By Ian Johnston (reaper@kaberd.mallard.rain.com) (30 July 1993)
Hengeyokai characters are created in much the same manner as vampires. The only real differences are their disciplines, and the ability to learn certain rituals.
Attribute specialties: 7/5/3
Abilities: 13/9/5
Virtues: 7
Backgrounds: 5
Freebie Points: 15
Hengeyokai begin with the following disciplines:
Auspex 1
Celerity 1 (in Cat form)
Shapechange (special)
Nightvision
Shapechange is an innate ability of Hengeyokai. It allows them to assume the form of any human they can imagine, or have seen. They are limited only by their imagination, and the limits of the human body. Their true (cat) form is not variable and should be defined at the time of character creation. Regardless of form, the Hengeyokai's aura is always cat-shaped. Also irrespective of form, a Cat's may not increase the attribute of Appearance unless they are able to gain one or more successes in a test of Mental + Disguise vs. 10. For every point over 10, the Hengeyokai may increase their appearance bid by one. (This is true in any case; therefore, a Hengeyokai may not emulate the form of someone with an appearance 7 and gain the benefits of that appearance unless they have an appearance 7 or higher, or are able to achieve enough successes on the Mental + Disguise test to have an appearance of 7.) Hengeyokai may lower their Appearance at will and need no special test to do so.
One thing that all people playing Hengeyokai characters should note is that by their nature, Hengeyokai are cats, not humans. Therefore, when a Hengeyokai's concentration is broken (ie. someone fires a gun, they are slapped, etc.) there is a chance that the human form may 'slip,' or appear more cat-like than before. For instance, Sarah, a Hengeyokai is walking down the street, in an unaccustomed form (she also has a 'normal' form so that her friends will know her straight off), and suddenly, her ideal of attractiveness comes walking towards her. She would likely lose some concentration on her form, and might appear to grow a tail (or something else might appear more cat-like than before) briefly while she regains her composure. This is not something that requires specific rules, but one should keep it in mind and role-play this aspect of a Hengeyokai accordingly.
Shifting from one form to the next takes three seconds / one round. (However, keep in mind that Hengeyokai only have two forms, and so are not limited, as Garou are, by needing to go through several forms to get from human to animal form.) To change one's shape to copy that of another person requires a test of Mental + Disguise, the difficulty depending on how long the Hengeyokai has seen the person (seen once/briefly: 10, a few times: 8, casual acquaintance: 7, friend: 6, long time companion: 4). A subject of specific study (ie. you have studied pictures and videos of this person for the purpose of emulating their form) might be difficulty 6.
1 success: Similar to what the Hengeyokai wanted, but with several flaws. The Hengeyokai could possibly pass as someone else at a distance under dim light.
2 successes: Almost what the Hengeyokai wanted, but with several small flaws. Still not good enough to pass as someone else up close.
3 successes: What Hengeyokai wanted, though there is at least one small flaw, which may not be immediately noticeable.
4 successes: Better than the Hengeyokai believed possible. There are no flaws of which the Hengeyokai is aware. Any but close family or friends would not know that the Hengeyokai is a double.
5 successes: Perfect. The Hengeyokai could pass as the person copied, even among close family, as long as he played the part well.
(These success levels are directly adapted from The Player's Guide to the Sabbat, published by White Wolf.)
Hengeyokai are also able to fight with their claws, which will do aggravated damage. Hengeyokai are able to extend their claws freely in cat form, but in human form this action requires the expenditure of a blood point. The claws are equal to the claws produced by Protean level two.
Nightvision is the natural ability of cats to see in near total darkness. It functions similar to the level 1 Protean ability, Gleam of the Red Eyes, except that the eyes do not glow red. They may, however, shine if they reflect light, just as many nocturnal animals' eyes do. This power is natural, rather than magical. The Hengeyokai may employ it in human form without penalty.
A Hengeyokai begins with level 1 Celerity in Cat form, and none when in human form. A Hengeyokai's Celerity will always be one point lower when they are in human form. For example, a Hengeyokai with a Celerity of 3 acts as though their Celerity were only 2 when they are in human form. Hengeyokai also start with Auspex at level 1.
Due to the amount of inherent disciplines in the Hengeyokai, disciplines are relatively inflexible at the time of character generation. This is to say, discipline points are not available. (However, you can still purchase disciplines at the normal price with freebie points.)
Hengeyokai are limited in the number of disciplines they may acquire. They may learn Animalism, Auspex, Celerity, and Presence, all up to level five. Hengeyokai must spend the current rating x6 experience points to increase their disciplines, but purchasing disciplines costs the normal amount.
