CAPOEIRISTAS

By Justin Whitney (Ravnos101@aol.com)

Author's Note

What's up all? This is the First Bloodline brought to you that's meant for use with WoD : Combat. Just when you thought it was safe to return to the Amazon after escaping from the claws of the Balam, and then running like hell from that very angry T-Rex mokole. You find out that there are Vampires. Just great, Amazon Leeches. But don't underestimate them, they move quicker then the Toreador elders, and are more potent then the Brujah. They are tougher then the Gangrel, but they also change... not like the Gangrel. One minute they are humans, the next, you are being torn apart by a Jaguar, or being constricted by an Anaconda. These are the Capoeiristas, the Amazonian warriors of the night. A good movie to see before choosing a character of this Bloodline is Only The Strong

Prelude

As told by Radagast - 4th Generation Country Gangrel Childe of Ennoia, Grand-Childe of Ravnos, Great Grand-Childe of Caine of Romani Blood

It was in about 1500 when I hid aboprd the Spanish boat going to the new world. I masqueraded as a sailor, for it was yet another chance to learn something, though my powers could not help me ovr the ocean. Would you believe it? I was still hooked on the coffin superstition while at sea... all day while the sun burnt, I slept in a coffin! Now I stay on the cold hard ground, the ground that I can trust. I was not accepted amongst my Kumpaniya any more because I had the blood of Ennoia running through my veins, so like her, I wandered alone. I never sired a Childe, for I never truly grew lonely, even though I lacked my family. I guess I needed a few centuries alone anyways.

Anyway, when I reached what you now call Brazil, I followed the Spaniards to a slave plantation. Over the days I grew hungry. One night I woke up, the lust for blood rushing through my veins, and I thought that the Spanish bastards wouldn't miss a few slaves. I hated the Spanish; all they did was conquer and kill. Some humans have less than Humanity then even the most loathed of kindred. I know Tzimisce Elders nicer than Spanish Conquistadors. Now, as I went to feed upon the Slaves at the plantation, I heard some very rhythmic music that pleased my ears. The slaves were circled around, clapping and signing. I looked further in to the circle and saw that they were dancing. It was very rhythmic, and these slaves were very athletic. After about an hour of watching in awe, I realised that the slaves were not dancing, they were fighting. Their backflips and sweeps were moving as fast as the music, then as quick as a blink of an eye, the two backflipped out, and two more cartwheeled in. I watched them dance and fight through the night, and as I awoke the next night, I watched them again, and pondered. I thought to myself " How can such wonderful artists be reduced to slavery? They don't deserve to work for murderers." Then I knew who to feed from as I watched the bonfires of the slaves. I then entered the ring and suddenly everything stopped, the singing, the fighting, and the music. All of the slaves stared at me. I then took my flute from my bag and began to play the rhythms I heard, and the music, singing, and fighting began again. Soon I was pushed in to the circle and began to fight one of the younger slaves. Even with my powers of Fortitude, I was brutaly beaten almost to death within a few minutes, when my punches and kicks were easily avoided, blocked, and used against me. But I am Gangrel. I do not quit until I am done. I was done a few minutes later. I couldn't stand anymore, and my opponent kneeled down, and helped me up. He said I could not fight well. Over the years they taught me how to move and fight like them. I had a family again. I ended up falling in love with thm all, and embraced almost the whole group.

We then headed northwest, and established a village in the Amazon, where we had water and food for the mortals of the group, and there were many animals too feed from. Though we did not kill the animals, we fed from them. One day, I was hunting a Jaguar. Big mistake. I ended up in a Capeira brawl with a Balam warrior. after a few minutes, my Kindred, as well as a tribe of Bastet warriors, and even a few Mokole were circled around us, playing music to carry on the battle. The claws then ceased to slash at each other, it soon became a Jenga. It lasted for hours, and we jumped in and out, Bastet danced with Vampires, and Mokole danced with Bastet. We soon became allies, Though after about fifty years, the blood of Ennoia caused me to wander on. I never returned to the Amazon.

Description

The Capoeiristas are obviously an offshoot of the Gangrel. They have heavy connections with the Bastet of the Amazon, as well as the Mokole though they are vengeful to most Garou, save the Silent Striders. Over the years though, they have developed different disciplines, as well as a modified version of Protean. For many years they have kept themselves secret, but ever since Slavery in the US, they have traveled north to help free them. Many have participated in the Undergroud Railroad. The newer ones travel the world greatly, joining the Armed forces and other associations. They have only recently been seen outside of the Amazon. Many are unaware of the Jyhad waged between the Camarilla and the Sabbat and really don't care. But if they see a Gangrel in need of help, be he Sabbat, Camarilla, or Inconnu, they will aid him.

