THE DUCHESKI FAMILY

Mitchell Kelly (mitch.kelly@tesco.net)

History

The Ducheski family are a family of Revenant Ghouls, once associated with the Tzimisces, but now in the service of the Tremere.

Originally, the Ducheski served the Tzimisce, acting as their tame necromancers, releasing hordes of ghosts and zombies against their enemies and summoning dead foes to learn of their plans and schemes. The Tremere suffered heavily from assaults by the Ducheski early in their history, when the war between the Tzimisce and the Tremere was in full cry.

The Tzimisce, however, were even more cynical than normal in their dealings with their sevants. The Tremere counterattacked against the Ducheski, killing many and driving others insane. The Ducheski asked their masters to protect them, so that they could regroup and continue the attack. The Tzimisce simply sent other servants of theirs to destroy the Ducheski, saying that servants who needed protection were of no value, and best disposed of.

Very few Ducheski survived the double sided onslaught, but those who did, after a brief period of hiding from both sides, fled into the arms of the Tremere. This curious turn of events arose because Amin Ducheski, the then leader of the family saw that while there was no hope in trying to return to the Tzimisce fold, what they knew about their former masters' strengths, weaknesses and battleplans might just allow them to make peace with the Tremere and thus survive. There was the possibility, Amin said, that the Tremere too might simply use them and kill them out of hand, but what other chance did they have? It took several years, dark deeds too numerous to mention and a powerful binding ritual to finally convince the Tremere of the loyalty of their new servants, and then the Ducheski were released against their former masters.

The skills and knowledge the Ducheski had brought with them were used to great effect, and the family was able to watch gleefully as the whole Tzimisce clan crumbled in disarray.

The Ducheski have continued to serve the Tremere over the years, although their numbers have remained small. They are concentrated in Central and Western Europe, with very few indeed elsewhere. Knowledge of their existence is closely guarded by the Tremere, who regard them as too valuable an asset to advertise openly.

Appearance

Traditional in dress, aristocratic in feature and bearing, the Ducheski retain a steady demeanor at all times.

Family Estates

None as such. They live as discrete families, with the family members attached to different members of a given Chantry.

Background

All are Dilletante or Noble in concept. The see themselves as nobles in the service of a greater group of rulers. The children are educated in exclusive schools and at home, where they learn more esoteric knowledge.

Disciplines

Auspex, Necromancy, Obfuscate.

Creation

Natures are usually Tradiotionalist, Architect or Autocrat. Demeanors are variable, but usually not very unusual. Mental Attributes and Knowledges are primary, common Backgrounds include Resources, Contacts (often Spirits) and Mentor (either a family member or a Tremere).

Weakness

As a result of a powerful ritual placed on the whole family and passed down through the generations, the loyalty of the Ducheski is guaranteed. If a Ducheski deliberatly acts against the best interests of the clan, she immediately ages 50 years, and acquires a magical "glow" (visible on Perception+Occult, 8). This ritual does not otherwise affect the free will of the Ducheski. Also, the Ducheski must check for frenzy while in the presence of Tzimisce.

Preferred Paths

Most follow the Path of Humanitas, but some follow the old Paths now forgotten by the Kindred, and a very few follow the Path of Cathari.

Family Organisation

The eldest male is regarded as the leader of the family, although his decisions are usually considered advisory rather than absolute. All defer to the Regent of the Chantry to which they are attached. Family relations are cordial but formal, and regular meetings and visits occur.

Gaining Respect

Intelligence, and the demonstration of it is highly prized, and skill in the occult or Necromancy is considered of paramount importance. Stupidity or acting without thought are punished, although the sternest punishments are reserved for traitors.

Duties

The Ducheski act as watchdogs, although they feel that this underutilises their abilities. They are expert information gatherers, with both temporal and spiritual contacts. They are sometimes called upon to take part in rituals, especially those that require some action to be taken during daylight. Sometimes, the Regent of a Chantry will have a Ducheski placed discretely (e.g. through a normal recruiting agency) with a new Childe, to monitor the Neonate in her early years. Such Ducheski do not reveal their true nature to their masters until ordered to by the Regent.