Post by Admin on Oct 26, 2017 23:58:34 GMT
Approachable (1 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
People from all walks of life find it easy to talk to you, and getting even traumatized or suspicious folks to open up to you doesn’t take much effort. You are two Traits up on all such Social Challenges involving normal people or other hunters, and one Trait up on appropriate tests when dealing with monsters that still fancy themselves at least somewhat human.
Early Adapter (1 Trait Merit)
You take pains to keep up with the latest technology, and while it may strain your finances from time to time, it does give you advantage when trying to figure out the latest technology (that consumers might be familiar with, anyway). You are two Traits up on all tests to figure out how to operate unfamiliar devices.
Favor (1 or 3 Trait Merit) - Must be defined.
An elder owes you a debt of gratitude for a deed you performed at one time or another. Garou society is very strict about repaying debts, for making good on debts is always good for Renown. One Trait indicates that you are owed a minor boon, where three Traits indicate a major boon.
Funny (1 Trait Merit)
Good comedic timing is rare, but you have it in spades; not only does this get you more than your share of party invitations, but your knack forgetting a laugh also means that you know what type of humor to use in a given situation. You’re invaluable at keeping up morale, and are two Traits up on any Social Challenge to bolster morale or lighten someone’s mood in a helpful fashion.
Good Listener (1 Trait Merit)
Most people just wait for their turn to speak, but you genuinely listen to what other people are saying, and this willingness to entertain their thoughts without interjecting your own opinion means that people tend to tell you more than they expect to. In any apparently friendly situation that involves someone else talking to you more than you talk back, you are two Traits up on any Social Challenge to get information from them as your receptiveness encourages them to say more than they might otherwise would about a subject.
Good Taste (1 Trait Merit)
While your knowledge of pop culture probably leaves something to be desired, you have a knack for giving the right presents, quoting the right wits and otherwise impressing other people with how cultured and refined you are. You are two Traits up on any Social Challenge to impress or make contacts with like-minded individuals, due to their natural acceptance of your excellent taste.
License To… (1-3 Trait Merit) - Homid Only
This merit allows the type of licenses that allow you to kill, break laws, etc., as well as the more mundane types of civil permits. Depending on the cost of the Merit, you can:
One Trait: Own and operate specialized vehicles (limousines, trucks, planes, helicopters)
Two Traits: Practice medicine, law (lawyer, paramedic, doctor)
Three Traits: Uphold the law (police officer, government agent, detective)
The level of license you take requires certain responsibilities - typically a job, membership in certain groups/agencies/etc. There are also always consequences to abusing the license - a secret agent who kills four or five people a session is going to get called on by his superiors to find out why, possibly even having his license revoked. The Storyteller is completely within his rights to take this merit away from you if you abuse it.
Media Junkie (1 Trait Merit)
From TV talk shows to radio call-ins to online chat groups, you’re an avid consumer of pop culture, and if anyone’s up on the latest movies or music it’ll be you. While this can suck up your downtime to an almost unhealthy degree, you are two Traits up on all tests related to researching anything related to pop culture, or on all Social Challenges involving fellow devotees of these mediums.
Natural Leader (1 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
Natural magnetism and leadership capabilities spring from your actions and words. Others want to follow you, and you easily take charge. You gain two Bonus Traits on tests of leadership (including most Presence tests). You must have at least six Social Traits to take this Merit.
Natural Politician (1 Trait Merit)
Machiavelli was pretty bright, but a few more years in the game and you just might be able to give the old boy a few tips yourself. You understand how power flows in organizations, and whether or not you have actual Politics Ability or Influence, the arts of deal-making and power-brokering come naturally to you. You are two Traits up on all Social Challenges in situations where politics is a factor, whether it’s an international summit or a meeting of the neighborhood watch. You must have at least six Social Traits to take this Merit.
