BY ROBERT KIRKPATRICK
They claim that their founder, Lycaon, was a noble and trustworthy gangrel who worked hard and diligently as one of Gangrel's closest brood. Gangrel herself entrusted him to oversee the Fairies that still lingered strongly in the world. Of all the clans, the Fairies got along well with the Gangrels. (The Malkavians were supposedly not insane yet, and had yet to be Cursed.) The Gangrel had made a tentative alliance with them, promising to help protect their Woodland Realms, in return for learning some of their natural magic. The Fairies always held back on their end of the bargain, as the Fae are known to do.
Except in regard to Lycaon himself... For some reason, they trusted him -- probably because of his grand sense of humor and regal yet deviant attitude. Lycaon was a very unpredictable vampire, who was known for his sinister sneer and cold, sarcastic wit. To the Fairies, this was so much better than the stoic, loner nature of most of Gangrel's other Childe.
The Lycaons claim that Gangrel grew jealous over Lycaon's ties with the Fairies. Gangrel believed that Lycaon was building an alliance with the Fairies to topple her, perhaps to even diablerize her. With the aid of the other Clan Founders and the permission of Caine, Lycaon was cursed with a ravenous hunger for human flesh. Lycaon's appetite became insatiable until he swallowed raw meat. Then he was banished out of the society of vampires (thrust out like Adam and Caine were) and forced to survive in the wilderness.
With the Curse still fresh upon him, Lycaon was immediately betrayed by his Fairie friends. They turned their backs on him in his time of greatest need. They drove him out of their Glens and their territories.
Alone, stranded, and starving, Lycaon was then greeted by Fairies he had never met before: dark skinned Fairies with diabolic eyes, and sneers as sinister as his. They brought him fresh human meat and offered him shelter in one of their dark realms. There, Lycaon became strong again. The desire for vengeance grew in him as the years passed on. The Unseelie taught him some of their arts, and taught him how to shape his disciplines to mimic theirs. The Dark Fae even helped to develop sinister versions of his Protean disclipine. Here, Lycaon had found his true friends who would never betray him.
Lycaon swore then to get revenge on all those who betrayed them. He hunted the human cities, now not only for meat, but for those humans vicious and bloodthirsty enough for him to Embrace. He would create a small army, send them out into the world, to bring down the society of Fairies, Vampires, and men -- as the price for the World of Darkness' betrayal against him.
Lycaon is said to still be alive, living in one of the Dark Fae realms. Lycaons who believe in him say that he watches over his children, with the help of the Unseelie, so that one day he will gather them up to destroy all the betrayers.
Elder Gangrels whose memories and legends date back far enough find all of this myth to be pure poppy-cock. The Lycaons -- to those few Gangrel who know of them -- have created a lie to shroud their nasty habits. The myth is nothing but the twisted fantasies of the ego-mad, who think they are justified to kill everything.
"You must be joking," the Gangrels say. "You have a vengeance against Vampires, Fairies, and Man... Lycaon was just a Gangrel who developed delusions of grandeur from all his acts of diablerie. He was never the brood of Gangrel. Gangrel was not stupid to have Embraced a vicious beast like Lycaon." The Gangrel also point out the fact that no Lycaon has ever surpassed 8th level in any discipline. "How the hell can he be a brood of Gangrel if they have never neared his power?"
But very few Gangrel Elders would say this out loud, just in case one of the Gangrel listening is actually a Lycaon, out for meat and blood.
The Lycaons are among the smallest of all the Bloodlines. They regard themselves as Vengeance Embodied; their anger and hatred of all other Vampires (especially Gangrel) and Fairies flows through their blood as strongly as it did their Founder. The myth of their creation is what drives the oldest of them.
They have no affiliation with either the Sabbat or the Camarilla, but instead live among the two groups: either disguised as loner Gangrel or Caitiff/Panders. With either group and among mixed company, they keep their meat-eating secretive and private.
