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.

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Path of the Voices

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

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

Trying to suppress or rid oneself of the Voices (either temporarily or permanently)

Ignoring the Voices (i.e. not responding to or acknowledging them); allowing others to suppress or rid (i.e. “cure”) you of the Voices

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)

Doubting or questioning the Voices; failing to encourage others to try to hear the Voices when they ask about them

Disobeying or directly contradicting the Voices

Date of Archival: 28-Jan-2018

Sabbat

Path of Undying Justice

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

Path of Undying Justice

Nickname: Vigilantes

Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;

Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!

For I have killed a man for wounding me,

Even a young man for hurting me.

If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,

Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

- Genesis 4:23-24, the “Song of the Sword” (NKJV)

Basic Beliefs

The core of the vigilante’s unlife consists of the pursuit of justice, or, perhaps more accurately, the pursuit of retribution taken against injustice. Of course, this simply raises the question of what justice, or injustice, itself consists of. While the path does not prescribe any one code of justice, those who follow it, being Cainites, are likely to come up with a variety of uniquely inhuman codes which, when violated, obligate the vigilante to take retribution on the violator. Despite this ideological variety, those who walk the path universally acknowledge two particular aspects of retribution, directly related to one another, as both undeniably true and undeniably important.

First, retribution exists as an end in itself. To rephrase Orwell: “The purpose of retribution is retribution.” Any lesson which the recipient learns, or any unfair advantage leveled, in the process of retribution is not, ultimately, the focus of the path, although the adherent may very well still be concerned with these things.

Second, the vigilante takes retribution through the application of punishment. He does not merely inflict punishment. Note that, when one takes retribution, one becomes both the subject and the object of the action. The follower of the path acts ultimately for his own, personal sense of justice, and the consequences of his actions upon others become secondary concerns. In contrast, when one merely inflicts punishment, the person on whom punishment is inflicted becomes the object, and subsequently this person overshadows the vigilante’s sense of justice, resulting in a perversion of priorities. As the path instructs its adherents to cultivate and enforce their own personal standard of justice above all else, the vigilante must always remember to take retribution, with punishment as the means. To mistake this means with the end is to effectively abandon the path.

In light of the self-centered nature of retribution, it should not be surprising that the freshest of followers seem to act as if injustice simply means whatever happens to piss them off. Yet, after a while, this impulsive conception of justice fades away, leaving room for a myriad of unique, philosophical ideas which can be tested in action or in thought. As more and more of these are found wanting, the adherent refines his standard of justice, and, in doing so, continually creates newer and better codes of conduct which he expects himself, and everyone else, to follow.

Indeed, this process reflects, or perhaps causes, a general trend among the followers of the path, who begin as relatively lawless vigilantes and advance to become administrators of their very own law, magistrates. The key difference between these two classes of adherents arises from their duties: The former only needs to seek justice in his very own unlife, while the latter, by definition, offers to enforce his law for others as well. Thus, when the average vigilante is approached by an ally who asks for direct assistance concerning some situation, he may very well refuse, but the magistrate has the distinct duty to offer justice to all who ask for it.

Of course, those who ask a magistrate for assistance should be wary of the consequences. A path follower may very well assess the situation only to find that the ally was the truly unjust one here, and consequently take retribution upon that ally. Paragons of justice must not, after all, permit any unjustified bias, although the less enlightened servants of justice have some leeway in the matter.

Indeed, the pragmatic side of the path must be highlighted, lest one get the impression that the followers of Undying Justice must be starry-eyed idealists. Just as those lower on the path may be able to harbor some bias, they also may be able to spend exceedingly long amounts of time actually taking retribution for any single injustice. Consider the neonate who only has the power to rebalance the scales with his sire after decades of development. These lenient standards are adequate for those who have not yet achieved the power to enforce justice swiftly and without bias, but once an adherent has obtained this power, his obligation to pursue justice forces him to enact retribution more effectively. Justice seems quite meritocratic: promotion comes when one has the ability to conduct a higher calling.

