Custom Path of Enlightenment
Some chronicles allow for their players to develop customized powers for their characters. The following is a compilation of player created custom content in OWBN. At this time, custom content that is created and/or used by vampire PC's is required to be listed.
Path of the Faithful
The Serpents of the Light hold two things above anything else, their devotion to their respective religion and their devotion to the Sabbat. Since the discovery of the Serpents of the Light by their hated cousins, the Followers of Set, the Serpents of the Light have shown time and time again why their Brothers and Sisters in the Sword of Caine have accepted them amongst their fold by surviving, adapting, and showing true devotion.
The followers of the Path of the Faithful believe the true way to discovering their destinies is through staunch support of the Sabbat and the study of the spiritualism within, along with an unyielding dedication to the Iwa/Loa/Orisha. The followers of the Path of the Faithful are truly fanatical.
Ethics of the Path
· Always look to expand your knowledge of anything spiritual.
· Never forget the lessons of the past, for those who forget it are doomed to repeat it.
· Honoring your devotion to the Sabbat and your religion come before anything else, even your life.
· Always seek to expand the spiritual knowledge of your Brothers and Sisters.
· Seek every way to expand the Sabbat and your faith, even to those who have yet to see its truth.
Virtues
Those on Path of the Faithful practice Conviction and Self-Control.
Path of the Faithful Hierarchy of Sins
1. Taking action that would undermine the Code of Milan. Not taking advantage of an opportunity to learn more about anything spiritual.
2. Not taking part in your respective religious or Sabbat holidays. Not respecting those of higher religious or Sabbat station.
3. Knowingly interacting with one who worships or follows an Antediluvian. Failing to take the opportunity to expand a Brother or Sister’s spiritual knowledge.
4. Knowingly interacting with one who is deemed Heretical by your religion or the Sabbat. Failing to take the opportunity to destroy one who follows an Antediluvian when the opportunity presents itself.
5. Refusing to lay down your life in the defense of the Sabbat or the Iwa/Loa/Orisha. Falling out of favor of your patron Iwa/Loa/Orisha.
Path of the Forged Beast
May 5th, 2013
Nickname: Forged
Follows Conviction and Instinct
5 - Not following a self-destructive command from a Controller
4 - Failing to ride the wave in Frenzy / Succumbing to Rötschrek
3 - Failing to push your limits / Refusing to kill to when important for your safety
2 - Showing cowardice / Showing your enemies mercy
1 - Denying vampiric needs / Abstaining from feeding when hungry
I realized that Orion was only part of it and can be easily included just by having a Controller command the assault to one of those listed in its Sins. Just failing to hunt something didn't fit as much of the behavioral aspect as I had explained, so I looked at other Paths and found that parts of two particular Paths outlined things really well without getting into the advanced mental enlightenment that cannot be acheived normally by this type of concept. I struggled on such and had level five as a 'to be determined' for later on, then it kinda came to me. Instead, it reflects the Forged's acceptance that it is a disposable weapon and would walk into the sun if commanded.
Just like the disciplines and abilities, how fast it develops up this Path depends on how others work with him.
This morality centers on the appetites and authority of a lord as he bonds to his people and his land, and the avarice only those who enjoy great privilege could indulge. The beast’s thirst is slaked with decadence, and hunger is sated by power tempered with loyalty. The term “lord” implies one directly above the individual in a hierarchy (such as a ductus or, if the individual is a ductus, a bishop, but not someone who is the lord of one’s lord) and vassal implies one directly under the adherent’s command, such as a pack member if one is a ductus. Individuals who are mere servants (typical ghouls, creatures, blood dolls) do not count as vassals.
Rex Carnivorous upholds Self Control and Conviction.
One Trait Sins: Turning down the opportunity for increased power, deliberately betraying a vassal or lord, abdicating a position of authority. Accidental betrayal of or a lord, break one’s word to a vassal or a lord, failing to indulge in offers of pleasure from those submissive to you. Declining promotion.
