Feral Heart

Nickname: Beasts Basic Beliefs: Vampires are the ultimate hunters — immortal and invulnerable. The Beast Within is merely the expression of the predator's instinct. To deny one’s atavistic attributes is to go against the dictates of nature, or so this path's followers believe. A vampire can only survive by adhering to her inner character and accepting the monstrous drives that accompany the unliving state. Though the Beasts do not revel in their predations, neither do they avoid them. By learning to accept the role of hunter, thereby acknowledging the proper role of the unliving, a vampire becomes like an animal: feral, predatory, but ultimately in her proper place.  A follower of this path feels that the Beast is a natural part of being a vampire and that its needs must be satiated. Still, the vampire is intelligent, and a cunning hunter is a more effective one. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between Beast and Man — the feral cunning and vicious imtincts of the vampire are excellent survival tools, tempered hy the reasoning and insight of the mind. By satiating the Bemt's urges from time to time, the vampire ironically gains a greater degree of personal control.  Vampires on the Path of the Feral Heart (sometimes called the Path of the Beast) have little use for the trappings of civilization or education. Modern transportation and weaponry is unnecessary next to the vampire, as the unliving form provides the all of the tools to stalk and kill. Subterfuge and politics are trivial concerns; politicking does not bring blood to one's gorge. Vampires are made to hunt and kill, and the followers of this path excel at both. History  The Path of the Feral Heart seems to have grown out of ancient codes by which vampiric betserkers accepted their mimalistic nature. Espoused originally by the Gangrel, the path spread to a few other vampires who learned to elevate their predatory ways. This path was never a popular one, but its constituency remained constant throughout the ages, even as it became accepted by the Sabbat. The path has changed relatively little over the years. Beasts see no real need to 'adapt' the path to a more modern age. Current Practices  Beasts have no real organization, and they rarely engage in any sort of concerted rituals or traditions. Some few nomadic packs, though, consist mostly of members espousing this path, who exist as wandering hunters. When Beasts meet, they often indulge in the Gangrel practice of sharing stories or indulging in a little practice combat. Beasts also serve as frighteningly effective assassins within the Sabbat; their loyalty, once given, is unquestionable. Beasts who feel that a particular individual is a threat to themselves or their packs are relentless in hunting and destroying the opposition, and for this reason some Beasts are picked to lead War Parties. Description of Followers  Most Beasts care little for fashion or attire, instead choosing functional clothing that serves well while hunting. Some Beasts even disdain ornamentation and clothing completely, though these are rare. Followers of this path often have a great attunement to their surroundings and senses, and such individuals are often noted carefully listening to and watching their surroundings at all times, or even staying in constant slow motion and sniffing at the air so as to avoid possible sneaking adversaries. Many Gangrel follow this path, and they invariably have a number of animalistic features that they do not bother to conceal. The most Common followers of this path are Sabbat Gangrel; Country Gangrel obviously make up the hulk of this path's adherents. though some City Gangrel style themselves “urban predators.” A few Ravnus antitribu, some Nosferatu antitribu and a smattering of other vampires also follow this path. Most Lasombra and Tzimisce find this path uninspired, and therefore disdain it entirely. The members of this path are respected for their hunting prowess but have no real leadership within the Sabbat. Following the Path  Beasts must always recognize and indulge in their predatory natures. Followers of this path therefore strive to develop their prowess as hunters. A Beast has little desire to use the trappings of technology, believing that the vampiric form provides him with all of the powers necessary to survive. Indulgence in politics is frowned upon, as there are more important matters to handle; force is a simpler and often more effective means than politics. Mercy and compassion have no place in the predator's heart, and enemies must be harshly destroyed while packmates are protected, as they in turn protect the individual. Beasts do not kill whimsically, but when killing is necessary, there must be no hesitation. Common Abilities: Not surprisingly, most Beasts are highly skilled trackers and hunters. Survival is paramount among these vampires, as well as Brawl and Dodge. Animal Ken is common, though a Beast is just as likely to feed upon an animal as to emulate it. Because they are in touch with their inner natures, many followers of this path develop a great deal of Empathy — not that they feel any pity for their prey, but rather they intuitively understand the motives of their victims. Intimidation is also fairly common, for the simmering fury just below the surface of the Beast's outward calm is truly terrifying. Preferred Disciplines: Disciplines are a matter of survival for followers of this path. Animalism is useful in learning from lesser predators and for feeding. Fortitude is valued, as Beasts must be rugged enough to survive any conditions. The natural weapons and hunting benefits of Protean are likewise considered valuable, and some Beasts learn Obfuscate or Celerity so as to become faster and cagier hunters.