Dice mechanics
Dice pool basics in Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition
Rolling multiple dice and counting successes.
Explanation
VTM V5 uses d10 dice pools: roll Attribute + Skill, count successes on 6+, and watch for criticals on 10s. Hunger dice add personal-horror volatility (messy criticals and bestial failures).
At the table (quick loop)
- Build your pool (Attribute + Skill).
- Roll d10s and count successes (6+).
- Interpret 10s (critical) and Hunger outcomes (messy critical/bestial failure) as story-forward complications.
Example: If Hunger dice contribute to a critical, the success is messy: you win, but the Beast shows.
Examples
Example: build the pool
Pick the two traits that match your approach (often Attribute + Skill), roll that many d10s, then count successes.
Example: raise/lower difficulty
Instead of stacking small modifiers, change the difficulty (required successes) so the decision is readable.
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Rolling without a clear pool. Fix: Say the approach, then pick the two traits that define the pool.
- Mistake: Counting successes inconsistently. Fix: Keep one quick reference open (cheat sheet) during play.
Vampire FAQ
What are the Camarilla clans in Vampire: The Masquerade V5?
What are Predator Types in VTM5e?
How does the Hunger system work in V5?
How do Disciplines work in Vampire: The Masquerade V5?
What is Humanity in VTM5e?