If one thing truly unites the vampires of Clan Cappadocian it is their curiosity. Cadavers will go to any lengths necessary in the pursuit of knowledge. Their dogged determination to uncover new lore can have unfortunate consequences for an unsuspecting bystander in possession of some scrap of knowledge that a Cappadocian sets his sights on. Limiting themselves to no single path to enlightenment, scholars of religion, science and philosophy are all well-represented among the Cadavers. The keenest minds can be found in surprising places; a young maverick is just as likely to be Embraced as an elderly, hide-bound expert.
Long ago, the Cappadocians were known as the Clan of Death. Legend says their founder was a necromancer before his Embrace, and his descendants are certainly touched by dark forces. Outsiders often write off the Cappadocians as morbid and depressing, not without cause. Their natural talent for Necromancy and the ghoulish requirements of its powers make for a rather macabre culture among the Clan. Indeed, many Cappadocians feel drawn to the questions surrounding death. As creatures that are essentially animate corpses, they are in a unique position to study one of the greatest mysteries of existence. Rumors circulate among other Kindred that the Cappadocian Elders seek to use their dark sorcery to master undeath beyond the normal limits of the Curse of Caine, becoming unliving demigods. The Cadavers themselves point out how absurd such ideas are, but their bloodless expressions are never quite serious during such denials.
The eternal quest for knowledge has lead the Cappadocians to be revered as some of the brightest and most insightful vampires in existence, earning them places as advisors and trusted confidants in any number of cities. The scientific detachment of the Clan makes some Kindred uncomfortable, but reassures others that the Cadavers are unlikely to bother involving themselves in politics, preferring to advance their research rather than scheme against their neighbors. Dark mystics and sinister advisers, the Cappadocians trade their insight and knowledge for material resources or political protection. Ancient manuscripts and cutting edge laboratories don't pay for themselves, after all.
Cadavers
After the Anarch Revolt, in which a civil war nearly destroyed the Clan, the Cappadocians split into two camps: the survivalists and the scholars. The survivalists joined the Sabbat, while the scholars joined the Camarilla. Both groups consider themselves to be the true Clan and the other to be the antitribu outcasts. The numbers just barely favor the Cappadocians of the Camarilla, but as the Final Nights approach defection nibbles away at their ranks and it may be that the balance of power is shifting.
The Cappadocians have a reputation of intelligence, insight and reliability; they strive to maintain that image when they can. Professional attire is common among the Cadavers, fitting whatever mortal occupation they held. Some of the elders prefer ancient scholarly robes, but more modern members of the Clan tend towards slacks and well-pressed shirts. Given the Clan's strongholds in the Middle East, Greece and Rome, there is a preference for neonates of such backgrounds, but rapid scientific progress of Western nations in the last two hundred years has certainly left a mark on the younger generations. Because of the enduring glass ceilings of academia, female Cappadocians are less common than males.
Cadavers tend towards solitary havens, for often their research is not suitable for public viewing. Those Cappadocians that spend more time in the field, such as archaeologists, anthropologists and the like, often make “havens” in tents, R Vs?, or other mobile shelters. Contrary to popular opinion, it is exceedingly rare to find a Cadaver haven filled with dissected corpses and articulated skeletons. Cluttered surfaces covered in books, charts and reference materials are far more common. The requirements of Necromancy do make for some gruesome collections, but such things are kept out of sight, in hidden rooms or basements.
Intelligence and insight draw the Cadavers to a potential childe like honey attracts bees. An unending fascination with questions, mysteries and advancing knowledge means that the ranks of the Clan are full of professors, doctors, priests and philosophers. New Cappadocians are often selected by their sires because their knowledge and skills compliment that of the older Kindred.
Mental Attributes and Knowledges are the keystones of the Cappadocians, virtually defining them as a group. The Clan prizes strong will and determination, so high Willpower scores are also common. Cadavers typically follow Humanity, but a few zealous scholars prefer the Path of Bones. Retainers in the form of lab assistants or promising apprentices are fairly common, as are Contacts who provide new leads to assist the Cadavers in their quests for knowledge.
Cappadocians exude a spiritual blight as a result of their innate closeness to death. Insects die if they come too close, and plants wither at the touch of a Cadaver. Extended periods of time in physical contact with a Cappadocian cause inexplicable weakness and fatigue, inflicting one level of Bashing damage per hour. This unnatural Aura of Death unnerves mortals and even vampires, adding 1 to the difficulty of all Social rolls not based on Intimidation. Finally, Cappadocians may never spend blood to appear more human; they are far closer to a corpse than a living being and cannot pretend otherwise.
The Cadavers meet most often in small groups to share information or to collaborate on a special project. At these meetings, the Cappadocians exchange new, or old, information, revelations and whatever other bits of knowledge they consider important. Occasionally the Cappadocians will gather in larger groups, scheduling dark conferences that last a few nights or weeks before the various Cadavers disperse to pursue their own researches once more. A small group of ancillae publishes several ‘scholarly journals’ each year and makes copies available to a select mailing list. These journals contain information on recent necromantic advances and essays by the most knowledgeable Kindred of all Clans. Rarely, even members of the Sabbat have been known to submit articles to the journals.
The Cappadocian antitribu are warrior-sorcerers who found a home among the Sabbat, where they dedicate themselves to self-preservation above all else. Along with the antitribu, the Lilith-worshipping Lamia are loyal to the Sabbat; they learn Potence in place of Auspex and their bite caries a virulent magical plague. In the Caribbean dwell the rotting, zombie-like Samedi who replace Auspex with Obfuscate to better hide their decaying bodies. The Samedi have integrated themselves into the practices of voodoo and claim to be descended from the loa of death.
A curse? Primitive superstitious nonsense! Now open that seal and let's see what we've got in here!
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