Dark Faith (7 point Merit) By: Adam "Doc" Eccles
The opposite of true faith, Dark faith is the Baali's faith in the infernal powers. It may pre date the individuals embrace or be an effect of it. The Baali now has a rating of one in Dark Faith, which adds to all willpower and virtue rolls. The exact nature of Dark Faith varies, although its relation to true faith is constant. If a Baali tries to use Dark Faith against an individual with True Faith they must subtract the True Faith rating from the Dark Faith rating, this is the effective rating for all purposes. If the result is negative (True Faith greater than Dark Faith) then the Baali is susceptible to the wielder of True Faith. It takes experience equal to the current rating times three to gain Dark Faith up to rating five and rating by five from then on. The maximum rating in Dark Faith is ten.

Note: an individual with Dark Faith may enter a building/area with true faith (such as a religious site) if their rating is higher than or equal to the area True Faith rating.

The Faithful believe that every being has a dark side to them, and that by careful coaxing, that side can be brought to the forefront. Every creature is subject to the corrupting influence of its own shadow. It is their earnest wish to enslave others within their own beast, to bring the latent darkness out, strengthen it, and then bind it to their will, creating a self-propelled pawn. In this way they strive to build intricate webs of corruption, with themselves at the center of every movement.
The Faithful have little desire to actually rule any given area or domain, their goals are usually much more insidious than that. They believe that Set will return at the time of Gehenna and reward them for their efforts. It is commonly thought that he will use the webs of deceit his children have diligently forged in the final battles to come.
Many critics of the Path argue that Set will simply use the faithful as the faithful use others. They remain confident, however, that they will be participants in the coming darkness, and not simply pawns. They frequently justify their own introspection and contemplation as a way to better understand the darkness within.

• Practice restraint in your desires and machinations
• Corrupt others whenever possible.
• Manipulate others for your own ends.
• Break any rules restraining you.
• Betray those close to you if necessary.
• Explore and Know your own darkness -- it is your surest link to Set's will.
• Always be ready for Set's return.

This path is followed by a small but growing number of adherents. During the middle ages a Setite known only as the "Loyal Son" claimed to have received a vision of Set, from which he learned the Path of Corruption. It is widely believed that Set had an awakening of sorts and discovered that he had been trapped in his own corruption. He found that if he could become a conduit of darkness instead of a vessel, it was far more effective. He then realized that his followers on the path of Typhon were as imprisoned as he had been, so only one from the other paths could introduce this new revelation.
The Path of Corruption is devoted to fulfilling the will of Set. Set is rumored to have said "if I must be banished to the darkness, then that darkness will become all powerful." The Faithful see themselves as continuing the work of Set himself by making the darkness as powerful as possible.

The Faithful are an exceptionally diverse lot. They tend to adopt whatever rituals and practices that may be safely carried out without causing a loss of influence. They are tremendously skilled in the arts of espionage and subterfuge. Few things are beneath them, and if it will further their goals then so be it. They will almost always have a ritual honoring Set that is practiced in the tradition of whatever they're parent religion is. These rites are almost always performed on the night of a new moon, as even reflected sunlight is considered an insult to Set.

Most are cunning manipulators, although not always of people. They have been know to chose progeny for any aptitude which may prove useful. They tend to not look for other followers as each should be self-sufficient. No one outside the Setites are permitted to learn this path, because Set will accept only his Faithful when he returns. There is no point in teaching this path to an outsider; they will however readily teach the path of Typhon to anyone. Most are fanatical in the belief that Set will return and reward them for their loyalty. They believe in the absolute power of darkness, and shun light of any kind as an affront to their very nature. Most are very attuned to the weaknesses both in those around them and in themselves. They will spend much time trying to overcome or control their own weakness.

• Assume power in any form.
• Hunt the Children of Osiris at all costs.
• Exploit any weakness.
• Allow no one to control or limit you.
• You do not mind killing.
• Study your opponents and your self.
• Seek knowledge as diligently as you would power itself.

