Encyclopedia Vampirica - Entries P-T

Encyclopedia Vampirica


Guide for Reading


Entries A-E
ABCDE


Entries F-J
FGHIJ


Entries K-O
KLMNO


Entries P-T
PQRST


Entries U-Z
UVWXYZ

Historical Timelines
Aix la ChapelleBerlin, GermanyChicagoConstantinopleFrankfurt, GermanyJerusalemTransylvaniaViennaWashington D.C.The Anarch Revolt

Appendix II: Biographies
The contributing Canon authors of EV
IontiusBindusaraArtistotle de'LaurentLucita y AragonAlbertus MagnusAisling Sturbridge

P

Paladin
A title in the Sabbat for a Cainite serving a sect leader as a bodyguard and assassin. A Paladin is denied membership of the Black Hand. Often, Paladins are also known as Templars.

Pale Ones
Abomination.

Pale Rider
A Sabbat nomad. Often used as a term for a member of a Sabbat biker gang.

Palla Grande
Large party held by the Sabbat on the night of Halloween (October 31) each year during which all sect members in the vicinity are called to the nearest hosting city to participate in the festivities. Most often, a Palla Grande is celebrated as an elaborate fancy-dress ball, with spectacular displays made as a result of the Tzimisce's flesh-shaping talent of Vicissitude. Mortals are invited in many cases to attend the ball as guests - or the main course.

Pander
1. The Caitiff within the Sabbat, named after their leader Joseph Pander.

2. Joseph: Name of a Clanless Kindred within the Sabbat. In the Sabbat Civil War during the 1950s, Pander declared himself and his followers a soverign clan and named this new clan after himself. After lengthy and controversial debates and even more bloodshed, his cause was accepted as valid and the sect leaders acknowledged the new clan.

Papillon
A term young Kindred have coined for vampires who mingle with the bold and beautiful of mortal society in order to partake of their blood.

Patriot
Outdated name for a follower of the Path of Honorable Accord.

Paris
Paris, the city of love and my home domain, is as important to the French mindset as any other capital in the world is for its respective nation. Poet Francois Villon of the Clan of the Rose is Prince of Paris. Numerous Kindred who make their havens in his city have grown tired of centuries of Toreador supremacy. As a result, Paris is home to several influential anarchs who strive to end Villon's strict princedom.

Parovich
Nosferatu. How a man growing up in New York City together with a prince destroyed by the Sabbat can become primogen in Milkwaukee is a mystery to me. But the Camarilla has to know for itself whom to trust.

Pascek, Jaroslav
Seventh Generation Brujah; 1345, 1371. Childe of Jan Berger, Justicar of the Learned Clan since 1998. Pascek was born the son of a Slav and a Gypsy woman passing through his father's village. After being left for dead by hism other on the German border Pascek was raised by monks and even joined their order as an adolescent. At the age of 18, Pascek suffered a crisis of faith. As a remedy he styled himself as God's chosen instrument of purification. He drew a small band of followers to his banner; preached his own, private version of Reformation 150 years before Luther and started a crusade against clerics he saw as lacking piety. If he had not been Embraced by the undead he might have set the Reformation in motion several years too early.

During a nocturnal meeting of his adherents culminating in a blaze consuming a cathedral, Pascek stood in front of the burning building, fanning the fires of religious zeal, so that his followers would cleanse the whole region of its sin. A week later, two shadowy figures offered him the power to continue his crusade in new, unsuspected ways.

The Embraced changed his views on God to the core. His new "flock," a coterie of Brujah, convinced him that the world of the Kindred was as thoroughly corrupt as the Catholic Church. They led him to destroy certain Kindred they presented to him as Satan's minions on Earth. The coterie's adversaries were many, and the first century of Pascek's unlife raced by in a haze of blood and gore. Those crimson nights ended with the birth of the Camarilla. Immediately afterward, Pascek fell into torpor, to rise again around 1650 A.D. He continued his crusade, and in 1834 he was formally rewarded with the office of archon. His election as Brujah Justicar is supposed to bolster the new team with an experienced champion. Not long ago, he received information from agents in Montreal that led him to establish an intelligence center for the Camarilla in Ottawa.

Path of Blood
The mysterious Assamites from the Middle East possess their own moral principles, passed on from generation to generation ever since their founder, Haqim, laid them down countless nights ago. Originally, only those Assamites who were regarded as highly loyal to their clan were introduced to the Path of Blood's secrets. Since the Crusades, the elders of the clan have made the Path of Blood more accessible to younger childer of their clan. The core ideal of the Path of Blood is to achieve oneness with the clan's progenitor.

Path of the Bones
The followers of the Via Ossis, as this path was called during the Dark Medieval period, believe that the body is merely a vessel for the soul. Even though the body is subjected to constant change from birth through life until death, the soul remains in a state of immaculate perfection. This path, which is almost completely forgotten in the modern nights, attracted only a small group of followers, primarily Cappadocians (though a few morbid Tzimisce have followed it as well).

Path of Caine
This Path of Enlightenment was created in the 16th century and considers the veneration of Caine to be the highest duty of all Kindred, who are supposed to be flawed copies of this legendary figure. In the Renaissance, many Kindred were investigating new insights and the knowledge of the self. Striving to lave behind the convictions they harbored as mortals, which were considered incompatible with their undead nature, some Kindred with progressive philosophies created this path. During the next 200 years, many Kindred rallied to its banner and considered Caine to be their ideal. After the Age of Enlightenment, some of its followers left their old dogma behind, favoring newly developed paths.

According to the lore of the Path of Caine the knowledge of Caine's history is of paramount importance for all Kindred. Its adherents are scholars, who concern themselves, just as I do, with fragments of the Book of Nod and with times long since passed that hide the key to understanding the nature of Kindred existence. This also explains where their nickname, Noddists, derives from. Most of them are well educated and strive for self-knowledge. Adherents of the Path of Caine are not scientifically oriented in the sense that they are looking for innovative solutions to problems, but rather they investigate traditions and historic occurrences to find answers for the present and the future. Cainites who decide to follow this path are often of almost unshakable self-control. They refer to the Book of Nod and other ancient sources to prove that Caine must have been the epitome of vampirism. He is everything other Kindred should strive for. They tend to start lengthy conversations and discussions with other Kindred about the nature of their curse. The Assamite antitribu, the Serpents of the light, Toreador antitribu and Ventrue antitribu are the main proponents of the Path of Caine and often take on positions of spiritual leadership (like pack priest and bishop) within the Sabbat. Many other Cainites consider them lofty and full of themselves.

