Dominate

Lore & Background

However, Dominate is not without its dangers and limitations. The power requires intense focus and eye contact to initiate, making it vulnerable if the target looks away or if the vampire is distracted. Furthermore, the mental backlash of a failed attempt can be severe, causing the user to suffer a momentary lapse in their own sanity. Within the sects, the use of Dominate on fellow Kindred is strictly regulated; breaking this taboo often leads to immediate execution by the Prince's forces, as it undermines the social contract that holds vampire society together.

In Their Own Story

The neon sign buzzed above the diner door, casting a sickly pink glow on the rain-slicked pavement. Julian adjusted his tie, stepping inside where the air smelled of stale coffee and fear. He didn't need to speak; he simply locked eyes with the terrified waitress pouring tea. Her hand froze mid-air, her pupils dilating until they swallowed the iris. 'You never saw me,' Julian whispered, his voice barely audible over the clatter of dishes. The woman blinked, a blank smile replacing her panic as she turned back to the counter, her memory of the last ten minutes dissolving like sugar in hot water.

Reader's Guide

The first level, Command, allows a vampire to issue simple orders that must be obeyed immediately if they do not directly endanger the victim's life. This costs one blood point and requires eye contact. At second level, Compel, the user can force a target to reveal information or perform complex actions over time, though the victim may still resist with high Willpower. This is often used for interrogation. The third power, Presence, fills a room with an aura of authority, unnerving mortals and forcing them to comply without direct commands, useful for intimidation in crowds. Fourth level, Mass Dominate, extends the user's influence over multiple targets simultaneously, though it requires significant blood expenditure and focus. This is rarely used due to its high cost. Finally, Obedience allows a vampire to create an unbreakable mental bond with a specific individual, turning them into a permanent thrall who will follow orders even when the master is absent. Famous users include the Ventrue Prince of New Orleans and various Camarilla Justicars.

Did You Know?

• Dominate is one of the few Disciplines that can be used against other vampires, though doing so violates strict sect laws.
• The power requires direct eye contact to initiate, making it useless if the target is blind or looking away.
• Clan Ventrue are not the only users; Toreador and Gangrel often learn it for social manipulation or survival.
• Failed attempts at Dominate can cause the vampire to suffer temporary mental instability.