Shadow Script

Discipline Techniques -x- Bruce Edward Zieger

Requisite Disciplines: Auspex 1, Fortitude 1, Obtenebration 1

Description

The Lasombra Antitribu are a subversive lot and have need of ways to communicate secretly without having to utilize Thaumaturgy the province of the Warlocks or rely on the computer encryption of technically savvy, but easily manipulated mortals. This solution was created by a young magister who wished to write to his sire without risking personal exposure or revealing sensitive information to watchful enemies or opponents.

The solution came to him as he dreamed one summer day. In his dream, he took a sheet of paper and invoked the most basic powers of Auspex and Obtenebration simultaneously. As his senses sharpened and the shadows deepened, he began to gesture as if writing with a pen. Lo and behold - upon the page appeared dark characters in his personal handwriting. When his letter was done, the young magister dismissed his preternatural senses and ceased to play with the shadows. With the discontinuation of these two disciplines, the shadowy text vanished leaving only a virgin page. But, the young magister knew instinctively that if he wished to see the text once more, all he need do is invoke this technique once more.

System

No roll is necessary to invoke this discipline technique, but the player must spend a point of blood to invoke the power. The power is automatically successful in permeating the paper with shadowy text which cannot be detected without the dual invocation of both Auspex level one - "Heightened Senses" and Obtenebration level one - "Shadow Play." Incidentally, this technique works equally well on any flat surface regardless of the material over which it is invoked. The shadowy script is light sensitive and exposure to daylight automatically destroys it. In addition, the dark text begins to decay immediately and has a limited half-life determined by the vampire's fortitude rating.

Fortitude 1 = A night

Fortitude 2 = A week

Fortitude 3 = A month

Fortitude 4 = A season

Fortitude 5 = A year

Fortitude 6+ = Unknown duration

Obviously, anyone who is clever enough to use the combined level one powers of Auspex and Obtenebration simultaneously will be able to see the text, but they may not necessarily understand it, should it be encrypted or written in an unknown language. Equally obvious, it is possible, even likely that a vampire with Auspex 2 - The Spirit's Touch or Mytherceria 3 - Aura Absorption could discover the intent or content of the letter without actually being able to read it.

Lastly, if the vampire invoking the power is vain enough to worry about his or her handwriting, then that vampire can make an optional Manipulation + Crafts roll to determine the exact level of detail or embellishments conveyed by the shadowy text.

Experience Cost: 7xp