DELAURENT

By Kaine Andrews (devilsad@powernet.net)

Nickname

Snobs (by Brujah and the like), Walking Egos (by most others)

Disciplines

Dominate, Necromancy, Mortis

Description

Origins of House DeLaurent, as told by Lord Erik DeLaurent of France:

"Long ago, before the current petty struggles of the Sabbat and Camarilla, before the enforcement of the Masqerade, before the rise of such groups as the Tremere and Giovanni, when there were still Salubri wandering the world, the line of vampires then called Ashurians made one of their many, sadly, fatal mistakes....an elder of their clan, known as Karesh Lintar, embraced a wild-hearted youth of the name of Luthor. Luthor, as many of the Ashurian childer, rejected his clan's ways, as Shaitan had before him, and Augustus would after. Luthor left his clanmates, eventually finding company with a mad youth, Marten. Marten in turn, after receieving the Embrace, wandered, finding himself in France, the land where I myself had made my home and lands. He hunted and killed with abandon, until my people declared a hunt on the damnable fool.

Though all in my lands sought him, it was my personal guard who discovered the blood-drinker, and had him brought to me. Not fearing this Marten, who apparently had the wits of a slow child, I dismissed the guards to have private audience with him. He told me of what he was, and of his origins. Fascinated, I asked him to demonstrate this "Embrace" he spoke of, and demonstrate he did, giving me the power of the blood. I then drained him dry of his vitae, for he had mentioned the power that was often gained in such a way. Turning from the ashes, I caught my reflection in one of the shields hung on the wall, and realized that I would not be able to continue my reign, at least not from the throne itself, but he had spoken of ruling from the shadows, and then I thought of the plan, and gripping a sword from the wall, fell atop the ash-heap, and called for the guard. I told them the beast had drained me, but not before I had fatally wounded him. Then I feigned death, a talent for which all of my line have come to appreciate. My son was put on the throne, and after rising from the crypt the night after, I ruled through him. When he grew old, and ready to die, I gave him the Embrace, and he in turn Embraced his son and daughter. Thus was House DeLaurent formed in the Cainite community."

Weakness

All have the derangement of egomania or delusions of grandeur(players choice), and have had at least two sips of Erik's blood, meaning one drink from any other DeLaurent will blood bind them.

Common Background

Like the Giovanni, all DeLaurent's were either members of the actual DeLaurent family or extremely faithful ghouls before the Embrace. They think that Embracing outsiders would pollute the bloodline. Most are Professionals, and often have natures such as Praise-Seeker, Monster, or Traditionalist. Though there have been at one time or another DeLaurents who have followed nearly any path, the most common are Death and the Soul, Humanity, or Power and the Inner Voice. It is believed that there is at least one DeLaurent who follows the Path of Evil Revelations, and also that there are or were rogue DeLaurents who followed their parent Clan's Road of Heaven. Due to their incessant backstabbing, the Path of Honorable Accord is almost never followed, and those who do are usually frowned upon. Social Traits and Knowledges are usually primary, and most have the merits of Nobility and Castle. They are primarily a European clan, and not many have travelled to the New World.

The DeLaurent's disciplines are often used to contact the dead, especially Oracles and other Wraiths skilled at Fatalism, to predict the future of the clan. Mortis, by long standing tradition, is used to fake a new member's death, and subsequent burial (his or her sire comes to dig her out, rather than the Sabbat method of letting them fend for themselves). Dominate is used to keep their subjects in line.

Clan Organization

The bloodline often has formal meetings, similar to Toreador parties, that they invite other nobles (including Ventrue, Lasombra, and Tzimisce) to. These events are full of plotting and backstabbing. These meetings also determine prestige and rank within the clan. The more nobles that the DeLaurent can get to appear, the more status he is accorded. However, no matter her status, there are two Cainites that the DeLaurent must never disobey, her sire, and Lord Erik. Doing so warrents instant death by diablerie, often executed at one of their meetings (though usually not in sight of the other Clans).

Miscellaneous Notes

The DeLaurents of the Dark Ages did not possess Necromancy, as they learned it later from the Giovanni. Dark Ages DeLaurents instead posses Auspex. Also, no PC DeLaurent may be higher than 7th Generation(Erik himself is 6th)

Opinions of the DeLaurents often are the same as their ghouls and revenants. The exceptions are noted.

Other Clans

Assamite: These were one of our parent's greatest enemies, seen as defiliers of the soul and body by their constant hunts on others. We, however, understand their usefulness, and have put them to great use against the remaining Cappadocians and the occasional Samedi or Nagaraja who foolishly tried to defend them. True Brujah: We were there when they were destroyed. We, along with the Ventrue, coached the Troilites into drinking from their sires, and taking their place. The Elois were too much of a threat, for they knew of us and our ways.

