- See also: Road of the Devil
Via Adversarius, commonly called the Path of the Devil, and formerly known as the Path of the Adversary, is a Path of Via Peccati found in Dark Ages: Vampire. The followers of Via Adversarius exist purely for themselves; they ignore law, clan, prince, or any who would impose on their own free will. To restrain themselves with obedience is to allow the Beast free reign. However, rebellion quells the energies of the Beast, and therefore is the best course of action in any instance. Followers of Via Adversarius are sometimes known as Adversaries.
Although they would appear to be relentless anarchists at first glance, the travelers of the Path of the Devil are actually much more humane than the other branches of Via Peccati. While they put themselves first, Via Adversarius followers also believe that they owe it to themselves to help others whose ability to act freely and without fear is threatened. They will gladly free slaves, help mortals living under an oppressive lord, or aid a fellow Cainite who is on the run from the law, all in the interests of serving free will. There are actually considered to be two types of Adversaries: Adversary-Prometheans work to free the weak and helpless, seeking to undermine authority, while Adversary-Furores take the fight directly to the top in an effort to end repression.
Hierarchy of Sins[]
| Via Adversarius | ||
| Rating | Moral Guideline | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Acknowledging the laws of God or Man | Never give credence to those who would enslave others. |
| 9 | Failing to indulge a new desire | Passion is the fire of the soul. |
| 8 | Failing to ride the wave of frenzy | The Beast may only be understood after struggle. |
| 7 | Refusing to aid a lost soul in need | The weak cannot understand their nature, and must be taught by the strong. |
| 6 | Refusing a pleasure that injures none | Seeking to pleasure yourself is the fondest pursuit. |
| 5 | Swearing an oath | Forced servitude cannot be helped, and is to be pitied; self-enforced servitude is hideous, and is to be resisted. |
| 4 | Refusing to act against those who choose to bind you | Punish those who attempt to control you. |
| 3 | Refusing to feed or kill when necessary | Never feel shame for doing what must be done. |
| 2 | Pursuing material gain at the expense of higher concerns | Enrich your soul before you fill your coffers. |
| 1 | Encouraging false virtue or agents of false virtue | Constrictions of laws enslave the mind and strangle the soul. |
References[]
- DAV: Road of Sin, p. 47, 68
- V20DA: Vampire: The Dark Ages 20th Anniversary Edition, p. 135-136