Path of Cathari
Path of Enlightenment based on the medieval heresy of the same name. The followers of the Path of Cathari are called Albigensians. The Path of Cathari preaches a religious dualism. Therefore, its adherents strive for material wealth and Embrace new childer whenever the opportunity presents itself. Followers of the Path of Cathari harbor a rather materialistic philosophy. The Albigenisians in general take great pains to get to know the domain they inhabit and often cultivate the Disciplines of Animalism, Dominate and Presence.

Path of Death and the Soul
When this Path of Enlightenment was originally founded by a coven of Tzimisce, it was little more than a death cult of Tzimisce, it was little more than a death cult, but it continued to evolve and spread until it was finally accepted as its own path sometime during the Age of Enlightenment. This acceptance caused the Path of Death and the Soul to become even more differentiated as the idea of Reason based on Science was incorporated in its philosophies soon thereafter.

According to the doctrine of the Path of Death and the Soul, it is of great importance to study death in all its forms and faces. The Path of Death and the Soul's adherents tend to be curious, objective and devoid of all emotions. They do not fear Final Death, as they beileve in the immortality of the soul. They also try to collect as many bits of occult lore as possible, so that these pieces may be assembled into a greater whole, thereby finally achieving a higher understanding of existence. The followers of the Path of Death and the Soul study human emotions and the mortal mind, and even their own fleeting humanity is the subject of studies. Although most of them are very spiritual beings, they do not defend their views passionately, but that isn't to say they appear to lack ay passion at all.

Death and the occult are always approached in a scientific way, therefore the Disciplines of Auspex, Necromancy and Thaumaturgy are especially treasured.

Path of Ecstasy
A Path of Enlightenment originally developed by a group of Setites. Followers of Set who adhere to this path enjoy indulgence; their desire for joy is a considered a spiritual duty that they are more than willing to satisfy. This path was established by a sect of Setites that inhabited Constantinople after the fall of Ancient Egypt. The followers of this path would never willingly destroy beautiful or valuable items, which is one of the reasons this path is considered heretical by a large number of Setites.

Path of Evil Revelations
Path of Enlightenment originally founded by a group of infernalists that later on became a brood of Brujah. Its adherents are also known as Corruptors or Slavers. They believe that vampirism is the material manifestation of all evil in the world. Followers of the Path of Evil Revelations therefore free themselvs from everything human that remains inside of them. They conduct a wide variety of rituals and even summon demons, which they sometimes refer to as lords of Darkness. They expect to be rewarded for their support of this evil. Adherents of the Path of Evil Revelations are most often skilled in Auspex and Dominate. They hide their evil ways from their fellow Kindred while they secretly try to recruit others for their unholy wiles. Followers of othr paths are universally seen as fools. Without doubt, it is a great mistake to follow this path.

Path of the Feral Heart
This Path of Enlightnment teaches its adherents to indulge their Beast in hunting, killing and slaking its thirst - it seems to have originated from old codes that were used by Kindred berserkers to accept their bestial nature, probably developed by the Gangrel. The Path of the Feral Heart has also spread to other Kindred since its development, and these have learned to transcend their predatory behavior as well. This path has never been practiced too widely, which did not even change when the Sabbat accepted its followers into its fold. According to the doctrine of the Path of the Feral Heart, Kindred are the ultimate predators - deathless and invulnerable. The Beast within is just an expression of their predatory instincts. Most Beasts, as the followers of the path are often called, have no concern at all for dress or appearances: they wear practical, sturdy clothes that do not distract them while they are on the hunt, and some Beasts even refrain from wearing any clothes or jewelry at all, but those haveb ecome rare in the modern nights. Most of the followers of the Path of the Feral Heart make their havens in nature and have exceedingly sharp senses. They constantly try to be aware of what is happening around them or move very slowly in order to avoid being surprised by an enemy. They are of the opinion that repressing the atavistic urges is against nature itself. Most Gangrel who follow this path have acquired quite a number of bestial traits, which they do not try to hide. Most of the followers of this path can be found within the Sabbat; country gangrel are the vast majority, though some city gangrel style themselves as urban predators. A few Ravnos antitribu and Nosferatu antitribu follow the Path of the Feral Heart, but only very few Kindred from other clans do. The adherents of the path are widely respected for their hunting skills but almost never hold positions of leadership within the sect.

Path of Harmony
A Path of Enlightnment originally developed in the New World during the 18th century. Followers of this path are often nicknamed Harmonists. According to their belief, everything has a purpose and a reason of existence, even the Kindred, though they can never again be fully human. Nothing found in nature is inherently evil, or so their dogma says. They respect life and try to be in harmony with the human part as well as the Kindred part of their existence. Adherents of this path were often among the most humane members of the Sabbat, but during the latest crusade in the eastern U.S., the Path of Harmony has split into two separate philosophies: the Path of the Feral Heart and the original Path of Harmony. While the Path of the Feral Heart is staunchly loyal to the Sabbat, most followers of the Path of Harmony have left the sect and are now claiming independence.

Path of Honorable Accord
The Path of Honorable Accord was founded during the Sabbat Civil Wars, which almost tore the Sabbat apart during the war with the Camarilla. Finally, an agreement was reached in the city of Milan to stop the fighting and quell internal conflicts. In the following years, the so-called Code of Milan created during the agreement was substantially expanded. Based on its precepts, a whole new philosophy arose based on Cainite honor as a way to maintain order and as a replacement for the mortal conscience. After the Sabbat Civil War, which ended at the beginning of the 20th century, the Code of Milan was adapted to the new situation once again.

The adherents of the Path of Honorable Accord are often referred to as Knights. They strive to serve their leaders well, as long as their orders serve the Sabbat. They take great pains to partake in as many auctoritas ritae as possible. Their word of honro is of the greatest importance to them, and all those who break an oath or promise are considered weak of body and mind and not to be trusted by Kindred of honor. Cowards are treated similarly. Equals are treated with the greatest respect, and members of the Path of Honorable Accord always try to treat them fairly and with courage. The followers of the Path of Honorable Accord often attempt to earn and keep the trust of others and act accordingly. This behavior also extends to the Sabbat, for which they would gladly give their unlives. Studying the history of their sect, the Knights are experts of the Code of Milan and cite from it more frequently than any other group within the Sabbat. Presence and Fortitude are said to symbolize all a Knight stands for - therefore the adherents of the Path of Honorable Accord cultivate these Disciplines more often than others.

