Paths of Enlightenment
"Enlightenment." In the history of the Sword of Caine, the longstanding tradition of abandoning one's Humanity is seen as a way of "Enlightenment," an acceptance of being a Cainite and the monstrocity that entails. It is a way to become closer to one's true spiritual self, though the methods and manners are a matter of choice (in a sense) for each Cainite. To control (or embrace) one's Beast, one must follow a Path of Enlightenment suitable to her nature. The Sabbat's focus on the spiritual is a reflection of this need, and so it is a matter close to the Clergy's metaphorical heart. One of the major duties of the Clergy is tending to the spiritual aspect of the Sect as a whole. For example, one of the main duties of a Pack Priest is to guide his packmates onto Paths suitable to their natures.
The following consists of a list of Paths and their standing within the Sabbat. Major Paths consist of the most widely of the accepted Paths within the sect, whereas the Minor Paths list (though still accepted) moralities followed by a minority of Cainites in the Sword. Heretical Paths list those paths which are considered "heretical" (and thus subject to cause punishment by the Inquisition) and whose practice is banned within the Sabbat, rather than simply discouraged. On the other hand, the New Paths are relatively new (in a sense) as acceptable. (OOC: The "New Paths" are Paths from 2nd Ed which are now accepted under new names for Sabbat players.)
Major Paths
- Path of Caine (see Chaining the Beast pg. 43-48)
- Path of Cathari (see Chaining the Beast pg. 48-52)
- Path of Death and the Soul (see Chaining the Beast pg. 52-56)
- Path of Feral Heart (see Chaining the Beast pg. 35 and LotN: Sabbat Guide pg. 86-87)
- Path of Honorable Accord (see Chaining the Beast pg. 56-61)
- Path of Metamorphosis (see Chaining the Beast pg. 65-69)
- Path of Night (see Chaining the Beast pg. 69-74)
- Cold Night (see Clanbook: Lasombra pg. 67)
- Hot Night ("Core" Path - See regular Path of Night)
- Allied Night (see Clanbook: Lasombra pg. 67-68)
- Lightless Night (see Clanbook: Lasombra pg. 68)
- Righteous Night (see Clanbook: Lasombra pg. 68)
- Path of Orion (see Chaining the Beast pg. 74-78)
- Path of Power and the Inner Voice (see Chaining the Beast pg. 82-86)
- Path of Redemption (see Chaining the Beast pg. 86-91)
Minor Paths
- Path of the Beast (see Chaining the Beast pg. 31-35)
- Path of Self Focus (see Sins of the Blood pg. 33-35)
- Path of Paradox ("Eastern Paradox"/Mayaparisataya - see Chaining the Beast pg. 78-82)
- Path of the Scorched Heart (see Chaining the Beast pg. 103-105)
Heretical Paths
- Path of Lilith (see Chaining the Beast pg. 61-65)
- There is a current debate among the Clergy of the sect as to whether the Path of Flesh (which came from the Path of Lilith) is truly heretical to the Sabbat or not. It is sure to be a hot topic at the next Ecumenical Council but, at this moment, it has yet to be widely accepted by the sect.
- Path of Revelations (see Chaining the Beast pg. 91-95))
- Path of Blood (see Chaining the Beast pg. 35-39)
- Path of Typhon (see Chaining the Beast pg. 95-100)
- Path of Harmony (see Sins of the Blood pg. 35-37)
- Road of Sin (see Faith and Fire pg. 98-99)
- Path of Pleasure (see Road of Sin pg. 66)
- Path of Cruelty (see Road of Sin pg. 67)
- Path of the Devil (see Road of Sin pg. 68)
- Path of Screams (see Road of Sin pg. 69)
- Path of Bones (see Chaining the Beast)
New Paths
- Path of Nod (Second Ed Caine) (see The Player's Guide to the Sabbat pg. 86-88)
- Path of Sarx (Second Ed Cathari) (see The Player's Guide to the Sabbat pg. 88-91)
- Path of Valor (Second Ed Honorable Accord) (see The Player's Guide to the Sabbat pg. 96-98)
- Path of the Sage (Second Ed Self-Focus) (see Dirty Secrets of the Black Hand pg. 68-69)