Order of Bitter Ashes
Introduction
Legends speak of these mighty yet mysterious vampires, saying that they began as a band of mortal crusaders sent to the Holy Land. During their journey, they were set upon by a powerful vampire bearing a strange mark on his forehead. He embraced them to a man and sent them on a quest for the cup of Christ, the Holy Grail. Their mysterious sire told them that one draught from the true Grail would purify their blood of Caine's curse, and could become the salvation for all Caine's childer.
Overview
Many of the Order are said to have fought strange creatures of the night and to have overcome much opposition - even from within their own ranks - to find the sacred cup, whereupon they all partook of the vitae of Christ. It is said that all those who drank of the cup underwent a strange, miraculous transformation, of which they have become reluctant to discuss. Now their bodies gleam like the moon, and their blades unerringly strike down those who follow the creatures of hell. The Baali have become some of their most hated foes, and enmity which the Baali return a thousandfold.
The Order is known for its mighty horses, fleet with Celerity from their masters' blood. Each newly made sword is quenched in its maker's blood and purified with incense before it may be wielded. The knights' strange luminescence is frequently masked by their armor, creating an eerie glow beneath their helms, and no doubt giving rise to some strange tales of phantom warriors.
Although the band has supposedly been scattered since the days of the Second Crusade, some have been known to allow other vampires to drink of their pure blood (rumored to replenish without the need to feed on humans). Those who do drink of the order are said to gain their luminescence and potent powers in destroying the Baali and other Infernalists, for a span of one lunar cycle.
The Order is named for a number of legends about how Caine was cursed to "eat only bitter ashes." The Order has little overall organization, although there are rumors that it has formed a strange alliance with the Knights Templar. Humanity in general is regarded with disinterest, although some of the Order look upon the devout with pity, that they will never know the blessing of the Cup.
While it was the Grail that gave the Order its miraculous powers, the cup is no longer in the knights' possession. Circumstances surrounding this are vague at best. Speculations suggest that knights entombed it somewhere in the Middle East, with one remaining to guard it, while others mutter that it was stolen, perhaps by the very vampire who Embraced the group.
