Kiasyd

Bloodlines -VTM- Lore: Kiasyd

Introduction

The Kiasyd are a bloodline of the Lasombra Clan; that much is obvious, given that these odd Kindred make use of the Obtenebration Discipline. But their aversion to iron, their odd power of Mytherceria, and their very appearance speak to even stranger ancestry.

The Kiasyd are independent, focused more on their studies than on the causes of the Sword of Caine. The ones that do claim membership in the Sabbat aren’t passionately involved in the Sect’s activities. Some speculate that the Lasombra hold some power over them — did the Keepers create the Kiasyd, the way the Tzimisce created the Blood Brothers? Do the Kiasyd, whatever their origin, owe the Lasombra some debt? Whatever the nature of their relationship, it seems to benefit the Sabbat.

The Kiasyd are, as a rule, calm and studious. They prefer to remain ensconced within their havens, poring over ancient texts, maps, artifacts, and other bits of antiquity. Other Kindred, it seems, can’t understand how a lineage of vampires that is so very strange could be nothing more than scholars. To hear the rumor-mill tell it, the Kiasyd can feed only on the blood of infants, or faeries, or unspoiled virgins. Their otherworldly heritage comes not from the Good Folk, but from demons and the forces of Hell. Their odd appearance isn’t because of mutation in their vitae, but a God-given warning: These are not Kindred. They are other.

Nickname: Weirdlings

Sect: Most Kiasyd belong to the Sabbat, at least nominally. A rare few identify as Camarilla vampires, and others are independent. Since the Kiasyd don’t spend much time around each other if they can help it (see below), drawing a conclusion about their collective preferences is difficult.

Appearance: The Kiasyd aren’t called “Weirdlings” just because of their behavior. Most of them are well over six feet tall (two meters or more), willowy, and thin. Their skin isn’t just pale, as with most vampires, but glows faintly in moonlight. Their eyes are almond-shaped and have no visible pupils. They are often violet or jet black in color. Their ears are slightly pointed. The Kiasyd cover this with a hat or headband when going out amongst mortals, but even so, their height and skin tone make them stand out.

Haven: Most Kiasyd spend years building up their havens, improving security, library facilities, and other amenities. They are fiercely protective of their homes, and they do not allow guests without explicit invitations. When they do invite guests, however, they treat them well, offering vintage vitae, comfortable rooms and, of course, plenty of reading material.

Background: Museum curators, talented students, librarians, rare book experts, and academics of all stripes are likely choices for Kiasyd Embraces. The Weirdlings want their progeny to be studious, polite, and educated, and they don’t want to take the time instructing them in the basics of erudite understanding.

Character Creation: Mental Attributes and Knowledges are usually primary, though all Kiasyd have some degree of Etiquette. Occult is, of course, a common Ability. Resources, Generation, and Contacts (with other Kindred) are the only common Backgrounds. Kiasyd have difficulty mingling with mortals long enough to gain others.

Clan Disciplines: Dominate, Mytherceria, Obtenebration

Weakness: Besides their somewhat freakish appearance, Kiasyd also have an allergy to iron. Touching iron requires an immediate roll to avoid frenzy, and any weapons made from cold iron inflict aggravated damage to Kiasyd.

Organization: The Kiasyd don’t enjoy each other’s company, which is strange, considering how little they have in common with everyone else. After a short period of instruction (50 years at the most, and this period has grown much shorter in modern nights), a Kiasyd childe is released from her sire’s haven and is no longer the elder Kiasyd’s responsibility.

Quote: I didn’t invite you in. Leave. Touch nothing except the floor and the doorknob, or I swear on the moon and the stars I will have you on the other side of that mirror by morning.

