"Those who possess true power seldom need to use it. There is much about us you do not know, nor ever will."

The Tzimisce clan is renowned for its evil. Among the most renowned of this line is Vlad Tepes, the Impaler, who split from the clan and the sect. Tepes is especially infamous for his cruelty, but this trait is common among the members of the clan.

Tzimisces have a strong appreciation for learning. They are some of the most educated beings on earth. They seek to understand magic as well as science, but have not reached the level of the Tremere in this understanding. While they are inhuman, they show it to a lesser extent than do the Toreador antitribu, for instance. Most Tzimisces are grim and serious, noted for their lack of a sense of humor (or a twisted one, at best). They are also known for the high value they place on privacy.

The Tzimisce is the second most powerful and numerous clan of the Sabbat. The Lasombra hold the top position in both categories. However, the Tzimisce is a driving force behind Sabbat ideology, goals and planning. The Tzimisce clan appears happy to let the Lasombra take the lead in carrying out sect plans.

Nickname: Fiends

Appearance: Tzimisces tend to dress in a very old-fashioned manner. Most, both old and young, dress in clothing popular 100 years ago. Solid black, accented with white, is popular. Tzimisces tend to resemble the traditional vampire of legend.

Haven: Tzimisces maintain luxurious mansions away from the eyes of mortals. They will stay in communal havens for short periods, but generally dislike them. The Tzimisces are very peculiar about their havens. To be invited in is a great honor bestowed only on the closest of comrades. If one enters a Tzimisce's haven uninvited, he will incur the wrath of the vampire. If a Tzimisce invites an individual into her haven, she assumes the responsibilities of providing for and protecting the individual.

Background: Most Tzimisces choose recruits who are intelligent and well-educated. Recruits are typically between 30 and 40. Most come from such backgrounds as medicine, science, academia and theology; however, a few have been chosen from the ranks of lunatics. In peace, Tzimisces get to know their targets by becoming friends with the mortals, making sure the targets will be interesting companions for centuries, especially since sires maintain close relationships with neonates. During Jyhad, Tzimisce commonly choose college students and professionals such as doctors and lawyers.

Character Creation: Most Tzimisces have dilettante or professional concepts. Mental Attributes are primary, as are Knowledge Abilities. Their Natures and Demeanors are generally similar, but not identical. Common Background Traits include Contacts, Mentor, Resources and Sabbat Status.

Clan Disciplines: Animalism, Auspex, Vicissitude

Weaknesses: Due to the effects of the Vicissitude Discipline, Tzimisces are in a continuous state of physical flux (often they forget their original form over the centuries). Thus, something deep within the Tzimisces craves stability and permanence. As a result, each time the Tzimisces sleep, they must surround themselves with at least two handfuls of earth from a land important to them as mortals (usually their homeland or the graveyard where they underwent their Creation Rites). Many Tzimisces maintain several auxiliary havens, each of which contains the needed soil.

Organization: The Tzimisce is a closely knit clan, but its members' loyalties lie with the Sabbat first. The Tzimisce hold regular meetings once per year around the beginning of fall, though not on a particular date. Unlike many clans of the sect, the Tzimisce greatly respects its elders. However, those who prove inadequate are usually extinguished for the benefit of the sect. The leader of the clan holds the title of Voivode, and he may make decrees for the Tzimisce to follow. Only foolish Voivodes abuse this power, since the clan would certainly destroy any leader who might jeopardize the Sabbat or compromise the clan's power.

Gaining Clan Prestige: The Tzimisce protocol for gaining Prestige is extremely complex. It is gained by maintaining the good reputation of the clan, demonstrating control over others, and supporting the conservative leadership role the Tzimisce plays in sect affairs. It should also be noted that this clan never awards Prestige to the foolish, rebellious or obnoxious. Subtlety carries a great deal of weight with this clan.