Each retainer has their own dot value which will determine how they are used and how effective they might be. Retainers purchased at 2 dots or more may be played as a supporting character by the player with certain restrictions.
Retainers do not earn xp, ever. However you may spend xp from the pc they are attached to, to improve their sheet. Animal retainers have severe limitations on improving their sheet and will require ST consultation and approval.
Should a retainer die or otherwise become unable to assist your character any invested xp will be lost without refund or compensation. Be careful what you ask your retainers to do for you.
| Value | Features |
|---|---|
| • | Weak Mortal - Not to be rp'd. Basic stats. Has a background role Animal Ghoul - Controlled by player. Basic stats. Limited growth potential. One discipline power (with ST's approval) |
| •• | Average Mortal - Average npc stats. No advantages. Weak Ghoul - Average npc stats. No advantages. One discipline power. |
| ••• | Gifted Mortal - Good npc stats, up to 10 pts in advantages, may take merits and flaws. Average Ghoul - Good npc stats, up to 10 pts in advantages, may take merits and flaws. |
| •••• | Thinblood - Good npc stats, up to 10 pts in advantages, may take merits and flaws, thinblood characteristics, hunger and humanity values, MUST have minimum 1 thinblood merit and flaw (points must be balanced) * NO thinblood alchemy |
| ••••• | Vampire Childer - Good npc stats, up to 10 pts in advantages, may take merits and flaws, vampire characteristics, hunger and humanity values, 3 in-clan discipline powers. |
STs reserve the right to limit the number of retainers a character might hold at any given time. This number may differ from player to player and from character to character.
FAQ
Q: Can I have someone else play my retainer.
A: Absolutely! But only if they intend to make the retainer one of their PCs. Retainers played by another player do not cost you creation or experience points, but you also have no say in their actions or growth.
Q: Can I play my retainer as a PC.
A: You may not play a PC who directly aids another of your PCs. To play your character's retainer as a PC, you must first retire the character they are attached to. Characters retired in this manner is not reversable, so think long and hard before making this request.
Q: Do I have to purchase my childer/retainer as an advantage and sheet them?
A: If your retainer is there for story fluff you do not need to purchase a them as an advantage. However this also means you can't use them in story and they become just someone you know unless otherwise accounted for on your sheet (ie contacts/merits/flaws/touchstones/etc). If you intend to rp as your retainer or to ask them to do things on your character's behalf, they absolutely need to have a sheet or your main character's sheet will not be approved.