By Chris Aahz (Chris.Aahz@Bruins.sbay.org) and Sam Sepulveda.
"Every great great mind has enemies that wish it destroyed. Without us these enemies would succeed. We wiil not allow that to happen." -Ragnar, Guardian of the Council
Nicknames: Zerounists or Sentries
One of the only Paths of Enlightenment not chosen by the majority of its followers, the basics of the Path are part of the wash of memories that flood a Gargoyle at the time of his embrace. Not much for philosophy, the Path of the Guardian is more concerned with the actions or inaction of its followers than their thoughts and beliefs. Its tight focus is still enough to keep its members from succumbing completely to the Beast, however.
History: The Path of the Guardian dates back to the 11th century and the creation of the Gargoyle bloodline. Although all Gargoyles follow this Path immediately after their creation or embrace, it took Zeroun (founder of both the Path and the bloodline) several hundred years to gain enough self awareness to explore and record the basics of the Path.
Originally seen as a simple code of conduct, as the bloodline grew Zaroun recorded everything he thought would be of use to his childer and grandchilder. Over time the code evolved into this Path.
Current Practices: No longer solely for Gargoyles, the Path of the Guardians is followed by many Cainites who have dedicated their unlives to the protection or preservation of someone or something. Many Gargoyles have chosen to change from this Path to another once self awareness is attained.
Description of Followers: Followers of this Path tend to have little to do with Kindred society or politics. While they may be seen in the halls of Elysium or at the latest Toreador party, the Zerounist is not there for pleasure. She is on duty, protecting her ward. Those who are on the Path of the Guardian tend to have a very narrow focus: Protect their ward. Period.
Following the Path: The Path of the Guardian is not difficult to comprehend. Philosophy is replaced by structure for the Sentry, logic has replaced emotion. The character should be aware of her surroundings at all times and always conscious of both her ward and those around him. While introspection and study are not a large part of this Path, the character should work to remain current with any new ideas or equipment in the personal security field.
Common Abilities: Alertness, Area Knowledge, Brawl, Dodge, Drive, Firearms, Fast Draw, Intimidation, Interrogation, Melee, Streetwise, Security, Stealth, Sense Deception, Scan, Traps and any Lores.
Common Disciplines: Auspex, Celerity, Fortitude, Potence, Protean, Quietus, and Visceratica.
10 - Loss of ward at no fault of your own.
9 - Failure to protect ward at cost of your unlife.
8 - Any breach of your security; allowing emotion to override logic.
7 - Failing to keep the Beast in check; failure to protect ward even with serious risk to self.
6 - Showing mercy to enemies of ward.
5 - Disobeying order from a superior; failure to protect ward at moderate danger to self.
4 - Leaving post without permission.
3 - Showing cowardice; failure to protect ward at minor risk to self.
2 - Overt disrespect of ward.
1 - Failure to protect ward even when no risk is present to self.