Among the Camarilla, the Lycaons have to be the most secretive and hidden in their activities. Few Elder Gangrels know of them, and would do their best to wipe them out "before they cause real problems." The Lycaons are rare enough and so well disguised among Vampires, that it's hard for the Elder Gangrels to weed them out.
In the Sabbat, the Lycaons don't have to be as quiet, and can sometimes let their strange hunger show to strangers. Excessive violence and gore is easier to express among the Sabbat, so usually the greatest number of Lycaons can be found among them. However, because of the fairly sizable portion of Lycaons who follow the Path of Evil Revelations, and because the Lycaons still wait for the original Lycaon to return and lead them in vengeance (a heresy to any Antideluvian-hating Sabbat in existence), the Lycaons still must hide their true selves among the Black Hand. They will fake loyalty (entering war parties, etc), in order to better hide themselves.
Of all the clans, they get along with the Malkavians best. If any clan knows the most about the Lycaons, it's the Loonies (whether Sabbat or Camarilla rarely matters). Perhaps it's the ties that both of them have to the Fae, or perhaps the Malkavians really don't mind the strange needs of the Lycaons -- whatever it is, Lycaons tend to be more open with these crazy Kindred. Gangrel have rumors and myths about this bloodline, the Malkavians have facts.
In their vengeance against the Fae, they have fought with various Garou tribes, including the Fianna. But with others, like the Shadow Lords and those who still uphold the Impergium, they have created several nests of allies. They consider the Black Spiral Dancers -- who are also allied with the Unseelie -- close friends, and the feeling appears to be mutual. The Dancers have allowed many Lycaons to seek refuge in their Wyrm Pits. Even though they are a small lot, if they were to pool their contacts, herds, allies, and all their supernatural ties, the Lycaons could be a major force to contend with.
Most people tend to leave Lycaons alone, because they look and sometimes act like your standard weirdos. Jeffrey Dahmer would be a Lycaon -- normal-looking at first glance, but if you probe deeper, with an ugly, sinister side.
Conversely, some Lycaons choose crowded inner city apartments where no one really cares what happens. They will live alone, and if anyone complains of any noise (like when they use chainsaws to carve up their meat), it usually falls on deaf ears. Some Lycaons live in luxurious penthouses, where their status and money allows them to remain unbothered. Lycaon apartments tend to have lots of refrigerators or deep-freezes.
Lycaons tend to choose the most headstrong and the most cunning of mortals to Embrace. These mortals are usually not in any position of power, but who tend to live on the edge of mortal society, with morals all their own: usually serial killers, cannibals, rapists, and hard-core junkies -- anyone who would willingly kill to have some sort of fix (be it through sex, violence, drugs, etc). Only these kind of people have been able to deal with the harsh and peculiar appetites of the Lycaon Bloodline.
Those Embraced also tend to feel unjustly treated by the world, that somehow they have been betrayed and misunderstood by others. In their early lives, they have been considered outcasts, geeks, nerds, and sickos by their peers. They are also people of supreme intensity -- the headstrong nature of this Bloodline couldn't be emphasized more. Whatever they feel, they feel with zealous fervor, and cannot usually be persuaded otherwise. Like their founder, they have a vengeful streak a mile wide.
When creating a character, two obvious flaws to get are Vengeances and Hatreds against something (almost anything). Other Lycaons tend to add Intolerance's as well.
However, this is pretty much the stereotype of the Lycaons. Not all of them are like that. You can find the sweetest and most demure Lycaon as you can find in any other Clan or Bloodline. However, their disgusting weakness is want makes their lives even more intolerable.
As for Humanity, most Lycaons who have it usually have it at a very low level. Some especially tortured Lycaons who choose to have high Humanity are going to have a very vicious life ahead of them. Lycaons tend to follow the Path of Cathari, with several following the Path of Evil Revelations, and a small handful following the Path of Harmony. Those that tend to follow Harmony or Humanity are usually disdained by their Lycaon brethren.
Physical or Mental Attributes are usually their Primary traits, while Social is almost always Tertiary. Talents or Skills are also Primary, and like Social attributes, Knowledges are almost always Tertiary. Those that do possess high Knowledges tend to possess it in Lore (Vampire, Gangrel, Lycaon, Lupine, Wyrm, or Faerie).