However, beyond even these practical allowances, which are slowly diminished as one advances on the path, there are more permanent duties which prove that the path does not really endorse idealism. In general, the vigilante’s goal should be to take retribution as effectively as possible. This means that one has a duty, consequentialist in nature, to use whatever means necessary to maximize retribution. Take, for instance, the duty which all followers of the path have to remain in the world of the living. This duty even extends to other vigilantes, as they have also devoted their unlife to justice (one opts for punishments such as torture or impairment rather than execution when taking retribution on other vigilantes). As losing a servant of justice for any single retribution can only be inefficient, martyrdom in the path is strictly prohibited, barring extraordinary circumstances. Yes, those who follow the path of Undying Justice have their ideals, but they certainly act like pragmatists, rather than idealists.

Hierarchy of Sins

5 Refusing to serve as magistrate Failing to enact swift retribution

4 Refusing to instruct allies about justice Acting on an unjustified bias

3 Killing another on the path Failing to guide a frenzy

2 Acting on or encouraging mercy Putting personal concerns above duty

1 Ignoring or pardoning an injustice Killing for any purpose other than retribution

Ethics of the Path

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.

History

As the Path of Undying Justice itself seems little-known, only a few individuals have any solid information concerning its foundation and history. Those few who do must have made acquaintance with the path’s founder, a Salubri Antitribu who calls himself Lamech. This Salubri himself has only existed for about a dozen years, so the path is extraordinarily young.

Perhaps more interesting than it’s youth is the method by which it had been created. After all, it appears that most path founders wander purposeless for decades, if not centuries, before accumulating enough knowledge in order to craft their very own way of life. It seems impossible to have forged a path of enlightenment in less than a decade.

Lamech does not claim to have ever undergone any period of confusion in his unlife. Instead, he explains the process of creating a path in terms of the Sabbat’s Creation Rites. Just as a newfound recruit may emerge from a grave of dirt following, say, the Path of Honorable Accord, Lamech had been reborn into the world imbued with a new, distinctly retributive purpose. He thinks of it as no great feat; he simply discovered a new way to coexist with the Beast.

Currently, Lamech hopes to instruct others in the path, increasing the number of adherents and, thus, ultimately increasing the amount of justice in the world.

Current Practices

Any follower of the Path of Undying Justice should focus his unlife on taking retribution by inflicting punishment on the unjust. All punishments would ideally inform the transgressor of his transgression, be swift, and cause much harm to that transgressor. Generally speaking, any harm will do, but in practice three general fields of punishment may arise: execution, torture, and impairment. In other words, the vigilante will either kill the unjust, inflict pain on the unjust, or in some way limit the unjust. Traditionally, mortal societies have relied upon impairment, whether by utilizing prisons or by chopping off hands.

Adherents will differentiate themselves, in part, by choosing and specializing in the various aspects of punishment. For instance, Lamech prioritizes harmfulness over the other two ideal functions of punishment, and specializes in administering torture. Another Vigilante may prefer swift executions, and yet another may prefer very informative impairments. Nonetheless, all vigilantes will share one commonality: their punishment will seem disproportionate to those who have not been initiated in the ways of justice.

In fact, the vigilante’s standard of justice will almost always include proportionate punishment. It’s just that even the slightest of violations will warrant a harsh penalty. So, a lesser violation, like perhaps lying, might warrant a fair bit of pain, but a greater violation, like perhaps stealing, would warrant a full-blown torture session. This is in part because the Beast with which the vigilante cooperates motivates him reak havoc on the unjust. Thus, retribution, for the enlightened, consists of what could be considered excessive punishments. This is what an adherent’s standard of justice demands of him.

Yet, there may be one more reason why a vigilante can give seemingly disproportionate punishment. Simply put, vigilantes often do give such punishment. Beyond mere mistakes, the path encourages its followers to inflict truly excessive punishment and take retribution on themselves later for this excessiveness, rather than to inflict an inappropriately lenient punishment. Thus, taking retribution on oneself becomes a common enough practice, and each individual vigilante may end up creating unique rituals for the process.