Path of Lilith
This Path of Enlightenment was supposedly founded by a Methusulah who discovered strange, ancient scriptures in the lands of Africa that told the story of the Dark Mother. According to these texts, maturity and power could be achieved through the means of suffering and pain. Although this Kindred was unable to actually recover these texts, he did manage to escape their mortal and demonic guardians with some of the knowledge included therein. He then gathered to him individuals who could aid him in developing the information he had gained. The Path of Lilith's central ideas spread slowly soon afterward, which caused some likeminded and mystically inclined Kindred to join them.

Enlightenment, the path teaches, can be gained by fasting and pain. Its adherents, called Bahari, lead fast and hectic unlives, as they constantly strive for change and new experiences. Everything that could shock or shame other Kindred fascinates them, as they always hope for someone to escape the boundaries of the profane society they live in. When moving among the kine, Bahari appear flamboyant and mysterious. They often wear certain religious garments during their ceremonies - wide, open mantles and ceremonial masks of wood or bone.

Pain is considered the greatest teacher of all, the test that will bring the ultimate prize. Within the society of Kindred (be it the Sabbat or Camarilla), Bahari are often considered to be the mad, heretical cultists they certainly are. Among the adherents of the Path of Lilith, members of many clans can be found: Lasombra, Tzimisce, Malkavians, Nosferatu and Toreador antitribu. The Harbingers of Skulls deserve special mention, though - these ancient Kindred often refer to a dead priestess named Lamia, who supposedly was of great importance to the Path of Lilith at some point.

Path of Metamorphosis
Path of Night
Path of Paradox
Path of Power and the Inner Voice
Path of the Scorched Heart
Path of Self-Focus
Path of Typhon
Path of the Warrior
Paths of Enlightenment
Pawnbroker
Pedder, Robert
Pendragon, Roman
Pennington, Jane
Penobscott, Alicia
Perth
Petra
Petrenkov, Milov
Petrodon
Petronius, Titus P. Arbiter
Phuri Dae
Phylactery of Recorded Memory
Pieterzoon, Jan
Pisanob
Plischke, Thomas
Pochtli
Pontifex
Pool of Zillah
Potence
Presence
Priest
Primogen
Prince
Prior
Priscus
Progeny
Prometheans
Province
Pumping Heart of Nizchetus
Purchase Pact
Putanesca
Pyramid

Q

Qadi
Qufur am-Heru
Quietus

R

Ra
Rabbat
Rabble
Rack
Rafiastio
Rafin, Gerard
Rake
Rant
Rasputin, Grigory Yefimovich
Rathmonicus
Rave
Ravnos
Rawis
Re
Realm
Rebekah
Red Ludwig
Recruit
Red Fear
Red Meg
Red Star
Redcoats
Regent
Regnant
Reinegger, Ilse
Retainers
Retief, Ruud
Revenant families
Rikard, Vencel
Rio de Janeiro
Rodina
Rotschreck
Rome
Rroma
Rose
Rothschild, Meyere Amschel
Royal Order of Edenic Groundskeepers
Ruthven, Lambach

S

Sabbat
Sabbat Clans
Sabbat Inquisition
Saieed, Dr. Fatima
Salubri
Salubri antitribu
Samadji
Samedi
Samiel
San Francisco Redwood Revel
San Geraande, Arturo
Sangris, the Serpent
Sanguinis
Sargatanas
Sargon Fragment
Sarrasine
Saulot
SchreckNet
Schreckt, Karl
Scott, Edward
Scourge
Scout
Scrolls of Enlighenment
Second City
Sect
Seer Cults
Selina, Dark
Selivanov, Oleg
Seneschal
Seraph
Serpentis
Serpents of the Light
Servitors of Irad
Set
Seth
Setites
Seven Circles of Mystery
Shadow Crusade
Shadowlands
Shahid
Shaitan
Shakar
Shakari
Sheriff
Shiqq
Shroud
Sidhe
Si'Djeha
Sidonia, Don Medina
Siege
Siegfried
Silsila
Sire
Sire's Index Finger
Sir Cum Laude
Sir Praxis
Sir Pro Bono
Sir Probus
Sir Sine Die
Sir Sine Qua Non
Siren
Six Knights
Skarvan, Nathan
Slave
Slum
Smiling Jack
Snake Clan
Snorri
Society of Leopold
Sons and Daughters (of Caine)
Sorokin, Alexis
Spider-Killer
Status Perfectus
Stone, Prudence
Strathcona, Kyle
Streck, Maris
Sunlight
Suspire, the
Sword of Caine
Sword of Dracula
Sword of Nuln
Sword of Troile
Sybil
Symeon
Syn, Durga
Synovea

T

Tajdid
Literally "resurrection." Name of the Assamite endeavor to rid the clan of the Tremere curse.

Talaq
Member of the Clan of the Hunt; born first century A.D. (estimated). Talaq is the Prince of Jordan and well known among the Kindred. Lately, rumors have surfaced about his disappearance.

Tal'mahe'Ra
Only rumors are known about this sect of Kindred, but it seems to be also known as the Eastern Hand, Manus Nigrum, Black Hand or True Hand. The Tal'mahe'Ra has supposedly explored death, the Shadowlands and its inhabitants, the wraiths, for many centuries. In cooperation with mages and even stranger beings, they have built a huge city in the realm of the dead that is supposedly the legendary Enoch. The Tal'mahe'Ra purports to have created the Nagaraja bloodline.

With the fall of Enoch, the Tal'mahe'Ra lies in ruins, and though it had claimed to be responsible for many events in the history of the Kindred, these claims have come into doubt, as its disappearance seems to have caused no disturbance at all in the society of the Damned.

Talbot's Chainsaw
Magical artifact of the Sabbat. Supposedly, it lends its bearer protection from bullets, knives and fire and allows the user to summon hordes of zombielike creatures.

Taqiyya
1. The art of camouflage employed by the Assamites.

2. A term describing the tradition of secrecy among the Assamites.

Tariq
Nosferatu; this Methusulah of the Clan of the Hidden belongs to the most devout followers of Islam among the Kindred. He and his progeny are the so-called Hajj - the spiritual guardians of Islam among Kindred. Together with his brood, he protects the holy places of Mecca and Medina, a responsibility he has held for eight centuries. This fact has made him one of the most influential undead adherents of Islam, and many would follow a call for assistance, were he to utter it.