Noble Bearing (1 Trait Merit)– Please note in your nickname
Perhaps you were of noble blood in your First or Second Life. For whatever reason, you have a noble bearing and manner befitting of a queen or pharaoh. Others take notice when you speak, and they respect your personal space with a wide berth. You gain a one-Trait bonus to all Social Challenges where you bring the force of your personality to bear.
Perfect Protocol (1 Trait Merit)
Since birth, you have always known what to say and what to do at the right times and in the right places. You gain an extra Trait in any Social or Mental Challenge involving other cultures
Smooth (1 Trait Merit)
Regardless of your actual upbringing or etiquette skills, you have such a natural grace and carefree charm that other people tend to forgive your little foibles, even if they do not actually like you. Provided you’re not completely crass or bent on antagonizing others, you are two Traits up on all Social Challenges to get on someone’s good side in a social situation such as a party or a nightclub.
Specialist Driver’s License (1 Trait Merit)
You are licensed for and experienced with driving vehicles beyond the average person's experience: tractor trailers, farm vehicles or even military transports. You are up one Trait on all Drive tests with such vehicles, although you must have at least one level of Drive before purchasing this Merit. Of course, actually owning such vehicles is the province of other Traits, but should you come across them you know what to do.
Unobtrusive (1 Trait Merit)
This Merit allows you to be the person that no one ever notices. This is not as powerful as Arcane - you aren’t invisible, people won’t forget you were there, and evidence of you won’t vanish. It does, however, allow you to not stand out of a crowd. Think of it as a perpetual “blandness” effect that you cannot turn off.
Add two Traits to all difficulties to recall your appearance, or your actions if you were not the center of attention.
Way with Words (1 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
You have a natural flair for choosing the right words to express exactly what you mean, whether communicating your emotions to another person or crafting a work of art. You are two Traits up on all Expression- or Performance-related Challenges primarily involving words and wordplay.
Confidence (2 Trait Merit)
While the Technocracy may be “The Man,” you are definitely “Da Man!” and you know it. You have an overwhelming self-confidence in your abilities, perhaps to the point of hubris, but you are sure of yourself - and others notice too. This Merit grants you a two-Trait bonus for resolution of all Leadership and Intimidation challenges.
Fascinating Gaze (2 Trait Merit)– Please note in your nickname
The eyes are the window to the soul, and yours are engaging. They may be an unusual color, have a strong shine to them, or seem to reflect the wisdom of the ages. You may have big baby-blues that no one can resist, or have the darkest orbs that can freeze others' hearts with only a glare. You gain a two-Trait bonus to all Social Challenges involving eye contact.
Firearms License (2 Trait Merit)
The benefits of this Merit depend on the area the game is set in: in places such as the United Kingdom, where possession of a firearm is illegal, it allows you to carry a normal gun. In countries where you have a right to bear arms, it means that you are licensed to carry unusual or powerful firearms, or perhaps even a concealed firearm of some kind. (In other words, you do not need this Merit to have a gun license in countries that already have a right to bear arms.)
Fashion Sense (2 Trait Merit)
Dressing well doesn’t just mean keeping up with the latest trends and designers, it’s also an innate knack for knowing when to dress up (or down) and how to do so smartly, especially on a limited budget. You are one Trait up on all Social tests where your appearance makes any kind of difference, provided of course you have time to choose your outfit before you go out.
Flirt (2 Trait Merit)
Not everyone is necessarily very attracted to you on sight, but when you decide to make someone the object of your affection, most people find it hard to resist. You simply have a talent for understanding the subtle give-and-take of flirting and teasing; you’re two Traits up on any Social Challenges involving such activity with members of the opposite sex (or the same sex who find you attractive).
Good Judge of Character (2 Trait Merit)
Given just a few moments of conversation or observation, you can make a fairly accurate appraisal of what someone is like, and such guesses are right more often than not. You’re two Traits up on all Mental Challenges involving assessing a person or human-seeming monster, and one Trait up on any Social Challenges where you’re going on a limited amount of prior contact with a person.
