San Francisco Bay Area by Night: The Last Days
Reference Material: Inconnu
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 1996 11:29:33 -0500
From: DANIEL HARMS <HARMSDM@CTRVAX.VANDERBILT.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list VAMPIRE-L <VAMPIRE-L@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM>
Subject: The Inconnu, pt. 1 of 3
[The following is a document I wrote over the last part of
the summer with regard to the Inconnu. Within it, I've tried to
incorporate whatever I could find within the WOD books I have on
the subject. If anything herein runs counter to WOD canon, it's
because I didn't see the source or found other sources with
conflicting information (this especially applies to Hunedoara).
Please CC all responses/advice/flames to
harmsdm@ctrvax.vanderbilt.
edu.]
THE INCONNU: AN INTRODUCTION
by Daniel Harms
A few weeks before his untimely departure at the hand of a
deranged holy man, I was speaking with Ryan Copeland, Baali of
the Southeast Cabal. Midnight was rapidly approaching, and we
had spent most of the evening discussing various matters relating
to vampiric history and traditions. The subject had moved to
Mithraism, the Roman mystery religion based around a Ventrue
elder who later became prince of London.
"He's been missing since the Blitz, but I wouldn't write him
off entirely," Ryan was saying. "After all, he was a member of
the Inconnu before they were the Inconnu."
"But why would a member of the Inconnu be allowed to become
prince?" My attention had begun to wander, and I was trying to
keep awake.
"Well, he split from the group when their mission changed
just after the Anarch Revolt. I take it you haven't heard that
much about it?"
"No one seems to want to talk about them. I've read
the
'Vlad Tepes' document where the Inconnu are only elders hiding
from their childer and each other --"
"Ah yes. You know, some believe that your friend
Sarkov
might have been responsible for that. A source of useful
information, but rather inaccurate on that point."
I almost asked about Sarkov, but decided to continue.
"And
there are some Kindred I've talked to who say that the Inconnu
are actually the guiding forces behind the Jyhad and the servants
of the Antediluvians."
"The rumors our younger ones start! Well, I can hardly
leave you ignorant on such an important point of our history..."
Since that night, I've cross-referenced what Ryan told me
with what little else is known about the Inconnu. For the most
part, it seems to go along with what little I have been able to
find out about them, but I leave it to the reader to judge the
information given. (And since he was a Baali, any tidbits you
could pass on would be appreciated.)
Origins
The Inconnu, as they were called later, were originally a
coalition of Ventrue, Lasombra, and Malkavians, and a few True
Brujah, who controlled various factions among the Romans. Though
spending a good deal of their time squabbling with one another,
they were able to present an united front for long enough to
maintain their position of power. With the secret aid of these
generals and statesmen with their millennia of experience, Rome
was able to obtain unquestioned dominance of the Mediterranean.
One of the most important acts undertaken by the Inconnu was
the destruction of the Brujah center of Carthage following the
Third Punic War. Though it was hinted within the Inconnu that
the Brujahs had dabbled with infernal matters and Carthage must
be destroyed to be purified, the logic behind it was probably
more economic than anything else. Whatever the cause, the city's
destruction led to centuries of strife between the Brujah and the
Inconnu nonetheless. After the Punic Wars, the Toreadors began
to move to Rome in force, and many of them joined the Inconnu.
It was not until the first century AD that the Inconnu began
to have true dissension within its ranks. The exact events are
lost to history, but some time after the reign of Caesar Augustus
the Toreador, along with a few Malkavian allies, wrested control
of the Empire from the Ventrue. The coalition who gained power
lasted for quite some time, and was able to perform such coups as
conquering the Tzimisce-controlled region of Dacia to the north.
The long-term conflict which resulted from this would eventually
lead to the fall of the Roman empire to Alaric and other
barbarians led by the Ventrue and the Tzimisce. After Rome's
destruction, the Ventrue reformed the group, but the Toreador
held a grudge against their returning lords and deserted them.
During the Dark Ages, the former Roman backers fell back,
trying to engineer another centralized imperial government such
as they had enjoyed in Italy. They backed various individuals,
including the French Merovingian line, but it was in the Roman
Catholic Church that they found the closest parallel to their
former glory. Their aims were often frustrated, however, as
various manipulators worked behind the scenes on plans that often
conflicted with those of others. So confusing did the newer
Kindred find this, and so little was known of these secret
powers, that the term "Ignoti", meaning "The Unknown" (but also
implying "Ignoble"), first came to describe them. Those within
the group, however, often referred to themselves as "The Order".
