Custom Path of Enlightenment

Paths of Enlightenment

Path of Zillah’s Tears

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…