Quick Guide: The Sabbat

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The Sabbat

Rumored to have its origins in a medieval death cult, the Sabbat is greatly feared by Kindred who do not belong to it. The sect is monstrous and violent, and no longer clings to any trappings of human philosophy or morality. Members instead revel in their vampiric unlives. Sometimes referred to as the Black Hand, the Sabbat actively seeks the overthrow of the Traditions, the destruction of the Camarilla, and the subjugation of humankind.

The Sabbat recruits wherever it takes hold, spreading like a poisonous weed and tearing down the established institutions around it. Unlike the Camarilla, the Sabbat recognizes the existence of the Antediluvians, though ir rabidly opposes them. According to Sabbat propaganda, the Antediluvians pull the strings of the entire world, and it is this malignant control they oppose. They see the Camarilla as pawns of the Ancients, and oppose its members politically as well as physically. Most Sabbat express bilious contempt for the vampires of the Camarilla, whom they see as cowardly wretches unable to accept their predatory natures.

Outsiders know little about the Sabbat's inner workings. Some Camarilla Kindred even doubt its existence, believing it to be a rumor created by elders to keep troublesome childer in line -- an undead boogeyman. Lurid tales about the sect spread like wildfire, including claims that its members indulge in ceaseless diablerie, worship demons, hunt and kill other vampires, and possess the ability to break blood bonds. The only consisten rumor attributed to the Sabbat is its members' apparent love of fire -- the sect has a fearsome reputation for leaving burning wakes behind it.

 

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The Clans of the Sabbat

Ahrimanes
The Ahrimanes are a rare, all-female bloodline of Kindred that originally existed during the Dark Ages, headed by a woman called Ádísa. Sometime during the Long Night, Ádísa and her bloodline were lost and subsumed into Clan Gangrel. Centuries later, the bloodline was unknowingly resurrected by a woman called Muricia. Since then, the Ahrimanes roam the night again, albeit under a different guise and leader.

Baali
To the other Cainites, we are legends and lies. Behave, the old ones tell their childer, or the Baali will take you. We are as monsters out of children's tales to them, but that is all. That suits our purposes. Let them have their slanders. The truth would freeze the stolen blood in their veins. For we are not monsters lurking in the shadows after the occasional straggler. We are something far, far worse. The Baali are a bloodline of vampires associated with demon worship. Because of their affinity with the unholy, the Baali are particularly vulnerable to holy iconography, holy ground and holy water. They are highly vulnerable to True Faith. Some versions present the true purpose of the Baali as keeping demons sleeping by feeding them with carnage and destruction. But most presentations show them as infernalists, using demon worship to gain additional power.

Kiasyd
The Kiasyd are a bloodline of the Lasombra founded after a mysterious "accident" involving the Lasombra Marconius of Strasbourg. The "accident", involving faeries and the blood of "Zeernebooch, a god of the Underworld", resulted in Marconius gaining several feet in height, turning chalky white and developing large, elongated black eyes. The Kiasyd are a very sedate clan, noted primarily for their fascination with ancient lore, their solitude, their impeccably good manners, and the fact that they look like 7 foot tall space aliens. Kiasyd are also in some way connected with changelings; they are vulnerable to cold iron and have an inherent understanding of fae tricks. Their Mytherceria Discipline gives them the ability to modify reality in ways not unlike the fae. The bloodline's members are exceptionally tall and heights of over seven feet are not unusual. Their odd appearance includes chalk-white skin (which seems to glow faintly blue in the moonlight after they have recently fed), and solid black eyes. This strange visual impression may account for the clan nickname "Weirdlings". Their symbol is a moth marked with a death's head.

Lasombra
From their webs of shadows the Lasombra guide the destiny of the dread Sabbat. Unseen even by mirrors, these lords of darkness glide through the night they rule, orchestrating the rise and fall of Kindred and kine alike. From the Sahara Desert to the Spanish Main, from the monasteries of Seville to the mean streets of New York City, no other clan so embodies what it means to be a vampire. The leading lights of the Sabbat, clan Lasombra are shadowy predators and ruthless social climbers. The Lasombra exist for their own success, fighting for personal victories rather than solely for a crown to wear or a throne to sit upon. They believe that might makes right, and are willing to sacrifice anything to achieve their goals. A clan that uses spirituality as a tool rather than seeking honest enlightenment. Fiercely predatory creatures, their mindset is defined by an embrace of darkness itself. The Lasombra firmly believes that power is best held by the most worthy, and that the primary test of worthiness is acquiring said power. As a result, they are predatory, backstabbing, power-hungry and unapologetically arrogant about their position. Historically, the two clans have sought out parallel dominions. Needless to say, the Lasombra and Ventrue despise each other.