It has been said elsewhere that the shock of Saulot's
diablerization was the force that drove the Inconnu together.
This is only partly true. Saulot's death did come as a great
blow to the order, and the group did become more centralized
after his death. This was mainly the result of anti-Tremere
sentiment among the group, however. Efforts were made to damage
the Tremere's standing, but the Inconnu were hampered by Clan
Tzimisce's decision to exclude them from their homeland where the
battle was raging, as well as a faction within their own group
that held that Saulot's death was in fact planned by the Healer
and therefore should not be avenged. For the most part, though,
the Inconnu were too busy within their home provinces to cause
the Tremere much trouble at the time.
What truly brought the Inconnu into their present form and
purpose was the Anarch Revolt, along with the diablerization of
Cappadocius. The elders who survived saw that their attempts to
gain more power for themselves had in the end resulted in chaos
and destruction. Diablerie, which had been a rare occurrence
previously, suddenly became an omnipresent threat. The group had
become more and more disenchanted with pursuit of material
matters, and more interested in higher truths. Even the more
pragmatic considered a withdrawal from the Jyhad wise, if only as
a way to preserve their own existences.
The rise of Augustus Giovanni was also a matter of great
concern. They, like the Tremere, attempted to destroy the clan
of the Founder they killed. The Tremere, however, set out to do
this by discrediting and demonizing their foes in a propoganda
campaign that lasted centuries. The Giovanni had not gained the
same connections within the Kindred community, so were instead
forced to hunt down the Cappadocians themselves. To do so, they
made use of a special ritual that allowed them to detect Kindred
of the Clan from a great distance. [DH -- I asked Ryan whether
this was the same as the Tremere ritual that found Saulot. He
told me that the Tremere magic, which was more tied to nature,
could only detect the massive amounts of energy around the
Antediluvians, while the Giovanni's was more tied to the life and
death cycle and could more easily pick out "anomalies"
(vampires).] It was this innovation that led them to perform the
ritual at Hunedoara Castle which shielded it from all intrusion.
The newly-formed Council of Twelve sent the word out through
the world about the sect's new policies. Many of its former
members, among them Mithras, Prince of London, were unwilling to
give up their temporal power and involvement in Kindred affairs,
but at the same time the new message had appeal to some in the
Brujah and Toreador communities. Over time, more of the Ancients
who had grown tired of the Jyhad were won over, until the Inconnu
reached the strength that it now possesses.
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 1996 11:29:59 -0500
From: DANIEL HARMS <HARMSDM@CTRVAX.VANDERBILT.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list VAMPIRE-L <VAMPIRE-L@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM>
Subject: The Inconnu, pt. 2 of 3
MEMBERSHIP
Joining
No one can join the Inconnu by asking; when the time comes,
the Inconnu will contact the individual and extend an invitation.
To be accepted, a candidate must have a true desire to exempt
himself or herself from the Jyhad, as well as the wisdom and the
power to make the separation and to avoid further manipulation by
one's fellows.
The closeness of the vampire to Caine is one of the major
qualifications for the order. The applicant must be sixth
generation or higher to join. If diablerie was used to gain the
rank, the members will consider the number of years ago the act
was committed and the motivation behind it; a few "youthful
indiscretions" might be tolerated, while a more recent act will
probably not be. (Performing diablerie just to gain entrance to
the Inconnu is considered particularly bad form.) Though age is
an important factor (the potential member must be at least three
hundred years old), closeness to Caine is paramount.
These rules, however, are relaxed for those who have
attained Golconda. Such Kindred are considered to have the
requisite maturity and potential, and indeed are regarded with
deep respect by other Inconnu. Usually a quester will come into
contact with a member of the Inconnu during their search, and the
organization will keep tabs on them afterward. All who complete
their Suspire successfully are invited to join. (Ryan later told
me that exceptions have been made for those who reach Golconda
through the Path of Power and the Inner Voice (see SHTTS 64-65),
though the individual is always evaluated beforehand.) Those who
fail in their quest, however, will never receive an invitation.
