by: Don Lara for Sanguinus Curae
The Keepers' explorations into the limits of the void from which they draw their power have resulted in an entirely separate realm of occult belief. Investigating the Abyss as a tangible concept, rather than some abstract reference, Abyssal Occultists attempt to gain knowledge of the true nature, and thus the true power, of the shadow realms just beyond our sight.
Note: Abyssal Occultism is a fairly obscure knowledge. Only those Lasombra that really take the time and put the effort into exploring the nature and limits of their Obtenebration abilities should possess this knowledge. As a good standard, Lasombra should first have at least an Occult ability rating of 3, and an Obtenebration rating of 3, before they can begin learning Abyssal Occultism. A good way to measure how much Occultism your character would be able to learn is by how far they've mastered Obtenebration. The most ideal scale would go something like this (with Occult 3 as a prerequisite):
Obtenebration 3: Able to learn the first dot in Abyssal Occultism
Obtenebration 4: A second dot
Obtenebration 5: A third dot.
The fourth and fifth levels of this ability, however, should only come through either further mastery of the Obtenebration discipline or (ideally) the character questing for an Elder that will teach them more about the true nature of the Abyss. Overall though, Storytellers should make the characters really work for attainment of this knowledge, as it is such an obscure offshoot of the standard Lasombra traditions.
You know that the darkness you control is something 'other' than mere shadows.
You have an understanding that the summoned darkness comes from some sort of alternate plane of reality, and that when you summon some shadow construct, it is actually a portion of that reality entering our own.
You know that, despite your apparent ability to "control" it, the Abyss itself has some sort of sentience of its own.
You know of (and might have encountered) the dark spirits that roam the Abyssal dimension, and that it is really lesser aspects of these that are called forth with Obtenebration. However, their true motivations are still a mystery to you.
You believe you understand the true nature of the Abyss and its inhabitants, and your explorations lead you to suspect that some ritual or pact must have once been enacted to bind the Lasombra blood to the dark dimension, though who might have done it, and why, are things still to be discovered.
Ed. Note: While this Knowledge closely resembles the Occult specialization described in Clanbook Lasombra Revised and details almost exactly the same information, the Bloodsisters find this description less ambiguous and easier to use in terms of rolls. As such, we have chosen to publish it despite the similarities. - Benedira
by: Don Lara for Sanguinus Curae
Considered to some degree to be a clan within a clan, the clandestine members of Les Amies Noir represent the true power within the Lasombra Clan; the creme de la creme of the Keepers. The minimum prerequisite for membership is to be an Elder in age and experience, but this is just the beginning. True influence within 'Les Amies' comes only through committed action and sacrifice in service to the Lasombra Clan, and to the Sabbat on the whole.
You've been made aware of Les Amies Noir, and have a probationary membership, with one contact within the group. At Storyteller discretion, you may call upon this contact for a small favor, or a piece of Sect/Clan information, but almost always at a price.
You're accepted as one of the rising stars within the group, but still seen as a newcomer. You know at least two other members by name and have a few acquaintances. Name-dropping alone can get things done for you in some cities, but you don't yet have the clout to back anything up if questioned on your authority.
You are a member in good standing, and know most of the other members within your region. You are occasionally called upon to sit in on sessions of the Court of Blood.
You represent one of the 'old guard' of the group, and know most of the other members on sight. You often sit in on 'Les Amies' committees whose decisions dictate the future course of the Clan, and even the Sabbat on the whole. Your name alone opens practically all doors when dealing with the Lasombra in a city.
You regularly officiate sessions of the Court of Blood. It is not uncommon for Lasombra Archbishops to solicit your advice in matters of Clan and Sect.