Human Tribal Status (2 or 4 Trait Merit)
You maintain an active part in the human community you came from, even attaining a position of some standing, such as council elder or healer. At two Traits,
you might act as shamanic healer for your Kinfolk or perhaps you’re the go-between for them and the Garou while four Traits means you hold a seat on a tribal council or perhaps act as spokesman for your group to the human community at large. You must come from either a Native American or distinctly ethnic community to take this Merit. Lupus and metis characters may not take this Merit.
Officially Dead (2 Trait Merit)
According to all government records and documents, you are dead. Any attempts to locate official records of documents reflect this status - tracking you via official means is very difficult. All attempts to use Bureaucracy Influences directly against you fail. The Storyteller may give other Influences similar modifications at his discretion.
People Person (2 Trait Merit)
Human nature may have some pretty low points, and you don’t kid yourself about them, but even that doesn’t keep you from being endlessly fascinated by (not to mention sympathetic to) your fellow human beings. This good nature and general open-minded acceptance of others makes it easy to get to know all kinds of people, and you are two Traits up on all Social Challenges to break the ice and make a good impression on others. You must have at least six Social Traits to purchase this Merit.
Pillar of the community (2 Trait Merit)
Maybe some people in town have been acting kind of funny lately, but you’re just about the last person anyone would dare voice suspicions about – you’re a well-known and well-respected member of your community, and as such you command a certain amount of popular respect with your neighbors. They won’t serve you blindly, but if you try to warn them about impending danger or give an explanation for a bizarre occurrence, they’re likely to believe you. They might even come to your aid if you require it, although this is hardly a certainty unless you have other Traits tied up in the local community.
Poker Face (2 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
You have the ultimate poker face -no sign of emotion ever crosses your face. You have one free defensive Social retest per night, as others always have trouble figuring you out.
Research Grant (2 Trait Merit)
A foundation or institution has given you a prestigious award that includes a grant of funding as well as access to information and facilities. A typical award gives you $1,000 per month, which you may use in any fashion you desire (though you should show some evidence of successful research; otherwise the grant could be terminated).
This Merit also gives you access to special libraries and facilities, which when combined with the right Influences could make all the difference in researching Numinae or arcane lores.
Sanctity (2 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
This Merit is sometimes called the halo effect; everyone considers you pure and innocent, though not necessarily naive. You have a saint like quality that is hard to pinpoint but cannot be denied. You are trusted, even if you are not trustworthy. You are two Traits up when initiating non-aggressive social challenges.
Socially Aware (2 Trait Merit)
Other people are generally blind to the delicate interplay between themselves, but not you. Reading the dynamics of a group or situation is second nature to you, and you can quickly puzzle out the true feelings people have for each other by studying their vocal tones, word choices, body language and so on. You are two Traits up on all Mental Challenges involving interaction between individuals.
Soothing Voice (2 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
Your voice is calm and soothing, almost entrancing. You are two Traits up on any challenge that directly involves the use of your voice, be it for singing, inciting a crowd to riot, leadership, etc.
Upright Citizen (2 Trait Merit)
You were or are a model citizen, with nary so much as a hint of scandal about you, and even now that same squeaky-clean image makes it quite difficult for other people to believe anything bad about you. You receive a free retest on all Social Challenges involved with maintaining your good name, although the Storyteller may well restrict some of your Ability or Background choices (or at least force them underground) to make sure you actually would fit the image that this Merit describes.
Corporate Savvy (3 Trait Merit)
Business is war, so they say, and if that’s true then you’ve got a few tours of duty under your belt already. You understand the corporate dynamic very well, from how to motivate people to how resources flow in a company to the best way to climb the ladder, and have little trouble managing businesses efficiently and profitably when you put your mind to it. Anytime you try manipulating a corporation or a corporate employee in a business-related matter, you are two Traits up on the related tests. You must have at least six Social Traits and one level of the Finance Ability to purchase this Merit.