10. Failing to attempt to exploit or corrupt more powerful or inaccessible targets.
9. Having your plans exposed or uncovered -- being caught within your web.
8. Failing to pursue knowledge of a target's weakness.
7. Exhibiting Altruism -- motive is everything.
6. Placing another person or power's interests above Set's or your own interests.
5. Failure to take appropriate action to remain hidden in your aims.
4. Failing to attempt to corrupt an accessible target, or to exploit a known weakness.
3. Ignoring a chance for benefit.
2. Failing to follow knowledge of a Childe of Osiris.
1. Allowing a law or rule to bind you when it is advantageous to not.

Callousness, Self-Control, and Courage
(It is my firm opinion that a Setite having conscience is like a fish that can't swim. I use it for all my Setites. Generally I assume that this means the character uses Sabbat virtue rules for Callousness and the standard rules for the other two.)

Path of Typhon
"The typhonists are fools! They wallow in the darkness and corruption and fail to see the true use and power that its proper use is capable of. They are locked and decaying vessels for immense power. That corrosion will destroy them eventually. When Set arises he will have his uses for them, but it is we who will be holding the reins of control for im."
Most of the faithful believe that the Path of Typhon is a test of sorts. It snares people in their own evils and for that it is useful. The strong, however, will examine their weaknesses and conquer them, thus escaping into the higher Path of Corruption.
The Path of Ecstacy
"These ones are even farther gone than the Typhonists. They haven't the stomach for true darkness."

The Path of the Warrior
"Our brethren! These soldiers are to be greatly respected. The Loyal Son was on this Path when Set came to him, and thus they are the closest to our greatness. They will overwhelm the fools who dare to oppose us in the end days."
The Path of Re-Emergence
"Only someone as twisted as a Serpent of the Light would ever follow a path so far from Set's goal's as this one is!"

Normally, the dagger will do normal damage (STR+2), but if a willpower is spent, the dagger will do terrible damage to any who are struck (STR+4 aggravated, garou treat this as silver). When this is done, the demon Goratrix gains in power as the corruption of the owner continues (Demon Hounded + 1).

It is said that the only way for the demon to be released, and the dagger destroyed, is for the owner to go through an elaborate ritual, ending with his or her suicide using the Talon.

Just one Talon would give the holder many "gifts" of darkness. By cutting the hand and feeding the Talon two blood points, the holder would be able to summon forth Imps and Demonhounds from the depths of Hell. However, a human sacrifice must be on hand for each demon brought forth by the Talon or the holder will pay with his soul. These "lesser" demons would follow the holder's orders as if he were Satan himself. However, any higher demons will follow orders to the letter, and no further. They will seek a way to return the master's lost Talon.

The Talon can turn the holder's thought into action. It gives the holder three dots in the thaumaturgy paths of Creo Ignem (control of flame), Rego Motus (Telekinesis), and Rego Tempestas (Control of weather) See Pages 165 and 166 of the Vampire: The Dark Ages handbook. The holder can only use these paths as long as he holds the Talon In an unholy place the holder is granted four dots, and in a holy place he has only two. The drawbacks to the Talon are equally great for it is of Satan.

Any who holds the Talon will be affected by those of Faith as if the holder were a Cainite. Any Cainite how holds the Talon will be affected times two. If one with a Faith of five touches a Cainite holder of the Talon he will meet Final Death as if by sunlight. None of the Faith can touch the Talon without the loss of one point to their faith, and can never use the "gifts" so long as they have faith.

Lupines will always seek to destroy the holder and Talon both for it is of the of the Wyrm (Satan) and will harm Nature and Gaia. Lupines can sense the evil of the Talon up to a mile away. Those who possess Soulsight (Auspex) will see only a pure black halo that surrounds the holder, evidence of the corruption of the Talon.

