Alexandrians

by Robert Mayberry (15 Feb 96)

Nickname: (None yet, though some Anarchs have taken to calling them "Librarians", a name that seems to please them.)

General Information: The Alexandrians are very new, appearing only in the past few years. Yet they claim to have ancient roots. They seem similar to the Tremere, in both abilities and loyalties, but their goals and philosophies are completely different. They are almost exclusively Western in origen, and yet their beliefs have a distinct Asian bent. They are a riddle within an enigma. Rumors portray them as Asian Kindred, as a bloodline of Tremere spies or Inconnu agents, and even connect them with the True Brujah or Salubri.

They themselves claim to be descendants of a mystic and secretive order dating back to the days of Egypt, where they say they existed in a search for knowledge and enlightenment. They claim to be responsible for both the construction and care of the Alexandrian Library, from which they are named. After its destruction, and a period of wandering, they say they have returned to the West to study the Jyhad and found a second library. The few Kindred who remember those days cannot deny that some shadowy group controlled the Library, but scoff at the idea that a whole bloodline could remain so hidden for so long, only to reveal themselves now. Indeed, no elders have been identified, and no Kindred has stepped forward to claim his childer, leading some to suspect the worst.

Alexandrians follow a philosophy of enlightenment through practice and study. They see studies of supernatural lore, martial arts, and mystic power as different sides of the same pursuit of mental, physical, and spiritual perfection. This quest for knowledge will often cause them to try to become involved at the periphery of Kindred society, becoming just involved enough to learn the intricacies of the Jyhad without being pulled into the game themselves. Unlike many Kindred who seek enlightenment, the Alexandrians do not believe that gaining power over mortals or participating in the machinations of Elysium is necessarily wrong. "So long as we remain in the background, taking only the power necessary for survival and comfort," they claim, "we will be safe from the dangers of Jyhad, whether they threaten body, mind or spirit."

In recent years, their study of Thaumaturgy and their unique philosophies have lead them to become trusted advisors to Princes and other powerful Kindred. While some claim that they are dangerous and sinister manipulators, most have found them a convenient route to mystical aid without having to deal with the Tremere. In their favor, this bloodline is entirely contained within the Camarilla. While they make excellent advisors and magicians, they are sometimes seen as manipulators who quietly manipulate Elders.

As they share an interest in Thaumaturgy with the Tremere, they will often share magical lore, and have maintained a cordial though strained relationship (despite many attempts to play the two bloodlines against one another). Alexandrians try to ignore the draw of power, taking only what is needed for safety and comfort, and will usually defer to the rule of the Prince and Elders of a city. They will also go to great lengths to avoid offending the Tremere, while maintaining their independence from them. Some see this as evidence that they are linked, while other believe that they bow to the Clan's wishes out of fear for their unlives.

The Alexandrians themselves do maintain close ties with one another, but they are more an informal brotherhood which resembles the ties of the Nosferatu or Gangrel, with whom they have cultivated something of a friendship. They remain in frequent contact with their 'Brothers' through telepathic rituals. Alexandrians tend to be quiet and contemplative, and are quite shy. Despite this (or perhaps because of this), Alexandrians have an information network on a par with the Nosferatu, dealing with all forms of supernatural conflict. The difference is, they do not sell secrets, and will not reveal them to any but others of their blood and the few good friends they make.

Most Alexandrians are quiet and reserved. They tend to remain in the background at Kindred social functions. Often, they will not take an active part in anything unless asked. Nevertheless, they are friendly and helpful when met one-on-one, and will rarely give away a secret held in confidence. Most are particular about their Havens, and will keep a separate room where they meet visitors. The few they allow into their Libraries are rare and fortunate, indeed.

They are known to study the martial arts, harnessing this power into a new Discipline. Most choose not to use their powers on others, unless in danger. Many anarchs see this unwillingness as a sign of weakness. The few Kindred who have made the mistake of fighting them will attest, though, that they are formidable fighters.

Appearance: Most Alexandrians are of Western races, though a sizable minority are Indian or Asian. Most are male, though there are some females. What they all share is a conservative, quiet mode of dress similar to the younger Ventrue (though more loose to allow for their martial arts). When alone, they tend to dress in comfortable, simple garments. Most carry packs with various ritual implements, and sometimes a melee weapon or two.

Haven: Alexandrians tend to live in quiet, upper class neighborhoods, where they can study in peace. Their Havens usually contain various Thaumaturgical tools and reagents, and they often collect extensive occult libraries. Usually, they will keep at least one copy of their library on computer disks. Alexandrians are somewhat particular about their Havens, and will very rarely let a visitor in past their guest room.

Background: Researchers, librarians, computer experts, and anyone else who seeks knowledge and peace are all potential Alexandrians. However, usually those Embraced are strong willed and socially adept. Most are Embraced at their physical or mental peak. Undercover agents are also Embraced. Alexandrians are very picky about who they Embrace, and may spend years searching for just the right Childe. Those who rely on blunt, brute strength or physical confrontation to solve problems, though, are never selected.

