Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition flaw
Weak Aura
Weak Aura is a flaw in Vampire V5: your supernatural presence is faint, blunting Presence-style powers.
Last reviewed
Overview
Weak Aura means the unnatural weight that Kindred carry is thin in you. Mortals do not feel a chill when you enter a room, and other vampires may mistake you for a ghoul or a thin-blood. For an Obfuscate user that sounds like a gift; for anyone who leans on Presence it is a real handicap. It often marks Caitiff, thin-bloods, and neonates Embraced from weak blood.
How it works
Effect: Penalty on Presence rolls and on Intimidation rolls that rely on your supernatural nature. Rolls to sense your aura or read you as Kindred also suffer, which occasionally works in your favor. Limits: Does not affect Dominate, physical Disciplines, or Blood Sorcery. Benefit: Grants creation experience points or story leverage, like every flaw on the RPG Stack sheet.
Tips and playstyle
Character concepts: Thin-blood passing as mortal, Nosferatu who prefers to go unnoticed, Caitiff surviving by being overlooked, quiet Tremere researcher. When to take: Take it if you were never going to buy Presence and can enjoy being underestimated.
Frequently asked questions
Does Weak Aura make me harder to detect with Auspex?
It can. The Storyteller may apply your penalty to another character's Sense the Unseen or aura reading against you.
Can I still take Presence with Weak Aura?
Yes, but you will fight the penalty on every roll. It is a poor pairing unless you want that struggle as a theme.