Troilite Brujah: By their very nature, they will never achieve their vaunted goal. Did they not learn when the Ventrue, Cappadocians and Malkavians destroyed their "Sweet Carthage" the first time? Some people will never learn. But with any luck, they will kill themselves off, and save us the trouble.

Setites: They are corrupters, and quite good at their jobs. It is a point in our credit that none of us have ever fallen under their sway. For something truly amusing, point one in the direction of a Giovanni who has irritated you recently, and give them a few hints on his vices. Then simply sit back, and watch as another enemy falls.

Gangrel: Pshaw, I am to be frightened of a few Kindred who have decided that rather than taking their place above man, they will devolve into the animals below him? Fools, every one...they aren't even worth the time to kill.

Lasombra: They understand us, the void, and our reasons. They have many interesting ideas about eventual Cainite ascension. Their flaw is their refusal to depend on mortals. They seem to think that all of the kine should be destroyed. We know better, for do not our Ghouls and revenants serve us well?

Malkavians: Madmen. They also sometimes seem to know a bit too much about us, our ways, and our origins. It is best however, not to deal with them directly. Instead, the Assamites and Setites make much better expendables than members of our own blood.

Nosferatu: Sickening. Perhaps the Tzimisce will one day remove their curse, but until that day, keep them away from our affairs, and certainly, never invite one to our gatherings.

Ravnos: There is nothing to be said about the Gypsies, except that they should all be destroyed. The Tzimisce idea of crippling them so they can no longer steal is intriguing, but a more permanent solution is far better.

Toreador: Those with noble blood make fine allies, and even better pawns. Their so called "art," however, is often enough to drive one to vomit.

Tzimisce: (From Kindred DeLaurent) They are perhaps our best allies, for they have time and again given us useful information and ideas, and have at times helped us in our struggle against our fathers. Be wary of them, however, for a spark of rebellion fans in the hearts of their childer.

(From DeLaurent Revenants) We owe our existances to them, for they first discovered the way to make the Revenants, and then showed the way to our fathers....such is how we came to be. They are perhaps the most trustworthy of Kindred (except for the DeLaurents of course)

Tremere: They are fools, one and all. To give up absolute power over reality, and trade it for the stasis of vampirism, Tremere must have been mad. We remember the Salubri, and while they were not our friends, they were allies at times, and for their loss, we owe the Tremere a thousand deaths. Ignore or ally with them only if a Cappadocian or Giovanni presence makes it necessary. Otherwise, have them killed on sight when you can.

Ventrue: Children. Their birthrights were given to them, while we are made to work for it. Their childer are pampered, given their wealth and holdings, while we have to fight for them. Though some make capable allies, and they are nobles, and thus should be invited to our gatherings, they are still fools.

Cappadocians: Kill them. They would do the same to us for some imagined sin. Only Luthor is worthy to remain alive. The one called Keldane still seeks to destroy Lord Erik, and free Marten's soul, but it will never happen. Our power is ours, and our foolish fathers can do nothing.

Giovanni: They aided us once, in the destruction of the Cappadocians. They aided us again in teaching their Necromantic powers to those of the line. But then they betrayed us, hunting us as they had the Cappadocians and Nagaraja, and for that they have never been forgiven. Consider them no better than the line that spawned them.

Caitiff: Beneath our attentions.

Wraiths: We often deal with the restless, and they in turn provide us with important information. The best allies among them are those who we have sent to the Giovanni, to feed them false information, and to return what they learn to us.

Werewolves, and most other shapeshifters: They hunt us for an affiliation with something called the Wyrm. Respond in kind. Spare only the Shadow Lords, for they, much as the Tzimisce, understand.

Corax: Wonderful messangers, and usually quite willing to aid us. It is said that a particularily powerful member of their race is deeply in debt to Lord Erik, and as such his children try to help us, to erase that debt. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant. They serve us, and that is all that matters.

Mages: Those of the Traditions make wonderfull allies. The Euthanos seem quite happy to help us exterminate our former clans, and the Order of Hermes is certainly upset with the Tremere. Avoid those who seek to perform magicks with technology though, for they are quite dangerous to our kind. Let the Tzimisce traffick with the Progenitors if they must, but we will not sully our hands with them.

Changelings: Faeries? Where did you hear such hogwash?

DeLaurent diablerie

Any Elder DeLaurent may diablerize any younger for any transgression the elder feels has happened. This is rare however, unless said transgression was working and/or aiding Tremere or Cappadocian bloodlines. More often punishment involves severe beating, Domination, or the last drink the DeLaurent needs to bond them to the Clan.

Younger DeLaurents who feel that the destruction of an Elder is necessary must go through a process similar to the Lasombra's Les Amies Noir. They must present their reasons to Lord Erik and his 3 Childer. If the accusations are found to be true by Lord Erik, the vampire is allowed his feast of his elder. If found wrong, the subject will either be Blood Bound the final step, or diablerized by another of younger generation (so as to give others strength; the blood would have been wasted on an elder).

