Provenance - **Book:** WOD - Vampire - The Masquerade - Book of Nod (Text Only) - **Source PDF:** `WOD - Vampire - The Masquerade - Book of Nod (Text Only).pdf` - **PDF pages:** 19–32
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Notes to the Chronicle of Caine
1. The "first times" discussed in this stanza have been researched thoroughly by myself and my fellow Kindred. The original text speaks of a time "before." The oldest piece of the Book of Nod has been dated just before the time of Sumer, around 4500 B.C. 2. I assume in this that the first stanza is the original narrator, perhaps the first translator of Caine`s story. 3. ”Nod” in this case, meaning, the ”Unknown Lands” - supposedly the lands outside of Eden, which were not named at that time. 4. Latin translation reads ”With a plowshare.” The translation is from the original Sumerian, and just implies a sharp thing. This could be a prehistoric ”spike” tool, used for planting seeds. It is definitely tooth-like, possibly formed of some mammal`s canines - or at least it is depicted thus in the Coonan-DeBrie fragment and the St. Clair Tapestry. 5. That Caine was originally a farmer would fall into line with his existence in the myth as a un King/Dying God figure, much like the character of Dumuzi/Tammuz in the Inanna/Ishtar myth. 6. Blood in birth in this case. of course, perhaps being a result of the recent Fall. Note that this is the first instance of the word "blood" in the narrative. The translational sense of the word is more along the lines of what we would consider 'blood' rather than the 'vitae' cognate, which implies some extra virtue or potency 7. The "first part" is a phrase repeated throughout the Book of Nod. It means essentially, "the best." the "cream." 9. I am translating this as exactly as possible. Because of the nature of the myth. one can easily assume that this is the Cod of the Hebrews and later Christianity. However, because this is not specifically stated in the text. I do not wish to color the narrative with possible inter-religious complexities. 10. "Struck from beyond" might have been a lightning bolt. In some Latinate translations, it is a "bolt from beyond." 13. This stanza has confused many scholars, including myself. I have chosen to represent it as my particular translation, which is that it is Adam who is the "Father" in this stanza, and it is Adam who casts Caine out. The reasoning behind this is that the One Above never speaks directly to Caine: it is only through a medium that the One communicates Its will to Caine, as we will see. Furthermore, the word "Father" in the previous stanzas has always meant Adam. This contrasts heavily with the Genesis story, but it is internally consistent, and since Caine himself is said to have originated this particular narrative, we can take it on better authority perhaps than Noah, who penned Genesis. There are other interpretations, of course. In New York, Beckett once met a member of the Sabbat who claimed this section referred to our "true" father - Satan. He watched my childe closely when he said this, and then something which Beckett can only describe as an imp appeared on his shoulder. We have gone to great pains to not deal with this vampire again. 14. Here. now, we get the basic idea behind the "Land of Nod." No longer is it simply "not Eden." but it is now to be considered the "Exiled Lands." "Nod" in the Hebraic translation of the text is basically "the wandering lands." This is perhaps because Adam has established himself outside of Paradise and has created a territorial boundary between himself and the rest of the world: thus "Nod" is the same wilderness he was banished to. but now it is Caine who is leaving. One would think perhaps that Adam would have been a little more sympathetic to this. his last remaining son. However, it is possible that Adam's words in this were "divinely inspired" or perhaps inspired out of rage. Thus. we see the traditional tragic, tumultuous lives of all vampires as being indicative of their origins, Beckett says this parallels the relationship all vampires have with their sires, but I like to think our own continued alliance proves this hypothesis incorrect.
Notes to the Chronicle of Caine 8. "Father." in this specific case, generally thought to be Adam. 11. "Father", again, is probably Adam. 12. In this case. "blood" is written as the cognate to "vitae.
