Editing LeviathanTempest:ChapterFive (section)

===Our Distant Family: Lahmasu and Hybrids===
Not all who bear the blood of the Tribe become Leviathans. Most are merely carriers, ordinary humans with something ancient hidden in their genes, waiting for two distant trickles of Tiamat's blood to unite when the stars are right. Sometimes, when cousin meets cousin one too many times, when a human carrying recessive markers lays with a Leviathan. Sometimes the Tribe is too strong within a person to be entirely dormant but the environmental, genetic or even mystical conditions required to produce a full blooded Leviathan are unfulfilled. Sometimes you get a child of two Tribes. Sometimes you get a Hybrid. 

Psychologically Hybrids are human. They do have instincts that reflect their heritage – a Hybrid that's half alligator will have predatory instincts – but they have an easy time choosing not to follow their instincts much like a human and very much unlike your typical Leviathan. Mechanically Hybrids follow Morality and though Hybrids tend towards the lower ends of the intelligence curve a Hybrid with Intelligence 2 is no different from a human with Intelligence 2.  Even when a Hybrid isn't sapient they still show recognizable human traits and behaviors, many are much smarter than animals and can be trained in complex tasks. Mentally what really separates Hybrids from humanity is social factors. Most come from where the Tribe's blood runs thickest, their family environment often a culture unto itself. Such a culture shaped by the Wicked Tribe is rarely a healthy one. Even those human enough to socialize with humanity often look different enough to grow up with funny looks if not outright discrimination. 

==== The Hybrid Template ====

Hybrids are considered to be a minor Template. Philosophically and mechanically they're human with a little extra. Yes some of them are physically more fish than man but man was never defined by the color, or shape, of his skin. The Hybrid template consists of: Strain, Mutations, Depth and Ichor. 

In addition to actual Hybrids this Template can be used to represent Leviathans who are in the process of Emerging but have not yet gained the full Leviathan Template, when doing so feel free to bend any rule written below. 

===== Strain =====

Each Strain of Leviathans births a line of Hybrids that it claims as it's own. These lines are called Lemashu and tend to be more stable than regular Hybrids, both in that their Mutations follow more predictable lines and in that they are spared the worst effects being a Hybrid has upon the body and the mind. 

The first Mutation acquired by a Lamashu is set by their Strain.
* Abuu, born of the Dagonites: Brother to the Fishes (OOOO)
* Gibborim, born of the Tanninim: Natural Weapons (OOOO)
* Gugal, born of the Bahamutans: Increased Endurance (OOOO)
* Hemitheos, born of the Thalassans: Increased Strength (OOOO)
* Heqen, born of the Nu: Diving into the Tempest (OOOO)
* Mahhu, born of the Lahamu: Prophecy (OOOO)
* Pelopsids, born of the Oceanids: Increased Resolve (OOOO)
* Hybrids, born of no Strain, or many: Four free dots in any Mutations.

===== Mutations =====

Within the genetic code of every Hybrid lies Mutations, strands of DNA from an earlier age of the world that guide the body in ways unimaginable to natural evolution.  A Hybrid may be born displaying all their mutations or they may activate over the course of it's life. If there is a correlation between how a Hybrid appears at birth and it's eventual state the Tribe hasn't identified it. Unlike Leviathans who can guide their genetics through dedication and self discovery Hybrids get what they're born with. Though this means the character has no control over their Mutations the player retains full control. 

Lemashu begin play with a single Mutation chosen by their Strain, Hybrids have four dots to spend as they wish. Additional Mutations can be brought with Merit dots, as always the fifth dot of a Mutation costs double. During play Mutations can be brought for experience points and cost new Dots x 2. There is a further restriction for Lemashu: They have a favored Vestige as per their Leviathans' Strain. Lemashu must place a number of dots into their favored Vestige or universal Mutations equal to Depth -1, their Strain's starting Mutation does not count towards this requirement. The Favored Vestige doesn’t provide experience discounts on mutations.  

