By Robert Mayberry (15 February 96)
They themselves claim to be descendents of a mystic and secretive order dating back to the days of Egypt, where they say they existed in a search for knowledge and enlightenment. They claim to be responsible for both the construction and care of the Alexandrian Library, from which they are named. After its destruction, and a period of wandering, they say they have returned to the West to study the Jyhad and found a second library. The few Kindred who remember those days cannot deny that some shadowy group controlled the Library, but scoff at the idea that a whole bloodline could remain so hidden for so long, only to reveal themselves now. Indeed, no elders have been identified, and no Kindred has stepped forward to claim his childer, leading some to suspect the worst.
Alexandrians follow a philosophy of enlightenment through practice and study. They see studies of supernatural lore, martial arts, and mystic power as different sides of the same pursuit of mental, physical, and spiritual perfection. This quest for knowledge will often cause them to try to become involved at the periphery of Kindred society, becoming just involved enough to learn the intricacies of the Jyhad without being pulled into the game themselves. Unlike many Kindred who seek enlightenment, the Alexandrians do not believe that gaining power over mortals or participating in the machinations of Elysium is necessarily wrong. "So long as we remain in the background, taking only the power necessary for survival and comfort," they claim, "we will be safe from the dangers of Jyhad, whether they threaten body, mind or spirit."
In recent years, their study of Thaumaturgy and their unique philosophies has lead them to become trusted advisors to Princes and other powerful Kindred. While some claim that they are dangerous and sinister manipulators, most have found them a convenient route to mystical aid without having to deal with the Tremere. In their favor, this bloodline is entirely contained within the Camarilla. While they make excellent advisors and magicians, they are sometimes seen as manipulators who quietly manipulate Elders.
As they share an interest in Thaumaturgy with the Tremere, they will often share magical lore, and have maintained a cordial though strained relationship (despite many attempts to play the two bloodlines against one another). Alexandrians try to ignore the draw of power, taking only what is needed for safety and comfort, and will usually defer to the rule of the Prince and Elders of a city. They will also go to great lengths to avoid offending the Tremere, while maintaining their independence from them. Some see this as evidence that they are linked, while other believe that they bow to the Clan's wishes out of fear for their unlives.
The Alexandrians themselves do maintain close ties with one another, but they are more an informal brotherhood which resembles the ties of the Nosferatu or Gangrel, with whom they have cultivated something of a friendship. They remain in frequent contact with their 'Brothers' through telepathic rituals. Alexandrians tend to be quiet and contemplative, and are quite shy. Despite this (or perhaps because of this), Alexandrians have an information network on a par with the Nosferatu, dealing with all forms of supernatural conflict. The difference is, they do not sell secrets, and will not reveal them to any but others of their blood and the few good friends they make.
Most Alexandrians are quiet and reserved. They tend to remain in the background at Kindred social functions. Often, they will not take an active part in anything unless asked. Nevertheless, they are friendly and helpful when met one-on-one, and will rarely give away a secret held in confidence. Most are particular about their Havens, and will keep a separate room where they meet visitors. The few they allow into their Libraries are rare and fortunate, indeed.
They are known to study the martial arts, harnessing this power into a new Discipline. Most choose not to use their powers on others, unless in danger. Many anarchs see this unwillingness as a sign of weakness. The few Kindred who have made the mistake of fighting them will attest, though, that they are formidable fighters.
Note that the Discipline of Id is a Bloodline secret, and is to be used sparingly. Most Kindred assume that their martial arts skill, Do, is their third Discipline. Teaching either is a crime, and all Brothers are mystically compelled not to reveal these secrets.
Their second weakness deals with their power to control the mind. This power doesn't help them fight the Beast, but it does give them some measure of peace from the passions and conflicts that rage in anyone. Alexandrians sleep quite deeply, and must add three to difficulties to awaken during the day. This makes them quite vulnerable to attack, and most ingratiate themselves to the Elders as quickly as possible to reduce the threat from ghouls and hunters sent by enemies.
"Who?"
The Arcanum: A few of our ranks come from these mortals, but for the most part leave them be. As for their knowledge, though, we must possess it at all costs.
"No, really, what are you talking about?"
The Inquisition: Our best friend and our worst enemy. Use them to destroy those who know our secrets with clean hands. Be sure to avoid their crosses when they point at you. And let no Kindred know that you use them, or surely the weight of the Camarilla will crash down upon us.
"No, I'm serious, tell me or I'll kill you, too."
