Sworn of the Mysteries
The third part of the Sworn is given perhaps the most difficult duty of all: It is their place to set the course for the entire covenant, making decisions for all Dragons that will benefit their collective purpose. The Sworn of the Mysteries have no authority over the actions and fate of individuals, but in matters that affect the overall Ordo Dracul (or, more specifically, the local Academy), their decisions are law. It is their responsibility to look forward into the unknown and find the best path for the covenant. They, more than any other Dragons, look at the big picture and consequently involve themselves in the political machinations of the Prince, the Primogen and the other covenants. The Seers, as they are called, are the covenant’s “philosopher-kings,” enigmatic figures who reveal nothing of their true intentions as they guide the ship that is The Ordo Dracul through the treacherous, black sea of the Danse Macabre.
The first of the Seers was Dracula’s youngest bride, his beloved Lisette. It was her influence that tempered the Impaler’s animosity towards God and focused his purpose on personal transcendence. She recognized the need for the covenant to be steered by those with the broadest view of its destiny, not the narrow concerns that consumed the Sworn of the Axe and the Dying Light. When the covenant tossed and turn from internal turmoil, the Sworn of the Mysteries stood above the fray, keeping their attention focused on the overall form of The Ordo Dracul as well as its survival. Time brought tremendous change inside and outside the covenant, and only those with the broadest and farthest-reaching vision could ensure its continued existence and ultimate success. When she bid adieu to London and set out for “parts East” in 1889, she left behind a cabal of Dragons wellsuited for their task as the covenant’s navigators and lawmakers. If trouble existed within the House of Mysteries, none outside its closed doors knew anything. This discipline has kept The Ordo Dracul on course, even though Lisette has not surfaced again to take the helm.
The ranks of the Sworn of the Mysteries are closed to all but the most acclaimed Dragons. Membership requires that half of the chapter’s other Dragons formally affirm their support for the candidate. Traditionally, candidates do not campaign for induction into the Mysteries, but the practice is not uncommon. Most who seek out membership do so quietly, aware that too much stumping is only likely to lead to a few Dragons speaking out against the claimant. If even a single Dragon of the lowest rank should declare her opposition to the candidate taking the Oath of Mysteries, the candidate’s hope is dashed and she cannot be sworn. At one time, this meant the individual was forever forbidden from further consideration, but in some domains tonight the proscription is limited. In some cities, for example, one must wait a dozen years before one may again seek admittance to the Sworn of the Mysteries; however, each subsequent failure to succeed doubles the period one must wait before applying again.
Those who are welcomed into the Mysteries are usually Dragons who take the long view of things, rarely getting caught up in the details. They set law for the Academy and make important decisions such as where to locate a chapter house, which other covenant to ally with and how to interpret the Rites of the Dragon. The Seers are valued as advisors to influential Kindred outside the covenant and spend much time building, working and tearing down relationships with other Kindred, all with an aim to aid The Ordo Dracul.
Because of their grave responsibilities, the Sworn of the Mysteries are expected to remain free from all outside influence; they are married to The Ordo Dracul body, mind and soul. For this reason, their oath forbids themto drink — nay, even taste — the Vitae of another Kindred for any reason whatsoever. They may have tasted their sire’s blood upon their Embrace, but they are sworn to never again sample the blood of another vampire. If they break this trust willingly, their destruction is assured. Should they be forced to do so, they are expected to escape their shame by facing the sun. Those who are unable (or unwilling) to do this are cast out of the covenant and exiled — forever after they are viewed as beneath all other creatures for their weakness.
The first of the Seers was Dracula’s youngest bride, his beloved Lisette. It was her influence that tempered the Impaler’s animosity towards God and focused his purpose on personal transcendence. She recognized the need for the covenant to be steered by those with the broadest view of its destiny, not the narrow concerns that consumed the Sworn of the Axe and the Dying Light. When the covenant tossed and turn from internal turmoil, the Sworn of the Mysteries stood above the fray, keeping their attention focused on the overall form of The Ordo Dracul as well as its survival. Time brought tremendous change inside and outside the covenant, and only those with the broadest and farthest-reaching vision could ensure its continued existence and ultimate success. When she bid adieu to London and set out for “parts East” in 1889, she left behind a cabal of Dragons wellsuited for their task as the covenant’s navigators and lawmakers. If trouble existed within the House of Mysteries, none outside its closed doors knew anything. This discipline has kept The Ordo Dracul on course, even though Lisette has not surfaced again to take the helm.
The ranks of the Sworn of the Mysteries are closed to all but the most acclaimed Dragons. Membership requires that half of the chapter’s other Dragons formally affirm their support for the candidate. Traditionally, candidates do not campaign for induction into the Mysteries, but the practice is not uncommon. Most who seek out membership do so quietly, aware that too much stumping is only likely to lead to a few Dragons speaking out against the claimant. If even a single Dragon of the lowest rank should declare her opposition to the candidate taking the Oath of Mysteries, the candidate’s hope is dashed and she cannot be sworn. At one time, this meant the individual was forever forbidden from further consideration, but in some domains tonight the proscription is limited. In some cities, for example, one must wait a dozen years before one may again seek admittance to the Sworn of the Mysteries; however, each subsequent failure to succeed doubles the period one must wait before applying again.
Those who are welcomed into the Mysteries are usually Dragons who take the long view of things, rarely getting caught up in the details. They set law for the Academy and make important decisions such as where to locate a chapter house, which other covenant to ally with and how to interpret the Rites of the Dragon. The Seers are valued as advisors to influential Kindred outside the covenant and spend much time building, working and tearing down relationships with other Kindred, all with an aim to aid The Ordo Dracul.
