| Espousing riddles that delve into the illusory nature of existence, the Ravnos followers of the Path of Paradox seek to fulfill the demands of karma. By testing others (often with traps or riddles), the Shilmulo determine each person's place in the wheel of ages. Once the veils of the transitory material world are cast aside, the philosopher can lead the subject to his proper place in destiny - even death. Kindred are believed to be locked outside of maya (the cycle of the universe). While most individuals are reincarnated through samsara, the way of rebirth, vampires have dodged this cycle. Therefore, they have also lost their svadharma, or individual purpose. Thus, it remains to the Shilmulo to determine each vampire's svadharma and get him back on that path, thus advancing maya, by whatever means necessary. If other Kindred fail to understand their svadharma, then it's up to the Ravnos to push them back into samsara. The state of undeath is considered a curse, but Ravnos believe this shruti (what has been learned from the gods) to be due to their failure to understand maya. Only by weaving illusions themselves can they hope to tear away the veils that hide the Ultimate Truths. The Path of Paradox upholds Conviction and Self-Control. |
