Bad Words for Tech

This is a list of “naughty” or dangerous words when used via technology. This guide is intended more for players to help prevent mishaps and each use of terminology is looked at by the Storytellers on a case-by-case basis in order to determine how dangerous the communication truly is.

Some kindred-specific terminology may be missing but still counts as a breach. Remember to use code names for anything related to vampire existence. It’s just smarter that way, and it keeps your character’s profile low from the SI. When using words consider what’s used in the modern age and what’s not, Elysium is a real word however it’s sparingly used and when combined with an address or the hint of your character going there, it can cause serious issues. But the word Childe, when spoken, sounds exactly like child. 

So what should you do when you need to communicate with others? Use mundane words in place of dangerous ones.

Don’t Say: I am going to Elysium in Smith Tower
Do Say: I am going to the club downtown.

Don’t Say: I am Camarilla Toreador

Do Say: I am a Diva of the organization. 

Don’t say: The Anarchs and the Camarilla are at war with each other. 

Do Say: The Rebels and the Club are duking it out. 

Below are some examples, but this isn’t an exhaustive list, just be clever with words online/on phones and your character should be safe.

No-no words that will attract SI like flies:

Kine

Autarkis

Camarilla

Clans by their formal names

Diablerie

Golconda

Vitae

And other VTM specific words, specifically within Kindred terminology. The SI are known to work with kindred who will gladly share secrets to stay alive one more night.

Dangerous words, in certain context can get attention:

Elysium*

Kindred*

Anarchs*

Sabbat*

Childe*

*These words can be seen as archaic words or typoes (Sabbath vs Sabbat, Child vs childe), but be careful 

Words that pose danger in obvious vampiric contexts:

Blood

Vampire

Breach

Tower

Ghoul

Masquerade

Factional Locations Specific Names (ie Razor’s Edge, Withering Rose, etc etc.) especially with an address attached.

Who are the Second Inquisition (SI)

There seems to be a misconception that the SI is controlled by the government or is a government agency. This is not correct. They are a collection of loosely connected and only semi-organized agents in different departments acting on their own accord and manipulating their agency’s assets without official authorization or legal backing. The SI keep everything close to the chest; the information reported within the news or police is fabricated to appear as drug busts, trafficking or other acts, even up the point of terrorism. If the SI were revealed to be vampire hunters; the sudden knowledge of vampires would cause severe fallout within the global media. Political factions would get involved, there would be mass hysteria sweeping the population. For as much as Kindred keep the Masquerade, the SI (which is only name given to them by Kindred) keep it just the same.

SI Alert Level	Duration (Before Dropping 1 Level)	Mechanical Effects	Possible Flavor Effects
Vampires? What vampires?	Base level	-n/a	Ordinary night in Seattle
Suspicious	1 Week	Hunting difficulty in the affected area has increased by 1.	Residents of the area are concerned about their safety.
Alert	2 Weeks	Hunting difficulty in the affected area has increased by 2. Optional: SI interaction becomes a possible outcome on a messy/bestial	Residents of the area are concerned greatly about their safety and mostly stay inside.
High Alert	2 Weeks	All hunting difficulties go up by 1. Optional: SI interaction becomes a possible outcome on a messy/bestial	Increased police presence/alertness in the city. SI tuned in on the radio. People are suspicious of strangers and travel in groups.
London Calling!	1 Week	All factional locations shut down and kindred are asked to remain inside. All hunting difficulties will go up by 2. Optional: SI interaction becomes a possible outcome on a messy/bestial	Rioting has been orchestrated by either side in order to draw out or draw attention away.

Examples of how to reduce this as a PC.

Keep in mind that outright murdering the SI, especially as vampires, isn’t going to help. Some of these are the optionals from a messy/bestial fail. Making the attempt to lower the SI tracker will net players a +1 to exp after regular week calculations. If you intend to interact with the SI, you must ping Galador before taking that path. Keep in mind context will depend if/how much all the actions that week reduce it by.

1. Do not breach the masquerade. (This doesn’t net anyone anything, it’s just what characters should be doing)

2. Tampering with news outlets to change the narrative and report suspects caught with proof of their mortality over vampirism.

3. Help other PCs clean up breaches before they are found.

4. Bait the SI into trouble with the authorities. E.g. have them raid a drug bust or damage private property and get caught.

5. Attacking a surveillance group, leaving the remains but leaving it to appear as if mortals had committed the acts for some mortal reason.

6. Sabotage city infrastructure like traffic/surveillance cameras so that there are bigger concerns and the SI tech people can’t work so well. Straight up taking down a power grid. (this may also have consequences for other players)