True Brujah
The True Brujah are a bloodline of Clan Brujah that claim to be descendants of the original progenitor of the Brujah clan, sometimes called Ilyes, who was diablerized by one of his own descendants, whose name was allegedly Troile. Vampires who call themselves Brujah are believed to descend from this usurper, while the True Brujah claim lineage leading directly to the original and true clan founder himself, hence their name. The True Brujah are noted for their calm, detached behavior, which puts them in contrast to the main lineage who are known for their rather short, violent tempers and anti-establishment attitudes. Respect is given by thwarting efforts of the Clan Brujah, by winning debates against one another and by increasing knowledge through their research, thoughts, and writings. Most True Brujah see the mind as more important than the body. After all, the Embrace vastly enhances the body, but it does little immediate good for the mind. Reaching the peak of physique and skill can be accomplished more easily than reaching the mental apex and with fewer tools. In order to truly reach perfection of the mind, one needs access to varied works on as many topics as possible – philosophy, theology, medicine, astronomy or other topics – and to study and debate them in detail. The Elois seek knowledge for its own sake. They choose to be erudite and sage, hoping to master their domains through craft. Few enemies are so relentless as a True Brujah and few allies are as resourceful. To further their original aim, the True Brujah seek out vampires driven to slaughter some other group of vampires and hasten the process along. On the scale of modern conflicts like the slaughter of the thin-blooded, True Brujah efforts do not amount to much. The bloodline's activists persist with the simple observation that every bit helps.

Tzimisce
"Called "fiends" even by other vampires, the Tzimisce are the masterminds behind the dread Sabbat; their atrocities have given rise to the mortals' legends of vampires stalking human prey in the night. In rejecting their humanity, the Tzimisce hope to attain something far more wondrous. Should they achieve their aim, Kindred and kine alike will have reason to fear. The Tzimisce are a clan of scholars and flesh-shapers. If someone were to call a Tzimisce inhuman and sadistic, the Tzimisce would probably commend them for their perspicacity, and then demonstrate that their mortal definition of sadism was laughably inadequate. The Tzimisce have left the human condition behind gladly, and now focus on transcending the limitations of the vampiric state. At a casual glance or a brief conversation, a Tzimisce appears to be one of the more pleasant vampires. Polite, intelligent, and inquisitive, they seem a stark contrast to the howling Sabbat mobs or even the apparently more humane Brujah or Nosferatu. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is merely a mask hiding something alien and monstrous.

 

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The Mansion

U/C: Possible rework or change of concept.

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The Sabbat Mansion is dark and foreboding, surrounded by trees that seem to howl with the wind. You can't help but feel like someone or something is watching you from within their depths.

Main Area: The main area is welcoming enough, a perfect place for a meeting. The fireplace is lit.. which would make vampires not a part of the Sabbat highly uncomfortable indeed..

Lasombra Area: The Lasombra area is decorited in lush black and purple velvet. Everything seems soft, warm and inviting enough. Blood packs are kept on ice with champaign glasses nearby. The bedrooms are spacious with king sized beds and the windows removed to keep the sunlight out.

Tzimisce Area: The Tzimisce area seems more old fashioned. Everything is made out of wood and has a circa 1800's feel. It's almost like stepping into the past. The bedrooms are comfortable as is most of the area, though one can't help but wonder what's behind the locked doors.. it seems only the Tzimisce can enter those areas.

Baali Area: The Baali stick to the basement of the mansion. Demonic shrines can be seen at every corner and symbols written all over the floors and walls. They aren't materialistic so comfortability is not a concern with them. I doubt anyone would be comfortable down in their area for long.

Black Spiral Dancers: The Black Spiral Dancers stick to the woods around the mansion, watching, waiting, preying on innocents that come close. No one knows why they have allied themselves with the Sabbat but the knowledge of it is a frightening thing indeed..

 

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Kindred of Importance

Faekats that play a major part in a clan will be listed here. They could be Disciples, Antediluvians, Methuselahs, Elders or something else. This is just a quick reference to let you know in case you come across any of them. Respect is always nice when dealing with these power players.


Ahrimanes:
Disciple: Muricia
Antediluvians:
Methuselahs:
Elders:
Nausica and Silena and Artemis

Baali:
Disciple: Eshtaractih
Antediluvians:
Methuselahs: Moloch
Elders: Astaroth and Azrath

Kiasyd:
Disciple: Marconius
Antediluvians:
Methuselahs:
Elders: Lydia Van Alexandria

Lasombra:
Disciple: Countess Isadora
Antediluvians:
Methuselahs:
Elders: Aurora van Alexandria and Dia Chela

True Brujah:
Disciple: Illyes
Antediluvians: Eiran Raz
Methuselahs:
Elders: Gabrielle

Tzimisce:
Disciple: Lilith
Antediluvians:Parthena
Methuselahs: Alber D'Cour and The Mistress
Elders: Desidario and Jabez