Ventrue Dignitas

THE WHITE CROSS
Awarded to Ventrue who have killed, aided or unnaided, their first member of the Sabbat in battle. The White Cross is awarded by the Primogen. If the person is Primogen, the award is made by the Prince (if Ventrue), or Sire (if available). If neither is available, the award is self-administered. There is less prestige attached to the White Cross if self-administered and Ventrue have been known to allow other Kindred to deliver the coup-de-gras to Sabbat in favor of waiting for more prestigous circumstances. Getting caught doing so is considered by all to be a mark of unprecedented arrogance. Getting away with it is considered unconscionable good luck. The various ceremonies for awarding the White Cross vary from Directorate to Directorate in style and grandeur. Asking "So how how was your Cross awarded?" is a subtle way of obtaining insight into a fellow Ventrue’s background. Lorraine of Chicago, due to her prestigous lineage, was awarded the White Cross in a ceremonial mass that rivaled a coronation in its splendor. Quincy Cullen had the award pounded into his right breast in a battlefield promotion that left little time for niceties. Ventrue recipients of the White Cross are advised to keep careful track of the status and prestige of the Kindred who bestowed the award upon them. Such nitpicky details are essential to the petty rivalries and one-upsmanship endemic to Kindred society.

THE ORDER OF THE WHITE CROSS
Ventrue who kill a member of the Sabbat in single unaided combat are automatically admitted into the Order of the White Cross, a genteel society of distinguished warriors. Obviously it is possible to be awarded the White Cross without being admitted to the Order, and a significant delay between the two is not uncommon. Ventrue who simultaneously qualify for the White Cross and admission to the Order are permitted to list or describe their award as The White Cross, Distinguished. The administrivia of Order, especially confirming new members, is handled by a Ventrue known as the Knight of the White Cross. (The position is open to both sexes.) Determining who holds the position and for how long is a process shrouded in secrecy but the position carries with it the authority to create additional distinctions to the White Cross award. Recent years have seen the addition of the Gold Palm for Heroism and The White Cross with Crimson Piping (for particularly disquieting body counts...)

THE TARTAN
Directorates rooted in the European tradition have chosen to recognize the Tartan. Ventrue who have established themselves in the upper echelons of financial circles are permitted to wear plaid articles of clothing at Directorate meetings. The Tartan accrues upon successfully purchasing or founding a major corporation (OOC: Finance-5 Influence). High-spirited (read: younger) Ventrue have taken to crashing a local bank to demonstrate their qualifications; reckless machismo that is tolerated, but just barely, by the Elders. As most Ventrue of age are expected to have mastered the financial arena, the Tartan, once achieved, immediately loses its appeal. Despite this, plaid is still worn on formal and special occasions such as a meeting of several Directorates or visit by a noteworthy Elder. No formal ceremony for conferring the Tartan exists. It is merely worn when appropriate at the earliest opportunity. Ventrue who specialize in other arenas (politics, bureaucracy, etc.) have tried unsuccessfully for years to establish a tradition with similar cachet for their specialties. (Power ties and suspenders were big during the 1980’s; booster pins during the 1950’s.) The only tradition that has recently showed staying power is the acquisition of special license plates for Ventrue limosines that mark the owner as part of the inner circle of local politics. Such license plates confer immunity upon the vehicle from speeding, parking or moving violation tickets. (OOC: Politics-5, Bureaucracy-5 or Police-5, however your chronicle works it..) It is believed that The Tartan was first established as an insult by the English Ventrue against their Scottish cousins (the stereotypical misers). Through an odd confluence of events, and manipulations by Clan Malkavian, plaid has come to be seen as the symbol of that quintessential Ventrue virtue -- thrift.

