Ventrue Clan Hierarchy
Classic WoD: | Vampire: The Masquerade | Clans (Masquerade) | Sects | Coteries
Structure
The Ventrue have an exceedingly formal clan organization, but that formality has a surprising degree of flexibility of response built into it. The leadership of the clan, sometimes referred to as the "Board of Directors," has a rumoured 30 members from all over the globe. Meetings of the board are irregular but attendance is nigh mandatory; with the power that the directors have at their command there's little excuse for not being able to jet to a convocation of the board from anywhere.
Less exalted Ventrue make due with a clan structure that seems equal part corporate entity and secret society. Each city with a Ventrue population hosts a clan headquarters, called a Board and frequently run out of either a gentleman's club or expensive office space. The Board also doubles as a corporation, and is the tool which the Ventrue exercise much of their financial control on the local level.
One of the Ventrue's self-described strengths is the fact that everyone knows his place within the clan; all roles and chains of command are clearly and formally demarcated. Progress through the ranks is slow for younger Ventrue except in unusual circumstances; too much ambition or initiative is frowned upon by the clan elders.
Many of these titles relate to the Ventrue Clan status mechanic of Dignitas.
Clan Titles
Ephor (The ephorate, The directorate)
The grand Directorate. These are the hidden hands that move the clan, and only they know their full membership (as their identities are secret to all but the most trusted of Strategoi). It is the Ephors who choose the representative to the inner council, oversee and guide the clan’s affairs and resources on a global scale, and set policies as necessary. They also function as the ultimate court for intra-clan disputes and crimes.
Stragetgoi (Elders)
Ventrue who have achieved considerable respect and influence, The Strategoi (sometimes simply called Elders) implement the will of The Directorate within a specific geographic area set by their masters, and guide the overall welfare of the clan in their territory.
Lictors (Trouble-shooters)
These are the strong-arm of the ephorate, possibly best thought of as the clan's internal police force. A Ventrue of any significant standing can call upon their Strategos for assistance, and a single Lictor is often what they send in response. The Strategoi usually pick relatively young up-and-coming Ventrue to elevate to this coveted role, as this position often serves as a fast track (though certainly through a “Trial by Fire”) to the upper echelons of the clan.
Tribunes (Agents at large)
Membership contains a mix of secret and public Agents, depending on the needs of the Directorate in any given area. Though technically directly serving the Ephorate, the Agents at Large always contact their masters and receive their orders through the Elder in whose territory they dwell. Their primary duty is simply to watch and report as necessary, though they may also be called upon to assist any Strategoi or Lictors visiting their domain. They usually have a long track record of usefulness, and are called upon to assist Lictors that are operating in their general areas.
The Gerousia (the directorate, the board)
Most cities with any significant Ventrue population are guided by The Board. This term refers to the wider directorate (i.e. all non-renegade members of the clan) resident in a fief. It is a council made up of highly respected Ventrue in the area, usually lead by the member holding the highest Camarilla office in the absence of a local Praetor. The board oversees the local clan’s resources, act as local arbiters in intra-clan disputes (as well as conflicting investments), and generally provide leadership to the Ventrue of their domain.
Praetor (Managers)
The highest rank within a city hierarchy, and is essentially held in perpetuity. They are responsible for managing Ventrue affairs in a city, and are expected to maintain a meeting place with their own funds. No official powers are attributed to the position, but the praetor is most likely not without their own influence. The Clan tends to turn to the Praetor for guidance in times of crisis. This position is NOT to be confused with the Camarilla title of Clan Elder.
Aediles (Supervisors)
Assigned by the Gerousia or Praetor, the Supervisors act as extensions of power, helping the Board to handle and track particularly busy or demanding areas. They are usually chosen from the ranks of established Ventrue, as they must be trusted to act decisively and skillfully without constant attention.
Questors (Foreman)
Ventrue that the Board has elevated in recognition of their service and potential. These young Ventrue are usually given small tasks to oversee, and may be treated as not much more than favored minions. The Foremen are usually grateful for the opportunity to prove themselves and curry favor with their betters.
Peer
This is the term for the “rank and file” Ventrue in good standing. Any Ventrue who has somehow proven himself worthy of the Blood of Kings is invited to join relatively quickly, provided no “unfortunate” qualities have been demonstrated. The peerage should only contain the “right sort”, after all.
Baro/Baronissa (Manager)
The lowest rung short of renegade. These are the Ventrue, usually very young, who have signed onto the local structure but are as yet unproven.