One-Shot Ideas For Vampire: The Masquerade Tabletop

Vampire: The Masquerade can be a rather complex TTRPG to come to grips with, and even seasoned players might still be learning some mechanics or lore years down the line. That said, it is also rewarding thanks to the fantastic world-building, lore, and mechanics, which make it one of the most entertaining TTRPGs currently available.

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For those who are looking to assume the throne of the Storyteller either as the first interaction with VtM, or graduating from the role of a player to a GM, the best way to begin is to organize a one-shot. That way, they can feel out if it is right for them without committing to a long-term game. Here are a few hooks new Storytellers could use for their first home games.

7

Welcome To The Family

Earn The Approval Of The Giovanni Family

The Giovanni family are not to be confused with the clan as a whole, but they are a truly important facet of this bloodline. The family are rather strict in their regiment, refusing to embrace anyone outside their family. Those who have played Vampire: the Masquerade – Bloodlines might recall the mission in which they infiltrated the Giovanni mansion and met a few hopeful human members who were looking to be embraced.

This would be a great hook for a one-shot, as players could assume the roles of Giovanni ghouls who are vying to be embraced. The Storyteller could present them all with challenges to prove themselves, with a reveal at the end that the family will only embrace the one who survives a fight to the death. Depending on how they perform during the trials, perhaps none of them will be gifted the embrace.

6

Fear The Sabbat

Witness The Horrors Of Clan Tzimisce

The Tzimisce are one of the major clans belonging to the Sabbat faction, and are one of the most feared out of all the vampire clans. They are artists in their own way, but their canvas is people’s bodies, which they can twist, morph, and deform to serve their purposes. Tzimisce may craft servants with tools for hands to better clean their lair or provide blood, or even create horrifying creatures capable of striking fear and reaping mass destruction.

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This could provide a thrilling hook for a one-shot, starting with a string of people who have mysteriously vanished concentrated in one area of the city, and the vampires beginning to suspect the culprit is one of their own. They aren’t completely wrong, as it’s a Sabbat vampire attempting to unleash a monstrosity in Camarilla or Anarch territory to weaken its defenses, and eventually take it over. Players need to follow the trail and defeat the vozhd to save the city.

5

The Spawn Of The Nosferatu

Stop A Horrifying And Deadly Nosferatu Creation

The Nosferatu are one of the main clans in the 5th edition of VtM, and have sworn allegiance to the Camarilla. They are information brokers who are great to have as an ally, but they can also make for terrifying enemies, as they are responsible for some truly heinous creations, such as their rituals that involve a spawning pool.

A spawning pool is where two ghouls are forced to bear a child that will then be subjected to their vitae, and over time will transform into an almighty and terrifying creature capable of mass destruction. Such an idea could definitely be the focus of a one-shot, as no one wants one of these monstrosities running around unchecked, and it could provide a fun challenge for the coterie to take down before it escapes and wreaks havoc.

4

Murder Mystery

Murder On The Dance Floor! Unmask The Culprit

Elysium is a gathering often held in Camarilla cities, but it is one of the rare occasions in which the Anarchs can walk freely among them, with no violence from either side; or at least, one hopes. Elysiums are meant to be peaceful gatherings, and there are hardly any vampires that will betray the rule of Elysia. This is what could make this one-shot hook even more surprising for players, as who would dare violate this one night when all visitors come in peace?

That is exactly what players would be charged with solving, as vampires need to know they are safe when attending Elysium, and the guilty party needs to be found and punished accordingly. Just like any good murder mystery, there needs to be a selection of possible culprits, and an obvious red herring to throw players off the trail of the true murderer.

3

The Awakening Evil

Something Ancient Lurks In The City

The city that the players have called home has known peace for the first few years of their vampire life, but now… there are rumors that something dangerous and dark hides in ruins beneath the city. Various vampires from across all sects have come to claim it, and the city needs to ready itself to stop it from falling into the wrong hands.

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This particular idea could give players more agency about how they want to handle this situation. Do they want to throw their lot in with the city to fend off any power-hungry Sabbat, or are they going to ally with the enemy in hopes of getting a taste of power? Or maybe they want to take it all for themselves and become the most powerful vampires in the entire city.

2

Long Live The Prince

A Deadly Plot Emerges

Playing the game of politics is always dangerous, but it is an inevitability when acting as an important member of the Camarilla. There will always be jealous rivals looking to tear others down and take their spot, and this is no more true than for any Camarilla Prince. Whether they are viewed favorably by other members of the Camarilla or seen as too weak or foolish to lead, there are other vampires hiding stakes behind their backs.

A plot has emerged against the current Prince in the court, one who might even have ties to one or more members of the coterie. So now, with this plot emerging, players can decide if they want to pursue the mastermind behind the plan or help them pull it off and depose their current ruler, playing into those dangerous and deadly court games in the process.

1

An Impossible Monster

A Rare Abomination Has Been Sighted

Vampires and werewolves are two supernatural creatures that always seem at odds with one another in various pieces of media, and this is true in the World of Darkness as well. Vampires and werewolves sometimes overlap in certain settings, but one thing they can never do is overlap their species.

If a vampire ever embraces a werewolf, they become what is known as an abomination—a creature driven to intense murderous rage because of the contradiction of their very existence. They are often poached by hunters, or taken down by vampires before the masquerade breach becomes irreparable. The dangerous nature of these creatures makes them a formidable opponent, so what better threat to throw at VtM players than this terrifying and volatile mix?

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