Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Team introduces Insights on Nomad Class

A New Year, A New Adventure

Happy New Year, everyone! We’re kicking off this fresh chapter with an exciting Dev Diary from the talented crew at The Chinese Room. This time, we’re diving into the story of our player character, Phyre, and how you can shape their epic legend as you navigate the game. Spoiler alert: your journey may begin in rags, but will it end in riches? The fate of Seattle is now in your hands. —Project Creative Director, Alex Skidmore

Meet the Nomad

So, let’s set the scene. Our game opens with an Elder known as the Nomad waking up in an abandoned building in Seattle. Confused and disoriented, they have no idea where they are or how they got there. But don’t count them out just yet! This Nomad is not just any character; they’ve survived countless trials over the centuries. They’ve just emerged from a deep slumber, reminiscent of a deathlike torpor, with the last memory being a smile quickly followed by a sharp pain in their chest. That moment? It took place in their Haven back in Tunis at the dawn of the 20th century. Now they’re back, but what on earth happened during their long sleep? Who—or what—woke them up? And why do they feel so… diminished? Those arcane sigils carved into their body? Yeah, they’re not helping either.

The Nomad is a figure of legend among the Kindred, whispered about for over four hundred years. Their name has echoed through revolutions, battles, and the rise and fall of princes. Are they the one causing chaos, or just a survivor caught in the whirlwind? Either way, one thing’s for sure: their presence is a game-changer in the Kindred world.

The Legend of the Nomad

The concept of the Nomad came to life as we expanded on Phyre’s backstory, highlighting the rich history that an Elder brings to the table. After all, there’s a reason this vampire has survived for so long. As players, you’ll get to explore how their past has shaped the present and how the people of Seattle perceive them.

Throughout the game, different characters will have varying beliefs about the Nomad and their storied history. While these perceptions may not immediately alter the game world, they’ll definitely influence how Phyre is treated. The beauty of it all? You get to decide how much of your past you share with others and which stories you choose to tell. Just imagine the intrigue! How do you think a local Prince would react if the legendary Nomad, still fresh from their slumber, asked for a favor?

The Weight of History

In *Bloodlines 2*, history isn’t just a backdrop; it plays a crucial role. Our protagonist is centuries old, and while they adapt to survive, they’ve also built a reputation that precedes them. Picture this: if a time-immune detective were to analyze the annals of human history, they’d find one constant thread—our Nomad’s fingerprints all over it. Talk about living in interesting times!

Choosing to play as an Elder opens up a treasure trove of role-playing opportunities. It’s a bold move on our part, and we’re excited to see how it all unfolds.

In Narrative Design, we often grapple with balancing player choice and maintaining a cohesive story. Our goal is to create a space where your decisions can shine while still keeping the narrative tight and engaging. The essence of a great story lies in characters being true to themselves, whether that leads to triumph or tragedy.

A happy ending is all about a character’s willingness to let go of their past desires for a shot at healing. On the flip side, a tragic ending hits hard because we see what the character truly needs, yet they turn away from it, trapped by their own pain. It’s this exploration of history that enriches our storytelling. While the Nomad has a long past, we want to give you the reins to shape what they do with that time.

Join Us on This Journey

If you’re eager to dive deeper into the development of *Bloodlines 2*, be sure to check out the rest of this Dev Diary (no. 24) for an in-depth look at interaction systems, cinematics, and character customization. Your adventure awaits!