Road of Metamorphosis - Revision history

Shadow Cat at 21:51, 31 October 2014

2014-10-31T21:51:40Z

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	[[The Roads]]		[[The Roads]]

	<span style="color:darkgreen">Transcriber's note: This is the most recent write-up of the Path of Metamorphosis. It comes from ''Sins of the Blood.'' DA2 material mentions the path and its followers, but never codifies it, concentrating on the "mainstream" Roads instead. For the most part, I like the write-ups in Sins of the Blood, but this one clearly, at least to me, misses the point. What seems to be a truly ancient Road is instead a product of Tzimisce madness combined with ideas from the mortal enlightenment, with a few ancient influences thrown in. Still, most of the write-up seems solid, and worth keeping, even if the history section needs a complete re-write. Just my two cents. -Jamie		<span style="color:darkgreen">Transcriber's note: This is the most recent write-up of the Path of Metamorphosis. It comes from ''Sins of the Blood.'' DA2 material mentions the path and its followers, but never codifies it, concentrating on the "mainstream" Roads instead. For the most part, I like the write-ups in Sins of the Blood, but this one clearly, at least to me, misses the point. What seems to be a truly ancient Road is instead presented as a product of Tzimisce madness combined with ideas from the mortal enlightenment, with a few ancient influences thrown in. Still, most of the write-up seems solid, and worth keeping, even if the history section needs a complete re-write. Just my two cents. -Jamie

	''Sobrequiet'': '''Metamorphosists''' (occasionally '''"Changers'''" or "'''Freaks'''")		''Sobrequiet'': '''Metamorphosists''' (occasionally '''"Changers'''" or "'''Freaks'''")

Shadow Cat at 21:51, 31 October 2014

2014-10-31T21:51:04Z

Shadow Cat at 18:59, 7 May 2014

2014-05-07T18:59:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:59, 7 May 2014
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	[[The Roads]]		[[The Roads]]

			<span style="color:darkgreen">Transcriber's note: This is the most recent write-up of the Path of Metamorphosis. It comes from ''Sins of the Blood.'' DA2 material mentions the path and its followers, but never codifies it, concentrating on the "mainstream" Roads instead. For the most part, I like the write-ups in Sins of the Blood, but this one clearly, at least to me, misses the point. What seems to be a truly ancient Road is instead a product of Tzimisce madness combined with ideas from the mortal enlightenment, with a few ancient influences thrown in. Still, most of the write-up seems solid, and worth keeping, even if the history section needs a complete re-write. Just my two cents. -Jamie

	''Sobrequiet'': '''Metamorphosists''' (occasionally '''"Changers'''" or "'''Freaks'''")		''Sobrequiet'': '''Metamorphosists''' (occasionally '''"Changers'''" or "'''Freaks'''")

Shadow Cat: /* Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis */

2014-05-05T02:59:42Z

Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis

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	====Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis====		====Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis====
	{\|		{\|
	\|10\|\|Postponing feeding when hungry\|The Beast must be placated so it will not distract from your search.		\|10\|\|Postponing feeding when hungry\|\|The Beast must be placated so it will not distract from your search.
	\|-		\|-
	\|9\|\|Indulging in Pleasure\|\|Pleasure is a meaningless distraction.		\|9\|\|Indulging in Pleasure\|\|Pleasure is a meaningless distraction.

Shadow Cat at 02:58, 5 May 2014

2014-05-05T02:58:58Z

Show changes

Shadow Cat: /* Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis */

2014-05-05T02:50:04Z

Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis

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	====Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis====		====Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis====
			{\|
			\|10\|\|Postponing feeding when hungry\|The Beast must be placated so it will not distract from your search.
			\|-
			\|9\|\|Indulging in Pleasure\|\|Pleasure is a meaningless distraction.
			\|-
			\|8\|\|Deferring to another for knowledge\|\|You must find enlightenment for yourself.
			\|-
			\|7\|\|Sharing knowledge with another\|\|Leading your rivals to the truth benefits neither you nor them.
			\|-
			\|6\|\|Refusing to kill when knowledge may be gained from it\|\|Lives are nothing more than tools to exploit for your own enlightenment.
			\|-
			\|5\|\|Failing ot ride out a frenzy\|\|Supressing the Beast fuels its rage.
			\|-
			\|4\|\|Considering the needs of others\|\|Others have nothing to contribute to your understanding.
			\|-
			\|3\|\|Failure to experiment, even at your own risk\|\|You must risk in order to gain. To stagnate is to die inside.
			\|-
			\|2\|\|Neglecting to alter your own body\|\|Altering the flesh may lead to spiritual enlightenment.
			\|-
			\|1\|\|Exhibiting compassion for others\|\|What do others have to offer you?
			\|}

