Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom

Did You Know?

• Laibon can be divided into legacies, which are more akin to extended familial relations than unified factions.
• Backstab was critical of the sourcebook, saying it had a good concept but was poorly implemented and written.

Overview

The Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom, called the Laibon, are fictional European vampires native to Africa in the Old World of Darkness. Though they share roots with Western Kindred and the same curse, the Laibon have existed in relative isolation and become distinct. They do not see themselves as descended from Caine but relate their existence to African myths. Unlike Kindred defined by Humanity, Laibon owe dual loyalty to mortal counterparts (Aye) and the spirit world (Orun). Failure leads to monstrous degeneration. Those maintaining both high Aye and Orun appear angelic or transcendent.

Tenets of the Ebony Kingdom

The Tenets have been handed down for millennia and represent the conservative status quo of Laibon society. Recently questioned by modern change, they are fiercely upheld by the Guruhi and the Shango. The Guruhi Are The Land: as the oldest Legacy, the Guruhi have a natural right to rule. Those Who Endure Judge: leadership derives from age and experience. Belonging Grants Protection: citizenship implies fealty. The Secret Must Be Kept: mortals must not be acutely aware of the undead. No Secrets From The Magaji: the ruler stays informed. Sires Command, Children Inherit: lineage determines fealty. The Eldest Command Undeath: rulership by the eldest. Travelers Obey The Tenets: Laibon away from home and outsiders in the Ebony Kingdom must adhere. The Eldest Are Kholo: traveling elders, especially among the Kinyonyi, are granted respect despite not belonging.