Nickname

None

Appearance

Most are of African heritage, but there also many Brazilians who are initiated into the bloodline. There are also many members from the armed forces of all heritages initiated within the bloodline if they are in The Amazon long ewnough to learn Capoeira.

Background

The Capoeiristas select their progeny very carefully. All have come out the last one standing in at least one jenga held by mortals wishing to enter the bloodline. One who is not a master of Capoeira, who does not have the endurance of loss, who does not remain respectful to nature and humans, and who does not show integrity will not be accepted in to the bloodline. One who messes up after being embraced is held in a Grand Jenga where he must face all others of the bloodline who are present without rest. He who survives gains another chance. He who fails meets the Sun.

Character Creation

The Capoeiristas may have basically any nature or demeanor. Physical attributes are always primary, as are talents. Normal backgrounds are Allies (others in the bloodline), Resources (if in the armed forces), and Status (amongst the others in the Bloodline) Those using the Elysium rules to play as Bloodline Elders may not take the Age Background above 3.

Bloodline Disciplines

Amazon Protean, Celerity, Fortitude, Potence

Changes in Protean:

** Wolf Claws: The Vampire may also have claws extend from his toes adding the same effect as trhey would on their hands.

**** Shadow of The Beast: Instead of a wolf and a Bat, the Vampire takes the form of a Jaguar or an Anaconda. With the 4 point merit: Gift of Proteus, the Vampire may change in to anything resembling an Amazon creature.

Weaknesses

Like the Gangrel, when the Capoeiristas frenzy, they gain an animal trait. These traits usualy reflect amazon creatures suas Jaguars and Anacondas.

If a Capoeirista does not practice at least one houir of Capoeira a night, his own blood will curse him. He may not use his blood to heal wounds, or for any use in disciplines until he practices for one night straight. Some, mainly those who have never left the regions of the Amazon, receive One extra point of aggravated damage from sunlight per a turn. Also, all are required to have a humanity rating of at least 7, a brawl rating of 3, and an Athletics rating of 3.

Advantages

One advantage is Four Clan disciplines, over the years, they have developed The physical disciplines due to the cumulative practice of Capoeira. Also, if using World of Darkness: Combat the Capoeiristas gain 6 extra power points (3 in Brawl, and 3 in athletics) to spend, also due to their practice. If not Using WoD: Combat, then just add 2 freebie points to spend on abilities.

Organization

Most travel in groups of five or six to pactice in their jenga nightly. Once a year, a Grand tournament is held in the darkest depths of the Amazon. All are required to attend this or are put in to a Grand Jenga. Not only The Vampires attend this; many Balam, who are normally solitary, attend this, calling it The Dancing Thaigram as well as a few Mokole who dare to face the others in combat. Most are wise to let the Mokole win, because if one is angered, he will probably ignore any rules and shift to Crinos form, then stomp his opponent into a pile of goo.,though most are honorable enough not to. During this meeting, there will be a large jenga where all who are at the celebration will participate. One who defeats an elder in combat is awarded greatly, and taught the secrets of the blood (disciplines). Watching two Balam in Crinos form battle each other at this event is spectacular. After this there will be food served to the mortals who attend, and Vitae from bowls to the kindred. After this there is a celebration similar to a Sabbat Fire Dance (Many possess the Fire Dancing talent). Then, the new are honored by all three races as well as the mortals. Next, another jenga is held, not for earning ranks, but more for fun. Then as the dawn calls, all disappear into the jungle from whence they came, though this meeting has been known to continue every night for weeks at a time before none return.

Gaining Prestige

One who bests another at the annual meeting will receive and gain prestige, whereas one who loses suffers no loss of rank, for all are excellent warriors.

Stereotypes

Camarilla: I do not believe in politics. I believe in the spirits, and Capoeira.

Sabbat: They wage a war, but fight without an art. They are weak opponents

Inconnu: Inconnu is French for "The Unkown" that is what they are.

Balam: When a Balam speaks, listen, when he asks you to fight with him, accept. When he's angry, run like hell.

Mokole: Say one thing bad about the Dinosaur kings, and you'd wish you were dead. First they crush your legs and arms, then they let one claw sink deeply where it really hurts, then they slowly gnaw you into food for their hatchlings.

Gangrel: We are of the same blood, but over time, we have become of our own blood. The curse of Ennoia runs through us, as you see my eyes resemble an Anaconda's. But we have become the creatures of the jungle, not the roads, or the cities. Though now we travel the world, we will always crave to roam the jungles.

Quote

Come..let us dance a little....POW!