Shadow Cat: /* System */

2014-05-05T02:36:24Z

System

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	Vicissitude is an absolute requirement of this path. In fact, having it at 4 or higher is the only way to experience the true glory of Metamorphosis. Animalism and Auspex are too convenient to avoid, and Fortitude allows a characgter to survive really gory attempts at self-modification.		Vicissitude is an absolute requirement of this path. In fact, having it at 4 or higher is the only way to experience the true glory of Metamorphosis. Animalism and Auspex are too convenient to avoid, and Fortitude allows a characgter to survive really gory attempts at self-modification.

			'''Ethics of Metamorphosis'''
			*Learn the characteristics of all stages of life and death. Vampires, as embodiments of both stages' qualities, must evolve along the tree of death as well as life. Death is perhpas only the protozoa-stage of unimaginable states of being, which a truly enlightened Cainite must learn and assimilate.
			*One should not overly concern oneself with mortals. They are a step below the Children of Caine, not a step above. In retainng bipedal posture, binocular vision, opposable thumbs and cause/effect cognative procesing, a Cainite has taken all she generally needs from her former existence. Mortals sometimes aid vampires by accomplishing valuable intellectual breakthroughs, but most such reasoning applies to mortal concerns and is thus of marginal utility to vampires. At any rate, a vampire can parasitize his mortal servitors and networks with little effort, much like logging onto the Internet.
			*Do not share knowledge with others, as it is too valuable to trust to a flawed creature like one's self. This tenet is perhaps more indicative of Tzimisce paranoia that enlightened developement, as it seems of limited utility. Nonetheless, the metamorphosist viewpoint is that all creatures - even other path followers - are ultimately objects of study. To impart knowledge and enlightenment is a lab rat is to corrupt the experiment. the rat will not act "naturally."
			*Indulge the beast, but deny it. True comprehension of unlife requires a broad range of experience. The Beast in and of itself is like any other organ or system. If overtaxed or if the rest of one's self is allowed to atrophy, it is a detriment. If assimilated properly into the whole, exercised and nourished but not besotted or bloated, the Beast takes its place within the framework. Its perceptions, while simple, are often correct.
			*One should alter and augment one's body. Chaniging the flesh might pave the way toward changing the soul. As without, so within. While altering one's flesh in and of itself does not elad to enlightenment, the act of experiencing the physical world through a different body-lens can in turn lead to innovative ways of thinking - or unthinking, as the case may be.
			*Do not heed the needs or desires of others. Their lack of introspection may distract even the keenest intellect. to remain ever aware of one's own evolution, one must be continuously self-centered. Because one cannot evolve another being, that being's needs are by definition an impediment to the true way.

			====Hierarchy of Sins Against Metamorphosis====

Shadow Cat: /* System */

2014-05-05T02:15:46Z

System

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	====System====		====System====
			'''Metamorphic Virtues''': Conviction and Instinct

			'''Aura''': Enlghtenment: The Metamorphosist's aura affects attempts to convince others that the Changer knows strange and unholy things.

			'''Common Abilities''': metamorphosis relies on a Cainite's scientific and medical education. Characters must have good scores in Academics, medicine, Occult and Science in order to understand even a fraction of what goes on around them. Good amounts of Security are helpful in the modern nights, both to help keep a codex secure and to help get one's hands on others' information.

			Vicissitude is an absolute requirement of this path. In fact, having it at 4 or higher is the only way to experience the true glory of Metamorphosis. Animalism and Auspex are too convenient to avoid, and Fortitude allows a characgter to survive really gory attempts at self-modification.