Not all mutations are cool powers. Hybrids must take two flaws to represent harmful side effects of their mutations. Neither of these flaws provide experience though they may take a third flaw which will provide experience as normal. Lemashu are not immune to harmful mutations but it's considerably rarer, they do not require any flaws but may take one as usual.

====== Sidebar: Genetic Mayhem, an Optional Rule ======

The most powerful Hybrids are the ones with the most mutations. But surely the most mutated Hybrids would have a host of disorders as well as their abilities. There are two ways to represent this, both should not be used for player characters unless the gaming group is confident they can manage them. 

The first and simplest is to give an extra flaw to Hybrids and Lemashu every time their Depth decreases. At the Storyteller's discretion this may be tempered with a new Mutation (O – OOOO), each dot allows the player to remove one genetic Flaw. This Mutation either is Universal Affinity or goes under Vitality, Storytellers choice. 

The second is to allow players to take as many additional flaws as they want. The first additional flaw grants experience as usual. Extra Flaws – which must plausibly be the result of genetics – provide “genetic experience” which can only be spent on Mutations. The advantage of this system is that not all Hybrids or Strains of Lemashu are noted to be equally healthy, a fact which for simplicity's sake is not represented in the mechanics. As for what happens when a player has run out of room for Mutations but still has Genetic Experience: sadly that experience is useless, no one ever said genetic disorders were nice.

===== Depth =====

All Mutations affect a Hybrids appearance. To represent this Hybrids have Depth, Hybrids use the same scale as Leviathans but suffer slightly smaller social penalties: Treat everyone as Atolls. Unlike with Leviathans a Hybrid's Depth does not govern the extent of their powers or provide a free increase in size. Some Mutations are given a minimum Depth, this is not because a Hybrid with at a shallower Depth isn't "powerful" enough, but because that Mutation cannot pass as any more human than the Mutation's listed Depth.  

A Hybrid's Depth is defined by the number of dots they have in Mutations and is ranked from one to five: No Hybrid ever has human form or Apotheosis. Depth in turn sets a limit on a Hybrid's Intelligence and the likelihood of it being non-sapient. The stability of a Lemashu's genetics over a Hybrid provides a measure of protection. For the purposes of Intelligence and sapience assume a Lemashu has a Depth one step closer to human. 

<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0">
  <tr style="background-color: #DFDFDF;">
    <th>DEPTH</th>
    <th>MUTATION DOTS</th>
    <th>INTELLIGENCE MAXIMUM</th>
    <th>SAPIENCE</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td align="center">1</td>
    <td align="center">1 to 10</td>
    <td align="center">5</td>
    <td align="center">Always</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td align="center">2</td>
    <td align="center">11 to 15</td>
    <td align="center">4</td>
    <td align="center">Always</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td align="center">3</td>
    <td align="center">16 to 20</td>
    <td align="center">3</td>
    <td align="center">Mostly</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td align="center">4</td>
    <td align="center">21 to 25</td>
    <td align="center">2</td>
    <td align="center">Rarely</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
    <td align="center">5</td>
    <td align="center">26 to 30</td>
    <td align="center">1</td>
    <td align="center">Never</td>
  </tr>
</table>

Hybrids can and often do reach lower Depths over the course of their life but a Hybrid never loses their mental faculties, those are defined at birth. A Hybrid with Intelligence 4 simply will not gain an 16th dot of Mutations and similarly a Sapient Hybrid cannot reach Depth 5.

===== Ichor =====

All Hybrids can carry the Divine Ichor within themselves. A Hybrid's Maximum Ichor pool is equal to Stamina + Depth and their per turn expenditure is limited to one. Lacking both the bestial and divine natures found within a Leviathan their methods of regaining Ichor are limited. Only Resonance and Immersion allow a Hybrid to gain additional points of Ichor.

==== Mutations List ====
===== Universal Affinity =====

Deep Eyes (O): The Hybrid suffers no discomfort from keeping their eyes open in even the most polluted or diseased waters. So long as they are below the surface they can see comfortably providing there is a trace of light. 

Gills (OO): The Hybrid can comfortably breath underwater and can keep their eyes open with no discomfort if the water is reasonably clean.

