Via Mercator, commonly called the Path of the Merchant, is a Path of the Road of Kings found in Dark Ages: Vampire.
Followers of Via Mercators are called Merchants.
Characteristics[]
The followers of Via Mercator firmly believe that money is power, and so use the accumulation of wealth to gain influence and therefore sate their Beast. Merchants also work in more indirect manners than the other followers of Via Regalis, preferring behind-the-scenes manipulation using their earnings rather than outright confrontations of power. Reputations are extremely important to the travelers of the Path of the Merchant, as they view broken oaths and deals as a sure way to fall off of the Path and encourage their Beast.
The ultimate goals of the Merchants vary greatly; most are content with earning enough to gain a title and holdings, while others seek to control everything they can through money and manipulation, from the mortals in their domain to their fellow Cainites. Even the occasional Prince in need has been known to turn to a Merchant for financial assistance; of course, the Merchant will expect to be repaid, perhaps in the form of some valuable favors.
Hierarchy of Sins[]
Via Mercator ("Path of the Merchant") | |
Rating | Moral Guideline |
---|---|
10 | Neglecting your work. |
9 | Treating a customer with disrespect. |
8 | Treating an inferior as an equal. |
7 | Breaking your word to a customer. |
6 | Behaving shamefully before your peers. |
5 | Showing weakness in front of inferiors. |
4 | Failing to answer a challenge to your good name. |
3 | Treating a superior with disrespect. |
2 | Breaking your word to your superiors or clients. |
1 | Breaking a sworn oath of deal. |
References[]
- DAV: Road of Kings, p. 48, 69