WHEEZERS

By Phos (kitab@hotmail.com)

Description

The Wheezers are a fairly old bloodline; they have existed since about 1550. They were first created, in a proto-form, when the first European settlers in America began to smoke tobacco. They developed into a bloodline in themselves thereafter, feeding only from tobacco smoke. They developed from a German Caitiff of the sixth generation, and have been going strongly ever since. They are not generally seen in powerful positions, although one of their number is rumoured to be very influential in the FBI....

Nickname

Smokers, Havana men

Bloodline Disciplines

Dominate, Presence, Rauch

Appearance

Wheezers look like normal people; they dress in the style of the current period. Some affect such things as pipes and cigarette holders, depending on the individual. There are some rumours that a high level Wheezer has infiltrated the government on behalf of the Camarilla, to prevent certain FBI agents from learning about the existence of vampires, but this could just be a rumor.

Haven

Wheezers tend to favor havens in bars or clubs, where they can freely indulge in their feeding. As the government becomes stricter toward tobacco manufacturers, they can expect to find it harder and harder to feed.

Weaknesses

All Wheezers can only feed from tobacco smoke, either directly or second hand from passive smoking, although passive feeding tastes stale and only give half the value of direct feeding. An ordinary cigarette, taken directly, will yield two Blood points. Quite how the smoke converts into vitæ inside the Wheezer is as yet unknown, although the Tremere are said to be experimenting. A good sized cigar will yield around three Blood points. Many younger Wheezers also smoke marijuana; it has half the "nutrient" value of tobacco, but then, they only smoke it to get stoned.

Wheezers also have the flaw "Addicted (Nicotine)" at level two.

Parent Clan

Caitiff, although some say that he may have been a member of the Tremere, or a Malkavian, or a Ventrue, and a whole host of other rumours.

Background

Wheezers can come from almost any background; the only entry qualification is that they smoke. The more the better. So long as they are above the legal age; it is current practice to only embrace those who are old enough to smoke, in order to avoid attracting notice.

Character Creation

Social Attributes are primary, and Talents are usually emphasised. Most look a little older than they actually are, due to the aging/skin drying/wrinkling processes of smoking (Author's note: I'm a smoker. I know what it's like).

Quote

Whaddya mean, (whuhhhuuhhhh-huhuhuh) no smoking area?

Opinions of Others

Camarilla: They're okay. They leave us alone, and (hacking cough), we'll leave them alone.

"Um, I don't know. I've seen what they can do to their enemies, so I avoid them."

-- Aloysius Cromber, Tremere Ancilla

Sabbat: Who gives a shit. Got a light?

"They must be converted, but given that they all smoke, they might not be so good in combat. We'll have to think about it."

-- Jojo McTavish, Gangrel antitribu

Mages: The Ecstasy ones, whadoyoucallem, they're okay. The rest just suck.

"The who?"

-- Most Mages

Werewolves: Jeez, you light up once in their precious forests! Fire hazard, schmire-hazard!

"Jesus Christ, this lot don't care, do they? Mind you, they are easy to track; you smell the smoke a mile off."

-- Tom Finnegan, Fianna