Road of Kings

Roads
Roads are for Medieval vampires. Paths of Enlightenment do not exist yet and may not be selected.


Just as God ordained that kings should rules over men, by placing His mark upon Caine He ordained that Cainites were above the mortal herd, and that some also held divine right to rule. The Scions, followers of the Road of Kings, believe that power and rulership are their inheritence, secured by strength of arms and skill at court. Just as the mortal nobility wars for control over land and wealth, so do the Scions war among themselves for control of Cainite domains, with lesser vampires and mortals arrayed like pieces on a chessboard.

The Beast stands in the way of a Scion's destiny. It represents all the dark impulses that drag a ruler down and lead to rebellion and betrayal. But, carefully controlled, those same passions can raise a ruler up to greatness and give him the power to conquer his enemies and hold on to his throne. So the Beast must be controlled, and conquering the Beast is a necessary first step in conquering the world.

It's little wonder that the Road of Kings draws many of the High Clans to it, particularly the Lasombra, Tzimisce and Ventrue. Those who rise to the position of prince often do so by following this road. And Scions often make the best rulers because they see their endeavor as larger than simply hoarding personal power - that is the domain of the Beast. A true king creates justice for his subjects and inspires loyalty in his vassals. And the only way to understand how to inspire loyalty is to have been loyal oneself, therefore, many Scions spend time as vassals and knights in other's service. Others serve as judges and magistrates, dispensing justice in the name of a lord whom they serve.

Sobriquet: Scions

Road Virtues: Conviction, Self-Control

Aura: Command. Scions are destined to rule, and they know it. Those around them can feel their commanding presence like a crown upon them. Their aura modifier affects rolls to command or lead others.

Paths:

  • Path of Chivalry Honor and service; follow and uphold the code of chivalry.
  • Path of the Tyrant: It is better to to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven.
  • Path of the Vizier: Power is a subtle game. Play it like a master become the power behind the throne.

Hierarchy of sins against Kingship:

10 Neglecting your duty
9 Treating a peer with disrespect
8 Treating an inferior as an equal
7 Breaking your word to a peer
6 Behaving shamefully before your peers
5 Showing weakness in front of inferiors
4 Failing to answer a challenge to your honor
3 Treating a superior with disrespect
2 Breaking your word to your superiors
1 Breaking a sworn oath