Taylor, Helena
Ninth Generation, Clan of Usurpers. Born 1917, sired 1938. Regent and member of the primogen of Washington, D.C. Childe of Jack Welston. Sire of Cohn Roses (1974) and Pieter van Dorn (1975). One of the most respected Kindred of Washington. Kept the chantry safe against heavy attack from the Sabbat.

Taylor, Leslie
Seventh Generation Toreador; born 1888, sired 1927. Prince of Melbourne. Taylor ascended rapidly within the criminal underground of Melbourne at the beginning of the 20th century. His tendancy to mingle with the city's beautiful people caught the attention of Red Meg, who was looking for an appropriate tool in the battle against a rival Kindred. Red Meg underestimated Taylor, though - after she had embraced him during a fire fight that would have cost Taylor's life, he diablarized her and adapted his lust for power to the world of the undead. His machinations reached their pinnacle in 1983, when he murdered the former Prince of Melbourne and lay claim to the domain himself. Taylor is a tough and if necessary even brutal prince, but the Kindred in his city have just enough freedom to not consider him a tyrant.

Temple of Lilith
The most important holy site of the Dark Mother, situated in the Black Citadel in Enoch.

Temporis
Mythical Discipline of the True Brujah, supposedly allowing them to control time itself.

Tepes, Vlad
Fifth Generation Tzimisce. Childe of Lambach Ruthven. Born in the 15th Century as Vladimir of Hundeoara, single child of a knight and a female abbot. Tepes grew up surrounded by the wealth of the Wallachian nobility. Tepes gained his infamous nickname "the Impaler" during the war against the Turks because he employed extreme cruelty to demoralize his opponents.

After receiving the embrace he hindered the Camarilla as well as the Sabbat and founded the Inconnu.

Teutonic Knights
Also called Teutonic Order. The yougest religious military order founded in Palestine during the Crusades (after the Templars and the Knights of St. John) grew out of a community of German merchants that maintained a hospital close to Acre in 1190; turned into a military order in 1198. First, Acre was the seat of the Hochmeister, who was elected for life; after 1291 it was Venice, after 1309 the Marienburg, and since 1457 it is Konigsberg.

When the Teutonic Knights were called to evangelize Christianity to the Prussians by Conrad of Masovia in 1225, who promised them Kulmerland in return, Emperor Frederick II granted territorial rulership rights for this region to the Hochmeister. The conquest of Prussia started under Hermann Balk, beginning at the Weichsel. From 1400 to 1455, the order's territory reached from Estonia to the New Marches. This was the largest area the order ever held. In 1410, the order was defeated by Poland and Lithuania for the first time, close to Tannenberg. The dissastisfied German nobility and the discontented German cities were backed up by Poland and fought the Teutonic Knights from 1454 to 1466. In the Second Peace of THorn, the Teutonic Knights gave the Kulmerland, the Ermland and the Pommerellem back to Poland and had to recognize Polish reign over the rest of their holdings. Albrecht of the Brandenburg-Ansbach secularized the order's Prussian territories in 1525 and took them as hereditary fief from Poland. In 1561, Poland gave Kuland as a fief to Gotthard Kettler.

Those Teutonic Knights who had remained Catholics got another job in the wars against the Turks in the 17th century. In 1809, Napolean disbanded the Teutonic Knights. In Austria, Franz I took the Teutonic Knights under his wing; until 1918, an Austrian duke was always Hochmeister ("Hoch- und Deutschmeister"). The Teutonic Lords' Order (as a lay order) was refounded in 1960 (sea: Frankfurt/Main).

Thaumaturgy
Semi-Discipline developed by the Tremere, who fused mortal magic with powers of undead vitae. Similar to Necromancy, Thaumaturgy is divided into a number of paths with differing grades of mastery as well as a number of rituals that have to be learned indepdently from the paths. Rituals have to be prepared in advance and often require special ingredients and incantations, while the power of most paths can be invoked on the spot without any delay. To actually describe all rituals known to the Tremere would require more space than we can devote here. Due to the high flexibility inherent to the paths, I will talk about only a few of the more well known here. The Path of Blood is one of the most common among the Tremere. Most Tremere Kindred learn it soon after their Embrace. It allows the user to glean information from and even command blood. The Lure of Flames allows its users to create flames. Movement of the Mind grants a limited form of telekinesis. The Path of Summoning can create materials and objects out of nothing. Elemental Mastery allows the user to actually have limited control of inanimate objects. The Green Path is devoted to the manipulation of plant matter, while Neptune's Might consists of lore about bodies of moving water. The Path of Weather Control is rumored to be one of the first paths to be developed, while the Path of Technomancy is said to be the latest creation - it grants the user power over technology. The Path of Thaumaturgical Countermagic allows its user to cancel any of the aforementioned effects if he has the necessary mastery. There are said to be many other paths and even a few blasphemous paths of Dark Thaumaturgy, an evil and corrupted version of Thaumaturgy supposedly taught by beings native to Hell.

Thaumaturgy is one of the most dangerous and complex Disciplines. Therefore, many risks are involved when trying to learn this highest of all arts. Only he who is of the strongest spirit and of the most acute mind may actually succeed in this endeavor, as it demands much of its students.

Lately, more and more rumors have surfaced about other forms of Thaumaturgy that some clans and bloodlines are said to be practicing. Especially the Assamites, Setites and Tzimisce are mentioned in this regard, but the truth of this matter is unknown as of now.

Thetmes
Assamite of unknown generation; born 30 B.C. Caliph of Alamut. Thetmes began his life as a warrior in service of the young King Ptolemy, who was at that time fighting against his sister and her Roman vassals. After Ptolemy had been defeated, the barbarian Antonius amused himself while watching the followers of Ptolemy die in the arena. Thetmes impressed Antonius, though, and was taken back to Rome as a gladiator. After having witnssed Thetmes's fighting prowess, a local cloth-merchant in service of the Assamites bought his freedom and brought him to Alamut. His career from theoron was a cometlike rise to power and influence.

