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The Path of Gran Ibo
“Ibo
Gran Ibo
I sit beside you
Ibo
I walk beside you
Like I always do
To the secret place where life begins
Ibo
Give me your hand
Lay your hands on my head
Bless me
Ibo
Whisper your secrets in my ear”
Nickname
Swamp Witch
Summary
Gran Ibo is the crone. The Loa of patience and wisdom. Older than memory, she does not tire or grow bored. There is always more to learn. To watch. A kindred of this path will have spent decades collecting knowledge about not just the things around her, but also the beings. Unlike other paths, walking with Ibo is directly tied to New Orleans herself. Mother and protector of the bayou, Gran Ibo expects nothing less of her followers. In this, the Swamp Witch finds not just a purpose for her unlife, but also develops the virtues and habits that aid in soothing the beast within. Thus, ensuring a long-lived and effective protector of the bayou.
The Path of Gran Ibo is not a widely spread one. Its followers never leave New Orleans. So, it has not been heard of by many outside of its own core despite having been practiced on some level or another since humanity discovered that the bayou had secrets. While swamp witches do not abound, they are a frighteningly powerful lot.
A kindred who finds this path does so only by being initiated by another witch. While the hunger for knowledge may be indisputable, suitable followers must also possess a patience that is supernatural even by vampire standards and a dedication to the city that has been shown to be unshakable. There are never more than three swamp witches at any given time. Despite the label of 'witch', there have been just as many male followers as female. Each takes the mark of the yellow canary someplace close to either or both ears.
Currently, the Dowager is the lone follower of this path. The coven was lost, like so much, to Katrina. In the coming years, the kindred of New Orleans will see more of the ghostly Samedi as she seeks out possible initiates.
The Ethics of the Path
- Protect and serve the bayou and New Orleans as a whole.
- Deal fairly with those who respect you and your purpose.
- Do not share knowledge with those who are undeserving or would cause harm.
Hierarchy of Sins
10 - Knowingly causing or allowing harm to the Bayou or New Orleans. - This is your purpose. Protect Her and she will give you Peace.
9 - Failing to listen to guidance provided by nature or an agent of Ibo. - The world speaks from experience. Heed it or be lost.
8 - Initiating the Unworthy - Gran Ibo will see right through fraud and insincerity. So too should you.
7 - Placing your own welfare above that of the swamp and city. - You owe your sanity to the Bayou, you exist to serve it.
6 - Failing to provide proper gifts to Gran Ibo. - It is She who lights your path, show your respect.
5 - Dealing unfairly with those who would respect you and your purpose. - True allies are invaluable. This includes refusing aid or knowledge due to clan or state of being (kindred, human, fae, etc).
4 - Feeding needlessly or carelessly. - Take only what you need without drawing attention.
3 -Showing Impatience - You have all of the time in the world. Listen and learn.
2 - Acting rashly - Always consider the ripples that your words and actions may cause in the swamps.
1 - Taking refuge outside of the swamps. - You are closest to Gran Ibo in her Bayou.
Virtues
Conviction, Self-Control and Courage
“Ibo
Gran Ibo
I sit beside you
Ibo
I walk beside you
Like I always do
To the secret place where life begins
Ibo
Give me your hand
Lay your hands on my head
Bless me
Ibo
Whisper your secrets in my ear”
Nickname
Swamp Witch
Summary
Gran Ibo is the crone. The Loa of patience and wisdom. Older than memory, she does not tire or grow bored. There is always more to learn. To watch. A kindred of this path will have spent decades collecting knowledge about not just the things around her, but also the beings. Unlike other paths, walking with Ibo is directly tied to New Orleans herself. Mother and protector of the bayou, Gran Ibo expects nothing less of her followers. In this, the Swamp Witch finds not just a purpose for her unlife, but also develops the virtues and habits that aid in soothing the beast within. Thus, ensuring a long-lived and effective protector of the bayou.
The Path of Gran Ibo is not a widely spread one. Its followers never leave New Orleans. So, it has not been heard of by many outside of its own core despite having been practiced on some level or another since humanity discovered that the bayou had secrets. While swamp witches do not abound, they are a frighteningly powerful lot.
A kindred who finds this path does so only by being initiated by another witch. While the hunger for knowledge may be indisputable, suitable followers must also possess a patience that is supernatural even by vampire standards and a dedication to the city that has been shown to be unshakable. There are never more than three swamp witches at any given time. Despite the label of 'witch', there have been just as many male followers as female. Each takes the mark of the yellow canary someplace close to either or both ears.
Currently, the Dowager is the lone follower of this path. The coven was lost, like so much, to Katrina. In the coming years, the kindred of New Orleans will see more of the ghostly Samedi as she seeks out possible initiates.
The Ethics of the Path
- Protect and serve the bayou and New Orleans as a whole.
- Deal fairly with those who respect you and your purpose.
- Do not share knowledge with those who are undeserving or would cause harm.
Hierarchy of Sins
10 - Knowingly causing or allowing harm to the Bayou or New Orleans. - This is your purpose. Protect Her and she will give you Peace.
9 - Failing to listen to guidance provided by nature or an agent of Ibo. - The world speaks from experience. Heed it or be lost.
8 - Initiating the Unworthy - Gran Ibo will see right through fraud and insincerity. So too should you.
7 - Placing your own welfare above that of the swamp and city. - You owe your sanity to the Bayou, you exist to serve it.
6 - Failing to provide proper gifts to Gran Ibo. - It is She who lights your path, show your respect.
5 - Dealing unfairly with those who would respect you and your purpose. - True allies are invaluable. This includes refusing aid or knowledge due to clan or state of being (kindred, human, fae, etc).
4 - Feeding needlessly or carelessly. - Take only what you need without drawing attention.
3 -Showing Impatience - You have all of the time in the world. Listen and learn.
2 - Acting rashly - Always consider the ripples that your words and actions may cause in the swamps.
1 - Taking refuge outside of the swamps. - You are closest to Gran Ibo in her Bayou.
Virtues
Conviction, Self-Control and Courage
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