Secrets

From Masq
Category: Backgrounds
Reference: Bastet (2nd edition/WW3075), page 84.


Curiosity killed the cat... but satisfaction brought it back. This background reflects the secrets your character's uncovered, which could be general dirt within a specific locality (like the mistresses of regional politicians) or a single bit of data which transcends location (like where a particular vampire prince's haven is). The truth behind the secrets is only known for certain by the STs, and what the secrets actually are should be determined along with them.

It's wise to keep in mind that curiosity isn't the only thing that can kill a cat: so can people who think that cat knows too much. This is dangerous enough with normal mortals; the danger is compounded if you've been spying on the supernatural. Although Bastet are notoriously stingy with their knowledge, a cat may choose to share the info with others... or to keep mum. It's still possible to be found out, even if one does the latter. A secret can be traded with others, or used to flush someone out; you can add your Secrets rating to your dice for Intimidation, Seduction, Streetwise, Etiquette, Investigation, Law, Lore, Occult, or Politics... as long as you're willing to let people know what you know, or in some cases, at least that you know it. It's definitely a risk, but it can be useful in a pinch. You might get Renown if you uncover a particularly good secret and share it with other Bastet... but once revealed, a secret can cause all kinds of trouble. Of course, that might be exactly what you want!

The rating reflects the importance of what you know — more points gets you bigger, more dangerous secrets.


x : Doesn't anyone talk around here?
• : Gossip (affairs, minor bribes, the president's bad habits).
•• : Interesting tidbits (which cops are on the take, the mayor's mistress and her address, "proof" of alien contact).
••• : Serious dirt (corrupt politicians, Kindred politics).
•••• : Frightening dirt (the governor's black book, an elder vampire's haven, the second gunman on the grassy knoll).
••••• : A danger to others and yourself (a capo's bank account, an archwizard's True Name, plans for an upcoming invasion of China).


Available to: All.