Ducheski

The history of the Ducheski revenant family is filled with stories of betrayal, ingenuity, and loss. Unlike other revenant families, the Ducheski were not initially related by blood. In fact, they were not the Ducheski at all.

The roots of this revenant family can be traced back to the height of Clan Tzimisce’s power. While some Fiends were busy experimenting with great lineages throughout Eastern Europe, an ambitious elder named Krevcheski desired a family of his own that shared keen intellect and mechanical aptitude. While the Fiend discovered many talented engineers and builders, he did not find a suitable family filled with them. So, Krevcheski decided to create that which he did not have, by slowly kidnapping those he felt would be well-suited for breeding and experimented upon them using his arts at his mountain fortress.

While his methods were unorthodox even among the Fiends, Krevcheski’s centuries-long breeding program eventually took hold. When he was satisfied with the results, he introduced the family to the rest of his Clan. Proud of his creations, Krevcheski named the family after himself and, for a time, his revenants spent their days and nights making weapons, armor, elaborate torture devices, and siege engines to be used in battle.

One night, without warning, the Krevcheski turned on their masters. So far no records have been discovered to reveal the details of their betrayal, or why the family put their lives in the hands of their masters’ enemies. Whatever the reason, there are a number of stories about how and why the Krevcheski defected to Clan Tremere. One popular version describes an old man who designed a magnificent suit of armor. For ten years, he put his heart and soul into the suit, but when he was finished his master forced him to bolt the chest piece onto a vozhd and something in him snapped. This apocryphal tale is one of many whispered about how and why the family betrayed the Tzimisce.

Free from their former masters, the surviving Krevcheski abandoned their surname, and became the Ducheski. Under the direction of Clan Tremere, the Ducheski continued their work in secret. Instead of concentrating their efforts on implements of war, however, the Ducheski practiced their arts by devising traps and protections for their masters’ havens as well as elaborate equipment for their laboratories.

Unfortunately, there are few Ducheski remaining in the modern nights. They are believed to have two family estates located in eastern Poland, and another in Kansas. While their skills are valuable, the passing years have taken their toll on the family. Survivors rely on the Warlocks for protection and resources, and in exchange they do their masters’ bidding to provide security for them when needed. Though they are well provided for, the Tremere Clan keeps a close watch on the Ducheski, fearing that one day this revenant family would turn on them, too.

Clan Tremere may be right to be paranoid, for advances in technology could greatly benefit the Ducheski family. During their nights, they may remain at their masters’ sides to devise new ways of keeping their chantries and havens secure, but during the day the Ducheski conspire and plot to learn as much as they can about modern engineering and computer science. While the Ducheski family’s insatiable appetite for knowledge hasn’t resulted in an insurrection yet, it is only a matter of time before this family of revenants takes their fate into their own hands.

**Appearance:** While the Ducheski are artisans, tinkerers, and engineers, their sense of aesthetics is not generally reflected in their clothes or their bearing. Those Ducheski who live in isolation are at the mercy of the Warlocks’ generosity. Thus, their clothing tends to be plain, practical, and sturdy. In general, the Ducheski are quiet and serious; they are quick to lower their eyes in the presence of their masters. Birth defects, such as polydactylism, are common in remote branches of the family due to inbreeding.

**Character Creation:** Good choices for Nature and Demeanor would be related to the character’s relationship to the rest of the family and patron Clan. For example, a Scientist/Survivor combination would work just as well as a Director/Traditionalist for any Ducheski serving Clan Tremere. Knowledges, Talents, and Skills should be related to which crafts or trades the revenant is skilled in. These might be in the fields of metalworking, electrical engineering, industrial or military chemistry, or computer science. Additionally, most Ducheski revenants have varying degrees of occult knowledge that complements their masters’ pursuit of thaumaturgy. Despite being isolated, the Ducheski have managed to retain their Humanity, in part due to the guidance of the Tremere.

**Disciplines:** Auspex, Dominate, Thaumaturgy

**Weakness:** As a result of centuries spent under the thumb of the Tremere, the Ducheski have grown quite far from the human side of their beings. Isolation has caused an aberration in the minds, bodies, and personalities of all family members. No Ducheski may ever have a Social Ability above 2.

**Quote:** “I don’t know what circumstances would require you to perform an encephalectomy in thirty seconds, Madame, but I can assure you my invention will exceed your expectations.”