Bratovich

The Bratovich family is something of an enigma. Long ago, these revenants were once considered noble, and their warriors fought on behalf of the Tzimisce Clan in numerous conflicts. While Bratovich hunters and soldiers fought at their masters’ sides, their families were arrested for performing the dark arts and died in prison. Their numbers dwindling, surviving members of the once-proud Bratovich family were forced to scrape and beg for food in nearby rural villages.

Soon after the Convention of Thorns, whether by design or out of necessity, the Bratovich family could no longer be found training at their vast estates which had since been destroyed or repossessed by their rivals. For some time, the Bratovich faded into a distant memory. Many of their rivals believed they were either extinct, or had followed the Fiends into parts unknown along with the Grimaldi, Obertus, and Zantosa families to serve the newly formed Sabbat. Historical records seem to support this view, for up until the late 1600s there appears to be no mention of the Bratovich throughout Europe. Then, at the dawn of the eighteenth century, several Bratovich family names were found listed in a ship manifest along with dozens of merchants, traders, and soldiers bound for the West Indies.

The specifics of when and how the Bratovich family reached the shores of America are lost to history, and few vampires think deeply about how they survived. Family elders, however, speak of the terrible suffering they endured while on board galleons like the Lonely Dove, and the ill-gotten wealth they obtained through privateering. Though it cannot be confirmed, the Bratovich were likely separated from their Lords for some time, and the bonds of loyalty weakened as a result. This, some Fiends claim, is the reason why the Bratovich cannot be controlled as they once were long ago, for as soon the relationship between regnant and thrall was broken, they decided to forge a new destiny independent of the undead.

Though it is impossible to know the precise details of the relationship between the Tzimisce Clan and the Bratovich family, it is assumed that the Fiends eventually restored their relationship with their creations, and attempted to train younger family members in the art of Vicissitude. Despite any grievances they might have had, the Bratovich worked closely with the Fiends to establish new strongholds in rural parts of America that resembled their ancestral homes.

Whatever treasures their ancestors stole have since been spent on buying tracts of land and building homes that have fallen into disrepair. Often, family members rely on the generosity of the Fiends in order to continue serving them, and the resources Clan Tzimisce can provide vary greatly depending upon where the family estate is located and which Lords are involved.

In truth, without the support and careful watch of the Fiends, the Bratovich often become so desperate that they quickly tumble into depravity. Some revenants have been forced to sell their war hounds to other Cainites, while others manufacture and distribute moonshine, crystal meth, or heroin. Most often, however, the Bratovich have been known to resort to petty crimes such as robberies or collecting debts for organized crime to avoid living in squalor.

The Bratovich family tends to live in isolated, rural areas, far away from the prying eyes of vampires and mortals. For over two centuries, they have dwelled in dilapidated mansions filled with junk. Broken portraits, chipped antiques, and rusty blunderbusses are often placed alongside black-and-white televisions, half empty containers of rotten food, and bloodied cell phones. Still, many Bratovich revenants maintain a tenuous connection to the outside world, even though most members have forgotten what it means to be human.

Despite their reputation for being backwater hicks, their enemies are often surprised that they are not what they appear to be. The family is known among other revenants for their sense of humor and fondness for gruesome practical jokes. However, as far as the Bratovich family is concerned, they are cunning and acutely aware of how others view them. In fact, a growing number of younger members are plotting to remove the scorch marks that have marred their family name for far too long, by proving their worth to their patron Clan, Sect, and each other.

Currently, the Bratovich family primarily spends their nights hunting troublesome Lupines, wreaking havoc with the local authorities, or assassinating the occasional target for the Sabbat. During their days, these revenants breed war dogs, carry out their masters’ orders, and attempt to increase their holdings by whatever means they deem necessary. Only time will tell if the Bratovich can change their fortunes, and help restore Clan Tzimisce to their former glory.

**Appearance:** The family’s reputation for being inhuman is often reflected in their appearances. Those who are forced to remain in isolation might wear patchwork skirts, stolen clothes, or long beards; those with more social skills attempt to fit in as best they can. In general, however, the family’s sense of style tends to be quainter, even Edwardian. Fleshcrafting is uncommon, but when a revenant modifies his body, it is typically done for aesthetic or practical purposes.

**Character Creation:** Physical and Mental attributes are typically primary; Skills and Talents are both equally prized. When choosing a Nature and Demeanor, consider how isolated the character is, and whether or not they have any humanity left. For example, a Bratovich with Monster as his Nature and Loner as his Demeanor would have a difficult time socializing in public. Fleshcrafted animal Retainers are commonly owned as well; raptors and dogs are the most popular choices.

**Disciplines:** Animalism, Fortitude, Vicissitude

**Weakness:** The ferocity of the Bratovich family is almost as brutal as that of the Lupines they hunt. The difficulty of all rolls to resist frenzy is increased by two. A Bratovich may not spend Willpower to avoid frenzy, but may spend a Willpower point to end it.Quote: “You know where you are and you know who I am. So cut the bullshit. Tell me why you miserable fucks ended up here, or I’ll cut off your arm and feed it to the dogs.”