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.
"Pain refines. Shame educates. Blood remembers."
Overview: The Circle of Contempt is an Inquisitorial Ritae of public contrition, physical judgement, and spiritual reinforcement.
It is used for:
Punishment of those who have failed in duty (but are not yet worthy of full penance).
Correction of internal arrogance, disobedience, or incompetence.
Resolving grievances between Inquisitors through sanctioned violence.
Forging deeper bonds through shared trial and brutal honesty.
This rite is supervised by a Watch Inquisitor. It is non-lethal unless otherwise escalated through Rite of Judgment or Formal Challenge (see below).
Participants:
The Accused — the one whose actions require atonement or correction.
The Circle — fellow Inquisitors present, all of whom must participate.
The Witness — the overseeing Watch Inquisitor
The Ritae:
The Accused kneels within a circle inscribed in ash, vitae, and salt — symbolic of shadow, blood, and purity.
The Watch Inquisitor begins the rite by declaring:
"Let blood remember. Let contempt be made holy."
Each member of the Circle approaches, one by one, and does the following:
Delivers a single blow to the Accused — with unrestrained force, empowered by Potence (up to puissance) if desired.
Speaks a single statement aloud, naming:
The failure or offense committed.
How the Accused may correct it.
(Optional): A reminder of what they once respected in the Accused.
The Accused must remain kneeling and silent, except to thank each Inquisitor after the blow, regardless of pain or injury.
After all have struck, the Watch Inquisitor steps forward and offers the final word:
"Let the Circle close, and contempt become clarity. Rise, if you still believe yourself worthy."
The Accused may then rise — if they do so without frenzy, without shame, and without vengeance, they are considered cleansed in the eyes of the Watch.
Optional Variation: Trial of Equals
If the offender disputes their failure or accuses another of similar wrongdoing, the Circle may be set aside for a formal duel under the rite.
Both parties declare grievances.
Combat is sanctioned within a symbolic arena (chalk or blood circle).
First to Torpor or incapacitation yields.
Witness decides if contrition or pardon is due.
Taking 10 minutes to consecrate themselves by pouring mortal blood over their crescent tattoo, the agent immediately gains an awareness of any and all active black hand ritae around him for the rest of the night within his willpower x10 in feet.
When in range, the agent is given a static mental challenge versus 5 traits; retest Black Hand Knowledge.
Several packs have variations of this ritae all of which are principally focused on dedicating the pack to some set of guiding principles and rewarding those who live up to them. Performing this ritae for a pack member often corresponds with them being awarded the Proven status trait.
The following is an example of this ritae as performed by its originators the Brass Ring.
Members of the Brass Ring are known to carry on their person a brass ring. But what is not as commonly known is that not every member of the pack is even entitled to one. The brass ring is reserved for those cainites who time and time again have proven to live by the pack’s tenants of, resilience in the face of adversity, living life to the fullest and dedication to the Path of Caine.
The ritae begins with the pack priest making a mold of their brass ring. While this is going on the rest of the pack sets to work on building a bonfire that will get hot enough to melt brass. The pack priest them consecrates a vaulderie in a crucible. After the vaulderie has been shared the priest takes raw brass adds it to whatever vitae remains in the crucible. He then takes the crucible and places it in the flames. As the fire burns and the brass melts the pack engages in a fire dance. Once the brass has completely melted down the pack gathers and watches while the priest pours it into the mold. Each pack member gives a blessing to or recounts a story of how the member being honored proved them self. The next night, after the ring is cooled, it becomes the focus of a game of instinct, in which the pack member being honored must find and retrieve their brass ring.
Despite their claims all cainites know in the back of their minds that they are not truly immortal. Within the Sabbat especially the final death of a comrade is a fact of life. For those left behind the sudden loose of a brother can be devastating as the bonds of the viculum crumble.
The pack of the fallen Sabbat gathers to give their final thanks to their fallen brother. Photos of or objects belonging to the cainite are spread about to help the survivors stay connected to their brother. The presiding priest will often give a sermon of Caine followed by all preset sharing the vauldri in honor of the fallen. In some cases the ashes of the fallen are placed in the consecrated chalice.
