By Jay Gray (jg0259@cnsvax.albany.edu)
Power is Responsibility: The knowledge we gain through our contact with the Wisdom gives us responsibility. We must never use the Knowledge for the petty gain of political, financial or social power. We must never use it to harm another, though others may use the knowledge given to them to harm others as they like. Only if there is danger to the bloodline, to the kindred or to humanity may knowledge be used in these ways.
Responsibility is the Bloodline: The knowledge we gain through our contact with the Wisdom belongs to our Bloodline first. Share this knowledge freely with your brothers and sister. Never charge them a price. Remember, in all things, the bloodline must come first.
"I don't mind them, really. I just wish they would take a side! I mean, are they going to use the info they possess to change things? Or to keep them the same?"
Gangel: Many feel that the Gangrel are like animals because they embrace the Beast inside them. We know this is not true. The Gangrel are like animals because they embrace something far different.
They claim to tap into something beyond them and they claim to gain information from that something. That might be true. Sometimes, when I am alone in the forests and I am at peace...sometimes I think I can feel it as well.
Malkavians: The Malkavians have come closer than any other to touching the Wisdom as we have. Unfortunately, for some reason, they could not adjust to this. That is why they are insane. If they could only overcome this flaw, then our two clans would be as one.
"They've touched what we have and they think they're sane! Hoppy joy! Instead they are the most insane Malks of all! If only someone would tell them."
Nosferatu: The Nosferatu seek to control information for their own goals. We seek information for the sake of information. We do not control it, nor let it control us. For all their sneaking around and spying, they will know nothing until they learn to touch the Wisdom.
"Weird, I tell you. They think they can know anything but not work for it? Down right weird. But at least they're smart enough not to give the info they do have away for free."
Toreador: We are grateful to our parent clan for having spawned us and we even respect some of its members. The greatest of their artists hint of the Wisdom in their work. The rest are just hedonists who seek nothing beyond physical pleasures.
"They were once a part of our clan and it still shows. After all, two thirds of their hocus pocus is just that, performance and psychology. Beyond that, perhaps they have touched something greater; but are they having a good time?"
Tremere: The Tremere are more trustworthy than they seem. That does not mean one should still trust them, but their reputation is largely undeserved. We occasionally compete for mortals to embrace, but other than that they have kept their relationship with us on a very professional level.
"Interesting and useful. I would like to learn more of this 'Wisdom' that they touch. Perhaps a new path could be developed from studying their Divinatory abilities. In the meanwhile, their prices are cheap compared to what they can give you."
Ventrue: The Ventrue have the potential to do great good and great evil. Watch them carefully and help them when possible. Despite their flaws, they are the worlds best hope in avoiding the terrors of Gehenna.
"Our relationship with the Tarot is much like the relationship between the kings and oracles of legend. Occasionally we ask them for information and they answer, provided we pay their price. They have never proven untrustworthy and the information received is almost always useful. An effective tool.
Caitiff: Few amoung our kinds understand. The Caitiff are not a sign of Gehenna or of weak blood. They are unique individuals and should be judged as such. Treat them as you would any other and watch the more powerful ones. They shall be the bloodlines of the future.
"Tight-lipped bastards, but at least they don't treat us like we're dirt. They'll play fair with you and they'll treat you with the respect you earn for yourself in their eyes. Kinda spooky though."
Giovanni: The Giovanni are of interest more for their necromatic abilities than anything else. We believe that the world of the dead has its own knowledge that only the dead can access. We would enjoy learning more of it.
"I don't know what to make of the Tarot. They can be very useful sources of information, but I always have the idea that they know so much more that they aren't telling you. Still, they're willing to answer questions, for a price. Better than nothing."
Assamites: They are more right in their beliefs than they will ever know. And more wrong. Do nothing to anger them.
"Like us they provide a service for a price. Like us, I suspect they have their own agenda. Let us hope our goals and theirs do not conflict."
Salubri: The Salubri have been wronged. We hope one day to help them, but fear this day will never come.
"They understand the truth of the past and do not persecute us for the lies perpetuated about us. I thank them for that."
Ravnos: The Ravnos are much more than the simple gypsies they appear to be. I can only hope their purpose is not as dark as I fear. Oh, yes. Watch your belongings around them. Or divine where they are when the Ravnos takes them.
I met a Tarot, once. She travelled around with our carnival, doing a fortune telling act. She was good. And a lot of fun at parties. We shared blood a couple of times. Now, sometimes I catch glimpses of the future. Cool, huh?
Followers of Set: These snakes are an evil poison. They seek to corrupt all they touch and their vileness even corrupts the Knowledge. We will not destroy them, yet, but I have no doubt we will in the future.
"Exterminate them. They know too much about us, and should they ever decide we are a danger to them or to humanity they will give the Camarilla the keys to destroy us."
Camarilla: The cause of this organization is noble, but like most noble causes the structure is flawed. Potentially, it can truly save us all. In actuality it does little good. Work to reform the Camarilla, not to destroy it.
Sabbat: Beware these ones. What they cannot control they will destroy. Deal with them if you must, but cautiously. Under no circumstances allow them to subject you to their dark rites. Better to suffer the Final Death than to be a member of the Sabbat.
Mages : We know more about these special humans than any other bloodline, even more than the Tremere. There are those amoung them that fight for a great cause and others that hold our world in an iron grip. Ally yourselves with those who fight for individual choice and against the forces of wild change, rigid science or total entropy.
Garou : Their struggle is important, perhaps the most important thing of all. If only they could unite and then forgive us our 'taint.' Then we could truly turn back the foe they fight.
Wraiths : It is thought that the ghosts of the dead exist on a different plane than our own. If so, perhaps they have access to information even we cannot touch. We would like to learn more of these strange souls.
Faeries : Like the dead, they might have access to information not contained within the Wisdom. We have spoken to a few, but their riddles are even more mysterious than our own. But, we shall try and try again.