Hengeyokai use their blood pool in exactly the same way as vampires do, with the exception that they do not need to spend Blood to survive. This is to say that they can increase attributes and heal wounds with their blood. Blood Points are replenished by drinking blood or through the use of the Shinjutsu Sword Ritual.
Generation is only used by Hengeyokai to determine Blood Pool. It is gained in the same way as with vampires (primarily through prestige points or Ordeals). Diablerie is not a possibility, since they do not have true "generation," but rather the Hengeyokai equivalent.
The Hengeyokai have several rituals, as defined in 'A World of Darkness.' These are, at level 1, the male Shinjutsu sword ritual, and the female Shinjutsu mirror ritual. At level two, there is the gender neutral Shinjutsu jewel ritual.
The Sword ritual is gender specific, in that only male characters may learn and use it. The maker of the sword (yes, you must find a blacksmith, or make it yourself) and the Cat binding it must both spend a Blood Point for this ritual to succeed. In this ritual, there is created a sword which will increase the skill level of its user by one, and automatically put half of the Blood Points it spills into the bonded Cat's Blood Pool (no matter who is wielding it at the time). The sword may be used by any character, of any race (including, but not limited to, Western Vampires, Gaki, mortal humans, Garou and other Hengeyokai). It may also be used by the Cat it is bound to. It should, however, be noted that this ritual does not pertain to all bladed weapon, but only those that may be considered to be swords. (ie. knives, pole-arms, etc. may not be used for this ritual.)
The Mirror ritual is one that only female characters may learn and use. A mirror is made, and the maker (yes, you must find a glassblower to make the mirror for you or make it yourself) and the binding Cat must both spend one Blood Point for the ritual to succeed. This ritual creates a mirror that reflects an enchanting image of the character looking into it, in which the character is their personal conception of absolute beauty. A Willpower point must be spent to break the gaze into the mirror. If the gaze is not broken, one half the character's Blood Points revert from the character's Blood Pool into the Blood Pool of the Cat the mirror is bound to.
Any Hengeyokai may also look into the mirror and use it to shape-shift into an incredibly beautiful form (will automatically raise Appearance by 2), that would not otherwise be possible. This is in addition to any successes (and thus increases to Appearance) gained from the Mental + Disguise vs. 10 test. Hengeyokai will not be entranced by the mirror.
The Jewel ritual is one that either male or female Hengeyokai may learn and use. It creates a jewel which increases the Charisma of the character wearing it by one, except when interacting with the Cat it is bound to, in which case Charisma is lowered by 3. The maker and the binding Cat must both spend one Blood Point for this ritual to succeed. (For all practical purposes, the maker of the gem will be the stonecutter, since gems are actually made by the earth.)
The rituals detailed here are Hengeyokai specific; they may not be learned by any other races, and Hengeyokai may only learn these rituals (with the possible exception of some Garou rituals, pending Storyteller approval).
(Also, to keep the game running smoothly, please keep a description of the ritual item you are using with you, so your Storyteller doesn't have to make the effects up, or run for these rules. Feel free to photocopy these ritual descriptions for this purpose.)
These rules have been adapted directly (with some additions to keep things fair) from the description of Hengeyokai as given in A World of Darkness: The Promised Lands, published by White Wolf Game Studios (pp. 107-109 and 111-112). If you have questions as to other aspects of Hengeyokai (specifically sit-down type role-playing of Hengeyokai and the different facets thereof), it is suggested that you acquire a copy of this sourcebook and read the section on Hengeyokai. Due to the simple fact that not all the rules are applicable to live-action, they are not included here.
Disclaimer: the following is written in character. I got bored, and my research into Hengeyokai turned into a full-blown research paper. I just kind of went with it. If anyone sees anything that seems blatantly wrong, please mail me with the correction. Keep in mind also that this is a preliminary to the live-action role-playing rules for Hengeyokai, and is not intended to be a scholastically accurate paper. I have added some conjecture that is not exactly accurate to what I have read. (this was mostly to see that Hengeyokai don't get the short end of the stick in a fight.)
Hengeyokai are Japanese shape-shifters who have typically lived more than 200 years. There are two known forms of Hengeyokai: vulpes (fox) and felis (cat). They have some command of powers that emulate portions of the following disciplines: Auspex, Celerity, Dominate and Obfuscate. Their main power is the ability to perfectly emulate any human form they have seen or may imagine. Hengeyokai are dependent on blood as a life-sustaining medium, but since they feed on the life energy contained in blood as opposed to the nutritional value, their need is less intense than in Vampires.
