Lamia

Lamia

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Introduction

The Lamia are a bloodline of Cappadocian, though in truth they have a far richer background than mere servants to the scholarly studiers of death.

History of the Clan

Lamia claim to descend from the only child of Lilith and Adam, a daughter born from Adam's assault on Lilith when she refused to lay beneath him. Their reverence for the Dark Mother was passed down, generation to generation – each daughter in turn bearing another daughter, continuing down the line. But even the most secret of cults leaves a footprint, and so it was that Lazarus Cappadocian, child of Cappadocius, came to discover them. In the dead of night he stole to the hidden temple where Lamia practiced her rites to the Dark Mother...no one can say what possessed him that night, but before dawn Lazarus had made Lamia his childer.

When he awoke the next night he sought her out beneath the blackened marble statue of Lilith, instructing Lamia on her new powers and the new role she would be expected to play by the Cappadocians' side. Lamia agreed to all of his terms, on the condition that she be allowed to share a few of the things she had learned in her human life with her sire. Lazarus, seeing no harm in her request, agreed...and what Lamia spoke to him has never been recorded, but it was enough to ensure that since that fateful night he has not spoken to her again, and now takes every opportunity to avoid spending even a little time in her company. Lazarus left then, and his new childe followed close behind – though she was brought into Clan Cappadocian as any other member might be, Lamia carved her own path for herself and her children, preferring to study death with intimacy rather than with literacy. From then on Lamia and her children have guarded the Cappadocians as they study, and continued to perform their own hidden rituals to the Dark Mother.

Defining Features of the Clan

By and large the Lamia are women, though they do occasionally Embrace men they are still thought of as “lesser” clan members. Lamia Embrace from all backgrounds, cultists and nobles alike, and though the majority of Lamia are Mediterranean or Semitic by birth, as the clan spreads the Lamia have begun to Embrace across a more diverse ethnic group. Depending on their lifestyle, Lamia are just as likely to wear a full suit of armor as they are to go clothed in the dark shrouds that their Cappadocian brethren favor.

The Lamia's weakness is referred to amongst the clan as the “Seed of Lilith”. The bite of a Lamia is poisonous, and infected victims die of a horrible Black Plague-like pox within a matter of days. Other Cainites, if bitten, become carriers of this disease. For this reason many Princes will not allow a Lamia within the walls of their city, and none will allow them to feed within the city – though a few Princes will grant permission for a Lamia to feed within a leper colony (well away from the normal populous).

Geography

Lamia are strongest in the Holy Land and Southern Europe, preferring to organize their “gens” (a sire and one or two childer) around Cappadocians and human cultists alike. Their havens are often rumored to be haunted, as Lamia attempt to discourage curious humans from uncovering their ritual practices.

Important Figures of the Clan

Lamia, progenitor of the clan. The Lamia adhere to a cult-like hierarchy, though the means by which they are structured is beyond the knowledge of any outsider.

Typical Roads for Members of the Clan

While many Lamia follow the Road of Bones, they can be found on any Road – though all Lamia worship the Dark Mother, there are many paths that worship may take.

Priorities of the Clan

The Lamia wait for the revelations of the dark mother, and many are waiting for the Dark Mother to manifest herself, though what her appearance on Earth would mean is something they have not shared with any outsiders.

Opinions

Humans – They exist to feed us, though the wisest we take for ourselves, to Embrace and seek further knowledge of the Dark Mother and her mysteries. The rest? Children of Adam and his lesser Eve. No kin of ours, and not worth saving.

'Ghouls – We cannot often Ghoul successfully – the Seed of Lilith does not allow it – and so we prefer to keep our blood to ourselves. All that is needed for survival can be taught after an Embrace.

Other Vampires

Cappadocians – We serve them because we wish to, not because we must. In their study of Death we have unwrapped many a secret, and for that we are thankful.

Giovanni – They have the ear of our Cappadocian brothers, but they are...off, somehow. Too ingratiating to be trusted, though it remains to be seen what will come of this.

Other Resources

• WoD – Dark Ages: Companion
• WoD – Revelations of the Dark Mother