ZERUS

By mrselfdestruct (baterase@aol.com)

Description

The accidental creation of obsessed Tremere biothaumaturgists, the Zerus were meant to be a line of bodyguards, servants and slaves. Their creators sought to emulate the Nagaraja engineering of the Samedi, but with the goal of producing an all-purpose vampire. They first spliced the genomes of several species of insects, along with a virus that attacked the nervous system. The result was a zerot, a thick-carapaced grub about the size of a kitten. They wanted to merge its natural defenses into a vampiric form, but could not think of a natural way to introduce the genes of a living creature into the vampire's dead cells. The zerots reproduced by chewing their way into the spinal cords of their victims. From there, they could take over all bidly functions, redirecting cells to mutate and form more zerots. The Tremere scientists would use this process on humans.

The Tremere transplanted zerots into human subjects, then surgically altered those who survived. When the infested humans were deemed ready for the Embrace, they had a higher generation Tremere sire Donovan, a young man who was easily Dominated. The Embrace was a success, and he developed the disciplines Thaumaturgy, Auspex and a new power, Infestius. It was exactly what the Tremere wanted, but Donovan could not pass for human; he was hideous, with a spiked carapace. They forced him into siring five normal humans, hoping he would create normal-looking offspring. Unfortunately, they were infested too, and the Tremere decided that the new line must have Obfuscate as one of its innate disciplines. They sought out a source that might impart this upon their creation and eventually obtained the blood of a Nosferatu. This turned out to be a fatal error, for the vitae was of the sixth generation. The twelve infested humans who were sired with it resisted Domination and attacked their creators. With the help of the previously infested Tremere, they one a ferocious battle and took over the compound. Seven of the originaly twelve survived and now rule over the bloodline. The infested Tremere left and have not been heard from since, though it is said the two lines will become one with the coming of Gehenna.

The Zerus, as they came to call themselves, are hate-filled and corrupted. They sire those who are like themselves and have a fourth Virtue, "Tainted Soul."

Backgrounds

They may have any Backgrfound, but the most common are Mentor, Resources and Allies.

Character Creation

They are evil before the Embrace, so Conniver, Bravo and Curmudgeon are common Natures. They may have almost any Demeanor, however. Caregiver, however, is unknown among them. Mental attributes are primary, as are Talents.

Paths

In their own eyes, they are no longer human, but instead see themselves as angels of hate. They never have Humanity, and the most common paths are Power and the Inner Voice and Scorched Heart. The Path of Evil Revelations is also not uncommon. Keep in mind they do have 4 virtues.

Organization

Most of the bloodline lives in the northeastern U.S. The first ones created an anti-Tremere sect they call the Order of Chaos. It is about 85% Zeru, but Malkavians and Serpents of the Light have also joined. There are also some Zerus in both the Camarilla and the Sabbat. For the most part, however, they are tightly knit and stay together.

Disciplines

Potence, Obfuscate, Infestius

Weakness

Like the Nosferatu, they have a starting Appearance of 0.

Advantage

Because their creators wanted them to have Thaumaturgy they leaned the experiments in that direction. Because of this they may by it with freebie and experience points like it were a i clan discipline although the original 3 dots for disciplines my not be spent on it.

Stereotypes

Camarilla: Anyone who would accept our enemy is our enemy.

Sabbat: Ditto.

Tremere: It sickens me to think of them. May they all die a painful death at my hands.