Description of Followers

All humans understand the basic passion to distribute justice. A father does not think of any greater goods when he obliterates his daughter’s rapist. Some individuals feel this motivation at the core of their being, as a key aspect of their identity. Perhaps the Catholic Church would condemn them as “wrathful”, but these individuals, in turn, probably wouldn’t care much for the Christian idea of “turning the other cheek”. It is the passion for justice which underlies the existence of all vigilantes, and thus these sorts of individuals are the most likely to become adherents of the Path of Undying Justice after the Embrace.

In order for any Cainite to adopt a path, he must undergo various trials which both serve to test his worthiness and to strip away whatever morality he had in the past. For potential vigilantes, these trials serve to fan the flames of this passion for justice, until this passion consumes and replaces all others. Any past passion, whether it be platonic, romantic, or religious, can only now be seen through the flickering flames of justice. Comrades, lovers, and even God himself can only remain important so long as they abide by one’s standards of justice.

Considering how deep the passion for justice infiltrates all other passions, it should not be surprising that many newly initiated adherents will simply abandon those other passions. Who needs camaraderie, love, or spirituality when one has wrath? Indeed, those who surrender completely to justice are those who will advance farthest in the path. They lose all temptations towards mercy, towards unjustified bias, towards even their own personal concerns. Their duty as a servant of justice sums up the whole of their unlife.

Perhaps the most worrying of sins, mercy consists of a very human action, in which one diminishes the punishment that a transgressor will receive. It is anathema to the path. A vigilante who is merciful is a contradiction in terms. However, a vigilante may certainly appear merciful, if this facade ultimately assists him in taking retribution on the transgressor in question. For instance, a cunning vigilante could assist a transgressor multiple times and acquire his trust, only to backstab him at the most important of times.

Thus, on rare occasions, a follower of the Path of Undying Justice may appear kind, while truly acting on his passion for justice. For the most part, however, the vigilantes don’t feel the need to pretend to be anything other than what they truly are: monstrous, unempathetic judges.

Some Words Concerning Bias

Here, let bias be defined as broadly as possible, with it meaning partiality for one agent or group of agents and against another agent or group of agents. One may notice that such a definition includes a diverse variety of phenomena. However, a vigilante should only feel the compulsion to avoid unjustified biases. The adherent may act upon justified biases freely, but, then, what determines which biases are justified and which are not? A bias may be justified if it meets one of two basic criteria: practicality or generalizability.

A bias is practically justifiable if the follower believes that he could not function effectively without it, or if the bias would place a unrealizable burden on the follower. Consider, for instance, the bias that a vigilante may have towards agents who happen to be in his proximity. It may seem a bit arbitrary to act on individuals who are closer to you, rather than those who are far away, but one must divert one’s resources somewhere, and the most practical place to do so is simply in one’s proximity.

A bias is also justifiable if the follower believes that some systematic difference exists between agents or groups of agents which is relevant to his standard of justice. On the most basic level, this means that vigilantes may, of course, judge others. It cannot be said to be unjustifiably biased for the vigilante to consider one person moral and another immoral. This appears to become more complicated, however, when groups are involved.

Consider the following questions. Is it unjustifiably biased to prefer one clan over another? To prefer one’s species over another? To refuse to speak to an ex-lover merely because he is an ex-lover? In all of these cases, there are systematic differences between the groups. The question becomes: are these systematic differences relevant when considering the vigilante’s standard of justice?

It seems unlikely that another’s status as “ex-lover” will be relevant. On the other hand, it seems clear that there are important differences between Cainites and humans. The first have the Beast and supernaturally capabilities, as well as potentially eternal life. The blood of Cain flows through them, and the Cainites seem paradoxically closer to and farther away from God. Any of these reasons could factor into a vigilante’s standard of justice and, thus, justify a bias for Cainites and against humankind.

