How do you describe the Clans of The Sabbat? The Sabbat is smaller then the Camarilla, but it is composed up of more clans. The majority of these vampires within the Sabbat are Lasombra and the Tzimisce clans, but most every clan is represented. Some of the clan names you will see here are also part of the Masquerade, but are no way close to what they stand for. These clans are called the Antitribu or the "opposite tribes" of their former clans. You will read and learn about these clans within this section, but beware for you may not like what you read and on the other hand you might just come to our side of The World Of Darkness............
"From the shadows we come...and Death is what follows"-LaSombra
Lasombra, the shadow, this Sabbat clan of Kindred are masters of the dark. More manipulative than the Ventrue they have a trait that becomes dangerous in the hands of the clan, pride in heritage. Perfectionists, they become obsessed with many aspects of their lives, continually striving to be their best or better. To these vampires image is everything, the loss of their reflection has created a perversion of the soul, leaving them more vain than the Toreador and more obsessive than the worst Malkavian. Politics and history have removed much of the Lasombra line, the few that remain out of the Sabbat hide from those who retain their membership, and as for those who are members...perhaps you'd best leave them alone yourself. Lasombra having been killed himself by those of his own clan, they are with out a true leader, however rumours of an orginisation of Lasombra elders Les amies noir circulate amongst the young. A clan ruthless enough to destroy its own antediluvian truly must have no mercy, as such the Lasombra have little pity for the weak, killing them rather than having the imperfect survive.
The Lasombra are not merely Sabbat Ventrue, they have much more to prove to the world and a deeper sense of vindication to do so. The Lasombra are by nature aristocratic, not merely of the upper class as the likes of the Ventrue or Tremere. For they, unlike many of the other kindred clans hold true to the attitudes and opinions of the nobles of aeons ago. That is to say that they have been stubborn and forthright enough to hold true to beliefs that went out of vogue six centuries ago.
As such there are many practices within the Lasombra that are somewhat old worldly. For instance "old boys networks" of the likes of the aforementioned Les amies noire, are somewhat common, with such groups discussing politics and history, instructing the more promising of a generation of worthy Lasombra and indulging in the delights of tactical games such as Chess.
The Lasombra also believe in the concept of honour and worth, as such many conflicts are resolved by way of Challenges, a reflection of the duel so fashionable in the 18th and 19th centuries. Challenges of this type may be in the fielf of mental, physical or preternatural combat, generically this is the choice of the challenger who is of greater honour at the outset of the duel.
While not often taking retainers Lasombra very much hold to the Noblesse Obligé , for Lasombra often take positions of power within the Sabbat and thus have a need to please the Sabbat masses by tempting them with seemingly sweet titbits of favour, which usually leave a bitter taste to the mouth. The Lasombra however seem to have perfected this artform and time and time again they win out against the lackeys to crawl to the top of a sorry and bleeding pyramid of Sabbat hierarchy.
It is this point however that consolidated the Lasombra's position in modern Kindred society. For throughout the foundation of the Camarilla the Lasombra stood firm in their opinions. Used to being the noble leaders of kindred and kine alike the Lasombra were too prideful and too stubborn to willfully bend to the wishes of the Ventrue and Tremere, and certainly not willing to hide for the good of humanity. Besides were the Lasombra not closely tied to the Catholic Church, the establishment majorly responsible for the Inquisition?
And so the Lasombra lost their greater hold of power over much of the Kindred. However with the formation of the Sabbat and the gradual growth in power of the much afeared Black Hand the Lasombra grew ever stronger in their goal of autonomy. The Lasombra are truly power obsessed, hierarchies constructed about them with intention and trademarked perfection, and with even a religious path, Power and the Inner Voice, being devoted to this hunt for glory.
The Lasombra have the power to call upon the shadows themselves, and yet they do not truly command them. The discipline of Obenebration, unique to this clan, has mysteries yet to be solved by even its masters. Given life by the Kindred shadows are no longer the static patterns of light they once were, are no longer so. For truly the Lasombra cannot ascertain the exact effect of her preternatural call. Indeed those who have spent time using their discipline often find their own shadows taking on personalities of their own. Unfortunate incidents have arisen surrounding shadows that took hindrence to their Kindred masters. Obtenebration through its rarity has proved a dangerous advantage to its user. At first it's user gains the ability to manipulate shadows, causing others in the vicinity to becomeunnerved and off edge. The Lasombra then can learn to remove light and create pockets of pure darkness, this power is rumoured to remove all sources of light including fire, however the act of using one's own supernatural abilities to put out fires has not been observed entirely and may lead to adverse reactions. Lasombra have been noted to create arms of shadow, becoming dense and pliable this shadow is then used to grasp opponents and objects. At this stage the mastery of shadows has become great and the vampire may now create entire illusions of shadow, unlike the lower levels of Chimerstry however such illusions can move and certain Lasombra have been capable of allowing their voices to emminate from such illusions. These images of darkness are apt at confusing opponents and reducing their capability of sight. The ability to transform into shadow is now available to the student of Obtenebration and slinking across surfaces these shadows move like voids of darkness. Higher levels of obtenebration have been achieved by elders of the clan however, rumours of such talents are jaded at best.
Lasombra: This clan carries the most prestige since, aside from destroying it's founder, it leads the sect. Members of this clan are focused, manipulative and extreme.
Stereotypes:
Tzimisce: The darkness in these powerful rivals is even greater than our own. We must keep them at bay by rationing their power and keeping them busy.
Assamite Antirtibu: All our brothers and sisters could learn a thing or two from them. They are the backbone of our sects as much as we are the brains.
Ravnos Antitribu: Petty little vampires. However, their unique talents are of great use to us.
Camarilla: They are the army of the Antediluvians. We must place their ultimate destruction before any other cause.
Black Hand: It is dangerous to allow the Hand to remain intact for long periods. Though the Black Hand has never challenged our authority, that does not mean they can't or won't.
The Lasombra is the Sabbat clan of leadership. The members of this clan tend to be the most loyal and aggressive vampires in the sect. Their success in destroying the clans's non-Sabbat members gives them an additional level of prestige. So me say Lasombra Methuselahs of the Inconnu have surived and wish to bring down their treacherous childer. There are also some Lasombra antitribu, members of the clan ouside the Sabbat. Some of them are members of the Camarilla, but most serve the ir own interests.
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