Shadow Cat at 02:02, 5 May 2014

2014-05-05T02:02:10Z

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	Unlike some path followers, who actively seek to demonstrate the supremacy of their teachings, followers of metamorphosis are reclusive and secretive (qualities perhaps inherited from the path's primary clan). Supporters hold no public (and few private) gatherings, cultivate no ''ritae'' and do not seek to integrate components of their beliefs into the function of the Sabbat. Service to the sect is viewed as a "day job" - something useful, serving a valuable purpose, but ultimately not the reason for unlife.		Unlike some path followers, who actively seek to demonstrate the supremacy of their teachings, followers of metamorphosis are reclusive and secretive (qualities perhaps inherited from the path's primary clan). Supporters hold no public (and few private) gatherings, cultivate no ''ritae'' and do not seek to integrate components of their beliefs into the function of the Sabbat. Service to the sect is viewed as a "day job" - something useful, serving a valuable purpose, but ultimately not the reason for unlife.

			High-level members of the calling often retreat from Sabbat gatherings - the very presence of lesser vampires is a distraction to their aims. They seek out secluded locales - often in out-of-the-way parts of Africa and South America - to set up havens and gather experimental subjects. They remain "on call" to the sect, but those calls often go unanswered, much to the anger of the sect's movers and shakers.

			Rumor speaks of a grand laboratory somewhere in teh world. Most rumormongers, knowing Tzimisce territoriality, assume this edifice is somewhere in Eastern Europe or russia. A few say the laboratory is deep in the Amazon or somewhere int eh Indonesian archipelago. At any rate, the facility is said to be a monastic meeting place and haven for advanced followers. Some of the most alien minds among vampires go there to escape the wearisome demands of the Jyhad, and to exchange ideas and experiment on themselves and others. theis rumor, if true, seems to contradict the path tenet of "share no knowledge," but practitioners refue to enlighten outsiders one way or another.

			====System====

Shadow Cat at 01:47, 5 May 2014

2014-05-05T01:47:43Z

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	The mastery of Vicissitude (in conjunction with diablerie to lower generation sufficiently to develop unique manifestations) is a primary goal. Animalism is nearly equally valued, to form bonds of understanding with different species (and to attract legions of minions.)		The mastery of Vicissitude (in conjunction with diablerie to lower generation sufficiently to develop unique manifestations) is a primary goal. Animalism is nearly equally valued, to form bonds of understanding with different species (and to attract legions of minions.)

	'''Following the Path''':		'''Following the Path''': The core tenet of this path is to transcend the undead limitations of the mortal and undead body and soul. Great practitioners speak of combining characteristics of life, death and undeath into a composite entity that controls all such states. Rather than merely maintaining and uneasy balance between life and death, metamorphosists must encompass life and death.

			In the process, advocates routinely change the composition of their bodies and brains, the better to experience existence from a variety of perspectives. Once enough perspectives have been accumulated, metamorphosists seek to assimilate, synthesize and combine them into new and heretofore unknown forms.

			(In game terms, metamorphosists often deliberately cultivate derangements, and then Willpower is spent to remove them. Only by experiencing eternity from a variety of bizarre reference points can enlightenment be achieved. At the Storyteller's option, Blood or Willpower might be spent to shift one or two dots among Attributes and Abilities and practitioners mutate themselves physically. Such accomplishments can't be made on the spur of the moment, though, say in combat. The Storyteller should impose a cost similar to a wound penalty until a character takes a full night to acclimate himself to his new shape.)

			Unlike some path followers, who actively seek to demonstrate the supremacy of their teachings, followers of metamorphosis are reclusive and secretive (qualities perhaps inherited from the path's primary clan). Supporters hold no public (and few private) gatherings, cultivate no ''ritae'' and do not seek to integrate components of their beliefs into the function of the Sabbat. Service to the sect is viewed as a "day job" - something useful, serving a valuable purpose, but ultimately not the reason for unlife.

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	Also, unlike many paths, Metamorphosis advocates specific route to enlightenment. There are certainly rules to obey, techniques to follow and prohibitions to honor, but the following is ultimately a function of intuition and experience. Teachers understand that a student's destiny might be to fail, not succeed. Failures are not only expected but occasionally encouraged object lessons.		Also, unlike many paths, Metamorphosis advocates specific route to enlightenment. There are certainly rules to obey, techniques to follow and prohibitions to honor, but the following is ultimately a function of intuition and experience. Teachers understand that a student's destiny might be to fail, not succeed. Failures are not only expected but occasionally encouraged object lessons.