S 15. This stanza is quite important to the "Dying God" myth-perspective of Caine. Caine is destined for darkness, a dark land where he will learn much wisdom. This may refer to our own journey into death, from which our sires tear us when they feed us their own rich vitae. 16. 16. These three things, hunger, cold. and fear (or sadness) still obviously attribute Caine with human feelings and failings. Caine is not yet a "vampire" in the traditional sense. He is, however, clearly cursed. 17. 17. It was hard not to use Ishtar for this particular translation, for this stanza seems to speak of Ishtar: certainly her honey-voice and words of surcease are Ishtar's. Lilith would have to do, however, as many of the original works agree that it was Lilith in this narrative. 18. This stanza, and the others that follow here, I have seen in another form. This is the highly sought-after "Cycle of Lilith" which appears in many different forms. In looking for the original text for these stanzas, I was forced to go into the labyrinthine and saturnine depths of the world of the Diabolists. I started in Venice, where I met with some of the Order of the Black Rose. dark monks, some of whom had to communicate with sign language because their tongues had been severed and then mummified as magical talismans. I soon found that they hungered for Kindred blood, and I was able to parley some of my own vitae for information that led me to Boston. Massachusetts, in America. There I met with a woman by the name of Selina. who at first refused to speak to me about the diabolic Cycle of Lilith. but then allowed me to continue for some bizarre mystical purpose. She said that the "Dark One Herself" asked to let me pass with the knowledge. I was followed through the streets of Boston by the Dark Clan themselves (the Nosferatu) until I got to a special bookstore: it is this bookstore that had. in their back shelves, a few fragments of the Cycle of Lilith behind glass. I was allowed to view it for a few moments before the shop owner returned.
The older man cursed loudly when he saw me. and showed me the door quite firmly. I stood outside the door and heard the man bcrate his employee in some detail. They believed to be speaking confidentially because they were speaking in a dialect of Italian native to Venice, but I had learned that dialect quite fluently and was able to listen for quite some time. I discovered that they were part of a dark circle of devil-worshippers, and followed the older man later that evening back to the cemetery where they held their rites.
Although I was not able to find the devil-worshippers in the cemetery. I did have a very strange encounter in the graveyard nonetheless. A woman appeared from the fog as if by magic. By her aura I knew her to be Kindred, but could not guess how old or of what clan she was. She came to me and showed me a book bound in silver and holding a complete translation of the Cycle of Lilith. She silenced me immediately, commanding me not to ask anything as long as she stood there. I had to obey.
I was able to look at the tome and read it while she smiled at me in the light of a candle. Then she took the book. kissed me once on the forehead, and was gone into the night before I could ask her another question. I can't imagine who this mysterious woman was, but I do think that she is in some way connected with the spirit-form of Lilith, for her powers of command were great, and she had a presence about her that was ancient. I can only thank her for the opportunity to glance at that fabled volume, and I think that this translation benefits singularly from her intervention. 19. It might be noted that Genesis speaks not at all of Lilith. the first wife of Adam. She is a creature of the Midrashim. the Hebrew parables. She is depicted as a demoness, cursed by God Himself because she would not be subservient to Adam. Lilith has apparently, at least in this narrative, spent some time in the Land of Nod, and has built up her own power in this place. She apparently has comfort where no one else could take it. This doesn't speak well for her being a demoness, and thus confined to Hell. but then again Hell wasn't a very populous place around this time in history. 20. Here is a major inconsistency in the narrative, and I have fought for many years to retain it, for I feel that it points at the fundamental flaw of the Book of Nod translations to date: where did the blood tears of Caine come from, if not from the original Curse? Was he then a vampire at that point? When did he exactly begin crying blood? When did he become a vampire? This is a nebulous point still. But I leave the inconsistency because I do not want this point to remain "glossed over" into history. My childe Beckett uses this point to bolster his allegorical fancies. Even now, he travels to Harvard college, there to study some ancient texts discovered in a well in the Sudan. He keeps hoping to discover some more of what he calls "antediluvian" mural works, the poor boy. 21. There has been argument on both sides of the following issue: Was Caine imprisoned in Lilith's house, under her control, or did Caine stay there as an honored guest? This question is never fully answered, but might lend an interesting perspective if it could be proved one way or the other. Perhaps, as some have suggested, the situation involved a little of both. 22. I have translated these words specifically in this fashion out of the advice of one Haphacstus a friend of mine who was once a part of the mystical Tradition known as the Order of Hermes. He maintains that Lilith was no woman, no demonness. but rather an original mage, and that she used her own particular magickal qualities to "Awaken"
