Tremere
“Evil is an excuse, a mere pablam spewed by those too weak to use force. There is no good, nor evil. There is only power, and powerlessness.” — Abetorius the Curseborn
Nickname: Warlocks
Disciplines: Auspex, Dominate, Thaumaturgy: Path of Blood
Of all the vampire clans, the Tremere may have the most shadowed history. Long ago, the Tremere were not vampires, but powerful mortal sorcerers, specializing in hermetic magic. Through vicious cunning and powerful ambition, they joined the society of immortal undead. Even in modern nights, Tremere are the undisputed masters of blood sorcery, keeping their secrets close and staunchly guarded. Their numerous successes have gained the Tremere many bitter enemies. Their legacy is one of occult power wielded by political acumen, and they are dangerous in the extreme. The Tremere demand respect above all else — both from other vampires, and within their own clan.
Over the centuries, no clan has committed such terrible atrocities as the Tremere. Dark deals, horrific experiments, and vile betrayals stain their reputation. Yet the Tremere continue to hold power, based primarily on strong alliances with other clans and the leverage of their magic. Those who turn against the Tremere lose access to their occult gifts and Thaumaturgical skill. A sorcerous ally can be a powerful boon.
Wizards left their black robes and tall staves in the Middle Ages; instead, the Tremere have adopted a strict, business-like mien as is appropriate to modern nights. Conservative suits, prim dresses and upscale accoutrements have replaced top hats and canes, as the image of occult mastery adapts with each passing age.
Organization: The Tremere exist in a strict, disciplined hierarchy of static ranks and severe restrictions known as “the Pyramid,” which is led by a council of the most powerful Tremere elders. Titles such as Apprentice, Lord, and Regent clearly distinguish Tremere ranks within the clan.
Each Tremere is chosen carefully from a controlled mortal populace. Once transformed into a ghoul, the prospective childe is educated, tested, and then brought into the clan as a lowly Apprentice. With hard work, dedication, and judicious treason, a Tremere can rise through the Pyramid and seize power within the clan. Tremere do not live on their own, but haven together in occult chantries where they can work together and watch each other’s backs.
Clan Weakness: The blood of the Tremere holds difficulties and inequities not found in the other clans. Because of these failings, Tremere are easily made dependent on the blood of another. It takes only two draughts of another vampire’s blood for a Tremere to become blood bound instead of the normal three — the first drink counts as if the Tremere had taken two drinks. Additionally, in the BAM universe, All Tremere are bound to the Council. This counts as a two-step bond.
Clan Merits: Tremere may purchase any of the following Tremere-only merits.
- Thaumaturgical Expertise (1 point merit): You can purchase an additional path of Thaumaturgy, other than the Path of Blood.
- Talisman (3 point merit): You possess a magical talisman, which grants you a bonus when using Thaumaturgy.
- Countermagic (4 point merit): You are extraordinarily adept with magic, and can dispel Thaumaturgical effects.
Bloodline: Telyav (2 point merit)
“Thus, the fall of midnight. Thus, the rise of power. Thus, life and death, power and blood. This is all we need.” — Dorotea Black, Telyavedic Priscus of the Sabbat
Disciplines: Auspex, Presence, Thaumaturgy: Path of Blood
During Clan Tremere’s rapid rise to the forefront of vampiric politics and power, the Telyav were a small cabal of Lithuanian warlocks Embraced for their knowledge and influence. They studied the myths of the legendary god-hero Telyavel, the Lithuanian protector of the dead. These pagan Tremere watched the atrocities performed by the clan through the Dark Ages, and began to pull away from the Tremere. In return, the parent clan did not support the Telyav against their enemies, and by the 1600s, the Telyav were nearly extinct. The cabals of the Telyav, preferring animistic magic over the formal hermetic style of their parent clan, sought to escape the strict Tremere hierarchy. When given the opportunity, they allowed the other Tremere to believe their bloodline had been wiped out, with no survivors to tell the tale. They exist in modern nights, always hiding from the Pyramid, knowing that if other Tremere discover their existence, they will be utterly destroyed. Members of this bloodline are found almost entirely among the Sabbat.
