By Arthur-Trevor D.M. Lasher (atlasher@ix.netcom.com) (4 July 1995)
The Azazelians are, above all, teachers of the arts of war. They are masters of their trade and in a subsect devoted to the need for a counter-weight to the Black Hand. In the realms of covert actions and security, theirs is a necessary trade.
Though it would seem that the Sicariot would use them more often than they do, the Azazelians have lost some of their mission to the more aggressive (and certainly more terrifying) Baelites. The difference is telling: whereas the Azazelians are fine-tuned artists of fighting, the Baelites are purely raw engines of destruction. As Gehenna nears and the Abaddonites become more and more paranoid, there is less of a need for artistry and more for sheer and bloody brutality. In a Crusade, no one needs a Clan of generals, but there will always be a need for footsoldiers.
Nonetheless, the Azazelians remain steadfastly loyal to the Antipater, the episcopacy, and, in a most unusual sense, the Belialians. If they sense that their need is ebbing, they certainly betray no disappointment in it.
In a more real sense than even in the case of the Abaddonites, the Azis are under scrutiny from the highest ranks of the Sabbat. There is a grave possibility that the Black Hand -- ironically -- will be called out against a select number of Azazelian Clan heads. The Regent has reports of direct aid being handed to supporters of the Loyalist movement and, while she is as yet uncertain what to do about the movement, she does know that perhaps a good starting point would be to remind the semi-autonomous Sicariot exactly who is in charge of the sect as a whole. The Azazelians would make a perfect target.
The Childer of Azazel, however, know this, and are inexorably being pushed into the Abaddonites' corner, dragging the Belialians with them. Soon, it is feared, a split in the subsect will form between those who would follow the word of the Antipater and those who would follow the Regent. The Azazelians have, apparently, already made up their minds.
Tzimisce: Now there's a soulless cuss. Man after my own heart. But, really, a bit weird for my tastes. Too much like something you saw on a Saturday nite sci-fi flick. Keep your distance from these guys. You might end up as a toy in their labs.
Assamite antitribu: Our traditional rivals. While the Baelites can bitch and whine about the 'Brujah Hordes', the true danger is the Assamites -- of any affiliation. I don't trust these bastards one damn bit. Call it professional self-interest, if you will.
Brujah antitribu: Brainless, spineless savages. They remind me too much of the Baelites. But, unfortunately (unfortunate because I wouldn't mind taking a few out), what little minds they have are grooved right. Power to the people, man. Yeah, whatever.
Gangrel antitribu: Is it just me, or do all Gangrel have it out for each other? I would think the Tree-huggers could agree on something, but nooooo. That would be asking too much, eh?"
Malkavian antitribu: I have it on highest authority that they are in the Right. Don't ask me why, soldier, just listen to them. Uh, when they speak in coherent sentences, that is..."
Nosferatu antitribu: They smell worse than you do, Pyle! Seriously, I don't trust them any more than I can throw them. They're too quiet -- almost as much as we are. And those ears....you know they're listening to your every sound. Major OPSEC problem here, gents.
Panders: What? Oh, a Pander. Yeah, right. Uh huh. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz (snoring).
Ravnos antitribu: Don't trust them either, fella. If it were up to me, I'd wipe 'em all out, know what I mean?
Serpents of the Light: Snakes. You know what I did with snakes back in the 'Nam? Same thing I'll do to a Voodoo Chile when I get my hands on 'em...
Toreador antitribu: Send them to the front. We could use a few laughs. Either that or to the Baelites' barracks. Not a single fighter among them. How the devil did they get in the Sabbat, anyway?
Tremere antitribu: Diabolists, all. Heretics and fakirs, on top of that. Sling 'em, size 'em and skin 'em. I need a new belt. It'd go well with the Armani suit...
Ventrue antitribu: Like your tie, Armand. So, need any...'help'?
The Black Hand: Prime Enemy Number One. They are heretics, all. If you see any near your haven, don't be afraid to call for help. They're there for a reason and, trust me, it isn't good. We'll have a regiment on their arses faster than you can say 'Bugger!'
The Camarilla: Ignore them. Deal with the Hand first. We'll have enough time to deal with the Wimps later.