SOCIETY OF THE HAGUE
The membership of the Society of the Hague distinguish themselves as lawyers in a clan noted for legal skill. Each member of the Society of the Hague has mastered both mortal law and Camarilla law. (Level-4 in each/Camarilla Lore can be substituted for Camarilla Law if appropriate for your chronicle) Members are added at the discretion of the existing membership. All one need do is apply and wait for approval. Approval is never denied, merely "under review." (for centuries if necessary) Membership entitles one to use the title "The Right Honorable" before their name and guarantees a steady stream of potential clients: accused Kindred hauled before the Prince, Princes seeking counsel at Conclave, Primogen drafting new policies, etc. Members of the Society of the Hague are by tradition forbidden to charge fellow Ventrue for their services. (The society is only open to Ventrue) However, Society members are free (and encouraged) to extract whatever price their services command when dealing with other clans. Ventrue who are legal experts but eschew membership in the Society (many do) can petition the Society for endorsement, an unofficial "bar exam" for Ventrue lawyers. Those who pass are entitled to add the term "Esquire" to their list of titles and are not required to give free representation to Ventrue. (Their unofficial title is "mercenaries.") The Society holds a meeting once a year to discuss precedents, dissect noteworthy cases, and elect a new Advocate General. The use of Dominate to fix the election is overlooked if successful, soundly trounced if discovered. The Society moves its meeting location periodically (with a corresponding name change) to whatever city stands at the forefront of legal innovation. To mark the new millenium, the Society is expected to finally move out of Europe. The yearly gathering is traditionally held every February.

THE EQUERRY
Ventrue are known as hide-bound and traditional. Nowhere is this more evident than with the awarding of the Equerry. In the middle ages, an equerry was an attendant to royalty, a page or some such. The term was adopted by Clan Ventrue to recognize those who serve as Whips. Upon being appointed Whip, the Primogen is required to give the Whip a horse; a tradition that has served the clan sensibly until the 20th century. In times gone by, a Ventrue or his household was distinguished by the horses that were kept. Now luxury and classic automobiles are the standard, but the tradition remains. Why? "Because that’s the way we’ve always done it," say the Elders. As with all things Ventrue, much can be read into the type of horse given and manner of its presentation. Upon receiving the horse, the Whip may henceforth list himself/herself as a member of the Equerry, the date of admission, and if desired, the number of years served. (Many Ventrue leave off the number of years served if doing so would indicate a stalled career or swift demotion.) Members of the Equerry who have served with distinction can be awarded spurs, saddle, or bridle to recognize their achievement in cases where status or prestige would be inappropriate. Under no circumstances is a second horse ever awarded. Members of the Equerry are judged by their first horse: its use, upkeep, and health. A second horse....just wouldn’t be the same. Some have gone so far as to ghoul their steed, but it is universally considered a mark of excessive vanity. Riding gear and themed gifts make a safe if dull choice for Embrace Night presents for those of the Equerry. The horses of the Equerry are vulnerabilities for friend and foe alike. Primogen have been known to send a Whip’s horse to the glue factory as a mark of displeasure. Or force the humiliated clanmate to kill his own horse as a recognition of failure or shame. Insidious Elders have tested the security precautions taken by the Equerry by attacking or kidnapping horses. Afterall, if the ancillae can’t be trusted with something as simple as a horse, how can they be trusted with a multinational corporation? For inter-clan fueds nothing is more satisfying than killing a rivals horse as ones opening gambit. Unbeknowst to the Ventrue, the Nosferatu are secret supporters of this tradition. It has afforded them unprecedented opportunities for espionage in the past. Animals instinctively fear Kindred and avoid their presence. A Ventrue who has failed to master the most rudimentary aspects of animal training will find their steed uncontrollable. Primogen routinely demand that their whips display some skill in this area. Training an animal is but the first step in learning how to control kine. Surprise exams or inspections are not unheard of. Younger Ventrue find this tradition ridiculous at best; a clear example of how out-of-touch the Elders are with the modern world. Particularly brash Ventrue have used their horses for forays into off-track gambling and stud farming. "After all," say the young, "the damn thing is expensive. Might as well make it earn its keep." In the 9th century, Phillipe de Montaigne awarded the Equerry to his protege, Jean L’Heretier. During the ceremony, the animal went mad with fear, refusing to approach L’Heretier for any reason, and attempting to trample the crowd. L’Heretier later went on to diablerize de Montaigne several decades later. Since that time, horses who go mad during the awarding of the Equerry are considered a sign that the Whip will commit diablerie. Some Ventrue have been put to death on the basis of this evidence alone.