If the holder does not follow Via Diabolis (Road of the Devil) he must make a Conscience/Conviction roll. If the he fails he will lose a dot on his Road. Should the holder's road fall to three dots, his road will be replaced with Via Diabolis with six dots.

It is said that the Talon can turn the holder into a high level demon. However a long and complex ritual must be performed. The only record of this ritual is said to be contained within the "Codex of Lilith" said to be part of The Book of Nod. No parchment or scripture has ever been found, anywhere, that mentions the Codex of Lilith. This Codex may not even exist, just like the Talons.

An enigmatic Baali, Dralith, found the remains of Tremere. He had heard of the plight with Saulot and his slaying, and deeply admired the elder's methods and dedication. He took these ashes and, in combination with the correct ritual incantations, not to mention the one hundred sacrificial mortals, he partook of the sacred food. He expected a far different gift than he received. His body wretched, and twisted. He fell to the ground, unconscious.

Awaking months later, he found he had new powers. He had a whole new array of abilities with which to torture his enemies, but at a cost. He forgot how to use his Daimoinon powers. After months of research and practices, he reached a conclusion: he simply could not use his powers. The close bond with Hell that he so deeply loved had been broken. The infernal had played a great prank on him, for he had followed their example, acted selfishly, and they mocked him.

Dralith was ostracized from his nest. They mocked him, teased him, and, on a few occasions, made attempts on his unlife. He gained the ability to create and manipulate gargoyles, and many of his guardians fell in these attempts. He found, though, that any new gargoyles he created carried his curse, and his new powers.

Dralith fled the nest, and headed towards northern England. There, he set up camp in the recently abandoned Church of the Holy Word. He bred a small force of gargoyles to guard and serve him there. Not long afterward, several from his nest approached him, and offered their aid. They joined him, and soon Dralith found himself at the head of a new nest.

Hidden Ones

The skin of these are particularly pale, and attain no color even after feeding. They are rarely seen, unless about to battle or impress. They tend to wear dark clothes; a six-sided star of tentacles appears on each of their garments. They tend to dress moderately to fashionably, and always aim to impress, or kill . . . .

Any castle or well-fortified structure will suit them.

The Dralien tend to look for students of the occult, or others who appear competent and show promise in mental prowess.

Most Dralien have mental attributes primary, along with knowledges. Their natures and demeanors tend to reflect power and sophistication, and you would be hard-pressed to find a Dralien without the Gargoyle background.

Disruption, Obfuscate, Presence

Since Dralith was of the 8^th generation, no Dralien may begin lower than the 9^th. When encountered by Baali, an immediate Willpower roll is made (difficulty 13 - character's current Willpower), or the Dralien frenzies, with the Baali the most immediate target of his rage. This frenzy cannot be overcome until the Baali is destroyed or has fled.

The Dralien always stay in close-knit nests. The business of one resident is the business of the nest.

Assamite: They are great warriors with much dedication, but far too strong willed. If we could only control them . . . .

Baali: They may be our parent, but we hold no love. Sever the maternal bond, along with their heads.

Brujah: Make great targets should they refuse to share their hard-earned knowledge.

Cappadocian: What to expect from a clan whose founder was a priest: Misled obsession.

Followers of Set: These need to be knocked off their high pedestal, and hopefully slaughtered on the way down . . . .

Gangrel: Animals, nothing more.

Lasombra: Why pretend to be human royalty when you can destroy a mortal at will?

Malkavian: These would make great allies. Pay close attention to their ramblings.

Nosferatu: Ugly, but resourceful. Definitely beneficial to all.

Ravnos: Liars; petty thieves of material stuffs.

Toreador: Pretty boys who need to be slapped around.

Tremere: They hold great power, and carry the grand emotion of their founder.

Tzimisce: Little babies who whine and cry. Steal their candy, then their blood.

Ventrue: Battle only if you hold the obvious advantage, for they are tough.




