Influence Traits are a special kind of Background Trait that reflect your character's control or sway over areas of human civilization.

 

The purpose of influences and the purpose of influence rules are the same as all rules within our game, to promote role play and story.  In that spirit, we have chosen to adopt the following system.  This will be a way for us to simulate a character's control over the world, as well as those who dwell within it, while making the influence system more than a micromanaging mini-game.

 

 

Growing Influence

Influences are developed like any other background, at the same rate and with the same downtime expectations.

 

Maximum Influence

Each character may have a number of total influence levels equal to their combined base physical, mental, and social traits minus their Permanent Rage. Thus a Fostern with maxed traits and six rage will be able to maintain a total of 30 total levels of Influence (12+12+12-6).

 

Using Influence

 

Most Influence actions can only be used during Downtimes. Every action you wish to take requires its own Downtime action. You may use a single Influence type multiple times, but the level of your combined influence actions in a single influence cannot exceed your number of levels in that influence. For example, a character with Bureaucracy Influence 4 could spend an action to close a public school for a day (Bureaucracy 3) with one action and get utility information (Bureaucracy 1), but would not be able to close the school  and make some cash disappear (Bureaucracy 2).

 

Note that the actions below are examples. Players are welcome and encouraged to work with the STs to find other effects that they would like to attempt based on their levels of influence. Such alternate effects are ultimately left to ST discretion, as certain effects are beyond the scope of what a PC is capable of at a given level of influence.

 

Some Influence effects are considered passive effects, and are considered to be active without the need of Downtime Actions. Such effects are specifically marked below. 

 

Other actions are of a simple enough nature that they do not require a major action, but can be done as a Minor action. The levels of these actions do still count towards your Downtime Influence Cap. Minor actions can also be used on the game floor by crossing off temporary levels of that influence equal to the action. Influence actions on the game floor do not count against downtime action cap. Items gained through Minor influence actions are of standard quality. Such actions are specifically marked below.

 

 

Specific Influence Actions

 

Bureaucracy

You know the ins and outs of the government, how to deal with red tape. By knowing who to call and which palms to grease, you can bypass rules and regulations or manipulate bureaucratic systems to your advantage. This sway can be useful with zoning concerns, permits, identification papers, or public utilities and facilities. Government clerks at the city and county level, utility workers, road crews, surveyors and other civil servants are potential contacts or allies.

 

Level	Effects
1	Get utility information - Minor
2	Fake a birth certificate or driver's license (basic ID) Cut off all utilities to a small residence Close a small road or park for 'construction' Make some cash disappear ($250) - Minor
3	Fake a death certificate, passport or green card (more advanced ID) Close a public school for a single day Shut down a minor business on a zoning violation
4	Initiate a phone tap Fake land deeds Initiate a department-wide investigations
5	Start, stop or alter a city-wide program or policy Shut down a big business on a violation Rezone large areas Obliterate records of a person on a city or county level (destroy someone's ID)

 

Church

The modern church is not as directly in control of the world as it was in the Middle Ages, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have pull. Knowing the appropriate people allows insight into mainstream religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinuism, Shinto, Buddhism). Fringe and alternative groups, such as Scientology or cults, fall under the purview of Occult. Your sway among the church allows you to change religious policies, transfer clergy, and possibly access lores and resources. You may be dealing with ministers, rabbis, priests, bishops, Church sponsored hunters, holy orders, and other various members of the church structure.

 

Level	Effects
1	Identify most secular members of a specific given faith in the local area Pass as a member of the clergy under casual perusal Peruse general church records (baptism, bar/bat mitzvah, confirmations, marriage, burial, etc.) - Minor
2	Identify higher ranking church members by sight or name - Passive Track regular church members Suspend lay members
3	Open or close a single church temporarily Find the average church-associated hunter Dip into the collection plate ($250) - Minor Access private information and archives of a church
4	Discredit, transfer or suspend high-level church members Manipulate regional branches of the church
5	Organize religious support for major protests Access ancient church lore and knowledge Get in touch with church-associated hunter groups Direct average church-associated hunter towards targets

 

Finance

The stock market, investment portfolios, and creative accounting are important to a number of organizations. This influence represents your ability to move money around and keep wealth hidden. Your actual available money is a function of your Resources, but Finance influence can be used to start or smother businesses, crush or support banking institutions, alter credit records, or create shell companies. Fortunes are made and destroyed with this sort of pull. CEOs, CFOs, bankers, stockbrokers, loan agents, venture capitalists, and bank tellers are the main sources of contact within this influence.