Superior Lungs (O - OO): The Leviathan adds 2 to their stamina for the purpose of holding their breath At two dots this becomes three and they no longer lose air faster because they are in combat.

===== Awareness===== 

Angler Lantern (O, Depth 3+): The Hybrid gives of a lantern's worth of light from glowing eyes, bioluminescent skin or some new organ.

Reflexive Evasion (OO): The Hybrid has Defense equal to Wits even if their Dexterity is lower. 

Echo Location (OO): The Hybrid gains the ability to see with echo location, they can ignore all darkness penalties and can see around corners. The conductive properties of water means that they can triple the range of a regular perception check when submerged.
Drawback: The Hybrid has sensitive ears, when exposed to loud sounds roll Stamina with a penalty based on the volume. On a failure you get -2 to all actions and -4 to Perception for as long as the noise persists.

Empathetic Sense (OOO): The Hybrid may make Wits + Empathy rolls to smell, see, taste or even psychically detect emotions. This is interpreted by the brain as an Aura. Normally this roll is uncontested but supernatural abilities may provide protection. Airtight clothing, full body robes or other tricks may block specific empathetic senses.

Nightvision (O): The Hybrid can see clearly in low light.

Prophecy (OOOO): The Hybrid selects a person, object or location they can see clearly, pays one point of Ichor and begins an extended Wits + Occult roll. Every roll is equivalent to three minutes of serene mediation or thrashing fever dreams. Prophecy provides sensations that give a hint of the most “important” event to affect the subject within a time frame governed by the number of successes: 2 successes gives seven minuets, 4 successes gives seven hours, 8 successes gives 7 days, 16 successes is the maximum and offers seven months.

===== Elements===== 

Child of the Waves (O or OOO): The Hybrid gets 9again on Athletics rolls when in the water, at three dots: 8again.

Diving into the Tempest (O, OO or OOOO): The Hybrid can willingly enter or exit the Tempest at a Gatewater. To do so she must spend a point of Ichor and roll Occult + Survival. At two dots the Hybrid can sense the presence of a Gatewater in Depth*10 miles by spending a point of Ichor and rolling Wits + Survival. At four Dots they may enter and exit anywhere a Leviathan could. Without a Leviathan to carry them Hybrids can never go deeper than the Shallows.

Home in the waters (OO): The Hybrid gets 9again on Survival rolls when outdoors in an area with large amounts of water.

Smell of Salt (O): The Leviathan can make a Wits + Survival roll to instinctively know the direction of the nearest large body of water. This Mutation will not locate water that is indoors or underground. 

Weatherproofing (O to OOO): Each dot in Weatherproofing gives the Hybrid one dot of armour against the effects of weather and reduces situational penalties caused by rough weather. This applies both above and underwater, such as when swimming against a strong current.

===== Fecundity=====

Blood is thicker than water (OO): The Hybrid has a natural instinct for working with his's own kin. They gain 9again on Teamwork actions and at the storytellers discretion on other group actions such as Stealth rolls to set up a coordinated ambush. To gain this bonus the Hybrid must have shared a working relationship for around a month, or a communal living for a weak. With close blood relatives, no more distant than cousins, reduce this to a week and a day respectively. 

Brother to the Fishes (OO or OOOO): The Hybrid's natural affinity to sea life allows her to communicate and eventually control non-sentient animals of Size 5. At two dots the Hybrid may spend a point of Ichor and roll Wits + Animal Ken to establish a psychic rapport that allows communication to the limit of the animals intelligence. At four dots the Hybrid may spend a point of Ichor and roll Presence + Animal Ken to issue a command which the animal must obey to the best of it's ability for the remainder of the scene. Animals will not perform blatantly suicidal actions, the survival instinct is too strong. If the targeted animal is not aquatic or amphibious there is a -3 penalty. 

Fast Healing (OO or OOO): The Hybrid may spend a point of Ichor to heal a dot of bashing damage. At three dots they may spend two points of Ichor to heal a point of Lethal damage.

===== Might===== 

A burst of speed (O): The Hybrid adds five to their speed for the first turn of a chase or combat. On subsequent rounds they may spend a point of Ichor to benefit from this Mutation again.

