention |
| Tremere | Thaumaturgy blood sorcery | Plan blood consumption and combat backup |
| Ventrue | Dominate and Fortitude | Restricted feeding options |
Nosferatu and Malkavian change presentation
Nosferatu need special care around humans because of their appearance, while Malkavian conversations use a distinctive perspective. Both are valid choices, but a first-time player should expect a less conventional route through familiar situations.
| Choice | Benefit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Invest in one combat feat | Reliable encounter damage | Leaves fewer early points for utility |
| Add Persuasion | More conversational solutions | Does not replace every boss fight |
| Raise Lockpicking or Hacking | Access additional routes and information | Different obstacles require different feats |
| Buy a useful discipline rank | Strengthens the clan’s specialty | May increase reliance on blood |
Support one dependable damage method
Spend early experience toward an approach that can win fights, whether melee, unarmed, firearms or offensive disciplines. Social skills are valuable throughout the city, but the campaign eventually includes sustained combat.
Choose upgrades from the resulting feat
The character sheet combines attributes and abilities into practical feats. Inspect the highlighted result before purchasing a dot: raising an attribute can affect several feats, while an ability often targets a narrower need.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher game manual | store.steampowered.com |