GAERINI

By Damien Moore (int907a@lindblat.cc.monash.edu.au) (25 June 93)

Nickname

Fish

History

The Gaerini were originally an offshoot of the Gangrel Clan, much like the Daedaleans, but differing in one major way -- their powers, life and interests were dedicated to the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes rather than the air, and their powers began to extend in that direction.

The Gaerini have always been a small bloodline, and were never major players in any of the vampire societies. They prefered to keep to themselves, or in very small groups, like isolated fishing villages.

The Gaerini were originally from the south of France. Their progenitor was a Gangrel who had spent her entire life by the sea, using her powers of shape-shifting in new ways, untried by her kin. She Embraced a young fisherman and sailor, who, once he was Embraced, did not have the traditional Gangrel powers of Fortitude, Animalism and Protean. At first she thought that she had spawned a Caitiff, and was disappointed that her blood had run so thin.

But after some time of observing her Progeny, she realised that his powers were not so much a manifestation of hers, but a manifestation of her desires. The young man had the quickness of the sea, its illusory qualities, once the preserve of her Cousins, the Ravnos only, and a strange ability similar to her Protean, but adapted for an aquatic mode.

Appearance

Gaerini can come from any culture or background. However they are invariably linked with cultures that are near the sea in some manner.

Haven

Like the Gangrel, Gaerini tend to be constantly moving. However they will often have a number of Havens within one city, moving between them irregularily. These Havens are usually houses or apartments near the ocean.

Background

Gaerini can come from any background, as long as they have some association with the sea. Surfers, coast guard rangers, fisherpeople, divers are all members of the gaerini bloodline.

They are often asked before they are Sired, and the Bloodline has a number of 'Recruiters' that travel the world looking for members. These recruiters invariably have Dominate 3 in addition to the Gaerini disciplines, to erase the memories of those who refuse the Embrace.

Character Creation

Any, given the mentioned ocean ties. Sometimes the Childe does not need an association with seas, but with inland waters. Physical abilities tend to be primary, as are Talents. They often have backgrounds in Mentor, and Allies. A Gaerini Childe may take the Merit Calm Heart with no cost, reflecting the Clan's very calm attitudes.

Clan Disciplines

Aquas, Chimerstry, Celerity

Weaknesses

It is said that the Gaerini have a touch of the Toreador about them, and they may be drawn into a trance of some type, mesmerised by sight of a sea-scape, or a droplet of spinning water.

Organisation

There is no official organisation of the Gaerini, but they do keep in touch, especially Sire to Childe. If a Gaerini needs help then they do manage to bring a surprising amount of effort to bear. Many Gaerini have allies amongst the Gangrel.

Quote

"The sea is our mistress and our delight, we fall into the ecstasy of being alone with her. In this we are similar to our brothers, the Gangrel, yet at times they seem too remote from us."

Stereotypes

Gangrel: Our Kindred, and our Sires. We have been given much from them and they from us.

"The Gaerini? I have met but one, and recognised the resemblance between our Clans; but they have strayed into strange waters indeed."

Nosferatu: They share much with us, but we have sailed beyond their more limited outlook.

"Those guys are wierd. It's like someone melted a Gangrel, Toreador and a Ravnos together, and it became something new..."

Tremere: Trust them not. They have some of our power and would destroy us all so as not to remind themselves that they cannot have it all.

"Gaerini? A myth, spawned by a Gangrel who had stolen some of our secrets. They do not exist.... why do you ask? Have you seen her?"

Ventrue: We have little in common with them. They lead where we do not travel.

"Gaerini? Never heard of them."

Toreador: These hedonists are very amusing. They live their unlife boisterously, with relish -- yet we have some in common.

"Gaerini? Wasn't he a Renaissance painter?"

Brujah: Rebels without a clue. They rebel against all without thought. We simply flow out of their way.

"Gaerini... um, yeah man, I met one of these guys, he was trying to talk to some fish or something. Strange, just like a Gangrel, but more wet, if that were possible."

Malkavian: These Kindred are sheer chaos. They ebb and flow with no apparent pattern. But underneath this chaos lurks something that we have not seen all.

"Gaerini, yes, a fine fisherman, he gave me a fish once, a fine fish. Named it Eric. Don't know why."

Ravnos: They cluster where we spread -- but we share more than their illusions.

"Gaerini -- some of Gangrel cousins stole our tricks, and use them to confound each other. They're no fun to fool with, they just wait until you're gone.

Assamites: Beware! If you see one of these Kindred, just leave! Don't worry about Havens, or possessions, just go!

"Who?"

Setites: They are disgusting. Foil them where you can.

"Who?"