25:17

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Montreal -x- Sabbat
Background
Dynamism and determination best describe the pack 25:17. While Montreal contains a number of older Sabbat, 25:17 stands as the herald for the young. What makes Ezekiel's coven so different is that although it embodies the strength, loyalty and freedom of the Sabbat, it does so without the chaotic mindlessness that characterizes other packs. The members of 25:17 are not rebels without a cause, but crusaders and holy warriors. Their ambition and loyalty to the sect have made them guardians of the Sabbat and its ways. Ezekiel and his followers believe it's their responsibility to lead their brothers and sisters to glory, and Montreal is the first step on that path.
In the mid-1980s, Ezekiel and Soldat (Ezekiel's mentor), created 25:17. It became one of the leading packs during the 1991 attack on Chicago. Soon after the war, Ezekiel was called back to Montreal to testify at the trial of his sire Sangris. After his sire's execution, Ezekiel was determined to claim what he believed to be his birthright - the archdiocese of Montreal. Despite Ezekiel's determination and ambition, his motives have never been selfish. He is driven by the desire to lead the Sabbat into a new golden age.
The actions of 25:17 over the past few years have led many to label the pack Loyalist, but the truth is very different. Members of 25:17 have, on a number of occasions, directly disobeyed what they perceived to be weak orders. The actions, however, have always resulted in gains for the Sabbat, sparing them from punishment. The coven understands that Gehenna rapidly approaches. The Sabbat needs to prepare, to groom leaders. This attitude puts 25:17 squarely in the Sabbat Ultraconservative faction.
Since the coven's arrival in Montreal, it has become the most active and vocal faction against the appointment of Carolina Valez. The pack believes that Montreal should be led by those who are fit, not by those appointed by cardinals who have lost touch with the Sabbat. Les Orphelins and The Wretched openly support Ezekiel's plans for the archdiocese. Others, including a number of packs from New York, such as the Disciples of the Black Brood (which is led by Ezekiel's progeny Christafarious Black), secretly back 25:17. So far, Ezekiel has avoided resorting to force to take power, knowing that it is only a matter of time before Carolina Valez makes a mistake.
The real threat to 25:17 comes from the Shepherds. Their age, connection to the Inquisition, and the popular belief that Montreal is their city makes them 25:17's greatest rivals, even if not outwardly. Ezekiel bides his time, waiting for an opening through which to strike at the Shepherds.
Lair
Upon his return to Montreal, Ezekiel established 25:17's lair in Ravenscrag, a 19th-century mansion that was used as an insane asylum until the late 1960s. Ravenscrag is located just above McGill University in the Golden Square Mile near the Royal Victoria Hospital. Ezekiel has opened part of the home as a nightclub called - Angel's Fall.
Rites and Practices
Vindication: 25:17's rites involve challenges that force members to overcome their personal weaknesses. Once a year, every coven member has to prove their strength, worth and determination to their fellows. During the Vindication rite, the member is impaled on a large pole and left to hang. As the pole slowly passes through her heart, she must utter her deeds and accomplishments that honor her coven. Overcoming the pain involves great will and faith in one's abilities. Those who fail to vindicate themselves are left for the unforgiving sun.
Membership

Ezekiel

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Sobriquet: Ezekiel -- Lord of Montreal
Appearance: Ezekiel has the body of a 16-year-old boy. His limbs are lithe and strong. His face expresses adult experience and childhood innocence. Yet, his dark eyes and skin make him both alluring and intimidating.
Background: When Sangris was publicly convicted of infernalism by the Sabbat's own Inquisition, he knew that the one thing that would redeem his soul was his childe Ezekiel. Sangris believed that Ezekiel was the one good thing that could never be taken from him. The young mortal spent a number of years by Sangris' side, slowly learning the ways of the Sabbat. His Creation Rite was one of the most elaborate ceremonies that the Sabbat of Montreal had ever witnessed -- even Cardinal Strathcona attended.
When Ezekiel rose from his grave the following night, a profound change had overcome him. His youthful naivete and innocent charm were replaced by a dark intensity. The Shepherds acknowledged him that night, and Raphael, in a moment of lucidity, proclaimed that Ezekiel's future would shine like a dying star.
Ezekiel's early existence was spent under the wise tutelage of the Coven of Librarians; he learned the ways of the Sabbat and Cainite history. When his studies permitted, he followed his sire, learning the ways of power. Sangris was more than a father or mentor; he was the embodiment of power and destiny for the young Serpent. Sangris, aware of his childe's almost unnatural ambition and adoration, forced Ezekiel to join the Black Hand to protect the childe against demonic influence. The night Ezekiel departed for his training in the Black Hand was the last time he saw Sangris as Archbishop of Montreal.
As a member of the Black Hand, Ezekiel accepted a number of suicide missions and earned a name for himself as a ruthless fighter and shrewd leader. Ezekiel, Soldat and their Black Hand circle were responsible for destroying a number of Chicago elders during the Sabbat-Lupine-Camarilla war in the early 1990s. After the war, Ezekiel returned to Montreal to testify at Sangris' trial. During the trial, Ezekiel was found innocent of corruption, but was present when Sangris was convicted of infernalism and apparently perished in flames. Ezekiel was deeply hurt by Sangris' betrayal, but ultimately understood that his sire fell because of the current weakness in the Sabbat. Since that night, he has vowed to lead the Sabbat away from bickering and infighting, back to the glory it had during the Anarch Revolt. Thereafter, Ezekiel and his pack remained in Montreal to claim the city as his birthright.
Personality: An inner power exudes from his person, a presence even his opponents can sense. He is ambitious, determined and intense -- a combination which could propel him to greatness or plummet him into hell. Ezekiel speaks in a low, soft voice, which compels others to hang on to his every word.
Current Events:

