Descendant of Al-Ashrad
Enemies of the Night
Al-Ashrad was a renowned mortal mage who allied with Haqim and his progeny, Ur-Shulgi. However, many of Haqim's childer grew envious of the presence of a mortal among them and plotted to kill him. Despite their efforts, Al-Ashrad proved to be a formidable opponent. He successfully defeated multiple attackers, including one of Haqim's direct childer. This angered Haqim, who believed Al-Ashrad killed his childe to usurp their position. A heated argument between Haqim and Al-Ashrad ensued, but Ur-Shulgi ultimately diffused it. The Ur-Shulgi intervened and resolved Haqim and Al-Ashrad's differences. In compensation for his childe's loss, Haqim took Al-Ashrad's left arm and eye, then ordered Ur-Shulgi to save him through the Embrace. Al-Ashrad went on to serve as the Amr, head sorcerer, of Alamut for several centuries, contributing to the defense of the secret mountain fortress. During this time, he researched ways to lift the Blood Curse imposed on the Clan by the Tremere. Al-Ashrad's studies resulted in the creation of talismans and alchemical potions capable of simulating diablerie. However, when Ur-Shulgi awoke, he easily broke the Curse levied on the clan. Despite this great feat, Al-Ashrad disagreed with his sire regarding the Clan's future. Ur-Shulgi demanded that the clan follow the old ways, the Laws of Haqim, forsaking all other beliefs. Al-Ashrad led a group of Banu Haqim from Alamut and into the arms of the Camarilla, before choosing to go into hiding himself. Since the schism, Al-Ashrad has only emerged publicly once: to attend the Vermillion Wedding between Tegyrius and the Toreador, Victoria Ash. The Vermillion Wedding sealed the addition of the Banu Haqim as a member clan of the Camarilla.
●Sight Beyond Sight
After Haqim tore out al-Ashrad's eye and Ur-Shulgi Embraced him, al-Ashrad replaced his missing eye with an enchanted diamond. It was rumored to give him visions of worlds beyond. As a member of his line, you have gained a fraction of this power. You may activate one of the Auspex powers, "Heightened Senses" or "Sense the Unseen", for one hour once per game, even if you don't possess the power. You must still pay all activation costs. In addition, twice per game, you may activate one of your non-amalgam Auspex powers without Rousing the Blood.
●●Book Smart
Like al-Ashrad, you are a renowned researcher and academic. Gain a two-dot Haven. You also gain four bonus dots of Haven Advantages that can be spent on the Laboratory, Library, Luxury, or Workshop advantages.
●●●Malevolence
Al-Ashrad's hatred for malevolent spirits is legendary. You have learned to channel his hatred through your own sorcery. Your Blood Sorcery powers and rituals may affect spirits even if they do not manifest, as long as you can see them. This also allows you to strike spirits and wraiths with weapons affected by Scorpion's Touch and Baal's Caress. This is an exception to the rule that says wraiths and other spirits cannot be attacked unless they manifest into solid form, or if the attacker is in the dead lands. In addition, you may target wraiths or spirits with Blood Sorcery powers and rituals as if they were a vampire. Powers that cause Hunger in wraith or spirit targets instead cause one normal damage per Hunger that would have been gained. This is in addition to the other normal effects of the power used. For example: You may target a wraith with Theft of Vitae to Slake two Hunger. Instead of gaining two Hunger, the wraith takes 2 normal damage. Cauldron of Blood does two aggravated damage and causes 1 Hunger, normally, but when targeting a wraith or spirit, they would take two aggravated damage and 1 normal damage.