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Chapter One: Introduction 7
A Thousand Year Empire
Mortal Society
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7
8
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The Roman Family 10
The Society of Members 11
Monarchic Rome 11
Republican Rome 11
Rome on Fire! 11
Religion 12
How to Use this Book? 13
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References 14
Names and Titles 15
Names and Surnames 15
Name and Woman 15
Other Kingdoms 16
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Population of Rome 16
Mortal Life 17
How Did Roman Citizenship
Work? 18
Roman Senate 18
Roman Army 18
Republican Army 18
Imperial Army 19
Roman Recruitment 20
The Legionnaire’s Hierarchy 21
Table of Content
Vampires in Rome
Chapter Two:
21
History of Rome 24
From Blood to Glory 24
A Sea of Lies? 24
Who is Tinia 25
An Escape from Destruction 25
The Cainites’ Greatest Enemy 25
Immortal Relations 26
Collat’s Embrace 26
Who Were the Enemies? 27
Stories about Romulus
and Remo 27
Unifying Cities 28
Who Were the Immortals of
Rome? 29
Reign of Romulus 29
The Death of Romulus 30
Reign of Numa Pompilius 31
A Scare to the Immortals 31
The Foundation of the Brother-
hood of Rules 32
The Death of Numa Pompilius 32
FALL OF ROME
An Uncertain Reign
How Werewolves Were Van-
quished? 33
33
Reign of Tullus Hostilius 34
Lasombra Invasion 35
Reign of Ancus Marcius 35
No Leaders? No rules. 36
A Succession of Discord 37
Sicilian Wars 39
The Government of Lucius 39
Collat’s Return 39
The Founding of the Roman
Republic 40
Camilla’s Embrace 41
The Eternal Senate 41
Internal Collapse 42
A Burning Senate 42
A Cold War in Rome 43
The Peloponnesian War 43
Arthemis and Lysander 44
Influence of
Awakened in Rome 45
Collat, the Essential Leader of
Rome 45
Camilla: Honor Guest 45
3
 Rabbit Cage: Trap for Collat 46
Collat’s Death 46
Titus Venturus Camilla, the
Leader of the Eternal Senate 46
A Reformulated Senate 47
Between Mage and Vampires 47
Vampire’s Curse: Awakened 48
Pyrrhic Wars 49
The Beginning of the First
Punic War 49
Romance Against All Odds 50
Second Punic War 51
A Curse of the Beast 51
Scipio Aemilianus Africanus 51
Tryphosa: Camilla’s
Safeguard 52
The Third Punic War
The End of Carthage
Roman Civil Wars
Mithraism in Rome
e52
53
53
54
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The Rise of Julius Caesar 55
The Gallic Conquests 56
The Senate Against Camilla 56
Rome’s Siege 57
Pater Patriae Titus Venturus
Camilla 57
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The Julius Claudian Dynasty 58
The Curse of Meneleus 58
Ventrue Influence 59
The Reign of Tiberius Caesar 59
Cristo: o Filho de Deus 60
Camilla’s Derangements 60
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Caligula’s Empire 60
Claudius’ Empire 61
Nero’s Empire 61
The Great Fire of Rome 62
A City Without Leaders 62
The Government of the Five
Good Emperors 63
The Orbem Mortale 63
Um Crescente Desespero 63
The Law of One Thousand
4 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
and One Nights 64
Corruption Crisis 65
Overpopulation 66
Roman Colapse 66
Public Enemies 67
A Boiling City 67
Loss of Resources 68
The Fall of Rome 68
Introduction to Dark Ages 69
Chapter Three:
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The City Within 71
Eternal City 71
Climate and Daylight 71
Seven Hills of Rome 72
The River Tiber 73
Monarchic Rome 73
Romulo’s Sanctuary 74
The Square of Mars 74
The Schools of Numa Pompilius 74
The Baths of Rome 75
The Amphitheater of Rome 75
Military Fields of Rome 76
Circus Maximus 76
Cloaca Maxima 77
Roman Republic 78
Republic Square 78
The Aqueducts 78
The Temples of Rome 79
Circus Flaminius 79
Centumviral Court 79
Slums of Rome 80
Farmlands 80
The Vatican Tombs 81
Walls of Rome 81
The Port of the Tiber 81
The Egyptian Obelisks of Rome 82
Saepta Julia 82
Imperial Roma 82
The Forum Complex 82
Campus Agrippae 83
The Coliseum 83
The Palace Complex 83
Hadrian’s Circus 84
The Pantheon 84
Other Roman Buildings 85
Chapter Four:
The Rules of Rome 87
Roman Hierarchy 87
Eternal Senate 87
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The Gerousia 87
Influence Dispute:
Gerousia vs Senatus 87
Gerousia Titles 88
Eiren 88
Magistratus 88
Adiles 89
Immune Maximus 90
Pretor 90
A Vast Hierarchy 90
The Eternal Hunger 90
How Did the Thousand Year
Hunger Affect the Immortals? 91
Methuselah Thirst Triggers 92
Roman Prison 92
Other Reasons for the Curse 93
Vampires and their Traditions 93
A Powerful Family Influencer 94
Traditions in Rome 95
Seventh Tradition: the Beast 95
A Lextalionis: Vox Populis 96
A New Position: Venatoris 96
Sect Organization in Rome 96
Senatus 96
Inconnu 97
Tal’Mahe’Ra e Manus Nigrum 97
Order of Messengers 98
Collectoribus Caim 98
Cult of Typhon Trimegistus 99
Cult of Mithras 99
The Blood Whores 99
The Rites of Rome 100
The Bacchanalia 100
The Rite of Pluto 101
The Rite of Bleeding 102
 Phylosophical Morality 102
Via Romanis 102
Via Adversarius 104
Via Noctis 106
Via Sanguinus 106
Roads and Philosophies 107
Hierarchy of Sins 107
Ideological Differences 109
New Derangements 110
Coinage and Numismatics 111
Destroying Mortal Mind 169
Backgrounds
113 Disciplines Above 5th Level 170
Generation 114
Status 114
Sect Prestige 115
New Merits and Flaws 116
Chapter Five:
Kindred Among Us 118
Acanthi Meridius Octavius 118
Sigma, the Impartial 121
Eshmunamash, the Traitor 123
Meneleus, the Sorcerer 125
e Valeren 174
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Patroclus, the Rebel 127
Asusunamir, Laodice’s Diplomat 129
The Slaughterer 131
Balthazar, the King 133
Lucius Aelius Sejanus 135
Wadjet, from Memphis 138
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Balthaz the Hated 140
Cornelius Decimus 142
Romulus, the Founder 144
Mother of Us All 146
Callistheu, the Consule 148
Ehunashtar, the Wanderer 150
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Rewrite the Legend (Quimerismo) 152
Tablet of Destiny 153
Sollemnia Vergilianus, the Artist 154
Beshter, the Divine 154
Salianna, the Bloodhound 158
Deny Aphrodite’s Favor 159
Ianuarius 160
Titus Venturus Camillus 162
Selenius Quintus Godrico 164
Mahzyar, Osiris’ Messenger 166
Chapter Six:
Power From Blood 169
Disciplines in Rome 169
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New Discipline Levels 170
Auspex 171
Dementation 171
Fortitude 172
Potence 173
Chimestry 173
New Discipline Combination 175
Awaken the Incapable Fool 175
Blood Information 176
Burning Fury 176
Consume the Destroyed Soul 176
Chain of Slavery 176
Controlled Reality 177
Chimerical Spy 178
Divinity Aura 178
Domain of Shadows 178
Song of the Mind 178
Iron Hearts 179
Psychic Duplicate 179
Rudimentary Stoicism 180
I Know. 180
Hibernate 180
Spectral Puppet 180
Ahura Mazda’s Gift 181
FALL OF ROME
Inspire Greatness 181
Juda’s Mask 181
Ignore Me 182
Moment of Grace 182
The Indomitable 182
King of the Hill 183
The Return of Heaven’s Gates 184
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The Seventh Chinese Brother 184
Conquer the Beast 184
Caine’s Sent 184
New Dur-An-Ki Path 184
Revised Discipline: Bardo 185
New Discipline: Sanguineum 190
What Are Amalgams? 195
Chapter Five:
Rome’s Scenery 199
Conflict In Rome 200
What Was it Like to Walk Through
Rome? 200
Kindred Politics 201
Mortal Politics 201
Great Leaders and Immortals 202
Tema 203
Clima 205
Chronicles of Nightfall 205
Supernatural Trumps 206
Mortal Sorcery In Rome 206
Maturation and Aging 212
Backgrounds 216
Constant Evolution 219
Appendix A: Revised
Combat 224
Combat Maneuver 228
Blood and Tears 237
Combat Example 242
5
Sa
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 Introduction