Some of the older Lycaons have been known to develop Chimerstry and limited Thaumaturgy. These have been gained, not from Diablerie, but from their contacts with the Unseelie, who have shown them what potential they really have.
A typical Lycaon Elder would have either Chimerstry or Thaumaturgy, one other physical disclipines (Celerity and Potence), and the disciplines above.
Lycaons tend to refrain from using disclipines like Auspex, Dominate, Animalism (they have lost touch with that side of their nature), and Presence, although it is still possible for them to possess these certain disciplines, given the right reason (after diablerie, for use as subterfuge, etc). They never learn any disclipines relating to other Bloodlines (like Quietus, Serpentis, Mechanus, etc), except for the sole exception of Chimerstry. Lycaons usually have no problem developing this due to the fact Ravnos and Lycaons both come from similiar lines.
Lycaons can digest the meat very quickly. It is said that once the flesh is swallowed, something in the Lycaon blood breaks it up, and converts it almost instantly to vitae.
Lycaons can still drink blood, but it provides no sustenance whatsoever for them. Thus they can "fake it" if necessary, but if they are hungry and they try to fake it, they usually frenzy and start tearing away at the meat.
Lycaons also tend to be heavy bankers, of sorts. When they kill a mortal or Vampire, they usually hack up parts of the body, and keep them in the refrigerator, freezer, or deep-freeze. When they need more in their blood pool, they let the meat thaw out before devouring it.
Lycaons must also eat the flesh in order to diablerize another vampire. They basically must eat everything (except the hard skeleton) in order to fully drain the vampire of its soul. It is said that some of the Lycaon Thaumaturgist have elaborate rituals that allow them to gain the full Disclipines and memories of those they eat.
Elder Lycaons tend to be massive Diabolists. They usually blood bond several vampires and keep them imprisoned. They would then hack off body parts whenever they needed to feed. The vampire would be given enough blood to repair the damage over a period of time. The Lycaon would drain the part of all the blood (some through long pounding and others through rituals similar to Ritual of Purify the Body) so that they would not get blood bound by drinking it.
It doesn't matter if there is blood in the meat, as long as it's raw. This does not give an automatic merit of being able to digest food. The Lycaon will still vomit anything that is not raw meat or blood. They cannot eat cooked meat of any kind, even if it's cooked rare. Raw chicken, beef, and hamburger can sustain them, but it takes a lot to do so.
Any Vampire that drinks the blood of Lycaon will taste something different in the blood; and especially if the Lycaon has Level One of the Unseelie Discipline, then that Vampire is also in for a surprise.
They also possess the Gangrel weakness of gaining an animal feature each time they frenzy. However, this feature only shows when they frenzy; otherwise they appear normal. Thus, when they frenzy, they have been mistaken for Garou, based on how quickly hair and fur appears to grow. Plus, the higher levels of Protean help in maintaining this illusion.
If urgent information must be relayed (such as the time and location of a Feast or Grand Feast), then it is the responsibility of the Sire to get the message through to his Childe. It is said that messages are sent down from Lycaon himself and trinkle down to everyone.
If a Sire dies, some Lycaon will be appointed the adopted Sire of the dead Sire's Childe. No Lycaon chooses who that new adopted Sire will be. It is said that Lycaon himself chooses, and passes the order down in the traditional way.
Every year, during a fat, plump red moon, Lycaons in a city will gather and have a Feast. There they share myths and knowledges, and give due respect to all those who have acquired any Prestige. They treat each other quite well, because a Feast is the only place these outcasts feel they belong. Throughout most of their existences, all Lycaon feel guilty for eating meat (a big taboo), but the Feast is where they can push that guilt aside and talk openly of their hunger.
At every Feast, it's rumored that Lycaon himself may be among them to see the progress in his Progeny. Unseelie Faeries have been known to join in with these Feasts.