Two Trait Sins: Failing to attempt to protect a vassal, declining a non-suicidal order from a lord, declining gifts or offers of submission. Living in anything but richness (fine clothes, accommodations, etc), giving to the poor, pausing in feeding before you are full
Three Trait Sins: Losing a position of power, failing to increase one’s personal wealth given opportunity. Abuse of a vassal, use of your station for the gain of another.
Four Trait Sins: Allowing the Beast to attack a lord, or allowing it to kill a Vassal.
Five Trait Sins: Leaving an insult to one’s self, lord or vassals unanswered, failing to indulge in carnal vice. Having a vassal or lord die under any circumstances. Not taking full advantage of those under your Kiss (either for pleasure or for power).
Path of the Voices:
The Path of the Voices has one become devoted to the disembodied Voices that are a constant presence in their own mind. The strictest adherents of this Path develop a religious and often fanatical devotion to the Voices, believing their every word and obeying every command—no matter how nonsensical or contradictory—with absolute conviction.
Because Cainites are supernatural beings, they’re various supernatural senses and abilities might be the source of some or even all of the Voices. If the follower of this path is sure of the easily explainable source of a Voice or Voices (e.g. wraiths, another Cainite using Telepathy, etc.), they are not truly of the mysterious Voices, and therefore do not relate to this path. (Note: This is not an excuse for a player to avoid a Virtue Test because he says his character believes it’s not really the Voices this time; they must have a reasonable doubt with some evidence. Storytellers should watch out for player abuse of this kind, as it is not a path that’s so easy to follow.)
The Path of the Voices teaches Conviction and Instinct.
Hierarchy of Sins:
Traits
Violations
1
Trying to suppress or rid oneself of the Voices (either temporarily or permanently)
2
Ignoring the Voices (i.e. not responding to or acknowledging them); allowing others to suppress or rid (i.e. “cure”) you of the Voices
3
Denying to others that you hear the Voices; providing a mundane explanation behind the Voices (e.g. they’re only a manifestation of mental illness, or they’re just ghosts)
4
Doubting or questioning the Voices; failing to encourage others to try to hear the Voices when they ask about them
5
Disobeying or directly contradicting the Voices
- Taking retribution on the unjust is the highest moral end. Freedom, happiness, and even life itself all are secondary to this sole purpose. Do not allow such unimportant drivel to distract you from advancing on the path, and certainly don’t allow it to interfere with your duties.
- The Beast is an inherent aspect of all Cainites. It is not something to be rejected, and certainly not an excuse to be used when one wishes to avoid taking responsibility. Become familiar with your beast, as it has a valuable intuition, especially when it comes to retaliation. However, be aware that the beast has its flaws, and that, while it can help you dispense justice, the beast on its own does such poorly. Directing its destructive urges is paramount to the path, but avoiding frenzy in the first place will always be better than letting a frenzy run uncontrolled.
- Punishment is broad, in all of its senses. Do not feel restricted when administering it, and do not feel restricted when choosing whom to administer it to. Torture, enslavement, and even diablerie are all acceptable, so long as the target has earned his just deserts.
- Mercy not only reveals weakness, but also iniquity. Do not accept any of the ridiculous doctrines, created mostly for mortals, which demand that you “turn the other cheek” when confronting injustice. Such is sickening, unnatural, counterproductive, and evil. Tolerating such ideas may be done, but only if it, in the end, furthers the cause of retribution. While spouting pacifistic nonsense may not inherently qualify Cainites for immediate punishment, do not hesitate if they prove themselves worthy of it.
- Hold open communication and a general respect for other vigilantes. They may know more about situations than you, or may be more experienced in some aspects of justice, such as investigation or politics. In addition, do not be afraid to teach those who may be candidates for the path, or even those who are simply interested. Quality will come only after quantity does.