5th Generation

• -- Marconius -- Marconius is the progenitor of the Kiasyd bloodline. He was originally a Cainite of the Lasombra clan. Shortly after his metamorphosis he vanished without hint only to reappear in Strasbourg in the late 12th century, when he took the city's princedom with the aid of his brood. {Sire: Unknown}

6th Generation

• -- Arcadian -- Progeny of Marconius The Arcadian.
• -- Bartholomew -- Progeny of Marconius (Inconnu).
• -- Faramund Magnus -- Progeny of Marconius. Kiasyd elder of London.
• -- Qadim Malik -- Progeny of Marconius and sire of Chelsea Etitameh, Sabbat bishop of Dreams.
• -- Leclerc de Sélestat -- Progeny of Marconius

7th Generation

• -- Murray Tavish Neely -- Childe of Leclerc de Sélestat
• -- Chelsea Etitameh -- Progeny of Qadim Malik.

8th Generation

• -- Moira Rose -- Lady Weirdling and Grand-Childe of Faramund Magnus (Glastonbury).

9th Generation

• -- Beatrice L'Angou -- Ductus of the Librarians Pack (deceased -- Late November 2022).

Kiasyd Culture

The Kiasyd are one of the most enigmatic bloodlines of vampires in the World. Their culture revolves around a few key aspects: characterized by a strong emphasis on acquiring and protecting knowledge, particularly in the areas of alchemy, fae study, and Mytherceria. As descendants of the Lasombra, the Kiasyd are reclusive, preferring solitary lives and avoiding interactions with other clans unless absolutely necessary. At the same time, their love for Victorian elegance means they place great importance on aesthetics and refinement, which is reflected in both their lifestyle and the arrangement of their symposium and cocktail clubs.

Protection of Knowledge

The Kiasyd are obsessively interested in gathering and safeguarding knowledge, especially that related to alchemy, fae study, and their unique discipline, Mytherceria. Knowledge is their greatest treasure, pursued throughout their immortal lives. They are masters of secrets and mysteries, with libraries filled with rare and forbidden tomes. This obsession with knowledge shapes their relationships with other clans. they respect those who possess valuable knowledge but are extremely distrustful of those who might try to take it from them.

Alchemy and Blood Obsession

The Kiasyd are also masters of alchemy, particularly that related to blood. They experiment with different types of blood, creating powerful potions that are often both exquisite drinks and supernatural elixirs. Their fascination with blood is twofold, on the one hand, they seek the power and possibilities that blood can offer them, and on the other hand, they savor its taste, leading to the development of a unique art of mixology.

Solitude and Isolation

The Kiasyd are natural loners who spend decades, sometimes centuries, studying their obsessions in isolation. Only a few Kiasyd engage in social interactions, and meetings with other clan members are rare. This is why cocktail clubs and symposiums are exceptional places where the Kiasyd break from their natural tendencies toward isolation, gathering to exchange knowledge and experiences.

Raising a Childe

Raising a new member of the Kiasyd clan is a process that often takes up to 50 years. The young Kiasyd, known as a neonate, is carefully educated by their mentor in the fields of alchemy, Mytherceria, and other clan secrets. The mentor controls every aspect of the neonate's life, teaching them not only the art of survival as a vampire but also the clan's culture and intricate traditions. Only after completing this lengthy process is the neonate recognized as a full fledged member of the clan and capable of independently exploring the secrets the Kiasyd so diligently guard. After completing education, most neonates leave their sire’s city to begin their own research. Strasbourg, the clan’s main headquarters, is one of the few places where Kiasyd may remain to continue exploring mysteries in the company of their kin.

The Kiasyd Symposium

The Kiasyd Symposiums are divided into two main types: Great Symposiums and Lesser Symposiums. Invitations are sent at least a year before the meeting. While the symposiums are not exclusive to the Kiasyd, invitations for kindred outside the clan are very rare. Great Symposiums Great Symposiums are the most important events on the Kiasyd calendar. The first of these took place in 1666 in Strasbourg, with the goal of uniting the Kiasyd in their pursuit of knowledge and magic. These gatherings occur infrequently, typically once every 50 years, but can have longer gaps, even up to 100 or 200 years, depending on the need for such a meeting. Great Symposiums draw Kiasyd from all over the world and are opportunities to exchange the most advanced and secretive research in alchemy, Mytherceria, and other fields. They are also places where the Kiasyd can break their natural isolation, sharing their discoveries with other members of the clan. Great Symposiums often have a historical character, and their decisions and outcomes can have long-lasting effects on the entire clan. Lesser Symposiums Lesser Symposiums are more local gatherings that take place regularly, most often every 50 years, in different regions. These meetings are less formal and have a more intimate character, but they still play an important role in Kiasyd culture. Lesser Symposiums serve as a platform for discussing ongoing research, exchanging knowledge, and addressing issues that Kiasyd in a particular region may face. They are also places where Kiasyd can test new theories and experiments before presenting them on a larger scale at Great Symposiums.

