Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition background
Domain
Domain is a background in Vampire V5: A VTM5e background: the territory you hold, hunt in, and defend.
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Overview
Domain is the patch of city that is yours by Kindred custom: a few blocks, a district, a nightlife strip. Within it you hunt without asking, and other vampires who feed there owe you at least an apology. Holding Domain is a statement. Rivals test it, the Prince expects you to police it, and every problem inside its borders becomes your problem.
How it works
Dot ratings: Rate Domain by size (how large), security (how well you can detect intruders), and portillon (how many mortals pass through, affecting hunting). One dot is a single block; three dots a neighborhood with regular traffic; five dots a major district. Effect: Bonus dice on hunting rolls within your Domain and an easier time noticing trespassers. Feeding there is also less likely to breach the Masquerade if you police it well. Cost: Drawn from the 7 Background dots at creation (typical cap 3 per Background, Storyteller may allow more); after creation each new dot costs 3 times the new rating in XP. Interaction: Coteries often pool dots into a shared Domain.
Tips and playstyle
Character concepts: Anarch baron, Ventrue landlord, Nosferatu who owns the tunnels, gang leader with a corner to hold. When to take: Take it in political chronicles where territory is the currency. In nomadic games it does little.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if someone poaches in my Domain?
Custom says you may demand recompense or punish them, and the Prince or Baron usually backs the holder. Weak holders get tested until they lose it.
Is Domain the same as Haven?
No. Haven is where you sleep. Domain is where you hunt and rule. Your haven is usually inside your Domain, but not always.