Basic info: Of all the Kindred, the Gangrel are perhaps closest to their inner nature. They are wanderers, rarely holding to one place for any real period of time. These nomadic loners spurn the constraints of society, preferring the comfort of the wilderness. There is no record of who the eldest in their line is, and there is no established leaders of the clan. On the whole, Gangrel are unconcerned with such things. They are known for being withdrawn, quiet and solemn. They certainly keep their cards close to their chest. This is a lineage of survivors - vampires who are capable of making it on their own. Like the Brujah, they are fierce warriors; unlike the Brujah, their ferocity does not stem from anarchic rage, but from animalistic instinct. They do not despise civilization or the society of their Kindred, they simply do not require it. They are among the most predatory Kindred, and love to lose themselves in the thrill of the hunt. Gangrel have a keen understanding of the Beast in their souls, and prefer to spend their nights in communion with the animals whom they so emulate. They are very capable transformers, which may explain their ability to cross wild areas unmolested. There are no reports of them being able to transform into anything other than wolves and bats, but there are old tales of a Gangrel elder being able to achieve a mist form. Perhaps because of this Protean Discipline, they often have features distinctly reminiscent of some animals. Each time they frenzy, the Gangrel gain another animal feature. The clan itself has little contact with, or regard for, the rest of the Kindred, which is likely the product of simple disinterest. Certainly, Gangrel are popularly viewed as quiet, taciturn and reclusive. Although there is no more truth to this than there is to any other stereotype, the clan as a whole displays little of the ostentation found among lines such as the Toreador or Ventrue. If the stories are to be believed, the Gypsies are the mortal descendants of the Antideluvian who stands at the head of the Gangrel line. They are under his protection, and any Kindred who harms or Embraces one of them will answer to him. Regardless of wether this is true or not, Kindred are loath to harm a Gypsy. Members of the Gangrel clan are expected, through long-standing clan tradition, to aid the Gypsies whenever necessary. It has been known for them to be aided by the Gypsies, as well. Certain members of the Gangrel clan have adopted much from the Gyspy culture, including their manner, aspects of their language, and in some instances their dress. Disciplines: Animalism, Fortitude, Protean. General appearance: Gangrel's harsh unlifestyle and lack of interest in fashion often make them seem rugged and wild. Couple wthis with the animal features common among the clan, and Gangrel sometimes appear downright frightening. Some mortals and Kindred find a certain predatory beauty in the Gangrel, though this can lead to a dangerous misjudgement of the Gangrel's intentions. Usual Havens: Gangrel often make no permanents havens, sleeping wherever they can find shelter from the sun. Gangrel with sufficent mastery of the Protean Discipline sleep in the very earth, lairing in parks and other spots of natural terrain. Although many Gangrel prefer to lair in the wild or travel from place to place, they are vulnerable to attacks by mortals or other Kindred, and so they are often forced to remain in the city's confines. Progeny: Gangrel Embrace for a variety of reasons, as do most Kindred, but do not pass on the Curse lightly or commonly. They pick their progeny-to-be very carefully. If a generalization must be made, it could be said that Gangrel prefer to Embrace loners, those who have the physical and emotional resiliency to survive the shock of the Change. The sire's training, what little there is, tends to be gruff and harsh; most Gangrel must discover the vagaries of unlife largely on their own. Once they have been Embraced, their sires abandon them, leaving them to make their own way in the world. Though they may watch their progeny from a distance, sires rarely intervene. When they feel a childe is ready, they present themselves and teach the childe the true ways of the line. Views on the other clans: Brujah: So much fury for so little gain. Malkavian: Either they know the greatest secrets, or they've played us all for fools. Whichever, I keep my distance. Nosferatu: Wise observers and useful allies. Still, I wouldn't choose to lair in a pest-hole. Toreador: Pointless waste. Tremere: They are not vampires, try though they might. The reckoning has merely been postponed. Ventrue: Their foolish power-games keep the others preoccupied, and so we tolerate them for now.

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