The Path of Ecstasy Revised

By Cloak (cloak@guild.bc.ca)

Nickname

Astartites (after one of Set's consorts), or Lettuce-Heads (derisively, after the supposed aphrodisiac). NB: As with the Path of Typhon, they are known to outsiders solely as Serpents.

Basic Beliefs

Astartites acknowledge that instead of being caught in the power plays of the Second City, Set chose solitude to perfect himself. Set had seen the flaws of his siblings and wished to rise above. Witnessing that Set first tried to train his body, then his mind, Astartites believe that mastery of the flesh is the first step to transcendence. Once the flesh has been mastered, then through Ek Stasis this world will be transcended.

Astartites often have the appearance of sensation junkies, but they view sensation as a tool, not an end in itself. Only through pushing the boundries of what has been experienced before may they reach Ek Stasis, and then perfection. They view the vampiric body as an imperfect vessel, superior to the mortal body by far, but still flawed. Therefore the embrace is a blessing, but it carries with it many duties.

The Ethics of the Path

• Vampires are the childer of Caine's sin. Thus we should practice, and spread the practice of, sin.
• As childer of the sin, vampires are inherently flawed.
• Set's quest for his own kingdom is representational of the quest for perfection.
• Only through Set's example may we transcend to a perfect state.
• To resist temptation is a great wrong, but to lose control is shameful in the eyes of Set.

Virtues

Vampires on the Path of Ecstasy uphold the virtues of Conviction and Self-Control.

History

This path was founded by the Followers of Set dwelling in Constantinople after the fall of Egypt. Surrounded by the Golden Horn's Byzantine splendor, and associating with the city's debauched Toreador, the path's founders gradually founded their philosophy based on sensation. However, they believe the Toreador to have missed the forest for the trees. Where the Toreador get caught in the sensation produced by their passions and arts, the Astartites see that sensation as a tool to a further state. They have since divorced themselves from their near-sighted once allies.

Current Practices

Astartites are some of the greatest corruptors in the ranks of the Followers of Set. Therefore they are often sent out by the Theophidians as agents of first contact. The majority of neonates are embraced by members of this path, as they believe the embrace is the ultimate spread of sin, and therefore the greatest step towards Ek Stasis. Their fervor for Setite religion is as great as the Theophidians even if their numbers do not fill the higher echelons of the priest hood. They also often maintain blood cults to use as puppets and toys for their own amusement. Some have been known to direct dynamics within their cults to create an interactive soap opera. Even the sensations of another can sometimes teach.

Description of Followers

Astartites are a diverse group. From whores to classicists to murderers to yogists. Anything that can offer a sensation may be the key to transcendance. With immortality, Astartites have a long time to try as many flavours as they want. The outside observer can rarely see the difference between the Theophidians and the Astartites, yet the two schools have strong opinions about each other. Theophidians would say that the Astartites have fallen to their own games while the Astartites think the Theophidians have missed the point of the song in the effort of chanting. An Astartite who has fallen to vice is shamed and shunned. Discipline is still important.

Following the Path

Astartites work not only for their own transcendence but for the enlightenment of all others as well. They believe this enlightenment can only come from dropping social boundaries and notions of purity. Followers of the Path of Ecstasy are especially drawn to the innocent, the proverbial threshold guardians. Once the innocent are dealt with then may the enlightenment of all truly commence.

Common Abilities

The ideals of the path requires diversity in training. As well, Astartites prize acuteness of the five senses for this makes Ek Stasis easier. Alertness is favoured. Other abilities include Athletics, Empathy, Expression, Crafts, Performance, Academics, Medicine, Occult and Science.

Path of Ecstasy Hierarchy of Sins

Score	Moral Guideline	Rationale
10	Not striving for perfection in all things.	The perfect body leads to the perfect mind. The mind leads to the next realm.
9	Allowing an innocent to survive.	The innocent will block Transcendence.
8	Allowing sensation to hamper performance.	Sensation is a tool for Ek Stasis, not a vice.
7	Failing to observe Setite religious rituals.	Only Set knows the path to Ek Stasis.
6	Allowing pain to hamper performance.	Death occurred at the Embrace, therefore pain should be transcended already.
5	Not attempting to corrupt an innocent.	Corruption spreads sin, and thus enlightenment.
4	Being controlled by temptation.	Temptation should be satiated as a pet, not obeyed as a master.
3	Allowing selflessness to interfere with sensation.	Transcendence must be priority to lower life.
2	Not experimenting with new sensations.	Only by pushing the boundries may we transcend them.
1	Attempting to retain any inner purity.	Purity is an anchor tied to the unenlightened.