 

Level	Effects
1	Follow the local market trends, particularly about major transactions and financial events Raise some 'extra capital' ($1,000) - Minor Learn about general economic trends - Minor Learn real motivations for many financial actions of others
2	Trace an unsecured small account Raise capital to purchase a small business (single, small store)
3	Purchase a large business (a few small branches or a single large store or service) Fund a small business - Passive
4	Manipulate local banking (delay deposits, some credit rating alterations) Ruin a small business
5	Control an aspect of city-wide banking (shut off ATMs, arrange a bank “holiday”) Ruin a local large business Purchase a major company or a percentage of a local corporation

 

Health

Garou can heal from virtually any wound, but Health Influence can still help to repair the Veil or to help human Kinfolk (who can't heal as well). Most medical research and development falls under the purview of Health Influence, as does hospital policy and veterinary medicine. People in this field might include coroners, doctors, lab workers, therapists, pharmacists, forensic workers and other specialists.

 

 

Level	Effects
1	Access to a person's public health records Fake vaccination records and other minor medical details Use public functions of health centers without your insurance premiums going up - Passive
2	Access some medical research records - Minor Have a minor lab work done without raising questions Get a copy of a coroner's report Instigate minor quarantines
3	Corrupt results of tests or inspections Alter or create medical records
4	Completely rewrite or destroy medical records Abuse grants for personal use ($250) - Minor Have minor medical research performed on a subject Institute large-scale quarantines (call in the CDC) Shut down businesses for “health code violations”
5	Have special research projects performed Have people institutionalized against their will or released against recommendation

 

High Society

The rich and the pretty move in their own circles. Few Garou find interest in such positions, though there are a few rare exceptions that indulge in the passions and decadence of the rich and famous. Knowing the right people to get into the right clubs, to know what is in style, and being able to sway such things can go a long way. A bit of influence among High Society turns a Garou into a member of the tightest and most exclusive social circles. Contacts in this influence include artists, models, old money, sports figures, rock stars, performers and other trend setting jetsetters.

 

Level	Effects
1	Learn what is trendy and in style - Passive Be 'on the list' for even exclusive shows - Passive Learn about concerts, shows or plays well before they are made public - Passive
2	Track most celebrities and luminaries - Minor Be a local voice in the entertainment field - Passive “Borrow” idle cash from rich friends ($1000) - Minor Set minor trends
3	Crush promising careers before they get off the ground Hobnob well above your station
4	Minor celebrity status, being famous for being famous - Passive
5	Get a brief appearance on a talk show that's not about to be canceled Ruin a new club, gallery, festival or other posh gathering Be able to declare somewhere the new 'in' place

 

 

Industry

Everyone, from the mafia boss to the corporate management, knows how powerful a union can be. While blue-collar workers are treated and often act like drones, grinding away their lives to make the lives of others more convenient, someone who can mobilize those workers wields a hefty power. Control over Industry Influence sways the actions of the unions, the creation and maintainence of work projects, the safety regulations of factories and the product of manufacturing concerns. Union workers, assembly workers, foremen, engineers, construction workers, manual laborers and all manner of blue-collar workers exist among these ranks.

 

Level	Effects
1	Learn about industrial projects and movements Learn the important issue to the unions at this time - Minor
2	Have minor projects performed Dip into union funds or embezzle petty cash ($500) - Minor Arrange small 'accidents' or sabotage
3	Organize minor strikes or push negotiations off track Appropriate heavy machinery for a short time
4	Close down a small plant Revitalize a small plant
5	Manipulate large local industry Open a small plant

 

Legal

Garou rarely have a need for legal representation, but that doesn't mean the world of the law is useless to them. When it does come up, a bit of pull in the legal system can mean the difference between a rend in the veil and a minor incident soon to be forgotten. It can also be useful to helping out kinfolk, or for harassing an enemy and their assets. This influence could be among law schools, firms, judges, DAs, public defenders, paralegals, or even court officers.