Caine's magickal potential as well. This is the story of that awakening. I believe that what he says has merit, and it certainly fits in the translation of the story. If it is true that Caine was a wizard as well as Lilith, then the Tremere may indeed be "closest to Caine: - a theory to which Beckett violently objects. 23. Hephaestus indicates that this stanza may point to Lilith being perhaps the founder or one of the first supplicants in the magick Tradition know as Verbena, which uses blood in its rituals. 24. This is often translated as "And then I fell into Hell." I did not feel that the original text was attempting to say this, and I felt that Abyss seemed to indicate a less Judeo-Christian sort of place of torture. 25. Once again, not to cross-mythologize too much. but I could do nothing else but translate the Angels into Angels and Michael into Michael, even though the "shining ones" mentioned in the original text do not specifically seem to be angels. I was unable to come up with a cognate that would fit. Still, I feel that they do not hamper the overall "feel" of the narrative, and so they remain. Their traditional Cabalistic correspondences also remain as they were originally written. 26. This is perhaps a strong rebuff of the "One Above." Caine seems to still be angry about his exile. 27. This is the legendary "Curse of Fire." It is perhaps among the strongest curses of the day. It set up an eternal enmity between the Kindred and the singular source of life in the world: the fire. Fire was the mortals' way of keeping out the darkness, the wolves. It provided a center of community and allowed them to create new technologies. This put us out of that light forever, and was designed to make us outcast forever. It is perhaps this particular curse with, also made hospitality so important among the Kindred. 29. An early survival instinct, obviously. Caine instinctively seeks the earth. 30. Uriel's role as the Angel of Death would place him in the ultimate position to be the vessel of Cod's judgment on Caine. Only through Uriel would God Himself choose to punish our Father. 31. Note here that Uriel is offering not to preserve Caine, but rather to "take him to his reward." i.e.. death. 32. Is this a mockery of the more traditional" I am that I am" phrase of the Bible? 34. "Eating ashes" is thought to be a metaphor for the tragic vampire existence. I can find no other reference to "eating ashes." and can only assume it is an idiom which cannot be translated Other versions of the Book of Nod have translated "eating ashes" into "knowing only sadness." 35. This is perhaps a poetic statement, ft certainly emphasizes that Caine is consuming his own sadness. 36. The fact that there is an important diamond city in India also called Golconda may or may not have bearing to this particular stanza. I am beginning to think that the term was originally coined by Saulot, who was known to travel to the Far and Middle East on quests of enlightenment. 37. I have heard of additional sections here describing more of the powers Caine developed. According to my old friend Malk Content, the original version of this went on for 1.001 stanzas Malk also claims his left pinkie is made out of chocolate mousse and answers to the name Harold, so I will stand by the version I have here. 38. Zillah, sometimes translated as "Sylah.' This Tale is translated from a much more folklore-influenced original text.
A version of this tale is told by some of the oldest of the Russian Kindred, and I have reason to believe it has roots in Russian folktalcs. 28. Raphael being the Archangel of the Dawn. 33. The first use of the freely translated words, "God Almighty." 39. Remember that, among Kindred, there is no "incest" taboo in lusting after the blood of your childe. Indeed, this is perhaps indicative of the Methuselahs attitudes: they often create childer to feed upon. 40. A flagrant transliterative idiom, but one that I felt had literary importance. Imagine Caine with a full, long beard, tugging on it! This is perhaps the only descriptive feature of Caine that we have on record, and its provenance is impure. 41. This Crone remains a mystery to archaeolo-gists trying to locate the source of this story. I believe that the Crone is a shaman/ witch/priestess who perhaps knew a bit about Caine from relations with a demon or some kind of familiar spirit. In sticking with his allegorical paradigm, Beckett suggests that she may be a metaphor for the lust we have for blood and the control it has over us. 42. Another clue: she is affiliated with the Moon. I originally believed this pointed to her origins as a Lupine shaman, but I learned from my Gangrel friends that they do not twist their spells in such fashion. 43. Others have translated Caine's title as "Master of the Blood Fury" in this instance. 44. In Enoch, marriage between Kindred was common. I have read fragments of the "Love Hymn to Zillah" which has led me to believe that it carried with it specific ownership of all house slaves and property, as well as special privileges such as the ability to temporarily invoke one's spouses' power. 45. The traditional Lunar year. It is such a mythological cliche, especially among the "Wise Woman" traditions of the pagan folk. that I must count it as a purely symbolic period of time. 46. A traditional material. Strong, sturdy. The Ark of Noah was built of it. 47. This is perhaps the best-known part of the Book of Nod. Because of the frequent copying by the Tremere and Ventrue Clans of this fragment, there arc many colloquial versions of it. My first task was to totally disregard these "popular" versions, and go on to tackle the truth of the matter. Thus, you see my translations of the "nontraditional" verses in brackets.
