← Codex
Vampire: The Masquerade · Official

Subterfuge

Making deception credible and concealing intentions.

Overview

Subterfuge covers making false impressions credible and maintaining them under scrutiny. It includes lies, excuses, concealed intentions, impersonation, and acting like a living person when that matters. Its use depends on the audience and the evidence available to challenge the story.

Using the ratings

The examples below are original illustrations of relative capability, not automatic successes or new Difficulty rules. The pool, opposition, equipment, and circumstances still matter.

Ratings

RatingExample of capability
1 dot

Tell a plausible uncomplicated lie.

2 dots

Sustain a simple deception against casual questions.

3 dots

Coordinate several misleading explanations.

4 dots

Maintain a demanding cover identity over time.

5 dots

Conceal a complex deception from expert scrutiny.

Specialties

  • Bluff

    Subterfuge specialty listed in the Corebook.

  • Feign Mortality

    Subterfuge specialty listed in the Corebook.

  • Impeccable Lies

    Subterfuge specialty listed in the Corebook.

  • Innocence

    Subterfuge specialty listed in the Corebook.

  • Seduction

    Subterfuge specialty listed in the Corebook.

  • The Long Con

    Subterfuge specialty listed in the Corebook.

References

VTM Wiki: Character creation · Open source ↗
Skills · Verified: name, trait scope, rating scale, original illustrative examples
Vampire: The Masquerade Corebook · p. 166–168 (PDF p. 168–170)
Subterfuge · Verified: name, trait scope, rating scale, original illustrative examples