Vivamort
Vivamort
The greatest achievement is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking the true path.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is to create undead.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is to know your worth.
The greatest wisdom is patience.
From the teachings of the Immaculate Saints of Ruthenia
History
Vivamort is recorded as being of Gaulish stock originally. His original name is lost, but it is clear that he was focused upon the promotion of the self and the accumulation of power. In time this led him to the boundaries between life and death and eventually, to vampirism. Under the tutelage of the Scarlet Witch King, his power grew ever greater and five hundred years ago, when his master was beset by a league of gods, he stole an opportunity and took godhood from a god left dying.
Philosophy
Vampirism is the very embodiment of power and freedom. A vampire is exempt from worries over sickness shelter, old age and attack. Their very act of feeding is a reaffirmation of their dominance over lesser beings. Vivamortians are looking for the power and freedom that being a vampire brings with it. To achieve this they too must study necromancy. The aim is to prove themselves worthy of vampirism and to become one, but their studies provide practical benefits along the way. The power it brings a little freedom, and also enables them to learn of the boundaries.
The church does not require worship of vampires, only their father deserves that. However, as embodiments of power and higher servants of their Lord, they command respect and fear.
Strands
Outcasts
This is a collection of Humacti and Azraelite apostates. They believe that undeath does not remove the soul, instead it provides an opportunity for the inner self to contemplate the answer to the question. Therefore undeath is not anathema, but a boon both to their controllers, and to the undead themselves.
Servants
The Servants are well aware of their place. They do not necessarily seek to achieve vampirism, but know its meaning and therefore serve these avatars of potency.
Lords
By far the most common of Vivamortians, the Lords want to achieve power for themselves at any cost. They will actively seek vampirism and knowledge on these subjects, but will simultaneously take any opportunities for greater command, of any kind.
Strictures
Always seek to spread power; create undead.
Respect vampires.
Reject all others; only you are worthy.
Do not act rashly; undeath is eternal.
Domains
Primary domain: Necromancy
Secondary domains: Harming, Restoration, Mind Control, Debilitation, Warding