LasombraThe Lasombra clan has fallen from grace - and its members
enjoy it. Simultaneously graceful and predatory, the Lasombra
guide - and, when necessary, whip - the Sabbat into an
implacable force. Turning their backs upon the humans
they once were, Lasombra give themselves wholly over to
the dark majesty of the Embrace. Murder, frenzy, predation: Why fear these things, many Lasombra ask, if one is
meant to be a vampire ? In contrast to the Tzimisce, though,
Lasombra generally seek not to reject all things mortal, but to
shape, them for their own pleasure.
The Lasombra have been involved with the Church since
its inception, and some Kindred whisper that the clan was
instrumental in the spread of the Christian faith. In modern
nights, however, Lasombra have turned their backs on that
divine institution. There are exceptions, of course, but for the
most part, Clan Lasombra bears only contempt for the notion of
salvation. In fact, the Lasombra brought many of the Church's
rites and rituals into the Sabbat sect, twisting them into
mockeries of Christian doctrine. The Lasombra ordained many of the sect's auctoritas and ignoblis
ritae, so that the vampires of the Sabbat might
never forget who and what they are.
Lasombra are best known for their Discipline of Obtenebration, a means by which
they call forth a tangible "living" darkness,
manipulating it at their whim. Clan doctrine
holds that this "darkness" is in fact the stuff of
the vampiric soul, which has been simultaneously strengthened and corrupted by the
Embrace. Through the Curse ofCaine, some
Lasombra believe, God has cast them out,
and thus it is their duty to build a new order
on Earth via the Sabbat. More scientific
Lasombra scoff at this superstition, but even
they tend to believe that, as vampires, they
represent a new and more advanced breed of
sentience, one unconcerned with petty human
notions of ethics. Let the milksops of Clan
Ventrue burn in the solar fires of martyrdom; the
Lasombra are happy with what they are.
Naturally, this villainous outlook is not universal among
the clan, but many newly Embraced Sabbat Lasombra take
great glee in the wanton destruction and vulgar depravity
that such a philosophy allows. In striking contrast, some
elder Lasombra still maintain their ties to the Church,
though even they seem to consider themselves "tools of the
Devil." The two groups do see eye to eye on one matter:
Members of Clan Lasombra, as consummate manipulators themselves, adamantly refuse to submit to the antiquated whims of the
Antediluvians. They fight the Jyhad proudly, but unlike many
Kindred, they firmly believe they can win.
The typical Lasombra possesses a gift for manipulation, as
well as keen leadership skills.
Lasombra are the most common
leaders of Sabbat packs, as their motivational and Machiavellian
natures make them ideal for orchestrating the movements of the
sect. Unfortunately, pride goes hand in hand with this dark
nobility, and very few Lasombra acknowledge other vampires as
equal, let alone superior.
Nickname: Keepers (as in "my brother's...")
Sect: The Lasombra are the ruling clan of the Sabbat, as
much as any clan can be said to "rule" that chaotic body. A few
elder Lasombra hold membership in the Camarilla or Inconnu,
but such creatures lead lonely and perilous existences.
Appearance: Many Lasombra of elder generations hail
from Spanish or Italian stock, and some still show their Moorish
or Berber heritage. Lasombra neonates and ancillae, however,
run the gamut of cultures and ethnicities. Almost all Lasombra
are reasonably attractive, with well-bred, aristocratic features -
blue-collar Lasombra are rare, and one hardly sees the callused
hands or broken noses of the working class among the Keepers.
Haven: Many young Lasombra disdain private havens,
sleeping with the pack and maintaining communal lairs "for the
good of the sect." Old habits die hard among the Keepers,
though; certain elders maintain ancestral manses or other osten-
tatious havens.
Background: Lasombra may come from any background, but are
typically professionals, politically inclined or well educated.
Lasombra tend to be aggressive., both physically and socially; the clan
has little interest in weaklings and: does not, hesitate to cull
unworthy vampires from its ranks. Lasombra are universally skilled at
social discourse and pulling the strings of others - coarse manners are
viewed poorly, for the Lasombra are refined monsters.
Character Creation: A Lasombra may have any Demeanor (the better to hide her true Nature!). Most Lasombra
favor Social Attributes, though Mental Attributes are prized
almost as greatly. Many Keepers cultivate extensive Influence, Status (Sabbat) or Resources, and favor Backgrounds
more than additional Disciplines or Abilities. Lasombra
founded the Path of Night, and this Path has a number of
followers in the Keepers' clan (though many choose to
follow other Paths of Enlightenment, and some Lasombra
keep vestiges of Humanity).
Clan Disciplines: Dominate, Obtenebration, Potence
Weaknesses: Lasombra vampires cast no reflections. They
cannot be seen in mirrors, bodies of water, reflective windows,
polished metals, photographs and security cameras, etc. This
curious anomaly even extends to the clothes they wear and
objects they carry. Many Kindred believe that the Lasombra
have been cursed in this manner for their vanity. Additionally,
due to their penchant for darkness, Lasombra take an extra level
of damage from sunlight.
Organization: Clan Lasombra's structure is simultaneously
formal and open. Respect and homage are afforded to the elder
warriors who helped found the Sabbat, but younger members
operate with almost no guidance from the clan as an entity.
Quarterly meetings, known as conventicles, serve to keep the
Lasombra informed as to each other's status, and blood-drinking
rituals are performed at these meetings. While no Lasombra is
ever told "You may not do that" (at least not publicly), almost all
Keepers have a profound respect for tradition. A secret Lasombra
coterie known as Les Amies Noir is rumored to hand down "death
sentences" on those Keepers who bring undue shame, attention
or ignominy to the clan or its members.
Bloodlines: Lasombra antitribu are among the staunchest
supporters of the Camarilla, though the sect largely distrusts them.
Some of the eldest members of Clan Lasombra hold the Sabbat
Lasombra in contempt. Naturally, the Sabbat Lasombra greatly
fear these powerful Kindred who oppose them, and nothing rallies
rival Lasombra like the rumor of an antitribu in their midst.
Quote: Shadows? Hah! I wield Darkness itself, not mere
shadows! Tell me - could a shadow do this? 