AWARDING OF THE SWORD
Clan Ventrue draws much of its history, lineage, and membership from the highly militaristic Roman Empire. In hommage to that ancestry, Ventrue who become Primogen are given a sword to mark the occasion. As with all things Ventrue, nothing is ever simple. Who awards the sword and how is of critical importance. The reputation of the recipient is forever tied to the Ventrue conducting the ceremony. Primogen who fall into disgrace can initiate a chain reaction that threatens the stability of the entire clan. Therefore, the awarding of the sword serves to reinforce the traditions of Progeny and Hospitality among the Ventrue. The entire clan has an interest in keeping Primogen on the "straight and narrow." (OOC: In game terms, awarded by PC’s to PC’s.) The recipient, as a mark of their increased authority within the Clan, is allowed to choose their own sword. Much has been read into what type of blade is chosen. Comparisons are made with those who have chosen similar blades in the past. The scimitar, for example, suffers under a diastrous pedigree, and is completely rejected by any Primogen with a shred of concern for their reputation. Ventrue with keen tactical minds (aka much of the clan) have been able to gain significant insight into their fellow Primogen based on a choice of sword. Since the 17th century, it has become customary to employ a measure of guile and subterfuge during the sword selection process to throw off such calculating analyses. This has also had unintended disastrous consequences. Many is the Ventrue who chose an unsuitible sword, only to find their unlives dependent on that sword during an outbreak of violence at an inopportune moment. Because of the awarding of the sword, all Ventrue are well advised to study swordplay -- even in modern nights. Prideful Primogen and Elders are known to demand satisfaction at swordpoint -- a habit that has been adopted by some Toreador and Malkavians. The only way to avoid potential embarassment is to master the major styles and various blades -- just to be on the safe side.... Dueling channels the natural competitive tendencies of the Ventrue into safe outlets. After all, once one has bested and shamed an opponent in a duel, Final Death seems like overkill. In cases where status or prestige would be inappropriate, it is permitted to award a shield or armor to those who have been awarded the sword. And like members of the Equerry, it makes shopping for Embrace Night presents a breeze. The dates and circumstances of such awards, like those of the Equerry, may be listed as part of one’s titles and lineage. For reasons not quite clear, a gathering of Ventrue who have been awarded the sword is known as a "Praetorian Guard." A Ventrue of this rank who shows a particularly devious and duplicitous nature is often referred to as "Senator." (A reference to the murder of Julius Caeser by a mob of Roman Senators.) Such an insult can only be answered in bloodshed if delivered directly. Another common insult is to demean another’s award as a "knife." Under no circumstance is the awarding of the sword to be confused with knighthood -- a point of honor that was clarified permanently during the bloodshed of 1382.

THE DALEY PRIZE
Ventrue take pride in maintaining order and have a particular dislike for Anarchs. Shortly before the formation of the Camarilla, special recognition was given to those who were particularly dutiful in oppressing the young and maintaining order at all costs. The award has no formal name. Public recognition of it’s existence would only inflame resentment. It is known in modern nights as the "Daley Prize," in honor of Mayor Daley of Chicago who dispensed rioters during the democratic convention with brutal force. (OOC: Correct me if I have the wrong mayor!) The award itself varies from region to region, given by the region’s Eldest Ventrue to a worthy candidate. (The Eldest Ventrue of any given area often take a perverse pleasure in seeing the Anarchs brought to heel and younger Ventrue keeping the world of darkness safe for their Elders.) The award itself is always the most popular instrument of repression of the day. Ventrue have been awarded chains, pikes, jackboots, bayonetts, stun sticks, nooses, and the like. It is listed discretely among one’s honorifics as (for example) "Awarded the musket in 1785." Since it varies from Ventrue to Ventrue without pattern, Kindred outside the clan ignore it as an irrelevent internal detail. But Ventrue recognize it for what it is: a mark of cruelty; approval by the most sadistic of the clan.

