Jiangshi

The Jiangshi are a Chinese bloodline of the Ventrue. Anyone who sees them in motion can already tell them apart from their parent clan: With their stiff limbs and sinews their are forced to stumble and hop around, their arms outstretched to keep their balance.
They have kept the refined taste of the Ventrue, but rather than to hunger for only a particular group of humans, the hopping vampires hunger for the chi of their victims, ever since they have first tasted in when they came to China.
One shouldn't mistake them for a bumbling curiousity, despite their odd mode of movement. Like their parent clan, Jiangshi seek out exalted positions as leaders, bureaucrats, merchants or scholars. The sense of determination of the Jiangshi is as rigorous as their sinews, slow to uncoil but implacable in purpose - and they have the mental strength to take what they want.

Sobriquets: Hoppers, Froggies (derogatory)

Appearance: Many Jiang Shi might be mistaken for a species of statue, still and unyielding. They prefer to lurk like gargoyles and let their courts form around them, rather than wander and mingle with inconstancy. While some are crude in motion others adopt a strange form of grace, even subtle gestures calculated and economical. The clan prefers Chinese clothing that signifies their high status.

Haven: Jiangshi prefer lavish urban havens appropriate for their status, with a population where at least some have raised and strengthened their chi to provide them with nourishment.

Backgrounds: Jiangshi select invariably among the elite of Chinese ethnicity, although with the rise of the Mongols those are also increasingly taken into consideration.

Character Creation: Social or Mental Attributes are almost always primary (although there is occasionally the Physical Jiangshi who rejoices in the application of the stolen chi). Skills and Knowledges are equally appreciated, depending on whether the Hopper is more scholarly or more practical-minded. As for Backgrounds, Allies, Herd, Influence, Resources and Retainers are all popular - and many Jiangshi know at least a bit of Martial Arts. Jiangshi gravitate towards the Road of Kings, although some philosophically minded ones also follow the Road of Confucius.

Disciplines: Dominate, Fortitude, Presence

Weakness: Jiangshi suffer from the Odd Gait Flaw (V20:DA p.421) with no recompense.
Additionally, Jiangshi cannot replenish their Blood Pool to a higher level than twice the permanent Chi of their target (minimum of 3BP). They can consume mortal blood past this limit, but it does not forestall the Beast or provide nourishment. (Consumed cainite vitae is excempt from this limitation, as for Ventrue.)

Organization: The Jiangshi believe strongly into order and hierarchy. Their clan interactions are mostly transactional or out of duty, rarely warm and heartly, but they will generally look out for each other and mutual advancement.

Stereotypes

Anda: Stinking barbarians, but they are ascending now in our homelands and in a too strong position to tackle head-on. Make the most use of what opportunities we have, and bide our time. Sun Tsu says: So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.

Brujah: The Huangjin are quick to adopt and study new ways, and as quick to anger. If you can direct and guide them and stay on their good side, they can make for useful allies.

Della Passaglia: Western barbarians, but very useful and profitable trading partners.

Followers of Set: The Daughters of the Dragon King are showing a helpful and friendly demeanour, but beware of the poisoned knife under their monk robe.

Nagaraja: Dangerous to have in a domain and shroud our existence from the mortals at the same time. But we are in the ideal position to cover up indiscretions - and their abilities make them useful seers.

Nosferatu: The Longzhao are as wise and knowledgeable, as they are unseemly.

Ravnos: We rule north of the Indus, they rule south of the Indus. They should stay where they come from. Until then, any wanderers need to be carefully watched.

Salubri: The Wu Zao are commendable scholars - and ignoble thieves. Watch their fingers and keep them out of your treasury.

Toreador: The Shenmei are obsessed with the superfluous and the fleeting, but that seems to get them the ear of the Anda khans. It is better to stay on their good side and put them to use.

Tzimisce: They are to the European lands what we used to be in ours - the rightful rulers, set in their old ways and belonging there. We might find quite some common ground if we can tolerate their barbaric customs.