These are a collection of pieces and fragments that I have unearthed during my many travels. I must admit that I have used a considerable amount of personal prudence in determining the contents of this book. This is because there are known complete versions of the Chronicle of Shadows. In fact, many of the scholars who have researched this Chronicle claim that it is not a part of the Book of Nod, but rather a creation if the scholars and writers of Carthage who took poetic license in writing down „Caine’s Laws.” Still, I have seen enough seminal text, enough original foundation to convince me that these fragments have some basis in the actual words of our Father, his children, and his grandchildren.
Choros, who was an admitted member of the Sabbat, told me that he believed the Chronicle of Shadows to be a collection of propaganda created by the Camarilla to support its tyrannical reign. I do not believe this to be the case, but it is quite uncanny that many of Caine’s Laws and the Traditions of the Camarilla dovetail.
It is my sincerest hope that these fragments are not some elaborate Malkavian prank, especially the thirteen commandments, which were provided on authentically aged tablets. Still, they were too enticing to leave out.
So, Iharkav , if you are reading this and you’ve tricked me, a point in your favor, and I’ll be sure to exact revenge when next I see you!
A BRIEF WORD ON THE CHRONICLE OF SHADOWS These are the words that Caine said, regarding our Progeny as he ruled in Enoch, as King.
Hear the words of Caine Law-Giver: "Thou shall not make Progeny against My will and if you are given leave, then choose of those Children of Adam well, think of them as your future Brother or Sister.1 Look to the everlasting night ahead, and know Auriel's Prophecy: that forever shall Childe rise up to slay Sire.
Know thou that. as in all things, the Father overcomes the Childe, the Mother her Daughter: Only through Me will you come to Truth, Only through Me will you come to Peace, Only through Me will you come Awake to your Power.2 Know thou that the right of life or death, as it was in My times, will ever be the Sire's over the Childe's, for it has been set in Heaven as well as in this world, the way of things.
My Father, Adam, over me, I, over you, You, my Children, over all Progeny you get.
Thou shalt not suffer your Childe to live If it is found that he has killed one of your Brothers and has drunk his hearts blood.
This is the Serpents Way, and I will not abide it.3 Thou shalt not Embrace those who are unworthy, Thou shalt not use the Embrace as punishment, Neither shall you Embrace the youngest, who should live long before being brought into My family, so that the wisdom of our line will grow.
Thou shalt not Embrace those who are diseased, insane, or full of ill humors, for they will taint the Blood.4 Never shall there be more Kindred of Caine than Kindred of Seth in a place, neither should there be one of Caine for every three of Seth.5 All Childer should learn from their Sire The Law and the Traditions The Rites and the Customs, as I have given them to you Thou shalt not Embrace the Moon-Beasts, for these should be outcast and called Abomination.
Neither should you taste of their blood, for they are forbidden, they bring Death to our door.6 Embrace not the blood of the Enlightened, rather listen to their words, watch their actions, and move swiftly against them should they strike: a useful sword, but often too sharp.7 Taste not the blood of the Wild Ones, for in it is Madness, neither should you Embrace them: for you will not survive it.8 Embrace not Love, for Love in My Embrace will grow cold, wither, and die.9 THE CHRONICLE OF SHADOWS OF PROGENY THE RULES OF THE CANAILLE These are the words that Caine said, regarding the Children of Seth, as he ruled in Enoch, as King.
Hear the words of Caine Law-Giver: "We are given Dominion over the line of Seth, third son of Adam, as he is our youngest Brother, we will watch over his Children as if they were our own, we will show them the right way, and in return, they will serve us all of their days.10 They will serve us while the Sun rides the sky, and watch over our houses, with quenching water, against Michael`s Fire.11 They will feed us. and provide us with clothes, They will dance for us, and provide us with song, They will lay with us, and provide us with comfort.
They will advise us, and we will listen to their advice.
They will worship us, and we must not allow their worship.
Thou shall not become as a God to the Children of Seth. for the One Above, growing jealous in his sky, will strike down the line of Caine forever.
Remember gentle-faced Ashtareth, Remember golden-fat Baal.