At every Feast, a Gangrel is served as the main course. Those with high Prestige get to have the first bite, and those with the highest Prestige are allowed to diablerized the meal (if they so desire) when everyone else is done having a morsel. Mortals are brought in from around the city, from all different walks of life, and served before the main course to quell everyone's appetite.
Every seven years, a Grand Feast is held in each country. Around that time, Elder Gangrels have been known to disappear and not be seen again. They have probably been served up at the Grand Feast. Very few humans are used for food at these Grand Feasts. Instead, random Vampires are captured and brought in from around the country and served beforehand -- in a fashion similar to the mortals at a normal Feast. Unseelie Faeries are always in attendance at these Grand Feasts. They always hint that Lycaon is definitely somewhere near, and with his powers to manipulate time and space, he could be there instantly.
Sometimes, in place of the Elder Gangrel, the Lycaons will serve some Garou instead. This usually leads to great violence, however, as the Lycaons will frenzy (after eating the Garou) and start trying to devour all the meat in sight. Most of the time, this is done on purpose, just before the Lycaons attack some Gangrels. They fill themselves on Garou meat in Gangrel territory, and start to hunt down every Gangrel in sight.
Other ways include establishing contacts and alliances with other supernatural creatures, such as Lupines and Dark Faeries -- any force that gives the Lycaons a stronger power base. Thus, Lycaons will usually ally themselves with the Werewolves' Wyrm-entity, especially since it has been known that the Wyrm may grant a few of them some special powers.
A very minor way to gain Prestige is to have brought the most succulent meat to a Feast or Grand Feast. Gangrels are the first choice (Camarilla or Sabbat), while Toreadors are the second.
Anti-Salubri: "Wicked fellows. They will try to expose you the minute they discover what you are. Never turn your back on them, and never fall prey to their plans."
Assamite: "Mighty kindred who came so close to being what we embody. They are now nothing but weak, little cowards, who gave up so easily to the Curse brought upon them by the Camarilla."
Assamite antitribu: "They still rage on against those that would try to do them in. For this we respect them. But when they try to stop the coming of our Vengeance, let them stand aside or die."
Brujah and Brujah antitrubu: "They do not know the meaning of the word, 'Rebellion'. They fight with no reason at all, and lack the passion and sense of purpose that we have. But still, some make good friends and are always in the mood for a fight. Maybe they can join us when we take down the others."
Children of Osiris: "Delicious Kindred. Meat so pure, so empty of taint. Eat one if you can. They mean to destroy us, but we want to make a nice herd of fat, juicy cows out of them."
Daughters of Cacophony: "Who the hell cares?"
Followers of Set: "They wait for their master like we wait for ours. Until that time, we are allies. After that, they are dinner."
Gangrel: "We will strip the meat from their bones and devour their hearts as they watch. We will work our way up to their mistress, and beat her like the dog she is. Watch them run, with their tails between their legs, when they realize their 'brother' means to eat them."
Gangrel antitribu: "Like us, they are waging war against their previous masters. They will just have to learn to bow before a new master when Lycaon comes, and strips this world of all it's meat."
Gaki: "Delicious. But five minutes after you eat one, you're hungry again." (Hey, I can make this kind of joke. I'm Asian.)
Giovanni: "Mmmm. I love Italian food."
Lasombra and Lasombra antitribu: "Power they want, power they will get -- especially when I ram my clawed power down their throats."
Malkavian and Malkavian antitribu: "Our best allies. They think we are just as mad as they are. They think we epitomize the truth of a world where everyone must eat another to get ahead."
Mekara: "Taste too much like axle grease and gasoline. But if you're in the mood for fast food, you can't beat it."
Nosferatu and Nosferatu antitribu: "They try to learn the truth about us. Do your best to convince them that you are Gangrel, and get the Gangrel in trouble. The Skulkers think they are the vile ones. Wait until they see us eat."
Ravnos: "They are more aligned with their Gangrel cousins, and in their elitist attitude, they spit on us. Even if they are masters of deception, strip their skeletons -- but only after they teach you the ways of their illusions."
