Activating a Vice is *always* a choice. I've never seen or read anything that states otherwise.

Not sure where in Vengeful you are reading that you have to spend a hero point NOT to receive the bonus. Just that when you damage a creature that has previously done you harm, you can choose to boost your damage pool for one measly damnation point.

Tom

In the description of the use of Hero Points, from memory mind as I don't have my book with me, it states that one of the uses of Hero Points is not prevent the activation of a Vice, which leads me to believe that you do not have a choice but to use Vengeful. I'll read the section again when I get home from work to be certain.

Oh right. Because the GM can be a love and activate that vice for you. If you don't resist, you get a Hero Point for your trouble (which can later be used to buy off the damnation point). If the player wants to resist, it costs him/her a hero point.

I don't generally do that as a GM, mostly because I haven't had a session where the hero points are flying thick. It seems to lose its effectiveness when you remove all choice from the equation. It's a good option to have handy, though, when dealing with players who refuse to get their hands dirty.

Tom

Okay, clearly I have to read the vice section again, but that makes me feel better.