Path of Vigor
A Path on the Road of Humanity
Sobrequiet: Rovers
The Path of Vigor teaches a sense of respect not only for the ideal of Humanity, but also its nature. Rovers are drawn to the human tendency to innovate, expand its horizons and otherwise move forward, for both good and ill. The Via Vireo is a dynamic, forceful path, not much given to introspection or contemplation. sometimes, this results in a sense of aimlessness, as the Rover searches for meaning and focus; but it is, such Cainites believe, far better to be in motion than in stillness. Most walkers upon this path come to it instinctively, though a significant minority find it through formalized teachings, emulating Caine in his aspect as the Dark Wanderer, forever walking Earth. This ethic extends also into the psychology of the Rover (by whatever means she came to the path), resulting in the adoption of trends, ideologies, fashions and other hallmarks of the healthy, vital, mortal society.
Rovers come in a few different varieties. Some embrace the notion of literal movement, never long settling in a given place and developing no attachments to people or things. Such vampires do well among wandering mercenary troops, merchant companies, Crusader bands and other groups given to long journeys upon distant trails. Some are inspired by intellectual motion, pushing the known and accepted boundaries of learning (in whatever field or fields) through the use of innovative techniques and a persistent drive toward progress. yet others turn to matters of the soul, adopting or even cultivating new systems of philosophical belief of religious worship, and thereby traveling in spirit. A scant few upon the Path of Vigor accept all of these principles, even in motion, each a microcosm of the larger motions of mortal society as it undergoes its continual permutations and transformations.
As innovators and, sometimes, revolutionaries, Rovers are sometimes poorly received, especially by particularly hidebound or traditionalist Cainites. Often, Cainite rulers view the coming of a Rover as a bad omen; and some simply do not allow such Cainites to remain within their domains for long, fearing that change, the great bane of most Cainites, will ride in their wake, sweeping away the old order and replacing it with something else. On the other hand, domains of more scientifically, religiously or philosophically enlightened and forward-thinking Cainites are often opened, with warmest welcome, to the dynamic and vital Rovers.
Practices: Rovers have few formalized traditions of their own, accepting as they do that all things change and grow in their own time, a natural outgrowth of the principles that guide adherents to the Path of Vigor. Often, though, such Cainites are to be found in the thick of kine life, enjoying the company of nomads, free thinkers, revolutionaries, heretics, crusaders and others who, whether physically, mentally or spiritually, are moving forward, blazing new trails for others to follow and otherwise walking into territory yet unexplored. As many find the path on their own, there are but few initiation rites for Rovers. Some have remarked that the surest sign that the rare, formally trained Rovers is ready for the path comes when she looks around to realize that her mentor is gone, leaving her to her own devices, thereafter to choose her own way to discover for her self the many mysteries that will unfold during her long journey in the world.
Vigorous Virtues: Conscience, Self Control.
Additional Ethics of Vigor
- Always remain in motion, whether physically, mentally or spiritually.
- Embrace change, for it will come, regardless.
- Stagnancy begets boredom, inflexibility and cruelty; all avenues to the Beast's control.
Hierarchy of Sins Against Vigor
| Score | Minimum Wrongdoing | Rationale |
| Failure to embrace something new every night | Life is Change | |
| Fighting any impending change | Change is the trial that brings growth | |
| Injury to another person | Harm creates fear; Fear paralyzes | |
| Theft and robbery | Even property has proper means of motion | |
| Accidental violation of another | Ignorance does not excuse cruelty | |
| Embracing permanence | The only thing that lasts forever is death | |
| Impassioned violation of another | Even spontaneity can take on abhorrent shapes | |
| Planned violation of another | Forethought should be turned to worthier ends | |
| Casual violation of another | Such jadedness indicates a sould devoid of wonder | |
| The most heinous and demented acts | These are the hallmarks of death and a stagnant spirit |
