By Jason Levine (pkitty@cris.com)
The flames created by this path are unnatural, and cannot harm Kindred while contained on the caster. Thus, a palm of flame will not harm the caster or anyone else until thrown, and the caster can safely immolate himself without taking damage or harming anyone who touches him. The difficulty of resisting Rotschreck from such "safe" flames is one less. The Thaumaturgist does not suffer Rotschreck for the use of his powers (since he made his Courage roll), but if his fire is turned against him (as often happens when using Summon the Fiery Conflagration), he is affected normally.
System: The character must make a Courage roll (difficulty 4) to create the flame. If the surface on which it will rest is far away or must be aimed very precisely, a second roll against Perception + Alertness (difficulty set by the GM, generally between 5 and 8) should be made to place the flame precisely. Placing it on a Kindred's face is difficulty 8, but forces him to make a Courage roll (difficulty 5) or suffer Rotschreck.
System: Creating the flame requires a Courage roll (difficulty 5) and one Blood Point. Once created, it may be thrown up to (Strength x 10) yards by rolling against Dexterity + Throwing (difficulty equal to distance/Strength, minimum 3). Athletics may be substituted, at +1 difficulty. Treat the flame as a torch (one wound, difficulty 5 to soak, difficulty 5 to avoid Rotschreck).
System: The character must spend a blood point to create the jet, then roll Dexterity + Courage (difficulty 6 to 60 yards, 7 to 120 yards) to aim it; apply normal firearms modifiers for cover, etc. Treat the flame as a flame thrower (two wounds, difficulty 7 to soak, difficulty 7 to avoid Rotschreck).
System: Self-immolation requires only that a blood point be spent and a Courage roll (difficulty 7) roll be made. Immolating another person costs a blood point, and a Willpower roll (difficulty 7) must be made; this roll is resisted by the target's Willpower (difficulty 8). One net success results in one limb catching fire (treat as Palm of Fire, above). Two net successes result in a large section of the target's body catching fire (treat as Dragons's Breath, above). Three net successes result in total immolation (three wounds, difficulty 8 to soak, difficulty 8 to avoid Rotschreck). Every net success past three adds an additional turn for which the fire will burn regardless of any non-supernatural attempts to put it out!
System: Two blood points must be spent (taking multiple turns if necessary) and a Willpower roll (difficulty 8) must be made. The successes from the roll determine the size of the area affected; the vampire can always ignore successes to restrict the conflagration to a small area.
1 success | room |
2 successes | small apartment |
3 successes | condo/1 floor |
4 successes | house/2-3 floors |
5 successes | apartment building |
The affected area catches fire; those in the area may have to make Dodge rolls to avoid falling timbers, mortals may start choking on smoke, etc. Courage rolls (difficulty 9) are needed to avoid Rotschreck.