Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition flaw
Compulsion
Compulsion is a flaw in Vampire V5: a fixed behavior pattern you cannot easily set aside under pressure.
Last reviewed
Overview
The Compulsion flaw is a persistent psychological drive, distinct from the clan Compulsions that trigger on Messy Criticals and Bestial Failures. Counting, checking locks, hoarding, returning to the scene: whatever the pattern, it asserts itself when you are stressed. It is a mortal frailty carried into unlife, and the Beast likes to feed on it.
How it works
Effect: When your Compulsion is triggered, you must indulge it or spend Willpower to resist, at Storyteller discretion. Failing to indulge can impose penalties on other actions. Story hook: This system's Sandman Predator Type lists a compulsion to stalk sleeping prey as its characteristic flaw. Benefit: Grants creation experience points or story leverage, like every flaw on the RPG Stack sheet.
Tips and playstyle
Character concepts: Sandman who watches sleepers, Ventrue who must straighten every room, Nosferatu who collects keys, hunter who checks every exit twice. When to take: Take it if you enjoy roleplaying a tic that occasionally derails a scene at the worst moment.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from my clan Compulsion?
Clan Compulsions come from your Blood and trigger on dice results. This flaw is personal, always present, and triggered by circumstances.
Can I choose any compulsion?
Yes, but keep it playable. The Storyteller should approve it so it creates scenes rather than stopping them.