Retribution is a Discipline of unknown origins, though most fingers point to the Lancea Sanctum or a failed convert of the Covenant; true details are scarce however, and as the powers tend to be subtle or easily attributable to other causes, most aren't aware of its existence.
Supposedly modeled after the trials of Job, Retribution focuses on tempering a victim against the wages of sin... or ensuring their fall.
Retribution *
"No Good Deed..."
Cost: 1 Willpower
System: Wits + Empathy against victim's Composure + Resolve (+ Blood Potency)
Upon witnessing an act of charity and compassion, the vampire may activate this Discipline against the would-be philanthropist. If the vampire succeeds in his roll, the victim finds that minor nuisances begin to crop up when he attempts to continue his good works. The next time the would-be humanitarian attempts to engage in philanthropic activities, he finds his dice pool reduced by 1 - or other factors somehow complicate the matter, making it appear easier to let the matter slide. If the vampire so wishes, assuming the victim of the power actually succeeds in his new endeavor and the vampire witnesses it, he may apply the power again, increasing the penalty by 1. The vampire is free to stack until the penalties equal -5 (or an equivelant level of hardship in performing "good deeds") or until the vampire is not present for such an act.
If the victim doesn't perform another philanthropic deed for two weeks, this power fades completely, regardless of how many uses have been "stacked" on the victim.
Vampires possessing this power are assumed to use it either to discourage people from performing acts that reaffirm their Humanity, trying to herd them into abandoning it; conversely, some believe it to be a test of the individual's faith and dedication, continuing to attempt to do what is right despite the hardships involved.
Retribution **
"Temptation"
Cost: 1 Willpower
System: Presence + Empathy against victim's Morality (+ Blood Potency)
The vampire may make a kind of devil's deal with the victim; by convincing his target to perform a sinful act or reject a moral course of action in favor of self-gratification, he may subtly twist the victim's ethics to be more inclined to give in to temptation, to be less remorseful when he does. Using this power successfully imposes a +1 difficulty to the next roll for Morality loss on the part of the victim. If the victim manages to retain his Morality, he regains 1 point of Willpower.
Temptation fades if it is not "triggered" after a month; the victim forgets or igores his sinful impulses after such time.
If the victim of this power is currently suffering under the effects of "No Good Deed," the vampire may add an additional 2 dice to his roll.
Retribution ***
"A Bounty of Pestilence"
Cost: 2 Willpower
System: Intelligence + Intimidation against victim's Resolve (+ Blood Potency)
Often, people (and vampires) grow entirely too attached to the people and things in their lives; such can prove to be a dangerous crutch. After all, is it not human nature to be happy and prideful when things are going well, yet turn sullen, distant and unfaithful when things go ill?
When this Discipline is used upon a victim - who the vampire must know at least somewhat, and with whom the vampire must share some form of bond, regardless of the emotional type of bond - they discover that their attempts at exalting the outside world only serve to drive rot further into their circle. When this power is activated, the Storyteller chooses one of the victim's Merits to affect, then rolls are made. If the vampire wins, a run of bad luck afflicts the background in question, reducing it's rating by 1 until the situation is resolved. NP Cs? involved in the situation will typically blame the victim for their problems.
If the victim manages, through roleplaying and hard work, to resolve the situation favorably, the point returns and at Storyteller's discretion the character may be eligible for a Morality increase or an increase in the Merit's level - solving the problems through dilligence and right action makes the Merit even stronger. If the character does nothing, or engages in sinful activities, the tribulations continue for a period of one month, then cease, but the Merit point remains missing, without compensation, and NP Cs? involved will likely still be wary of or blame the victim.
If the victim is currently under the effects of No Good Deed, the vampire may add 2 dice to his roll. If he victim has succumbed to Temptation from the vampire in the past, the vampire may add 1 die to his roll. These bonuses specifically are cumulative.
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