Remember strong Tammauz, Know thou that the Children of Seth will rise up with weapons from the One Above, and conquer us, should we be as Gods to them.12 Thou shall guide the Children of Seth as a shepherd guides his flock, and cull them as they are needed.
Thou shall cleanse their blood, and keep all of them free from disease.13 Mark ye that a Mortal who, marked with the Power of another Cainite, does a thing, yea verily He does it as if that Childe of Caine did it, and that Kindred will pay the price of crime or retribution, just as he had done the thing, for in this way, there is an Accounting to be made, and the Children of Seth not be merely swords in the hands of dark strangers.15 Mark well the threefold drinking, the Bond of Blood, and let those of Seth's Children with great skill, come to serve the Children of Caine, as it is we are the first part of Wisdom, and should be served.16 As well, in Blood Bonds, know that there is no greater Bond than Caine has with his Childer, and through Me, all chains are broken, all shackles are shattered.17 Mark well the Children of the One Above, the Cherubs, the Seraphs, the Archangels, for their touch will burn you as does the Flame of Michael.18 Mark well the Children of the One Below, the Serpent's Kin, for their touch will burn you as well, and their tongues will delude and deceive you.19 In need, you may feed the Beasts of the field, of your Blood, and husband them: they will grow strong and loyal, but beware of the Beast with the Beast within, and feed not a Hunger that may not abate.
Of the Feeding Find you a place that is yours, And the mortals that dwell there, let them be your sheepfold, let them be your cup, let them be your holy bread14 Of the Gifts of Caine Those you choose to bless with the Potence of Caine, may come to live within your house, to protect you, let no one Embrace these guardians, let them be given blood at the appropriate time: let their Strength be your Strength, Strength that does not abate with the sun, let their Eyes be your Eyes, Eyes that can see in the day.
Let their Ears be your Ears, Ears that can hear while you slumber.
Let those who serve be named greatest of the Children of Seth. and most privileged.
Let them enjoy the fine cloth of the Kindred.
Let them enjoy the gentle music of the Kindred.
Let them know the sweetness of our wine.
Let us protect them from those who would hinder and hurt them, and let us all rise up in outrage should one of those-who-serve be shin by another Kindred, for no Kindred has the right to kill another's Servant without provocation.20 The Moon-Beasts, the ones-who-change, they are the Oldest of all, before my Father they roamed the lands.
Tarry not in the path of them, Avoid them, they are set upon us like wolves in the sheepfold.
For we are of one kind, and they another.
Beware their sacred ground, walk softly through their wilderness.
Their bite is as our bite, Their claws are as our claws Tarry not in the path of them, they are of one kind, and we are another.21 Of the mad ones, the wild ones, I say, first, drink not of their blood!
But watch them, For they are beautiful in their wildness, They are enchanting in their mystery, They are deadly in their war skills.
Alone among the creatures of the night They kept me company in the earth and brought me water when I was thirsty and could still breathe.
Of Those Who Serve Of the Moon-Beasts Of the Wild Ones Like Me, they were cast out, Like my Children, they are homeless, Like my Children's Children, they wander, Like my Mother and Father, they know too much, But they keep their own counsel, and, of them, I say Mark me well: keep silent!
Say nothing.
Watch, and learn.22 The Mother of Power, dark Lilith, is of the greatest of them, but there are others, and more yet to come.
Drink not of their blood, for they will ensnare you, Keep wary of them, they are crafty.
They know Adam's knowledge, and Eve's wisdom. they are the bringers of fire, the tillers of soil, the husbanders of animals, the bringers of writing, they are the Sun-children, the Rising Stars.
They will seek to involve you in their journey.
Resist! Resist! their path disregards hunger, blood, and body.
Trust not the ones with bright eyes towards the dawn: Remember always, it is the Dawning that brings your death.23 Mark you well: there is a place beyond spirit, beyond life which is Darkness.
Shadow, and there Shadows dwell.
An island, a fortress, a land of the Dead, I have traveled there through a pathway of doom and I have witnessed the dread king of the Stygian City as he sat at court.
I have seen the faceless hooded ones traversing River Styx.
They swarm about us like flies on a putrefying corpse, and like us, feed on fear, ecstasy, and anger.
Dead they are, but undead, and they are closer to us than we will ever know.
The Blood of my Brother cries out to me as I sleep as the Sun crosses the sky, I hear my brother, second born Abel, screaming.
Mark well the spirits of those who have died, Know their strength is not your own, Listen to their words: they carry wisdom.
