Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition predator type
Cleaver
Cleaver is a predator type in Vampire V5: Maintains a mortal façade and feeds from a household.
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Overview
The Cleaver is a subtle predator who maintains a mortal façade, feeding from their own household or family. Cleavers are often vampires who were turned later in life and maintain their mortal connections. This predator type is perfect for characters who want to balance their vampire nature with mortal relationships. Cleavers gain bonuses to Presence and Subterfuge, making them excellent at maintaining their façade. However, this feeding style requires careful management of mortal relationships and can be emotionally complicated.
How it works
Bonus Discipline: Animalism or Dominate (1 free dot) Bonus Specialty: Subterfuge (Domestic) Bonus Background: Herd (Family) Feeding Style: Feeding from household, family, or close mortal connections Risks: Emotional complications, maintaining façade, discovery by family, attachment to mortals
Tips and playstyle
Best For: Characters who want mortal connections, characters who were turned later in life, characters who value relationships. Synergies: Works excellently with Ventrue (who value control) and Toreador (who appreciate relationships). Consider investing in Subterfuge, Presence, and social skills. Character Concepts: Family man, household member, turned mortal, relationship-focused vampire, domestic vampire.
Frequently asked questions
How do I maintain my mortal façade as a Cleaver?
Use Subterfuge to hide your nature, feed carefully to avoid detection, and maintain normal routines. Consider using Dominate or Presence to ensure family members don't suspect anything.
What makes Cleaver different from Consensualist?
Cleaver feeds from their household/family without full consent, while Consensualist feeds only with explicit consent. Cleaver maintains a façade, while Consensualist is more open.
Can Cleaver work with any clan?
Yes, but it works especially well with clans that value relationships like Toreador or Ventrue. It's less optimal for clans like Nosferatu who can't maintain a mortal façade.
How do I handle the emotional complications?
Roleplay the complexity of maintaining relationships while feeding on loved ones. Consider the moral implications and how your character deals with the guilt or justification.