Kiasyd Cocktail Clubs

Kiasyd cocktail clubs are unique venues that blend the elegance of Victorian aesthetics with profound alchemical knowledge and a passion for refined tastes. These clubs began to emerge during the Victorian era and quickly became gathering places for the elite members of this bloodline and important guests.
These clubs combine Victorian style with deep alchemical expertise, creating spaces where the Kiasyd can not only enjoy blood but also refine their skills in mixology.

Atmosphere and Appearance

Kiasyd cocktail clubs are usually located in hidden Victorian mansions or estates, characterized by rich decorations, dark wooden panels, and crystal chandeliers. These places are inaccessible to outsiders, and their locations are carefully protected by advanced protective wards. Modern Kiasyd cocktail clubs are often found in secluded, high-end locations within major cities, such as repurposed underground speakeasies, exclusive penthouses, or hidden chambers beneath historical buildings. Despite their urban settings, these clubs are carefully shielded from the public eye, accessible only to those who know the exact location or are invited by a trusted member.

Mixology and Alchemy

At the heart of these clubs are alchemical bars, where Kiasyd mixology masters craft unique blood cocktails, blending ancient recipes with modern techniques. The art of mixology continues to evolve within these establishments, merging contemporary ingredients and methods with traditional alchemical practices. Signature drinks, such as London Fog and Queen Victoria’s Elixir, are not only exquisite beverages but also potent potions with supernatural properties. Mixology in these clubs is regarded as an art form, with drinks often resulting from extensive alchemical experimentation or the meticulous blending of various vitae flavors.

Community and Breaking Isolation

Despite their solitary nature, Kiasyd cocktail clubs and symposiums offer rare opportunities for the clan to socialize and break away from their isolation. These gatherings allow members to exchange knowledge, test new alchemical theories, and enjoy the unique blood mixtures that arise from their experiments. It is here that the Kiasyd can enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, sharing their discoveries and experiences in an atmosphere of elegance and mystery. These gatherings are of the highest caliber, where only the most esteemed individuals are granted access. Honored guests of the clan or companions of the Kiasyd, eager to explore more refined tastes, may be invited, but for those outside the clan, attendance is by personal invitation only, typically extended by a club member. Such invitations are rare and highly coveted, reflecting the exclusive nature of these sophisticated gatherings. However, acquiring esoteric knowledge is not a passive pursuit, and this can occasionally force the Kiasyd out of their reclusive tendencies. The most precious secrets are hidden in the farthest, most dangerous corners of the world. Many Kiasyd find themselves embarking on dangerous quests to uncover ancient tomes, lost relics, or forgotten occult mysteries. These endeavors can thrust them into situations where they must rely on both their wits and their Mytherceria-fueled powers.
This pursuit of hidden knowledge may sometimes lead Kiasyd into dark and mysterious adventures, breaking the stereotype of the clan as mere "bookworms." In truth, they often delve into haunted ruins, strike pacts with elusive fae, or venture into forbidden realms like the Underworld to retrieve lost arcane lore. These quests can create compelling stories, where the Kiasyd explore not only the world beyond their libraries but also their own potential and boundaries. Think of a Kiasyd in these moments as a dark, intellectual Indiana Jones, seeking out knowledge to wield or protect it from others. These adventures often lead to unexpected alliances, as even the Kiasyd must occasionally rely on others, including trusted outsiders, to navigate the dangers that accompany the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.

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