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“To be ignorant of what ocurred before you were born is to remain aways a child. For what is the worth of
human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?”
- Cicero, Roman Politician and Orator

A Thousand Year
Empire
e right to succession of power by-election of a senate and not
pl
Founded and evolved through the wars that it practiced
during its centuries of history, the Roman Empire became
one of the best-known empires in the history of the world,
dictating the course of all of Europe and North Africa in a
period where there was no centralization of a single power,
m
by heredity.
Although mythological legends claim that Romulus, the
first King of Rome, was raised by a wolf and is one of the
descendants of the God of War and that he killed his brother
Remus after having determined the limits of his territory and
established it as Rome, the reality is ignorance to historians
who analyze the empire’s progress from beginning to end.
The history of this great empire is a mystery at its inception

like the power established by Rome. and certainty at its end.

It’s impossible that you’ve never heard the name of
Rome if you’ve studied a little history. Its influence is such
that legislation, architecture, its alphabet, and the western
languages we speak are still in vogue to this day. Even its
military means were used for millennia after the fall of
Sa
It was common for other nations to choose two growth
paths: economic or military. Rome decided on a military
potential before becoming an empire. Their policy of
expansion consisted of invading territory or annexing a city-
state peacefully through agreements in which they would have

Rome. The Roman Empire was one of the best structured
and studied empires in history, and with all the information
we have, we keep it to analyze and evolve everything that has
been built since that time.
For history buffs, the Roman Empire began as a small
town on the Italian Peninsula in 753 BC, in a region known
as Lazio, between Etruria and the southern Greek states,
close to Sicily. This small town was a trading point between
the Greek nations and the Etruscans (a name given to the
citizens of the Kingdoms of Etruria) and developed along
the Tiber River, initially in a monarchical system with the
the protection of Rome but provide their military in times
of need or other resources as needed to strengthen Rome.
While Carthage initially grew economically to become the
most powerful economy in the West, Rome grew militarily
to become the most powerful war machine of its time.
Rome begins its story told by a king who descends from the
God of War, and it is no wonder that many kings maintained
an expansionist behavior until the end of the empire’s days.
From the beginning of history, even before it became the
Roman Republic, the leadership format followed elections
that defined a figure who would be authoritative and who

THE FALL OF ROME 7

 the senators would believe would benefit Rome.
Between its foundation and 509 BC, the city of Rome
organized with the city-states a set of kingdoms that obeyed
the supreme authority that was in the lead, according to
their treaties. In the 5th century BC, Rome became the
Roman Republic, and all cities followed the development
and expansion as the centuries passed.
Constantinople, the second capital of the Roman Empire
that gave rise to the Byzantine Empire, which lasted for
over a thousand years. All in all, the Roman Empire, from
its beginning, lasted for at least a millennium resisting
the power of time until its imminent fall. Historians who
consider the Byzantines part of Rome claim it lasted over a
millennium, reaching two and only indeed falling in 1453.

Rome faced several wars that could have destroyed

Mortal Society

its power. Still, the military investment was so powerful
that the legions of Roman soldiers came to meet almost
every empire in Europe. The primal strategy of the
empire consisted of “stealing” not just the technologies
e
Assuming that we lived in the time of the empire, like
most people, we would face unimaginable difficulties to
survive at that time. The historical records have been very

but annexing the cultures of the kingdoms and other
empires they conquered.
Rome grew exponentially after the Pyrrhic Wars, not
stopping since its victory against the Greek king, Pyrrhus.
Not even Carthage, one of the empires equal to the power
of Rome, could face the Roman power and was equally
annexed, having all its technologies and riches vastly
distributed through the vast territories of the republic.
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beneficial in showing us that Rome brought admirable
technological advances, but also in teaching us that much
cost had to be charged to make this possible. Roman
society was not an example of humanity, kindness, and
empathy for Roman citizens. Rome was highly elitist,
ruthless, and violent. Enlightenment records show
Rome as the apex of human society; however, culturally
speaking, Rome was one of the worst places to have a
life at the time.

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The Roman Republic became an empire in its own
right after the rise of Augustus Caesar, one of the most
intelligent emperors of all time in the empire’s history.
The senate was still maintained, always under the power
Rome was mainly divided between citizens and non-
citizens. Roman citizenship was granted only to so-called
“free men,” but not all free men were considered citizens.
Citizens had the right: to be a subject of private law
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of the Caesars (the name given to the emperors who ruled
known as “Ius Civile” (pronounced Jus Civile) and access
the Roman Empire as supreme authority), which caused
to public offices and the judiciary. Roman citizens were
dozens of disagreements, murders, and corruption.
also entitled to participation in political assemblies and
At the height of its territorial extension, it exercised tax advantages.
authority over more than five million square kilometers
Commonly defined by men, Roman society did not
and a population of around 70 to 88 million people, at
recognize women as citizens. Still, it could identify them
m

the time 21% of the world’s population. The Roman

as “free women” and free men: people born in Roman
structure held so many people and needs, and so many
territory and not enslaved people. The simplest way of
territories were under mismanagement that completely
thinking is that people were differentiated between free
ignored the pillars of the empire thanks to the corruption
and enslaved people in Roman society. Citizens were
of the senators that as time passed, the empire became
not considered equal and free, they were divided into
unsustainable.
class categories. Participation in political-administrative
Enemies on all sides, a weakened economy, activities was restricted to a minimal portion of active
Sa

underinvested militaries, pestilence, corruption, too citizens. In addition, not everyone could hold political
many territories that no longer responded in time on all and administrative positions.
sides of the Roman Empire, and a loss of authority as
Roman citizenship indicated a political right. Generally,
the extent drifted further and further away from its own.
all patricians had Roman citizenship; part of the plebs and
The city of Rome culminated in its imminent downfall.
clients could have it if granted by some citizen authority.
With about thirty-five relevant emperors throughout
However, enslaved people could never even access this
its history, Rome fell in 476 AD, crumbling thanks to
right until they bought their freedom. The Romans
barbarian invasions (a name given to Roman enemies)
divided people into “four simple” castes, in addition
that mainly encompassed the Ostrogoths and Visigoths.
to freemen and enslaved people: patricians, plebeians,
Rome as we knew it ceased to exist. However, clients, and enslaved people.
some historians believe that its history continued in
The patricians were part of the Roman nobility.

