Via Tenebris Natura

**Via Tenebris Natura: *The Path of Dark Nature,*** or ***Path of The Dark Nature,*** function in that both variations of the name are true.

A split path from Road of the Beast, it is both very similar, yet considered by its followers to be a purer distillation. Instead of the focus on controlling one’s beast, it instead teaches how to use the Beast to one’s advantage, that the Beast is a source of inspiration and power, and that being in tune with its needs and drives and maintaining a constant awareness of it can create the ultimate predator and survivor. And even if it follows an overarching goal to emphasize independence and feral behavior, it is far from simply using animalistic methods.

History of this road is unknown but to an exceedingly rare few, as the creator has seldom allowed others not on it to even truly know it. Most of what notes exist in record of it are either lost or hidden for fear that its creator will seek to eliminate all traces of it from humanity or Cainite society ever having such knowledge.

The creator is known only to be an ancient being, dark and foreboding, seemingly transcending limitations of a singular clan, utilizing every skill and power attainable to become something truly formidable.

Rules and Practices are similarly aligned to the core focus of Road of the Beast in that survival  and strength are vital. Concern for the well-being of others is non-existent except in the capacity that long term foresight of the impact of others may lead to benefit or danger to them on this path, and manipulation and more invested involvement with others actions may be crutial.

Starkly different from Road of the Beast is also the lack of fear for falling into the whims of the beast and touching on the Road of Sin, as it can be easily said many aspects of this path share similarities as that of the Path of Pleasure, as seeking what needs or interests align similarly to seeking personal satisfaction beyond just the needs of survival.

Perhaps the greatest similarity and other key reason for the creation of Path of Dark Nature, is the greater emphasis on the Lorekeepers and Wardens known among those on Road of the Beast. But, whereas these sacred sages of the Ferals focus exclusively on Lore and Rituals of the Road, Dark Nature emphasizes pursuit of varied knowledge of any form. Perhaps any of interest, or even that which might benefit the follower in becoming a more skilled survivor or a more powerful and efficient predator. There is truly no limit to what information or wisdom may be pursued, so long as it is done with careful thought and planning in how best to pursue it and even digest it in the most advantageous way, as logical thought and tactful plotting for obtaining information is seen as a similar investment as that of hunting and surviving.

Based on this consideration that information and learning are an aspect of survival, it also does what Road of the Beast does not, and allows for acts of experimentation, manipulation, and what many would consider torture and murder, all for the sake of learing, given that even the most intelligent animals of the wilderness often partake of play and practice to hone their skills and become better hunters and survivors. It can be said, if even in a twisted sense, every follower of Dark Nature is a survivor, hunter, historian, and philosopher in their own right, and no one can convince them that their actions or judgment are based on cruelty or evil, for these philosophers of the darker side of the wilds are wholly focused on the facts of what must be done to survive at all costs, or learn whatever lessons, harsh or cruel, will benefit their existence in the world. In this sense, such followers can be potentially seen as some of the most accepting of the Wyrm, aside from the fact they favor nature and the natural order of animals and primitive life with a ferocity almost like that of the Children of Gaia. And while generally displeased with technology and the advances of man and civilization, they will enter it on the rare occasion to use it to their advantage and even attempt to undermine the foundation of society. If they feel the need or urge to do so, for the benefit of themselves or nature. Whether or not the Garou hate them as much or more so than other Cainites, the followers of Dark Nature care not, and consider themselves outsiders from the clans and Cainites in general, and even predators of the predators, given that the followers of Dark Nature are also favorable to feeding upon Vitae or performing Diablerie when there is need or it simply suits them to do so. Cannibalism is simply another part of nature in times of need for many species, after all.

In some respects, some (but not all) traits of this path also align not just with Path of Pleasure, but Road of the Abyss, or even some aspects of Path of Thorns, though in where they differ, it is a drastically stark contrast.

Among many differences, these predatory philosophers care nothing for material gain or wealth, unless as a temporary tool to serve their current or long term pursuits, in that they consider knowledge, physical prowess, and intellectual cunning to be the true wealth all life should strive for.

Perhaps the most unexpected, given their often critical, cruel, and logical methods, indulging in physical or emotional pleasures such as exotic flavors, recreational games, various sexual acts, or even the arts, are considered a form of educational play and experimentation that the Dark Nature followers may indulge in periodically to gain a better understanding of their own skills or the drives and reasoning behind why other beings behave as they do.