“We are all monsters and will always be seen as cruel to others who do not understand our ways. Take the Lilin: we cause pain unto others and ourselves, pulling and drawing out suffering. It is our way. There is a purpose to it, yet those on the outside would call us cruel and vicious for what we do.”

– Aniko to Zlatan

Oblivion is a mysterious and dark Discipline that draws power from the entropy of the land of the dead. Practiced mainly by the Lasombra and the Hecata, other clans are wary about tapping into this dark art. Unlike other Disciplines, simply using Oblivion comes with a risk to the user’s Humanity. 

Characteristics

The use of Oblivion allows its wielder to manipulate the creatures and energies of the dead, including their manifestations in the real world. Shadows, decaying flesh, incorporeal  spirits, and the risen dead are the bailiwick of an Oblivion user. Unless otherwise specified, brightly-lit, enclosed areas without natural shadows prevent the use of Oblivion powers that manipulate, control, or create shadows. All powers of Oblivion are rendered inert when exposed to sunlight. 

Oblivion vs. Auspex: Detecting the use of Oblivion can be accomplished by using the Auspex power Sense the Unseen and a successful contested challenge using Wits + Awareness vs. the Oblivion user’s Resolve + Occult. This, however, only detects the usage of an Oblivion power, such as when a vampire is extending his senses through a shadow with the power Shadow Cast. To pierce the supernatural darkness of Oblivion powers, such as Shadow Cloak, an Auspex user must utilize Heightened Senses and succeed in a contested challenge of Wits + Investigation vs. the Oblivion user’s Resolve + Occult.

Failing Rouse Checks for Oblivion Powers: Using Oblivion is inherently corrupting. A vampire who fails a Rouse check to utilize an Oblivion power gains one Stain in addition to any other effects of failing a Rouse check. 

Oblivion Ceremonies: Purchasing Oblivion unlocks the ability to purchase and perform Ceremonies,  up to and including the level the user possesses in Oblivion. At character creation, if a player possesses at least one dot in Oblivion after assigning her initial Discipline levels, she receives a level-one Ceremony for free.  Characters can purchase new Ceremonies at the cost of the Ceremonies level x 3 XP. The only limitation to how many Ceremonies a character may possess is her XP and the time necessary to learn them. Learning a new Oblivion Ceremony requires one downtime to research and study. For more detailed information see Ceremonies, page XXX. 

Type: Variable. The Attribute used in the pool of the initiating player dictates whether the power is mental, social, or physical.

Masquerade Threat: Medium to High

Blood Resonance: Non-animal blood devoid of Resonance, such as blood from sociopaths or those suffering from conditions such as alexithymia (those who have difficulty recognizing and communicating their own emotions).