The Last Supper
The Sabbat has had a long and marred history with the demonic. Two separate Inquisitions and several hundred years of pursuit have done nothing to wipe away the stain on existence that is these foul beasts wandering the far reaches of Hell and beyond. In a rite very similar to the Christian practice of the Eucharist, the priest sanctifies a piece of bread or some sort of other small food, and bestows it upon the participants in the name of Caine. By the power of the rite, a vampire can consume this food with no ill effects, and go forth against the demonic, bolstered by the blessings of Caine. System: If successfully performed, the imbibing of the bread does not cause the vampire to immediately attempt to vomit it back up, nor do they have do so to within an hour as with the Eat Food merit. The rite causes the food to transubstantiate upon ingestion, though the ritual challenge is thrown before the consumption of the bread, so a failed ritus may well end more disgustingly than most. A successful ritae also endows each participant with the ability to cancel any one retest used against them by the agents of Hell for the remainder of the evening, regardless of source. They need only invoke this blessing, and the demon's or infernalist's retest is considered blocked. The Last Supper is meant to be performed before known or expected demonic conflicts, and it is considered an abuse of the ritae to simply perform it every evening as a defense against uncertain demonic threats.
"And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.” Genesis 4:15.
During the time of the inquisition when the faith of men was stronger Sabbat vampires would fine themselves facing off against mortals yielding weapons imbued with faith. This posed a serious threat to the inhuman monsters of the young Sabbat. To combat this the early priests crafted a ritae to allowed them to draw upon the mark god placed upon their progenitor for protection.
System: Cainites on Humanity can not perform this ritae, but they can be the recipient of its effects. The pack priest leads their pack in an appropriate Sermon of Caine and then anoints each member of the pack with the “Mark of Caine”. Until the end of the next scene the marked cainites gain three bonus traits on all challenges to resit True Faith and Theurgy. Additionally, items blessed with True Faith do gain the benefits of the blessing against the marked cainites.
System: Each member spills a point of blood into a vessel that has been blessed by a priest and used for vauldrie. each names the other members of the pack as the blood mixes together. The blood is then ingested, but rather than creating a stronger blood bond the blood acts as a homing signal leading the members of the pack to one that has been lost to them. The Test to invoke the link between pack mates is Mental Vs 15 But as you are grow your connection to each other this lessens the requirement ( -1 For every level of viniculum rating you possess to the one you intend to locate)
Breaking the Ritual: Should a member decide their path no longer lay with the pack they may make a Willpower challenge Vs. 5 (+1 per level of the highest Viniculum rating in the pack) to break this bond to each other.
"We do not break each other in secret. We tear the veil and judge in the light."
Overview: The Rite of the Veil Torn is an Inquisition ritual designed to resolve conflict between two members of the Inquisition, or between inquisitors and accused subordinates, without secrecy, backbiting, or politicking.
This rite exists because:
The Sabbat Inquisition despises internal rot.
Open conflict threatens the Watch’s unity and spiritual authority.
The Inquisition is a meritocracy — accusations, grudges, and challenges must be answered through ordeal, not whispers.
It also reinforces the idea that spiritual authority is tested — and even the just must sometimes defend themselves.
Participants:
The Contenders – The two individuals in open conflict. Can be accuser vs. accused, rival inquisitors, or subordinate and superior.
The Watcher – A Watch Inquisitor presiding over the ritual and acting as final arbiter.
The Witnesses – A minimum of three ranking members of the Inquisition. Additional attendees are welcome but must remain silent.
Optional: A Chronicler of Shadows, who records the proceedings and the verdict in the official Book of Watchkeeping.
Ritae Components:
A black veil or cloth, approximately two meters wide, suspended between the two contenders.
A consecrated circle marked in blood and ash — representing the Watch's unblinking eye.
Optional: A reliquary item such as the Chain of Remembrance or a piece of the Veil of the First Judge (a ceremonial torn cowl).
The Ritae:
The Gathering
All attendees assemble in silence. No speaking occurs until the Watcher begins.
The contenders stand facing the veil, arms folded behind them. Watcher: “There is conflict within the Inquisition. Let the veil be drawn, so the shadow may judge.”
The Declaration of Grievances
One at a time, each contender steps forward and delivers a statement of their grievance in three parts:
The event that led to the conflict.
The flaw or transgression they believe the other has committed.
The result they seek — be it apology, penance, reparation, or removal.
These declarations must be precise, limited to 13 sentences or fewer, and cannot include personal insults. If they do, the Watcher may rebuke the speaker or end the rite.
The Questions of the Watch
The Watcher then poses one question to each contender. The question may be:
Theological (e.g. “What is the purpose of judgment?”)
Moral (e.g. “Is loyalty owed to truth or to rank?”)
Historical (e.g. “When has silence served the Watch best?”)
Contenders must answer immediately, with clarity and conviction.