	All told, the path sometimes presents an element that the Sabbat finds ~~unharmonious~~, even divisive. It is only the influence of the Tzimisce and the usefulness of its members that keeps the path from being scourged from the sect altogether.		All told, the path sometimes presents an element that the Sabbat finds inharmonious, even divisive. It is only the influence of the Tzimisce and the usefulness of its members that keeps the path from being scourged from the sect altogether.

	'''Basic Beliefs''': Like all paths, metamorphosis seeks to free its members from the Beast's chains. The creature within is not considered even in and of itself, but as a burden that restricts a vampire to a low state of being. The Beast is a fine lens for exploring the world - thus, metamorphosists tend to have high Instinct ratings - but it can make an unwary vampire fatally short-sighted.		'''Basic Beliefs''': Like all paths, metamorphosis seeks to free its members from the Beast's chains. The creature within is not considered even in and of itself, but as a burden that restricts a vampire to a low state of being. The Beast is a fine lens for exploring the world - thus, metamorphosists tend to have high Instinct ratings - but it can make an unwary vampire fatally short-sighted.
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	As with any other path, a teacher guides a new student through the rudiments. These are common to all metamorphosists and they typically involve mastering the Vicissitude Discipline to level 4 while simultaneously purging one's self of human sentiment (raising Conviction to at least 3). Unleashing the ''zulo'' war-form is the first step in an initiate's understanding of his capabilities and possibilities. Once the ''zulo'' is attained, a teacher generally cuts the student loose to seek his own way.		As with any other path, a teacher guides a new student through the rudiments. These are common to all metamorphosists and they typically involve mastering the Vicissitude Discipline to level 4 while simultaneously purging one's self of human sentiment (raising Conviction to at least 3). Unleashing the ''zulo'' war-form is the first step in an initiate's understanding of his capabilities and possibilities. Once the ''zulo'' is attained, a teacher generally cuts the student loose to seek his own way.

	A few teachers and their childer-students form coteries, working collectively to research and study. This arrangement was formerly not permitted until an erudite metamorphosist scholar pointed out that beings of the same bloodline might in fact be a communal, "colony" organism or could become one. Given that none could conclusively prove otherwise, bloodline-related coteries have since been permitted to exist under this stricture. In such units, ~~teh~~ eldest and strongest is considered to be the "brain" and leader, although usurpation has been known to occur.		A few teachers and their childer-students form coteries, working collectively to research and study. This arrangement was formerly not permitted until an erudite metamorphosist scholar pointed out that beings of the same bloodline might in fact be a communal, "colony" organism or could become one. Given that none could conclusively prove otherwise, bloodline-related coteries have since been permitted to exist under this stricture. In such units, the eldest and strongest is considered to be the "brain" and leader, although usurpation has been known to occur.

	Metamorphosists cannot proselytize, but they look with little favor on Tzimisce who develop skill at Vicissitude without adopting the path. In some cases, changers might challenge such non-path clan members, posing trials and favors as tests of their resolve. If the other Tzimisce can be persuaded to join the path, it is for the good. If not, perhaps overcoming such a creature is a suitable test for a true metamorphosist.		Metamorphosists cannot proselytize, but they look with little favor on Tzimisce who develop skill at Vicissitude without adopting the path. In some cases, changers might challenge such non-path clan members, posing trials and favors as tests of their resolve. If the other Tzimisce can be persuaded to join the path, it is for the good. If not, perhaps overcoming such a creature is a suitable test for a true metamorphosist.
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	The obvious way to transcend is through study. This is more challenging than it might seem. Because there is litle "standard" doctrine outside of the ''Phrygian Codex'', and numerous editions of even that exist, metamorphosists must glean their texts and knowledge through active research. This means traveling to hidden libraries, questing for lost tomes and stealing needed materials from rival followers. Adherents encourage this competition. After all, a scholar who can't defend her gains from her fellows is not worthy of apotheosis.		The obvious way to transcend is through study. This is more challenging than it might seem. Because there is litle "standard" doctrine outside of the ''Phrygian Codex'', and numerous editions of even that exist, metamorphosists must glean their texts and knowledge through active research. This means traveling to hidden libraries, questing for lost tomes and stealing needed materials from rival followers. Adherents encourage this competition. After all, a scholar who can't defend her gains from her fellows is not worthy of apotheosis.

