Ventrue Antitribu

"We are the heart of the Sabbat movement. Total anarchy is the key to our survival. Some think us foolish, but our existence is a symbol for what being Sabbat means. Our loyalty is unquestionable."

During its foundation, the Sabbat attracted what few rebellious Ventrue existed. They disliked the way young vampires were treated as expandable, and thus sought out the anarchs for protections. In the beginning, they were the least respected of all the anarch clans since their elders led the enemy. Nonetheless, the anarch Ventrue had to put up with this disrespect because they could not return to their elders. They fought against the Camarilla for a long time, and came to play a vital part in much of the movement's success. However, the Convention of Thorns brought about a change in their role.

When the Brujah leaders signed the peace agreement, many anarchs followed. Only a few Ventrue stayed with the remaining anarchs. These Ventrue did so only because they knew their personal crimes against their elders would not be forgiven. Remaining with the Sabbat was their only chance for survival.

The Ventrue tried to take the lead in directing the remaining anarchs, but their number was few and the Lasombra took control. The Ventrue accepted the creation of the Sabbat under the direction of the Lasombra, and changed their clan name to the Ventrue antitribu. They did successfully push the Sabbat to move north into a region of relative safety. Many took this as an act of cowardice, but if the Sabbat had not done so, it probably would not have survived.

Since that time, the Ventrue antitribu have not gained much respect from the other Sabbat, despite their loyalty to the sect. The Ventrue antitribu do little to improve the situation, preferring their own independence. The feel they would have to give up some of the freedom the Sabbat stands for and lick the boots of the Lasombra and Tzimisce if they wanted more respect as a clan. It may seem odd that they would have to become subservient to gain respect, but the disrespect they received is as much due to their independence as it is to their history.

The Ventrue antitribu try hard to be different from everybody else, especially the Camarilla Ventrue. They are a very independent clan within the Sabbat, but they make their loyalty to the sect well known. They believe clan unity is just as important as their sect unity. However, the Ventrue appear much like the Brujah antitribu, and openly associate with them.

The Ventrue antitribu believe its members have a responsibility to achieve their maximum potential as individuals as well as a clan. Therefore, most Ventrue antitribu, despite their appearance, are among the most educated and skilled of all Sabbat. They do not equal the Tzimisce in their drive for knowledge, but they do rely on brains over brawn as often as possible. Accompanying this emphasis on personal ability is the fact that most Ventrue antitribu try to accumulate vast amounts of wealth. They often use this for the benefit of the sect as well as personal interests.

The Ventrue antitribu try to project their independence. They claim to have no interest in leading others and, at the same time, they claim to follow no one. They do accept the Lasombra leadership of the Sabbat, but disagree with them at the drop of a hat. This has led the Ventrue antitribu down the wrong path before; indeed, they instigated the civil war of 100 years ago. The Ventrue antitribu are behind the new Sabbat loyalist movement that worries the Sabbat leaders of today.

The Ventrue Antitribu maintain personal control over some mortal financial institutions, but they seldom use this influence in any significant way other than to increase their own wealth.

Nickname: Geeks

Appearance: Most of the Ventrue in the Sabbat keep up with modern fashions. They place great importance on appearance and dress to fit whatever image they wish to portray, usually preferring that of rebels. However, most do not dress as outlandishly as the Brujah antitribu.

Haven: Most Ventrue antitribu are members of covens, staying in (and often paying for) their pack's communal haven. This is more than likely part of a Sabbat temple. Ventrue antitribu of the nomadic packs usually stay with their packs as well.

Background: The Ventrue of the Sabbat are not picky about whom they choose as recruits. As long as a person appears to be somewhat intelligent, tough and independent, they will accept that person. They usually pick their recruits right off the Rack. They know this would greatly upset their Camarilla elders, which is even more reason to do so.

Character creation: Most Ventrue antitribu have Working Joe, drifter, kid, or punk concepts. Mental Attributes are primary, as are Skills. They can have any Nature but their Demeanor is usually of an independent orientation. Background Traits often include Herd, Influence, and Resources.

Clan Disciplines: Auspex, Dominate, Fortitude

Weaknesses: They have the same weakness as all Ventrue: their taste for blood is very exclusive and they will only drink a certain specific type. Under no circumstances will they drink from anyone else.

Preferred Paths: Most Ventrue antitribu follow the Path of Honorable Accord, though a small number follow the path of Cathari.

Organization: The Ventrue antitribu hold what they call the Vestry approximately every 10 years. At the meeting, they discuss their various views on Sabbat activities and look at ways to improve clan power. The Vestry is also used to plan activities to be carried out by the Ventrue antitribu alone, for the good of the sect. The Vestry is very formal; the Ventrue antitribu dress very conservatively for the meeting.

Clan members also meet occasionally on a local level, sharing in the Vaulderie and making plans for clan business.

Gaining Clan Prestige: It is not difficult to gain Prestige among the Ventrue antitribu. Any act of personal gain is seen as a gain for the clan. They respect any demonstration of wisdom and independence. A clan member may also gain Prestige through some sort of unique and valuable training. The most effective and notorious way to gain Prestige is to wreck the plans of the Lasombra without losing any credibility as a loyal Sabbat. This should only be done when the Ventrue antitribu can come up with a better plan than that of the Lasombra.