Potence (Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition)
Definition
Potence is the Discipline of supernatural strength, granting vampires incredible physical power far beyond mortal limits. It allows vampires to lift cars, break through walls, and deliver devastating blows in combat. Potence is one of the most straightforward combat Disciplines, perfect for characters who want raw physical power. Vampires with Potence can perform feats of strength that would be impossible for mortals, from bending steel bars to throwing opponents across rooms. At higher levels, Potence allows vampires to cause structural damage, break through barriers, and deliver blows that can incapacitate even other vampires.
How it works
Tips
Frequently asked questions
How does Potence work in combat?
Potence adds your rating to the damage your blows deal, and from the first dot your unarmed strikes inflict Aggravated damage on mortals. Only at the fifth dot does that apply to other vampires, which is what makes a high-Potence Kindred dangerous to their own kind.
Can Potence help me break through barriers?
Yes. From the second dot your Potence rating adds to feats of strength, so steel bars, doors, and vehicles stop being obstacles, and the higher dots let a single blow wreck a structure.
What clans have Potence as an in-clan Discipline?
Brujah, Lasombra, and Nosferatu have Potence as an in-clan Discipline, meaning they learn it at a discount. Other clans can learn it, but it costs more XP.
How does Potence compare to other combat Disciplines?
Potence is straightforward physical power. No tricks, just raw strength. It's perfect for characters who want to hit hard and break things, unlike Celerity (speed) or Protean (transformation).