Theusa, Alexia
Fifth Generation member of the extinct Clan of Cappadocians. Born 366 BC, embraced 308 BC. Theusa's story is one of tragic love and hope. In her mortal youth, she fell in love with a slave in Athens and wanted to commit suicide together with her lover, Andreas, because it was impossible for them to realize their love. Her father prevented this: only Andreas died, and she was then plagued by vision of him. She traveled to the Far East and Egypt, where she willingly learned what dark arts others were eager to teach her. When returning home, she visited Byzantium, where she was Embraced by the founder of the city himself, Byzar. This only caused her tof all even more in love with Andreas. She forced all other Kindred of the city into torpor and then served the emperors of Constantinople as an advisor and healer. As all of them have been embraced, staked and left in her "trophy room," it should be obvious that Theusa was quite mad at that time.

Her fate finally caught up with her, when the Giovanni eventually decided to eradicate the Cappadocians.

Thin-blooded
Kindred who are further from Caine than 13th Generation. As Gehenna looms closer, more of them show up.

Third Mortal
Caine, who was cast out and became the first Kindred.

Thomas, Astrid
Fifth Generation Tremere. Born 1761, embraced 1791. Thomas was brought ito the clan as a ghoul by Nathan Mendelssohn at the end of the 18th century. He took her to Vienna, where Etrius at once took a liking to the smart, young woman so hungry for knowledge. On her 30th birthday, he finally Embraced her. During the Napoleonic occupation of Vienna, the Tremere had to use all their power to maintain influence in "their" city and not lose it to the Clan of the Rose. By acting through mortal agents, Thomas was instrumental in severely reducing the power of the Toreador in Europe and especially in Vienna. During the 19th century, Thomas tried to establish better relations with the Toreador by initiating and financing several building projects in Vienna together with Maria y Aragon - these buildings are landmarks of the Viennese cityscape even in modern nights, though the alliance has long since deteriorated. In 1866 Thomas traveled to Berlin to enter talks with Gustav Breidenstein. The prince interpreted Thomas' offer of help as a means of covered occupation, though, and therefore instigated a war between Austria and Prussia. He then imprisoned Thomas in Frankfurt to use her as a hostage against Vienna. Only in 1879 was Thomas freed in the depths of the Spessart Forest and able to return to Vienna, after Etrius succeeded at outmaneuvering Breidenstein financially and therewith gaining influece in Frankfurt. To preserve Vienna from the devastation of anarchs and Brujah riots in 1939, Etrius negotiated a truce with Breidenstein. This agreement, which Thomas could not understand, alienated her from her sire, though those differences seem to have faded away in modern nights.

Thomas, Vannevar
Ventrue. This aristocrat from Virginia was embraced during the War of Independence and sent to the west by his superiors in the Camarilla as early as 1849. He soon became prince of a young, growing city: San Francisco. In spite of numerous enemies he managed to hold his ground due to his extensive knowledge about his adversaries' weaknesses. But being Prince of San Francisco was never an easy task during the 20th century. First came the earthquake, then anarchs from the south tried to invade the domain time and time again, not to mention the threat of the eastern undead who arrive on the West Coast in increasing numbers. Thomas went missing at the close of the 20th century and is presumed dead, succeeded by a weak prince who, if he even maintains the illusion of princedom at all, is certainly a puppet of the Kuei-jin.

Thrace, Oliver
Sixth Generation Tremere. Born 1456, embraced 1496. Former regent of the chantry of Hong Kong. After being appointed to this exceedingly dangerous position, Thrace has gathered significant fame as a dedicated opponent of the Sabbat, the Setites, the Assamites and all other known enemies of Clan Tremere. He is said to be an expert on the behavior and culture of the Cathayans, whom he has often encountered, but he seems to also have acquaintances among the Giovanni and even darker parties.

Tiamat
Ventrue; among the Kindred of her time well known as a great huntress, an undead of unbelievable strength, and as evil and possessed by an unholy hunger for power. She was the incarnation of a murderess who could kill with a stare or word and often did so. What motivated her in diablarizing her sire and therewith violating the Fourth Tradition is not known, and why she slaughtered hundreds of thousands of mortals is the basis of many a rumor. Two of those are widely spread enough to warrant mentioning them here: some say she as fallen victim to the Beast and acts out all its urges, while others claim that she has allied with a demon, which would explain her strength and power. Whatever the reason may be, I sincerely hope that we will never again have to ponder this question, as she has not been seen for a long time. Although no reports of her destruction exist, it must have come to her inevitably, as such a horrible monster could never thrive under the Masquerade.

Time of Thin Blood
End times that are predicted in the Book of Nod. The Time of Thin Blood could probably be synonymous with or an indicator for Gehenna. A new era that dawned recently when the blood of Caine ran so thin in the veins of the youngest of his progeny that they are considerably weaker than previous generations of Kindred. The Curse of Caine has reached an age high enough to finally weaken the blood's intensity. The elders' blood - passed on from sire to childe for generations - is no longer as potent as it once was. Too many childer are Embraced in the Final Nighs, and for these illegitimate Kindred of 14th or 15th generation (the so-called thin-blooded), a time of reckoning is at hand. Their fate may truly be a harbinger of the world's end, if the Book of Nod is to believed. In my opinion, the Time of Thin Blood is just another sign for the impending Gehenna. Probably it has already begun with the Week of Nightmres among the Ravnos. See Gehenna Cults.

Tinbergen, Corrie
Seventh Generation Brujah. Born 1836, embraced 1860. Prince of Luxembourg. Tingergen was little more than a fledgeling when she claimed her domain. For a European prince, Tingergen is therefore astonishingly young. Her fresh and open manner is a reflection of the way Kindred in her domain behave, further evidence for the fact that Luxembourg is not merely a domain, but rather a state of mind. This is probably the only explaination why a domain can contain that many different Kindred and still remain peaceful.

Tinia
Ventrue. As she arrived with the Etruscans, she supposedly is one of the first members of the Clan of Kingship ever to set foot on the soil that is called Italy tonight. This female Methusulah assisted in founding Rome but disappeared in founding Rome but disappeared in the centuries prior to Camilla's ascension to power. Reports about her destruction in Asia Minor have surfaced, but nothing is known for certain about her fate.

Tongue of Jarthis The Slaver
The mystic artifact was crafted from the tongue of a Giovanni slaver. Jarthis, who was destroyed in mid-19th century, was infamous for his glib tongue, a character trait that seems to have annoyed the Nosferatu, for it is said that they retained the services of Assamites to eliminate him. If a person takes this leathery strip of meat into his mouth, he can tell lies without being discovered. If he holds it to his ear, the tongue functions like a lie detector - its owner can discern if a given statement is a lie.

