The Black Knight
By Athyra Di Giovanni (demonsreiche@yahoo.com)
Totem of War and Respect
Background Cost
Description
Every country has at least one legend of the "mysterious warrior". In Britain, their most famous hero of the genre is "The Black Knight". The ominous figure of the Arthurian legends, he stood for honour, justice, and the code of the Round Table. None could face him and defeat him until Arthur's knights, and even then they were soundly beaten. Those who follow this looming figure walk in darkness and in light with no fear, for none willingly cross their path. The people who follow the Black Knight are called his squires and prefer to live by themselves, keeping in contact with their fellow pack members through common meeting places and telecommunication.
Merits and Gifts
The squires of the Black Knight gain the following merits: Iron Will (as per the Vampire Merit) or Self-Confident, Danger Sense, Acute Sense of Hearing, Acute Vision, Code of Honour, and either Higher Purpose or Berserker. The Black Knight also gives his squires a -2 difficulty to the following rolls: Intimidation, Melee, Brawl (or any other fighting style), Dodge. All of his followers (both Kinfolk and Changing Breed) have access to the Vampire Discipline "Presence - Dread Gaze". All physical traits gain a temporary +2 bonus while in battle for purposes of combat only (including absorbing damage). These go away after all the enemies are defeated.
Bans
All those who follow the totem of the Black Knight must follow the Arthurian Code of Chivalry, listed below. As well, they can never turn down a challenge of honour, no matter the odds against them. The Black Knight's squires also lose one Honour or one Glory (whichever is highest, to a minimum of one) whenever they gain Wisdom, for they are meant for battle, not plotting complicated advances. All battles must be met with hand-to-hand combat unless that is completely impossible. As well, the squires of the Black Knight must never use firearms in combat (unless saving the life of a companion). If they must use firearms, the squires will lose one Reknown in each category for resorting to such "dishonourable" methods of combat. The squires of the Black Knight automatically receive the flaws: "Intolerance: cowardice", "Phobia: magic", and "Magic Susceptibility". Having little to no sense of humour is also allowed, as the squires of the Balck Knight also gain the flaw "Ill at Ease/Disconcerting" whenever they are dealing with anyone not following a totem of war.
Arthur's Code of Chivalry
- Always keep one's word. Avoid lies.
- Never kill or attack an unarmed foe.
- Never harm an innocent.
- Never torture, for any reason whatsoever.
- Never kill for pleasure.
- Always help those in need.
- Respect authority, the Law, and honor.
- Never betray a friend.