 

Level	Effects
1	Get free representation for minor cases - Passive
2	Avoid bail for some charges Have minor charges dropped Avoid being held in contempt
3	Manipulate legal procedures (minor wills and trusts, court dates) Access public or court funds ($250) - Minor Get representation in most court cases
4	Issue subpoenas Tie up or drag out court cases Have most legal charges dropped Cancel or arrange parole
5	Close down all but the most serious investigations Have deportation proceedings held against someone

 

Media

One of the most important ways to protect the Veil is to make sure that stories don't get out. When Garou have connections among the media, they can make sure that eyes do not go to the wrong places, that stories disappear, or that certain details are left out of stories that are told. This influence can be used to alter or crush news stories, sway public opinions, or control the operations of local news stations. Contacts in Media can include DJs, editors, reporters, camera or boom mike operators, photographers, writers, and on-air personalities.

 

Level	Effects
1	Learn about breaking stories early - Passive Submit small articles such as editorials or minor investigations (within reason)
2	Suppress (but not stop) small articles or reports Get hold of investigative reporting information
3	Push a reporter towards a specific investigation or report Get a hold of an expense account ($250) - Minor
4	Stop stories and investigations Broadcast fake stories (local only)
5	Kill small local articles or reports completely

 

Occult

There is more in the world than is dreamed of in the modern mind. Garou, being part of that world beneath the world, are aware of the many strange things, but separating fact from fiction can be difficult, and a function of Abilities. Influence among the Occult can help you gain more knowledge, have an ear into the hidden sects, cults, and fringe groups in the area, or find unusual components for rituals. This could include cult leaders, religious groups, charlatans, occult bookshop owners, and a few of the more dangerous types.

 

Level	Effects
1	Contact members of common occult groups and learn their practices Know some of the more visible occult figures - Passive
2	Know and contact some of the more obscure occult figures Access resources for most rituals and rites - Minor
3	Know the general territory staked out by certain supernatural entities and (possibly) contact them Access vital or rare material components Milk impressionable wannabes for bucks ($250) - Minor Access rare occult tomes and writings Access to By-Book Magic Items Research a Basic rite
4	Research an Intermediate rite
5	Unearth Advanced rites

 

Police

The police do not protect or serve the Garou; more often than not, their as much a hindrence as a help. However, pull among the police can help protect the Veil, to harass enemies, or to get access to investigations and evidence. Contacts among the Police can include officers of all ranks, clerical staff, prison guards, special divisions, even dispatchers or highway patrolmen.

 

Level	Effects
1	Learn police procedures and miranda rights - Passive Hear police information and office rumors - Passive Get traffic tickets 'taken care of'
2	Have license plates checked Avoid minor violations (first conviction) - Minor Get “inside information”
3	Get copies of an investigation report Have police hassle, detain or harass someone Find bureau secrets
4	Access confiscated weapons or contraband Have some serious charges dropped Start an investigation Get money, either from the evidence room or as an appropriation ($1000) - Minor
5	Institute major investigations Arrange setups Instigate bureau investigations and internal affairs Have officers fired

 

Political

Garou don't like vampires; they don't like the bloodsucking creatures of the night that get into office either. Sometimes, though, a little nudge in party policy or a few favors from the city coroner can be endlessly helpful. Political influence allows for blackmail, bribery, vote shaving, calling in favors, or gentle reminders of those unrealeased photos to shift the local political climate. Some contacts within this influence might include pollsters, election judges, lobbyists, activists, spin doctors, mayoral aides, party members, or even people in the governer's office.

 

Level	Effects
1	Initiate or prevent minor lobbying Separate the true aims of local politicians and parties Be “in the know” - Passive
2	Meet small-time politicians, get invited to fund raising parties Garner inside information on process, the passage of laws and the like Use a slush fund or get a hold of the results of the fundraiser ($1000) - Minor
3	Sway or alter political projects (local parks, renovations, small construction)
4	Enact minor legislation Dash careers of minor politicians
5	Get your candidate in a minor office Enact encompassing legislation

 

Street

Life on the street is hard, and those who manage to survive there tend to support one another. They protect each other, keep one another aware of potential threats; they know where to go, where not to go, and all the little tricks it takes to survive on the cold hard streets. Connections in this Influence could include the homeless, gang members, petty thieves, prostitutes, drifters, panhandlers, residents of slums or even members of the "deviant" cult

