Venteue
By RicHarnp DAKAN CREDITS
Written by: Richard Da
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ier Sty and Atay Tel
ir Art oh Van Pst
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION: To Fatt AND SucceeD
Crapter One: THe HInGSor THe KINDRED
Cuapter Two: THe Kine Is Dean, Lone LiveTHe Hine
Cuapter THree: OF Aucust Boop SuUCCRED
Caiper Joon pres the elevdr cl bln forte
fur imei rine second He knew rlionlly tat didn’t
make o damn bil of difference, but he was in hurry. the
veto he yl laze hrew he waned one of hem, ond
they woold end their represenltive in due fe, J like
tnlficans. elect worked on er own chedles and made
yeu wot fr them, Urlke potion, levalos didn’ yell at
yoo when you kept thm wailing. No ha A. Yan Don would
el of im, He’ ju fre, which wo octuelly much, mod
‘worse, At least if wes worse when Von orn did it,
Casper wasn the only peron ving rsiouy forthe
del. The Hye wes a modbouse long jut os you'd
pec for fe bigger Fundive of the yet, he meyer
vot de fave yin, hil He stole renal, sc
shakes repeenaives nd would national senor wer ol
burscit boazng it up wih eis rom every big bok,
indy ond speia-nees! group in Ihe ste He knew ll
bout tha, bcos, okey hil ho ws exo
where he'dbeen foo uni «Few minis ago when bd hod to
cal Ryresertlve redos off in md-anecdole by glancing
his wah. 9:02 He was fo minus oe He fad 13 miner fo
‘wand up Cauncitnon Rocke ond ge im up fo wife 125,
‘Now at 9:16 (a minute late’), he pushed the call button a
fh time with Nake sanding beside him.
“Fuk He's eal me,” Cpe raed des bel
“Whal war lhl?” Mackie wsked, obviously o lille
rarvous himself
“Dh, jut casing Ihre leat, Counc,” Caper
tole. They've een slow oll wee, on know you're bun
mon. ory abou! hat”
Val | don’t uppore Me Yon Dorn wl ind waiting o
few extra minutes, ville?” the leon young couriman
‘drudtled A formes high-school leucher Ivined pollician, Mackie
had won of athe Feder ge of 36 on oplatfrm of
tehcolion and above-bord plc. Ayer vd ahaa,
hook be fad reelection cd fund he needed mane. Bake
soles jot dt colt ny more. S, ike ec every ater
councitzn before i, Doug Kecte hed ored fo met
privcely with Ratios Van Corn iver, captain of diy
te ed ll cb cy
tary people ouhide cf Caspers obying fim knew
freien ack was abu! fo find ot
The clear de pene nly, reel oc l ofpathy
te cn waren wing wih ond flea “Wo, ry pane
it." Paki leched ke i wasted fo wa foc aor
cabal Cope vei, pig Ihe ao bk ed ekg ro
foc The eonclnn He opened is ruth oes rea fo oder hi
ith the a, bt Nakie ame of hixown olin. Iv-antbll
rile ler (0-22, Tey shor ble ie 125. Before he culd
ce ed he do sag pen fo eve Yon o's nino
shop feed pli named gece
Sperer ut nodded ord ep ate follow the hve men
cenry. Mockre ond Losper noded ack, Five more slp brought
then esl he Vr wo ale
itd, looking ot oer he cy He fumed fe mee hem is
irnpentive eyes Fning them etch wilh « glance. Shivers rn vp!
Coser’ pie, bl ewes ed otha. hgpeed everytime he
tnt Helle cen. ick ok fo it ffl hi the
odie fli, alhogh ecbvicly wot df it The
counitmn cot look a tp boda ats Van Osn wore dark gray wi, ubdved purple
tie od peop he met glsed Irae cop toes knows fo
rman Hn pole, ongulrfetue: and shr-roped Hand bai
Jooked decidedly Nordic ond refined, although he spoke with no
discernible cen. He locked eye wth Caper for moment
and neki’ ror! led with deod. He wonkd fo run
‘away and hide in some dark hale, moybe beneath the porch of
moma’s howe back nLeiiora. He'd ben ee This we «bad
thing Bul he moment ped as quickly if eam. Yon Dorn
smiled fo Mackie and extended his hand mn greeting,
“Good eveting,Covrimen Mackie. uh a plese fo
finaly meet yo.”
"The olecuye' ll mine. Me an Den.” oid Maki. wh
suddenly looked very gogly cod ovkwad nei fo fhe urbane
cd eine nds. lhnsn bere ba fold meso mach
chou you ond your inte in the ays wel. mn hepy
«ould find @ few minutes to space for you
Ho! (ape hough if you oa knew who wa sping He
for who. Ne doled hat Macie's camer ak wll wit Yan
Deen, but the tiem man showed no sign of diphecwre.
Yes | do thrk your meting ath me,” Vr Dom i ol
smiles and gree. "| Hope i! wos’ foo much ofan inconvience”
“Ne, nt pat al.”
“Excellent, Pee sf down. Would you lke dk?”
