Obfuscate
In a world filled with paranoia and fear - with surveillance and panopticism rife even in the kindred world - being able to hide in plain sight is a boon that cannot be overlooked. Obfuscate provides Licks with the ability to conceal themselves and others from threats wherever they may stem from. In some cases making them undetectable entirely. Subversion and subterfuge are the lifeblood of the capabilities granted by this gift, allowing its users the comfort of choosing when they can be seen or understood - and the choice not to be if the situation demands it.
Cloak of Shadows (low or high level Obfuscate):
The ability to conceal oneself is a quintessential power granted by Obfuscate. By standing in the shadows, or in the periphery, a Lick is able to conceal themselves from the un-gifted eyes of all around them. To pass without a trace, and move without worry of being spotted by mortal eyes. The Unseen are able to observe conversations and events that otherwise would've been hidden from them, simply by walking in the room where they are happening. This preternatural stealth allows for the monstrous to appear as if from nowhere at all, and has often been used to allow for surprise attacks and restraints if the situation demands it.
There is a limitation to this gift, however. Whilst obfuscated, a Lick is unable to interact with the world around them. They are but a shadow. The moment they choose to relinquish the safety of the shroud, they are once again visible to the world around them.
[ System: a player using this power should hold both of their arms crossed against their chest, to signify that they are in fact obfuscated. In order to do such, they must begin in a shadowed or darkened area, and cannot be mid conversation with people (unless all participants deem it would be preferential for dramatic effect etc).
If approached, or seen, by a character with the appropriate level of Auspex, that exceeds the user's Obfuscate level, the player using obfuscate must cease using this power, and reveal themselves. Otherwise, they are hidden until they choose not to be.]
Ventriloquism ( high level Obfuscate):
The ability to conceal your own body is one thing - but to conceal your words is another entirely. A gift that has long perplexed others, Ventriloquism does exactly this. It allows a vampire to encode a conversation that they are having with a single other person, such that to those attempting to listen in, it is incomprehensible.
Between two Nosferatu, these conversations sound like a mix of stutters, coughs, retches and animalistic tones to the eavesdropper, an infuriating discussion in a language they could have no chance of learning. Two malkavians engaging in a conversation, using this power, often sound as if they are simply talking trivial and unimportant gibberish (after all, why would you care what two Malkavians are even saying?). There are, of course, other uses by other Clans, but these are the most prevalent.
[ System: a player using this power holds their hand up, with their thumb pointing to themselves, and little finger toward the person they are engaging in a conversation with. For all intents and purposes, anyone attempting to listen in is unable to understand what is being said. This power only conceals a conversation for a few minutes.
However, if the eavesdropper is gifted with High Level Auspex, they can approach the user, and potentially negotiate understanding pieces of information they have gleamed, as long as all parties are comfortable with doing so. ]