Vampire Sects and Paths of Enlightenment
Source: https://vamp.bynightstudios.com/vampire/library/vampiresectsandthepathsofenlightenment
Each of the major vampire sects maintains its own stance with regards to the paths and their tolerance of them. While the Anarch Movement is permissive with regard to expression of thought, it takes a firm stance against Paths of Enlightenment for fear of Sabbat ideology infiltrating their ranks. Similarly, the Camarilla takes a conservative stance toward paths, treating any path followers with suspicion. While the Sabbat is relatively liberal, it still forbids paths which it feels run contradictory to the Code of Milan and has at one time banned Paths practiced by groups that have fallen out of favor. Leaders of every sect have no qualms about forbidding those paths which might encourage deviant behavior, while tolerating those that make its members easier to manage. Still, exceptions to these rules may occur on a case-by-case basis. A sect's list of accepted and heretical paths can change as part of a significant assembly or legislative event.
Accepted Paths
A path considered Accepted by a sect is viewed as meritorious or praiseworthy. This may be because the path is favored by the sect's rulers, or because its views are generally in line with the sect's goals and objectives. Practitioners of these paths are accepted and welcomed, and those known as masters of their paths are given special privilege for their wisdom and perspective.
Heretical Paths
Paths considered Heretical by a sect are viewed as threatening and antithetical to a sect's mission or beliefs. Practitioners of these paths are shunned and may find themselves subject to poor treatment or investigation by authorities. In some sects, practitioners of these paths are subject to Status Bans.
Other Paths
There exists a third category of paths that are neither accepted nor heretical. These paths may be relatively new such that a sect's ruling body has yet to make a determination about them, or paths which are established but not sufficiently in alignment with a sect's goals to earn formal sanction. Practitioners of these paths are generally left alone and allowed to teach their path in small numbers. However, any widespread adoption of these paths may draw attention. For that reason, practitioners of paths not yet accepted are often eager to have their paths officially sanctioned.
System Rules
Heretical and Accepted Paths
The following is a list of the major vampire sects and their positions on some of the common paths. Chronicles may use this list as a starting point when they begin, making any adjustments to suit their story. Storytellers may choose to offer players the option of changing a sect's position on a path at a major event, such as a Conclave. Adding a path to the list of Accepted Paths is likely to take a great deal of political backing, as vampires are skeptical by nature. Declaring a Path Heretical may prove easier if a significant number of its practitioners are caught in a major scandal.
Camarilla
Accepted Paths:
None.
Heretical Paths:
The Camarilla considers all paths Heretical. Should it change its stance to consider any paths non-Heretical, practitioners of those paths will no longer suffer from a Lesser Ban.
Sabbat
Accepted Paths:
Path of Caine, Path of Cathari, Path of Chivalry, Path of Death and the Soul, Path of the Feral Heart, Path of Heaven, Path of Honorable Accord, Path of Metamorphosis, Path of Night, Path of Orion, and Path of Power & the Inner Voice.
Heretical Paths:
Path of Evil Revelations. The Path of Harmony and the Path of Lilith were once considered Heretical, but as of 2006 are no longer Heretical. The Sabbat has not added them to the list of Accepted paths.
Independent Alliance
Accepted Paths:
Path of Ecstasy, Path of Death and the Soul, Path of Scorched Heart, Path of Night, and Path of Typhon-Set.
Heretical Paths:
Path of Caine and the Path of Evil Revelations.
Anarch Movement
Accepted Paths:
None.
Heretical Paths:
The Anarch Movement considers all paths Heretical based on its paranoia of establishment thinking. However, a growing movement of Gangrel and Brujah are petitioning to change this stance. Should the Anarch Movement change its position to consider any paths non-Heretical, practitioners of those paths will no longer suffer from a Major Ban.
Source Book: MET - VTM - V2 (2021)