There is one other possible group that can enter the Inconnu
-- those who have chosen at the apex of their Suspire to become
human rather than reach Golconda. According to legend, such
individuals have been allowed into the Inconnu when they have
appeared, but currently there are no known human members of the
group. [DH -- There probably never were any such members, Ryan
asserted. Golconda, to his understanding, was an acceptance of
one's nature, and anyone who wanted to become human at the end of
the quest had failed already. Still, it could be asked how much
a Baali knows of Golconda anyway.]
No matter how the person becomes a member, they will be met
in private by two or three Inconnu who will extend an invitation.
If refused, the Inconnu will continue to evaluate them and may
once again extend membership within a century or two. If they
agree, they are accepted as a member. To truly become a member
in good standing, however, they must travel to Hunedoara Castle
and take a solemn oath before the Council of Twelve to give up
all role in the Jyhad and leave behind all other sect or clan
loyalties, as well as any boons owed or given to vampires outside
the organization. The clan leaders will break any Blood Bonds
placed upon the individual, then place a magical mark upon them
that will provide them with immunity from the fear and
forgetfulness which Hunedoara Castle causes.
Benefits
Though exemption from the Jyhad in itself might be seen as
benefit enough, the association of elder Cainites within the
order is also an important factor. Though no member of the Order
is bound to come to the assistance of another save under the
direct order of the Council of Twelve (which is very rarely
given), friendship between members of the Inconnu is often strong
enough that informal pacts of mutual protection come into
being. In addition, those in the Order are more than willing to
trade each other information, or even tutor others in
disciplines, if given sufficient incentive.
One other convenient aspect of the Inconnu is its remission
of its member's prestation. All bonds made before joining to
anyone outside the Inconnu are considered null and void, and
anyone called upon to fulfill them may claim exemption with
little, if any, loss of Status. The Order does tend to avoid
potential members who have a good number of debts, however.
Responsibilities
There are very few rules by which a member of the Inconnu is
expected to abide, and even fewer that are enforced. Members of
the Order must remain apart from the Jyhad; this is the most
important of all of the group's rules. Even contact with one's
non-Inconnu childer should be kept brief and impartial.
The Inconnu is also dedicated to the preservation of the
vampiric species. This does not mean, however, that an Inconnu
member cannot destroy vampires in self-defense -- or truly, for
any other reason. The Council is likely to give the individual
the benefit of the doubt in these cases, so long as no
Jyhad-based motivation can be found. Killing another Inconnu,
however, is treated with the highest degree of severity, the
offender usually being hunted down and killed.
Leaving the Inconnu
A person can leave the Order by either requesting dismissal
or being expelled by the Council of Twelve. For the most part,
however, the Inconnu interferes little in its members' lives, so
a Cainite can remain aloof for centuries and still be considered
a member. The only possible reasons for expulsion are continued
interference in outside affairs, or if the Council judges that
the Kindred's continued presence would irreparably damage the
organization or its members.
ORGANIZATION
Council of Twelve
The Council consists of Cret, the Monitor of the Tremere,
along with eleven of the most experienced Kindred within the
Order. Councilors remain in their position until their deaths or
resignations. New members are not elected, but chosen from a
list drawn up by the Council. Age is an important factor, but
the councilors also look for a person who will complement their
own abilities. Such a position is rarely sought; many members
have turned down invitations to join the Council to pursue their
own goals.
The Council's duties, at the present time, include
collecting and correlating Monitor reports, dispensing justice,
and aiding the Tremere Monitor in his duties. The Council could
serve in a great number of capacities if needed, but prefers to
keep their present, somewhat weak role. They realize that the
Council's greatest power is its ability to rally the
strong-willed and recalcitrant elders, and that any attempt to
centralize the group's authority would alienate many powerful
members.
Monitors
One position often volunteered for is that of Monitor of a
given city, state, or region containing fifty or more Kindred.
Those outside the Inconnu often think of such a person as a
nearly-omnipotent individual whose spies are everywhere. This is
true, in a few cases, but the style of each Monitor varies
widely, with many taking little or no interest in their areas.
It is possible, in fact, for the territories of two Monitors to
overlap considerably. For the most part, these people keep their
presence secret, though a few announce themselves openly or even
re-enter Kindred society under an assumed identity. The latter
are themselves closely observed by the Council to watch for
"lapses."
The duty of the Monitors is simple: report any unusual
activity to the Council. This is generally taken to mean the
appearance of new bloodlines, major supernatural incursions, and
drastic power shifts within the Kindred community, but the exact
definition of "unusual activity" is largely left up to the
Monitor in question. Failure to notice or report a major
occurrence, however, may result in some unpleasantness from the
Council.
