Mixed Vampire idea.. workable?

[GC1CEO]

I was playtesting character creation with a number of friends the other day and we were talking about Red Court Infected and White Court Virgin, and then how other templates can be mixed (werebeast wizard, etc) and then mentioned those that couldn't be mixed. Yet we got this idea that nothing, afaik, says a White Court Virgin can't be turned into a Red Court Infected.

Now I know there are gameplay and common sense arguments, but has anything specifically said either in game rules or in any novel, short story, etc that this is impossible?

[Masurao]

Perhaps there is nothing in the RAW, but I think that becoming a Red Court Infected very effectively changes your nature. You cease to be mortal, if you are bitten as human and I would say that you cease to be a Changeling or White Court Infected (or Scion, if you are so by dint of parentage) as well.

[GC1CEO]

The problem with that is you can be a mixed template in alot of cases, you could be a red court infected and have magic for example. I'm not sure about the novels because alot of situations in the RPG haven't answered by them (we have seen RCV spell casters for example but not RCI spell casters, but it seems like it might be possible).

[Masurao]

True, but magic potential isn't limited to 'genetics'. Bianca learned from Mavra, after all, and they are different types of monsters. I was trying to refer to which templates are tied to your bloodline more directly, like the WC Virgin and Changeling, because these offer you the choice between two halves: the human and the supernatural one. The RC Infected doesn't have this choice, he/she already has one leg in the supernatural world, but is forever and fundamentally changed, which leads me to believe that it would affect your 'genetic' make-up too.

Maybe if you turn it around a bit, it is more clear: you can also be a wolf-were, an animal shifting into a human. Mechanically no different at all, but would you allow one of those to become a RC Infected?

[zenten]

I see nothing wrong with a RCI/WCV/Werewolf/Changeling/Wizard character, if you have the refresh for it.

[GC1CEO]

Changeling and WCV or RCI I can agree on, because Changeling as a template forces you to be mortal, fae or inbetween. Although you could play Changeling for a while, pick mortal and then become RCI. Plus with both Changeling and WCV I believe the father to be White Court Vampire or Fae and he can't be both (someone correct me on this if I'm wrong please).

Now for example, wereform could become RCI in theory because they are otherwise mortal except for the fact they can change shape. The Alphas simply learned how to shapeshift through magic, they aren't genetically werewolves or anything. One of them could be infected by a RCV. Now the question is does becoming RCI invalidate someones magic (be faith or arcane based).

I'm also tempted to throw it in the other forums and see if I could get a JB answer out of the WCV infected by a RCV and becoming WCV/RCI hybrid. I just hope if I ask I don't ruin a story idea *grins*.

[Lanir]

I think this is more of a game style thing.

A game where you can end up as a supernatural mutt will emphasize the supernatural elements more, especially those that are communicable like vampirism. It might be a bit hard to play a pure mortal in this kind of setting and you'd be stretched pretty thin at lower refresh levels.

A game where you can't mix and match like that emphasizes the supernatural less in general but the distictions between the different supernatural templates will actually mean more. I tend to think this is the way the game is intended to go and what it's balanced for but as long as everyone is having fun it's all good.

[sinker]

I can think of one good reason why not, that wouldn't necessarily hold up in all circumstances: The Accords. It would be one party (the red court) claiming another party's resources (a white court virgin, or a changeling) as their own.

Otherwise it would largely depend on the flavor of your game and how you view the red court "infection". I would think that some of those examples would have the resources to shrug that kind of thing off (I.E. changelings could likely appeal to their parents who might have a way to reverse it, and a full white court vampire would likely be able to) but most of the ones that are simply mortal with a little something else would likely succumb.

[Sanctaphrax]

I don't think it's prohibited anywhere.

And why should it be?

It's not overpowered (quite the opposite actually).

It's not absurd or silly.

It doesn't violate any rules that we know about.

So why not allow the templates to be mixed?

[Silverblaze]

Would be great for role playing value.

I would tend to agree with Sanctaphrax.

Sure, added together given time, the powers could get to be quite a blessing if you can walk on TWO thin blue lines and not fall to either inner demon.

[GC1CEO]

The whole Accords thing could be such an interesting twist, metaplot, etc.

I might not even use it or anything it was just I was talking about how templates can be fluid as opposed to being a firm class in other games and then someone mention those two and we were like "oooohh... wonder if its possible".

[ARedthorn]

My concern wouldn't be with mechanics, but character. Some cross-templates might be genuinely incompatible... after all, a RC-infected changeling has lost the ability to choose mortality- the closest they have is a choice between immortalities... and that doesn't fit well with the changeling's theme.

But yeah- for the most part, I'd say it's at least possible.

[Richard_Chilton]

My thoughts:
The Red Court can infect humans.  Changelings, White Court, and Scions aren't human - so either they can't be infected or the infection attempt would kill them.   "Weres" like the Alphas are just humans who have picked up a new skill and like all minor talents they can be infected.

But if your group wants to play with hybrids then the setting police aren't going to kick down your down to stop you.

Richard

[sinker]

But if your group wants to play with hybrids then the setting police aren't going to kick down your down to stop you.

Yeah, I'm told they're very busy with all the movies based on comic books these days.