Another example comes from the sects. A Sabbat devotee may have a justified bias against Camarilla members because those members, he believes, serve the Antediluvians. If his standard of justice deems that these ancient vampires are unjust, and that whoever serves them is unjust as well, then most Camarilla members would seem to be unjust, and thus he would have a justified bias against them.

Ultimately, it must be up to players and storytellers to ensure that what should be a relatively strict path sin remains a potent force in the characters unlife. Only so many biases can be justified before the path sin becomes meaningless, and Cainites make mistakes all of the time. A path should never be easy to walk, and being without unjustified biases should limit a character significantly, as well as provide interesting internal conflicts.

Following the Path

There exist two sides of the Path of Undying Justice. First, there is the scholarly, passive side, with which the adherent formulates and refines a standard of justice. Second, there is the passionate, activist side, with which the adherent actually lives out that standard. Both sides are necessary for the follower to walk down the path, but each individual is likely to develop a unique combination of the two, with which they flourish best. For instance, Lamech has been known to disappear for months at a time in order to meditate on matters of import.

Altogether, then, each vigilante must make sure to figure out which of his talents are most suitable in the pursuit of justice, and to capitalize upon them. If forced to choose between the swiftness of the retribution, the harmfulness of it, or the information he gives to the receiver of it, which will he prioritize? What mode of punishment will he specialize in: execution, torture, or impairment? Will he lean more towards the scholarly side of the path, or the activist side? What does justice, and thus injustice, consist of? None can answer these questions but the individual himself, and the answers are never as stable as one would hope.

Virtues

Characters who follow the Path of Undying Justice must cultivate their Instinct as well as their Conviction.

Common Abilities

As combat is perhaps the most difficult part of following the path, a vigilante should consider developing his Physical traits as well as the basic combat abilities: Brawl, Melee, Dodge, and Survival. In addition, he may wish to find abilities which complement whatever method of punishment he prefers.

Preferred Disciplines

The vigilante should ensure that he has an adequate method of punishment. Potence, in particular, comes to mind, but clever uses of other disciplines, such as Obfuscate, may also be important. Certain powers of the blood will be particularly appropriate, such as the Burning Touch of the Salubri Antitribu.

Guidelines for Path Checks

Path 1: Sin A) “Ignoring or pardoning an injustice” The vigilante must path check if he either

refuses to acknowledge a violation of his standards of justice or if he refuses to

acknowledge that he must take retribution on the violator.

Sin B) “Killing for any purpose other than retribution” Note that this does not mean that

one cannot kill an innocent. One can kill anyone, anywhere, at any time, so long

as it ultimately helps one take retribution. If one does kill an innocent, however,

one should also take retribution upon oneself. Accidentally killing others does not

cause one to path check, as one did not kill for any purpose at all in such cases.

Path 2: Sin A) “Acting on or encouraging mercy” This is very much like the first path sin (1A),

but a bit stricter in spirit. One acts on mercy if one applies too little punishment

without any intent to fully punish the transgressor later. One encourages mercy

when one encourages others to apply too little punishment on those who have

violated one’s standards of justice. Note that one does not care about others’

standards of justice.This path check is not relevant in situations where too much

punishment is inflicted, although the vigilante should rebalance the scales with

whoever does inflict excessive punishment, even if it is himself.

Sin B) “Putting personal concerns above duty” A vigilante has three duties: to survive, to

continually refine his standard of justice, and to take retribution. The follower must path check if he indulges in personal concerns at the cost of one of these duties.

Path 3: Sin A) “Killing another on the path” Pretty straight forward. If the vigilante finds out

later that someone he killed was another vigilante, he must path check then.

Sin B) “Failing to guide a frenzy” This means that a path check occurs if the vigilante

attempted to guide a frenzy and failed. It does not occur if the vigilante does not actually attempt to guide a frenzy, as he may choose to do in cases where he has more than double the amount of Instinct as compared to the level of the frenzy challenge.