THE SERPENTINE EGG
The serpentine egg was awarded to Ventrue who successfully committed treachery on behalf of the clan. This tradition fell into disuse after 1639 when the egg was given anonymously to the Ventrue Primogen of Brussels as an Embrace Night present. A wave of similar awards followed in an attempt (successful) to humiliate particularly hypocritical Ventrue. Older Ventrue still claim the serpentine egg among their distinguished awards while more modern Ventrue attempt to deliver them to rivals at politically disastrous moments (for instance, in the presence of a Harpy).

THE KEY CLUB
The Key Club is one of the most private of the secret societies of Clan. Its membership is small but united in common purpose. Members keep an almost inconspicuous length of silk or hemp tied to their key chains with a number of knots along its length. Knots are added for seduction and conquest of female Kindred. Nosferatu do not count, nor does copulation compelled by force or domination. Toreador count double. The Key Club is a modern invention coinciding with the fall of chivalry and rise of feminism which members have interpreted as an affront to their power. The name derives from the brief fad of "key parties" in the 1970’s when married couples would place key chains in a bowl at parties and select random partners to go home with at the end of the evening. For Key Club members sex is just another form of dominance and conquest; a diversion to keep the centuries at bay. No Kindred outside the club is aware of its existence or the significance of the marker. The risk of discovery and scandal is part of the allure for Key Club members.

VESTMENTS AND CHAIRS
The Ventrue, befitting their birthright, control a number of multinational companies, prestigous universities, distinguished law firms and banks. Many of these have been under the control of the Ventrue for centuries, albeit sometimes under a variety of names. The Ventrue of Europe maintain strict control and rigid hierarchy and mind numbing protocols over which Ventrue are allowed to invest or hold influence within the various organizations. These restrictions have been lessened to some degree in the Americas and abroad. Yet the tradition lives on. Ventrue in control of particular institutions may offer investment opportunities or a seat on the board (or committee or what have you) of their privately held institutions. It is considered a singular honor; a mark of a career on the rise that need not be recognized quite so publicly with status or prestige. The honorific is listed among ones titles simply as "Vested in (institution name here) in (insert year here)" or "Awarded a chair on the board of (institution name here) in (insert year here)." Ventrue have been known to go to obscene lengths to obtain such prizes. There are exacting protocols to be followed which make it impossible for younger Ventrue to just create their own snobby, privately held company or law firm. (OOC: I leave it up to all of you to create the background institutions you’d like to see with restrictive membership. You could even go so far as to use your influences to create an exclusive privately owned institution yourselves.)

THE ALPH
The Alph was first created during the Age of Exploration for Ventrue who backed noteworthy expeditions that brought commerce and wealth to the coffers of Europe. The name refers to the fabled tale of Kublai Khan and the Silk Road, what many consider the most significant development in trade ever. (A hotly debated topic.) Specifically, Alph, the sacred river of Xanadu, that flowed to a sunless sea. (Kindred love references to all things sunless.) In modern nights the Alph is awarded to Ventrue who discover untapped resources or new industries. (One of the few times that young Ventrue with foresight might be recognized for such.) The Alph is a two tone silk ribbon worn somewhere about the torso. It is listed among ones honorifics as "Awarded the Alph in (insert year here) for (insert commercial accomplishment here)." The two colors of the Alph are taken from the flag of the country in command of the noteworthy commercial venture. The British and British Colonial colors are red and white. The American colors are blue and white. (The change over from British Colonial colors to American was part of fierce fued that is still fought by some to this very night.) For reasons unfathomable, the awarding of the Alph carries with it an entitlement to allotments of water along the Silk Road (for one’s horse no doubt.) Like most honorifics, the Alph is a topic of conversation at gatherings of Ventrue. Young Ventrue are always amused to witness the interplay between (for example) an award winner for the discovery of tea in the South Pacific and the modern pharmaceutical magnate.

