Clan Brujah
This clan is by far one of the most enigmatic and multifaceted. They exist differently throughout history, and their past molds the present and both of these set the stage for the future. To be able to say, "Here's how to play a Brujah," would be as easy as explaining, "This is what it's like to be a human." They are far too prosaic. However, there are some common themes, and some stereotypes which can be used as a skeleton for building your character.
RAGE.
"Anger is a gift."
-Rage Against The Machine, "Freedom"
Every single Brujah you play, meet, or hear about has a coiled knot of rage deep in the core of their being. It may be well-chained, or unfettered, but it is there. No matter how your Brujah is realized, diplomatic, charming, calm.... You are violent.
This is one of the true gifts of Brujah. You have the personality most like the true animalistic nature of man. Peace is wonderful, esoteric pursuits of philosophy and thinking are glorious. But when the time comes, and you must defend what you truly believe in the beast breaks whatever shackles you may have put on it, and the red mists of rage take you to a place where all that matters is the death of your enemies.
BELIEF.Brujah come from a history of thinkers, scholars and phiosophers. While this was taken from them, they retain their rabid hold on their personal beliefs to this day. Whatever a single Brujah may believe in, it usually shapes everything they do. They may lie, cheat, steal, deal or kill to see their beliefs realized, only to change everything the next day. Belief may not be in any particular thing, just an action, like rebellion. But the Brujah are strong enough to stand by their beliefs.
DOWNTRODDEN.While many of the newer Brujah may know nothing of their clan's history, the elders still harbor a festering rage about their betrayal and subsequent loss of knowledge. They still work witht the ones who betrayed them, but keep them at arm's reach. This is a rallying point for the entire clan, and is the basis for the clan advantage, where Brujah help Brujah. It's us aginst them.
REBELLION.Brujah have the propensity to be the force of change. Because of their rage, their beiliefs, and their past, they make up the majority of the rebels within and without the Camarilla and Sabbat. Very rarely is there a peaceful change in the fundamental thinking and style of those who deign themselves to be in charge. Brujah will use their gifts to get what they want, even if they just want change.
"Fuck. You. I. Won't. Do. What. You. Tell. Me."
-Rage Against the Machine, "Killing in the Name Of"
"Yes I know my enemies They're the teachers that taught me to fight me Compromise, Conformity, Assimilation, Submission, Ignorance, Hypocracy, Brutality, The Elite... All of which are American Dreams"-Rage Against the Machine, "Know your Enemy"
This is all my personal take on the Brujah, and hopefully isn't too heavy-handed. The main thing to remember is that your character is a person FIRST, a Brujah second, and a vampire last. Because of the first you joined the second, which just happens to be one of the last.
Player notes:Costume and mood are very helpful to getting one's self into a character. Costume is determined by who the person was, if they've changed since the Embrace, and who they see themselves as now. Not all Brujah are the leather-wearing punks covered in spikes wearing combat boots. A suit and tie is just as intimidating when worn correctly.
As to mood, the best things I can think of are music and movies. I recommend Rage Against the Machine's first album. Many of the concepts I talked about here are brought out and made real. Also, try Fun Lovin' Criminals, as well as House of Pain. As to movies, recommended viewing includes "A Clockwork Orange," "Reservoir Dogs," "Bladerunner," and "The Blood of Heroes."
Paul M. M. Jacobus (vampire@digex.net)