- You will cause injustice, and you are not exempt from retribution. Other vigilantes may punish you, although killing a servant of justice is forbidden. More importantly, however, you can and should punish yourself regularly for your transgressions. Painful rituals are preferable, but self-imposed impairments may also be utilized. To say that you should punish yourself for causing injustice is not to say that you should avoid injustice. While such is ideal, any follower who would rather refuse to act than to cause some injustice while taking retribution should reflect on his priorities.
- Justice is relative in many ways. It depends on circumstances which dictate both the appropriate punishment and the punishment that can be pragmatically administered. More importantly, it depends on the judge in question, as all vigilantes continually refine and develop their respective standards of justice. Nobody, it appears, has any truly objective standard of justice, although such perhaps exists. Regardless, it is the duty of the vigilante to devote much of his time and effort to learning more about the nature of justice.
- Paragons of the path, magistrates, must be willing to provide their penal services. They must listen to a client’s case, and make an unbiased effort to administer justice. This will likely involve further investigation, and does not have to satisfy the client. In fact, the vigilante may and should even punish the client, if the case warrants it. Others would do best not to consult a paragon of the path lightly.
- The swift retribution of the truest of adherents should take no more than two months, preferably sooner. However, the countdown for such swift retribution can only begin after the vigilante has the facts of the event in his grasp. The injustice must be fresh in the perpetrator’s mind. One should also ideally ensure that the perpetrator knows his crime.
- Be pragmatic. Justice is an end, not a means to an end. The ends justify the means. Remember, a dead servant of justice is no servant of justice at all. A vigilante has the duty to live on to take retribution another day.
Paths of Enlightenment
Path of Zillah’s Tears
10 |
Failing to pursue understanding of Zillah for any reason |
All we do is for our mother, we must revere all knowledge of her. |
9 |
Falling to complete any objective set by the Hand |
All who serve antediluvians are the enemies of the Chosen. |
8 |
Placing personal concerns over duty. Failing to learn new skills or powers. |
Those who are already dead have nothing to fear. Always grow and learn, knowledge will provide the edge over the adversaries. |
7 |
Failing to destroy an unrepentant servants of the Antediluvians. |
The enemies of the Sabbat are those responsible for slaying our mother Zillah. |
6 |
Being disrespectful to those above your station. Disobeying a direct order. |
The Hand is a precision a tool of vengeance, the chain of command is how that tool is wielded. |
5 |
Failing to carry out sentence in someone who has been judged by the Hand |
We will reclaim the blood from broods of the betrayers. |
4 |
Failing to pursue evidence of Caine if there is only minor danger involved. |
Through knowing our history we can fight the ancients who slew their sires. |
3 |
Failing to honor an obligation to the Hand/Divulging Hand secrets |
Our responsibility is what sets us apart. The will of the Hand is not up for public discussion or scrutiny. |
2 |
Failing to participate in the rituals of the Hand |
The rituals of the Hand teach us our purpose and our course. |
1 |
Acting against another Hand Member |
Through unity the Hand can be kept strong. |
Nickname
The Chosen
Basic Beliefs
You are Caine's Chosen, you act in his name and for Zillah's Vengeance. You serve in the Sabbat, but this is a means to an end. The true sword of Caine is not in the ragged army, but the disciplined militia. There is no higher devotion or higher purpose than to serve their will. To work tirelessly, and selflessly to serve your mother and grant peace through reclaiming unworthy blood. Not all members of the Black Hand follow this path, only those who wish to make their devotion the most central pillar of their existence.
Ethics of the Path
-
Support the Hand in all its endeavors.
-
Humans are not cattle, but trying to live amongst them leads to demagoguery. Do not fall to the illusion that you are a god.
-
Learn from history, knowing the lore of Nod and the history of Cainites is the only path to salvation.
-
The Beast is the baser impulse, you cannot judge the worthiness of others without a clear head.
-
Have dignity, the Sabbat allows you to serve because they fear your discipline and your loyalty to your brothers, they will turn on the Hand without a healthy dose of fear.
-
Serve with reverence and act with loyalty.
