Lasombra

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 back upon the humans they once were, Lasombra give themselves wholly over to the dark majesty of the Embrace. Murder, frenzy, predation: Why dear 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 involved with the Church since its inception, and some Kindred whisper that the clan was instrumental in the spread of the Christian faith. In modern nights, however, Lasombra have turned their backs on the divine institution. There are exceptions, 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 ritae, so that the vampires of the Sabbat might never forget who and what they are. Lasombra are best known for their Discipline of Obtenebration, a means by which they call forth 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 this it is their duty to builds 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 Venture 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 newly Embraced Sabbat Lasombra take great flee 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 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 hand in hand with the dark nobility, and very few Lasombra acknowledge other vampires as equals, let alone superior.

Nickname:
Keepers

Sect:
Sabbat

Disciplines:
Dominate, Obtenebration, Potence

Appearance:
Many Lasombra of elder generations hail from Spanish or Lain 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 doe 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.

Char 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, Statues (Sabbat) or Resources, and favor Backgrounds more then 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)

Weakness:
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 meeting, 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 have down “death sentences” on those Keepers who bring undue shame, attention or ignominy to the clan or its members.