HERIS
By David Youngberg (teferi@hotmail.com)
History
Who was the first vampiric superhero? Was it a Kindred who posed as a Greek god? Perhaps it was a powerful king. Or maybe it was nothing more than a discrete traveler who only wished for everyone to live in peace. Whomever it was, there is no doubt that the Heris have existed since the beginning of recorded time. Most likely, they are an offshoot of the Ventrue; their nobility and urge for control makes it the most likely.The Heris believe that they were given the so-called Curse so they could protect the weak and innocent. Many believe that the drawbacks of vampirism come with the territory. A Heris feels as though she must give back to mortals because she feeds from them and allow her immortality.
Nicknames
Appearance
They range in sizes and shapes but most of them are large and tall. They always wear a costume unless undercover. This costume ranges in all aspects but always reflects the theme of the Superhero.
Havens
Their Havens are hidden away someplace, more so than most Havens. They range from secret mansions to hidden passages in the sewers. If possible, their Haven reflects their theme. Strong-willed and highly moral mortals are chosen for the Embrace. These chosen are ones that want to help the masses and feel that they can never do too much good. Police officers, doctors and philosophers are among the most common.
Backgrounds
The ones chosen for the Embrace are strong-willed, moral individuals. They are never Embraced casually, for it is always possible that a new vampire may use his powers selfishly and become evil. (For more information, go to the Bloodline's Organization.)When a Heris is Embraced, he must choose a "theme" to reflect his powers and abilities. For example, a Superhero named Plant Master would have a haven in the forest, a costume that is mostly green and powers to reflect plant manipulation.
Character Creation
Superheroes target mental and physical attributes. Their abilities have wide ranges, but Talents and Skills are the most highly prized. Their archetypes are usually similar and never selfish; Judge, Caregiver and Architect are the most common. Mentors, Allies and Resources are sought after, but prefer to have the wealth in the form of stocks and bonds so they can spend more time fighting crime instead of working.
Disciplines
Weakness
All starting Heris characters must have a Humanity of at least 7. (At Storyteller discretion, this minimum can be bargained down to 6, at the very least.) If a character's Humanity drops to below five, and others find that the character made, or is making, no effort to increase it, the Superhero is consider to be a super villain or a supporter of a super villain, even if he isn't, and is treated as such.
Organization
Most of the time, a Heris goes off on his own, fighting crime and doing good. Occasionally, Superheroes band together to play off each other's strengths and make up for their weaknesses. As far as the Heris know, there is no "ruler" of the bloodline. When it becomes necessary for a leader to present herself, the eldest of the Heris vote among them. There is also an unspoken rule among the Superheroes that they allow refuge to from the Sun to other Herisi. After all, if they cannot help each other, how can they help the innocent? On one final note, there are those of the Heris that have been forsaken by the bloodline. These Heris have not been able to control their Humanity and have allowed it to drop to what the Superheroes consider to be monstrous levels. Such Kindred, who have a Humanity score of four or less, have become so numerous over the centuries that they have created their own bloodline, the Ilev. This bloodline is the equivalent of the super villain. Although the Ilev and the Heris have been at each others throats from since they existed, neither know much about the other. Fighting one on one or in small groups, they both retain the traditions of the Masquerade, always remembering the finger of the clan's pressing down. There is, however, news that the Ilev is switching to the Sabbat. Whether there is truth in the rumors, or if it is nothing more than gossip, only time will tell.
Quote
"The great power of vitae is not a toy, boys and girls, so don't try this at home."