Path 4: Sin A) “Refusing to instruct allies about justice” This simply means that the vigilante

cannot refuse to talk about his own standards of justice with whoever he happens

to consider an ally, if that ally asks. Of course, he need not instruct that ally

immediately. He can wait for a suitable time and place.

Sin B) “Acting on an unjustified bias” See “Some Words Concerning Bias”

Path 5: Sin A) “Refusing to serve as magistrate” This requires that the vigilante, who has by

now actually become a magistrate, accept all requests for him to assess a situation

and then apply his standard of justice to it. To refuse any such request would

result in a path check. The adherent must make whatever effort possible to follow up on the request. Assessing a situation adequately can take anywhere from two seconds to a few years. A situation is adequately assessed when the magistrate

believes that he knows the gist of what occurred. Note, here, that the magistrate’s

duty is to both assess and judge a certain situation. If someone requests that you do only one of these tasks, or to do even more tasks, then the magistrate may feel free to deny that someone.

Sin B) “Failing to enact swift retribution” Here, this means that, after assessing a

situation adequately, the vigilante/magistrate must apply his standard of justice,

taking retribution in the process, within two months.

- Written by Wyatt M. McDaniel

(Modeled after entries in Chaining the Beast)

Date of Archival: 12-May-2015

Sabbat

Path of Zillah's Tears

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

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…

Date of Archival: 31-Jan-2015

Sabbat

Road of Heaven Infernalism Detection Aura

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

Each aura rank extends the aura 3 steps (aura 1 is 3 steps, Aura 2 is 6 steps etc.)

+1 Self-control while in aura

Infernalists or demons within the aura cause a sixth sense to trigger in the PC. This acts akin to "Danger sense" in which it allows the PC to have an off feeling when confronted.

Please be advised that auras stim from by on a Road of enlightenment rather than a path and addition information on it can be found in the supplement book Road of Heaven. Additionally a PC can only have an Aura rating of 1/2 your Road rating rounded up meaning it would only affect an infernalist or Demon with in 9 steps of the PC. This Aura is custom created between Myself the HST of Carpe and the player Stephen Stallkamp TPO Brother Ezekiel due to events that have happened in the PC's existance.

Date of Archival: 31-Mar-2015

Camarilla

The Code of the Biker

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

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.

Date of Archival: 03-Jun-2018

Anarch

the Path of Power and the Focused Will

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

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

Date of Archival: 20-Sep-2018

Sabbat

The Path of the Alban Wheel(pointed wheel)

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

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.

Date of Archival: 18-Jul-2016

Camarilla

The Road of the Skirmisher

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

date: Nov 25, 2019, 10:01 AM
subject: [Custom Path] Oz

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zCfm_KtfagugYbwTrNDAy8A-ZcPfj4o1rNIr...

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The Road of the Skirmisher

Via Zonam Imperii

Virtues: Conviction and Self-Control

“In a sea of soldiers, we are the first into the fray. Sent to harass and hinder the enemy, we disrupt their supplies and communications. By our efforts are greater victories made possible.”

Instead of becoming static like others, we must constantly strive to improve and empower ourselves and our allies. We seek every tool and opportunity we can to make ourselves more powerful and more effective. We train others so that they too can grow, because only through mutual strength can we keep out enemies at bay.

Above all else, we aim to free ourselves and any enslaved brothers and sisters who’s soul-desire is to be free of their master’s chains.

The Skirmishers are those who willingly throw themselves into the front lines of combat. They live by a simple code of freedom or death, for themselves and others. They strive to undermine any enemy with whatever options they have available, before they finally go all in and launch an attack against a weakened foe… As brave as they are, Skirmishers aren’t fools, either. They believe the only fair fight is one they know they can win. Skirmishers will enact elaborate plans to harry and weaken an enemy if there’s time, but they’ll work “on the fly” when they have to without hesitation. And if freedom is on the line for themselves or someone else they won’t run from the battle no matter what the personal cost.