 

Level	Effects
1	Keep an ear out for the word on the street - Minor Identify most gangs and know their turfs, calling cards, colors and habits - Passive
2	Live mostly without fear on the underside of the city - Passive Keep a contact or two in most aspects of street life - Passive Access small-time contraband Be able to survive on the street and off the grid - Passive
3	Get insight into other areas of Influence Arrange some services (graffiti, minor harassment, etc) from street people or gangs Get unregistered pistols or uncommon melee weapons - Minor
4	Mobilize groups of homeless Panhandle or hold a “collection” ($250) - Minor Get hold of an unregistered shotgun, rifle or SMG - Minor Have a word in almost all aspects of gang operations - Passive
5	Control a single medium-sized gang - Passive Arrange impressive protests by street people Begin or end local gang turf wars

 

Transportation

The flow of goods and people within and between cities is the purview of Transportation. Sway in this area can mean the difference between crossing a city unmolested or ending up in a fight with the leeches and fomori that call the city home. It allows for smuggling contraband and causing travel delays as well. Uses of this influence are accomplished by working with bus drivers, truckers, pilots, railroad workers, taxi dispatch, road construction workers and the like.

 

Level	Effects
1	Procure transportation routes and shipping schedules - Minor Travel quickly for free, locally - Passive
2	Track a target who's using public forms of transport Ensure travel safe from ordinary threats, like violent gangs - Minor
3	Interfere with a particular target's ability to get places Ensure travel safe from extraordinary threats, like hostile vampires
4	Temporarily close down an entire form of transportation locally (buses, the airport, light rail, etc.) Procure a fare box ($500) - Minor
5	Reroute or reschedule major shipping lanes or public transportation Fearlessly smuggle any kind of contraband

 

Underworld

Out of the law's sight, a community thrives on its own brutal codes of honor and revenge. Organized crime, gambling, weapons, prostitution, drugs and hit men are the province of this influence. It takes an iron will, subtlety and brutality in turns to manipulate these circles with skill.

 

Level	Effects
1	Locate minor contraband (pot, knives, small-time gambling, counterfeit tickets, etc.) - Minor
2	Procure hard drugs, unregistered handguns, and stolen vehicles - Minor Get a thug to beat someone up Sell stolen goods or obtain illicit cash ($1000) - Minor
3	Obtain any illegal firearm - unregistered rifles, shotguns, submachine guns - Minor Contract a minor assassination Arrange a meeting with a local organized crime family
4	Connect with a player in white-collar crime
5	Arrange arson or major assassinations Become the local drug dealer

 

University

Hallowed halls of higher learning and research comprise the University Influence. By talking with the right academics, you can translate ancient languages, dig up obscure historical information, examine experimental research, and manipulate impressionable student organizations. University covers not only colleges, universities and technical schools, but also fraternities and sororities, respected academic associations, and elementary through high schools.

 

Level	Effects
1	Learn policies and layouts of campus - Minor Access minor school resources - Minor Obtain high school transcripts - Minor
2	Find an expert in an unusual Ability Fake high school documents Get college transcripts Use university facilities for a private project - Minor
3	Get the faculty to do you a favor Reschedule or cancel a class Fix or destroy a student's grades
4	Agitate students, organizing protests or rallies Advance or destroy a professor's career
5	Forge a degree

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

I am a new character entering your game, how much influence can I purchase with starting points?

 

You may purchase up to 5 levels of influence in total, and up to 3 in a single area.  In addition, tribal advantages may take you above this 5.  Note this limit can be waved through appropriate background stories at the ST's discretion.

 

I've decided to shelve my character, how does this affect my influences?

 

A shelved character is considered to have moved away for the time being, and has taken her influence with her. When you choose to play this character again they are subject to any rules and process that a transferred character would receive, making sure not to drastically upset the influences within the game.

 

I'm a player from another game that would like to send my influences, how do I do this?

 

Your character must be signed-in/proxied to our game in order to perform influence actions.  It should be noted that STs may reduce the impact of certain influence actions based on what is currently happening on the game floor.

 

What has Influence effected in the game universe?

 

We actually have a list for that.Influences make a difference