Atavism

Atavism, sometimes referred to by its members as "The Old Way" is a practice of ancient magicks oriented heavily around the use of blood. Atavists are widely outcast by modern mages in Eris and are considered a cult of dark mages by the wider public. There are three Publically known "Clans" or Enclaves of atavists

• Clan Cruor, An enclave of skilled combatants and assassins, skilled in manufacturing weapons from their own blood and causing devastating damage from within their enemies. Clan Cruor is considered to be the widest spread of all the clans, due to their services offered to nobles and the like.
• Clan Ichor  (Clan Heavenly), A Clan of priestlike Atavists which use their blood magicks for healing, considered by many to be the oldest of the Atavist clans, having originated from tribal medicine-men and shamans of the stone age. it is believed that many members of Clan Ichor are embedded within the Aurelian Church.
• Clan Viscera  (also Known as Clan Murderous), A clan of Atavists who are notorious for their brutal, bloodthirsty attitude and lust for power. Clan Viscera members often "puppeteer" both their own and their enemies' bodies to turn the tide in their quest for supremacy.
• The Shabbolath (Clan Echto or Clan Ectoplasm) ; a Clan of Atavists that behaves more like a religion or cult. Its membership is comprised exclusively of Alba.
• Clan Petrichor  (Clan Fiendish), A clan of Atavists that mimic abilities of certain warlocks by creating a blood-contract with the power of a fiendish patron.

Atavists follow a pseudoreligious Belief system known as "the spirit of Cruor" in which they believe that they are guided by the will of Ratatosk through their blood.

The Opening Rune, the Religious Symbol of Atavism