The broad range of powers found within the Animalism Discipline gives every vampire more options to control, command, and connect with his animal ghoul. This is important due to the natural aggressive nature of beasts such as large dogs, wolves, big cats, and crocodilians. A vampire may find that maintaining control of the creature under an extended period of duress can be challenging without the use of these powers.

Beckoning might be used to draw potential candidates to the domitor’s side, but it might also be used to hide an animal ghoul in a flock, swarm, or herd of creatures. One bird acting erratically is easy enough to spot, but it’s much harder to find that same bird in a murder of crows. On the other hand, Quell the Beast can also be

used during stressful moments to calm an animal ghoul and avoid further scrutiny.

Larger animal ghouls used as guardians, companions, and mounts often necessitate more control. The use of Feral Whispers, in addition to the effects of the blood bond, can all but guarantee a command is carried out to the best of that animal’s ability. When a vampire uses Subsume the Spirit, however, he can use the animal’s body to carry out missions too complex (or too subtle) for the animal to complete on its own. Since this power is not detectable with the use of Auspex, this grants a domitor the ability to move unseen. The domitor, in the body of the animal ghoul, could act during daylight hours without fear, as her host body would likely be stored safely in her haven during that time.

Regardless of how Animalism is used, the Discipline offers a lot of benefits for masters who utilize animal ghouls as part of their strategy to defend themselves and their havens.