OVERVIEW

One of the more unusual bloodlines to appear in recent years has been the "Clan" known only as the Kilraths. First coming onto the scene within the Anarch Free States, it was believed that this Bloodline of ruthless Kindred were descended from a powerful Caitiff or perhaps a divergence from the traditional Brujah line: later theories suggest that they are offshoots of Ravnos gorgios or even a bizarre side-effect of Assamite experimentation. Whatever their origins, the Kilraths have become small but significant players in the nightly games of the streets.

The Kilraths seem to prefer Embracing members of street gangs and similar criminal types (perhaps contributing to the Ravnos-based theory of their origin): in fact, they are so indoctrinated in gang-style culture and social mentality they, as a group, developed extensive contacts and information networks within the lower echelons of the underworld community that rival many street-adept Kindred of far older origins. It is said that the Kilraths have also forged alliances with other Cainite groups that specialize in such spheres of influence; since several intra-clan conflicts among the Giovanni have been rumored to involve Kilrath as hired muscle for one or more sides, this hearsay may have more than a grain of truth to them.

The Kilrath are nominally uninterested in Sect Affairs or general Kindred politics and intrigues, adopting a more-or-less neutral stance. They claim to only have interests in their "business ventures", and tend only to involve themselves in affairs of court/Elysium when absolutely necessary (which does not mean that they never attend such gatherings ... Kilraths are notorious for making spectacular entrances at any major party, especially Kindred ones), although they are commonly hired out by Princes or Archbishops as "Subcontractors", managing the street or underworld-related affairs of other vampires who have neither the time not inclination to develop such influences to their fullest potential. Most of the time, both parties come away from the deal all the richer for it.

The Kilrath follow a code of ethics that seems a cross between gang-banger style and archaic warrior's honor system. This makes it possible for both younger modern Kindred and anachronistic elders who take the time to properly assess the situation to deal with them effectively. On the other hand, crossing or insulting a Kilrath can be a very dangerous proposition; they are both swift and brutal, and think nothing of bringing the full weight of their formidable contacts and resources to bear against an opponent.

Nickname: Fangbangers (but never to their faces ...)

Disciplines: Celerity, Delinquency and Obfuscate

Appearance: Most Kilrath dress in attire appropriate to their level on involvement with the street or organized crime. Gansta-colors suits and even more exotic fashions grace their number, with kind of dark flair that separates them from their Mortal counterparts. Kilrath are diverse, ethnically speaking, with those of the more powerful Generations seeming to be drawn from the ethnicity's prominent among the underworld faction in the Los Angeles area, where (as far as anyone knows) the Clan (and all Kilraths vehemently insist the they are, in fact a Clan) first appeared. Additionally, most integrate some more indication their affiliation into their clothing, bodies or even auras. Some even create more elaborate designs, signifying the "colors" of a particular Lineage, coterie or connection to a mortal affiliation.

Character Background/ Creation: Kilraths usually choose from intelligent and tough members of underworld, most often leaders and warlords of street gangs or enforcers and strategists of more advanced criminal organizations. Occasionally, a person who demonstrates sufficient street-saavy, cunning and strength is chosen, although he is carefully monitored beforehand to more certain that he has the "right stuff". The Embrace (sometimes called "Jumping-In" by the more street-oriented members) is a rigorous process that involves tests of loyalty, courage and sometimes sheer ruthlessness, so say many candidates are ghouled first as sort of "training period" which is used to indoctrinate them into the "family" mentality of the Bloodline, as well as to make sure that they have the best chances of surviving the initiation tests.

Personality Archetypes most often seen include Bravo, Director, Capitalist, Survivor and Competitor. Mental and Physical Attributes are favored, with Talents and Skills usually holding priority over Knowleges (except of course for such Abilities as Streetwise or appropriate languages). Kilraths who favor Social Traits tend to be either very intimidation or extremely magnetic ... usually both at the same time.

Organization: The Kilrath Hierarchy is reminiscent of a loosely structured underworld gang, more like a warrior fraternity than a Mafia family. Prestige seems to be based on age and accomplishment more than anything else. With a system of challenges for internal political and social dominance that includes duels of both the physical and rhetorical kind. Boasting duels, combat and even insult contests are common events at Kilrath gatherings. The Bloodline is very tightly knit, never allowing outsiders to come between, but this in no way prevents them from being highly competitive among themselves.

Clan Advantage: Because of their backgrounds and specializations, all Kilraths begin play with a free Ability Trait in Streetwise; also, they may choose one of the following: Brawl, firearms, Security or Leadership which they may also purchase for free.

Clan Weakness: Kilraths are ferociously territorial and hold grudges or antipathy towards (a rival gang, police officers or certain modes of dress which reminds them of the above are good examples). The Kilrath is automatically two Traits down on resisting frenzy when dealing with any representative of this type, as well as two Traits down when trying to engage in any kind of social challenge with them that does not involve antagonism or intimation of any kind. In other words, they have a very difficult time "making nice" with the "enemy".

Bloodlines: The Bloodline seems to divide itself into two distinct groups: the "Playboyz" (primarily street-warriors) and the "Folks" (who focus on higher levels of organized crime activity). "Folks" also substitute Obfuscate for Presence. Rumors of a type of "Antitribu" Kilrath, not related to the Sabbat, have surfaced from time to time, but no one outside of the Bloodline has any idea as to what this means, if the rumors are true at all.

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