8 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

 Recognized since the beginning of the empire as “Fathers
of Rome” (hence the name patricians and many others,
such as patriarchy, patricide, etc.), these were rich men who
were usually part of the Roman senate and exercised all
their powers. rights governing not only Rome but 16% of
the empire’s wealth. Simply by being a patrician, you could
be given posts by “heredity”, have appeals in the senate on
your behalf, and even very easily win most of the causes

e
you were interested in.
Patricians were landowners, nobles and not always had
military obligation. When they did, they received certain
benefits within the ranks of the military. Although the

fil
Roman army was extremely hierarchical and functional,
a patrician did not always receive the same treatment as a
plebeian, and in the vast majority of cases, patricians did
not even want to risk wars. In addition, some of them had
religious rights, exercising priestly roles and influencing
the faith in Rome. Within the Roman Senate, there were
more than three hundred senators, of whom possibly
almost all were patricians.
The other class that formed Ancient Rome were the

e plebeians. These, in turn, were merchants, peasants, and

artisans. The commoners were people from cities conquered
by the Romans. Although they were free people, they did
not have the rights of citizens like commoners. Some
pl
information reports that through corruption, few men
were able to buy their citizenship and these were usually
commoners. Commoners often had their own business,
were better off than most citizens, and generally owned
families. These owners were known as “Pater Familias”
(Father of the Family) and a vast number of people lived
with them.
m

Customers were servants but not slaves. They were among

those who had the least rights and benefits, being considered
the poorest class. Many worked to eat and received very
little for it. Clients often served patricians and plebeians.
Slaves had a similar level, with the difference that they did
not receive good treatment and were condemned to this
Sa

life, possibly never being able to leave it.

In part, slaves were survivors of Roman battles and often
these captives were children and women, who would work
on crops, inside homes serving or caring for other children.
Men capable of carrying swords were sold as gladiators or
for manual work and the elderly, if they were not executed
and had talents, were enslaved to teach the children of
patricians and plebs. The owners had all the rights over
these servants, including those of life and death. They
were not allowed to have a name, participate in political
life, own things they owned or marry. Eventually, if the

