By Scott Williamson (22 Aug 95)
This path was created by the Tremere Jeremy Witten of Washington, DC (currently), in response to the need for some practical method of defense in his conflict with the Settite Methuselah Saludis and his minions.
* Hardening the Body: The character's body begins to harden, becoming more resistant to damage. He gains 2 additional soak successes against normal damage.
** Hardening the Mind: The character is now able to strengthen his mental defenses. Any mental disciplines or magicks used against the character are now at +1 difficulty, and he gains one automatic success in all Willpower tests while this power is used.
*** Sheathe of Steel: The character's body has now hardened to the point where he can resist any damage. He now has 3 automatic soak successes against normal damage, and 1 additional soak die against aggravated damage. His skin also looks slightly metallic.
**** The Steeled Mind: The character's mental defenses are now nearly impregnable. Any uses of mental disciplines or magicks against the character are now made at +2 difficulty, his target number to resist is at -1, and he gains 1 automatic success in all Willpower tests.
***** Steeling the Body and Soul: The character's defenses have now achieved their pinnacle, both mentally and physically. His skin now gleams with the steel that he embodies. Physically, his toughness and strength are greatly increased. Mentally, he is almost untouchable. He gains 5 automatic soak successes against normal damage, 3 additional soak dice against aggravated damage, and the equivalent of a Potence of 2. In addition, no mental disciplines or magicks at or below level 5 can affect the character, any higher powers are at +1 difficulty to affect the character, and he gains 2 automatic successes in all Willpower tests.