Because of their grave responsibilities, the Sworn of the Mysteries are expected to remain free from all outside influence; they are married to The Ordo Dracul body, mind and soul. For this reason, their oath forbids themto drink — nay, even taste — the Vitae of another Kindred for any reason whatsoever. They may have tasted their sire’s blood upon their Embrace, but they are sworn to never again sample the blood of another vampire. If they break this trust willingly, their destruction is assured. Should they be forced to do so, they are expected to escape their shame by facing the sun. Those who are unable (or unwilling) to do this are cast out of the covenant and exiled — forever after they are viewed as beneath all other creatures for their weakness.
Structure
Stations of the Mysteries
In part because its numbers are smaller than those of the Axe and the Dying Light, the Sworn of the Mysteries has few broadly recognized titles.Seer, Oracle, Parliamentarian, Navigator
Culture
Custom and Ceremony
Of all the Sworn, those who have taken the Oath of Mysteries are the least public and least opulent when it comes to ceremony and ritual. Instead of an elaborate display of rank, achievement and responsibility, the Seers prefer to present themselves even to their fellow Dragons as veritable enigmas, using decoration and overt ritual only in a way that further deepens the cloak of mystery that surrounds them. Few outside their own membership are even familiar with their customs, and most assume they have a more expansive hierarchy than they do. Even the Parliamentarian does nothing to announce her authority, dressing no different from the other Mystery Sworn for formal events.The most secret and controversial tradition practiced by the Seers is known as Seeing through the Dragon’s Eyes. One Dragon from their ranks is chosen to voluntarily enter Torpor. She is watched over by the entire Parliament to ensure her safety and to revive her should it be needed. When she awakens, usually of her own volition, she relates everything that she experienced to the Oracles, who record her words and then attempt to decipher them for meaning. It is their theory that when in Torpor a vampire has access to the collective subconscious of all the Damned and is not only given glimpses of the past and present, but also of the future. These oracular visions are debated at length in the hope of wringing some useful truth from them, truths that can aid the Mystery Sworn in charting the course for The Ordo Dracul. For instance, should the visions convince them that the Prince may be destroyed soon, they may choose to begin a campaign to ally the Academy with another influential Kindred who seems best poised to replace the Prince. Although the precise nature of this tradition remains unknown outside the Mystery Sworn, rumors have leaked out, and there are occasional whispers of a hidden Torpor cult within the covenant, though its purpose remains, well…a mystery.
Heights: It is customary for the Sworn of the Mysteries to be given the highest apartments in a chapter house for their own use, a tradition that respects their roles as Seers and Navigators by giving them the greatest vantage point in the Academy. Similarly, most Mystery Sworn prefer havens that are located high above ground if possible. Lighthouses, high-rise apartments, churches with steeples and homes or mansions that have cupolas or towers are favored — but more for symbolism than for practical reasons. Few will ever make their Haven in a basement, or at least they will not spend much time in subterranean chambers. Some actually pretend claustrophobia as a precaution; should their enemies ever come calling, they can hide below ground with a much greater likelihood of being overlooked.
Compass: The compass — also sextants and other archaic navigational devices — is the most important symbol of the Sworn of the Mysteries, emblematic of their role in the covenant. The symbol is used in bookplates, garments and ritual paraphernalia. It is also customary for each Oracle to receive an antique compass upon promotion to that rank.
Black or Sable: The color black is reserved for the Mystery Sworn, but only in the sense that they are the only Dragons allowed to dress completely in that color without adornment or decoration. Also, all meetings of the Sworn of the Mysteries begin in absolute darkness with the invocation spoken without the benefit of light. Only when the invocation is completed is the darkness vanquished so that the business at hand can be addressed. This symbolizes the Seer’s ability to gaze into seeming darkness and find truths hidden within.
Eclipses: Every lunar and solar eclipse is a portentous time for the Mysteries. A session of Parliament is always held on such nights in a place where clear observation of the phenomenon is possible. This is also considered the favored moment for a Navigator to enter or rise from Torpor. In the aftermath of an eclipse, the Mystery Sworn go to extra lengths to discover what changes have taken place in the domain, seeking to tie those things together and better see their own destiny.
Type
Political, Faction / Party
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Parent Organization
Related Ranks & Titles
Mysteries and Morals
Seeing through the Dragon’s Eyes is an action never taken lightly by those about to do it. At anytime during their inner journey, they might come to harm from bodily threats and from actions taken against their personal, political and financial interests. Even when watched closely, they risk memory loss and even madness, so terrible is the experience. One of the most common dangers of all, however, is simply the unintended passage of time. Even when entered voluntarily, Torpor can stretch far beyond its intended limits, and Seers who hope to slip into Torpor for only a month or two can wake to discover that years have actually passed. Because they are Oathbound to never taste the blood of another Kindred, they cannot rely on their fellow Mystery Sworn even to wake them if they don’t rise on time.The only way to guard against this is for a Navigator to maintain as high a Humanity as possible. Lisette was a very devout moralist, and so it is only fitting that her followers also abide by a strict set of morals to protect them when Seeing through the Dragon’s Eyes. They tend to call upon the services of a Confessor more than other Dragons, regularly questioning their own actions and seeking to maintain a sound moral footing. They don’t see themselves or their pursuits as particularly good per se, but they do recognize the tremendous danger posed to them and to the entire Ordo Dracul if they suddenly find themselves out of commission much longer than anticipated.
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