VASULEANS

By Chris S. Coho, Jr. (quiddity66@gnn.com) (14 January 1996)

History

Bryant Wilkins, a.k.a. Jack the Ripper, after several killings in 1888, dabbled in the mystic arts in search of a way to continue his killings without being discovered. Many Vasuleans believe he is the "Merlin" of Camelot legends, merely assuming the name Bryant Wilkins, and a very powerful Magi before his embrace. Two local coteries, of different clans (which clans is unknown) each sent a representative, unbeknownst to the other, to embrace Wilkins. When they discovered him, he had already slit his wrists and drained himself of blood to the point of death, why, no one knows. These representatives mixed their blood as they fed him, creating a new breed. Several nights later, both coteries contributing to Wilkins embrace were destroyed. Using the mystic arts he was such a genius with, Wilkins committed diablerie upon every member of them. His power was greatly intensified, but at this point he still wasn't aware of how to sire others. After wandering for several days, an elder, many believe an Antediluvian, taught him all that he needed to know; when he finished, he gave his 3rd generation blood to Wilkins, offering himself for diablerie.

Wilkins traveled the world learning about other clans, and planting his spawn in their ranks; the Vasuleans are now everywhere, but few know of, or believe in their existence. It is now thought by most Vasuleans that Wilkins, with his mix of Antediluvian vitae and mystic knowledge, is the most powerful Antediluvian alive, some theorize his power may only be rivaled by Caine himself.

Background

Vasuleans are hired killers, plain and simple; killing is in their nature as kindred, and they live by that rule. They embrace their killing lifestyles and are usually hated and feared by those who believe they exist. Simply put, they are assassins.

Many Vasuleans are of other clans, outcasts who are accepted by a Vasulean prince. In order to be converted into Vasulean, or reborn as they call it, the chosen one is given the blood of Wilkins. No one is really sure if it is actually his blood, but they believe a small amount of his blood will initiate her into their ranks. Although this does not change her noticeably, it is said that after given this blood, she'll develop "the tie that binds." This tie is a psychic link between every Vasulean in the world allowing them to recognize each other, and in extreme circumstances, communicate with each other. These Vasuleans are simply called Bastards, although this is not used as a derogatory name. Once a kindred is reborn, she remains in her clan as though nothing happened, except that she begins to grow more trustworthy and more accepted in her coterie. This way if an assassination is ever needed within a coterie, or a coterie of a similar clan near to her, she can perform it without being suspected of the crime.

If a Bastard is ever discovered within a coterie, her vitae is given to a younger generation Vasulean, and she is then revealed as the assassin she is. The Vasuleans believe that if performed correctly, the soul of the kindred is passed along with vitae, and no kindred every backs down from this act, as it is considered an honor among them.

Pure-bred, or True, Vasuleans are more of a free lance nature, working for money to perform any assassination, or any job that may require killing, the ultimate thrill to a Vasulean. They are also the only Vasuleans who may sire. First they must, through a series of messages to several Vasulean princes, ask permission from Wilkins himself. Once permission is given, which it usually is, a vial of Wilkins's blood accompanies it, this is fed to the mortal along with the sire's blood at the time of embrace. Vasuleans do not follow the kindred laws much; they follow the laws written by Wilkins in the Levion. This book outlines what few rules must be followed; any disobedience, and the culprit forfeits the rite to pass down his vitae in any form.

Nickname

None, True Vasuleans are known as Vasuls for short, and others are referred to as Bastards.

Appearance

Only the True Vasuls have alike characteristics; they are generally dark: dark eyes, tan complexion, black hair. They tend to move about in shadowed areas, and rarely walk about in well-lit places. They usually wear trench coats to conceal any weapons they may be carrying.

Haven

Various, True Vasuls are wanderers and do not prefer any specific haven as a clan.

Character Creation

True Vasuls are always assassins, Bastards vary. The usual backgrounds for True Vasuls are generation, mentor, and resources. They are especially good with weapons and all forms of combat.

Clan Disciplines

Obfuscate, Celerity, Icarus

Strengths/Weaknesses

Members of this clan are held hostage by their hunger for the kill. They are more susceptible to Frenzy, and the difficulty for a Frenzy roll is higher for a True Vasul, but because of her lack of fear of the Final Death, the difficulty is generally less in rolls involving willpower. Because these kindred hunt others of there own kind, Lupines will not attack them, and have been known to occasionally aid True Vasuls, but kindred usually do not get along well with them.

Gaining Clan Prestige

Clan Prestige is gained through a Vasuls skill as an assassin. Another factor is the number of assassinations and the difficulty of the assassination.

Quote

Other kindred believe they are above death; that they are truly immortals. It is my belief that my blades and my bullets are the ultimate humbling devices. Other clans bicker over who are the true "Cainites," but they are all equal when viewed through the sights of my Remmington .30-06!

Stereotypes

Nosferatu Bastard Sons of a Thousand Clans, the cowards can't even walk among us without masking their true feelings! Yet they insist upon killing our kindred because of inadequacies of their own!

Malkavian: Who?