THE LAUREL CROWN
Drawn from Clan Ventrue’s involvement with the Roman Empire, the Laurel Crown was at one time awarded to Ventrue who made specific political achievements within the framework of the Roman government. With the fall of Rome, the Laurel Crown has been "reinvented" and has been given since the 11th century to recognize a Ventrue’s significant diplomatic achievements on behalf of the Clan. Those who are awarded the Laurel Crown are judged against the accomplishments of other recipients. So while most Ventrue will qualify numerous times throughout their careers (the award can be made only once), many wait several centuries or more for the "perfect" opportunity; the accomplishment that "trumps" all other recipients. Hardestaad was awarded the Laurel Crown for founding the Camarilla -- the unassailable pinnacle accomplishment that still irritates other successful, accomplished (and outdone) Ventrue Elders. Since the Age of Napoleon it has become customary to award the Laurel Crown to oneself, much as Napoleon crowned himself Emperor on his coronation day, rather than cede any authority to the church by having the crown placed upon his head by a member of the clergy.

ORDER OF THE HOLY STAR
No award within Clan Ventrue seems more innocuous; and none is rooted in deeper depravity. The Holy Star is awarded to Ventrue who have distinguished themselves by achieving complete control over all religious affairs in their domain. (OOC: Church-5) It is awarded by a member of a small cadre of Ventrue who make up the Order and travel around the world when needed to admit new members to their ranks. The ceremony is handled at Directorate meetings and is brief, polite, and subdued.
In later nights, the true initiations begin...
The Order, like a Masonic temple, has several levels of initiation, each with its own separate agendas, hidden mysterious, rites and rituals. At first the initiate will be called upon to track of members of the Inquisition -- seemingly to keep the tragedies of the past from being repeated. Later, if the initiate is of the "correct mindset", they will be lured into joining their influence with that of their fellow members to send the Inquisition against enemies of the clan and Camarilla world wide. If the initiate seems worthy, the smaller and smaller cabals within the order may recruit the initiate into any number (in some cases multiple numbers) of secret societies with paranoid religious agendas. One group seeks out and kills mortals who could possibly be the Messiah, others seek the Antichrist, others are Noddist scholars, others still seek Golconda, or the fabled "rebirth." Some seek specific religious items (the grail, for instance) or the birthplace of Moses, or Mohammed, or scan the skies for strange stars. At the very center of it all is an insane 4th generation Methuselah who seeks to bring about Gehenna in order to force her sleeping former lover to awaken from torpor. Nothing else has piqued her interest.

ORDER OF THE CRESCENT MOON
from Berlin by Night, page 15
"Gustave assigned many Kindred (generally those he suspected of some kind of treachery) the dubious honor of hunting down and killing the Lupines. by 1786, most of the Lupines had been driven away, and those stayed were mercilessly destroyed. Many Lupine pelts adorn the havens of Berlin Ventrue Elders."
Because of the outrage that this could cause among Kindred and Lupines - this Order is not publicized. Proof of eligible membership is a Lupine pelt - acquired from the original Lupine by the Ventrue’s own hand (and knife). The award is displayed as a red garter worn on the right arm secured with a silver crescent moon pin. Additional "acquisitions" may be marked with clusters of rubies to indicate greater "achievement." When questioned, Ventrue who display the mark of the Order merely smile. In order to join the Order, one must have sufficent status to avoid indelicate questioning, and lack of humanity sufficent to revel in such things (like skinning a Lupine and keeping their pelt.)

