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Master manipulators, influence brokers and scions of hidden power - the Lasombra, as their moniker implies, ply the Jyhad as a vicious game from the comfortable obscurity of darkness and misdirection. Raised from the Spanish and Italian upper class, the Lasombra exercised their influence over the Church and nobility of the Dark Ages, turning mortal rulers to their whims and bending entire societies to their service. This practice continues unabated as the Lasombra bow to no other clan, instead leading the Sabbat with keen, cultured sensibilities and ruthless efficiency. In elder days, the Lasombra were considered an honorable and impressive clan, possessed of strong character. None underestimated their skill at diplomacy or intrigue, of course, but as a whole they exerted a powerful hierarchy from elder courts to younger students. During the Anarch Revolt, though, many young Lasombra rebelled against their controlling sires, seeking to lead their own unlives instead of existing in eternal servitude as pawns. After decades of warfare, a Methuselah of the clan betrayed their Antediluvian, and that ancient was supposedly slain. Now, the Lasombra are free of their Antediluvian's control, free to exercise their whims as they see fit and free to rule (he Sabbat in its quest to liberate all other Cainites from the thrall of the elders. Naturally, their superior knowledge in this matter grants them the right to lead the other clans in this war. Among the clans of the Sabbat, the Lasombra are treated with respect and reverence; many positions of authority and influence are held by the Keepers. For destroying their Antediluvian, the Lasombra are accorded honor second only to the Tzimisce. For serving the Sabbat loyally, they are granted service in turn. Though suspicion follow many Lasombra motives, the Lasombra deal with other clans through strength and cunning. Even the Camarilla, the Lasombra are considered urbane and dangerous. A Cainite dealing with a Lasombra shows the utmost consideration, despite any thoughts of spite or treason-an attitude that the Keepers return in kind. After all, one can never tell who dances on the puppeteers' strings. As befits their heritage, the Lasombra choose their potential childer from strong-willed mortals, selecting those with courage, cleverness and a talent for manipulation. Artistic skill, specialized knowledge and physical prowess are all secondary considerations compared to the will to power necessary to be a true Lasombra. The Lasombra recruit must have the confidence and authority to master himself and others. Naturally, these conflicting inner drives lead to friction between sire and childe as the fledglings refuse to bow to the potent wills of their sires, but the Lasombra wouldn't have it any other way - through conflict comes strength, and to the victor go the spoils.
Roleplaying Hints: You shape the world to your desire. By leading those around you and influencing the keys of power, you can achieve your own goals, whatever they are. When social acumen is required, you can be silver-tongued or threatening; your insight into motives allows you to discern what others want and how to use them. If force is necessary, though, you don't hesitate to use it (though the necessity of force generally means that something went wrong along the way). Sophistication, confidence and knowledge are the means to power, but power in and of itself is not your end. Power is simply the means to achieve your true desires, the ends that you set for yourself.
Advantage: A long heritage of influence and manipulation makes the Lasombra puppeteers par excellence. During the Dark Ages, the Lasombra exercised subtle authority within the Church and over secular rulers; in the modern age, these old habits die hard, even among the more rebellious elements of the clan. All Lasombra gain one Trait of Church, Political or Underworld Influence. As founders of the Sabbat, the Lasombra are respected for their destruction of their Antediluvian, and they hold positions of leadership and power. All Lasombra automatically gain one free Status Trait.
Disadvantage: Mirrors and reflective surfaces do not show any trace of the Lasombra. Some say that this oddity occurs because the Lasombra have no souls; others claim that it is part and parcel of their Obtenebration Discipline. Whatever the cause, Lasombra (and their clothes and carried possessions) do not show up in any sort of reflective surface, such as mirrors, pools of water, reflective windows, polished metals, photographs and black-and-white film (which uses a reflecting silver emulsifier). Also, because of the Lasombra clan's ties to darkness, all Lasombra suffer an additional level of damage from exposure to sunlight.
Bloodlines: A small number of Lasombra - about a hundred - claim allegiance with the Camarilla, calling themselves Lasombra antitribu. Most of these Lasombra are old and potent, from days before the formation of either sect. The few modern ones still have the backing of their powerful sires. These Lasombra are all accorded respect within the Camarilla, so they keep their usual clan advantages but within their sect. The Sabbat Lasombra denounce the existence of their wayward brethren, and they hunt the traitors mercilessly whenever the opportunity presents itself.
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