“Ho Thnk you, | dont dink.” Mackie oid lie foe
Thoogh the sli fll againal is shag helped eae The Ahabing pin othe br of sale few dep bec, the voices cered lobe bedtound noe and eden become try igen le hod therein Van Dom sok, “I might wel make se this ight in fol! wos Is fe fo rose Av: odovere,” Yon Dar as ong, ope beard cine cos by, followed by « po- longed, wel sueking sound onde sickering pop. The cas rolled lude, and Csper cul hor fed grunting. Whe he hal wes ging on? Where wa he? How dd he ge bre? “Colm down, Ar. Almodovar. Uo colm down.” Van Down's veiecaied no hin fry, nd preset he scaling cetied. een mort sping oar of ope wa cone, Sriau te eC nen bert slapped aig ised obediently, He “even managed fo open his eyes. Weg jot caer 0b cer ok coed Done Ase ar devin np de Gn ph bn ID Dict fg on omen wel Lathe a afar ns a fi fel be cul probebly jut sope the lor wih is fr. Caper wor supe oe hl ve Ihe ane gy wd clicked hin he bobo. hl mae Caneel ven belfex, Yon Dorn ood befor He prioner is eyes even with he evel ms Te no he wel pl hee ded cr hd ned he ide “Look ol me Me. Lmedovor,” Van Dorn said. “You wall look al” Tema ove. Vn Da oe oe rd Spice segped fhe dvs hig od ood Be alarndct anew ye piiyte yhakedy o festa nt nore, bl he gid ho erik ‘Spencer dove Te stoke no the blody hale in Weil souk Caper wanted to vornil, bul he didn’t want to disturb: Von Chm by beings in prea, Wie Scr stepped Bock Yen Dom hock bl of he eke nd pulled xkingy shxty fer epi mi i Dea brett ctplch cond sl ih We iodo fa ca oi Soever Wy di yea ose yur cl Be cent” The rion seared hs es gilsing foo wer elo lois idol pe credo fd ke eo Sie en pe bee nine Yates kt ‘man trash cbout for « bit before haling him with & word, bt ‘Almodovar stopped. “donb al eso hg yo ere den Sethi jut ball you cs cuter te ink Hae Bast ver Sinden cay pupcptonl fe ice focel fame? Ti beter replete Yu no dub od eight ink Wel sie | either peer yo ae f i . will:not destroy you. think again, You will find that the Troditions extend only 4o-those who observe them. You, sit, hove committed « grievous breath of etiquette.” Yor Doin gabe the pisnes bythe hoi stared dtely inl bis eyes, odors tied fo look dehan, but helo! his compute quick, Von Dorn had hm, “Be sill oof i Fime fox you fo answer my question: Tellme why you needed to see sie 1 urgent.” The gestions went on for a longtime, ord Ahnodovor iled bis fale, oper cui, Icing alin, ina to figre oul wha wa going on How auld the man survive ovine wooden pie ihoved ink bis het? Fie And wha happened fo the bull holes Hal shuld have pok naked hi cae lf ide? Cpt needed ane. fortuna, he seceved none hen the inkregfin ended Yon Don fund to Cape Lorper shuddered to beheld his employer when he noticed the flecks of blood on Yen Dom's lord sui. That wort make im fap, Cpr Vou hoe wil meer cme cut “rd naw for you whelp,” Von Dat spat through ‘utled-bock lips. “I'm nat wre whether fe punish you fo you ineptitude or reward you for drawing out His serpent in oor mil” ifs al the some 4 you, sid gladly gi the tiferene. De’ feel Hat yeu hare forward to pith me.” Coiperrsped hiking from Von Dor’ impeiou crn “dally, | wor thinking oF giving you litle bit of bath, 1¥sen inaopciows welome fo Clan Vente. 4 be sure, bu ‘you know my protocols ct least, and it will sove me from biting cide.” Can Vertue? 'm eid! don’t know wba you mea,” Caper did't hy fo get p, bt hi mb climbed ovr eoch ‘other ino race to escape Yon Dons claiing presence. “Oh, you'll ve plenty of time fo Yeon Ftevrin fe.” And then, os Ratios Von Dor lied is cide from the flo Caper Jobson beware something els entirely. Tobe wo Succi 8 pgs have good advice and soured wisdom: Thave insight, I hove srength By me kings reign, and rulers By me nders rule, and nobles, all who Proverts 814-16 precedent, the Ventrue rely 0 Jan. They che every aspect of it — even (at especially) the parts embellished or fabricated completely. Theits is a is toryofcong achievement and brilliant tactics. The fact that more than a few of the most esteemed makers of that history still walk the Earth conight only height tens their reverence for the past. The clan's history justifies theit claim to aristocracy. It supports their icsettles their internal disputes, and it causes endless debate. Without it. they would he as a shin without a rudder. This, then, isthe! dispute indivi 'shistory as consensus, Some 1 portions. Members of other clan the whol beginning w end. The Ventrue anil few can com research and fom ry 00 pune Ration feos and by its every word, we with them when it comes to 1c collection of their own history. Not ine could know what tly happened, but it &s maybe more important to realize chat chis 1b what the Ventruc believe took place, a dual blur from legend tohistory. In the end, all that decree what is just cvern righty ‘matters co theus is that thetr through the aj Caine’s CHOSEN The Ventrue cla ind revetherates in their wak erally in