Listen not to their songs: that way is oblivion.
Do not seek to bind them, but free them if you can, Such is the commandment of Caine, who himself has been imprisoned and freed.24 Thou shalt not slay thy Sire and drink his heart’s blood Thou shalt hold the eldest among you as Lord, even as I am your Father, the eldest is closest to me.
Thou shalt honor each other’s Domain.
Thou shalt not reveal yourselves as Gods to the Children of Seth.
Honor always your Sire.
Thou shalt teach your progeny the ways of the Kindred.
Thou shalt not Embrace Love Thou shalt not feed of the Moon-Beasts, the Wild Ones the diseased, the insane, or the drunken.
Thou shalt protect always those-who-serve.
To your Brothers and Sisters, always give hospitality. To your Sire's Brothers and Sisters, always give the best part of your house, to your Progeny's Brothers and Sisters give a roof from the Sun and the blood of a sheep, no more.
Never forget your Sire's Sire, Caine the Wanderer.
On the Enlightened Of Those Spirits of the Dead OF THE COMMANDMENTS TO THE KINDRED Brujah's Commandments27 Throw off the Elder s shackles of the mind, reach into thyself and see the truth revealed.
The Truth, as truth is seen, will illuminate your soul and heal your wounds.
Know who you are, first, and be true to your self.
You are my children, all, but I would sooner shatter you like flawed pottery than have your weakness be that you are but a flawed copy out of my mold.
Lo my Children, you will walk the earth, wander far and carry these Words.
Move one step before those who see by the Moon.
Never abide weakness.
Keep your children loyal.
Walk with your head high.
Let the Beast rule you.
Mark where you hunt, so that your brothers and sisters will know and not intrude.
Take all you need, but be mindful that the hunter can become the hunted and there are those who find us no matter how we flee.
Should you become confused go and eat only of animals for a moon sleep in the earth and drink in sweet water You will hear my voice in your ears like a distant bird's cry or lion's roar, And you will know what to do.
Let no one say that the House of Cangrel is a dishonorable one Let no one say that we are not brave.
Let no one say that we are not fair.
You, a child of the Beast, a child of Darkness, are first among Kindred.
THE WORDS OF THE CLAN CHIEFS26 The Words of Gangrel to his Childer28 Malkav’s Words29 In the singing… midnight By the coral …… of time Through the …… gates of heaven ...the ... in my mind Bring about the change so quickly Bring about the terror’s night Bring about the blood of lovers Bring about the smell of fright I see you watching where I walk Through the moonlit jasmine field Listen closely as I talk About the stars and their lovers past Past fields of poppies, burning bright Into towers of Blackened Bone Follow me, Bastard of Caine Come with me, I have no home As I drain your live’s blood sweetly As you sigh into my warm hands As I suck your madness nearly Streaming down like crimson bands I dance the dance of the fool And pray you find me mad For if you lay hands upon the root You’ll know me without illusion And find me guilty of the truth.
Nosferat's Words30 You are the children of Shadow You are the sons and daughters of Darkness Seek the darkest place Make it your own Feed on the wicked, feed on the sinful.
Feed on the ugly souls For such is our diet, such is our Father`s wish, our pre-ordained meal.
My childer, look not at your visage to curse me, for I know the beauty that lies within, and no greater beauty will there ever be.
The Words of Toreador to his Childer31 In quiet, you will know beauty, in beauty you will know truth, in truth you will know love, in love, you will know quiet.
My children, my creations my beautiful things Watch and listen, listen and watch.
Use your sight, to see the truth in beauty.
Use your speed, to stay still, Use your beauty, to know truth.
My children, my creations, gentle roses all I have called for your sculpture I have called for your pictures I have called for your song I have called for your dancing Beautiful children, beautiful creations Gold is not as precious Honey not as sweet Milk not as pure Like the tiger, you bite like the hawk, you dive, like the cat, you stalk.
Beautiful predators!
Sweet succubi!
Daring incubi!
Taste virgin’s blood and find bliss!
Find your greatest part of Joy, Follow your greatest part of Joy, and know that I watch you, enthralled, my children, my creations, my beautiful ones.
The Words of Ventrue to his Childer32 We ruled in Enoch! We ruled in [the Second City] Dumuzi! Gilgamesh! Zeus! Jupiter!
