Corsairs

Known for their mastery of darkness, the Lasombra often bristle when standing in another's shadow. The Corsairs understand this sentiment all too well. Having grown tired of tyrannical rule by distant courts and ancient autocrats, the bloodline chose to leave it all behind, amassing power, wealth, and the ire of their parent Clan during the nights of the Spanish Conquista. Unlike conventional Lasombra, the Corsairs show little interest in weaving tangled and manipulative shadow webs. Instead, they choose to embrace strife through violence, treachery, and guile as a means to ascension. For the Corsairs, the shadows are not just an entity to master; they are a strategic place to evade pursuit and to strike against their enemies. With the conquest of the New World, many neonates and ancilla of the Lasombra clan sought to escape the stifling rule of Europe, often turning to the irresistible lure of the sea. A secret cabal formed, composed of capable yet disenfranchised Lasombra who chose to act in open defiance of the Blood Court's ruling. They seized Spanish cargo and raided the Spanish-controlled settlements. The remaining rebels were dubbed "Corsairs" after the guerre de course eluded capture. By the end of the Age of Sail, the Corsairs had amassed significant wealth and influence, becoming pirate kings and governors of settlements that had declared independence from Europe. The relative anonymity of the bloodline lasted until the early 21st century when investigation by the Lasombra elders uncovered that the Corsairs had been active, and even flourished, in the era of global trade. This prompted the Blood Courts to reconvene, narrowly voting to lift the Corsair prohibition and absolve them of past wrongdoing in exchange for a sizable portion of their earnings. In modern nights, the Corsairs are intrigued by the potential opportunities afforded them by sect membership and the access to new cities that were previously off limits. A number of Princes and Archbishops desire the power and influence that this bloodline offers, which has opened more than a few doors. Others, however, realize that the Corsairs' eagerness to seek power through any means is a possible powder keg that is waiting to explode.