Banu Haqim

The Banu Haqim, sometimes known (ignorantly or disparagingly) as Assamites, are one of the thirteen vampire clans of the World of Darkness.   Based in their hidden fortress Alamut in the Middle East, they are traditionally seen by Western Kindred as dangerous assassins and diablerists, but in truth they are guardians, warriors, and scholars who seek to distance themselves from the Jyhad. Throughout their history, they have remained a self-sufficient and independent clan.   Until recent events, the main Clan was strongly unified, based on their ancestral home base Alamut. Traditionally headed by the Eldest, and supported by the Du'at, the Clan focused inward, sending its assassins out to gather blood for the alchemical potions the experiments of the Sorcerers need to break the blood curse. The Council of Scrolls was responsible for introducing new technology into the clan and investigating recent developments outside Alamut, while the Council of Du'at formulated clan policy, and was composed of the representatives of each Caste:   The Caliph for the Warriors Caste;
The Amr for the Sorcerers Caste;
The Vizier for the Viziers Caste;   The protection of the Eldest and the Du'at Council lay in the hands of the Silsila. Apart from that, the Assamites have never formally defined any positions. However, the warriors have evolved a series of ranks that represent an individual’s standing within the caste, and the sorcerers and viziers have cooperatively maintained an academic and professional ranking scheme for centuries, like the Fida'i, the Rafiq, the Da'i, and the Aces. On the other hand, the scholars of the clan have their own hierarchy – these lesser officers are the Aspirants, the Associates, the Masters, the Distinguished Masters, the Full Masters and the Emeritus.