Melee

Key facts

Category

physical

Overview

Melee is fighting with something in your hands, from a knife to a fire axe to whatever was leaning against the wall. It covers trained weapon work and the improvised kind, and among Kindred it is the skill that carries the two attacks other vampires genuinely fear: a blade that takes a head off, and a stake through the heart. That is why old vampires still train with weapons in a century of firearms. Guns deal Superficial damage that halves against the undead, while an edged weapon in the right hands threatens the things that end a vampire. A Kindred who walks into Elysium and notices who is armed with steel is reading the room correctly.

How it works

Common Rolls:

• Strength + Melee: Heavy weapons, powerful strikes
• Dexterity + Melee: Light weapons, finesse attacks Damage: Weapons add damage dice based on the weapon, and edged weapons are the ordinary route to Aggravated damage against Kindred. Staking is a called shot the Storyteller will make you work for. Specialties: Swords, Knives, Clubs, Improvised Weapons, Fencing, Stakes

Tips and playstyle

Character Concepts: Fencer, medieval survivor who never updated, bouncer with a bat, Sabbat veteran, a Kindred who carries a knife purely as a message. Synergies: Potence adds damage on top of the weapon's, Celerity adds attacks, and Fortitude lets you stay in reach long enough to use either.

Frequently asked questions