FALL OF ROME 9
 master was kind or if he liked one of his slaves, he could
give him manumission.
An “interesting” curiosity to know is that Roman
citizens could become enslaved by incurring too much
debt. This slavery had a time-limited on how much the
debtor had to pay. This law (yes, it was a law that would
allow you to be a slave) was repealed in the third century
BC, which made the possibility of Roman citizens being
slaves null and void. Nothing would stop customers and
commoners from being, however.
Roman Family
The modern concept of a family is subtly far removed
from what the Romans believed a family was. The family
started with the leader, known as “paterfamilias” or Father
of the Family. He represented the core and stability of
the family. His wife and children were subordinates and
his slaves, along with their children, carried his name,
forming part of the family.
Generally, women were educated to be wives and
mothers (regardless of social caste). The responsibility
e
for the administration of houses, children, and enslaved
people was attributed to the women of families with good
financial resources. Women could never participate in
political decisions, nor could they enlist and participate
pl
in the senate. There was an evident division: men taught
their sons to be Roman citizens after a certain age, usually
at ten years old, and women taught their daughters
the basic necessities like preparing food, sewing, arts,
and others until their first period when they would be
considered a woman.
m
This life was considered luxurious. The plebs thought
that women could work alongside their husbands,
always helping them manage the house. When single,
someone could even run their own business and grow
rich. The religion was influenced by women, who often
strengthened the cults and were part of the followers
who prayed for the Gods and Goddesses.
Sa
Some religious women’s groups were founded. One of
them, the College of Vestals, was composed of women who
left their families between 6 and 10 to spend approximately
30 years taking care of the temples and the faith, losing
the right to marry. Unlike other women, Vestals did not
have to obey their fathers or husbands, had the right to
sit in the best seats in gladiatorial fights, and were treated
with respect by the opposite sex.
The children had a difficult life. Boys from wealthy
families learned several languages (usually Greek and
Latin, sometimes Egyptian) from their teachers. They
10 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Children Abandonment and
Violence
Abandonment was justified in several ways. Any
disability seen by paterfamilias was seen as some
curse or indignation. Harmful formations, defects,
and birthmarks could cause this. In other cases, poor
e
families were abandoned due to not being able to
raise their children, for having promised their assets
to their eldest children, and in extreme cases, even
for doubting the fidelity of their wives.
fil
The education of pre-adolescents (from the age of
seven) was accompanied by a pedagogue who was
chosen to tutor the child. If not the pedagogue, one
of the parents would play this role. The pattern was
maintained: men educate men, women educate
women. The approach to education almost always
involved brutality and physical and psychic violence
for both men and women. Beating children was
considered acceptable and encouraged for “good
manners.” The same was true of hitting slaves. In
some cases, the pedagogues had sexual relations
(which were often forbidden) with their apprentices.
knew how to write and were tutored in managing
businesses. They were responsible for knowing agriculture,
astronomy, religion, mathematics, geography, and even
architecture because they believed they would play good
roles as adults when they knew this.
Like women, children who did not come from wealthy
families also suffered the consequences. Most did not
know how to read and dedicated themselves to artisanal
and agricultural work, learning from slaves or their
parents. The paterfamilias had the right to abandon
children, which was a general characteristic. When left,
children grew up on the streets cared for by enslaved
people or clients, and some ended up in crime, working
as serfs, in prostitution, or in gladiatorial camps, where
they believed they could have a dignified life if they
earned enough.
Children were not always taken so seriously. The games
of the time also existed for all; generally, children always
had the “silly” behavior we see today. The difference is that
they were not allowed to live their entire childhood from
an early age because men and women saw the transition
to adulthood earlier.
 When adolescence arrived, the child would spend more
and more time with the father, being tutored to take over
the family business in the future. Critical thinking was
taught, and decision-making was rectified, so the learner
(child) was ready when the time came. Absolutely everyone
had a role, and even children would have to choose the
position or path they would follow. In some cases, their
parents encouraged them to follow the branch of the
family. In others, they had complete freedom as soon as
they reached the age of sixteen.
Kindred Society
The Fall of Rome setting is created to have as its primary
setting a story focused on 368 AD when the Eternal City
is about to erupt into political crisis. While Vampire: the
Classical Age builds on the tension between immortals
and humans, Rome explores that tension generated
through centuries of disputes between Cainites with
each other and other supernatural creatures. Immortal
society is conflicted and chaotic.
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The Storyteller may choose to use this book at any time
in the Roman setting, as the story in this book runs from
753 BC to the time mentioned above. Chronological
order, events, characters, environment, and any other
event can be molded entirely to what the Storyteller