Toreador
1. The Clan of the Rose is without equal in regard to its interest in the cultural development of mortals. Despised by many as decadent and degenerate hedonists or dream-lost artists, the members still have an important role to play in history. Because of their influence in the world of mortals, they would have the potential to be one of the most powerful clansm but internal rivalries that have lasted decades, centuries or even millennia still taint the political and social interaction of even the lowliest neonate with other members of his clan. Many among the clan were artists, musicians, actors and poets while they still drew breath, but many more have spent many frustrating centuries striving to gain (or regain in some cases) that spark of divine creativity that allows one to produce a piece of inspired art.

2. The founder of the Clan of the Rose supposedly went by this pseudonym, though she is as frequently ascribed the name Arikel. According to legends, she was a great sculptress, although some sources seem to indicate that she was the best dancer of her time. Zillah is rumored to have been her sire, and Toreador would therefore be a sister to Nosferatu. Although there are many rivalries between the Nosferatu and Toreador, some rumors persist that Toreador felt some kind of pity (or even love) for her disfigured brother.

Torpor
Torpor is the deathlike slumber so widespread among the Kindred (especially among the ancient of our kind). It can be entered voluntarily but also sets in automatically if our bodies are devoid of vitae. Torpor can end after only a brief period, but it can also last for millennia. After that period of rest the Cainite is sure to awaken very, very hungry.

Traditions
All Kindred residing in a domain claimed by a prince have to accept some part of the responsibilities to ensure stability and security. This stability can be guaranteed only if the Kindred of the city act in accordance with a set of ancient customs. Those customs hide behind the small and easily underestimated term "the six Traditions." Although some claim that these rulers were just meant as guidelines, it is the princes' duty to enforce them with strict devotion. In some domains the Kindred of the Camarilla even have to take an oath that they will uphold these most important customs, which supposedly were passed on by Caine himself. Wherever a Kindred may go, he can always be certain that the Traditions will be upheld in all cities of the Camarilla. They might be interpreted differently and the enforcement varies widely, but the basis exists everywhere. The six Traditions have been held as sacrosanct since the wars that destroyed the Second Generation. Although they were only seldom found in any written form, they have survived the centuries as an oral tradition - even the Cainites who despise them are well aware of them. The exact words may differ, but the meaning behind them is always clear.

One of the classic rituals of the Camarilla is the education of the childe by her sire, and during this phase all Camarilla fledgelings hear about the traditions and often learn them by heart. Only then will they be recognized by the prince as free neonatess. Some princes arrange for great festivities during which childer are formally accepted into Kindred society, while others do not even care to witness this act and trust the sire's judgement. Some of the most avid defenders of the Camarilla and the Traditions insist that young undead only become full kindred after hearing the traditions from their sire. As you might have noticed, the Traditions are a very serious and important matter, especially as a sire is always held responsible for the actions of his childe, as long as his childe is not fully aware of the Traditions and has not taken an oath to uphold this code. Some Kindred believe that Caine himself designed the Traditions after creating his childer. Others claim the Antediluvians created the Traditions to keep their childer under control, while some say that their basis is merely common sense that has survived the centuries. The Tradition of the Masquerade, for example, has existed since the founding of the First City, but it has changed as a reaction to the Inquisition.

A number of young Kindred in the New World consider the Traditions to be nothing more than a set of tools the elders employ to keep Kindred society under their sway, not to mention that the Traditions are very much outdated. The times for a Masquerade are long past and gone. Gehenna, the Antediluvians and Caine are all fairy tales, containing as much truth as the Great Flood or the Tower of Babel, spread only to keep the young ones in line. According to these young Cainites, the time has come to drop the Traditions and start dealing with the present. Many of the young Cainites within the Sabbat accept this philosophy wholeheartedly, and they are the basis for the constant attacks on the old power structure - the older members of the sect know better than to disregard all the ideas of the Traditions.

Most of the elders consider the neonates and ancillae to be temperamental children who want to know everything but lack the wisdom or experience of advanced age. Many of those who rebel against the Traditions are anarchs and neonates, lacking power and a voice in Kindred society. Therefore, it is not surprising that they act in savage and brutal ways, seeing violence as the only means open to them to express their inconvenience. But not all elders are that understanding or forgiving. Many of them fear the night when the dreams of the young anarchs will come true and angry mobs of kine start burning havens and Kindred alike. Natural selection will take care of some of the neonates, but once in a while a prince runs out of patience.

During the presentation of a childe, it can be required to recite the Traditions by heart, to prove that the sire has taught them to be his childe.

Trajan
Nosferatu. Fifth Generation Methusulah of the Clan of the Hidden. Tried to establish his own realm beneath the ancient city of Rome, but his dreams were shattered by the local Ventrue. Much of the information that led to his downfall originated with the Malkavian Antoine Le Fanu, who still went by the name of Pollius Felix Maximus during his sojourn in Rome. This caused Trajan and Antoine Le Fanu to become bitter rivals. Only during the Middle Ages did this ancient Kindred arise again. He had realized that his plans had failed because he lacked information on his enemies. Subsequently, he wove an intricate net of spies, informants and contacts, which he called "the Net." He followed the activities of Malkavian to New England and seems to have gained powerful allies there as well. The old Net has been connected to SchreckNet and is one of the most important sources of information to the Clan of the Hidden.

Transylvania
An agrarian and forestry based state in northwestern Romania, bordered by the Carpathians in the east and south. 38,500 sqm. Population 3.5 million. Capital: Klausenburg.

Treaty of Durham
A pact agreed upon in 1693 that cannot be found in any mortal history books but constitutes a turning point for the Kindred of the British Isles. The Toreador were down and out at that time, and in return for guarantees of nonaggression from the Ventrue with regard to their last bastion, Edinborgh, they promised to never attempt to seize power in London and to never conspire with the Tremere or support them in any way. The Treaty of Durham turned the London Toreador into hostages to ensure validity, while a small group of Edinburgh Ventrue suffered the same fate.

Treaty of Enoch
According to rumors attributed to the now defunct Tal'mahe'Ra, the Treaty of Enoch was a compact that decreed the reunification of the sect's Eastern and Western branches. Furthermore, it demanded for the first time the election of a Del'Roh by its oldest and most powerful members. With this treaty the Black Hand promised to support the Tal'mahe'Ra in reclaiming Enoch frmo the wraiths who occupied the city at the time. The Western members agreed provided that they would be acknowledged as fellow occupants and leaders of Enoch.