Failure to answer or evasion is considered a mark of guilt or doubt.
The Tearing of the Veil
The Watcher then speaks:“Words are ended. The veil is torn.”
They tear the black veil down the center, symbolically exposing both parties to truth.
Then, they issue the final challenge:
The Challenge of Ordeal
The contenders are offered one of two outcomes, based on the severity of the case and the Watcher’s judgment:
Option 1: Shared Penance
The Watcher commands both contenders to perform a joint mission of service — such as:
Purging a minor heresy.
Hunting an infernal rumor together.
Retrieving a relic.
Standing judgment over another trial as equals.
This is seen as mutual atonement and a way to rebuild faith.
Option 2: The Circle of Blades
If reconciliation is impossible, a sanctioned duel is ordered:
The contenders step into a chalk-drawn circle.
They are permitted to use Brawl, Melee, or Discipline powers (excluding lethal).
The first to be driven to torpor, surrender, or ejected from the circle is the loser.
The duel is non-lethal — unless either party invokes a Trial by Final Blood, which requires unanimous consent of all Witnesses.
The Watcher declares the victor temporarily justified in the eyes of the Watch.
Final Benediction
Once the trial is complete, the Watcher proclaims: “The veil is torn, the Watch has seen. Let all who stood in shadow return to flame.”
All present may then speak one word of reflection (e.g. “Justice”, “Foolishness”, “Balance”) aloud.
The rite ends in silence.
Abuse of the Rite: If either party is found to have lied, used false evidence, or manipulated the rite for power, they are branded with the Sigil of Trepidation and placed under investigation.
"In silence, we remember. In silence, we remain."
Overview: The Shared Silence is a rite of bonding, reaffirmation, and introspective unity among members of the Sabbat Inquisition. It is not punitive but contemplative — designed to:
Reinforce loyalty and trust among Inquisitors.
Cleanse lingering tension, rivalry, or doubt.
Center the mind before a major trial, investigation, or hunt.
Reaffirm each member’s inner commitment to their sacred duty.
The rite can also be invoked after a schism, internal conflict, or failed mission — serving as a ritual reset to bring cohesion back to the Inquisition.
Ritae Roles:
The Watcher – A Watch Inquisitor or designated senior inquisitor who moderates the rite.
The Circle – All participating Inquisitors (minimum 3, ideally 7+ for symbolic power).
The Shard-Bearer – A member of the Circle chosen to carry the obsidian shard and begin the rite. This role is often rotated or given to the newest Inquisitor.
Ritae Requirements:
A ritual circle made from:
Sanctified salt (for purity),
Crushed bone dust (for remembrance),
And ashen vitae (for sacrifice).
A shard of black obsidian or shadow-forged glass, roughly palm-sized.
A quiet, sealed chamber, ideally underground or enshrouded in Obtenebration to enforce the rite’s solemnity.
Optional: A relic of the Inquisition, such as a crucible lamp, chain of silence, or a copy of the Codex Obscura placed at the circle’s center.
The Ritae:
Formation of the Circle
Participants gather in a circle within the inscribed ring.
Weapons are set aside. No blood may be drawn during this rite.
The room is silently consecrated by the Watcher with a pass of shadow or flame. “We are not the flame tonight. We are the stillness before it.”
Passing of the Shard:
The Shard-Bearer begins by pricking a finger and placing a single drop of blood onto the obsidian shard.
They whisper two truths:
A truth they vow to protect, such as:
“I will shield the innocent.”
“I will not suffer the Baali.”
A lie they once believed, such as:
“That pain is always cruelty.”
“That all monsters are beyond redemption.”
These are spoken softly — not for others, but for the shard to "hold."
The shard is then passed clockwise around the circle.
Each participant adds a drop of blood and whispers their two truths in turn.
Thirteen Minutes of Silence
Once the shard completes its circuit, all place their right hand on it.
The Watcher places their left hand atop the shard and intones:“The sword does not shout. The shadow does not boast.We strike together. We fall alone.Let silence speak what our tongues cannot.”
Thirteen minutes of complete silence must follow.
No gestures, no speaking, no eye contact.
Those who break the silence without cause must re-pledge themselves at a later time through penance.
The Watcher’s Benediction
At the end of the silence, the Watcher speaks the final words: “In silence, we remember. In silence, we remain. This Circle is bound — in judgment, in purpose, in flame.”
The shard is placed in a reliquary or kept by the Watcher for future rites.
Effects of the Ritae:
Reinforces trust and unity.
Clears lingering doubt after trials or failures.
