The Oath of Infaq
Otherwise known as the Oath of Sanguine Compliment (or, in more cynical circles, as the Oath of Silence), this avoidance vow declares the vampire’s intent to speak well of the subject wherever he goes. While swearing the oath, the vampire kneels and bleeds one point of Vitae into a hollow vessel of some sort — usually a bottle or jar — which he presents to the subject. The blood in the receptacle remains liquid until the oath is violated or annulled by the subject. In the former case, it darkens, eventually turning completely black, while in the latter it simply evaporates. If the swearer suffers Final Death, the blood turns to ash.
The great Taifa Knight, Badr-Aldin ibn Husam-al-Din, scourge of the North African domains and revered Meister of the Order of the Burning Sands, is said to have dozens of these vials in his possession, sworn by awestruck brethren and lords who witnessed his prowess in battle.
The great Taifa Knight, Badr-Aldin ibn Husam-al-Din, scourge of the North African domains and revered Meister of the Order of the Burning Sands, is said to have dozens of these vials in his possession, sworn by awestruck brethren and lords who witnessed his prowess in battle.
Effect
The Oath of Infaq must be sworn willingly by a Kindred who donates the point of Vitae required to activate it. The oath cannot be sworn under mystical compulsion; the Kindred’s will must be free.
While the oath is in effect, the swearing Kindred suffers a point of lethal damage every time he willingly speaks ill of the subject. There is no resistance roll involved, as the vampire imposed the oath upon himself. The damage will not occur if the Kindred is mystically compelled to insult the subject, and the blood does not turn to ash.
While many of the Taifa who take this oath choose to do so, there is no actual compulsion to speak well of the subject. It is possible to simply refrain from mentioning him. The oath is ended when the vessel imbued with Vitae is broken — either by the subject or by anyone else. Otherwise, the oath lasts indefinitely.
While the oath is in effect, the swearing Kindred suffers a point of lethal damage every time he willingly speaks ill of the subject. There is no resistance roll involved, as the vampire imposed the oath upon himself. The damage will not occur if the Kindred is mystically compelled to insult the subject, and the blood does not turn to ash.
While many of the Taifa who take this oath choose to do so, there is no actual compulsion to speak well of the subject. It is possible to simply refrain from mentioning him. The oath is ended when the vessel imbued with Vitae is broken — either by the subject or by anyone else. Otherwise, the oath lasts indefinitely.