The Path of Metamorphosis
We are ever between until the chrysalis overtakes us. - Laika, Tzimisce koldun
Nickname: Metamorphosists
Basic Beliefs: The world is made up of evolutionary chains. Animals are below humans, who are below the Kindred, who themselves are below something. The metaphysical, arcane members of Clan Tzimisce follow this Path, which focuses on defining and attaining the state of being beyond the curse of vampirism. Citing their use of the transformative Discipline of Vicissitude, the Tzimisce believe they have the potential to transcend the constraints of the flesh. Hearing Metamorphosist Fiends speak, however, reveals the true monstrosity of their philosophy; they believe that the next step is a state akin to apotheosis, and they will do anything - anything - to achieve it.Some Metamorphosists believe that their ideology corresponds closely with the concepts of the enigmatic mages. Although their means are different - the Path of Metamorphosis leans heavily toward the passage from life into undeath and onward - it seems that both groups seek some sort of supernatural "ascension. "
The Tzimisce are characteristically thorough in their study of this Path's ideals. By coordinating their experiments on living, dead and undead subjects (as well as other curiosities they may come across, like werewolves or the errant ghost), the Fiends have formed complex theories as to precisely what the next step in vampiric transcendence is. The solitary and suspicious Tzimisce rarely compare notes, however, and the Path suffers as each follower spends much of her unlife learning the rudiments that other Kindred have already deciphered.
The Ethics of the Path
- Learn the characteristics of all stages of life and death.
- One should not concern oneself overly with mortals - they are a step below the Kindred, not above them.
- Do not share knowledge with others, as it is too valuable to trust to a flawed creature like oneself.
- Indulge the Beast and deny it; true comprehension of unlife requires a broad range of experience.
- One should alter and augment one's body - changing the flesh may pave the way toward changing the soul.
- Do not heed the needs or desires of others, as their lack of introspection may distract even the keenest intellect.Path of Metamorphosis Hierarchy of Sins
10 - Postponing feeding when hungry
9 - Indulging in pleasure
8 - Imploring another for knowledge
7 - Sharing knowledge with another
6 - Refusing to kill when knowledge may be gained from it
5 - Failing to ride out a frenzy
4 - Considering the needs of others
3 - Failure to experiment, even at risk to oneself
2 - Neglecting to alter one's own body
1 - Exhibiting compassion for others
Rationale
Hunger causes distraction.
Hedonism deters one from greater ends.
The lessons of Metamorphosis are secrets that must be uncovered, not copied.
Knowledge must be learned, not simply illustrated.
Before superseding death, the Metamorphosist must understand the phenomenon.
A Kindled mast know the Beast to transcend it.
Those who cannot be bothered to attain Metamorphosis are beneath one's attention.
The Path may be understood only through empirical research.
Physical change must be attained before any more significant metamorphosis.
The fates of others drag one into devolution, not transcendence.
Virtues
Vampires on the Path of Metamorphosis subscribe to the Virtues of Conviction and Instinct.
History
The Tzimisce have researched this Path in their solitary way for literally thousands of years. The Tzimisce have always been creatures of tremendous mystical potential; the followers of this Path seek to realize that potential. Followers of this Path relate very little to the world outside themselves, and many relate this fact to the inexorable decline of the clan itself.
Current Practices
Most Metamorphosists claim membership in the Sabbat but pay it little more than lip service, involved as they are in more esoteric pursuits. In truth, this Path long predates any sect, and Kindred committing themselves to it subscribe to beliefs and creeds far older than petty notions of Kindred politics.
Description of Followers
Followers of the Path of Metamorphosis are truly some of the most alien creatures any Kindred could hope (or have the misfortune) to meet. Metamorphosists are cold, utterly inhuman and exactingly scientific. Their concerns are metaphysical rather than legitimately ethical, and it is precisely this frame of mind that leads many to believe that the Metamorphosists have literally begun their transformation into something else. Some take this a step further by altering their flesh in various means until they no longer have a recognizable gender or look even remotely human.
Following the Path
Metamorphosists conduct all manner of bizarre experiments, most of which take place far from others' eyes. It is a distant, lonely philosophy, removed from any needs other than the matter of sustenance. Followers should be heedless of others around them, existing only to satisfy their personal concerns.
Common Abilities: This Path concerns itself almost exclusively with Knowledges, particularly those of Occult, Medicine and Science. Many Metamorphosists also pursue more specialized Knowledges such as Philosophy, Theology and sundry supernatural lores in hopes of uncovering secrets unexplored in larger fields of study.
Preferred Disciplines: The Tzimisce Metamorphosists favor attention to their unique powers of Vicissitude. Thaumaturgy and Auspex are also highly prized.