A lesser-known fact is that the Inconnu also maintains
Monitors for the various clans whose duty is to study their
history, politics, rumors, and so forth. For the most part,
these Monitors are mostly scholarly members of the clan in
question. For the Tremere, the Setites, and the Giovanni, the
situation is much different. Cret, the charismatic Ventrue who
sits on the Council of Twelve, has taken up a post of Monitor of
the Tremere, and he is often aided in his duties by other
Councilors. The Monitors of the Giovanni and the Setites are
less-valued though nonetheless important posts. The Council has
debated whether the irregularities displayed by the Samedi
bloodline warrant the appointing of their own Monitor, though the
matter has remained inconclusive.
[DH -- Ryan claimed that no Monitor of the Baali existed,
but I think that this had more to do with his own failure to
spot any such individual than anything else.]
Factions
The Inconnu, like any organization, has often been split
among its members. It differs from other associations, however,
in that it is so diverse and decentralized that such differences
cause no schisms, merely opportunities for lively debate and]
discussion. These factions come and go, depending on their
pertinence to the situations at hand.
There are two groups, however, that have survived the
centuries and who still pursue their separate agendas into the
present age. The first are often grouped under the label "The
Seekers". This faction sees the pursuit of Golconda as the
highest task to which a Kindred may aspire. Those who have
already attained Golconda, or who do not spend all their time in
pursuit of that state, take it upon themselves to find those not
in the Inconnu who seek it and help them upon their way. For the
Seekers, the true fulfillment of the Kindred species will come
when each member learns to accept his or her true nature.
On the other side of the question are the "Purifiers".
Despite its title's sinister overtones, the members of this group
are quite benign in their pursuits. Usually more rational in
methods than their competitors, they believe that through science
and magic, the Kindred can overcome their limitations while
maintaining their unique nature.
Centuries ago, the two factions were relatively equal in
number. Since the Age of Enlightenment, the Purifiers have grown
in number, and in fact most of the Councilors now rank among
them. Suppression is not in the nature of the Inconnu, however,
so it is unlikely that any action will be taken against the
Seekers.
Members
Only the Council of Twelve knows the complete list of
members of the Order. If a clan member wants to be put in touch
with another member, it is customary to ask the Council, though
other members might also direct them to the person desired.
Ahrimanes, Baali, Blood Brothers, Daughters of Cacophony,
Giovanni, Samedi, Tremere -- No members of any of these exist
within the Inconnu.
Assamites -- Only a few Assamites have joined, and none of
these is under fifteen centuries old. All are heretics despised
by the clan.
Brujah -- The memory of Carthage is still strong for many in
this clan, but many of those Sired after the city's defeat have
chosen to join the sect nonetheless, drawn by its emphasis on
freedom.
Cappadocians -- It is believed that the Giovanni destroyed
all the Cappadocians. However, if any of these do survive, the
Inconnu might be the best place for them to hide.
Followers of Set -- Two or three renegades who have
(supposedly) given up the ways of their founder have been
inducted -- though not without some reservations.
Gangrel -- With their love of the wilderness and aloofness
from Kindred society, the Gangrel are closest to the Inconnu
spirit, and appear in greater numbers than any other clan.
Gargoyles -- It is possible that the first gargoyle has been
inducted into the Inconnu, but if so no lower-level members have
seen him for many years.
Kiasyd -- Only a few of this reclusive bloodline have joined
the Inconnu.
Lasombra -- Following the destruction of their clan founder,
many Lasombra felt the need to re-evaluate their priorities.
Many of the "Old Guard" Lasombra joined the Inconnu, and a good
number of these still follow the Path of Heaven.
Malkavian -- The Malkavians fit into the Inconnu with the
same ease (?) that they do within the Camarilla or the Sabbat.
Nagaraja -- Few of these Kindred meet the generation
requirement for the Inconnu, so only one or two at most have
joined.
Nosferatu -- Both Nosferatu and Nictuku are welcomed within
the Inconnu, though they are expected to give up their feuding
upon induction.
Old Clan Tzimisce -- Just as with their Lasombra brethren,
the Anarch Revolt caused many of these individuals to re-examine
their priorities. Many of them have joined the organization,
unsatisfied with living with their masters under the Oradea
League. (For those using the "Old Clan Tzimisce" Internet posts,
a good deal of these are fifth-generation House members who were
passed over when succession was given to another of the founders'
Childer.)
