Of all the vampire clans, the Tremere may have the most shadowed history. Long ago, the Tremere were not vampires, but powerful mortal sorcerers, specializing in hermetic magic. Through vicious cunning and powerful ambition, they joined the society of immortal undead. Even in modern nights, Tremere are the undisputed masters of blood sorcery, keeping their secrets close and staunchly guarded. Their numerous successes have gained the Tremere many bitter enemies. Their legacy is one of occult power wielded by political acumen, and they are dangerous in the extreme. The Tremere demand respect above all else — both from other vampires, and within their own clan.

Over the centuries, no clan has committed such terrible atrocities as the Tremere. Dark deals, horrific experiments, and vile betrayals stain their reputation. Yet the Tremere continue to hold power, based primarily on strong alliances with other clans and the leverage of their magic. Those who turn against the Tremere lose access to their occult gifts and Thaumaturgical skill. A sorcerous ally can be a powerful boon.

Wizards left their black robes and tall staves in the Middle Ages; instead, the Tremere have adopted a strict, businesslike mien as is appropriate to modern nights. Conservative suits, prim dresses and upscale accoutrements have replaced top hats and canes, as the image of occult mastery adapts with each passing age.

The Tremere exist in a strict, disciplined hierarchy of static ranks and severe restrictions known as “the Pyramid,” which is led by a council of the most powerful Tremere elders. Titles such as Apprentice, Lord, and Regent clearly distinguish Tremere ranks within the clan.

Each Tremere is chosen carefully from a controlled mortal populace. Once transformed into a ghoul, the prospective childe is educated, tested, and then brought into the clan as a lowly Apprentice. With hard work, dedication, and judicious treason, a Tremere can rise through the Pyramid and seize power within the clan. Tremere do not live on their own, but haven together in occult chantries where they can work together and watch each other’s backs.

Core Book: The blood of the Tremere holds difficulties and inequities not found in the other clans. Because of these failings, Tremere are easily made dependent on the blood of another. It takes only two draughts of another vampire’s blood for a Tremere to become blood bound instead of the normal three — the first drink counts as if the Tremere had taken two drinks. V2: The fracturing of clan Tremere into multiple Houses has had more than just an ideological impact; it has impacted the very nature of their blood. Some claim that this is a direct result of the attacks on the Prime Chantry while others claim it was caused by the severance of the bonds between members of the clan. Whatever the cause, the blood of clan Tremere has been altered. The following Clan Weakness replaces the Clan Weakness in the core BNS V:TM 2013 core rulebook.

Clan Weakness: Members of clan Tremere can no longer fully Blood Bond other vampires. No matter how many times another vampire consumes the blood of a Tremere they only suffer from a stage one Blood Bond; however, Tremere are still able to create ghouls and bind them. Should a Tremere Embrace a bound ghoul, the clan weakness immediately takes effect with regard to the new childe and any existing Blood Bond the childe has to its sire fades by one stage per month.

Storyteller Note: If you have characters in your troupe with a stage two or higher Blood Bond to a Tremere, that Bond fades by one stage per month until it is a stage one Blood Bond.

“Evil is an excuse, a mere pablam spewed by those too weak to use force. There is no good, nor evil. There is only power, and powerlessness.” — Abetorius the Curseborn