Treaty of Tyre
Agreement between the Assamites and the Camarilla, signed in 1496. Its most important tenet was the Assassins' turning away from their custom of drinking other Kindreds' vitae. To be on the safe side, the Camarilla forced the whole clan to take part in a Tremere ritual that rendered other Kindreds' vitae poisonous for the Assamites (Curse of the Tremere). Aditionally it was laid down that the Assamites would be forbidden to venture beyond their home country's borders. Alamut, the Assamites' famous mountain keep, was destroyed so that it could not shelter its inhabitants against Camarilla attacks anymore. The Camarilla clans on their part should refrain from using the Assamites as killers for hire. Considering how fast all tenets save the first were broken, it is surprising that it took the Assamites so long to break the Tremere curse, too.

Tremere
1. Clan whose members were once mortal mages. The leader of this group is Tremere himself, who understood just after the passing of the first millennium A.D. that it would be impossible to actualize his desires during his mortal years even though he possessed amazing magical prowess. He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice: he would submit to the fangs of a Kindred, receive the Curse of Caine and lead the world into a new glorious golden age. Unluckily, the approached Kindred were unwilling to assist the honored master in this endeavor. In his desperation, he asked his trusted companion, Goratrix, in the year 1021 to capture a Kindred and discover the secret of his "immortality." In less than a year, Goratrix was able to capture a fledgeling Tzimisce. In 1022, Tremere finally convinced that Kindred to Embrace him. For unknown reasons the Fiends took severe offense at this act and began a campaign of rumor-mongering and propaganda against the Tremere. Due to their wise and calm demeanor, the Tremere were able to prove that all the tales spread about them were just lies without any basis in fact, of course. All sane Kindred refrained from warfare from thereon, but the Tzimisce seemed unwilling to understand the message of reason the Tremere proselytized. But when Tremere was informed about an unholy union between the Fiends and the soul-stealing Salubri, he valiantly and single-handledly attacked Saulot, the progenitor of this bloodline. Saulot himself tried to defeat Tremere by conjuring up a multitude of devils and demons, but Tremere was able to defeat them all. He even took up on him the heavy burden of capturing the soul of the infernalist within himself, so that the world would be safe from the actions of this emissary of hell. Even tonight, the essence of Saulot ravages the body of Tremere, which causes Tremere to remain in torpor for extended periods of time. Fortunately, Tremere's brave at convinced the other clans of the evil Cyclops' bloodline harbored, but bereft of their founder, this great evil was soon cleansed from the world. In 1450, the Tremere assisted in establishing the glorious institution of the Camarilla, which was the Tremere's first step to the better and safer world he had always dreamed of. Since that fateful day, the Tremere have been one of the most important and reliable pillars of the sect and have proven time and time again that they are one of the most august clans of all.

Clan Tremere is widely known for its strict hierarchy, which is a pure meritocracy in which those most capable quickly advance in rank and knowledge. This structure is often referred to as the pyramid. The members of the lowest (or rather, least experienced) rank are called apprentice. They have to master seven circles of mystery to advance to the position of reget. Regents administrate the chantries and teach the apprentices and hepl them in finding havens and other necessities near the chantry. Collectively, a chantry and all its members are called a province. After advancing to the seventh circle, the most capable and wise regents are promoted to the status of lord. Lords supervise several chantries and possibly some special research projects. A lord is responsible for all deeds of those beneath him. Most of them are therefore very capable and caring persons. Above the lords, an elusive cabal of the best Kindred in the whole clan guides the Tremere. These are the pontifices. They are all responsible for extensive geographical areas or certain aspects of government, industry, science, society or economy and of course for a great number of clan brothers and sisters, so they travel far and wide to learn of the troubles others face and help them in any way they possibly can. Their areas of responsibility are commonly referred to as orders. The Council of Seven consists of some of the oldest and most powerful of some of the oldest and most powerful Kindred still in existence - most of them have been ardent followers of the Tremere, and some even hail from the days when he still drew breath. All of them are responsible for the supervision of a whole continent, and all information gathered is passed on to Tremere himself.

2. Founder of the Clan of the same name. Tremere was a skilled master of sorcery even before his embrace. He was so powerful that the house of mages he guided had assumed his name in his honor. With the assistance of a fledgeling Tzimisce, Tremere accepted the curse of undeath for the betterment of the human race. In 1200 he was forced to commit diablarie on the demon Saulot, the progenitor of a bloodline of infernalists, in order to eradicate the foul influence of the beast from the face of the Earth. Under his aegis, a house of formerly mortal sorcerers became one of the largest and most important clans of the Camarilla, which was instrumental in establishing said institution, an amazing achievement considering the troubles and dangers he had to face. Despite rumors about Tremere supposedly transforming or suffering from restless sleep, I can assure you that he is well and still guiding our clan with a wise and firm hand from his resting place in Vienna.

Tremere Code
Oath that all Tremere neonates swear after their Embrace. It guarantees the progeny's loyalty toward the clan elders.

Triabell, Annabelle
Sixth generation Toreador. Primogen of the Clan of the Rose in Chicago. Triabell is a typical hedonist - to her, an unlife without luxury and decadence would not be worth leading. Much more worrying, though, is her tendancy to expose herself to the public: she is known as Ellen Stanly-Greer, wife to John Greer, owner of the Sentinel Publishing House. Although she seems to wield absolute control over her husband, he has been her fiance since the '60s, and subsequently the yellow press hs started to wonder about her seeming timelessness. But she seems to be willing to risk the Masquerade just to earn recognition and fame. I wonder how long this will be tolerated.

Trinity
1. Former triumvirate of leadership in Constantinople consisting of Michael, the Dracon and Antonius.

2. An alliance between the Nosferatu Warwick, the Brujah Pendragon and the Malkavian William Biltmore. The Trinity was instrumental in the settling of New england. The Nosferatu Methuselah Trajan supposedly pulls the strings behind the scenes and uses the Trinity to further his web of contacts and spies.