Double Identity (3 Trait Merit)
You’ve managed to gain access to a secondary identity for yourself. Thanks to your espionage contacts, this false identity seems completely legal and perfectly normal, and is supported by all the requisite documentation it needs to withstand scrutiny. A double identity is normally utilized as a last-ditch escape if things get out of hand. This Merit is most appropriate to government agents, but just about anyone with the right contacts could forge a second identity.
Ecclesiastical Rank (3 Trait Merit)
You are an ordained priest or otherwise recognized in the Church hierarchy, with all of the implied social benefits. You may call on the Church for advice and aid, and people who respect your vocation may grant you favors. The number of Traits in this Merit determines your relative standing. A local priest would be worth one Trait, while three might indicate that you are an influential bishop.
Media Savvy (3 Trait Merit)
A natural-born spin doctor, you instinctively understand exactly the right things to say to journalists to present your subject the way you want, allowing you to create, suppress or redirect stories with relative ease. Given enough time to prepare or with a friendly enough contact in the press, you can even set up situations so that the press will read them the way you desire. You are two Traits up on all Social Challenges made with journalists or news organizations of any kind.
Perfect Liar (3 Trait Merit)
You are the ultimate silver-tongued devil. Whether from countless exercises or simply a good innate understanding of what to say and what people want to hear, you’re a fabulous liar. Even the most involved untruths have a ring of creditability when you speak them, and you have little trouble convincing others to take your word as truth when you want them to. You receive a two-Trait bonus for resolution of all Subterfuge challenges, and for Empathy tests used against you. This bonus will also work against mundane means of veracity testing, such as a lie detector. It has no impact on any magic used to determine your emotions.
Master of Red Tape (4 Trait Merit)
You are an unparalleled master of red tape. You may use your Bureaucracy Influence twice as often as normally allowed, and in parallel with any other Influence where you go through official channels as if it was an Influence of that type. However, make sure to cover your tracks, because you are still going to leave a trail - no one is that good.
People from all walks of life find it easy to talk to you, and getting even traumatized or suspicious folks to open up to you doesn’t take much effort. You are two Traits up on all such Social Challenges involving normal people or other hunters, and one Trait up on appropriate tests when dealing with monsters that still fancy themselves at least somewhat human.
Early Adapter (1 Trait Merit)
You take pains to keep up with the latest technology, and while it may strain your finances from time to time, it does give you advantage when trying to figure out the latest technology (that consumers might be familiar with, anyway). You are two Traits up on all tests to figure out how to operate unfamiliar devices.
Favor (1 or 3 Trait Merit) - Must be defined.
An elder owes you a debt of gratitude for a deed you performed at one time or another. Garou society is very strict about repaying debts, for making good on debts is always good for Renown. One Trait indicates that you are owed a minor boon, where three Traits indicate a major boon.
Funny (1 Trait Merit)
Good comedic timing is rare, but you have it in spades; not only does this get you more than your share of party invitations, but your knack forgetting a laugh also means that you know what type of humor to use in a given situation. You’re invaluable at keeping up morale, and are two Traits up on any Social Challenge to bolster morale or lighten someone’s mood in a helpful fashion.
Good Listener (1 Trait Merit)
Most people just wait for their turn to speak, but you genuinely listen to what other people are saying, and this willingness to entertain their thoughts without interjecting your own opinion means that people tend to tell you more than they expect to. In any apparently friendly situation that involves someone else talking to you more than you talk back, you are two Traits up on any Social Challenge to get information from them as your receptiveness encourages them to say more than they might otherwise would about a subject.
Good Taste (1 Trait Merit)
While your knowledge of pop culture probably leaves something to be desired, you have a knack for giving the right presents, quoting the right wits and otherwise impressing other people with how cultured and refined you are. You are two Traits up on any Social Challenge to impress or make contacts with like-minded individuals, due to their natural acceptance of your excellent taste.
