Custom Sabbat Ritae
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.
Description: Stealing concepts from Toreador culture, Envy created this ritae. Similar to a Sermon of Caine in regard to no holds barred deep discussion, except the focus is on Sabbat politics and ways of existence.
System: When the ritae is performed, the participants have as long as needed to discuss sect politics (Minimum 1 hour. )
At the conclusion of the parlor participants gain a +2 bonus to mental traits for determining ties against Sabbat Lore, Ritae, Path Lore, or similarly related topics (Must be Sabbat or Black Hand topics), this effect ends. Lasts for seven days from when the ritae was performed.
System: While the Vaulderie adds bonds to the Sect, it does not always cool tempers. As diplomacy may sometimes serve as a better medium than violence, this ritual was created. The caster takes a small blade, like a needle, and pricks the palm of each person who is going to take part of the ritual. Each drop of blood must be caught in a bowl, and then burned like incense. After speaking the words, "We are all equal in this pain, therefore we all come to this table equally to speak" and having everyone repeat them, for the next scene or hour, everyone who took part in the Rite would be considered up one Self Control or Instinct Trait, or one Trait up for controlling a frenzy. This bonus does count towards the trait total against a source for Frenzy - if with the bonus they double the stimulus rating they need not test. However, if a participant commits an act of violence, including use of quieter powers such as dominate but not defensive uses of presence, then they immediately lose the benefits of the Rite and the smoke from the burnt blood rests upon them to mark them as the betrayer of the Ritus.
While the Vaulderie adds bonds to the Sect, it does not always cool tempers. As diplomacy may sometimes serve as a better medium than violence, this ritual was created. The caster takes a small blade, like a needle, and pricks the palm of each person who is going to take part of the ritual. Each drop of blood must be caught in a bowl, and then burned like incense. After speaking the words, "We are all equal in this pain, therefore we all come to this table equally to speak" and having everyone repeat them, for the next scene or hour, everyone who took part in the Rite would be considered up one Self Control or Instinct Trait, or one Trait up for controlling a frenzy. This bonus does count towards the trait total against a source for Frenzy - if with the bonus they double the stimulus rating they need not test. However, if a participant commits an act of violence, including use of quieter powers such as dominate but not defensive uses of presence, then they immediately lose the benefits of the Rite and the smoke from the burnt blood rests upon them to mark them as the betrayer of the Ritus.
Punishment Doll
The Priest takes a cloth object (it need not be a doll), large enough to soak in several blood points (max of 5, based on path rating of Priest). The Priest speaks what sins the accused has done while they bleed onto the doll, giving it a red tinge. Upon completion of the ritae, the doll is tied around the accused neck. For as many nights as blood points are expended (up to 5, limited by the Priest’s Path Rating), the accused suffers one of the following effects:
· Down traits equal to number of traits expended into the doll
· Takes that much aggravated damaged once per night per the Priest's Command
· Gains Negative Traits equal to half rounded down amount of blood points put into the doll (Priest's choice of negative traits)
· Losses as much blood traits as were put in by the doll when they wake up
The negative effects may change every night or remain the same. The Doll may be destroyed by exposure to fire and sunlight. If it is destroyed, the bearer of the Doll immediately suffers 5 unsoakable aggravated damage.
System: The Priest, while in seclusion, strips nude, kneels in and takes a discipline (a cattail whip made of knotted cords, if the Cainite desires, it can be modified to make it more sturdy, or can be modified to be a harsher tool). While focusing on holding back her beast, the Cainite engages in self-flagellation, seeking to provoke their Beast without actually releasing it. The Priest must inflict at least one level of lethal damage to themself during the course of this Ritus. If successful, they are considered to be up 1 trait on tests of Self-Control for the purposes of ties for either the night, or until they heal the lethal damage, whichever comes first. This may only be used by Cainites whose Paths espouse Self Control.
The Daughter of the Dark Father stand guard over the most holy places of the Sabbat. The Temples of Caine, the Black Cathedrals, and other holy sites they view as their purpose to safeguard. As such, when a daughter takes a duty to stand guard at one of these sites they perform this ritae. The daughter recites the creed of the cult and passages from the book of nod constantly to perform this ritae, as long as they do so they gain a slight benefit in their duties and blessings from Caine.
System: As long as the vampire continues to speak and recites their prayer uninterrupted when guarding a location they gain a free retest in all challenges they must make to defend the chosen sabbat holy site.
