Disciplines are the supernatural powers all vampires posses to some degree or another, powers which separate them from mortals. A strong human can lift as much as a strong vampire; however, if the vampire also possesses the Discipline Potence, her efective power is increased dramatically.
The origin of these "mystical" powers is a mystery to almost all vampires. Normally, Kindred simply accept the Disciplines as yet another indication of how they are superior to all other creatures that walk the earth. Whatever their source, Disciplines are integral to a vampire's existence.