License To… (1-3 Trait Merit) - Homid Only
This merit allows the type of licenses that allow you to kill, break laws, etc., as well as the more mundane types of civil permits. Depending on the cost of the Merit, you can:
One Trait: Own and operate specialized vehicles (limousines, trucks, planes, helicopters)
Two Traits: Practice medicine, law (lawyer, paramedic, doctor)
Three Traits: Uphold the law (police officer, government agent, detective)
The level of license you take requires certain responsibilities - typically a job, membership in certain groups/agencies/etc. There are also always consequences to abusing the license - a secret agent who kills four or five people a session is going to get called on by his superiors to find out why, possibly even having his license revoked. The Storyteller is completely within his rights to take this merit away from you if you abuse it.
Media Junkie (1 Trait Merit)
From TV talk shows to radio call-ins to online chat groups, you’re an avid consumer of pop culture, and if anyone’s up on the latest movies or music it’ll be you. While this can suck up your downtime to an almost unhealthy degree, you are two Traits up on all tests related to researching anything related to pop culture, or on all Social Challenges involving fellow devotees of these mediums.
Natural Leader (1 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
Natural magnetism and leadership capabilities spring from your actions and words. Others want to follow you, and you easily take charge. You gain two Bonus Traits on tests of leadership (including most Presence tests). You must have at least six Social Traits to take this Merit.
Natural Politician (1 Trait Merit)
Machiavelli was pretty bright, but a few more years in the game and you just might be able to give the old boy a few tips yourself. You understand how power flows in organizations, and whether or not you have actual Politics Ability or Influence, the arts of deal-making and power-brokering come naturally to you. You are two Traits up on all Social Challenges in situations where politics is a factor, whether it’s an international summit or a meeting of the neighborhood watch. You must have at least six Social Traits to take this Merit.
Noble Bearing (1 Trait Merit)– Please note in your nickname
Perhaps you were of noble blood in your First or Second Life. For whatever reason, you have a noble bearing and manner befitting of a queen or pharaoh. Others take notice when you speak, and they respect your personal space with a wide berth. You gain a one-Trait bonus to all Social Challenges where you bring the force of your personality to bear.
Perfect Protocol (1 Trait Merit)
Since birth, you have always known what to say and what to do at the right times and in the right places. You gain an extra Trait in any Social or Mental Challenge involving other cultures
Smooth (1 Trait Merit)
Regardless of your actual upbringing or etiquette skills, you have such a natural grace and carefree charm that other people tend to forgive your little foibles, even if they do not actually like you. Provided you’re not completely crass or bent on antagonizing others, you are two Traits up on all Social Challenges to get on someone’s good side in a social situation such as a party or a nightclub.
Specialist Driver’s License (1 Trait Merit)
You are licensed for and experienced with driving vehicles beyond the average person's experience: tractor trailers, farm vehicles or even military transports. You are up one Trait on all Drive tests with such vehicles, although you must have at least one level of Drive before purchasing this Merit. Of course, actually owning such vehicles is the province of other Traits, but should you come across them you know what to do.
Unobtrusive (1 Trait Merit)
This Merit allows you to be the person that no one ever notices. This is not as powerful as Arcane - you aren’t invisible, people won’t forget you were there, and evidence of you won’t vanish. It does, however, allow you to not stand out of a crowd. Think of it as a perpetual “blandness” effect that you cannot turn off.
Add two Traits to all difficulties to recall your appearance, or your actions if you were not the center of attention.
Way with Words (1 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
You have a natural flair for choosing the right words to express exactly what you mean, whether communicating your emotions to another person or crafting a work of art. You are two Traits up on all Expression- or Performance-related Challenges primarily involving words and wordplay.
Confidence (2 Trait Merit)
While the Technocracy may be “The Man,” you are definitely “Da Man!” and you know it. You have an overwhelming self-confidence in your abilities, perhaps to the point of hubris, but you are sure of yourself - and others notice too. This Merit grants you a two-Trait bonus for resolution of all Leadership and Intimidation challenges.
