The Kindred of Clan Ventrue
have a reputation for being honorable, genteel and of impeccabke taste. From
time out of mind, Ventrue has been the clan of leadership, enforcing the ancient
traditions and seeking to shape the destiny of the Kindred. In nights of old,
Ventrue were chosen from nobles, merchant princes or other wielders of power.
In modern times the clan recruits from wealthy "old money" families,
ruthless corporate climbers, and politicians. Whatever their origin, Ventrue
vampires preserve stability and maintain order for the Camarilla. Other Kindred
often mistake this for arrogance or avarice, but to the Ventrue, their shepherd's
role is more burden than honor. Ventrue support the Masquerade wholeheartedly,
feeling that under its auspices the best existence for all vampires may be
obtained. To the Ventrue mind, other clans are brash and impetuous. Too concerned
with their short-term comfort, other vampires gladly give up an eternity tomorrow
for a bit of vitae tonight. Without the Ventrue, there would be no Masquerade;
without the Masquerade, there would be no vampires. Thus, the Ventrue have
the weight of Atlas upon their shoulders. They bear their burden with a stiff
upper lip and just a hint of noblesse oblige. No other clan could lead the
Children of Caine in the nights of imminent Gehenna - or so the Ventrue are
apt to say. After all, their reputation rests on it.
Ventrue see themselves as nobles in the classical sense of the word, fighting
to uphold the station of those below them. They are the kings, knights and
barons of the modem night. Although the struggle has moved from battlefields
to boardrooms and from jousting lists to voting districts, Clan Ventrue continues
the duel. Young Ventrue rally and lead the troops with their cellular phones
and limousines, while the clan elders watch the horizons for threats that
loom like storm clouds. Many holdings under Camarilla control are overseen
by Ventrue, and the Blue Bloods are loath to relax their grip over endeavors
they so desperately struggle to maintain. Reputation and achievement take
a Kindred far in the Ventrue clan, but none of that counts if the vampire
cannot maintain his influence.
Other vampires often cast aspersions on the Ventme, vilifying them as sanctimonious,
pompous or even tyrannical - and yet it is the Blue Bloods to whom those other
vampires turn when something goes wrong. Ventrue cultivate, influence and
- when they can - control the kine's media, police, politics, health and medicine,
organized crime, industry, finance, transportation and even the Church. When
another vampire requires aid, the Ventme can, often provide it - for a price.
Naturally, Ventrue gravitate to the upper crust of kine society, where their
sophistication serves them in good stead. Although Ventrue move in the same
social circles as the Toreador, they do not fritter away their existences
in frivolity and idle chatter. The Ventrue proudly wear the privileges of
leadership, and stoically bear its burdens. Thus has it always been; thus
shall it always be.
Nickname: Blue Bloods
Sect: Elegant, aristocratic and regal, the Ventrue are the
lords of the Camarilla. It was Clan Ventrue that provided the cornerstone
of the Camarilla, and it is Clan Ventrue that directs and coaxes the Camarilla
in its darkest hours. Even in the modem age, the majority of princes descend
from Clan Ventrue. The Ventrue would, of course, have things no other way.
Appearance: Ventrue cultivate classical, traditional appearances. Set in their
ways, Ventme vampires often affect the styles
of their breathing days, and one may frequently guess a Ventrue's age by determining
from which period of history her clothing dates. Young members of the clan
tend toward fashions ranging from "preppy" styles to omnipresent
suit-and-tie wardrobes. Ventme are elegant and stylish, but rarely on the
cutting edge of couture or haberdashery trends. After all, one must stand
out, not stick out.
Haven: Only the best will do. Ventrue commonly make their
havens in mansions or valuable estates. Ventrue vampires often come from wealthy
families, and their havens may even be ancestral homes. An old Ventme tradition
holds that any member of the clan may take sanctuary with any other member
of the clan, and cannot be refused. This tradition is rarely invoked, for
the vampire seeking refuge subsequently owes a great debt to the vampire who
provided succor. Nonetheless, the custom has saved the unlife of more than
one Blue Blood.
Background: Ventrue traditionally hail from professional
or high-society stock, though in modern nights the clan may claim any noteworthy
person. Age, wisdom and experience play great parts in Ventrue Embraces, and
a Blue Blood never Embraces capriciously. Some Ventme create neonates exclusivelt
along family lines, in a twisted progression of gentrification. Other Kindred
joke that the Ventrue are inbred, while the Ventrue themselves maintain that
only the cream of
the crop is suitable for membership in their clan.
Character Creation: Social and Mental Attributes are equally
important, and illustrious members of the clan cultivate both aspects. Skills
and Knowledges share similar importance, as the clan places great emphasis
on being well-rounded and capable. Ventrue Kindred greatly prize Backgrounds,
and high levels of Fame, Influence, Mentor, Resources, Retainers and Status
go far toward establishing a Blue Blood's precedence.
Clan Disciplines: Dominate, Fortitude, Presence.
Weaknesses: Ventrue taste is rarefied to the point of exclusivity,
and each Blue Blood may partake of only a certain type of mortal blood. This
type is chosen at character creation. For example, a particular Ventrue might
feed exclusively from virgins, blond men, naked children or clergy. The character
will feed on no other type of blood, even if starving or under duress. Ventrue
may feed on vampire blood normally.
Organization: The Ventme in a given region meet often, though
their convocations resemble salons or debates and tend to result in more talk
than action. Of course, this ponderous discourse is the only "civilized"
way to resolve an issue, and impulsive or rash Kindred often chafe under the
clan's rigidity. Younger, impatient Ventrue have been known to mount direct
challenges to an "old boy's" holdings and position, which is considered
the height of treachery and rudeness - unless, of course, the upstart wins.
Bloodlines: Heritage is prized among the clan, and the childer
and grandchilder of luminaries are held in esteem (or envy) by the rest of
the clan. On a darker note, the Ventrue antitribu of the Sabbat have no foes
so hated as the Kindred of their parent clan. Sabbat Ventrue are dark knights
of that sect sworn to atone for their line's failings by upholding the tenets
of the Sabbat. They are most commonly found among the Sabbat's templars and
paladins.
Quote: The guidance of the Damned is my burden to bear,
not yours. You would do well, however, to ask yourself whether your unlife
is one of benefit to the Children of Caine, or a detriment. I have already
made my judgment.