...............legant yet predatory, the Lasombra honestly think of themselves as the apex of Cainite existence. Firm believers in Divine Right and the rule of the superior,they have little patience, though often much pity, for those Cainites who are (through no fault of their own) inferior.

........The Lasombra character is a curious mix of noblesse oblige and healthy contempt. They actively seek power wherever it may be found, from the hals of the cloisters to the corridors of palaces, yet they do not seek the titles and glory that come along with rule. Instead of chasing command for its own sake, Lasombra take the reins of power out of a firm belief that no one can hold them better. The appearance of power is unimportant; what matters is that the decisions are being made by the most suited to make them. Indeed, most Lasombra prefer the role of kingmaker to the title of king.

........Hand in hand with this determination to be the final arbiters of all decisions comes a healthy contempt for those who the Lasombra feel are inferior to them in mind, body, or breeding. In essence this means the rest of Cainite society, and while some of the various clans have been accorded a modicum of respect, there are none the Lasombra will acknowledge as equals. A Lasombra will work with other Cainites, and even go so far as to consider members of other clans to be friends, but one will never, ever consider a member of another clan to be an equal.

........Unfortunately, there are those Lasombra whose delight in the game of politics blinds them to all but the game itself. Master manipulators, these Cainites view all of Europe as but a chessboard that they and their opponents play upon, the fall of kingdoms being only of abstract interest to them. It is these Lasombra whom the other clans fear most, and their talents and tastes have been attributed to the clan as a whole.

Magisters

Lasombra are generally dark-skinned,with fine-boned features that announce their Spanish, Italian or Moorish heritage. Many still look slightly tanned or weathered from their exposure to the harsh southern sun during their days as mortals. As befitting their noble station, those not bound by holy orders to wear church vestments prefer the finest silks and other expensive garments.

Many clan members dwell in the manors and guest houses of their family lands. Others seek refuge in the fortresslike monasteries of Spain and Italy.

Lasombra come almost exclusively from noble bloodlines, particularly those of Spanish, Italian or Moorish extraction. Most are skilled in the arts of war and court, though a significant number have backgrounds in the Church. It is extraordinarily rare for a commoner to be Embraced by a Lasombra.

Nobles and clergymen are common character concepts for the Magisters. Architect and Judge are common Natures, while Mental Attributes and Talents are often primary. It is rare for the Lasombra not to have the Retainers and Resources Backgrounds, and many have Mentors in the clan as well. They tend toward the Road of Heaven, but many question its values and are experimenting with new codes of ethics.

Dominate, Obtenebration, Potence

The members of Clan Lasombra cannot be seen in mirrors or any other reflective surfaces, such as windows, bodies of water or pools of quicksilver.

The Lasombra clan structure is a very formal one, based loosely on the hierarchy of the Church. Both secular and ecclesiastical titles are used within the clan, and members are permitted to retain their arms and titles from their breathing days. During gatherings of the Lasombra, more actual work is done in the cloakroom than on the debating floor, though even their sub rosa dealings are performed in perfect dignity.

An excellent decision. I applaud. Did you actually manage to reach it all by yourself?

tereotypes

ssamites:Fury leashed by honor, the Assamites are worthy of respect and even fear. Hold tight to that leash, for if they ever slip it, they will be at your throat.

rujah:The Brujah are like an Arabian stallion with a broken leg; once great, and too proud to know that they are dead.

appadocians:These befuddled scholars may yet stumble upon some great secret or philosopher's stone, and, on the night they do, they will become dangerous. That night will come, in all probability, a week after the last trump.

ollowers of Set: Skulkers in the dark with their outdated rituals and antiquated paganism, they belong to a dead age. Even the Brujah have addapted better.

angrel:Leave them to the wild and the company of the wolves they love so much. With any luck, the shapechangers will exterminate these beasts and spare us the effort.

alkavians:When one sees a mad dog, one puts it down lest it attack and worry one's leg. The same policy should be followed here.

osferatu:They crawl from the plague pits to infect our prey with fever and foulness. Seal the graves, and seal them inside.

avnos: The tramps are amusing while working their jests upon others, not so amusing when oneself is the target. Better to avoid them entirely.

oreador:Any court worthy of its name has one Toreador. Of course, any court worthy of its name also has a dwarf and an idiot jester, so one more amusing freak means nothing.

remere:The wizards are ambitious, and this is worrisome. Whe whould have shown Tremere and his simpering progeny the beauty of the sunrise years ago.

zimisce:They have won for our kind the name of "monster". Is it not enough to rule without laying waste to one's dominion?

entrue:Petty little princes and self-ennobled lords, the Ventrue are pale imitations of majesty. Let them have the thrones; we rule from the shadows.

aali:The depth of their depravity lies not in their foul rites, but in the fact that they wish to summon demonic masters for themselves. What sane Cainite works toward slavery?

---

THE WAYS OF 

---