Re-centers Inquisition members in their purpose and identity.
This rite has only one use. It may only be performed in tandem with a Monomacy and allows all spectators to view the holy combat to its fullest. Allowing spectators (not participants) to view the battle in its entirety no matter the method of concealment. This does not break mask of 1000 or other such powers, it simply allows you to maintain a line of sight and grasp of the actual events within the Monomacy. Allowing the presiding priest to better judge the events and that the conditions set are followed. It is important to note that the participants are still prone to their normal effects within the monomacy, as well as this does not count as line of sight for the purposes of activating powers for the observers.
Should someone use Obfuscate 2 somehow within the monomacy as an example. They may still do so if the other participant can't see them but observers can.
System: In the recreation of the ancient Mithrac rite the child of caine follows the ancient steps to receive the blessing of the spirit of Mithras in the coming times. The priest must first secure a bull that is adorned ceremonially and then blessed. It is then lead to a place that is used only for this ritual as the receiver enters adorned in robes. The bull is placed on a higher level standing over a grate as the recipient strips from his robe and enters below. The priest then begins the ceremony as the recipient kneels below and begins to pray. As the incense burns and when the time feels right the priest slits the bull’s throat as the blood pours below onto the recipient. The recipient is considered blessed for the next month as Mithras watches over them. This ritual is mostly for pure role playing benefits, though a Storyteller may feel free to allow the recipient for the next month a free retest on a random event that has gone bad for the character.
"Seven flames to purge the soul. Seven virtues to endure. Only the fearless rise."
Overview: The Trial of Seven Breaths is a ritual of penance and purification, used by the Sabbat Inquisition to cleanse spiritual weakness in those who have faltered — but who remain loyal and redeemable.
Unlike rites of shame or exile, this is a test meant to reforge the spirit, particularly for:
Inquisitors who failed in judgment, battle, or faith but seek to prove themselves again.
Inquisitors returning from torpor, exile, or contact with infernal forces.
Inquisitors accused of doubt, cowardice, or unsteadiness, who are not yet worthy of more severe punishment.
This is a rite of correction, not condemnation. It is painful, personal, and silent — a moment of trial in fire and breath, to allow the penitent to remember what it is to serve with clarity.
Participants:
The Accused – The one undergoing the rite.
The Watcher – A Watch Inquisitor presiding over the rite.
The Witnesses – At least five other Inquisitors (ideally seven total), each participating in the ritual flame
Ritual Requirements:
A ritual censer or incense torch, preferably wrought of iron or bone, filled with burning ash, myrrh, powdered bone, and bloodwax.
A circle of sanctified ash and salt, inscribed in mystical script.
Seven stations or marks in the circle, equidistant, where Witnesses will stand.
A sacred flame — blessed (through prayer, vitae, or relic) before the rite begins.
The Ritae:
Invocation: The Watcher steps into the circle and declares: “Let the breath be drawn. Let the shadow lift. Let truth be tried by fire.”
The Accused kneels in the center of the circle, blindfolded, stripped to the waist, arms clasped behind the back. They are to remain still, silent, and absolutely still throughout the rite.
The Circle of Witnesses: Each Witness takes their place at one of the seven marks. Each holds the censer in turn.
The Seven Breaths: Each Witness, in turn, approaches the Accused from behind and:
Passes the burning censer slowly across the Accused’s skin, close enough for the heat to burn but not touch.
Speaks aloud a single virtue the Accused lacks, e.g.:
“Resolve.”
“Focus.”
“Mercy.”
“Discipline.”
“Humility.”
“Obedience.”
“Conviction.”
Each virtue spoken becomes a "breath", a reminder of what the Accused must reclaim or endure.
The final breath, the seventh, is always spoken by the Watcher:
“Endurance.”
Stillness of Judgment:
The Accused must endure all seven passes of the flame without:
Crying out
Flinching
Interrupting
Falling into frenzy.
At the end of the seventh breath, the Watcher speaks: “If you are true — rise.”
The Accused may then rise, remove their blindfold, and speak a single sentence of self-declaration: “I fear no flame that serves the righteous.”
Consequences of the Ritae:
If the Accused endures:
They are declared purified and restored to trust.
They are cleared of all internal reprimands or spiritual doubts.
If the Accused fails:
Any violation of silence or composure results in failure.
The Watcher declares: “You blinked. The flame has judged.”
The Accused is immediately assigned to either: The Circle of Contempt, The Sigil of Trepidation, or another penance mission to prove worthiness through action.