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XULALKHARU By Kenneth Madsen
The Founder of the Bloodline came walking out of the Barahshi Desert night and into Ancient Sumer around 4,500 B.C. He immediately showed himself to be a powerful Sorcerer, and he bowed only to the Ancients themselves. Some doubted whether he was a Cainite at all, as he displayed powers never known to have been wielded by any member of Caine's House. Xulalkharu as he was named by the Kindred after the fall of the Second City, was a prophet of some power and was sought out by many of both Caine's and Seth's House. He gave of his wisdom and insight freely, and without any demand of a Boon. What he predicted always came true -- in one form or another, and he came to be a power in his own right in the lands which were ruled by the Second City. But he was never accepted into the Second City itself - the Ancients claimed that he seduced its inhabitants with his constant preaching on the necessity of a war against Shaitan and his brethren. Xulalkharu did have secret supporters, and these were probably the only reason he was not destroyed outright when he Sired his first Childer -- childer who looked just as otherwordly and daemonic as their Sire. Xulalkharu and his 8 Childer were allowed to live on the condition that they never showed themselves in the Second City -- a decision many an Elder have cursed since then.

But even though Xulalkharu preached for war against the Ba'ali, their leader Shaitan and the destruction of the city he had build in the lands of Kala-At-Shergat, he was every bit as fiendish as Shaitan. He did not mind that Shaitan and his brethren sacrificed both Kine and Kindred in worship of their god; what he really objected against was that he was not committing the slaughter. Xulalkharu desired the destruction of Shaitan, his daemonic Mentor Ba'al and all the Ba'ali -- and he was ready to do anything to achieve that. Xulalkharu was -- unlike Shaitan and the Ba'ali, daemonic as they may seem - a true daemon who had tricked an unknown Cainite to Embrace him upon completion of a special Ritual Xulalkharu had designed. Although he sacrificed some of his daemonic power and standing, Xulalkharu was given a form and new powers in the lands of the living, and given the chance to destroy the plans of his long-time enemy Ba'al.

Xulalkharu's scheming was partially responsible for the Fall of the Second City, and for the many Cainites who travelled into the lands of Kala-At-Shergat afterwards in search of a new home. Xulalkharu had been enticing for war against the Ba'ali for years, but finally realised that the Cainites would not march into war when they felt secure and at peace in the Second City -- thus the haven for mortals and immortals alike had to fall! When the Cainites surged into Kala-At-Shergat, Xulalkharu directed their attention to the hideous sacrifices which the Ba'ali made - even though their way of sacrifice was not all that different from that of the Clans -- and finally the Cainites of the Second City went to war, and completely destroyed the Bloodline! Or rather, the Clans were fooled, and Xulalkharu discovered that the Ba'ali had made a diversion and escaped. Unfortunately, this was where his luck ran out, and the Clans discovered who was the real enemy! Xulalkharu and his Get were the targets of a Bloodhunt of biblical proportions, and those who did not manage to escape, were destroyed by infuriated the Cainites who had lost their Haven - the manipulator does rarely appreciate being manipulated.

But Xulalkharu did not give up - vengeance was his, and his Bloodline was hot on the tracks of the fleeing Ba'ali, like Hounds of Hell. But every mistake put more land between the Xulalkharu and the Ba'ali -- and brought the whereabouts of the Daemon Kindred to the attention of the Clans. The few Ba'ali which Xulalkharu and his Get managed to locate were always too young to be of any true significance. Xulalkharu hunted them for millennia, but Shaitan and the Elders of the Bloodline had vanished. Or rather they fought from the shadows, like the Xulalkharu.

Finally, around A.D. 500, Xulalkharu could feel his bond with this world grow weak; he tired of fighting shadows and he decided to enter Torpor. He built a magnificent temple somewhere in the Carpathians, and laid himself to rest there. He ordered his Get to search out the Ba'ali, corrupt the world and revive their Master when they found Shaitan or any of the other Elders. Before he slipped into Deep Sleep, Xulalkharu made a huge scroll containing the Ritual needed to revive him.

