The pack is a basic unit of structure for the sect, serving both
social and military functions. All Sabbat, even the sect's leaders, are members
of a pack. A Sabbat vampire does not have much choice about the pack to which
he will belong since he has no control over who chooses to embrace him. He must
remain a member of the pack that created him. Packs maintain their own
permanent communal havens. They travel occasionally, but one city remains their
home. Packs conduct their business on a certain night each week. These weekly
meetings are known as esbats. Often an Ignoblis Ritus will be held during the
esbat, but it is mainly used to
conduct pack business. All pack members must attend unless a good
reason for absence is given in advance.
All Sabbat put their sect before themselves and everything else in
the world. They know what will happen to them if they do not.The Sabbat treats
disloyalty very harshly, and some members have perfected the art of torture and
disfigurement. Final Death is the only real choice for the disloyal This does
not mean that all within the sect possess the same opinions. Among the fanatics
are those with differing views on all
Sabbat activities. The Sabbat leaders do not want mindless drones.
They want strong-willed vampires ready to face death for the second time. Only
strong Sabbat can understand true freedom, and they are the ones who push the
sect on to domination.
The Sabbat provides protection, freedom and loyalty to all its
members. These gifts are not without their costs. The members are required to
protect sect interests, carry out missions and to give the Sabbat total fealty
and devotion. All Sabbat have what are called Vinculums, or special bonds of
love and loyalty shared with their pack. The Vinculum varies between all
members, but always translates into a strong love for and loyalty to the sect
itself. While Vinculum strength may vary with each individual bond, Sabbat
vampires tend to be stronger in their loyalty and devotion to the sect itself
than to individual members.
Because of this Vinculum for
the Sabbat itself, its members are considered fanatics. Most are willing to
accept Final Death for the good of the sect. In addition, this special Blood
Bond makes the Sabbat's secrets especially hard to uncover. From the day a
Sabbat vampire is Embraced, she has certain responsibilities. All Sabbat must
uphold pack tradition and practices. They must choose and support leaders who
serve the good of the Sabbat as well as the good of the pack itself. They must
challenge weak and incompetent leaders as well as those who serve only their
own interests. They must perform missions for their leaders. They must work to
destroy all the enemies of the Sabbat. Finally, they must be willing to give up
their immortal lives for their sect.
Unlife in the Sabbat is wild and dangerous. Most Sabbat vampires do
not exist long after they have been Embraced. Younger members are considered the
most expendable. Constant fighting with the Camarilla and other foes, such as
the Inquisition and Lupines, forces Sabbat to live on the edge. While the
Camarilla vampires fear Final Death and seldom take great risks, the Sabbat's
basic beliefs lead all sect members to do whatever it takes to carry out the
mission of saving Kindred from Gehenna. The pack fills two important, connected
roles for the Sabbat. First and foremost, it serves a combat function. This
military
Aspect
is important for furthering Sabbat plans. The second function of the pack is to
provide a social group for individual Sabbat.
The Clan does not play an important role in the pack. Each clan
maintains its own ties, but these are secondary to those of the pack. Clans
sometimes hold their own gatherings, and members often partake of the Vaulderie
together.