'Practical politics consists of ignoring facts'
- Henry Brooks Adams (1907)
The following monologue is a transcript of a conversation between a Sire and his Childer on our Clans relations with the other creatures of the World Of Darkness. This document should act as a starting point for players to shape their characters opinions around. However, each Gangrel is different, and these opinions are not set in stone. If your character trusts the Setites, feel free, after all, it's your character, not mine......
Ah Childe, you want to learn of the 'others'. Well, sit and I'll tell you of the other creatures that live amongst us, and how much they like, or indeed, dislike, our Clan.
The Brujah
The strength of a thousand oxen, and about the same level of tact. And yet, some are our closest friends. After all, they distrust the Camarilla as much as we, and certainly know how to handle themselves in a fight. All round Childe, I would tell you to trust them. But be wary, sometimes they don't know when to stop.
The Malkavians
Once, they were a laughing stock. They were the fools and jesters of our race. Now, however, as the final nights draw close, their 'pranks' and jests become more deadly by the minute. They stalk our cities with a wild gleam in their eyes, and the smile of one pushed beyond the limit. Be wary around these Kindred my Childe, for if you fall foul of this Clan, it may mean the end of your existence.
The Nosferatu
Amongst the darkest shadows, these Kindred live. Do not let their looks deceive you, for most are not the monsters they appear to be. From the shadows they watch, and listen. Their information is second to none. But I have not yet met one who could tell a decent story.
The Toreador
Some of them can tell a decent story. And that is all the good I can say about this Clan my Childe, for they shun our animal ways, call us 'bestial' and 'filthy' and taunt us with their petty names. And yet they still do not understand. If they drive us away, who will protect them when they need it the most? Laugh at their petty attempts at name calling, and remember, they are nothing without us my Childe. Nothing.
The Tremere
They often say 'better the devil you know', but I would gladly disown some of these Kindred. Untrustworthy as a Ravnos and as manipulative as a Setite, these Kindred almost put the Ventrue to shame with their political maneuvering. Trust them as far as you can spit them, and ALWAYS be prepared to outlive your usefulness with these Kindred my Childe.
The Ventrue
Political manipulators bar none. They are the closest we as Kindred have to professional politicians. They will manipulate you, use you and dispose of you without even bothering to learn your name. Don't trust them, not even those who offer their hand in friendship. Especially those who offer their hand in friendship.
The Caitiff
Not officially recognized as a Clan, this ragtag bunch of Kindred are not worth staking out for the sun. Or at least, that's the Camarilla view of them. And yet, some of my greatest allies are Caitiff. Some will be the greatest friends you will ever meet, others not worth raising a claw to kill. Never expect, or rely on anything from a Caitiff and you wont be disappointed Childe.
The Assamites
These are the darkest of our kind. Assassins and fiends all. Be wary of them, for many try to enter our cities posing as those of other Clans. Fear and respect the death from the darkness. They live amongst us, and sometimes, we never see them coming.......
Followers Of Set
The Setites will offer you anything your immortal heart desires. And more. The only price tag, your mind, body and soul. Be wary of these snakes Childe, for when they strike, they strike to kill.
The Giovanni
The would-be Necromancer kings. Every night, they battle the political machinations of the Ventrue, in the hopes that one day, they will control Albion. Fear their abilities with the departed Childe, but do not believe their lies, for I still have not met a Kindred that could withstand the sunrise.
The Ravnos
Those who would be our brothers. The Gypsies who joined the Childer of Caine. The tricksters, liars, con men, thieves and murderers. In my humble opinion childe, I feel the Kindred world would be all the better should someone exterminate this vermin. Never allow them to claim we are related. We will never be one with them. They are mockeries and fools all.
The Garou
Our brothers by blood. Even if they have forgotten, we will not. Most will attack us on sight, claiming we work for the 'Wyrm' or some such. Few will listen to us and then attack. Even less will simply ignore us. Do not take chances Childe, if you encounter a 'pack' leave them in peace and hide from their unnatural senses, for I have not taught you this much to see you die at the hands of a rabid pack of Lupines.
The Awakened
Once, in the times of legend, tales were told of those who commanded supernatural forces without a second thought, sundered walls with fiery blasts and healed grievous wounds with but a gesture, those they called Mages. My Childe, those tales were true, these sorcerers do exist. Do not look so surprised, after all, you did not believe in Vampires until I showed myself did you? I have only met one of their kind, and he told me how they are fighting a great battle. Leave them to their war my Childe, for there are things that have existed long before us, and will exist for a long time after.
The Changelings
The Fae, Fairies, Nymphs, Sprites and a whole plethora of other names exist for these creatures. I have never had the opportunity to meet one of their kind, but I understand that they divide themselves into 'Light' and 'Dark' sides, but beyond this I do not know. If you find one, treat it with dignity and respect, and leave post haste. You can never tell what may happen when you have to converse with a creature of myth.
The Wraiths
Those who have passed from our world, and yet are not ready to leave, enter an eternal Limbo. There they exist in a world beyond our own, desperately trying to right the wrongs they left behind. Leave these poor souls be, they have enough to contend with, being all alone in the darkness. They are not of our world, and should remain that way. Leave the dead in peace my Childe, it is the least we can do.
These my Childe, are those creatures unfortunate to live amongst us. Remember, all beings have the right to exist. Take from none that but which they offer, and help any in need. If you live by this rule my Childe, all will be in your debt, and none your enemy. Ride carefully my friend, for we have many lessons still for you to learn......