System: The cainite clears their mind by confessing their sins against their path and moments of weakness to the performing priest. Depending on the severity of the sin in question the Priest might offer contrition to the sinner in question. After the sinner has made peace with themself and Caine, the Priest blesses them, marking him across his forehead with a trait of vitae. This absolves the Cainite of his sin, giving him a renewed sense of clarity. System: Completion of this Ritus (Which must be roleplayed) gives the confessor in this Ritae a +1 trait bonus to conscience and conviction challenges for the evening.
A hold over from an ancient Tzimisce tradition of vampiric political weddings, the Red wedding ritae is still practiced by some of the Sabbat who wish to either form a stronger bond among sect meets or even still for political reasons. The Ritae itself requires a mortal wedding. One of which the Sabbat invade. The gathered Cainites proceed to brutally murder and terrorize the mortal wedding and turning it into a blood affair. After which, the two cainites that wish to announce their bond to one another bath in the blood of the victims on the altar and solidify their “marriage”. This is by no means a actual marriage between vampires, it is a mockery of the mortal tradition perverted by the Sabbat to make a statement over mortal traditions and the Cainite blood is stronger then words.
System: Characters that have undergone a Red Wedding develop a special bond that lasts until the vampire reaches final death. When in the presence of the other character they have performed the Red Wedding with; the character is considered to have 1 additional temporary willpower trait that may go over generational maximums. If this trait is spent, is does not return for one month. This ritae does not stack with the Merits True Love or Loyalty.
Collecting the skulls of their fallen vampire enemies is a tradition among the Sword of Caine. It is a mark of pride in battle and killing the enemies of Caine. These skulls are carefully taken care of, prepared and cared for by those who Headhunt. Some members of the Sabbat clergy even developed this ritae to help with the practice. A Skull from a fallen vampire enemy of the Sabbat is carefully prepared with this ritae and preserved. Enochian carvings are made in the skull and blood soaked into the bone. Any vampire who sees a member of the Sabbat who bears a Skull from this ritae adorned on them will instinctually feel terror and dread, that they might be next.
System: This ritae creates an item from the skull of a fallen enemy of the Sabbat vampire as a requirement. When the skull is worn by a member of the Sabbat in some manner (either as decorative jewelry, or some craft it into a mask), those vampires who enemies of the Sabbat who can see the Skull made with this ritae, are two traits down in all brawl or melee combat with the member of the Sabbat who wears this item. Those such affected by this, may spend 1 temporary willpower to be immune to this effect for one scene or an hour.
"The soul recoils. The shadow remains"
Overview: This rite is used to mark a failed or disgraced Inquisitor with the Sigil of Trepidation — a mystical glyph that brands them as one who has faltered in the eyes of the Watch. It is not Final Death, nor exile, but a living sentence of shame and judgment. The mark is both physical and spiritual, difficult to hide, painful to bear, and visible as a kind of "wound of guilt." It is not necessarily permanent — but removing it requires public penance, a second ritual, and the Watch Inquisitor’s blessing.
Requirements:
The accused must have been found guilty of dereliction, heretical behavior, insubordination, or breach of Inquisitorial trust — but not full betrayal or Infernalism (which warrants destruction).
A Watch Inquisitor must oversee the rite.
At least three Witnesses of the Inquisition must be present.
The Ritae:
Preparation of the Marking Stone: A large, black obsidian slab (or abyss-forged stone) is prepared. The Sigil of Trepidation is carved into it in vitae, ash, and blessed salt. It is Lasombra in origin, angular, and asymmetrical — it invokes discomfort even in those who do not recognize it.
Invocation of Judgment: The Watch Inquisitor reads aloud from the Codex Obscura, intoning: “Let the shadow that bore them recoil. Let the fire that tested them flicker. Let their name be known, marked, and remembered — not for glory, but for the wound they left upon the Sword.”
The Kneeling of the Accused: The Accused must kneel, bare-chested or exposed at the intended site of branding (usually throat, chest, or face). They are commanded to confess their failing in one sentence — and then remain silent.
The Branding: A ceremonial Inquisitorial brand, heated in sacred flame, is pressed to the flesh. The pain causes a scream, even from the most stoic Cainite — this is required. The Watch Inquisitor shouts: “Let all who see remember: this one has faltered. Let the mark speak what their tongue dares not.” The brand burns into the flesh, resistant to healing, Obfuscate, and Vicissitude.
The Circle Watches: After the brand is complete, each Witness of the Inquistion speaks a single word of judgment (e.g., “Shame.” “Weakness.” “Pride.” “Forgetfulness.”
Final Words: The Watch Inquisitor concludes: “This one walks beneath the sigil. May it burn upon them until their soul remembers how to kneel. Let them rise — but let no shadow shield them.”
This Brand cannot be removed except through:
Formal penance and ritual absolution.
Final Death.
Intervention by a Watch Inquisitor or The Grand Inquisitor.