Gaerini - Children of the Sea

by Damien Moore aka. Sean O'Connell (25 Jun 93)

Nickname: Fish

History: The Gaerini were originally an offshoot of the Gangrel Clan, much
like the Daedalians, but differing in one major way - their powers, life and
interests were dedicated to the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes rather than
the are, and their powers began to extend in that direction.

The Gaerini have always been a small bloodline, and were never major players
in any of the vampire societies. They prefered to keep to themselves, or in
very small groups, like isolated fishing villages.

The Gaerini were originally from the south of France. Their progenitor, a
Gangrel who had spent her entire life by the sea, using her powers of
shape-shifting in new ways, untried by her kin, embraced a young fisherman
and sailor, who, once he was Embraced, did not have the traditional Gangrel
powers of Fortitude, Animalism and Protean. At first she thought that she
had spawned a Caitiff, and was disappointed that her blood had run so thin.

But after some time of observing her Progeny, she realised that his powers
were not so much a manifestation of hers, but a manifestation of her
desires. The young man had the quickness of the sea, its illusary qualities,
once the preserve of her Cousins, the Ravnos only, and a strange ability
similar to her Protean, but adapted for an aquatic mode.

Appearance: Gaerini can come from any culture or background. However they
are invariably linked with cultures that are near the sea in some manner.

Haven: Like the Gangrel, Gaerini tend to be constantly moving. However they
will often have a number of Havens within one city, moving between them
irregularily. These Havens are usually houses or apartments near the ocean.

Background: Gaerine can come from any background, as long as they have some
association with the sea. Surfers, coast guard rangers, fisherpeople, divers
are all members of the gaerini bloodline.

They are often asked before they are Sired, and the Bloodline has a number
of 'Recruiters' that travel the world looking for members. These recruiters
invariably have Dominate 3 in addition to the Gaerini disciplines, to erase
the memories of those who refuse the Embrace.

Character Creation: Any, given the mention ocean ties. Sometimes the Childe
does not need an association with seas, but with inland waters. Physical a
abilities tend to be primary, as are Talents. They often have backgrounds in
Mentor, and Allies. A gaerini Childe may take the Merit Calm Heart with no
cost, relfecting the Clans very calm attitudes.

Clan Disciplines: Aquas, Chimerstry, Celerity

Weaknesses: It is said that the Gaerini have a touch of the Toreador about
them, and they may be drawn into a trance of some type, mesmerised by sight
of a sea-scape, or a droplet of spinning water.

Organisation: There is no official organisation of the Gaerini, but they do
keep in touch, especially Sire to Childe. If a Gaerini needs help then they
do manage to bring a surprising amount of effort to bear. Many Gaerini have
allies amongst the Gangrel.

Quote: "The sea is our mistress and our delight, we fall into the ecstasy of
being alone with her. In this we are similar to our brothers, the Gangrel,
yet at times they seem to remote from us."

Stereotypes:
Gangrel:
        o Our Kindred, and our Sires. We have been given much from them and
          they from us.
        o "The gaerini? I have met but one, and recognised the resemblance
          between our Clans; but they have strayed into strange waters
          indeed."
Nosferatu:
        o They share much with us, but we have sailed beyond their more
          limited outlook.
        o "Those guys are wierd. Its like someone melted a Gangrel, Toreador
          and a Ravnos together, and it became something new..."
Tremere:
        o Trust them not. They have some of our power and would destroy us
          all so as not to remind themselves that they cannot have it all.
        o "Gaerini? A myth, spawned by a Gangrel who had stolen some of our
          secrets. They do not exist.... why do you ask? Have you seen her?"
Ventrue:
        o We have little in common with them. They lead where we do not
          travel.
        o "Gaerini? Never heard of them."
Toreador:
        o These hedonists are very amusing. They live their unlife
          boisterously, with relish - yet we have some in common.
        o "Gaerini? Wasn't he a Renaissance painter?"
Brujah:
        o Rebels without a clue. They rebel against all without thought. We
          simply flow out of their way.
        o "Gaerini... um, yeah man, I met one of these guys, he was trying
          to talk to some fish or something. Strange, just like a Gangrel,
          but more wet, if that were possible."
Malkavian:
        o These Kindred are sheer chaos. They ebb and flow with no apparent
          pattern. But underneath this chaos lurks something that we have
          not seen all.
        o "Gaerini, yes, a fine fisherman, he gave me a fish once, a fine
          fish. Named it Eric. Don't know why."
Ravnos:
        o They cluster where we spread - but we share more than their
          illusions.
        o "Gaerini - some of Gangrel cousins stole our tricks, and use them
          to confound each other. They're no fun to fool with, they just
          wait until you're gone.
Assamites:
        o Beware! If you see one of these Kindred, just leave! Don't worry
          about Havens, or possessions, just go!
        o "who?"
Setites:
        o They are disgusting. Foil them where you can.
        o "Who?"