NERTU
By Andrew Besuden (bobcat68@sprynet.com)
History
During the early eighteenth century, A Lasombra antitribu of the Black Hand by the name of Derek Von Drake was hunting a Cathayan Vampire who was supposedly taken over by a Souleater. In actuality, the Cathyan was under the influence of a powerful demon. Derek tracked down the Cathyan and destroyed it. This offended the demon greatly, and thus he marked Derek and all his childer yet to be. At first Derek was struck down with great pain. His skin was then covered in armor. Seeking aid in Berlin, he was accused of being a diabolist and everywhere he turned, Demons followed even in his dreams. Derek had to prepare himself; he decided to take arms against the demons. He created his power to manipulate his armor. His childer learned as well.
Nickname
Appearance
Nertu commonly wear leather or other clothing to conceal their armor in the presence of humans. When in the presence of kindred or in the underworld, they reveal their armor except on their heads. When in full armor the skin has different patterns of black and white, and their eyes are green.
Haven
Nertu have no permanent havens.
Background
Most Nertu are picked from the ages of 20 - 40 and excel in physical abilities. Most are picked from the lines of assassins, warriors, soldiers, etc.
Character Creation
Most are professionals, though they sometimes chose a chatterling with the qualities of a warrior. They can have any Nature or Demeanor, though Loner and Cavalier Natures and Perfectionist and Fanatic Demeanors are most common. Physical attributes are most often Primary, as are Knowledge abilities. Preferred Backgrounds include Allies, Contacts, and Resources.
Bloodline Disciplines
Weaknesses
They must sleep in a different haven each night or get a -1 in all dice pools for each night slept in the same Haven until his dice pool is at 1, or until he sleeps in a new Haven. When the Nertu sleeps in a new Haven, his dice to pool is set to it's original number. The armor also acts as a beacon to Demons, and their minions, in the area and gives off the aura of a diabolist to vampires, even if the vampire has not ever committed Diablerie.
Preferred Paths
The Path of Caine and the Path of Self-Focus are The two most popular paths among this bloodline, while some have taken interest in the Path of Lillith.
Organization
Nertu meet monthly and when a stronghold of Souleaters is found nearby or some other emergency.
Gaining Bloodline Prestige
They commonly gain prestige by The number of Souleaters killed or new understanding of the "discipline" Vicissitude spreading. They also gain prestige in finding Souleater strongholds.
Quote
"We are the warriors of the night. We are the Wanderers of our own plight. Other kindred cannot help us against our enemies, so we fight."
New Thaumaturgical Rituals
Guiding LightLevel One RitualThe ritual enables the caster to find his way through the darkest of area to his goal. The ritual requires the caster to use his blood, pouring it over a small flame. The flame will then turn green and the caster must tell the flame what he wants to find -- this must be an object or place. The flame then rises and starts leading the caster to where he desired. After the flame does its task, it disappears. The ritual takes ten minutes and at least one blood point must be spent.
Price of PowerLevel Three RitualThis ritual is the only way a non-Nertu vampire can learn the discipline Dai'Houk. The ritual requires the caster to mix together a piece of the Nertu armor (ground), rare herbs, and at least two blood points worth of Nertu blood. This creates an elixir of purplish tint. When partaken by a non-Nertu vampire, he grows the armor of the Nertu and can learn the discipline Dai'Houk but takes aggravated damage equal to half the character's current Humanity/path level.