Since then, the Ba'ali and the Xulalkharu have been enemies, fighting their war from the darkest and most secret of the shadows of the Jyhad -- both determined to destroy the other, and lead the Legions of Hell through the Gauntlet, and into our world.

Very few Xulalkharu still wander the earth. Most are in Torpor after battles, but since they rarely make any Progeny, there are few to fill out the ranks. Of course, the Bloodline does also depend on secrecy for their plans to work - the deeds of the Dark are rarely done well in the Light -- and those who does not learn the art of hiding their true nature, are quickly found and destroyed by the many enemies of the Bloodline. Thus, the Eternal Battle is always fought by the most powerful, cunning and intelligent members of the Bloodline.

In keeping with their daemonic nature, many of the Xulalkharu are powerful sorcerers, and the Elders of the Bloodline can stand up to even the Elders of House Tremere. They do, however, wield the power of the most dark and forbidden Paths of Thaumaturgy, and have knowledge of many Rituals and Paths unknown to other Kindred - some of which they have bartered with daemons to sink their claws into.

Because of the Xulalkharu uncanny ability to find, attract and concentrate evil, death and decay, the Followers of Set can often be found in a area which harbours a Temple of Xulalkharu.

Nickname: Daemons

Appearance: The Xulalkharu come from all over the world, but the most ancient among them may very well look very alien and strange, because of the mixture between their native features and their daemonic legacy -- the Summerians, for instance, looked like no other people.

They do, however, all share several features. Upon becoming a Xulalkharu, they gain a skin colour which is a mixture between dark grey and khaki. The Vampires also gain very sharply drawn facial features, which make their faces look as if they have been carved from stone and polished until it resembled flesh. The final feature, is the most apparent evidence of their daemonic origin. As their minds are opened to the Infinite Darkness of the Abyss, and the Raging Fires of Inferno, their eyes turn glowing red -- in effect, much like the Protean Level One Power Gleam of Red Eyes.

The Xulalkharu have no dress code, but members of the Bloodline tend to dress in the same style they did when they were mere mortals.

Haven: Many Xulalkharu maintain only temporary Havens, because they are on a constant search for the Ba'ali.Those who do settle, prefer to reside in the most criminal and dangerous no-go parts of a city -- they seem to crave the presence of death, decay and suffering -- indeed, at times it seem even more important to them than the Vitae craved by all Cainites! The Xulalkharu prefer to live in houses or buildings which have access to a large basement or possibly even a nuclear shelter. There they construct their temples, and perform hideous Rituals, and contact their Daemon allies.

Background: The Xulalkharu choose their Neonates from the most evil and intelligent of their Human Retainers, or Acolytes, should the Vampire have created a temple.

Character Creation: Typically, a Xulalkharu will have Outsider or Professional Concepts, but a few Criminals and Dilettantes are also to be found in their ranks. The bulk of the Bloodline members have Deviant, Fanatic, Judge or Loner Natures, and adopt whatever Demeanor fits their current activities.

Mental Attributes are primary, as are Knowledges.

Bloodline Disciplines: Mattaru, Obfuscate, Dark Thaumaturgy (or Thaumaturgy)

Weaknesses: Due to the strange appearance of the Xulalkharu, they all have an appearance of 0. They cannot pass as Humans, unless they are using Obfuscate or magickal means.

The daemonic essence which flows through their very beings means that children and animals will always display signs of fear and loathing when a Xulalkharu come within 50 yards of them (increasing in forcefulness as the Vampire draws nearer) -- this cannot be offset by neither Merits, nor Disciplines or Rituals. The evil aura will be clearly felt if the Xulalkharu ever acquires the Discipline of Presence.

