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Lasombra are best known for their Discipline of Obtenebration,
a means by which they call forth a tangible "living"
darkness, manipulating it at their whim. Clan doctrine holds
that this "darkness" is in fact the stuff of the
vampiric soul, which has been simultaneously strengthened
and corrupted by the Embrace. Through the Curse of Caine,
some Lasombra believe, God has cast them out, and thus it
is their duty to build a new order on Earth via the Sabbat.
More scientific Lasombra scoff at this superstition, but
even they tend to believe that, as vampires, they represent
a new and more advanced breed of sentience, one unconcerned
with petty human notions of ethics. Let the milksops of
Clan Ventrue burn in the solar fires of martyrdom; the Lasombra
are happy with what they are.
Naturally, this villainous outlook is not
universal among the clan, but many newly Embraced Sabbat
Lasombra take great glee in the wanton destruction and vulgar
depravity that such a philosophy allows. In striking contrast,
some elder Lasombra still maintain their ties to the Church,
though even they seem to consider themselves "tools
of the Devil." The two groups do see eye to eye on
one matter: Members of Clan Lasombra, as consummate manipulators
themselves, adamantly refuse to submit to the antiquated
whims of the Antediluvians. They fight the Jyhad proudly,
but unlike many Kindred, they firmly believe they can win.
The typical Lasombra possesses a gift for
manipulation, as well as keen leadership skills. Lasombra
are the most common leaders of Sabbat packs, as their motivational
and Machiavellian natures make them ideal for orchestrating
the movements of the sect. Unfortunately, pride goes hand
in hand with this dark nobility, and very few Lasombra acknowledge
other vampires as equal, let alone superior.
Nickname: Keepers (as in "my brother's...")
Sect: The Lasombra are the ruling clan of
the Sabbat, as much as any clan can be said to "rule"
that chaotic body. A few elder Lasombra hold membership
in the Camarilla or Inconnu, but such creatures lead lonely
and perilous existences.
Appearance: Many Lasombra of elder generations
hail from Spanish or Italian stock, and some still show
their Moorish or Berber heritage. Lasombra neonates and
ancillae, however, run the gamut of cultures and ethnicities.
Almost all Lasombra are reasonably attractive, with well-bred,
aristocratic features - blue-collar Lasombra are rare, and
one hardly sees the callused hands or broken noses of the
working class among the Keepers.
Haven: Many young Lasombra disdain private
havens, sleeping with the pack and maintaining communal
lairs "for the good of the sect." Old habits die
hard among the Keepers, though; certain elders maintain
ancestral manses or other ostentatious havens.
Background: Lasombra may come from any background,
but are typically professionals, politically inclined or
well educated. Lasombra tend to be aggressive, both physically
and socially; the clan has little interest in weaklings
and does not hesitate to cull unworthy vampires from its
ranks. Lasombra are universally skilled at social discourse
and pulling the strings of others - coarse manners are viewed
poorly, for the Lasombra are refined monsters.
Character Creation: A Lasombra may have any
Demeanor (the better to hide her true Nature!). Most Lasombra
favor Social Attributes, though Mental Attributes are prized
almost as greatly. Many Keepers cultivate extensive Influence,
Status (Sabbat) or Resources, and favor Backgrounds more
than additional Disciplines or Abilities. Lasombra founded
the Path of Night, and this Path has a number of followers
in the Keepers' clan (though many choose to follow other
Paths of Enlightenment, and some Lasombra keep vestiges
of Humanity).
Clan Disciplines: Dominate, Obtenebration,
Potence
Weaknesses: Lasombra vampires cast no reflections.
They cannot be seen in mirrors, bodies of water, reflective
windows, polished metals, photographs and security cameras,
etc. This curious anomaly even extends to the clothes they
wear and objects they carry. Many Kindred believe that the
Lasombra have been cursed in this manner for their vanity.
Additionally, due to their penchant for darkness, Lasombra
take an extra level of damage from sunlight.
Organization: Clan Lasombra's structure is
simultaneously formal and open. Respect and homage are afforded
to the elder warriors who helped found the Sabbat, but younger
members operate with almost no guidance from the clan as
an entity. Quarterly meetings, known as conventicles, serve
to keep the Lasombra informed as to each other's status,
and blood-drinking rituals are performed at these meetings.
While no Lasombra is ever told "You may not do that"
(at least not publicly), almost all Keepers have a profound
respect for tradition. A secret Lasombra coterie known as
Les Amies Noir is rumored to hand down "death sentences"
on those Keepers who bring undue shame, attention or ignominy
to the clan or its members.
Bloodlines: Lasombra antitribu are among
the staunchest supporters of the Camarilla, though the sect
largely distrusts them. Some of the eldest members of Clan
Lasombra hold the Sabbat Lasombra in contempt. Naturally,
the Sabbat Lasombra greatly fear these powerful Kindred
who oppose them, and nothing rallies rival Lasombra like
the rumor of an antitribu in their midst.
Quote: Shadows? Hah! I wield Darkness itself,
not mere shadows! Tell me - could a shadow do this?
Stereotypes
Assamite: Useful tools, though a bit tooindependent
of late.
Brujah: Their fiery passion, once harvested,
makes a wonderful means through which to use them toward
your own ends.
Followers of Set: Hmm How best to keep them
in Egypt?
Gangrel: Easily excited; terrible, monstrous
foes. Agitate them and turn them loose on your enemies.
Giovanni: The tree that does not branch hides
rot within.
Malkavian: Madness sometimes offers insight,
but usually simply obstructs those who would glean its benefit.
Nosferatu: Useful as flies on the wall when
you need them, but Nosferatu tend to draw too many flies
themselves.
Ravnos: Rather than deal with them directly,
it's best to goad them somewhere else and let whoever dwells
there address the problem.
Toreador: They possess the most tortured
of unlives, and devious minds often lurk under their flighty
façades.
Tremere: Inelegant, yet effective in their
own way. Their continued existence certainly keeps the Fiends'
attentions constructively channeled.
Tzimisce: Valorous allies and venomous rivals,
often simultaneously.
Ventrue: Their potential is dissipated by
their weakness. They squander their curse by lurking among
mortals.
Caitiff: I find it unimaginable that any
of these survive past the initial disappointment of learning
what they are.
Camarilla: Acceptable, if you're talking
about a kine institution. If you're a blood-sucking devil
of the night, though, why hide from those upon whom you
prey?
Sabbat: If it would merely listen a little
better, it would almost be worth the effort we invest in
it.
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