Further, no Skirmisher would keep an unwilling servant, and even those few who do have ghouls constantly watch them for any signs of unhappiness with their place. Skirmishers who do keep ghouls often treat them far better than most, ensuring that those who suffer the Blood Bond are treated to extravagant lifestyles and opportunities not afforded to other “servants”. They do not uphold the Masquerade in the same way as other Vampires, as any ghoul goes into his service knowing full well what they’re getting into.

However, the Skirmisher is no fool. She understands that some people just don’t want to be free. Some vampires prefer a rigid hierarchy like the Camarilla offers, or a strict domitor who takes responsibility for all the things that happen in the individual’s life. For some, the idea of being free simply scares them. Those individuals shouldn’t be pushed to embrace their Libertas at the expense of their own safety, but instead should be inspired by example, and the skirmisher should be there to welcome and support them when they’re ready.

Skirmishers practice Self-Control, never giving in to their base urges. They aren’t berserkers. Every decision made in combat must be calculated and weighed to provide a maximum return.

Hierarchy of Sins:

	Sin	Rationale
10	Undermining the Anarch Movement.	The Anarch Movement is the best Sect to eventually bring Freedom to all kindred and mortals alike. Help it grow strong and succeed.
9	Failing to undermine the current social order in favor of spreading Libertas.	Spreading Libertas is the goal of the Anarchs. The social order of most Vampires is designed to keep those “beneath” the elders where they are. Bring ruin to the Camarilla, Sabbat, Inconnu, and the like so their poison no longer infects the minds of others.
8	Refusing to increase the power of an ally who needs it.	Our allies are our greatest weapon. The trust that Anarchs have for one another is our greatest strength. In order to rely on them, we must help them grow strong in their own right. You can charge for your aid, but you can never refuse to provide it. Never charge a price an ally can't afford.
7	Refusing to increase your own power when an opportunity presents itself.	Consume an enemy's soul. Accept training from an ally. Improve and service your weapons. Learn to craft them yourself. Any tool that can aid us in our struggles against our enemies is one that should be used. Any opportunity wasted could cost the life of someone we've sworn to aid.
6	Choosing self-preservation over the Libertas of another.	We are free, and we will help you be free, too. Once we have sworn to help another, we will do so at any cost to ourselves. That is the Skirmisher's duty. That is our Oath.
5	Choosing self-preservation over your own libertas.	We are free, and nothing will put us back in chains. A Skirmisher will take death over subjugation without hesitation.
4	Refusing to oppose the subjugation of an unwilling sentient being.	We don’t keep slaves, and we don’t let others keep them either. Your allies should respect this, and respect the desire for freedom of their Ghouls, set ghouls free whenever you can. Free the slave or kill the master, only the results matter.
3	Failing to help someone who seeks freedom pursue it.	We are the first to answer the call for aid, and the last to leave when all seems hopeless. If asked, our job is to check that the call is true so the rest of the Movement can bring to bear it’s resources without excessive risk.
2	Keeping an enemy captive longer than is necessary.	Enemies don’t deserve captivity any more than we do. Kill them and move on with the fight against other enemies. Don’t keep them as servants, and don’t blood bond them for your own benefit.
1	Subjugating an unwilling sentient being.	Mortals make great allies, but no creature should ever be enslaved to the will of another. We all make sacrifices, but sacrificing freedom should never be one we force on another.