To ensure that they remain loyal to their Daemon Founder, each Neonate pledges part of his soul to Xulalkharu himself - thus each Neonate begins his existence and service with a Daemonic Investment of some sort. The close ties maintained to their Daemon origins, ultimately changes the psyche and bodies of the Xulalkharu to resemble those of Daemons. Most of the Ancients of the Bloodline are completely alien and evil to a point where they are understood only by those sharing their condition, and they exist only partially on this plane of existence. When a Xulalkharu decides to live permanently in a city, or area, he must find a Haven located in an area which is enshrouded in evil and death. If this is not done, the Xulalkharu will have all his dice pools halved, until he can find a Haven where he can rest surrounded by death, decay and suffering. This is thought to be caused by Xulalkharu himself, who still urges his Childer on in the hunt for the Ba'ali.

Organisation: Only very seldom will more than one Xulalkharu be present in a city at a time, and those who live permanently in a city are required to maintain a Temple of the Founder, where travelling members of the Bloodline can come to rest and worship. The Eldest Xulalkharu present always functions as Highpriest, but the Xulalkharu who entered the city first are treated as the leader, and must be shown respect by all Xulalkharu who enter his Domain. Some temples exist openly in society, posing as Satanic cults, but most hide in the shadows. Blood Cults are a favoured way of protection by the permanently residing Xulalkharu in a city.

A large temple is hidden in the Carpathians (and is said to be part of the reason Tremere relocated to Vienna), where the Founder sleeps, guarded by his 8 original Childer. The place is said to be daemon-ridden and not truly a part of this world. But only the most powerful amongst the Xulalkharu know of the location of the Temple, and have the power necessary to enter it.

Gaining Bloodline Prestige: Bloodline Prestige within the Xulalkharu is gained mainly by locating Ba'ali and sacrificing them to the honour of the Founder -- the older the Ba'ali, the larger the amount of Prestige.

Another way to gain Prestige, is by completely permeating an area with evil and corruption, effectively turning it into a Hell on Earth. Xulalkharu who have managed to turn an entire city -- or part of a city -- into such a Hellhole, are very difficult to defeat there; it may be because it becomes a sort of "home turf" to the Daemon Kindred.

Pronounciation: The Bloodline name is pronounced Xul-al-kharu (zul-al-kharuh), and is a twisted form of Ancient Sumerian words meaning "Evil", "Destroyer" and "Vampire". It was the name given to the Founder after the Kindred discovered that he was behind the Fall of the Second City.

Quote: "We were born in the Fires of Hell, but We walk in the Shadows until We have destroyed Our ancient enemies - the Ba'ali. Then We will learn Kindred and Kine alike to walk in the glorious flames of Hell"

Stereotypes

The Camarilla: A gathering of Kindred too busy fighting each other or the Sabbat in their eternal Jyhad, that they will not discover us before we strike!

"The Xulalkharu you say? I remember reading about them in an Ancient Greek version of the Book of Nod. I do believe they were the ones responsible for the Fall of the Second City. They were supposedly allied to the Ba'ali, but the might of the Clans crushed both of the foul Bloodlines when it was discovered what they were doing!" - Peregrinius, Brujah Elder

The Sabbat: They fight to be free of Infernalists, kill their own in gruesome trials, and yet they are each day chained just a little tighter to the Great Darkness. Some of them know of us, but most do not. Those who do already worships Daemons, and thus we can control them.

"I know of the Xulalkharu. They are powerful Vampires, who found the way to combine the might of Daemons and Vampires. They are an interesting group, and perhaps I can get them to share their secret in return for some of the information I hold...regarding the Ba'ali..." -Odin Guth, Tremere Renegade

The Inconnu: We must beware this group. Although it claims to be merely watching, we know that some of its members lived in the Second City. They might very well be standing behind the scenes and directing their less powerful brethren against us! Watch and learn!

"I wonder how these Daemon Kindred ever managed to bring about the Fall of the Second City! I have watched them for nearly 3,000 years, and still they have not managed to open the Gates to Hell. It is lucky I can direct the Ba'ali and the Xulalkharu against each other. Hell will freeze over before they are done fighting each other, and meanwhile I can continue compiling my list of where their Elders sleep" - Khasharri, Brujah Methuselah