Virtures
Conviction, Self-Control, Courage
History
This Path was created as a bridge between the esoteric needs of the Lost Tribe, and the pragmatic needs of the Black Hand’s modern disciples. The basic principles were drawn from the unearthed teachings of the Akhkharu. Reflections of this path can be seen among modern Noddists, Knights and Dervishes the path was created to allow no room for deviation in the mission of the Black Hand. The Chosen are fanatics that know they must not be seen as fanatics.
After an extended period of fighting his own nature as a Catharist, Agent Clockwork, the first known practitioner helped influence the creation of this path and claims that it is rooted in tenets far more ancient than most paths followed even in the Long Night. Where he gleaned these insights from he refuses to divulge, but alludes to the acceptance of his practices from the Seraphim. Learning of theologies that existed before the concept of the demiurge he eschewed duality for the paradigm set forth by the Noddist scholars of the Black Hand.
Current Practices
In a pack the Chosen performs their role admirably. The ability to stay out of politics is a blessing to most Chosen, as they would rather focus on more important matters. However directing the course of events in the Sabbat is at times important to keep the sect moving towards its ultimate ends.
When on mission they come alive, they have already died twice, their only true purpose is to serve Caine (and Zillah, if they know about her). They are always living a double life, even as a public agent they likely know things that are incredibly sensitive, and could harm the Hand if exposed. Discipline and discretion are key, stand above reproach so there is never a reason to be scrutinized.
Description of Followers
“We are monsters, we are sinners, and heathens. Our only choice is to seek redemption, for we know the truth. Our Dark Father and our Mother Zillah are the only ones who can grant us salvation.”
Devotion, piety, and devastating efficiency are the marks of the trade. The credited originator of the path is well known as a technocrat and modernist as his moniker would imply. While pack life is important your true loyalty is always to Zillah and her cause. Even control over city politics is a fleeting distraction compared to the larger goal, you must prepare for the final nights. The time for retribution is nigh!
Codenames and secret languages become normal, all life outside the Hand is a charade after enough time as an agent. You work to build a reputation for being competent as an individual that the Sabbat can turn to so your value is never put to question. In reality you question every move you make in terms of how it will serve the Hand in the end. Your psyche is a maze that you have built, the compass which leads you through is your devotion a higher purpose.
In the Sword of Caine, Chosen, will often associate with Knights, as their straight forwardness is simple to deal with. They will also take part in sermons of Caine and other rites so as to glean insight into other views of Caine and his will, listening to the philosophical bantering of others leads to inspiration, although their inmost thoughts are likely to be closely guarded. All other philosophies have some insight to share, the only ones considered heretical by the Chosen are those who deify other entities such as Lillith, or the rhetoric of Setites. Once you have witnessed history for yourself, you can not accept the truly profane.
Following the Path
Rigorous training on all fronts until the end of time. This is the unlife, you are already dead, who are you to complain? The job is where you are happiest, when working on local issues it sometimes feels as if dealing with the minor leagues. You will follow your orders to the end of the world, that might even be the point of all this. This does not mean you don't have gripes, or disagree with your superiors, but you know the difference between the field and the day to day, one has room for deliberation and one does not.
There are many viewpoints and ideas in the Hand, and this is essential. However all viewpoints converge on the importance of upholding Caine's ideals and acing upon his will, the variations are on how to achieve this goal. You may not have all of the solutions right now, but that is why you do not act alone, through teamwork and brotherhood the Chosen will achieve final retribution.
Those not in the Black Hand are to be observed. Some have not yet had the chance to prove their worth, others can be used as tools to bring the Chosen closer to their goals. Create situations that will allow you to gauge their mettle when you can. If other Cainites only dishonor the cause then root them out and display their failures to make room for more worthy individuals. While many would prefer to live only amongst other Hand members this is not a tenable situation within the Sword of Caine.