By J. M. Tremblay
August 5, 1993
[It should be noted that the names 'vulpes' and 'felis' Hengeyokai are only the author's method of referring to the two forms of the creature. They are not indicative of a correct name, nor should they necessarily be used as such.]
Hengeyokai are Japanese shape-shifters who have typically lived more than 200 years. They are all possessed of the power to re-shape their body (in a manner very similar to Vicissitude as possessed by members of the Tzimisce clan) to mimic that of a human. This power allows them to perfectly emulate the form of any human they have seen or are able to imagine. They also typically exhibit several powers similar to Vampiric Disciplines. These are: celerity, auspex, obfuscate and dominate.
Hengeyokai appear to have achieved their longevity in a manner similar to Vampires; the drinking of blood. However, unlike Vampires, Hengeyokai do not seem to need very much blood to survive. Where a Vampire needs blood daily to subsist, Hengeyokai seem to need to feed only once every week or so; when there is a waxing moon, Hengeyokai commonly spend the entire lunar cycle without feeding.
This can be partially explained by examining the feeding habits of Hengeyokai. They only appear to feed on sexually active humans, excluding children, virgins, monks and the elderly from their feeding. It is then conjectured that a Hengeyokai gets some amount of life energy, or 'ki' from the vessel, which is not transferrable if the vessel is sexually inactive. Thus where a Vampire needs the actual nutrients contained in blood, a Hengeyokai needs the life energy therein. Hengeyokai however, also unlike Vampires, must eat food regularly to survive.
There are two forms of Hengeyokai known. Vulpes (fox) Hengeyokai are the more common form, felis (cat) being the less common. Vulpes appear with little variation to be the common fox (Vulpes vulpes) in animal form. However, examples of the small corsac (V. corsac) fox also exist. Felis are always the domestic cat (Felis catus) in animal form.
Vulpes Hengeyokai
More is known about vulpes Hengeyokai, being the more common form. They typically appear to be totally human when in human form; there is documented evidence that a vulpes Hengeyokai fooled one man into thinking she was his wife for 'many years' (it is assumed more than five since the couple conceived two children and raised them to an age where they could speak clearly). It is presumed that they are able to effect their appearance to any extent they wish. Physical prowess also seems to depend somewhat on their form. Vulpes Hengeyokai have been documented and observed as being at one point a powerful samurai, and at another a weak peasant, with strength appropriate to each.
The vulpes form typically shows evidence of something resembling the following disciplines: Obfuscate, Dominate and Celerity. The Obfuscate power seems to be simply the ability to hide oneself from searching eyes, and is not as multifaceted as the Vampiric discipline. It clearly covers the creature's physical presence, including (but perhaps not limited to) sight, sound and smell. It is not clear if the sound of a branch breaking underfoot would be muffled by this power. Nor is it clear if this power works merely on the mind, or would work against electronic recording equipment as well.
The Dominate-like power is, for the most part, an ability to command a human to believe what the Hengeyokai is telling them. There is also evidence that they are able to erase memories, or at least block them very effectively. It is not known just how powerful this gift is.
The Celerity-like discipline is fairly straight-forward. Vulpes Hengeyokai have shown the ability to move significantly faster than their form would suggest. Up to five times faster than normal human movement and reaction (in human form) has been observed.
Vulpes Hengeyokai also typically possess above-average senses, even when in human form. They respond to sounds other humans in the area did not hear, and have shown that their sense of smell is significantly better than even a normal fox in both human and animal form. Their sight appears to be on par with the human norm, if not perhaps a bit sharper and more discerning. However, vulpes' sight appears to remain sensitive in near total darkness. This is perhaps due to the foxes nocturnal nature.
Vulpes Hengeyokai have also shown that they can grow fingernails of significant strength and sharpness while in human form, quite similar to the Gangrel power of Protean. These fingernails do respectable damage, and it is conjectured that they would cause aggravated damage to a Vampire.
Vulpes Hengeyokai, in disposition, are fabled to be fairly mischievous, and occasionally malevolent. In actuality, they have been known range from extremely pleasant and docile to thoroughly evil (usually in different subjects though).
Felis Hengeyokai
Felis Hengeyokai are far less common than vulpes. They are, in myth, equivalent to the Western Vampire in terms of wickedness and malevolence. In actuality, they do tend to be decidedly more irreverent and malicious than their vulpes cousins, but kind and gentle examples of felis have been observed.