Salubri -- All Salubri who succeed in their quests for
Golconda are allowed into the group, though their stay there is
usually cut short when their Childer diablerize them. If the GM
rules that any higher-generation Salubri still exist, they will
most likely belong (and will be regarded with some awe by most of
the rank-and-file).
Toreador -- Not as many Toreador have returned to the
Inconnu as that group might have liked, but more and more of this
Clan are finding Kindred politics to be a distraction to their
art and see joining the group as the only way to gain true
freedom. Predictably, few Poseurs have joined the group.
True Brujah -- A good number of this bloodline who are
unaffiliated with the Black Hand are instead members of the
Inconnu. Such members have, of course, given up on their feud
with the childer of Troile -- or so they say.
Tzimisce -- Very few of these have joined the Inconnu, as
their presence is lobbied against by the Old Clan, and few would
meet the requirements posed by the sect at any rate. At least
one Tzimisce member, Vlad Tepes, is known.
Ventrue -- It is difficult for most Ventrue to give up the
idea of acquiring power over others, but a surprising number have
nonetheless become members.
Paths
The Inconnu includes a wide variety of paths, with Humanity
and the Via Bestiae (see V:TDA) being especially popular. Also
common are the Paths of Harmony, Honorable Accord, Scorched
Heart, and (in more recent years) Self-Focus. They tend to frown
upon the Path of Caine and its forerunner, the Via Sanguinus,
since they condone diablerie. Those known to be of the Paths of
Typhon or Evil Revelations are never asked to join, as they would
have a disruptive influence on the rest of the organization.
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 1996 11:30:43 -0500
From: DANIEL HARMS <HARMSDM@CTRVAX.VANDERBILT.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list VAMPIRE-L <VAMPIRE-L@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM>
Subject: The Inconnu, pt. 3 of 3
LOCATIONS
[Notes on Hunedoara Castle
[DH -- Though the description of Hunedoara Castle in the
World of Darkness book is accurate for the most part, a few notes
regarding its history should be made.
[First of all, Vlad's raid on the Turkish garrison at
Hunedoara never happened -- at least, not at Hunedoara. The
incident described occurred at Giurgiu, halfway across the
country and on the Turkish border.
[Secondly, the timeline in the article seems flawed, as the
diablerization of Saulot occurs at the sme time as the Anarch
Revolt. For the purposes of this article, I've taken the time
closer to Vlad the Impaler and used Cappadocius' diablerization
as the reason for the group's final change in policy.]
The Catacombs
Before the Council cast its spell over Hunedoara Castle, the
Inconnu usually had met within the catacombs beneath the old
Roman cities, such as Paris and Constantinople. (The
organization was forced to desert its former haunts beneath
Venice due to flooding and the presence of the Giovanni, though
the Monitor of the Giovanni is said to keep his residence in one
of the remaining tunnels.) The Roman catacombs still remain the
most popular place for meetings due to the low Kindred population
and a cordial agreement with the local Nosferatu.
Geneva
As stated in the WOD book, Geneva serves as an unofficial
meeting place for those Inconnu unwilling or unable to make the
trek to Hunedoara. The Prince of Switzerland, Guilliame,
provides hospitality for all of the Order who come here. The
Kindred have access to a great deal of information from here, but
even more valuable is the opportunity to associate with fellow
members in a more congenial atmosphere than that of Hunedoara or
the Catacombs.
All is not perfect in Switzerland, however. Guilliame has
declared the areas outside Geneva and Zurich off-limits to
Kindred; those few who have ignored his warning have never
returned. Recently, rumors have surfaced that Guilliame will
soon be overthrown as Prince, though few who know of the elder's
strength and alliance put much credence in them. The possibility
that the threat might be backed from within the Inconnu itself,
however, is a disturbing one.
Shalkamense
The hidden archives of the Inconnu, they are accessible only
through the magic of the Council. Shalkamense (or "Shalkamain")
is a great library that exists somewhere beneath the ocean within
a magical field. Other Cainites have spoken of Shalkamense as
the resting-place of Caine; the Inconnu smile and agree, as every
piece of wisdom recorded by Caine, Seth, or the Antediluvians may
supposedly be found there -- if only one knows where to look
within the labyrinthine collection. Most of the books are quite
old, dating even back to the First and Second Cities, though
sometimes quite recent volumes have appeared wedged between more
ancient texts. It is likely that the complete text of the Book
of Nod lies within -- for those with the fortitude to comb the
whole library for its fragments.
