Dark Thaumaturgy

Dark Thaumaturgy is the name given to Thaumaturgy learned from demons. Vampires may make pacts with demons in order to learn the secrets of blood sorcery, just as mortal mages do to learn other infernal magics; they do so at the cost of whatever soul they have left, sealing a bargain which is a quick route to magical power. The price of gaining knowledge varies depending on the demon bartered with, but even vampires generally consider this cost too high. Dark Thaumaturgy is most often practised by the Baali bloodline and, less frequently, members of the Sabbat. It gained popularity in that sect after the destruction of the Tremere antitribu, which made it all but impossible to learn thaumaturgy by other means, but even the leaders of the Sabbat forbid its practice.

Paths
Apart from providing faster and easier access to more common Thaumaturgy paths, Dark Thaumaturgy has paths and rituals of its own which can only be learnt from demons. While all Dark Thaumaturgy relies on an infernal pact, these paths draw on the power of Hell for their effects, and are greatly feared.


 * The Fires of the Inferno - similar to the Lure of Flames, but the sickly green balefire conjured from Hell by this path has only one use: destruction. (Guide to the Sabbat, p. 99)
 * The Path of Phobos - this path conjures a foe's worst fears to assault him; its practitioners often experience horrible nightmares. (Guide to the Sabbat, p. 100)
 * The Taking of the Spirit - saps the willpower of the victim. (Guide to the Sabbat, p. 101)