Custom Sabbat Ritae

This RItae is known only to members of the Sabbat Inquisition.  It is used upon all its members to swear oaths of loyalty to the faction as a whole (not any one vampire).  The performance of the Ritae itself is an elaborate affair.  The Ritea itself must be performed in either an Inquisition Stronghold, or Black Cathedral.  The first step in this Ritae is called the Unveiling.

The Supplicant is stripped of all symbols of former allegiance to anyone or anything else.  They then kneel in a prepared broken circle.  The performing Inquisition Priest recites a litany of historical Sabbat betrayals—real or exaggerated—while witnesses strike the ground with blades or staves in rhythm, creating a heartbeat-like cadence.

“All Things rot.  Only Vigilance cuts the rot away” is recited over and over again.

Next the Supplicant enters into the Confession of Shadows.  The Supplicant must confess a personal failing, a moment of weakness, or a thought/act the could be interpreted as disloyal.

After this, the Marking of the Black Seal is performed by the priest.  The iron brand is heated with vitae and pressed into the supplicant’s flesh—usually over the heart, spine, or forehead. The scar never fully fades, even with Vicissitude or Fleshcraft, without great effort.  The priest states “Let Caine’s Eye open within you”

Next comes the Oath of Severance.  The supplicant cuts their wrist or throat (superficially) and lets vitae fall onto the seal.  Upon which they swear three oaths:

To Expose Hersey without hesitation
To Submit to Inquisition Judgement without resistance
To place the Will of Caine above pack, clan, and self

Lastly comes the Judgement.  The performing priests decides if the supplicant is worthy to join the Sabbat Inquisition.  If they are, they are welcomed as a full member.  If not, their memories are taken and sent on their way (but watched by the faction for some time).

This ritae may also be performed among existing Inquisition remembers when need calls to renew bonds of loyalty and service among its faction members.

System: Once this ritae is performed it is permanent until the vampire leaves or is ejected from the Sabbat Inquisition.  During the time this ritae is active, the character may purchase the merit Loyalty: Sabbat Inquisition. Should the character disobey the leadership of the Sabbat Inquisition or betray it, the character immediately loses 1 permanent willpower trait for each infraction.  The Ritae itself is a mystical brand, similar to a creation rites, on the flesh of the Inquisition member that does not fade.  It is a symbol of the office and appears as the Factions Symbol somewhere on their body.