Mind's Eye Theatre - Vampire The Requiem.pdf - RoseRed

the mind chapter of one: a predator society of • the costuming
damned 339
COSTUMING
In the Mind’s Eye Theatre session, what you see is usually what you get. While there are
always methods of presenting an illusion of a thing, not to mention a certain suspension of
disbelief that is commonly held in a roleplaying game, people often assess things visually.
A fi rst look at a person or even a scene can set the tone for all future interactions. This is
important to keep in mind when preparing to dress as one of the undead.
There are certain practical fi nancial factors that obviously affect the nature of costuming selection.
Character portrayal doesn’t have to be a strain on one’s wallet, however, if one is smart in
seeking out costume requirements. As discussed in Mind’s Eye Theatre, local thrift stores are
excellent places to hunt around for that shirt or fi nd a bargain on a pair of shoes that would
serve perfectly for a character concept. Items in such stores are varied and can be bought with a
minimum of expense. And since costumes purchased at the thrift store are not very expensive,
it’s no great loss if they need to be modifi ed to accommodate a character concept.
For example, a pair of blue jeans can be torn or washed repeatedly to give them a more
faded look, such as for a Gangrel who has little use for such social concerns as propriety.
Although they might not be the height of fashion, business suits can also be found at these
locations to help represent those well-to-do persons of high society — maybe even those
vampires who still attempt to hold onto the control they have of mortal institutions. After
all, while the specifi cs of clothing have changed, the severe blacks and whites of formal wear
haven’t changed radically.
But how does one dress a creature who’s newly risen from the grave, especially when that
vampire last saw the world several centuries ago? Begin by avoiding the clichés of wearing
nothing but black, accompanied by some sort of long cape. Darker colors can give the unconscious
impression of being sinister, but monochromatic clothing makes the character stand
out without giving the eye anything to catch on. If a character has just awakened from a long
sleep, avoid the trappings of modern clothing, such as blue jeans, sneakers or T-shirts. Elder
vampires would feel more comfortable in more formal clothing anyway — as is only proper
given the way their world was when they last entered torpor.
A close group of players can look inward for costuming. If a player is having poor luck
with fi nding robes to serve his concept of an old monk who became a Nosferatu, perhaps he
should be polling the group for suggestions. Maybe someone else in the game has something
perfect for his needs? An electronic message board or an email list can serve as a valuable
resource to your game in this regard.
It’s a fact that with such secretive characters as the Kindred, many players will doubtless
desire to give off an impression of mystery. Shoddy scarves wrapped around the lower half
of the face and multi-pocketed vests can be donned for those more mysterious characters.
The attempt at concealing one’s identity or appearance is sometimes enough to get the point
across that you are a possessor of secrets. Dark fl owing clothing can alter the usual shape of
one’s body, concealing your movements and adding to your sense of misdirection. As a rule,
the more clothing you have on, or at least appear to have on, the better the chances are that
you could be hiding something. It’s hard to look mysterious in a T-shirt and shorts, but it
becomes a lot easier with a long coat, vest and trousers.
Remember also that many predators who survive in the wild invoke some kind of camoufl
age. This simple rule applies to the older undead as well. Many have been forced to adapt
to a constantly changing world, lest they fi nd that their disguises do them no good. And after
a good number of lifetimes these creatures can accumulate a staggering number of enemies.
As such, advertising that you are an elder vampire by dressing in the regalia of times long
ago is just putting a target on your chest. If an elder can buy himself even a split second of