We are every great man, every perfect man.
We rule, not by strength, but by right.
Be the law-giver, the tool-maker, Carry the sacred [Me] to the people, Keep the covenant, Bind those that rebel, Glory in those who fight and win, Keep strong swords about you always, and sharp eyes at your back.
Cower not in fear of the Sun!
Shrink not from Fire!
Though cursed we may be We are the Lords of the Earth, and all things fall under our dominion.
Saulot's Words33 Know you are made to be unmade You are the white lamb The gentle sacrifice You are the greatest part of the bounty of Caine And on your shoulders shall be his greatest Sin, for alone among the children of Caine I have asked the One Above for forgiveness, and I have been visited by the worst of the One Below's demons Those snakes, which bit me in my sleeping, Those foul wyrms who suck my blood,34 I learned from them to take the blackness from the blood The wounds from the flesh the evil from the soul.
And though I may die, you, my childer will live on.
Open thy Eye, and see the world truly, and know that what you do now goes on to heal another generation.
And the enemies of dine were great, and fell to fighting over his trail like hounds, the scent would not abate through flood and moon. and much travail The hunter's skill was great, as they looked for their Father, and they did see ... ancient Discipline used they to find the road to Shal-ka-mense They came at last to that secret place where Caine hid, amongst the waters Showing himself, Caine called them under, "Gentle sons, gentle daughters, Why do you disturb my slumber?"
And they tried to embrace their Father with steely things and things of wood, but lightning Caine, fast-moving Caine, would not be stopped by such as them.
Under the curling, blasting waters, beyond the pool of Veyd-sah-me, in the grotto of Shal-ka-mense did they gather, did they gather, to embrace their sleeping Father's form.
Found him sleeping? Found him wakeful, battle-ready, eyes abright, smiling at his ancient Childer waging war in the waxing light.
Now the stars they one by one blot their ways into lightning sky Now the fires burn hell and cinder Now the heat reveals the pyre.
Too long! the hunters waited further, Too long! They did by Veyd-sah-me, tarry long enough to see the light of Dawn upon their Father's Face.
And in the turning, burning Mark, they saw the Finger of Gods own hate, twisting, curling, God's own Word it Set apart Caine's lonely fate And as they burned in hell-bright fires, as they saw the melted flesh as they burned with their own Kindred Caine blessed more funeral pyres Taking in his bloody Sacrament.
Seek not the blood of thine own Elder Seek not the blood of thy Sires Sire Seek not the blood that made thee Kin For thou will feel the funeral pyre When thou dost pay for thy immortal sin.
A Valediction, Forbidding Diablerie35 Caine's Law and Punishment36 It is very hard. my children, to prescribe for you the punishment of burning, of exsanguination, of beheading, of torture, of paralysis, of the sundeath.
You are my Childer: alone among the rest of existence, you are my only companions, forever will we be locked in the way that fathers are bonded to their sons and sons to their fathers.
And yet. I will root out the bad seed.
I will weed out the worst of you.
I will prune my dark tree, in the manner that my Father, Adam, taught me.37 "Go not to the Clan of the Rose for advice, for they will give no single answer.39 "Bless those who fight our natural enemies. Keep safe the water-bearer, the builder, the undertaker. These are not to be prey."42 "Let not the priest, poet, or peasant see you feed. Not one of them will leave it be."43 "Let Honor be your shield, your sword, and your cloak: let Ventrue save face, and you will go far."44 "Watch your own Childer on the lips of all is the honey-taste of Diablerie."49 "One sip of Blood, I take. Two sips. I accept. Three sips. I refuse."50 "Make not friends among the Poets, they till sing too much of you."
"Take gently from women. Take directly from men. Take sweetly from children. Take haltingly from animals.
From Kindred, share. From the Moon-Beasts, feast."
"Be as a King: your sacred duty is to protect the weak and fight the mighty."
Proverbs38 "Watch Gangrel, and when they are uneasy leave."40 "The first to die in any Jyhad are Nosferatu."41 "To rid yourself of an enemy, outlive him."45 "Vengeance is best when the blood is still hot."46 "Know that in all times there will be Caesar: pay him his due."47 "Fight the first battle, win the first war."48 "Bargain not with the Darkness: in time it will take tis all."
"Ride the Beast, do not let it ride you."
"Be not known. Seek shadows."51 "When the Cross has a point, find your safety."52