By Carl L. Congdon (carlcong@nni.com)
They fought to be recognized as a bloodline in 1950, when it became obvious that their (then) status as Panders was only going to get them killed. They banded together, naming themselves "Jradians," after Jrad the Strong, the enforcer of Caine. Although they were almost exterminated for treachery, the leaders of the Sabbat found that these Caininites were correct: centuries of bloodshed had evolved a race of vampires more suited to combat than most others. Ironically, this distinction (and their clan weakness) put them in the position they had wanted to avoid: the front line of Sabbat Crusades. Bitterness still exists among the clan members to this day.
Knowing that any gain in power would be a fluke, they have banded together with a clan unity only rivaled by the Lasombra or the Nosferatu. They have many violent rituals, most of them sports with the brutality quotient jacked up to extremes. The Lasombra, sensing their lack of power-politicking, have wisely allowed them much more leniency than other clans. This allows the Jradians to vent their frustration while keeping primed for battles with the Sabbat's enemies. In return, the Jradian bloodline leans toward a conservative voice in Sabbat affairs. This has caused a great deal of political friction with the Jradian's former allies, the Panders.
Cynical and scornful to the point of insolence, they still have a great deal of goodwill and respect banked for them, due to the outrageous risks they take on behalf of the Sabbat. Jradians are quick to boast that they are the only "real" Sabbat, and delve into the Sabbat mindset more than most other clans. If they could learn to tap it, or live long enough, they would find much hidden support for their efforts. Whether or not they would use it, or appreciate it, is another matter entirely.
At first, the Jradians did not believe they had a Clan Weakness. That is because no Jradian can notice another Jradian's aura. The only time this is not the case is if the Jradian in question has diablerized one of his own bloodline. Forever after, her aura will affect other Jradians as well. Many Jradians still dispute any claims that they have this weakness, and respond that other vampires have some sort of inexplicable grudge against them. Needless to say, such an attitude only reinforces their "image problem."
Lasombra: A bunch of glad-handing, pompous pricks! But at least they're honest about it. I can sort of respect that.
"Disrespectful as they are, they are worth five apiece of any other clan, excluding the Assamites, and ourselves, of course. Their lack of political ambition is to their credit, and a sign of wisdom. Let us hope they keep that wisdom."
Tzimisce: I can deal with the fact that I'm not a human anymore. But these sickos take it way over the top! Have you ever seen the inside of one of their labs? Ugh! And everyone calls us 'blood-Nazis'?
"Though ignorant and atavistic, they are highly effective warriors. Many of them are skilled at the art of war, and could go far. Their lack of subtlety, however, may undo them once the War is over, and the Peace must be won."
Assamite antitribu: I can respect these guys. They are good at their work. Still, they don't need to treat us like crap just because everyone else does.
"Listen to them whine! So young, and so arrogant! I could do what it takes twenty of them to do, and much more cleanly! To their credit, I would not want to fight them in a fair fight, but who said I fight fair?"
Brujah antitribu: Are these loudmouths good for anything except propaganda? I can't believe they used to lead the Sabbat. I wouldn't let one of them lead me to the bathroom! How come they get rank over us?
"The Goon Squad is what we would be if our Iconoclasts had their way. These brain-dead blood-Nazis will undo every gain we've made for freedom in the Sabbat. It's good that so many of them die soon. Otherwise, we'd be glutted with these cerebrally-challenged thugs."
Gangrel antitribu: Decent enough. Not what you'd call team players, but they do what they have to and don't give us any static. Wish the rest were like that.
"They fight hard and play hard. They have just as much right to their fun as we do to our freedom. Yeah, they're annoying, but if that was a crime, we'd have no Sabbat left!"
Malkavian antitribu: The scary thing is that they make sense sometimes. If they had anything left of their brains, they'd really be dangerous!
"Sometimes they're so dull and predictable it's perversely fascinating. And some of them actually do surprise me from time to time! But being around them makes me feel a bit odd, if you know what I mean."
Nosferatu antitribu: They think they have it bad, but they can hide when the shit gets too thick. Besides, who cares about looks except the Toreador?"
"Bunch of dumbasses who let themselves be targets. And they think that should get them respect? I don't respect them, that's for damn sure! But hey, better them than me!"
Panders: Hey, they should prove that they've earned equality before they get it. The big, bad world doesn't owe them a damn thing. Still, I can see where it comes from...
"The Goons got exactly what they deserved. Let 'em die in the front lines! When we needed them, they walked. Still, I give them a lot of credit for hanging on like they do. They shouldn't have done it the hard way, that's all."
Ravnos antitribu: Cool to party with, and a good sense of humor. If they had an attention span, we'd have won by now.
"They can be truly dense sometimes, but they do a lot for this sect and see very little in return. I may not like them, but I do respect them. I can't say that about many others."
Serpents of the Light: Another bunch who weirds me out! I don't know if I'd rather have them on my side, which would make me feel safer, or on the other side, which would make me feel safer.
"Like the Panders, I can take or leave them. They do much to their credit."
Toreador antitribu: Just what the world needs: immortal art geeks. Do they do anything useful, or are they just around for laughs?
"They are the primordial essence of the vampire and the Sabbat. As you can see, this can be good or bad, depending on your mood."
Tremere antitribu: I don't see why they're getting stepped on. After all, they couldn't be any worse than the Lasombra. I say, give 'em a break and see what they can really do!
"We were the first to acknowledge them as a true bloodline. They have backed us since then. It is a mutual alliance, one I hope to see flourish."
Ventrue antitribu: I think the worst thing the Camarilla ever did to us was foist these rejects on us. Saying you support a group that you monkey-wrench every chance you get doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense. If they had their clan's leadership skills, they might have been worth something.
"Their's is not to wonder why, their's is but to do or die. Boneheads! If they had any idea what clout they had, they could do something with their unlives instead of being target practice for the Camarilla! But no, they are quite content crashing into battle. Better them than me."
Black Hand: That's when you know you're big-time: when you're in the Hand. This is what the Sabbat should be like! Then we'd get some stuff done.
"If it were not for the fact that their weakness makes them ineffective for scouting, we would use them more. As it is, they work best in full-scale assaults. Too bad, for they have warrior's hearts, despite their whining."
Camarilla: Wake up! You aren't human anymore. You shouldn't have to hide. But if you're too afraid to take control, stand aside for someone who can!