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intends to include within her chronicle of the city of
Rome. Being such a vast terrain in terms of opportunities
and stories, this book has room for such a feat.
Primis Capitulum: Kingdom of Rome
A story set during early Rome can be an exciting
m
method of introducing characters to the formation of
Roman ideals. While there was no immortal politics, as
most Vampire Storytellers know, there was undoubtedly
diplomacy between humans, the enmity between
Awakened (mages, human sorcerers, etc.), and the Garou
(Shape-shifters and Werewolves) that became challenges
for the Cainites during that time.
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Monarchical Rome began in 753 and ended in 509
B.C. both periods considered disputes between races
of supernatural creatures, but which extended to the
immortals themselves as time passed. Unlike other cities,
Rome was designed to be led by Cainites. It’s not sure
whether humans knew there were leeches or “Stryges,”
as they called them, but humans certainly had a sense
of distrust that nothing was purely natural.
A chronicle of this time can start from before Rome
(with Tinia unifying the vampires), to the formation of
the city and the supernatural creatures’ dispute over
FALL OF ROME
Roman territory, or at the end, when the Eternal Senate
is concluded. The immortals finally dispute Rome
among themselves, starting the expansions of the Roman
Republic (S.P.Q.R).
Secondi Capitulum: Republic of Rome
The republic was founded in 509 and ended its history
in 27 BC when Augustus Caesar assumed himself as
e
emperor of the Roman Empire and no longer as supreme
consul, dictator for life, or any other nomenclature that
the Romans gave to the leaders. In this way, vampires
were equally affected, although it varies depending on
how it impacted them.
fil
The republican period is full of obstacles to the
immortals of Rome. Significant events took place within
the Eternal Senate (the prominent sect that governs the
Cainites of the city and, later, the Roman Republic), in
which the immortals could not reach a consensus. Enemies
of the Cainites grow as their decisions to expand Roman
rule continue; the city is often lost in its own choices
due to the thinking of the Cainites and the leaders of
the Eternal Senate.
Titus Venturus Camillus makes a negative and positive
revolution in the Eternal Senate, always disputing the
vacancy and control over the city and decisions of the
republic. Collat and Tínia, the leading figures that
formalized Rome and even the Eternal Senate, disappeared
under Camilla’s control. Then the misunderstanding and
absence of dialogue collaborate for Cainites to conflict
with each other in a specimen of the Civil War, a few
years after the Carthage War.
The period of the Roman Republic was troubled. The
characters must perceive a much more present political
stake. There is no neutrality, and this type of figure is
not tolerated. The atmosphere of the Eternal Senate is
tense, and the characters will realize that constant changes
are happening. The leadership is inconsistent, and the
enmities grow more and more. During these centuries, the
Eternal Senate marks what Rome would become: political
and unstable chaos, incapable of making decisions that
would actually save the Roman Republic.
After the dissolution of the Eternal Senate, Camilla
takes over as the first Pater Patriae of Rome and establishes
the Traditions we know. The senate is rebuilt, and Camilla
formalizes new rules in the face of all events, including
the formation of the Roman Empire.
Tertiu Capitulum: Fire in Rome!
Although the Roman Empire lasted from 27 BC to
11
 476 AD, the third chapter takes place exactly three years
after the story told in Vampire’s base book: the Classical
Era is set! It is recommended that the Storyteller use this
year as the setting (developed in this book) to start their
chronicles.
In AD 65, politics became unstable after a few years
of peace. The vampires didn’t listen to Camilla. Instead
of allowing humans to rule themselves and immortals to
confusion. Thus, Tiberius Claudius Caesar’s investment in
the order of deadly Hunters who suspected the existence
of supernatural creatures went unnoticed.
A second curse appeased the city, believed to have
been invoked by Meneleus, one of the powerful sorcerers
who survived the Fall of Carthage. The curse gradually
permeated the minds of the immortals, who no longer
intended to leave the city thanks to this magic, forever

be just spectators of the mortal advance, they decided
to judge them from the shadows and interfere in every
decision they could. Faced with mental fatigue, emotional
shock, weakening of her virtues, and unbridled nostalgia,
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trapping them in Rome. Nero’s madness after discovering
that vampires really existed when he was almost murdered
became fuel for the great fire that is Rome. A fire really
transformed the city for days until it was put out. Camilla

Camilla extinguished the flame of passion that kept the
Senate orderly. The few decades after becoming Pater
Patriae were enough for Camilla to give up immortality.
When the Orbem Mortale (an order of human vampire
hunters) came into being, and no one took it seriously,
the Pater Patriae was too skeptical of his creations to
make a decision.
Due to one of the curses influencing Rome since
the Fall of Carthage increasing the ferocity of the city’s
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disappeared during the fire.
Vampires, attacked by mortals, realizing they are
indeed trapped in a city, hungry and now leaderless,
find themselves in an entirely inconsolable situation.
The immortals must find a way to survive, deal with all
the problems they’ve managed to accumulate during that
time, and reorganize the senate. And the worst: without
even stepping outside the city of Rome.