Date of Archival: 31-Dec-2019

Anarch

Via Fidelus Tenebrous

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

Via Fidelus Tenebrous Road of Faith in the Darkness Via Fidelus Tenebrous

Virtues of the Path: Conviction, Self-Control Aura: A cold comfort, similar to that of a false Warmth one feels right before succumbing to hypothermia. Aura Modifiers only affect social actions when dealing with the unholy or wraiths. Ethics of the Path: - God created all things, including Kindred and their powers, respect that and use your gifts for HIM. - Cooperate with your fellow vampires so you can use them to righteous ends, but waste no mercy on them. - The Abyss is a manifestation of God’s Wrath, to use it in Holy endeavors is to show Praise unto HIM. - You are HIS righteous Angel on earth, defend the innocent and show proper respect to his Creation. - To study the Abyss is to study Gods will, be dutiful and show proper reverence to it. Hierarchy of Sins: 1. Failing to take an opportunity to study the Abyss. 2. Failing to show sinners who may still be redeemed the error of their ways. 3. The murder of innocents. 4. Refusing to share knowledge of the Abyss with other Godly warriors. 5. Feeding from an innocent without permission. 6. Refusing to kill in defense of an innocent or pious victim. 7. Refusing an opportunity to cleanse a tainted soul. 8. Failing to pursue evil when it threatens the innocent/divine. 9. Failing to observe a manifestation of the Abyss. 10. Never refuse a lesson from the Abyss.

Date of Archival: 22-Jul-2018

Camarilla

Way of Enso

Custom Content Category: Path of Enlightenment

XP Cost: 0XP

MET Mechanics:

Virtues: Conviction / Self-Control

Ethics of Enso:

The Enso is an open circle associated with Zen Buddhism. The open circle represents that everything is imperfect and incomplete and that imperfection is an inherent part of existence. It also symbolizes the void.

Reality is an illusion and perception is a lie. Only by understanding the world we can interact with can we see beyond the illusion.

Change is constant. Change is necessary. Nothing is ever finished or perfect. Only by realizing that all things have value, that perfection is found in imperfection, are you able to accept yourself.

You are both man and beast. You are not “good” or “evil.” These are concepts of limited minds to codify and understand events, but the universe gives life and takes it, gives pain and heals it, gives happiness and sorrow. You are part of the universe and the universe has created you for a purpose. Do not fight against your nature. Only by accepting both sides of our nature can you embrace who you truly are and accept yourself.

The universe is in everything and everything is the universe. Everything is connected. Everything is both part of the whole and the entire whole. Only by understanding yourself can you understand the universe, and only by understanding the universe can you understand yourself.

Be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Understanding why you are doing something is more important than doing it and it allows you to know which actions you need to take.

Emptiness is key. There is no self. Only by understanding yourself can you forget yourself. Only by forgetting yourself can you truly awaken to all things.

Quotes for followers of the Way of Enso:

“Nothing we see or hear is perfect, but right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.”

“Everything, by its very nature, is subject to the process of infinite transformation.”

“When you become nothing, you become everything.”

“The practice of Zen is forgetting the self to unite with everything.”

“Rather than being your emotions and thoughts, be the awareness behind them.”

Rating

Sin

Rationale

Being purposefully disrespectful towards others

When we tame our ego, we are able to see the value in all things.

Not considering the impact of your actions before you act

Understanding why you are doing what you are doing before you decide to do it is the key to doing it well or avoiding unnecessary/negative actions.

Failing to accept that painful things may happen

Life is a series of ups and downs and painful things will happen. Do not become attached to them because they will impede your growth.

Not being grateful for, or respectful of, what you have or had

When you realize that nothing is lacking, the world belongs to you. Always find a reason to be grateful for what you have and respect it.

Failing to accept change as a fundamental part of the universe

Everything is impermanent and only in imperfection can you find perfection.

Not meditating nightly

Meditation is the key to awakening and connecting with yourself and the universe.

Failing to seek a better understanding of the universe

Reality is an illusion. Only by understanding the illusion can we glimpse reality.

Not acting to better understand or improve yourself

To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be awakened to all things.

Failing to feed when hungry

When you are hungry, the beast gains greater control and your two parts are out of balance. You are not just human or beast, you are both.

Feeling guilty about intentionally killing

All lives eventually end and return to the universe. You are a child of the universe and sometimes killing is necessary.

Path Aura: Resolve

Zen practitioners of Enso are devoted to inner balance and oneness with the universe and few things can sway their minds. Advanced rating bonuses apply to willpower challenges.

Date of Archival: 01-Dec-2024

Anarch

Custom Path of Enlightenment

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