Vector
Vectors are the abilities that different factions bring to bear against the Contagion.
Overview
Vectors are both a set of supernatural abilities and a measure of status. While most of the factions don't have a global power structure, knowledge of one's vector is a good way to indicate one's commitment and experience. For this reason, each faction carefully guards knowledge of their vector, and ex-members can no longer call upon those abilities.
While all members of a faction gain access to the core powers of the vector, there are also subtle variations from one member to another, called Edges and Specializations. These represent unique ways an individual's powers or supernatural interact with the vector, or vice-versa. Thus, vectors reward diversity - three vampires using the same vector will have a narrower set of powers to draw on than a faction consisting of a vampire, a Promethean, and a mage.
Systems
Vectors are bought with Sworn Beats, a type of group experience earned when the faction engages with an outbreak. Once a player purchases a vector dot, all members of the same faction gain access to the same vector at the same rating. Characters can only access the vector of their own faction; if a faction with two Cryptocrats and a Thesean buy a dot of Authority, the Thesean does not gain any benefits.
While vectors have the same mechanical effect for all characters, and costs are paid in Willpower, players can fluff them different as desired to suit their character's splat. Every level of the vector has Edges for every splat; some splats may gain additional Specializations for a specific vector power.
Some of the higher level vector powers require two or more faction members to work in tandem. If there are not enough members of the faction present in a scene, that power cannot be used.
References
| Contagion Chronicle Vectors | |
| Authority · Contagion · Fervor · Intel · Semiotics · Realignment | |