DeLaurents are forbidden to commit Amaranth on the Tzimisce, both because of the Viccissitude disease, and also because of their alliance. Breakers of this law are in turn diablerized by a youger Tzimisce, giving the blood back to its clan, and increasing their allies' strength.

Any other clan is fair game, and the DeLaurents are quite willing to kill those who they feel have wronged them. It is also believed that Lord Erik is aware of how the Assamites use their blood to perform their rituals that parrallel diablerie, and on occasions when the Assamites are used, Lord Erik requests that a vial full of the victim's blood is given to him. He pays well for this service however, and the Assamites do fufill this portion of the contract.

DeLaurent Goals:

The following are excerpts from Lord Erik DeLaurent's journals:

"I have at last found the perfect pair for my ultimate plan. The Ravnos called Durga Syn, and the Nosferatu Baba Yaga will prove exquisite specimens, ones whom I could not have done better. I will offer the services of my clan, as well as the Shadow Lords and Corax, to Baba Yaga, to hunt and kill Durga Syn. In return all I shall ask for is a vial of her blood. Baba shall receive the Garou and Corax as gifts, to be used as she sees fit once Durga is removed, then shall the plan continue. With Durga Syn's potent blood, I can become closer to Caine, and with the power gained from that, and the trust I will have in my House from Baba Yaga. I shall then remove the being called Shaitan. With the power of his blood in me, none, not even Baba Yaga, shall be able to stop me, and then I will crush the hag, and take her place.....a perfect plan...."

"With Russia mine, I shall reach out my tendrils, my spies, my men, my Kindred, and destroy that fool Villon, and reclaim my home...."

"And once I own Eroupe, I can begin the hunt. I believe Ennoia will be my target. She seems to be far easier, and have less threat of retribution after her death. And then the others will shake as Clan DeLaurent takes its rightfull place in the Cainite hierarchy...."

Letter from Keldane, Cappadocian Justicar, to Xaviar, Gangrel Justicar: "By these notes, it is clear that Lord Erik is quite mad, as well as that the DeLaurents are seeking clan status. He believes that he can destroy three of perhaps the most powerful Methuselahs still active, and then seek out and drink dry the founder of Clan Gangrel, an activity that will almost certainly bring the Baali, Gangrel, and Ravnos down upon him. The Nosferatu, however, might actually thank him for it. This seems like an impossible task, but having known the DeLaurents since their beginnings, I can tell you, it is quite possible that they may pull it off. The DeLaurents are quite sure of their great destiny, and when seeking that destiny can be extremely willful. I have seen a staked DeLaurent neonate leap up and attempt to drink from his captor, all while the stake remained in his chest. After said neonate was killed, I examined the body, and the stake had indeed pierced the heart. The DeLaurent had merely willed himself to move. That is but a small example. I have also seen one quite literally torn into shreds by Lupines, only to keep fighting, turning them one by one into corpse-like visages, a talent they have retained from their days as members of my clan. When seeking their destiny, they bring the full weight of their wills and dementia upon it, and rarely fail. I am aware you have no love of the Ravnos, but we cannot allow them to kill her, nor Shaitan, for the simple reason that if they do, said clans of each will begin systematic hunts, killing other, innocent, Kindred for the sins of this line. I ask that you present these papers to the princes of any area where you travel, and request a blood hunt be called upon all members of House DeLaurent, whether ghoul, revenant, or Kindred, immediately. I have also sent copies of these to Petrodon and Leonard Knight. If you have any other suggestions, I am quite open to them my friend. Via Con Dios,
Karesh Lintar
Justicar of the Camarilla, representing Clan Cappadocian

DeLaurent Ghouls

Notes on DeLaurent ghouls: The DeLaurent family often has several servants, most of whom are ghouls. They treat their servants extremely well, and even refer to them as DeLaurents. To them, those who have pledged fealty, or who have been given sanctuary are as much a member of their family, and thus under their guidance and protection, as any who were born to it. DeLaurent ghouls, unlike the Revenant family, are capable of learning Mortis before the Embrace, but are for some reason unable to understand Necromancy, a flaw that continues to be in evidence even if the Ghoul is later brought into the Kindred family. (Modern day DeLaurent ghouls who are Embraced do not possess Necromancy as a clan Discipline....they instead have Auspex, as the Revenants and Dark Ages DeLaurents do). Also, by drinking of the blood of the DeLaurents, they gain the weakness evidenced in the others, being bound to Lord Erik, and developing the egomania or delusions of granduer derangements.

Also, while the vampire members of the family often have titles such as Baron, King, Prince, Lord, etc., and actual power over others, the ghouls, much as the revenants, are usually more militant, instead having titles like Knight, Defender, or Paladin. Social and Knowledges still remain primary however. Their ghouls are often selected for being of similar mindsets to the others, and thus often have similar backgrounds and natures, but rather than being nobility, most ghouls were peasants before their Pledge.

DeLaurent Revenants