Apprenticeships: Like Tremere, Alexandrians go through extended apprenticeships. They are taught the powers of Auspex first. Then they are taught Thaumaturgy and Do. During this time, the apprentice builds up his knowledge and his library. Finally, they are taken to one of several secret havens (called Enclaves) and are taught the secrets of the bloodline, including Id. Also, another Discipline such as Obfuscate, Celerity, and Obeah(!) is taught at its most basic level. This is where agents of the Tremere impress the Alexandrian with Thaumaturgical restraints, to prevent him from ever (willingly, unwillingly, or magically) revealing these secrets. Most Camarilla Kindred who know of this retreat think that this is some kind of vision quest. Inside jokes like these help morale. Player characters will almost always begin campaigns with some Thaumaturgy, unless they want to begin as unknowing pawns of the Alexandrians. Those who refuse to participate or who disagree with the actions of the Bloodline are regretfully and painlessly killed.

Character Creation: Alexandrians usually have Dilettante, Professional, or Investigator concepts. Their Demeanors tend to be weak (Conformist, Loner, Confidant, or Traditionalist), concealing very strong Natures (Visionary, Director, Architect, Judge, or Fanatic). Mental Attributes and Knowledge abilities are almost always primary, but they tend to be strong socially as well. All Alexandrians have a Mentor, and most have at least some Status, Resources, Generation, and Allies. For information on Do, see the Mage Player's Guide (Storytellers should feel free to limit initial ratings in this ability to one or two dots).

Disciplines: Auspex, Thaumaturgy, Id

Note that the Discipline of Id is a Bloodline secret, and is to be used sparingly. Most Kindred assume that their martial arts skill, Do, is their third Discipline. Teaching either is a crime, and all Brothers are mystically compelled not to reveal these secrets.

Weaknesses: The worst of the rumors are correct. The Alexandrians are actually a bloodline of the Tremere, acting independently of the Pyramid, but in its interest. Only the Tremere of the Inner Council are aware of this, though Tremere are instructed not to interfere with the Alexandrians. Powerful rituals ensure that no Alexandrian can ever reveal bloodline secrets, forcibly or otherwise. The Inner Council will often filter directives through the bloodline's grapevine, and have the power to enforce their orders using the Thaumaturgical hold they have over the Brothers. This is rare: the Alexandrians are willing pawns of their parent clan.

Their second weakness deals with their power to control the mind. This power doesn't help them fight the Beast, but it does give them some measure of peace from the passions and conflicts that rage in anyone. Alexandrians sleep quite deeply, and must add three to difficulties to awaken during the day. This makes them quite vulnerable to attack, and most ingratiate themselves to the Elders as quickly as possible to reduce the threat from ghouls and hunters sent by enemies.

Preferred Paths: Almost every Alexandrian tries to hold onto his Humanity. A few, however, have adopted the Path of Harmony from the Sabbat, or use Paths found in ancient records (known to the Black Hand as the Path of the Scorched Heart, and the Path of Self Focus). While most Alexandrians are aware of Paths, few actually adopt them unless they feel that their Humanity has been irretrievably compromised. Starting characters should not take these Paths; if they want them, they will have to learn them the hard way (and with Storyteller approval).

Organization: Physically, Alexandrians rarely meet. However, they are in almost constant telepathic contact, and will communicate often. They consider their bloodline a temple supported by five Columns: Secrecy, Knowledge, Influence and Brotherhood. They often joke among themselves that they are their own Fifth Column. The Columns stress brotherhood over enforced loyalty, and infighting is forbidden.

Gaining Bloodline Prestige: Status is conferred by word of mouth as the Grapevine spreads news of the Brother's accomplishments. Only by defending the Five Columns can they gain prestige. Preserving the secrecy of their motives (Tremere ties) and methods (Disciplines) is most important, but maintaining the Masquerade is vital as well. Learning important information about the Jyhad or Thaumaturgy is considered best, but everything has value. Influence is the most prized, since it must be totally secretive. Silent 'advice' to Kindred Elders must never be traced back, and power without Disciplines is most prized. Finally, all Alexandrians must defend one another. They practice the Ventrue tradition of always providing safe haven to anyone of their Blood, and go further to defend and assist each other without regard for age or prestation. Nevertheless, respect for their few Elders (though none have been identified) is considered vital. Finally, learning from their parent Clan's experience, they watch their Bloodline's image carefully. Great prestige can be earned by improving it.

Quote: "This is none of my concern, my Prince. I am simply a seeker of knowledge. But since you ask, perhaps there is something I can do for you..."

Stereotypes:

Mortals
The Arcanum
The Inquisition
The Camarilla
The Inconnu
The Sabbat
Assamites
Baali
Brujah
Caitiff
Followers of Set
Gangrel
Giovanni
Malkavians
Nosferatu
Ravnos
Salubri
Toreador
Tremere
Ventrue
Princes
Anarchs
Faeries
Ghosts
Lupines
Mages
The Blood Bond
Golconda