The Path of Caine
Except for the ones who came before the flood, we are the only members of our race to understand. If we want to survive the coming Gehenna, we must become like our father.
-Nora Clemones, Bishop of Quebec
History
The Path of Caine developed among the Assamites with the discovery of what is believed to be part of the original manuscript from the Book of Nod. The Noddists, as those on this Path are sometimes referred to, were the first to conclude that the Camarilla is a scheme of the Ancients. The Path of Caine was strong in the late 1500s through the 1700s, but slowly began to dwindle, as it was too rigorous for many. Today, the Path is respected but has only a small following.
The Ethics of the Path
- Search for wisdom through the exercise of restraint. Never go to extremes in anything.
- Develop your willpower. Learn the meaning of inner strength.
- Learn as much as possible about vampiric history, especially that which concerns Caine.
- Pursue any chances to drink the blood of older generations and thereby grow closer to Caine.
- Meditate and spend time alone to better understand yourself.
- Respect those on this Path who have come closer to the truth than yourself.
- Recognize that you are of the race of Caine, and humans are the race of Abel. It is your right to take their lives at will. It is the curse placed upon Caine and all his children.
- Fight the Beast inside you. Master it. You are stronger. Never succumb to frenzy. It was this Beast which caused Caine to murder Abel. The Beast will force you to murder whether you want to or not.
- Live in peace among humanity's works whenever possible. Do not reveal your existence to the humans. You were not meant to live with them as a brother or sister.
Following the Path
- You must try to find vampires of earlier generations than yourself and drink their blood. You should try to find them among the Camarilla first, but any non-Sabbat elder will do.
- You must participate in War Parties if they provide you with opportunities for diablerie.
- You must study vampiric history and follow any leads that might provide you with missing pieces to the Book of Nod.
- You must be willing to die the Final Death to prove the existence and find the whereabouts of Caine.
- You must never have human allies or friends.
- You must never drink animal vitae when human vitae is available.
- You must spend at least some time alone in meditation each night.
- You must always fight frenzy, and never ride the wave.
- You must strive to strengthen your willpower.
- You must never feel guilty about taking human life.
Current Practices
Noddists do not participate in the Creation Rites except when forced by the Jyhad. Vampires on this Path value time alone in thought, though they are not necessarily loners by nature; they just prefer to spend time considering what it means to be a Cainite. Path members study the Book of Nod and preach from it. Most Path members take an active interest in the play presented at each year's Palla Grande, often taking the roles of characters in it. Noddists test themselves in personal trials, but take less interest in the more competitive rituals.