Common Abilities
This lifestyle is incredibly demanding, and requires juggling several responsibilities at once. Knowledge of history is of utmost importance, understanding of Caine, Zillah and the events of the past define the life of the Chosen. To be true judges means to be able to execute sentence, martial prowess is essential. Beyond this all Chosen have their roles to fulfill in the Hand which requires constant training be it stealth for shakari, occult studies for magi, or intrigue based abilities for spies.
Preferred Disciplines
Almost all Hand agents learn at least the rudiments of Potence, Celerity and Fortitude, as well as any other in clan physical disciplines. Auspex and Obfuscate are both essential for investigation. Magic is prized for its versatility, but hard to come by for many agents. The Chosen will learn whatever tools are required to play their chosen part in the Jyhad.
Notable Followers
Clockwork…
The Code of the Biker
Virtues - Conviction/Self-Control
Diablerie - Allowable - Consuming the soul of your enemy is the ultimate respect. You have chosen to take their strength to add to your own and to continue their Journey. As your gain Honor, so do those within you.
Path Sins
1 - Breaking your Word to your superiors. Breaking a Sworn Oath. - Honor is your lifeblood. Protect it at all cost. Without our Word, we are nothing.
2 - Failing to answer a challenge to your Honor. Treating a Superior with Disrespect. - Never back away from a challenge. Honor must be Maintained, for it is our lifeblood. Show Respect, but only if it is earned. A weak superior with No Honor deserves nothing. But if they are worthy, give them the respect they are due.
3 - Behaving Shamefully before your Peers. Showing weakness in front of inferiors. To the follower of the Code, Honor and Reputation are your lifeblood. Without Honor, we are nothing. Our Reputation is only as good as our Word. Followers of the Code must be strong enough to lead their followers or they will lose them.
4 - Treating an inferior as an equal. Breaking your Word to you Peer. - Advanced followers of the Code know that Trust is only earned by being Trustworthy. Thus if they give their Word, they will uphold it. They also know that everyone has a place in the world, and should be treated by that station.
5 - Neglecting Your Duty. Treating a peer with Disrespect. Paragons of the Code earn their respect by acting in a respectful manner and treating others with the respect they are due. Paragons know their responsibilities are their lifeblood and those that fail often lose.
The Path of Power and the Focused Will
Conviction &Self-Control
10: Denying responsibility for your actions
9: Treating your underlings poorly
8: Failing to respect your superiors
7: Neglecting your responsibility as a leader
6: Behaving shamefully before your peers
5: Failing to kill when it's in your interests
4: Submitting to the errors of others
3: Failing to answer a challenge to your authority
2: Turning down an opportunity for power
1: Breaking your sworn oath
The Path of the Alban Wheel(pointed wheel) is a divergence from the Road of Sin: Path of the Eightfold Wheel. Those that follow this path have an aura of tranquility about them. Unlike the Road of Sin, this path is Self Control and Conscience as willfully following the Gods should be a considered act rather than an instinctual one.
While this path does not preclude violence, it is one of introspection, self reflection, and willful decision. The druids and priests of the old gods held the tribes together as teachers, healers, councilors, and judges. Followers of many Indo-European gods might find their way to this path, though Einjerjar might take umbrage if they come across those that follow it while revering the Norse gods.
Heirarchy of Sins against the Path of the Alban Wheel
Score Minimum Wrongdoing Rationale
10 Failing to spend time alone in the silence of nature
It is through nature that the gods are revealed to us.
9 Betraying a secret
The Druids teach us that we must be blind where secrets are concerned.
8 Failing to care for the sick and the weak
One cannot be strong without concern for others.
7 Letting pride come before justice
One must be strong toward the strong and weak toward the strengthless.
6 Failing to honor the spirits of nature
The spirits aid and guide us.
5 Failing to honor the gods
The gods created the world that sustains us.
4 Breaking a promise
A promise is a sacred bond.
3 Acting to upset the balance of nature
For the righteous must seek balance in all things
2 Damaging the image of the gods
One should strive always to honor the gods in thoughts and deed.
1 Failure to seek self-knowledge
Never permit self-deception to obscure knowledge of the self.