The Book of the Grave-War is an eschatological text supposedly written by a German Malkavian in the 12th or 13th century concerning Gehenna and diablerie. However, one source says that the book was penned by the ancient Jacob under the guidance of a vampire "more adept in manipulation and control than any other". It was translated and studied by Dr. Mortius and later ended up in the hands of Carna, due to the manipulations of Jacob's alternate personality Esau. Beckett eventually locates a damaged version of it in Berlin.
Characters who take the 5th level of the Carna Loresheet gain access to the book, which grants them an automatic success on Occult rolls related to the Gehenna and breaking one's Blood Bonds. The character becomes unbondable so long as they follow its arcane teachings, but become hunted by clan Tremere and also become increasingly paranoid.
Quotes from the book
- "When Athens falls, the depths shall rise."
Jacob (the book's secret author) claims that Athens mentioned in this quote is a reference to Milwaukee, the "German Athens".
- "Hunt the shadow-sleepers
- Think not on fear or hate
- Hunt them for blood
- For Kindred's sake"
Beckett claims that Mortius believed the "shadow-sleepers" to be torpid vampires of great age.
- "When love and hate turn strange
- And magpies filch the hours
- And Judas limbs betray
- Know you are a figment
- A shadow-sleeper's dream
- Remember, remember
- Dreams die when sleepers wake
- Remember, remember
- for Kindred's sake"
References
VTM: Milwaukee by Night, p. 52
VTM: Vampire: the Masquerade 5th edition corebook, p. 385
VTM: Becket's Jyhad Diary, p. 19