The felis form appears to be less successful in their transformation to human form than vulpes, when co-related with the age of the subject. Experience apparently counts for more with the felis Hengeyokai. Unless a felis has reached significant age (perhaps beyond 1000 years), they are typically identifiable as somehow feline in human form. There are documented cases where pointed ears or fingernails gave them away, but the usual circumstance is that the eyes are somehow feline; this is usually by way of an oval pupil. The pupil will also reflect light in significant amounts similar to many other nocturnal creatures (including vulpes Hengeyokai). However, these anomalies are often missed by the less observant.
Felis also show the ability to increase some attributes by changing their form. This talent appears to operate in exactly the same manner as in the vulpes Hengeyokai. The elongated fingernails are also apparent in felis Hengeyokai, but they appear to have a greater faculty with them as weapons than their vulpes cousins. This is perhaps due to a feline's use of claws as weapons and tools under normal circumstances.
It should be noted that all felis Hengeyokai are Felis catus, and all are possessed of a long tail. In many cases, the feline form of felis is identifiable as Hengeyokai due to the abnormally elongated tail.
It is believed by the Japanese that if a cat's tail is not removed early in life, the cat may never die. He will simply grow older and older until he gains the intelligence to change himself to a human form. Felis Hengeyokai have quite apparently embraced this myth, and their tails are irreverently long. The disciplines evident in felis Hengeyokai are similar to vulpes; Dominate, Obfuscate and Celerity, except that felis also shows evidence of the middle levels of Auspex. The Dominate gift is very similar to vulpes' power: the ability to convince a human of something with no other apparent means of coercion. No evidence has been recorded of any ability to affect the memory, but it is certainly a strong possibility, since vulpes and felis share so many powers.
The Obfuscate power is, once again, mostly the ability to appear invisible and inaudible to human senses, as with vulpes. Felis' ability to move quickly as with celerity is identical to the vulpes' power as well.
The significant difference in felis Hengeyokai is in their apparent ability to see both auras and the aetherial (astral) plane. There has been observed evidence that felis Hengeyokai are aware of, and can interpret, auras. There is also evidence that they can see into the aetherial plane if so prompted. This does not allow them to interact with the aetherial plane, though they have been known to try.
Felis Hengeyokai also appear to have significant sensory mastery. They are able to see in near complete darkness, and all other senses, with the possible exception of touch, are far more sensitive than human perception.
General Characteristics
The disciplines or powers apparent in Hengeyokai of both varieties are instinctual. They do not need to be learned from another Hengeyokai, although they do not appear instantaneously. There appears to be a random progression in which the powers manifest, which can be affected by the individual through ritual meditation and prayer.
The use of powers does seem to require blood in some cases (specifically with the celerity-like power), since the Hengeyokai typically needs to feed with a greater urgency after using such powers, even with a waxing moon. The use of the claws in human form also appears to require blood, by use of the above reasoning.
Social Organization
Vulpes Hengeyokai tend to be more or less solitary animals, except during mating season, when they congregate in large groups and re-enact glorified mating ceremonies reminiscent of those of mortal foxes. Hengeyokai are not capable of creating offspring, and thus these re-enactments are just rituals. It is conjectured that they serve to quell some instinct that has no other outlet. During times of gathering, a pecking order is normally established through tests of physical prowess among vulpes Hengeyokai. In this ranking system there is clearly one pair of dominant foxes, male and female. Below them stand all other Hengeyokai present, including any felis who decide to investigate. It is not clear if there is any order below the dominant positions.
Felis Hengeyokai are much more social than their vulpes cousins, and will gather at a predetermined spot on every night that the moon is visible. At these gatherings as well, there is a predominant pair, called the King and Queen. Again, there appears to be no particular order below the King and Queen. The felis gatherings are clearly at a predetermined location, but it is not known how all felis Hengeyokai in the area are alerted to the location. It is conjectured that both the location of the moon at moonrise and its phase are essential to where the gathering is to be located, but no system is clear or apparent.
How rank is determined among felis Hengeyokai is not as clear as with vulpes. There is some evidence to suggest that the amount of white in the coat is a determining factor, but this has not been proven.
In all, neither vulpes nor felis Hengeyokai present any immediate danger or threat to the Tremere. They have great potential to be used politically, but that potential is curtailed by their nature, which suggests that they could not perform as the Tremere might prefer. They appear to be blood-bondable, but this action has never been attempted.
It is the recommendation of this author that the Hengeyokai be observed for now. Until they gain political power in some measure, Hengeyokai are inconsequential.
This 'paper' was intercepted by an anonymous friend of mine, and delivered to me. I thought the participants in these lists might enjoy seeing what the Tremere do to evaluate a potential 'ally.' Scary, isn't it?