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vampires, leadership becomes unbeatable to maintain.
A hunger plagues the immortals constantly, causing all
Cainites in the city to be unable to be fully aware of their
convictions, affected by the Beast within that causes them
Religion
Since Roman religion was based on a mixture of
Etruscan and Greek Gods, the Romans also rooted faith
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Greek Gods Roman Gods God Title

Zeus Jupiter The King of Gods and Men

Poseidon Neptune The Ruler of the Oceans

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Hades Pluto The Herald of the Underworld

Athena Minerva The Goddess of Wisdom, Justice and Craftsman-

ship
Hermes Mercurius The Messenger of the Gods and Men, Leader of
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Wealth, the Carrier of all Souls and God of Lies

Apollo Phoebus The God of the Sun, Archery, Health and Music

Ares Mars The God of War and Guardian of Men

Aphrodite Venus The Goddess of Love, Fertility, Beaulty and Desire

Dionysius Baccus / Líber The God of Wine, Fertility and Agriculture

Artemis Diana The God of Hunting and of the Moon

12 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

 in these deities by establishing that the fate of everyone
and everything was ruled by the gods. The purpose of their
religion was to secure divine cooperation and benevolence.
Prayer and sacrifice were used to propitiate the gods and
were often performed in temples dedicated to particular
deities and presided over by priests (see flamen).
Among the Romans, the most influential priest was
always known as “Pontifex Maximus,” who commanded
groups of priesthood known as “Augurs”. He practiced
divination to determine that the Gods approved future
actions. In this way, Roman religion and politics went
hand in hand, in which the word of an influential priest
was worth as much as a member of the senate, but their
impacts were different.
While a senator would influence a target politically,
on the matter and physical scale, the priest would impact
not only fame, the way the target is viewed, but also
the citizen’s psyche. Receiving a sermon, being publicly
excommunicated, blessed, or any action he could make
other people know about the event was highly demoralizing
or unnerving. Religious interactions changed the way
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Roman citizens would respect and look at you.
The first Roman gods were the sky god Jupiter, the
god of war Mars and Quirinus (later known as Janos
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Quirinus). Many other deities were “borrowed” from
Greek religion or associated with Greek Gods, and the
stories woven into Roman mythology were often taken
directly from Greek mythology. Domestic shrines were
dedicated to the ancestors or divine protectors, the Lares,
and Penates. Dead Roman emperors were also elevated
to the status of deities, and many were regarded with
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veneration and gratitude.
Rome went through several deified disputes, first
introducing Greek religion in Roman format to citizens,
then facing Mithraism, and finally Catholicism. During
its thousand years of history, Rome was transformed and
converted into dozens of moments of empire and city.
Other religions were not well accepted, however!
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Only Roman citizens could worship their gods. Any
deity not recognized as part of the Roman faith would
be worthy of repression by the Roman government and
the citizens themselves. Slaves had no right to their faith
and adhered to the dedication of the family they served.
Serving the other deities was liable to violence to these
men, such as whippings and beatings. The commoners
and clients could access their faith as long as they paid
heavy tributes to the Romans. These citizens could suffer
punishments like slaves, in addition to hefty fines beyond
what they could bear, and thus render services “for free” as
FALL OF ROME
servants of other families. The patricians hardly suffered
such sanctions since most were believers in the mythology
of the Romans. In times of crisis, some essential sanctions
were also applied to patricians.
How To Use This Book?
Vampire, the Classical Age: The Fall of Rome is a
scenario that recalls and brings everything you need to
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know about the city. Each chapter describes different
characteristics of the city and how they can be used, how
they correlate and what is important to know.
• The second chapter is related to the historical record
fil
of Rome, such as the creation of the city, Eternal
Senate, organization of vampires, and characters
that mainly move the history of Rome. This chapter
gets closer to what actually happened in real life,
correlating the events with the immortals;
• The third chapter explores the region, geography,
neighborhood, places of influence, and city
functioning. These descriptions are functional
to understand how the city is treated and how
Storytellers can use it in their chronicles;
• The fourth chapter describes the society of the
immortals within the city, bringing the laws,
charges, revised Backgrounds, new Merits and
Flaws, the Paths of Morality, and others;
• The fifth chapter brings relevant characters to
use in your stories, secrets, cards, and essential
descriptions. Among these figures, Tínia, Collat,
Camilla, and other important characters who
appear in the city for a short time like Meneleus
are involved;
• The sixth chapter complements Disciplines,
bringing new combinations, new Disciplines, and
Sorcery entirely developed within the scope of the
city of Rome;
• The last chapter introduces ideas for chronicles,
descriptions of the city, and indications for a
coherent narrative in the Roman setting.
References
Some of the best historical references can be seen in
resources that we can acquire, consume and introduce to
our chronicles. This book absorbed much of this content
so that a historically cohesive writing was possible. Such
content is listed below both for Storytellers who want
to explore the lore of Rome and for any reader who has
this book in hand.
13

