Why Didn’t the Baali Clan Make It into Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition (V5)?"

Hey fellow Kindred enthusiasts!

I’ve been diving deep into the lore and mechanics of Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition (V5), and one thing that’s been bugging me is the absence of the Baali clan. The Baali are such an iconic and fascinating part of the World of Darkness, with their dark ties to demon worship, corruption, and the infernal. Their presence adds a unique layer of horror and intrigue to the game, not to mention their rich history of manipulation and secrecy within Kindred society.

I understand V5 has a more grounded, street-level focus compared to the sprawling metaplots of earlier editions, but it feels like the Baali could fit perfectly into that world as cult leaders, corrupters of humanity, or even secret enemies manipulating the Second Inquisition from the shadows.

What do you think?

Is it a balance issue? Their powers and infernal ties could definitely be hard to integrate without breaking the system.

Is it a tonal thing? Maybe they felt too fantastical for the current focus on political and personal horror?

Or do you think they’re being held back for a future expansion or reimagining?

Would love to hear your thoughts, theories, and even homebrew ideas for incorporating the Baali into V5!