By Soulburn (soulburn@netzone.com) (1 November 1995)
While the first Manitou were undoubtably Native American, race is not a constant to this clan. They believe that the Great Spirit chooses the next generation of shaman, and a potential sire will use her own powers to search for whomever was chosen. Typically, this means a mortal who has learned the thaumaturgical path of Weather Control. The sire will then explain what she is to the prospective childe, and ask permission before Embracing her. Should the mortal refuse, the Manitou will seek out another.
Manitou respect and care for nature, and spend great time seeing that their chosen terrain (see below) remains healthy. They also care for those who live in their area, and will assist in minor ways any who may need help.
The first magical path for any Manitou is the path of Weather Control. Unlike the Tremere, few Manitou care for blood magic, and many find it truly disgusting. Instead, they tend to focus on "natural" magic, such as the various elemental paths and rituals. Healing magic is also highly desirable.
Manitou typically keep apart from the rest of vampiric society, and are not often found in either the Camarilla or the Sabbat. As such, they lack the resources and histories of these two groups, but also are not bound by the prejudices each holds. The Manitou are an independent clan.
Brujah: "Though their fire is strong, they lack the spirit to shape it into anything but a raging inferno."
Caitiff: "Lack of knowledge about one's sire is no reason to be held in contempt. Many Caitiff are welcome among our clan."
Daughters of Cacophony: "They can destroy with the beauty of song. I'm not sure if this bodes good or ill."
Gangrel: "Our brothers, they respect Mother Earth and her children. That they turn their backs upon the rest of society is their own choice."
Giovanni: "They seek the truth from a dangerous direction."
Lasombra: "The darkness they control is the only reflection these beings cast. Worldly power and control shall avail them not in the battle against the Beast inside. Many have already lost their souls to its hunger."
Malkavian: "Some of them have the Vision, yet cannot focus it. Others are a vile scourge. I do not see how we can compare them to any standard."
Nosferatu: "Their curse either frees or chains them. Those who have escaped the bonds of vanity may be open to our message."
Ravnos: "They have learned part of the mystery, yet their devious natures keep them from finding the rest of the truth."
Salubri: "They heal the body as we heal the land. Why does no other clan trust these Kindred?"
Samedi: "Does the corruption of their bodies extend deeper into their souls?"
Setites: "These creatures corrupt that which we would save. Although they may provide for a balance which is only natural, I hope Set shall never walk the Earth again."
Toreador: "Art may uplift the spirit, but when will they learn that immortality only stagnates the wellspring of creativity?"
Tremere: "Those who use magic for power sacrifice their spirit in the process. Life is more than spells, blood, and rituals."
Tzimisce: "These creatures know what they are and accept it. They are true to the nature of the vampiric form, and for this, we respect them, even if they are evil."
Ventrue: "Like the Lasombra, the Ventrue must learn that power over others does not ensure power over oneself."
Camarilla: "A society which perpetuates the lust for power. Seeing it grow saddens me."
I don't get these guys. They learn great secrets through their magic, spirits, and Auspex, yet they tell anyone who will listen -- for free!
Inconnu: "They have learned the truth and retreated from the games of power. All vampires may learn from these wise Kindred."
As Gehenna approaches, it is rare to see a clan attempting to slow its coming. Their existance brings hope that the Jyhad shall not consume all of us.
Sabbat: "They have freedom in word only. Their sect is bound up in hate and fear, leaving only violence to show as the result. Unfortunate, for part of their ideal may be the salvation of our kind."
Never, ever piss one of these guys off, even if they do look like peace and love hippie freaks. They have a funny habit of sending a fire elemental after anyone who tries to screw with them.