The reveal of the Malkavians brings the total number of clans in Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2 to five.
According to the game’s official website, the Malkavian clan has long been ostracized by the Seattle Kindred. Those in its ranks are prone to unstable mental aptitude; Malkavians set the other clans on edge.
While able to discover knowledge that others cannot, that knowledge comes at a steep price. Prone to a myriad of mental illnesses, psychoses, and compulsive disorders, playing as one of the clan changes interactions with the city. As in the original Bloodlines, new and unique dialogue options become available that no other clan will have.
It also comes as no surprise that their Dementation and Auspex Disciplines are based on their mental mastery.
Dementation abilities for the Malkavians are Haunt and Berserk. According to the information on the game’s website, Haunt “imparts an unseen spectre in the victims’ minds. Unable to control themselves, they’ll try to flee in a panic.”
Berserk causes the victim to launch into “an uncontrollable rage” and attack nearby targets.
Auspex abilities expand the senses of a Malkavian. Aura Sense allows NPCs to be tagged “through walls,” and their defense and weaknesses can be ascertained. Psychic Projection “forces the vampire’s mind from their body, allowing them to “explore the area in astral form.”
While in Psychic Projection, Aura Sense is still usable. Due to their heightened vampire senses, they can even telepathically overwhelm the senses of an enemy. Auspex abilities are not Masquerade Violation.
While the Malkavians are the last clan to be released before launch, Paradox Interactive plans to release more clans for free as time progresses. A gameplay showcase will come at this year’s E3 on June 10.