Bestial Vandal (OO): The Hybrid gains 9again when attacking inanimate objects. 

Increased Strength (OOOO): The Hybrid gets 9again on Strength rolls.

Oxen Backed (O - OOO): The Hybrid counts their Strength as dot points higher for using heavier weapons

Leap from the Depth (O - OOO): The Hybrid adds (2x dots) feet to the height and (4x dots) feet to the length of all jumps. 

Natural Evasion (OO): The Hybrid has Defense equal to Dexterity even if their Wits is lower.

===== Predation===== 

Camouflage (OO): The Hybrid gets 9again on Stealth rolls. 

Leech's hunger (OOO): The Hybrid can drink human blood and convert it into Ichor at a rate of two Ichor per point of Lethal Damage. Many Hybrids with this mutation require regular drinks of human blood as part of their nutritional needs.

Natural Weapons (OOO - OOOOO): The Hybrid has natural weapons. At three dots they do +0L damage, each additional dot increases the damage by one. If the Hybrid cannot use it's weapons without a grapple increase the damage by two. 

Predictors Instinct (OO): The Hybrid has Defense equal to Wits even if their Dexterity is lower.

Ranged Weapons (OO or OOO): The Hybrid can spit acid, fire spines or has some other natural way to attack at range for one Ichor per shot. Short range is Stamina+Strength, medium range is twice short range and long range is four times short range. Despite the unusual nature of this attack the roll is Dexterity + Firearms with no weapons bonus, at two dots it does bashing damage, three dots upgrades to lethal. 

Sharks Skin (OO): The Hybrid gets +2 to damage opponents in a grapple and +2 to escape a grapple due to shark like skin, protruding spines or venomous stingers.

===== Sanctity ===== 

Increased Resolve (OOOO): The Hybrid gains 9-again on Resolve rolls.

Mind Blast (OOOO): The Hybrid pays one Ichor and rolls Presence + Intelligence – Resolve + Power Stat to inflict bashing damage with the stun property.

Siren's Song (OO): The Siren may spend a point of Ichor and roll Presence + Expression. Wake vulnerable individuals who's Resolve + Power Trait is lower than the Hybrid's Successes spend a turn moving towards the Hybrid unless they spend a point of Willpower. This power is limited to the range the Hybrid's voice will naturally carry.

Unearthly Beauty (O - OO Depth 2-): The human side of the Hybrid's DNA has a stronger effect than normal. While the Hybrid does have some tribal traits they are significantly muted blend into human features in a way that looks exotic rather than horrific. Each dot reduces the social penalty of depth by one and incurs a -1 penalty on any Noticing Transformation rolls. 

Fascination (OO): The Hybrid does not have a true Wake, but by spending a point of Ichor they can manifest a much weaker ability giving them 9again on all rolls to attract or keep someone's attention. 

Voice of the Mind (OO): For one Ichor the Hybrid can telepathically send a message who's meaning can be summed up in twenty words or less. Only Leviathans, other Hybrids and at the storytellers discretion non-Tribe psychics can receive these messages.

===== Vitality ===== 

Armour (OOO – OOOOO): The Hybrid has natural armor. At three dots this is 1/0, each additional dot provides +1/+1.

Increased Endurance (OOOO): The Hybrid gets 9again on Stamina rolls.

Increased Size (OO or OOOO): The Hybrid gains +1 or +2 to size. This is a cheaper alternative to the Giant merit and the two should not be combined. Other sources of increased size may be considered at the storytellers discretion. 

Poisonous (OOO): Anyone in contact with the Hybrid suffers a -1 to all actions, after contact is broken this lasts for 5 – Stamina turns.

Slimy (O): The Hybrid gets +1 to wriggling through or out of things, including grapples.

===== Harmful Mutations (New Flaws) =====

Weak DNA: The Hybrid's genetic structure is exceptionally vulnerable to damage. Whenever the Hybrid rolls to resist a harmful genetic effect (such as developing cancer) deduct its Depth from its dicepool. Whenever another character tries to influence the Hybrid's genetics (such as a Genius with biological Metaptropi or a Mage using the Life Arcana) add the Hybrid's Depth to their Dicepool. This includes the Channel Everflowing Fetid Growth and cancels out the natural effects of being a Hybrid: Treat the Hybrid as a human for this Channel. 

