Lancea Sanctum - Central and South America
In part due to the tendency of the earliest Sanctified in the Americas to migrate northward from Mexico — because they followed the Spanish and because of the popular tale of Longinus traveling in that direction — and in part because of the racial biases its members harbored for the indigenous people they encountered, The Lancea Sanctum never became a dominant force in Central or South America. Despite the clear influence of the Catholic Church on mortal civilization throughout the continent, the Damned who did populate the exotic cities of these still relatively wild lands were predominantly more interested in politics than piety. This is not to say that the Sanctified did not establish a presence, of course. The followers of Longinus do have their place in most of the major cities tonight, but few have the clout to seize absolute power. Instead, the covenant serves more as a model of morality and capitalizes on its role as spiritual adviser. While few cities here have a Sanctified Prince, many of the Princes who do hold court have at least one member of The Lancea Sanctum close by. It is by this kind of alliance, similar to the one with The Invictus that brought the covenant to power in Europe, that The Lancea Sanctum exerts its greatest influence in the southern Americas.
The Monachal Creed is particularly strong here and only rarely Bows to the authority of another denomination. Its greatest competitors are not the other traditionally strong sectarian creeds of the Old World, but rather the various homegrown cults that draw heavily upon the older, native beliefs of the locals. Elements of superstition, animal worship, gruesome ritual sacrifice, and self-deification are not unusual and create a highly unorthodox blend of faith and fear that marks The Lancea Sanctum as notably unlike its incarnations elsewhere. The veneration of local saints — Sanctified who have been martyred here — is particularly commonplace, with most domains laying claim to at least one such revered figure.
The covenant also distinguishes itself by the great importance it places in religious festivals and reenactments. Highly ceremonial processions through moonlit graveyards overgrown with blood-watered plants that recreate important events in the covenant’s history — especially local history — and similar solemn affairs meant to pay homage to Longinus and his martyrs are part and parcel of the South American Lancea Sanctum. Elaborate raiment, distinctly native headdress, various relics and icons, and hideous litanies of damnation make these events powerful affirmations of faith and spiritual fortitude for the Sanctified.
The covenant also makes use of ancient temples and tombs for these and other rites. In most cases, these places are removed from the city where the Damned dwell, making the pilgrimage to participate in the religious gathering as much a show of pious devotion as any recitation of faith. Away from prying eyes and safe from breach of the Masquerade, the Sanctified are free to sing dark litanies to both Longinus and things that would be less acceptable to their fellow faithful unfamiliar with the pagan jungles and the blood gods that still lurk in the deepest shadows of the overgrown ruins.
The Monachal Creed is particularly strong here and only rarely Bows to the authority of another denomination. Its greatest competitors are not the other traditionally strong sectarian creeds of the Old World, but rather the various homegrown cults that draw heavily upon the older, native beliefs of the locals. Elements of superstition, animal worship, gruesome ritual sacrifice, and self-deification are not unusual and create a highly unorthodox blend of faith and fear that marks The Lancea Sanctum as notably unlike its incarnations elsewhere. The veneration of local saints — Sanctified who have been martyred here — is particularly commonplace, with most domains laying claim to at least one such revered figure.
The covenant also distinguishes itself by the great importance it places in religious festivals and reenactments. Highly ceremonial processions through moonlit graveyards overgrown with blood-watered plants that recreate important events in the covenant’s history — especially local history — and similar solemn affairs meant to pay homage to Longinus and his martyrs are part and parcel of the South American Lancea Sanctum. Elaborate raiment, distinctly native headdress, various relics and icons, and hideous litanies of damnation make these events powerful affirmations of faith and spiritual fortitude for the Sanctified.
The covenant also makes use of ancient temples and tombs for these and other rites. In most cases, these places are removed from the city where the Damned dwell, making the pilgrimage to participate in the religious gathering as much a show of pious devotion as any recitation of faith. Away from prying eyes and safe from breach of the Masquerade, the Sanctified are free to sing dark litanies to both Longinus and things that would be less acceptable to their fellow faithful unfamiliar with the pagan jungles and the blood gods that still lurk in the deepest shadows of the overgrown ruins.