ARCHONS
Archons who have served former Justicars but are not serving currently, are entitled to wear a blue sash over the left shoulder to the right hip. Those who have served former Ventrue Justicars mark their sash with gold braid. Former Archons continue to fight against this display with all their political might but have been continually outmaneuvered by the rest of the clan. Rather than a mark of distinction. The sash is a "warning sign" that reveals that the Ventrue in question is a blood bound pawn of a particular Elder and should be treated as such. As such it decreases opportunities for subterfuge and intrigue -- which is just the way the Clan likes it.

COUR DE LION
A red ribbon with gold lion is worn to denote the rank if desired. Pips may be pinned to the ribbon to denote repeated recognition. Literally “heart of a lion,” the award is given to Ventrue who distinguish themselves for bravery. Can be granted in lieu of prestige such as Brave or Admired. The award may be given by Primogen, Princes and/or Chairpersons.

PEERAGE
A distinguishing honor given to Ventrue of exceptional calibre; those upheld as examplars in a clan of elites. Can be granted by Primogen, Princes, or Chairpersons in lieu of prestige such as Faultless or Cherished. There are three levels of peerage (with the second and third levels being increasingly rare). The first is Peer of the Clan, the second is Peer of the Realm, the third is Peer of the Crown. The third level of peerage can only be awarded by NPC Elders. Recipients may list the award among their titles. If desired, a weave of gold braid is worn over and under the left shoulder to denote the award.

PROCTOR
Distinguished Ventrue who are sought out as teachers and role models for young Ventrue childer are sometimes rewarded with the rank of Proctor. The award can be made in lieu of prestige such as respected or revered by Primogen, Princes, or Chairpersons. There are no official duties associated with the title, although recipients are allowed to list the title after their name in correspondence. Unofficially, Proctors may find their advice sought by sires and childer alike. A silver medallion attached to a chain with the recipients lineage colors is worn around the neck if desired.

HOUSE
Ventrue who hold six personal status, five prestige and have been granted right of progeny at least once are permitted to distinguish their blood by establishing a House; or personal line. Although the main house line is established through blood, adoptions into the house (Ventrue only) are permitted. Creation of new houses is granted by the Chairperson of the local Directorate and ratified by a vote of the Directorate. The name of the House is traditionally drawn from either the recipient’s last name or the name of his or her grandsire. Once established, individual Houses set their own protocols for distinctive dress or customs. Can be granted in lieu of status, boons, or additional prestige to reward noteworthy Ventrue PC’s.

SURNAME
Ventrue who distinguish themselves through service or accomplishments are often permitted to add a distinctive surname in lieu of being awarded status, boons, or prestige. For example: Richard “the Lion Hearted”, “The Gentle Lady” Stephanie, Ibraham “the Moor,” etc. Such awards have fallen in and out of vogue in various Ages. There is no formal decoration assigned for this award. The award can be granted by Primogen, Princes or Chairpersons.

ADDRESS
Distinguished mortals (judges, for instance) are sometimes addressed by the title “The Honorable.” The same title is sometimes awarded to Ventrue who distinguish themselves in both honor and character. Can be granted by Primogen, Princes, or Chairpersons in lieu of prestige such as Honorable or Just. Those who distinguish themselves above and beyond in these characteristics can be awarded the privilege of extending the address to “The Right Honorable.”

LINEAGE
Although every Ventrue takes time to learn the tedious lineage minutiea of important or distinguished clanmates, some are distinguished above and beyond the standard in a clan filled with elites. Ventrue PC’s who have been in play for longer than a year with a good reputation (aka -- not likely to be hauled before the Justicar anytime soon) may be awarded a distinguished spot in the lineage of the clan in lieu of prestige such as Exalted, Esteemed or Famous. Unofficially, the award is known as being “Admitted to the League.” Recipients may reflect the reward by wearing a grey or silver band around the left cuff of their jacket. This is one of the few awards that can be made posthumously. The award can be suggested by a Chairperson and requires ratification by the Directorate.

