Specialities:

[Magic Rob]

As per page 96 of the core V20 book, specialties do not cause 10's to 'blow up'. Now they count 10's as 2 successes.

You may only have 1 per attribute or ability, as per the same listing.

[Blake Sterling Jr.]

And if you have Academics you don't need 4 dots to take a specialty.

[Magic Rob]

Which I believe is also true of Technology and Crafts, but I will double check on those.

[Deleted]

Though, and correct me if I am wrong, the Specialty selected for those Abilities (ie. Crafts) do not give you extra successes until you've acquired the 4th dot of that Ability.

[Blake Sterling Jr.]

George, (and all who are interested)

For certain Abilities (Expression,
Crafts, Performance, Academics, Law, Science, and
Technology), it is best to pick a specialty (p. 96), even
if the character’s rating in the Ability is not yet 4 or
higher. Thus, a character with the Crafts Skill is generally
versed in handiwork of all sorts, but might be
particularly adept at auto mechanics.

[Deleted]

Sorry, I don't quite understand what you're trying to say there.

Are you trying to point out that Specialties will (or should) apply for these Abilities before acquiring the fourth dot?

Or just providing a useful list of Abilities that generally require assigning Specialties from the first dot? Which is good to know!

[Blake Sterling Jr.]

That is a cut and paste from the V20 book.

Those 7 abilities can start with a specialty under 4 dots and count for the roll a 10 get 2 successes.

It is to show someone who had focus on just one part of the large skill.

Take my character for example;

I have Academics: 3 Linguistics.

When I use academics for something linguistics related I get to count my tens and double successes, however when I am recalling the Battle of Gettysburg or any other Academic function I get no bonus no matter how many levels I have in the skill.

Does this clear up the confusion?

[Deleted]

Actually it doesn't. The wording is relatively ambiguous in my opinion as to whether or not the Specialty for these particular abilities actually provide the extra successes immediately upon purchasing your first dot.

Though it would be awesome if I could have a Specialty for all of these Abilities on my sheet

This is one of those situations I think the Staff should consider.

[Blake Sterling Jr.]

Strange where to me it's crystal clear. Let's expand our reading and look at the skills individually.


Expression:

You can choose a specialty in Expression,

even at less than 4 dots.

Crafts:

You must always
 choose a specialization in Crafts, even though you retain

some skill in multiple fields.

Performance:

As with Crafts, you must choose a specialty,
 even though this Skill also imparts a general sense for

watching and responding to your audience’s mood regardless
 of medium.

Academics:

If you like,
 you can choose a specialty for Academics even at less

than 4 dots.

Law:

The Law Knowledge has any
 number of specialties, and a player may choose one for

her character when she takes this Ability, representing
 both her field of experience and a general sense for how
 the legal system (especially in her locality) functions,
 though this is not mandatory.

Science:

In most cases, a player should select a specialty to reflect a focus for her character’s scientific

studies, but this isn't strictly necessary.

Technology:

You must always choose a specialization in Technology,
 even though you possess some skill in multiple

fields.


In conclusion:

While I give you the first sentence is poorly written about specialization, when you combine it with the wording per skill, it paints a clear picture that these abilities are the exception to the 4 dot rule.

This might be so clear to me since I've been playing Vampire since 1992 I think and I am use to their ways of writing. 

If it still isn't clear to you after all of this I would refer you to a ST.

[Deleted]

Yeah I'll wait for a Staff clarification.

[The Gentleman]

As some friendly advice, I'm going to point out that dropping how long you've been playing Vampire to sell an argument that you're making is a pretty quick way to alienate 90% of the player base, man. I'll also point out that it might not be the best idea to make rules calls for the staff, regardless of what the book says in either direction. I'm sure they'll take a look at it and make a call - until then I wouldn't count my specialties until they hatch.

[Blake Sterling Jr.]

My goal was never to overstep my bounds. I am sorry if anyone feels like I did. My goal was to explain a rule from the book we are using to someone who wasn't understanding it.

Sorry it seems to have caused this drama.

[Magic Rob]

Its these sorts of nerd-rage arguments that make me giggle and roll my eyes at the same time.

We here on staff appreciate everyone's passion regarding this topic (or any topic, really; bring all the passions). We will take a minute at next meeting and discuss the relative meaninglessness of this particular rule and its greater application to game. I say relative meaninglessness because I'm sure there are things that would be more ridiculous to argue about, but nothing is really leaping to mind.

Much love! Bring all your passions and apply them as you will. Reality will still chuckle and pat y'alls collective head in turn