•••• Shape of the Beast

This endows the vampire with the legendary ability to transform into a wolf or bat. A Kindred changed in this way is a particularly imposing representative of the animal kingdom. Indeed, he is far superior to normal animals, even ones possessed by Subsume the Spirit. He retains his own psyche and temperament, but can still call upon the abilities of the beast form — increased senses for the wolf and flight for the bat. Gangrel are reputed to change to other animal forms better suited to their environment — jackals in Africa, dholes in Asia, and even enormous rats in urban environments — a feat that other Clans learning Protean cannot seem to duplicate.

System

The character spends one blood point to assume the desired shape. The transformation requires three turns to complete (spending additional blood points reduces the time of transformation by one turn per point spent, to a minimum of one). The vampire remains in his beast form until the next dawn, unless he wishes to change back sooner.

While in the animal’s shape, the vampire can use any Discipline he possesses except Necromancy, Serpentis, Thaumaturgy, or Vicissitude (as well as any others the Storyteller deems unavailable). Furthermore, each form gives the character the abilities of that creature.

Standard Forms

• In wolf form, the vampire’s teeth and claws inflict Strength + 1 aggravated damage, he can run up to 35pmg, and the difficulties of all Perception rolls are reduced by two.
• In bat form, the vampire’s Strength is reduced to 1, but he can fly at speeds of up to 100mpg, difficulties for all hearing-based Perception rolls are reduced by three, and attacks made against him are at +2 difficulty due to his small size

Alternate Forms Example

The Storyteller may allow Gangrel to assume a different animal shape, but should establish the natural abilities it grants the character. Note that though each form is different something is increased and another is reduced, the bear is stronger but slower and less perception, the hawk is faster, and sight perception but less perception bonus than the hearing of a bat.

• in bear form, the vampires teeth and claws inflict strength +2 aggravated damage, he can run 25mph, and the difficulties of all perception rolls are reduced by two
• In hawk, the vampire’s Strength is reduced to 1, but he can fly at speeds of up to 120mpg, difficulties for all sight-based Perception rolls are reduced by two, and attacks made against him are at +2 difficulty due to his small size