	No studies can be complete without experimentation. Metamorphosists commonly set up bizarre abattoir-labs, complete with mazes, dissection tables, cages and other experiment-facilitating devices. Here they study animals and kine - if they must. Better subjects are the various Awakened beings of ~~teh~~ world. Thus, metamorphosists occasionally barter or cooperate with other Cainites (never other metamorphosists) to hunt and capture Cainites, Lupines and other creatures.		No studies can be complete without experimentation. Metamorphosists commonly set up bizarre abattoir-labs, complete with mazes, dissection tables, cages and other experiment-facilitating devices. Here they study animals and kine - if they must. Better subjects are the various Awakened beings of the world. Thus, metamorphosists occasionally barter or cooperate with other Cainites (never other metamorphosists) to hunt and capture Cainites, Lupines and other creatures.

	Ironically, a metamorphosist perceived to be high on the path can be a viable target for another, lower one. More than one "enlightened" metamorphosist elder has given up not only his blood but his flesh, bones, organs and soul to knowledge-hungry inferiors.		Ironically, a metamorphosist perceived to be high on the path can be a viable target for another, lower one. More than one "enlightened" metamorphosist elder has given up not only his blood but his flesh, bones, organs and soul to knowledge-hungry inferiors.
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	*Do not share knowledge with others, as it is too valuable to trust to a flawed creature like one's self. This tenet is perhaps more indicative of Tzimisce paranoia that enlightened development, as it seems of limited utility. Nonetheless, the metamorphosist viewpoint is that all creatures - even other path followers - are ultimately objects of study. To impart knowledge and enlightenment is a lab rat is to corrupt the experiment. the rat will not act "naturally."		*Do not share knowledge with others, as it is too valuable to trust to a flawed creature like one's self. This tenet is perhaps more indicative of Tzimisce paranoia that enlightened development, as it seems of limited utility. Nonetheless, the metamorphosist viewpoint is that all creatures - even other path followers - are ultimately objects of study. To impart knowledge and enlightenment is a lab rat is to corrupt the experiment. the rat will not act "naturally."
	*Indulge the beast, but deny it. True comprehension of unlife requires a broad range of experience. The Beast in and of itself is like any other organ or system. If overtaxed or if the rest of one's self is allowed to atrophy, it is a detriment. If assimilated properly into the whole, exercised and nourished but not besotted or bloated, the Beast takes its place within the framework. Its perceptions, while simple, are often correct.		*Indulge the beast, but deny it. True comprehension of unlife requires a broad range of experience. The Beast in and of itself is like any other organ or system. If overtaxed or if the rest of one's self is allowed to atrophy, it is a detriment. If assimilated properly into the whole, exercised and nourished but not besotted or bloated, the Beast takes its place within the framework. Its perceptions, while simple, are often correct.
	*One should alter and augment one's body. Changing the flesh might pave the way toward changing the soul. As without, so within. While altering one's flesh in and of itself does not ~~elad~~ to enlightenment, the act of experiencing the physical world through a different body-lens can in turn lead to innovative ways of thinking - or unthinking, as the case may be.		*One should alter and augment one's body. Changing the flesh might pave the way toward changing the soul. As without, so within. While altering one's flesh in and of itself does not lead to enlightenment, the act of experiencing the physical world through a different body-lens can in turn lead to innovative ways of thinking - or unthinking, as the case may be.
	*Do not heed the needs or desires of others. Their lack of introspection may distract even the keenest intellect. to remain ever aware of one's own evolution, one must be continuously self-centered. Because one cannot evolve another being, that being's needs are by definition an impediment to the true way.		*Do not heed the needs or desires of others. Their lack of introspection may distract even the keenest intellect. to remain ever aware of one's own evolution, one must be continuously self-centered. Because one cannot evolve another being, that being's needs are by definition an impediment to the true way.