Stop Thinking Like a Human

...or "You Are Not Playing Yourself With Supernatural Powers"

Most players are still stuck in a mindset of being human. Whereas many neonate vampires would also be of the same mindset, anyone playing a PC that is more than a lifetime old would quickly become accustomed to a completely different way of thinking.

If you're still thinking like a human when you're playing Masquerade, you're only putting yourself at a disadvantage. There are those people that have immersed themselves in character, and they view weaker people as prey.

First off, separate yourself from your character. It's perhaps the most difficult task to master, but you're playing with friends, and it's all just a game. You may have the inclination to be nice to them In Character, and do things for them because you're friends Out of Character. Resist those temptations, as not only does it cheapen the venue, but it also makes your character look weak.

You are playing a predator, a creature that hunts prey. Your character is in a society of other predators, creatures that are competing for food, and each one is dangerous, and seeks nothing more than to take what you have, or to eat you. Even if they don't willingly admit to such, all vampires have that little whisper in the back of their mind, that they can eat you and take your power.

Any time someone asks your character for a favor, ask yourself what you can gain from it. If they don't offer tangible recompense, and they don't offer boons, there's little reason to assist. Why would a vampire risk their unlives without any gain?

If such predators are so dangerous, why do they gather together? Simple, they have egos. They have an innate desire to one-up one another, and to size up the competition. They seek to socially maneuver to positions of power over lesser predators. Vampires are the pinnacle of selfishness, and never act with altruistic intentions. Never let other players sway you with phrases like "for the betterment of Kindred society", they are simply playing at your emotions and hoping that you give in and give up what power you have, so that lesser predators don't have to try as hard.

Vampire: the Masquerade is about being an antagonist in a sea of antagonists. Each vampire has their own motivations, and while they may coincide with the motivations of others for a time, conflict always happens, and should happen. It is conflict that drives stories.