The Camarilla: Wise is my Brother who respects his domain. The Camarilla must be protected. It is simply the best tool we have, and it is the only way to keep the Jyhad even remotely civilized.
"If they follow the Traditions, they are welcome. New and unpredictable, their worst flaw, though, is that their place in the Jyhad is still to be discovered."
The Inconnu: We know almost nothing about them, and that is simply unacceptable. They are powerful, they are knowledgeable, and despite what they would have us believe, they are involved. Up to their torporous necks. Learn from them, but don't let them know your secrets. Most importantly, never even think about anything you don't want them to know when in their presence.
"There seem to be powerful forces that revolve around members of this bloodline. We are fairly certain that they are a new addition, but the possiblilty that they are spies for the Asian Clans or the Tremere cannot be ruled out. I have it on fairly good authority that while they are not a branch of the Salubri, they are strongly influenced by them. More I cannot say, but their voices carry further and their eyes probe farther than I would have thought possible for Kindred of their age. I fear that they are practicing some of our methodologies."
The Sabbat: They are manipulated fools. They think they understand the Beast, but their Paths are weak. They think they understand the Jyhad, but they are just tools. And they think they are going to be the rulers of the world. Leave them their illusions.
"More tools for the Antediluvians, eh? Well, it won't matter when I drain them. After learning their secrets, of course."
Assamites: Very dangerous. The best way to avoid them is not to earn the wrath of someone powerful and ruthless enough to hire one. They are watching us. Why, we aren't sure. Some think they want to enlist us to cure them of the Curse. Others think they know our secret, and want to destroy us.
"Never met one, but I hear that they are like soft hearted Tremere without the ambition. I don't see what all the fuss is about."
Baali: o Yes, we have heard of them. They are like an Inconnu of evil Kindred. Treat them like Followers of Set, just kill them faster. And keep a religious symbol on hand. They are far more powerful than they are said to be. Worst of all, there is, with the Salubri and our Cousins, a great Jyhad which will eventually involve every Alexandrian. They of all the Bloodlines of Caine are our greatest enemies.
"They were created just to hunt us down. Little do they realize that, like the eldest amoung them, they may be full of suprises, but in the end, we will corrupt or kill them all."
Brujah: There is no way that these were ever scholars. Their elders are too static to accomplish anything. Their neonates and ancilla are mindless rebels who are too destructive to accomplish anything. Even if they ever got power, they would be dictators of the worst kind, despite their anarchist rhetoric. They could almost be ignored, were they not such good warriors.
"Soft little bastards. These lackeys spend all their time reading books and toadying up to the Elders. They're probably all some kind of Tremere plot."
Caitiff: Most are anarchs, and so are the lowliest and most disposable pawns of all. A few break the mold, though, and are often associated with strange and unheard of powers. Always remember that the founders of the Tremere were and are Caitiff (though they would never admit it now). Befriend them if you can, since they will shower any who don't spit upon them with devotion. Beware, though, for their isolation and paranoia make them unpredictable.
"I've only met one, but he was one of the few so-called respectable Kindred to show respect and fairness towards myself and my friends. I don't completely trust him, but I certainly count him as an ally and fellow traveller."
Followers of Set: They are the real danger. The Sabbat just plays at being evil. These are the professionals. Never help them, never try to get them in your debt. Just ignore them, and try to influence their Final Deaths as quickly as possible.
"They seem to hate us. That just means that we'll have to kill them more quickly. The little fools can hide in their libraries all they want. In the end, it is snakes against bookworms. Care to place a wager?"
Gangrel: They deal with the Garou, true enough. But they are bit players in the game. They will be noble, good allies, as long as they don't know who our friends are. Use them to keep tabs on the Garou, and help them fight the Wyrm if you can.
"They are not like us, however removed they seem to be. But they are friendly, and will occasionally help us."
Giovanni: They don't seem to any danger at all, at first glance. Beware of them. They are dangerous, and they are up to something, and they aren't saying anything. Keep an eye out for disembodied auras when they are around.
"We have had few dealings with them, but from what I can see, they are playing the same game we are, watch and wait. I am not fooled."
Malkavians: Who knows? Most of them are irrelevant, but a few are dangerous beyond anything else. Stay clear of them, and deal with them through others. They are indeed insane, but their masters aren't.
"These guys are just begging to be pranked. Quiet as a mouse, I say. Cloaks and daggers! What are these guys, black belt librarians from hell? You should see them when they think they are alone with someone. Tricky, tricky."
