Ventrue

The kindred of Clan Ventrue have a reputation for being honorable, genteel and of impeccable taste. From time out of mind, Ventrue have 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 main, 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. Ventrue see themselves as nobles in the classical sense of the word, fighting to uphold the station of those below them. They are kinds, knights and barons of the modern night. Although the struggle has moved from battlefields to boardrooms and from jousting lists to voting distracts, Clan Ventrue continues to 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. Other vampires often cast aspersions on the Ventrue, vilifying them as sanctimonious, pompous or even tyrannical – and yet it is the Blue Bloods row home those other vampires turn when something goes wrong. Ventrue cultivate, influence and – when they can – control the kinder’s media, police, politics, health and medicine, organized crime, industry, finance, transportation and even the Church, When another vampire required aid, the Ventrue can often provide it – for a price. Naturally Ventrue gravitate to the upper crust of kine’ society, where their sophistication served them in good stead.

Nickname:
Blue Bloods

Sect:
Camarilla

Disciplines:
Dominate, Fortitude, Presence

Appearance:
Ventrue cultivate classical, traditional appearances, Set in their ways, Ventrue vampires often affect the styles of their breathing days, and one may frequently guess a Venture’s age by determining from which period of history his/her clothing dates. Young members of the clan tend towards fashions ranging from “preppy” styles to omnipresent suit-and-tie wardrobe. Ventrue are elegant and stylish, but rarely on the cutting edge of couture or haberdashery trends. After all, one much 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 eve be ancestral homes. An old Ventrue 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 un-life of more than on 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 Venture Embraces, and a Blue Blood never embraces capriciously. Some Ventrue create neonates exclusively 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.

Char Creation:
Social and Mental Attributes are equally important, and illustrious members of the clan cultivate both aspects. Skills and Knowledge 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 towards establishing a Blue Blood’s precedence.

Weakness:
Venture 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
Organization:
The Ventrue 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 Venture 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.