By Ian Wright (iw7655@cutter.ship.edu) (7 April 1995)
The night was cold and dark as the Gargoyle rebellion began. Throughout Europe the Clan Tremere's loyal guardians were returning every punishment they had been made to endure ten-fold. At the main chantry things were particularly bad. The prototype Gargoyle, Grygory, and his flock, had slain several Tremere elders and it was rumored that he had diablarized at 5th Gen. The Seven returned as soon as they could only to see the flock of Gargoyles retreating into the mountains.
Grygory knew that they couldn't out run the Tremere forever. He felt more powerful than ever, but he didn't have time to focus that power before they caught up. It would be a bloody battle, Grygory knew, and he was sure that many warlocks would die. They'd already killed at least two dozen of the slave drivers in the chantry but the thought of Final Death was a bit much to take. He knew that his line was weak against the powers of Domination and it was completely possible that they might have to kill each other, bloodbond or not.
Into the mountains they flew. The Tremere were getting organized back home and accounting for their losses. Then, as the sun was preparing to rise, the Gargoyles found a cave to take shelter in. Within was something more horrifying than they'd ever seen: A lake of lava burned within the heart of the mountain. This was something that was more powerful than even Tremere. Alerting his most trusted underlings to guard the entrance to the cave, Grygory approached the lake. . . There was something about it that facinated him. As he approached a gout of flame whipped out in the center and there stood a man of fire.
Grygory bowed and pleaded for encroaching on the territory of a god. It was not his intent, nor that of his followers and if they could but spend the night they would never return. "Grygory!!" the man called "You can indeed be forgiven. . . For a price." "Name your price, Lord", Grygory said flatly. The fire being approached him and said "You and your followers shall drink of my blood. Those who survive shall become my retainers and servants in the world. Fire will never again be your nemesis. Beyond this, I shall destroy those who currently pursue you and your flock. Do we have a deal?" The fire being looked expectant and drew out a knife of obsidian to his 'wrist'. Grygory thought of all he'd been made to endure for his years of service, looked to the being and said "Deal." So saying, the fire being slit his wrist and Grygory and his flock drunk deeply that night. Many died, all were in extreme agony for the entire day. When the survivors rose, they discovered that their skin of granite had become polished, smooth obsidian. A heat unlike any they'd ever experienced, pulsed within them and they flew into the night. . . except for Grygory who, it is said, entered the lake of lava with his most trusted guards and there awaits the day he must rise to spread the flame.
As per the Tremere pursuers, they were never seen again and it is said that something blasted them to ash.
Nickname: Fire flies
Clan prestige: Clan prestige is gained by serving the fire elemental lords in some signifigant manner. Whether this is by causing a major chemical fire or destroying fire companies around the world is up to the Lords themselves.
Backgrounds: The Salamanders prize control of fire over all else. They've been known to embrace arsonists, fire eaters, and anyone else who can prove he is not afraid of the destruction it can cause.
Disciplines: Visceratika, Fortitude, Volcanis
Clan Weakness: The Salamanders, being so fond of fire, have developed a rather nasty weakness. . . Water harms them! Fresh water will cause normal damage, while salt water causes agravated wounds. Either way, they avoid it at all costs. Rumor has it that they flee at the sight of fire extiguishers.
Camarilla: They fear our friend. They try to destroy us whenever we enter an area. We will not accept this for long and they will pay for this!
"Destructive, moronic arsonists! Is there nothing that they can do that doesn't break the masquerade!? They should all be destroyed as they were slated for a millenia ago." - Terrence, Clan Tremere
Sabbat: This group understands us to a degree. They claim to not fear the fire, but deep down you can see the fear in them whenever one of us approaches.
"Valiant warriors who understand what they are. The acursed Masquerade falls whenever they enter a city!" - Allantis, Aide to Goratrix, Tremere Antitribu
Inconnu: Who?
"They're trouble makers, alright. We'd best keep an eye on them" - Romanye, Monitor of Romania.
View Volcanis discipline.