Though what exactly the library contains would take
thousands of years to determine, all those who have remained
there for any length of time will agree on one fact -- something
else is there. Usually it manifests itself only as a shuffling
noise a few rooms away or a chill that passes through a room, but
when items in the collection are threatened more violent
occurences have been noted. Many of the Inconnu whisper that
Caine himself lives there in the library. Others, who have found
references to Shalkamense in connection with a place called
"Zemargad," point to Rabbinical lore and state that it is Lilith
herself whose presence is felt.
THE TAINT
Ever since the disappearance of Hunedoara Castle from the
historical record, the taint of diabolism has lain at the heart
of the Order. At the present time, only a few of the Council
have given in completely to the path which they have begun upon.
Most of them regard what they have done with self-loathing, but
see no way to escape.
Within the rest of the Order, the percentage of diabolists
is higher than it is in other organizations, due to the loose
controls placed on the members and the lack of an "internal
affairs" group such as the Sabbat Inquisition. Still, due to the
emphasis on spiritual enlightenment within the Order, those who
choose the Path of Evil Revelations are still quite rare.
Recently, the Council of Twelve has become concerned with
the magic practiced on new initiates of the Order. They remain
split on whether the magical mark enabling the wearer to enter
Hunedoara should still be given to new initiates. Nothing out of
the ordinary has been observed with relation to these markings,
but some remain worried that this has allowed the demons to
obtain an even greater hold on the organization.
Bahoumet
It was Bahoumet to whom Cret turned for assistance when he
and the Council made Hunedoara disappear from the world. In
return for a mass human sacrifice, Bahoumet promised to cast a
great spell around the castle to keep it isolated for all time.
One year later, however, the creature returned, telling Cret and
his fellows that it could only maintain the ward for one year at
a time. Since then, the Council has been bound to perform the
rite of Bahoumet annually.
Bahoumet can (and has) appeared as a red-skinned monster, a
talking head of stone, a youth in a white robe, an inky
blackness,a great scaled sea-monster, and many other guises.
Often, witnesses to the same sighting will describe entirely
different forms. Cret believes that if Bahoumet's true form
could be discovered, it would help the Inconnu to gain the upper
hand in the pact with him. It is unlikely that this will ever
come to pass.
Surprisingly enough for a demon, Bahoumet has taken little
interest in the Inconnu other than the annual sacrifices, and has
not been seen for over half a century. Some have said that this
proves that Bahoumet has a more ambivalent nature than had been
suspected, while others hold that the spirit is waiting for the
right moment to strike and bring the entire order down.
MEMBERS
Bartholemew, Kiasyd (6th) (SHTTS)
Cassius -- Lord of the Catacombs of Rome and one of the oldest
Inconnu still living. When his Clan was battling the Giovanni
during the 1500's, he learned a great deal of that Clan, and only
doubts regarding his objectivity prevented him from being named
their Monitor. He is currently hidden near Hong Kong, waiting
for the return of the Eastern Kindred there. (WOD1)
Cret -- A Ventrue who claims to have been Embraced in the Second
City. He was known as a mighty wizard, almost as powerful as
Lamech, and was considered to be legendary by all but a few until
his arrival at Hunedoara. (WOD1)
Dondinni (6th) -- Monitor of Genoa. Considered to be an expert
on new bloodlines. (PG)
Elijah (5th Gangrel) --
Guilliame -- Prince of Switzerland who has reached Golconda. His
country is a favored gathering place for those members who want
to meet one another but find Hunedoara to be inaccessible or
unpleasant. He has never sat on the Council, and serves as a
sort of ideological "opposition" within the group. (WOD1)
Mahatma -- Monitor of Istanbul (PG)
Nefer-meri-Isis (4th Ventrue) -- Monitor of the Setites.
Considered to be somewhat over-zealous by her fellow clanmates.