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In the Name of Rome: The Conquerors Who Formed the
Roman Empire, 2nd Edition (2020) by Adrian Goldsworthy.
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An excellent content that details and dissects the entire
military, the political and social strategy of significant
figures for the empire, honorably addressing Scipio
Africanus and the dictator for life, Julius Caesar. The
author does a beautiful job of introducing, developing,
and deepening this militarized culture and brings the
m
reader an idea of how it is not easy to be in Rome at
such a troubled time.
Rome: The Story of an Empire (2017) by Greg Woolf.
A valuable content that details Rome from different
perspectives, covering everything from archeology,
cultural study to the historical course from classical
antiquity to the Middle Ages. Certainly, an in-depth
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study worth reading.
SPQR: A History of Old Rome (2015) by Mary Beard. It
is difficult not to mention this work, which includes the
thousand-year history of one of the greatest empires in
the world, with a specialized depth of more than thirty
years of study by the author. This book is undoubtedly
an excellent choice for anyone who wants to understand
the Roman advance through the centuries.
Constantinople by Night (1997), Fall of Carthage (2021),
published by White Wolf. The most brilliant books, in
terms of history and textural organization, used as great
14 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
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inspiration for this book.
Invicta History. A specialized historical information
channel, which regularly publishes videos on YouTube
not only about the history of other civilizations but also
delve deeply into Rome. Brilliant content that certainly
added shape to this book.
Encyclopedia Britannica (britannica.com) e Ancient
History Encyclopedia (ancient.eu), two spectacular
encyclopedias that bring truly valuable content, worthy of
use in historical fields. Both are supported by historians
and researchers who sought to understand the past in
order to transmit such knowledge to us during modernity.
They were certainly very helpful.
Barbarian (2020), a drama series produced by Netflix.
Although it does not present the best plot, the accuracy
not only in representing the very Latin spoken among
the characters in the series (yes, the Romans say in Latin
in this content!), Bárbaros shows how people considered
non-Romans were treated and how much this impacted.
In their lives. Not only that, it gives ideas to clearly
inspire your chronicles with an unprecedented barbaric
revolution.
Roman Empire: Reign of Blood (2016 a 2018), a series
in documentary format produced by Netflix. One of
the best contents for understanding and learning what
 life was like in those times from different points of view
and faithfully, without exaggeration. Certainly a valid
indication for consumption.
Roma (2005 a 2007), a drama series produced by HBO.
Not only one of the best series produced about the Roman
Empire but also one of the most faithful historically
speaking. This two-season series addresses the height of
the fall of Julius Caesar, especially showing how politics
worked within the senate and how it could influence not
only the consul but the Roman people.
Gladiador (2000), por Ridley Scott. A great film
production that tells the story of a roman general betrayed
by Commodus and delivered to death, but who survives
and becomes a gladiator, growing in combat at events
sponsored by high-caste patricians. Gladiator tells an
excellent revenge story, faithful to the time and holding
us to the plot in an unprecedented way.
Names and Titles
The way we know names today is configured in a
Empire.
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very different way in relation to what was configured as
“correct” in classical antiquity, especially in the Roman
The act of naming often becomes a problem for
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Storytellers who seek realism and fidelity to the period
they create their chronicles. Many names descend from
Latin, due to the importance of the language and the
influence that Rome built over the world, however there
are still several creations of modern names that would
not have applied at the time.
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Depending on where the characters are, names like
Patroclus, Diogenes and Gaius would be appropriate,
but Jonathan, Hendrick or Job are not. The following
pages include tables with sections of authentic names,
grouped by languages that both players and Storytellers
can use to name their characters or as a reference.
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Nomenclature and Surnames
Currently, the concept regarding surnames that we
have is entirely different from the nomenclature we had
in classical antiquity. In Rome, it was common to have
the forename, gentile name and cognomen.
The “praenomen” was a nomenclature that was little
used in everyday life and not very important. It is what we
now know as the “name”. One of the greatest examples
is “Gaius Iulius Caesar” (Gaius Julius Caesar), where
“Caius” is Caesar’s first name.
The “nomen gentile” or gentile name configured the
FALL OF ROME
family origin to which you belong. Families always used
male names and paid homage to the man, as they were
governed by a “Pater Familias” or “Father of the Family”.
This one had supreme authority in his house. Using the
example above, “Júlio” (or Juliae) is clearly representing
his family background.
The “cognomen” represented a characteristic belonging
to the person, much more than a name. It’s exactly the
e
same concept of Surnames that we had in the Middle
Ages, where people were known for roles and profusions.
Names like William Smith (blacksmith), Alan Wood
(wood) or Jonathan Cooper (cooper) are good examples.
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The cognomen is to classical antiquity what the surname
was to the medieval era.
During the period of the Republic and Empire, the
surname was also passed from father to son, in order to
distinguish a specific family within the gens. As a rule,
the surname was chosen on the basis of a physical or
personality trait, sometimes ironically: Julius Caesar’s