Visible Mutation: The Hybrid's mutations are exceptionally pronounced and noticeable. Treat the Hybrid as one (or more if the player wishes) Depth lower when using the rules for Detecting Transformation or the social effects of Transformation. Even with this Mutation Hybrids do not reach, or appear to reach, Apotheosis: Depth 5 Hybrids cannot take this Flaw. If a higher Depth Hybrid with this Flaw reaches Depth 5 either replace this Flaw with another or simply remove Visible Mutation. When taking Visible Mutation as an optional Flaw the player may specify that it only applies to part of their body, if they do so they only gain Experience when the affected area is exposed or when keeping it concealed causes a problem. The deeper Depth provided by Visible Mutation counts towards the minimum Depths for Mutations. If only part of the body is affected the Storyteller should apply their own judgement. 

Waterlocked: The Hybrid suffers Ichor loss when away from water like Leviathan's in Apotheosis. A Hybrid's water requirements are slightly more bearable than a Leviathan: They don't have to be physically in the water, within a few feet or under a shower is fine. The Hybrid may go Stamina minutes before loosing Ichor, afterwords they loose one point of Ichor per minute. Unlike a Leviathan they will not go mad if stranded without Ichor, instead they take one Bashing damage per minute. 

Merfolk: The Hybrid has a fish tail, a set of tentacles or some other form of aquatic locomotion that is unable to function on land. They're not entirely immobile on land but they're close to it: Speed is equal to Strength alone and the Hybrid cannot double speed by running. Since they are almost certainly crawling around use the rules for going Prone (WoD Core p 164). Hybrids with this Mutation are rare above the third depth, but some can pass as human provided they keep their tail covered (use Visible Mutation).

Vulnerability: The Hybrid's body is vulnerable to something normal humans are not. They may share a Leviathan's fear of electricity or suffer from sever allergies, any sensible weakness can qualify.

==== “Father” Abdeel ====

'''Attributes:''' Intelligence 2, Wits 3, Resolve 2, Strength 2, Dexterity, 1 Stamina 3, Presence 4, Manipulation 3, Composure 2

'''Skills:''' Medicine 2, Occult 2 (The Tribe), Athletics 1, Brawl 1, Firearms 2, Survival 2, Weaponry 1, Expression 4 (preaching), Intimidation 2, Persuasion 2, Socialize 1, Subterfuge 2 (Doublethink).

'''Mutations:''' Deep Eyes 1, Brother to the Fishes 4, Mind Blast 4

'''Strain:''' Abuu <br>
'''Virtue:''' Faith <br>
'''Vice:''' Pride <br>
'''Depth:''' 1<br>
'''Defence:''' 1<br>
'''Morality:''' 5 (Fixation) <br>
'''Health:''' 8<br>
'''Size:''' 5<br>
'''Speed:''' 8<br>
'''Initiative:''' 3<br>
'''Willpower:''' 4<br>

'''Other Merits:''' Meditative Mind 1, Allies 4 (Family), Resources 2, Contacts (Other Tribe families).

'''Background:''' Despite his low depth “Father” Abdeel has lived for a long time, he's taken upon himself the roll of shepherd to his extended family. Keeping them pure to half remembered ideas and rituals created the last time a Leviathan was found among the family tree in readiness for the birth of his next lord and master.

'''Description:''' Father Abdeel is a striking man who carries himself with an air of unchallengeable dominance. Even in what appears to be middle age he is the picture of health and his long black beard is unmarked by even a single grey hair. All in all he is a man who radiates confidence, charisma and virulence. He does have a tendency to spoil the image by dressing in a homemade outfit based off a Babylonian priest.

