Zoroaster lived approximately 2,500 years ago in Persia. Born a common shepherd, he abandoned his people and wandered for 10 years until the god Ahura Mazda spoke to him. God told the prophet that he was the spirit of goodness, but that he had an opponent: Angra Mainyu, the god of darkness. Humanity, the only species capable of free choice, is crucial in this divine battle and must choose between the two gods.
Zoroastrianism is a religion structured around ethical behaviour, and its followers are taught to do good deeds and think good thoughts. Followers believe that the balance of their actions, words, and intentions are judged at the end of their lives, commending them to either heaven or hell.
Tehmina – this Path’s founder – lived 1,000 years after Zoroaster, and was a devoted follower and scholar of Zoroastrianism, dispensing food in times of hunger and founding a free hospital. She was far from perfect, but her efforts were sincere. It was this sincerity that attracted her sire, who Embraced her into the Banu Haqim either as an anchor for his own humanity, or as a cruel experiment. From here Tehmina’s fate becomes murky, fading from history, until she ran afoul of Ur-Shulgi (the ancient childe of Haqim), who saw her faith as sacrilege against his sire. Disposing of Tehmina was small work for a creature of Ur-Shulgi’s sorcerous prowess, but he underestimated the impact his actions would have. Her violent death elevated Tehmina to a martyr amongst Zoroastrian Cainites, inspiring other Banu Haqim to adopt her beliefs.
Zoroastrian Cainites believe that they — beholden to the Beast, Hunger, and eternal night — are cursed by Angra Mainyu. They must explore this state of being and, once they fully understand evil, choose to be good and return to Ahura Mazda’s grace. Of course, not all make it there.
Every Zoroastrian starts their path on the Path of Angra Mainyu (part of the Road of Desire). They must fully experience the evil of Angra Mainyu, recognising his hold over them and, finally, reject him. When the Zoroastrian feels ready, they switch to the Path of Ahura Mazda without penalty. They can now begin their path to redemption and Ahura Mazda. This switch is free only once. The Zoroastrian can revert back to the Path of Angra Mainyu at any time (and many do as they chafe against the burden of doing good amidst damnation), but returning to the Path of Ahura Mazda later suffers all the difficulties of a normal Road change. Any character starting on the Path of Ahura Mazda is assumed to have already made this switch once (from Angra Mainyu to Ahura Mazda)
Sobriquet
Zoroastrians, Penitents
Initiation
The initiate of the Path of Ahura Mazda cleanses herself extensively with water. She can be alone while she does this, or request the company of a Dastur (mentor) to discuss the road ahead. Once her body is clean, she purifies her spirit with fire by placing her hand in a flame. She must do this freely, without restraints (and requiring all the necessary Rötschreck tests). Failure does not carry a penalty, but she must pass the test before progressing further on the Road.
| Level of Sin | Description |
| 1* | Selfish thoughts; minor selfish acts (including feeding from mortals!); fearing Final Death |
| 1 | Injuring another; speaking evil words; speaking ill of others |
| 2 | Theft; accidentally causing physical/mental/emotional/financial harm to another |
| 3 | Wanton destruction; impassioned physical/mental/emotional/financial harm of another |
| 4 | Planned physical/mental/emotional/financial harm of another |
| 5 | Casual physical/mental/emotional/financial harm of another; monstrous, vile acts; feeding on good mortals |
*: only for someone with Road rating of 6