Mind's Eye Theatre - Vampire The Requiem.pdf - RoseRed

ventrue
Invictus. Indeed, Ventrue tend to rise to leadership positions within that covenant. Almost
as many fi nd a place in the Ordo Dracul, acquiring immediate power of a different stripe,
which the Lords ultimately turn toward the same ends. They also rise to leadership among
the Sanctifi ed, however, and some Ventrue fi nd the power they crave within the Carthians,
the Circle of the Crone or even amid the ranks of the unbound. Some Ventrue neonates
hardly bother to hide their intent to use a gang of unaligned Kindred as a stepping-stone to
power within another covenant.
Appearance: Ventrue often adopt a conservative, low-key appearance that expresses high
status without being fl ashy. Young Lords sometimes favor a “preppy” look, the timeless suitand-tie
uniform of business, or (for female Lords) elegant gowns or business skirt-suits, with
unobtrusive jewelry. Ventrue elders might keep the styles of long ago, at least in their own
havens, and in public they still tend to look decades out of date. Even rebellious young Ventrue
wear their metal-studded jackets like a uniform, asserting their dominance. A Lord surrounds
himself with other trappings of wealth and status, too, from the big, fancy car in the garage
to the wine cellar full of vintages he will never again have the opportunity to enjoy.
Havens: If a Ventrue did not possess great wealth before the Embrace, she often becomes
rich afterward. Ventrue select their havens to refl ect their wealth and power. Many Lords
dwell in mansions or actual walled estates. Few would settle for anything less than a classic
townhouse or penthouse apartment (with secure curtains, of course).
Clan tradition holds that any Ventrue may claim sanctuary from the sun at any other Lord’s
haven and not be refused, but few Lords ever invoke this right. Not only do proud Lords hate
to beg another Kindred’s aid, a supplicant henceforth owes a debt of honor to the Ventrue
who provided refuge. Great shame would befall any Lord who denied a clanmate or who
could not provide a comfortable rest, however, so a prudent Ventrue makes sure his haven
can accommodate a Kindred guest or two.
Background: The Ventrue most often seek childer among the ranks of professionals or the
cream of high society. Some Lords prefer childer from “old money” families or political dynasties,
as the closest the modern world comes to feudal nobility. Other Lords prefer self-made
leaders such as millionaire entrepreneurs, politicians, military offi cers or even crime bosses.
As new professions and new forms of power arise, the Ventrue bring them into the clan. The
rise of the computer industry, for instance, has prompted a wave of tech-sector childer.
Character Creation: Ventrue favor Social Attributes and Skills — the traits needed for
leadership — though they also value Mental Attributes and Skills such as Politics and Academics.
The clan excels at Social Merits such as Resources, Contacts and Status. Most Lords
possessed great social infl uence in life, and they acquire more in undeath.
Favored Attributes: Presence or Resolve
Clan Disciplines: Animalism, Dominate, Resilience
Weakness: Power corrupts, and among the Ventrue, even the thirst for power can corrode
an ambitious Kindred’s moral bearings. Over time, some Ventrue grow paranoid, ever more
wary of rivals’ desires (real or imagined) for their own holdings. Others become willing to do
whatever it takes to acquire the smallest iota of additional power. Still others turn inward,
delude themselves as to their ability and importance, or trouble their minds with other maladies.
Ventrue Kindred suffer a -2 penalty to Humanity draws to avoid acquiring derangements
after a failed degeneration series.
Organization: The Lords track their ties of blood and obligation through an old-boy network
that extends across generations, bloodlines and continents. A respectable Ventrue knows
his fellow Lords’ ancestors, their broodmates, allies, enemies and Kindred owed and owing
favors (though the information might be a century out of date). Two Ventrue often compare
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