Fascinating Gaze (2 Trait Merit)– Please note in your nickname
The eyes are the window to the soul, and yours are engaging. They may be an unusual color, have a strong shine to them, or seem to reflect the wisdom of the ages. You may have big baby-blues that no one can resist, or have the darkest orbs that can freeze others' hearts with only a glare. You gain a two-Trait bonus to all Social Challenges involving eye contact.
Firearms License (2 Trait Merit)
The benefits of this Merit depend on the area the game is set in: in places such as the United Kingdom, where possession of a firearm is illegal, it allows you to carry a normal gun. In countries where you have a right to bear arms, it means that you are licensed to carry unusual or powerful firearms, or perhaps even a concealed firearm of some kind. (In other words, you do not need this Merit to have a gun license in countries that already have a right to bear arms.)
Fashion Sense (2 Trait Merit)
Dressing well doesn’t just mean keeping up with the latest trends and designers, it’s also an innate knack for knowing when to dress up (or down) and how to do so smartly, especially on a limited budget. You are one Trait up on all Social tests where your appearance makes any kind of difference, provided of course you have time to choose your outfit before you go out.
Flirt (2 Trait Merit)
Not everyone is necessarily very attracted to you on sight, but when you decide to make someone the object of your affection, most people find it hard to resist. You simply have a talent for understanding the subtle give-and-take of flirting and teasing; you’re two Traits up on any Social Challenges involving such activity with members of the opposite sex (or the same sex who find you attractive).
Good Judge of Character (2 Trait Merit)
Given just a few moments of conversation or observation, you can make a fairly accurate appraisal of what someone is like, and such guesses are right more often than not. You’re two Traits up on all Mental Challenges involving assessing a person or human-seeming monster, and one Trait up on any Social Challenges where you’re going on a limited amount of prior contact with a person.
Human Tribal Status (2 or 4 Trait Merit)
You maintain an active part in the human community you came from, even attaining a position of some standing, such as council elder or healer. At two Traits,
you might act as shamanic healer for your Kinfolk or perhaps you’re the go-between for them and the Garou while four Traits means you hold a seat on a tribal council or perhaps act as spokesman for your group to the human community at large. You must come from either a Native American or distinctly ethnic community to take this Merit. Lupus and metis characters may not take this Merit.
Officially Dead (2 Trait Merit)
According to all government records and documents, you are dead. Any attempts to locate official records of documents reflect this status - tracking you via official means is very difficult. All attempts to use Bureaucracy Influences directly against you fail. The Storyteller may give other Influences similar modifications at his discretion.
People Person (2 Trait Merit)
Human nature may have some pretty low points, and you don’t kid yourself about them, but even that doesn’t keep you from being endlessly fascinated by (not to mention sympathetic to) your fellow human beings. This good nature and general open-minded acceptance of others makes it easy to get to know all kinds of people, and you are two Traits up on all Social Challenges to break the ice and make a good impression on others. You must have at least six Social Traits to purchase this Merit.
Pillar of the community (2 Trait Merit)
Maybe some people in town have been acting kind of funny lately, but you’re just about the last person anyone would dare voice suspicions about – you’re a well-known and well-respected member of your community, and as such you command a certain amount of popular respect with your neighbors. They won’t serve you blindly, but if you try to warn them about impending danger or give an explanation for a bizarre occurrence, they’re likely to believe you. They might even come to your aid if you require it, although this is hardly a certainty unless you have other Traits tied up in the local community.
Poker Face (2 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
You have the ultimate poker face -no sign of emotion ever crosses your face. You have one free defensive Social retest per night, as others always have trouble figuring you out.
Research Grant (2 Trait Merit)
A foundation or institution has given you a prestigious award that includes a grant of funding as well as access to information and facilities. A typical award gives you $1,000 per month, which you may use in any fashion you desire (though you should show some evidence of successful research; otherwise the grant could be terminated).
