The Lasombra clan has fallen from grace-and its members enjoy it. Simultaneously graceful and predatory, the Lasombra guide-and when necessary, whip-the Sabbat into an implacable force. Turning their backs on the humans they once were, Lasombra give themselves wholly over to the dark majesty of the Embrace. Murder, frenzy, predation: Why fear these things, many Lasombra ask, if one is meant to be a vampire? In contrast to the Tzimisce, though, Lasombra generally seek not to reject all things mortal, but to shape them for their own pleasure.
The Lasombra have been in evolved with the church since its inception, and some Kindred whisper that the clan was instrumental in the spread if the Christian faith. In modern nights Lasombra have turned theirs on that divine institution. There are expectations, of course, but for the most part, Clan Lasombra bears only contempt for the notion of salvation. In fact, the Lasombra brought many of the Church's rites and rituals into the Sabbat sect, twisting them into mockeries of Christian doctrine. The Lasombra ordained many of the sect's auctoritas and ignoblis never forget who and what they are.
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 fired 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 see to consider themselves "tools of the Devil." The two groups do see eye to eye on one matter: Members of the 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 the Sabbat packs, as their motivational and Machiavellian natures make them ideal for orchestrating the movements of the sect. Unfortunately, pride goes in hand with this dark nobility, and very few Lasombra acknowledge other vampires as equal, let alone superior.
Nickname: Keeprs (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.
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 ethnicity's. Almost all Lasombra are reasonably attractive, with well-bred aristocratic features, hardly ever form the working class.
Haven: Many young Lasombra disdain private havens, sleeping with the pack and maintaining communal lairs "for the good of the sect."
Background: Lasombra may come from any background, but are typically professionals. Politically inclined or well educated. They tend to be aggressive physically and socially.
Clan Disciplines: Dominate, Otenebration, 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.
Quote: Shadows? Hah! I wield Darkness itself, not mere shadows! Tell me-could a shadow do this?
