The Vargr

In the ancient past, in Scandinavia, there arose among the Norse a mighty hero. Some say this was Beowulf. Others called him Sigfried. In the end, it hardly matters...because none now walk the waking night who truly remember. According to legend, this hero was a champion of those beset by monsters, a hunter of those who hunt the night. In Germany, he routed a covey of terrible hags. In England, he fought the Hound of the Moors. In Denmark, he slew the great beast called Grendel, at the golden hall of Heorot, then tracked his foul mother to her lair in the mere, and slew her as well. Or so the legends go. For his reward, or perhaps his punishment, a Gangrel Embraced him, turned him into what he had fought for so long...a ravening Beast. The Kindred descendants of this ancient hero form the bloodline called the Vargr, which is Norse for Wolves. Possessed of all the shapeshifting ability of their parent clan, and their hardiness, they are also gifted with their progenitor's legendary strength.

Parent Clan: Gangrel

Nickname: Wolves

Covenant: As a bloodline of heroes, many of this lineage are drawn to the Lancea Sanctum, which at least gives them a purpose, a chance to be heroes again, however dark. To punish evil, despite their own monstrousness. Some, inspired by the Norse legends of their founder, join the Circle of the Crone. Few indeed become Invictus or Ordo Dracul...but several have joined the Carthians, because of their own egalitarian impulses...and because a cause...any cause...is better than none.

Appearance: Despite their Norse roots, the Vargr come in every color, race creed. They tend to be large, and muscular, and although most are male, there is a significant minority of females, called Valkyries by those within the lineage. They dress how they like, but tend toward utilitarian garb, or modern 'warrior' dress. Leather, khaki, and camo are all equally common. A significant number affect skinhead fashion and symbology, unfortunately.

Haven: Anywhere they can lay their head. Their causes take them many places, and few settle down forever.

Background: Prospective Vargr are embraced from those who were warriors and heroes, in life, in general. Police officers, principled mob soldiers, vigilantes, firefighters, ex-military (especially decorated), or just somebody who was at the right place at the right time to save those who deserved saving. On the other hand, a large minority are embraced by the skinhead faction of the lineage for their own Aryan views and leanings. So Vargr run the spectrum, really. As to those not embraced Vargr...they have to prove themselves as dark champions to even be considered.

Character Creation: Physical attributes tend to be primary, as the Vargr Embrace people of action. Socials come in a close second, because heroes are often leaders. Mentals come in last. Buy your Blood Potency and sacrifice Willpower, or you start as just another Gangrel.

Bloodline Disciplines: Animalism, Protean, Resilience, Vigor

Weakness: The great strength of the Vargr comes at a great price. Like most mighty beasts, they hunger constantly, requiring fuel for the unflagging power of their undead forms. This combined with the Gangrel ferality leaves them at a three dice penalty to resist Hunger frenzy. They also suffer from the normal Gangrel weakness.

Organization: Almost none. Except when skinhead gangs get involved, the Vargr are few and far between. They do, however, tend to follow a pack mentality when several of them *are* present. Constant struggles for dominance are the norm. At least until a righteous cause is found...

Concepts: reluctant hero, decorated cop, ex-military, survivalist, principled hitman, vigilante

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