Ravnos antitribu: "Allies. As cunning as we are. To deceive is second nature to them. Too bad that don't kill as much as we do."
Salubri: "Let's see them heal their holier-than-thou selves once you swallow them whole."
Sardonicus: "Worthy foes. They don't care who you are. As long as they can hunt you down as you sleep, and drain you of your power. If we could get them on our side, then everyone will fear us."
Serpents of the Light: "As mysterious and as alone as we are. If you're in a bind, snake food ain't bad. Watch out that you don't get bit."
Toreador: "Their meat tastes like chocolate with a lovely cherry center. Bite into them, and watch the red flow. They are artists, be their fan. Devour their work and then devour them."
Toreador antitribu: "So different from their Camarilla brethren. They also understand ugliness like we do. Some of them make good allies. The others, though not as tasty as the Camarilla bred, still taste like chocolate."
Tremere and Tremere antitribu: "Good men and women. Wouldn't trust one in a minute, but that's why I like them. Strong willed, and forceful intruders into the world of Vampires. Be careful around the loyal ones, though. They have certain abilities that can discover exactly who you are."
Tzimisce: "So stoic. So distant. They matter very little to us. They think they understand the bondaries of flesh and blood, but they will never know how to truly manipulate flesh, until they've bitten into it."
Ventrue: "Old, stoggy, wrinkled meat. Good only if you're hungry. Otherwise, just kill them."
Ventrue antitribu: "Good allies here. They understand what it means to be outcasts and geeks. Some of them will even take a bite of flesh just to show you how different they are."
CAMARILLA: "Sounds like caramel, don't it? Take that as a hint. Don't step too far out of line in their cities, or things might get sticky. You must be very sly to live among them."
SABBAT: "It's easier to let yourself go in their cities. But watch yourself. They don't care for our love of Lycaon and the coming of his Vengeance."
INCONNU: "They are liars, all of them! They tell us that all we know about Lycaon is a myth, that he's just a mad Kindred who works for the Dark Fae. They will learn the truth when Lycaon devours them all!"
GOLCONDA: "A fool's quest. The only peace we will find is when all the Betrayers of Lycaon are dead."
WYRM: "The Wyrm is a function of us. The Black Spiral Dancers tell us that we are but an aspect of its 'Hydra', whatever the hell that is. It doesn't really matter. As long as we have it on our side."
IMPERGIUM: "Gotta keep them in line. Gotta keep everything in line. Like a line of lambs fresh to the slaughterhouse."
SEELIE FAERIES: "Kill them all, tear at their flesh, and revel in the acid trip their meat will give you. They deserve no better: those that would so easily betray a friend."
UNSEELIE FAERIES: "Close friends. They gave aid to our founder when all the others turned him away. Help them whenever they need it, and it will return to you tenfold."
LUPINES: "The ones you can always count on are the Black Spiral Dancers. Ours is a trusting friendship. They do not mind serving our master if we serve theirs. As for the others, look toward the power-hungry tribes and the ones filled with the most hate. The Shadow Lords, the Red Talons, the Get of Fenris, any and all that hunt for power or for vengeance. Of course, don't let them know your true intentions. They'll tear you apart in no seconds flat."
MAGES: "They're out for your blood. Nothing more. Watch your step with these humans. They'll drain you quicker than any vampire."
"They hate us with a passion, although we are their brothers. The Dark Folk have deluded them into hating us, have turned them from good friends, into eternal enemies. They are cursed with a hunger that repulses us all. Have mercy on their souls, for they know not what they do. But show no mercy when you meet one. They want nothing less than to tear the meat from your bones."
"Young pups, listen and listen good. Not every Garou you met is what he may seem. Not every friend you have is a friend forever. There are Wyrm creatures that may be living among you now. Vicious leeches in wolf's clothing. They are enemies to all -- they are children of the Wyld gone angry, children of the Weaver gone mad, children of the Wyrm still hungry. And they may be hungry for fat puppies like you, so beware. Beware."
View Unseelie discipline.