This Merit also gives you access to special libraries and facilities, which when combined with the right Influences could make all the difference in researching Numinae or arcane lores.
Sanctity (2 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
This Merit is sometimes called the halo effect; everyone considers you pure and innocent, though not necessarily naive. You have a saint like quality that is hard to pinpoint but cannot be denied. You are trusted, even if you are not trustworthy. You are two Traits up when initiating non-aggressive social challenges.
Socially Aware (2 Trait Merit)
Other people are generally blind to the delicate interplay between themselves, but not you. Reading the dynamics of a group or situation is second nature to you, and you can quickly puzzle out the true feelings people have for each other by studying their vocal tones, word choices, body language and so on. You are two Traits up on all Mental Challenges involving interaction between individuals.
Soothing Voice (2 Trait Merit) – Please note in your nickname
Your voice is calm and soothing, almost entrancing. You are two Traits up on any challenge that directly involves the use of your voice, be it for singing, inciting a crowd to riot, leadership, etc.
Upright Citizen (2 Trait Merit)
You were or are a model citizen, with nary so much as a hint of scandal about you, and even now that same squeaky-clean image makes it quite difficult for other people to believe anything bad about you. You receive a free retest on all Social Challenges involved with maintaining your good name, although the Storyteller may well restrict some of your Ability or Background choices (or at least force them underground) to make sure you actually would fit the image that this Merit describes.
Corporate Savvy (3 Trait Merit)
Business is war, so they say, and if that’s true then you’ve got a few tours of duty under your belt already. You understand the corporate dynamic very well, from how to motivate people to how resources flow in a company to the best way to climb the ladder, and have little trouble managing businesses efficiently and profitably when you put your mind to it. Anytime you try manipulating a corporation or a corporate employee in a business-related matter, you are two Traits up on the related tests. You must have at least six Social Traits and one level of the Finance Ability to purchase this Merit.
Double Identity (3 Trait Merit)
You’ve managed to gain access to a secondary identity for yourself. Thanks to your espionage contacts, this false identity seems completely legal and perfectly normal, and is supported by all the requisite documentation it needs to withstand scrutiny. A double identity is normally utilized as a last-ditch escape if things get out of hand. This Merit is most appropriate to government agents, but just about anyone with the right contacts could forge a second identity.
Ecclesiastical Rank (3 Trait Merit)
You are an ordained priest or otherwise recognized in the Church hierarchy, with all of the implied social benefits. You may call on the Church for advice and aid, and people who respect your vocation may grant you favors. The number of Traits in this Merit determines your relative standing. A local priest would be worth one Trait, while three might indicate that you are an influential bishop.
Media Savvy (3 Trait Merit)
A natural-born spin doctor, you instinctively understand exactly the right things to say to journalists to present your subject the way you want, allowing you to create, suppress or redirect stories with relative ease. Given enough time to prepare or with a friendly enough contact in the press, you can even set up situations so that the press will read them the way you desire. You are two Traits up on all Social Challenges made with journalists or news organizations of any kind.
Perfect Liar (3 Trait Merit)
You are the ultimate silver-tongued devil. Whether from countless exercises or simply a good innate understanding of what to say and what people want to hear, you’re a fabulous liar. Even the most involved untruths have a ring of creditability when you speak them, and you have little trouble convincing others to take your word as truth when you want them to. You receive a two-Trait bonus for resolution of all Subterfuge challenges, and for Empathy tests used against you. This bonus will also work against mundane means of veracity testing, such as a lie detector. It has no impact on any magic used to determine your emotions.
Master of Red Tape (4 Trait Merit)
You are an unparalleled master of red tape. You may use your Bureaucracy Influence twice as often as normally allowed, and in parallel with any other Influence where you go through official channels as if it was an Influence of that type. However, make sure to cover your tracks, because you are still going to leave a trail - no one is that good.