(PG)
Rebekah -- Monitor of Chicago
Vlad Tepes (6th Tzimsice) -- While the infamous prince provided
the Inconnu's leadership with much aid during its inception, he
refused to join them, seeing in the Camarilla his first hopes for
the survival of the vampire species. Later, he joined the
Sabbat, but found them lacking in principle as well. In 1848,
after much debate within the Inconnu, they inducted the
Wallachian as a member. Currently he spends much of his time at
Hunedoara Castle, though his new quest for Golconda will likely
take up much more of his time. The Council of Twelve watches him
closely, hoping for an expiation of their own sins. (COTI, WOD1)
STEREOTYPES:
Assamites: The warriors of the Kindred have indeed fallen far!
At least there is one reason we can be thankful for the Tremere.
Brujah: The Punic Wars were a youthful indiscretion on our part,
but we must not forget the reasons behind what we did. Treat
them fairly but firmly.
Followers of Set: Are they still the tools of their founder? No
matter. Avoid them or kill them.
Gangrel: They are our younger brothers, and should be treated as
such.
Giovanni: They remain as isolated from us as possible -- though
this is more likely a way to cover up their own plots.
Lasombra: A noble though declining people, their association
with the anarchs and Sabbat has been an unfortunate choice.
Malkavian: Listen to everything they say, but believe little of
it.
Nosferatu: One of the wisest clans. Their internal strife is
distressing; if we were forced to choose sides, it would be
against the Nictuku. If we were forced.
Toreador: Their artistic vision has been tainted by their rise
to power within the Camarilla.
Tremere: Saulot must have had a good reason -- or so some of my
brothers say. At any rate, they bear careful watching.
Tzimisce: These rabble have forgotten who they are; though their
fury against their elders was warranted, their actions were not.
Ventrue: Too many of them define themselves by wealth and rank,
instead of by their true natures.
Baali: A few of us have been lost to them. When you act against
them, strike quickly and forcefully.
Gargoyles: Proof of the lengths to which the Tremere will go.
Simple creatures, yet respectable.
Kiasyd: Strange yet trustworthy.
Old Clan Tzimisce: For the most part, they have maintained their
traditions. It is unfortunate that they will probably not
survive much longer.
Salubri: Treat them as the Gangrel, but take even more care.
They are to be held in the utmost respect.
Samedi: Could it be? Watch them closely.
True Brujah: Holders of great wisdom, but their wrath against
their own kind is pointless.
Antediluvians: As symbols of clan unity, they are invaluable.
As actual beings, they are a great danger. We may be forced to
face them in the end. Fortunately, many of us know them from
older times.
Anarchs: They have the ideals, but not the discipline.
Camarilla: They have the discipline, but not the ideals.
Sabbat: Children. Some of us have taken to hunting them in
revenge for their little Wild Hunts, though this is on an
unstructured basis.
Black Hand (Eastern): A group of mystics who might have taught
to and been taught by Saulot himself. They show little
inclination toward an alliance with us, but perhaps they may be
persuaded.
Black Hand (Western): We have known of them for centuries, but
still do not understand their motives -- aside from their desire
to destroy Clan Tzimisce. And where is their headquarters?
(The Inconnu have had experience with both the Eastern and
Western Black Hand, but have yet to realize that the two have
re-united.)
Eastern Kindred: They are an unknown quality, and as such must
be treated with the utmost caution. It would probably best if we
were able to reach them before our younger ones do.
Blood Bond: The chains of the Antediluvians, they are
nonetheless a tool for the wise.
Kindred: We are the most powerful beings on this planet, but we
must be careful nonetheless.
Kine: Just as great a threat as our own kind, but if we can hide
from the Kindred, we should not find them difficult.
Mages: The less you deal with them, the better. Tell them as
little as possible, but always assume they know everything.
Lupines: Some of us are able to deal with them through rituals,
others with careful words and promises. If you anger them,
vanish.
Wraiths: A largely-neglected species -- if we can call them
that. We will have to study them more if we are ever to
understand the Giovanni.
Mummies: Wild cards. Though useful, they are not to be trusted.
THE "FALSE" INCONNU
There are many Methuselahs who, for various reasons, have
chosen not to join the Inconnu. They do share many of the same
traits as the members of that organization, though -- living
apart from Kindred society, wandering through the wilderness, and
so forth. Many of the younger Kindred refer to these individuals
as "Inconnu". For the most part, these ancients do little to
correct them, preferring the respect and security the term gives
them. The Inconnu, for its part, does nothing to discourage this
practice; it makes the sect seem even stronger, and shrouds it in
even more mystery.