cognomen (Caesar) means “hairy”, but he was bald, and
Tacitus’s means “silent” in Latin, but he was a famous
orator.
The Romans sometimes added a second cognomen,
called agnome (agnomen), to distinguish individuals
within the same family. Some agnomes were passed
from father to son, which established a sub-family within
a family. In some cases, the agnome was conferred for
the purpose of honoring an individual, as a reward for
an important deed. For example, Scipio Emiliano was
honored by the nickname “African” after his victory
against Hannibal Barca.
Example: Publius (prenomen) Cornelius (gentile)
Scipio (cognomen) Aemilianus Africanus (agnome).
When a man was adopted into another family (often
the case, even into adulthood), his name became his
father’s full name, with a cognomen added to indicate his
original family. For example, Mamerco Aemilius Lepidus
Livianus, originally the son of a certain Livy and adopted
by the Aemilius Lepidus (Aemilii Lepidi).
Names and Women
Women received the gentile name of their parents in
the feminine gender. For example, the daughter of Gaius
Julius Caesar was named Julia. If it was necessary to make
an additional distinction, the genitive of the father’s
cognomen (Césaris, in the case of Caesar’s daughter:
Júlia Césaris) or that of the husband followed the name.
If there were two daughters, one was Maior (Major),
the other Minor (Minor). A family with more than two
15
 daughters was given an ordinal number: Cornelia Quinta
(Cornelius’ fifth daughter). At the end of the Repu-blic,
women had already adopted their father’s surname in the
feminine: Metela Crasso, daughter of Q. Cecílio Metelo
and wife of P. Licínio Crasso.
Men could also be named by numerals, like Quinto
Fabiano Metelo Crassus. The first name would indicate
that he is the fifth son of Metellus’ line.
Other Kingdoms
In other regions, such as Greece and even Carthage,
surnames were applied differently. In several situations,
many surnames originated from professions, places of
birth or residence (called toponyms), nicknames, physical
traits and even as a way of honoring the father (called
patronymics). Other ancient peoples are influenced by
the same behavior, however the Ro-man Republic became
one of the pioneers in functionally organizing (in the
molds of the ti-me) a nomenclature based on family and
other characteristics.
Example: Platon (toponym), gios tou Aristocnes (father’s
e
name) tis Athínas (region where he was born or lived) [Plato,
Son of Aristocnes, of Athens].
Using the example of Plato, his name points to a physical
characteristic (broad shoulders; Plato or Platon carried
pl
that meaning), who was a son or ancestor of Aristocnes
and belonged to Athens or came from the region. In
many similar situations, this name enforcement metric
was instituted. More “recent” examples can be used in
the same way as “Leonardo di Ser Piero da Vinci” (Leonardo,
Son of Ser Piero, from the city of Vinci) or “Leonardo Il
m
Florentine” (Leonardo, from Florence).
Rome Population
As the republic expanded, more and more people
visited the city of Rome to stay. Known throughout the
Mediterranean, the city was one of the most famous in
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Europe and North Africa. No wonder roads were built in
a way that spawned the saying “all roads lead to Rome.”
After Carthage, Rome grew so much that its population
exceeded the limits of what was acceptable for the time.
The city became one of the most populous in the world,
going from two million inhabitants in the first century
after Christ. However, Rome was not always like this.
The beginning was troubled, but it had enough space
for many mortals to inhabit the city.
When Rome was founded, its population was too
large. Under Romulus’ rule, it is estimated that Rome
16 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
had between 10,000 and 20,000 mortal inhabitants. The
first vampires in the city contributed to this population
advance as part of the ambitious plans of Romulus and
the other kings who invaded, conquered new tribes, and
instigated mating between mortals.
By placing his chronicles in the first chapter of Rome,
in about 535 BC, with the disputes between mortals,
wizards, and vampires, the population growth is much
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greater than in most cities of the time. Rome has around
35,000 residents.
The second chapter considers that Rome had about
150,000 mortal inhabitants. This population doubled
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at the beginning of the second Punic War, as Rome
conquered more and more territories with its unbridled
expansionism. The vampire population was still tied to a
limit of 35 immortals within the confines of Rome. Of
course, some vampires kept secretly hidden within the
perimeters of the great city and fled when discovered.
In other cases, the Eternal Senate turned a “blind eye”
to relatively important immortals.
When Carthage fell, and Rome assumed an essential
role in Mediterranean politics, the number of mortals
living in the city exceeded 450,000. Gaul’s conquests
were so influential that this number of mortals reached
600 thousand at the end of the first century BC. It is
not for little reason that the Roman Republic had one
of the greatest armies in the world and that throughout
its territory, millions and millions of people lived under
the rule of the republic.
The city of Rome was massive before the rise of
Augustus Caesar. When he became the first emperor
of Rome, the city had about 1,300,000 (one million
three hundred thousand) inhabitants. Vampires had
increased the number of immortals accepted in the town
to 45 because it was no longer possible to hold so many
people under the immortal influence without relatively
high numbers. There were so many people that Rome
had room for the growth of sects and opponents like the
magicians themselves.
When placing his chronicle in the last chapter, during
the government of Nero, consider that Rome has about
1,650,000 (one million, six hundred and fifty thousand
inhabitants or more). Rome is close to its peak in
population and will probably reach 3,000,000 million
inhabitants soon. It is believed that Rome could have
reached four million were it not for all the financial,
health, and economic crises that the city has gone through
during its millennium of history.