marks . If you manage to work your way into the good graces of a Ventrue Prince , little neonate , I should think my heart might beat for the first time in over a millennium . You could , perhaps , even be forgiven for joining the Ivory Tower .
Healers of the Soul
As muttered by Abraham , Wearer of the Gatto Mask
I truly have little time for your bemused questioning , so allow me to be germane .
Clearly , we would strengthen our line through the Embrace of mortals . Yet the disciples of Lazarus make it clear we ’ re not to Embrace until every last Lazarene is rescued from the Shadowlands . It ’ s an ongoing ordeal , and frankly , I see no end in sight .
Do not interrupt me , pest ! I am getting to you . Yes , your existence proves not every Harbinger follows Lazarus . Some indeed have Embraced since our reappearance . Hells , I know of Harbingers Embraced in the 18th century , as some escaped earlier than most , through use of experimental rituals I personally developed . The numbers have always been low , with such progeny treated poorly by Lazarus ’ disciples .
By my reckoning , all newly created Harbingers ought spend a duration within the Shadowlands to gain a flavor of our struggle . Those who do fly their sire ’ s cloying coop and visit the Underworld are more highly regarded , returning with skulls permanently scored of flesh .
I anticipate a change in our line ’ s attitude towards childer in coming years . We are few , and most suffer a violent form of what the kine call post-traumatic stress disorder , among other diseases of the mind . Centuries locked in the land of the dead produce such symptoms . Children are said to be healers of the soul , however , and the positive behavior of Harbingers who have Embraced is notable , when compared to those who still struggle to leave sepulchers for fear of being consumed by the Tempest .
Now , get out of my library , and touch nothing as you leave . Wretched fledgling .
A Delightful Hiding Place for Weary Men
As whispered by Erebus , Wearer of the Pantalone Mask
Everything you ’ ve been told is a lie . I don ’ t recognize one of these Cainites as kin . Let me tell you why .
I ’ m a wraith .
You think me mad , but in truth I am just one who knows the truth . When a vampire spends masses of time in the Shadowlands , they lose segments of their soul . They live a half-life . They can never return in full unless a wraith takes possession of their body . You see where this is going ?
Yes , many Cainites journeyed to the Shadowlands . Cappadocian , Nagaraja , Lamiae , Erinyes ... Scores have made the Descent of Orpheus , but by the time they return , the Styx has rearranged their souls . It convinces them of a past that never happened . It ’ s all subterfuge to put Puppeteers such as myself into Cainite society as sleeper agents . When the time is right , the Lady of Fate will activate hundreds of wraiths riding their hosts .
We ’ ll ferry the entire desolate civilization of vampires to its rightful place . These creatures have cheated Charon for too long . It ’ s time to be delivered . Lazarus knows , and he would keep you all ignorant for his own purposes . This can ’ t be permitted .
Why am I telling you ? Well , my friend ; the time has come .
Wake up . Your flesh is a vessel . Take the reins and cast off the lie .
He Who Controls the Past , Controls the Future
As decreed by the Wearer of the Capuchin Mask
You ’ ve suffered greatly for centuries , but now your suffering ends . You ’ ve rejoined your kin , the Harbingers of Skulls , and you ’ re to live up to your name . The suffering you felt will be repaid to our enemies a thousand fold .
I ’ m proud to call you disciple . You always were , before you descended . You do not remember . I forgive your confusion . You will remember . You were ever my disciple .
Our Father would see himself made God . You know his sadism . You know we cannot allow this to happen . The Sabbat is the best vehicle for our virtuous fury . We shall strike down his Giovanni pawns , the Clans of the Camarilla who serve their own Fathers , and the childer of Lazarus who would subvert our bloodline for their own aims .
Everything shall be rendered unto nothing , so we may rebuild . Trust only in the Capuchin . Trust only in Japheth Cappadocius , as you have always trusted .
You will always by my disciple .
46 HARBINGERS OF SKULLS