Soldat

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Appearance: Soldat is an impressive figure, standing over six feet tall. His face is strong and firm, framed by shoulder-length blond hair. Soldat is known for wearing WW1-era pants and a brown leather trench coat. He sometimes carries a set of bagpipes and plays them during war parties and pack rites.
Behavior: Soldat plays the part of the soldier. His demeanor and actions are bold and dashing. He never backs down from a fight, but neither does he enter a conflict blindly. Beneath Soldat stern exterior, he is a shrewd thinker, always planning to turn matters to Ezekiel's favor. Although he refuses to admit it, he possesses the potential to be a skillful leader and may someday decide that his time has come.
History: Benjamin Harris returned from World War 1 - like so many of the Lost Generation: empty, bitter and above all else, disillusioned. Even years later, during the Roaring '20s, Benjamin couldn't silence the voices of his dead comrades. A loving family man, Benjamin tried to keep his dark side in check. He finally caved in exactly 10 years after his return. That night he killed his family, hanging his son and daughter and burning his wife alive. Benjamin vanished into the night with the police and the Sabbat (who were impressed by his deeds) hot on his trail. A Sabbat Gangrel named "Nacy Tarr" got to him first.
Benjamin's anger and aggression were sublimated by the rituals and purpose of the sect. Calling himself "Soldat," he joined the Black Hand and dutifully served the Sabbat, but refused to live up to his leadership potential, preferring to be a follower. Soldat was one of Ezekiel's mentors, and the two developed a close friendship. Soldat believes that Ezekiel has the potential to better the Sabbat. In turn, the young Serpent appreciates the Gangrel's keen intellect, which lies beneath his tough exterior.
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Reza Fatir

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Sobriquet: The Dark Angel
Appearance: Reza's features are distinctly Middle Eastern. His hair is short except for a long braided ponytail that is tied with gold rings for each of his kills (there are over 50 - so far). Reza wears suits that lend him a simple, yet powerful elegance. During war parties and crusades, he wears traditional robes.
Behavior: In many ways, Reza is the spiritual leader of 25:17. His quiet and contemplative ways often contrast with the pack's flashy nature. Reza is soft-spoken, often quoting from the Qur'an and offering wisdom to those who are willing to listen. In combat, he is brutal, fierce and efficient.
History: Reza Fatir was the newest member of 25:17. He was indoctrinated into the Sabbat and the pack during the war for Chicago. Reza's and Ezekiel's first encounter proved almost fatal for both. The stood on opposite sides; Reza was under contract to search out and destroy Sabbat operatives in Chicago. Ezekiel and 25:17 escaped Reza's first attempt to destroy them and a game of cat-and-mouse ensued, each taking turns at being the hunter. In the end, it was Ezekiel who surprised the Assamite, and a duel began that lasted the entire night. As both rivals exchanged blows, their respect for each other grew. Ezekiel tried to enlighten Reza to the purpose of the Sabbat, telling Reza between blows that he was whoring himself to the Camarilla while his clan suffocated under the yoke of the Treaty of Tyre.
Reza tried to remain true to his mission, but the Serpent's words struck home. Reza thought of the ancient glory of Alamut and of how the Camarilla had indeed sold itself. Then -- Reza made his decision.
As sunrise approached, Reza fought ferociously, Ezekiel's determination was no match for Reza's discipline and skill, and within a few minutes, Ezekiel lay helpless. Without saying a word, Reza vanished, allowing Ezekiel to live.
The following night, Reza tracked Ezekiel down and offered his services to the Serpent and the Sabbat. Ezekiel accepted both. Reza's Creation Rite was a long and drawn out affair -- it tested Reza's physical and mental limits. The ceremony culminated with the destruction of Reza's sire. The Assamite has been loyal to Ezekiel ever since, grateful to the Serpent for opening his eyes to the truth that so many Assamites have ignored.
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Yasmin the Black

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