THE IRON CIRCLET
Ventrue who distinguish themselves for being Loyal and Trustworthy members of the clan (may be awarded in lieu of prestige) can be awarded (by Primogen, Princes, or Chairpersons) the Iron Circlet: an iron loop attached to a blue ribbon worn on the left breast. Recipients may list the award among their titles.

REPUTATION
Ventrue who are marked by a particularly fearsome reputation may be rewarded by the clan (in lieu of the prestige Feared) by being permitted (by Primogen, Princes, or Chairpersons) to attach a particular moniker to their names. For instance: “The Dread” Prince Stainslav, Orgom “the Feared Monster of Belarus”, etc.

PROCURATOR
During the Age of the Roman Empire, a Procurator was a governor of a minor province. In modern nights the title is bestowed upon Ventrue of significant influence and power in a general region. The title is somewhat similar in scope to that of Chairman of the Board of a regional directorate but has no official authority or duties. (For instance, powerful Ventrue who do not (but should) hold other positions.) Can be granted in lieu of prestige such as well-known and influential. Recipients may list the title after their names in correspondence. If desired, a purple ribbon with a roman coin attached is worn to denote the rank. The award requires the approval of the local Chairperson and vote of the Directorate.

SORORITY OF AMASTRIS
In recent nights, women have risen to prominence within the clan, proving themselves to be the equals of their male clanmates in many arenas, often working twice as hard to achieve that status. The Sorority of Amastris inducts Ventrue women who have proven their worth in leadership. Founded by and admitting only women, the men of the clan do not take it seriously, dismissing it as a progressive "fad" inspired by the women's liberation movement, and unlikely to last. The women who have been inducted, of course, see it differently. Criteria for membership is not set in stone, but invitations rarely go out to anyone who has not served in a Camarilla office or achieved local Directorate ranking above Associate. (Amastris, wife of Dionysius of Heracluria, established her own city state by conquering and uniting four settlements.)

THE COURT OF MANY COLORS
Ventrue who excel in diplomacy may be admitted into a small circle that is known as the “Court of Many Colors;” the colors being representative of strategic alliances and friendships with particular clans. Admittance to the court is conferred by the eldest or highest ranking Ventrue in the domain at the request of an existing member of the Many-Colored Court. In modern nights, standards for admittance have (so the Elders grumble) grown rather lax. Clan friendship (as per the merit) is often sufficient for admittance. However, being liked by one or two local clanmembers is insufficient. Holding a trait of out-of-clan prestige is insufficient. Ventrue candidates must have made *significant*, *lasting* inroads with the clan in question, sufficient to withstand the rigors of time. Because of this, members of the Many Colored Court are in great demand; a resource used by the entire clan. In times of crisis, a few honeyed words from an ambassador of the Court are sufficient to spare the unlife of a clanmate or avoid hostilities. A fact that these ambassadors are only to willing to smugly point out given the opportunity.

To conceal the true nature of this award from non-Ventrue, the name of the award varies from individual to individual. There is a preset selection of colors, so Ventrue “in the know” will always be able to recognize a fellow member and his or her particular specialty. For instance: “awarded the ruby cluster” (denoting a diplomatic relationship with the Toreador) or “recipient of the umber and olive ribbon for distinguished service” (denoting specialties with both the Nosferatu and Gangrel)

With the Anarch Revolt and the formation of the Camarilla, friendships with Tzimisce, Lasombra, and the Independents are no longer publicly claimed by members of the Court. The corresponding colors representing these clans have fallen into obscurity from all but the Eldest Ventrue. With the prohibition by the Justicarate from having dealings with other supernaturals, colors and gemstones allocated for diplomacy with the other supernatural races are no longer publicly claimed.