'''Storytelling Hints:''' The assumption with Father Abdeel is that he's a blood relative of one of the players. To them he will have been a shadowy figure in their past, undoubtedly the head of the family yet distant from his more human blooded relations – including most Leviathans before they gain the Template. The relationship is not necessarily adversarial, Father Abdeel sees himself as a cross between an adviser, high priest and right hand man to his Leviathan. While his knowledge is not amazing he's far more informed about the Tribe than most starting Leviathans and can be a valuable asset, it's not unreasonable to assume he owns a heirloom or two even if he cannot benefit from them himself.

The drama with Father Abdeel comes from one simple fact: He's been imagining this moment for a long time and has some very clear ideas about what life under a Leviathan will be like. These may be harmlessly self serving: Himself as high priest with his deity's favor and followers to lead. Outright heinous: Blood cults, racial purity and crusades against humanity. Or just plain odd: Uproot the family and resettle inside the Rift. Whatever his goals expect his advice to push an agenda even as he remains convinced his only wish is to serve.

==== The Achelous Sisters ====
'''Attributes:''' Intelligence 1, Wits 3, Resolve 3, Strength 4, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2, Presence 4 Manipulation 1, Composure 1

'''Skills:''' Investigation 1, Occult 1, Athletics 4 (swim), Brawl 3 (drowning), Stealth 2, Survival 2 (ocean), Animal Ken 2, Empathy 1 (each other), Expression 4 (singing).

'''Strain:''' Pelopsid <br>
'''Depth:''' 2<br>
'''Virtue:''' Faith <br>
'''Vice:''' Gluttony <br>
'''Defence:''' 2 <br>
'''Morality:''' 1 (Fixation, Vocalisation)<br>
'''Health:''' 7 <br>
'''Size:''' 5 <br>
'''Speed:''' 12 <br>
'''Initiative:''' 6 <br>
'''Willpower:''' 4 <br>

'''Mutations:''' Gills 2, Child of the Waves 1, Blood is thicker than water 2, Increased Resolve 4, Fascination 2, Siren's Song 2, Unearthly Beauty 2, Visible Mutation (tail only) Waterlocked, Merfolk. 

'''Other Merits:''' Striking Looks 4, Direction Sense 1, Fast Reflexes 2

'''Background:''' The Achelous Sisters, Agatha, Phoebe and Thelma, were born into a their father's Cult. As babies the three were normal and human looking save for deformed and non-functional legs but came into their mutations early in life. Their father saw them merely as animals (which wasn't much difference from how he saw his human Beloved) and when they lost the ability to survive on land he simply threw them into the ocean outside his Temple. Being in a relatively stable and thus affectionate part of his life he instructed his followers to throw food to the sisters then promptly forgot all about them. 

As the sisters grew into their more subtle powers the Cult put them to work, hiding the temple by luring people away and snatching the occasional lone sailor to serve in the Cult or on the alters. A Leviathan can only commit nefarious deeds for so long before someone notices, aided in part by the Ripple effect the uncharacteristically high number of people missing at sea drew investigators. Some Leviathans move on and start afresh elsewhere, others hide literally or beneath legal smokescreens, their father did neither. Unable to cope with the opposition he degenerated, heaping abuse upon his Cult, as the smartest and most strong-willed of his Beloved fled the sisters went with them. 

'''Description:''' If you were to measure by features alone the sisters are stunningly pretty. They have perfect golden hair, amazing figures and delicate faces. Add on their Tribal heritage of unnaturally pale skin and large unblinking eyes and feelings get a lot more confused. In effect from a typical human perspective they are stunningly attractive but with a hint of otherness that adds an edge of both excitement and hesitation. 

It's worth noting that none of them speak more than a few words of English but they can communicate with each other.  

'''Storytelling Hints:''' It wouldn't quite be fair to call the sisters immoral, amoral is far closer to the truth. Being raised without any real social contact than each other then put to immoral work means that they never really developed a moral compass and have see no important distinction between people and animals. Sure people struggle and fight if you try to eat them, but so do fish. 

The sisters live a nomadic life in the ocean, they hide from dangerous predators, hunt what they can. When the opportunity presents itself they'll lure people close to the water by singing before drowning and eating them. It's not luxury but they have each other, they're happy enough.