The Path of Power and the Inner VoiceI am the truth and light to the sons and daughters of L.A. Betray me and die. Serve me well and you will be rewarded greatly. When you serve me, you serve the Sabbat. - Leila Monroe, Sabbat Priscus
Nickname: Unifiers
Basic Beliefs: This Path is devoted to ambition, strength and excellence. To be on this Path is to follow the heart's desire. This is the Path of passion. It is the penultimate expression of vampiric Darwinism. The object is to master oneself as well as all others.The followers of this Path believe their self-consciousness is an aspect of the soul itself. The sou l exists outside the material world, but interacts with reality through the body. They believe both mortals and immortals have this power, but vampires have received the ability to allow part of their souls to enter into the real world, and are thus capable of much more than humans.
Followers of this Path believe the truth lies within themselves and is best found by an inner search for personal enlightenment. At the same time, they believe in strengthening the power of the body through selfdiscipline. It is not uncommon for those on this Path to experience mystical visions related to the choices they make. (This is not a standard power for all on this Path of Enlightenment, but can be purchased as a Merit. The method used is left to the Storyteller's discretion.)
The Ethics of the Path
· Follow your heart. Follow the Beast when necessary, but do not follow your fellow vampires - lead them.
· Develop your assets and hide your weaknesses. Show yourself as invincible.
· Support others on this Path as long as they do not oppose your own conquests.
· Never give quarter to the enemy and ask for none. Do not be influenced by mortal thoughts and morals. They are sources of weakness.
· Truth comes from within. Act on that truth to make the Sabbat more powerful.
· Failure is disgrace. Do not accept failure and punish it severely when it occurs.
· Competition develops inner strength.
· Use Monomacy to your advantage. Expose weaknesses in others.
· Choose allies carefully. Never make long-term alliances.
· Treat those who follow you well. Use everyone for your own advancement.
· To leave this Path is to accept disgrace.History
This Path was one of the first to develop into its present form. The precepts of this Path were developed by Lord Marcus of the Lasombra in the late 1530s. The followers of this Path became the strongest leaders of the Sabbat due to their raw passion and devotion to the survival of the sect.
Current Practices
The Path focuses on competitive rites such as War Parties, as well as a great deal of tests involving w illpower and courage. Those who fail are best advised to improve. Switching Paths is considered a recognition of one's own weakness. Such vampires are considered pariahs by the followers of Power and the Inner Voice.
Description of Followers
This is the Path for those with a Messiah complex and a penchant for power. Life within the Sabbat can be very brutal and this Path reflects that fact well. The followers are very driven. Most desire positions of authority, but believe it is as much for the good of the sect as for their own personal gain. Many Lasombra follow this Path. Those who follow this Path are more than mere bullies. They are the foundations of Sabbat leadership.
Following the Path
The Path of Power and the Inner Voice is a treacherous one. It is unforgiving of those who fail. A character on this Path should be power-hungry, yet even the most ravenous are inclined to self-discovery. The character should always place his own goals over those of others of lesser ability. The character should be manipulative when necessary. The character should try to make contacts, allies, and gain support for his own cause. The character should be willing to help others only when it is to the character's advantage to do so. Wealth and symbols of power are important to the character. Pack Recognition, Clan Prestige and Sabbat Status are all important to the character.
Path of Power and the Inner Voice Hierarchy of Sins
10 - Spending less than two hours per night in silent meditation
9 - Failing to use whatever means are necessary to achieve greater power
8 - Accepting defeat
7 - Helping others when it is not to your advantage
6 - Failing to respect those who possess greater power and greater wisdom
5 - Treating your underlings poorly
4 - Backing down when you know you are right
3 - Turning down a chance for increased wealth or power
2 - Losing face in front of a crowd
1 - Accepting someone equal or less capable than yourself as your superior
The following comprise the basic tenets of the faith:
1. Spend a great deal of your free time in selfcontemplation or increasing your Abilities and Disciplines.
2. Listen to everyone, but take only your own advice.
3. Value power of all kinds. You believe power makes you stronger in more ways than one.
4. Seek knowledge and wealth.
5. Become a leader, not a follower.
6. Treat underlings justly and superiors with respect (if they deserve it).
7. Never remain satisfied with what you have or what you can do.
8. Manipulate others to your personal advantage.
9. Be willing to bend and break rules that restrain you.
10. Betray those close to you if it is completely necessary to follow the Inner Voice.
Common Abilities: Brawl, City Secrets, Debate, Diplomacy, Empathy, Firearms, Intimidation, Intrigue, Leadership, Meditation, Melee, Politics, Seduction, Sense Deception and Subterfuge are among the most widely used Abilities.
Preferred Disciplines: No single Discipline is viewed as more important than others, but emphasis is put on developing all Disciplines to their fullest extent.