The colors and gemstones are as follows:

Gangrel: Malkavian: Nosferatu: Toreador: Tremere:

green, olive, and emerald purple, violet, and amethyst brown, umber, and topaz red, scarlet, and ruby black, charcoal, and onyx

There is no color, award, or gemstone for friendship with the Brujah. While it may be advantageous on a case-by-case basis, the smoldering resentment from Carthage and other atrocities colors even this mundane detail of the Ventrue’s nightly affairs.

Members of the Many Colored Court may choose to be addressed (should they insist upon the formality) in all dealings within the clan as “the distinguished gentleman(woman) from [first domain where acknowledged]” For instance: Lady Genevive, the distinguished gentlewoman from Kent. Some have taken to wearing rings or jewelry to denote their specialty when meeting with fellow Ventrue. The internal procedures, habits and customs of the court are too numerous to go into here (OOC: feel free to invent them yourselves). It is known that great emphasis is placed on the various titles of members within the court. Some of the known titles include: envoy, counsul (or proconsul), legate, and statesman(woman). The relation of these titles to the internal hierarchy is unknown.

Members of the court who prefer adornment above and beyond simple jewelry (for instance: at formal Ventrue-only affairs) have been known to wear a colored ribbon on their left breast with the corresponding gemstone attached beneath.

KNIGHTS OF THE CRIMSON SCEPTRE
The Knights of the Crimson Scepter are one of the youngest organizations within the Ventrue. Membership is considered ambitious, daring, dangerous or scandalous depending on the Kindred's reputation and location. Elders often view the Knights as upstarts attempting to emulate the much older Knights of the Blood.

The Crimson Scepter was created by order of Lady Anne and the Royal Directorate in the Victorian era. It emulates the creation of the British Secret Service and the royal spies of Sir Walter Raleigh 150 years prior. It draws much of it's legitimacy from it's rather loose ties to the medieval Knights of the Blood and the two organizations have a history of one-ups-manship and friendly (sometimes) rivalry.

Officially the Crimson Scepter gathers intelligence about the enemies of the Camarilla and Clan Venture. They follow the movements of the Sabbat with great interest. Unofficially, and more often, the Crimson Scepter guards the elders of the clan against the Sabbat and looks for signs of the Secret Masters. They compile extensive dossiers on Ventrue and check them against the records in London. They are the eyes and ears of the Directorates, watching and removing those who threaten the clan. They operate by stealth, political machination and deception. Many ambitious Ventrue view this as the first step to becoming an Alastor.

Knights of the Crimson Scepter are permitted to wear a Crimson ribbon with their Clan symbol to official functions. Knights Errant may place a crimson and white ribbon behind their badge of office. Knight-Commanders and the Knight-General have, respectively, silver and gold piping on their ribbons. The Sergeant-At-Arms is denoted by Crimson chevrons, over laid with a silver scepter, on a blue coat.

Membership in the Crimson Scepter is strictly regulated by the Knight-General, although a Knight or Knight-Commander may recommend a Kindred for membership. The Knight-General and Knight-Commanders are Elders of the Ventrue based in London. All three are several hundred years of age and posses strong reputations in the clan. The Sergeant at Arms is a ghoul who serves the Knight-General. The identities of these four individuals are never truly known outside of Lady Anne's trusted advisors. Full membership, or knighthood, is restricted to thirteen male English Venture of good standing (4+ status at induction) whose sire, grandsire and childer (if any) are in good standing and have never broken tradition. Other Kindred may be nominated for Knight-errant positions, a sort of honorary membership. Any Kindred held in good standing by the Ventrue may be nominated for a Knight-Errant position. Each member of the order takes an oath of silence at his induction, his orders from the Knight-General buried deep within the brain by several highly skilled elders. Failure to maintain this silence, regardless of circumstance results in the destruction of the traitor at the hands of his brothers.