Custom Path of Enlightenment

Nickname: Noddists
Virtues: Conviction, Self-Control, Courage

Basic Beliefs: Noddists hold that the defining way to inner peace is found in an understanding of oneselfand the pursuit of knowledge. Uncovering this wisdom requires the contemplation of one’s desires and practicing restraint when necessary.

Path of the Dark Father is a journey ultimately walked alone. There are no mandatory or established meetings or prescribed rituals for the Path, though others may (and are encouraged to) be consulted about their insights. It has no formal leadership, but those who have reached an understanding of what they are earn the respect of others on the Path. One’s true measure can only be understood by oneself.

The Cainites on this Path study their race’s history and their founder: Caine. They search for missing pieces to the Book of Nod and accept the book as a truth to be explored and deciphered. They seek to find Caine and serve him as faithful childer. They are eschatologists as well, studying the concept and evidence of Gehenna as well as all aspects of the great cycle of vampiric events. Noddists pursue knowledge in all its forms to uncover the secrets they may reveal.

Diablerie is practiced not only for its inherent material power, but to become closer to Caine. The followers of this Path seek to eliminate the Antediluvians more fervently than any others within the sect.

Path of the Dark Father's focus is not with the "salvation" of the vampire. Instead, it seeks to encourage the natural order of the universe created by God. Those on this Path believe that vampirism was established by God. Vampires are part of the natural order and it is not "evil" for them to act in the manner vampires should. To avoid this natural behavior is "evil," as it defies the natural order. Vampires should seek to sanctify their normal existence, not avoid it.

Hierarchy of Sins

1. Failing to pursue wisdom through the exercise of restraint when appropriate. Do not go to extremes simply for its own sake.

2. Failing to develop your willpower. Learn the meaning of inner strength.

3. Failing to pursue knowledge. Learn as much as possible about vampiric history, especially that which concerns Caine.

4. Failing to pursue a chance to drink the blood of enemy Cainites, specifically those more ancient than yourself, and thereby grow closer to Caine.

5. Failing to meditate and spend time alone to better understand yourself.

6. Disrespecting those on this Path who have come closer to the truth than yourself.

7. Failing to recognize that you are of the race of Caine, and humans are the race of Abel. It is your right to take their lives at will. It is the curse placed upon Caine and all his children.

8. Failing to destroy or attempt to convert Humane vampires. Caine's wisdom must be offered, but to ultimately reject His teachings and not seek to understand, must be punished.

9. Never Frenzy. Fight the Beast inside you. Master it. You are stronger. Never succumb to frenzy. It was this Beast which caused Caine to murder Abel. The Beast will force you to murder whether you want to

or not.

10. Failing to live in peace among humanity’s works whenever possible. Do not reveal your existence to the humans. You were not meant to live with them as a brother or sister.

History

The Path of the Dark Father was developed by an adherent to the Road of Caine, which evolved into two recognized Paths of Enlightenment: The Path of Caine and the Path of Nod, with the latter focusing on restrained judgement and analysis in theory and ethics, but not in practice.

With much study and no small degree of consternation, it was revealed that the inherent lack of self-control as well as the lack of introspection and proper deference to all formal and proper ritae, the Path of Nod was insufficient in service to Caine.

Today, the Path is respected but has only a small following.

Current Practices

Noddists actively explore the various aspects of the Cainite condition and its place amongst rituals, philosophies and the like. Cainites on this Path value time alone in thought, though they are not necessarily loners by nature; most just prefer to spend time considering what it means to be a Cainite. They do actively support the dissemination of knowledge and some become rather fanatical in their evangelism.

Path members study the Book of Nod and preach from it. Most Path members take an active interest in the play presented at each year’s Palla Grande, often taking the roles of characters in it. Noddists test themselves in personal trials, but take little interest in the more competitive rituals.

Description of Followers

Most followers of this Path are reserved, but some are more outspoken. Even those who are usually soft-spoken, are still prone to defend their ideals with a fervent passion and tend to be noncompetitive. They seek wisdom, studying philosophy, history and many other areas of knowledge.