Nosferatu: Other Kindred are fools to discount them. They can't see as much as we do, but they have been looking for far longer, and in places we could never get to. Cultivate them as allies. Watch for secrecy with all vigilance. They and their agents are everywhere, and together, we could be invincible.
"Bastards. They're up to something. Make that clever bastards, since we don't know what they are up to. Yet. That's why it's better to be friends with them. Besides, we trade information a lot. On the inside, we actually aren't that different."
Ravnos: They could be powerful, but they aren't. They are irrelevent. It is better to watch them than ignore them, but they are useless hedonists and connivers for all their abilities.
"Damn, they're boring. C'mon guys, live a little!"
Salubri: We are more alike than most would realize. Turn them in to the Tremere, but give them fair warning. They are useful remnants, and we should preserve their gifts. Watch out for their elders, for they still walk the earth.
"More than they seem. There is hope for them, but they must let their corruptive ties go. Alexander is performing adequately, and has a bright future. His Bloodline is imaginative, subtle, and competent in Jyhad, without giving up their humanity. They may be the best thing to happen to Clan Tremere. All according to plan."
Toreador: Totally useless were it not for their stranglehold on the status system, they still are vain fools. Appeal to their egos, compliment their artwork, and stay in the background at parties.
"They spend too much time with the Gangrel and Nosferatu, and even more time alone. But they are at least refined ancilla. Shy little things, though."
Tremere: Our Masters and our Cousins, though almost none of them know it. They are very knowledgable, and very powerful, but they have a massive image problem. It is not our place to repair their image, but to exploit it. Trade of mystic lore helps reduce hostility.
"We are ordered not to interfere with them, so we will not. But despite their subtlety, we see their power. They seek to exploit old divisions for their own ends. They seem to know far too much of our structure and our magic. If allowed, we would gladly crush them. In the meantime, trading information and mystic power will prove useful for both our lines."
Ventrue: Underestimated by elders, overestimated by neonates. They hold a great deal of power, over both Kindred and Kine, but they are easily manipulated. Their weakness is that since they cannot see the whole board, they cannot understand the corner they are in, and don't know the rules of the game. Their strength lies in their world wide ties to one another.
"Our greatest triumph. While reluctant to involve themselves, they are good sources of information. Assist and defend them, they are an excellent foil to the Tremere. They support our information networks because our protection is all that keeps them from being consumed by the Tremere. Keep them close, though, lest they catch another's notice."
Princes: Ultimately, every Prince is a Ventrue, whatever his blood affiliation might be. Others play for debts, we play for trust. Once you have his ear, his throne is an unnecessary decoration.
"They follow the Law, and they are loyal, though uninvolved. Alexandrians are mainly useful because they have a talent for seeing past the nonsense, and for knowing the right facts for the right issue."
Anarchs: They don't fight well because they don't fight intelligently. Ultimately, they are losing because even they don't know what they are fighting for. Befriend them for information, but not more than any other group.
"I like them. They tell you what they think without telling you what to think. Some may be paranoid about them, but as long as they don't try to bully around everyone else like the Tremere or Ventrue, I'll give them safe haven in my barony. Besides, how can you be afraid of any Bloodline that has yet to produce a member over fifty?"
Faeries: They are strange and (mostly) insane. They are lost to this world, and almost not worth the trouble to research, as they have already lost their last chance on Earth.
Ghosts: Easily manipulated, which is why the Giovanni are so successful. Watch them, but otherwise ignore them. They are useful spies and servants -- little else.
Lupines: They are fighting a cause almost lost. Help them if you can, but hide your involvement. If you can, make friends with them, as the Wyrm they fight is a danger to the Clan. They are masters of the Umbra. Study their spirituality, but don't let yourself get too close.
Mages: Powerful and skilled. The traditions are useful to study with, and more fun to be around, but the Technocracy is far more powerful and useful. Never get too close to either group, and never get sucked into their War. Ascension requires power that only our Cousins can provide.
The Blood Bond: We are students of power, and have learned many things. Yes, we can break it, but the Valderie is an artificial loyalty of its own. Never use it except with other Brothers, and only to break a Bond. Feel free to use it on other Kindred, as long as you don't publicize it. A good Bond lasts forever, so long as you don't abuse your power over them. Remember the lesson of the Gargoyles.
Golconda: It's real, and it is potent. As part of our studies, many seek it, but we know little more. The only two groups that know of it, the Salubri and the Inconnu, are both enemies. This makes it difficult to seek, but more rewarding if found.