Troglodytia
Cappadocian; one of the first members of the bloodline whose bodies assumed a state of advanced decay but remained in that state shortly after their Embrace. This phenomenon increased in frequency after her Embrace, though the most learned members of the bloodline were unable to discern any reason for this. In Troglodytia's case, she took the best possible course and left her clan to engage in the trade of dead bodies, strange herbs and alchemical ingredients. She joined a coterie of Nosferatu to learn the art of hiding her horrible countenance. Soon afterward, she adopted their manner and began trading with any interested party. What became of her after the Giovanni eradicated the Cappadocians is unknown, although some claim that she must be the mythical progenitor of the Samedi bloodline. As many elders owed her boons, it is highly likely that she escaped persecution in some way or another. Maybe it is indeed true that she escaped to the New World and founded a bloodline that combined the knowledge she had gained with the religion of African slaves.

Troile
Brujah. Many rumors abound concerning the early history of his clan, and one of the most horrible claims that Troile slew his own sire and drank his blood. Some even use this legend to prove that the Brujah will always be rebels fighting against their superiors. But when considering the past of the clan, one comes to doubt such stories. Some tales unearthed recently rather hint at Brujah and Troile being two minds in one body, one of them rebellious and violent, while the other was studious and wise. What became of Troile or Brujah is impossible to say, as Troile has not been heard of since the fall of Carthage. Maybe he still rests in the salted earth beneath the fabled city?

True Brujah
According to rumors that have yet to be verified, a bloodline of the Learned Clan exists that has survived into modern nights. Its members reputedly do not belong to the progeny of the patricidal Troile, but claim to be the last true descendants of the Antediluvian Brujah. Although it appears tempting to dismiss these claims as tall tales, it has to be noted that members of this bloodline possess a remarkable Discipline. In whispered private discussions this Discipline is called Temporis, and it is said that it allows its users to command over time itself. If there is but the slightest bit of truth in this rumor, it could probably be explained how the True Brujah managed to stay hidden and act from behind the scenes of history without betraying their existence to other Kindred.

True Lasombra
A name the Amis Noirs have given themselves in their selfish vanity.

True Faith
True Faith is a very special state possessed by only a few deeply religious mortals. It is a strong belief (that does not have to be Christian) derived from innermost, personal convictions and does not necessarily grow in strength with age or painful experiences. True Faith protects the beilever from our kind, and sometimes, he is even able to push back or harm Kindred. See Holy symbols.

True Sabbat
A term referring to an initiate of the Sabbat who has survived his Creation Rites and has proven his loyaly to the sect.

Tumnimos
Rroma and Ravnos term for the Embrace.

Turf
Vulgar term for an entire city or a smaller part of a town a Caintite can try to claim as his sphere of influence.

Twilight Cult
Gehenna Cult founded in 1550. The Twilight Cult's members assume they can prevent Gehenna by destroying or suborning the Last Daughter of Eve, just like you prevent the unlocking of a door by removing the key.

The Twilight Cult was originally founded by the Ventrue and Tremere elders to determine to which people the Last Daughter will be born and to find a reliable method to supervise the kine populace and thus ferret out any mortal woman bearing the mark of Eve, a crescent. In 1796, a powerful Kindred claiming to be Ravnos contacted the cult's members in Paris with surprising information: the woman they searched for would be born to the Rroma. A research team consisting of the cult's leaders received a surprising amount of "hints" indicating the Rroma from the Ravnos - maybe "non-hints" would be a better term. The members of the research team were almost convinced that the mysterious visitor was a Malkavian elder trying to mislead them when he pointed out that the Rroma were not mentioned in the Book of Nod at all. That made the elders study them. Thus, The Twilight Cult rode the cottails of Nazis' Sinti and Rroma pogroms, among other things. At present, there are three factions within the Twilight Cult, two of which insist the Last Daughter of Eve will be born among the Rroma.

Tyler
With a heavy heart, I have to bring dire news to our many readers: Tyler, a rather unassuming Kindred from Chicago belonging to the Learned Clan, is none other than the infamous and rightly feared Patricia of Bollingbroke. Yes, it is she, the one that once sought to drink the soul of the esteemed Hardestadt. Although she luckily did not succeed at this endeavor, actions kindled the fire that would later be called the Anarch Revolt. Although Tyler did act out of passion and did not plan to do so, she almost committed one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. Her teachings that the Kindred should step out of the shadows and take a more direct role in guiding humanity became one of the doctines of the Sabbat, and she is still revered by some adherents of this questionable theory. She probably never expected such repercussions and has therefore hidden her name and face in shame, but her crimes will probably not go unpunished for long after some of the mighty lay eyes on this text.

Tzimisce
1. One of the founding clans of the Sabbat. The members of this clan are often called Fiends, a name that may be due in part to the propaganda of the Tremere but certainly does have some basis in fact. The Tzimisce hail from the lands of eastern Europe and especially Transylvania. Due to the massive Sabbat exodus, though, many Tzimisce can be found in the Americas. Within the Sabbat, the Tzimisce are an elite cast of spiritual leaders and leave most of the politics and nightly operations to the Lasombra. They have been instrumental in the development of many Paths of Enlightenment and are still the most vocal proponents of these alternatives to humanitas. Their mastery of the dreaded Discipline Vicissitude makes them feared and revered at the same time, as their alien bodies often create a strange fascination in others. Many rites of the Sabbat have their basis in rituals the Tzimisce have practiced for centuries or even millennia.

2. Also known as the Eldest Kindred of the Third Generation and founder of the clan of the same name. Supposedly, Tzimisce has sought to transcend the limits of the body. According to clan lore, he succeeded and is therefore revered not only as the founder but also as a quasi-saint by many religious Tzimisce. He supposedly fell beneath the fangs of one Lugoj bloodbreaker whose diablarie plunged the clan into the Anarch Revolt, but soon thereafter he fell into torpor. Lately rumors about bizarre creations of flesh have surfaced in the New World, and some claim that only Tzimisce himself would have been able to create such monstrousities. Strangely enough, these claims seem to support the tales of Lambach Ruthven, who claims that Tzimisce slew Lugoj and has been masquerading as him for centuries.

Tzimisce, Old World
A term used to describe some fo the very old Tzimisce who remained in Europe and are nominally a part of the Sabbat. In fact, very few of them choose to involve themselves in the politics of the sect at all, rather preferring to lead their unlives as they wish. A small group within the Tzimisce is obsessed with the idea that Vicissitude is in some way tainted or corrupted. These Tzimisce refrain from employing the Discipline and prefer to cultivate Dominate. Whatever beliefs the Tzimisce may have, I warn you about setting a foot on the soil they claim for themselves, as horrible curses and magics are sure to follow those unwanted intrusions.