Road of Kings

Via Regalis (Road of Kings)

Nickname: Scions

Just as God ordained that kings should rules over men, by placing His mark upon Caine He ordained that Cainites were above the mortal herd, and that some also held divine right to rule. The Scions, followers of the Road of Kings, believe that power and rulership are their inheritance, secured by strength of arms and skill at court. Just as the mortal nobility wars for control over land and wealth, so do the Scions war among themselves for control of Cainite domains, with lesser vampires and mortals arrayed like pieces on a chessboard.

Many Cainites consider themselves superior to humanity, but none so much as the Scions. However, while some Cainites view humans as playthings or objects to be used and abused, many followers of Via Regalis recognize that without humans, there is nothing to rule over. With exceptions, Scions do their best to be fair and just to humans so that their flocks remain happy and content under their rule. To upset humans without justification is to not only create chaos, but to show weakness to the Beast.

Those who wish to join Via Regalis are usually fostered, and all are ritually initiated in some manner. The Scions also have more teachers and mentors in the other roads, to constantly improve and add to the knowledge of the Road's followers. The hierarchy of the Road itself is distinctly-ranked, with specific tasks expected of those at every level. However, Scions are not all seriousness and study; they are also quite social and enjoy the occasional party or festival as much as the next socially-adept Cainite.

Within Via Regalis are several orders of knights, both Cainite and mortal, guilds, merchant houses, and even the occasional cult. They also have strong influence in the church and gentry. Many Ventrue, Lasombra and Tzimisce follow this road.

Ethics

• There are only two roles in this world: that of master and that of servant.
• You are superior to mortals, made to rule.
• To master others, you must first master yourself and the Beast within.
• Only those who seize power gains it; only those who use power keep it.
• Your word is your bond. Without it, you are nothing.

Paths

Path of Chivalry - A common offshoot of Road of Kings. On this road, the emphasis is not on Ruling, but on placing the Knightly virtues of duty, honor and fealty above all else.

Path of the Merchant - The followers of Via Mercator believe that money is tiny hand-held disks of power. They use wealth to gain influence and therefore sate their Beast. A more indirect road to ruling, using behind-the-scenes manipulation using their earnings rather than outright confrontations of power.

Path of the Tyrant - An offshoot of Via Regalis that prefers seizing control with strength and holding that control with power. While the importance of fealty and a content population have their place in Via Tyrannus, Tyrants are perfectly capable of killing and using fear to control those under their sway. In the end, a Tyrant will use almost any means at their disposal to make sure no one under them questions who is in command.

Path of the Vizier - Those on this path believe in the subtle words from behind the throne is much more effective than the concentric circles of leadership in the throne. Those scholars and strategists who are successful on this road are highly sought after in court, though even the courtiers themselves don't know what draws them.

Hierarchy of Sins

(1 is the most fundamental and 10 is the most minor)

Rating - Minimum Wrongdoing

10. Neglecting your duty

9. Treating a peer with disrespect

8. Treating an inferior as an equal

7. Breaking your word to a peer

6. Behaving shamefully before your peers

5. Showing weakness in front of inferiors

4. Failing to answer a challenge to your honor

3. Treating a superior with disrespect

2. Breaking your word to your superiors

1. Breaking a sworn oath