the beginning. The most reliable sources sate it firmly, C widered his childer to beget the Third ‘Generation; he specifically chose [Ventrue] asthe first In fict, he demanded that Ynosch Embrace [Ventroe] ‘only to sweep the fledgling Kindred from his sire ind place it by his side. The young [Ventrue] became Caine’ closest advisor and contidant, Therelore, train themomentthe Third Generation spr being which is to say, the moment the entire conceit of “clans” came to be — Ventrue could lay el been the eldest them all, which many’ cling in these modern nights. begins, quire i a long while, [Ventruc] served at Caine’s side, helping h rad and kine in the gilded First C tures, the others ofthe Third Ge [Ventre] and hi position, particularly the over-ambitious and cunning m mule over Kin Asbefit their base (Geen One Te Kn on Keon THe WAR OFAGES first, the Second City ech through pure force of will. He slew many wayward childer and banished the uneuly among the Third Oe including Sec and dhe vengeful Mekhes. Many resented such high-handed treatment, but none «ould stand up co [Venerue' authority. Fora short while, atense peace existed within the city, Suill, [Ventrue’s} heart pined for Caine’s assuring. guidance. As jealousy and hatred continued to boil just below the surface, [Ventrue] cast his gaze out beyond the city walls. He had sent some of his childer tosearch forthe First Vampire, and some had returned with rumors of his whereabouts. Encouraged by these signs and thinking the city safe under his edict, {Ventrue] left to find Caine and bring him back, He left one of his own childer to watch over the fuming clans while he was gone. As it tured out, this decision was [Ventruc’s} sole nice, After he departed, che other Kindred of che Third Generation gave in to their own greed and treachery once more. (Lasombra] was the first to break ranks, seiing the opportunity to attack [Ventrue'} shihfer aint tat dae sicy wn natn For hist Heid not hold itforlong. The other Antediluviansrose up as well, not content to sit by and watch (Lasombra] steal Ventrut’s Fate Every clan wonders whar became of itslegénd ary Ancediluvian founder. Some claimto have killed theirs, others tobe in constant contact. ThéVenerve admit freely that they haven'e heard from thelr namesake in millennia, at least hot 60 anyone prove. In fact, most accuse the one known as Brujah —or one of her brood — of lying in waitjust outside the walls ofthe Second City and striking [Vertue] head from his neck in jealousy upon the third step of his queot Fan Cole. what [Ventrue] had claimed despite their own desires. The battle had begun, [Tsimisce] plotted with [Lasombra}, much as their ewobrocds would later unite under the banner of the Sabbat. Lucien drove his brother into torpor and salted the earth where he lay. [Nosferatu] and Set cut Arikel's dead heart from her ody andareit. The fragile peace that had existed under [Ventrue's} guidance gavewayto violence and thievery, each night a new treason committed by one Ancient ginec another lnevirably, nchisclimate,the Second ity would fall. Dikspoana Distraught and depressed at the Kinde’ failure, many surviving Ventruc maved west, into the Mediter- ranean. They spread outamongthekine,seckinghavens from the violence and turmoil hatcrippledthe Second City. Like many Kindred at the time, they set them: selves up as gods, heroes and seers among the mortals. Many carried on the clan's legacy by leading kine ‘communities either directly or indirectly. Ic wee ac this tnne ther the Ventre fr larsed io respect and even fear what mortals could secomplish if they set their minds to it and could miss enough a spite of uch frauds; Ventre stl lim gp ofthe founders pester om i a “Ambitious (if heresal) Vente cited: : on, real ovens We Sie) Sea ed their play for power: The most ‘xampie of suc audacity was the Ventre Director Vittorio Angelotti, who joined ‘the Directorae's ranks in 1811. With the help of sapet- natural allies, Vittorio managed to create"® Ve compelling but entirely false appearance of[ Venmrue] ata clan conclave. Vittorio joined the secretive Directorate and satas.a member for 80 years, until an aspiring clan member managed to uncover.a tonal carythatexplcaed eh envire deception fom- beginning to end. Vittorio disappeared from sight, eter co be heard from again. ‘Most common are Kindred or ever: mortals ‘obviously operating under intense Dominate by ‘some powerful Kindred. Sometimes, this myateri« cu puppet clain tobe Venue xnetner chic ideetity a secret. Theorists have ee oe a powerful Kindred is behindall ofthem. A stranger appears, usually « ioral oF neonuce, evidericing: Heorshe alwaysshows up in Himes oftrouble for certain Ventrue, or when rival “factions have warred for too long. The stranger helps avert crisis and retocus the Kindred against ‘yome common enemy. Whether [Ventrue] orsome ‘other tlan elder is behind these appearances re- iain nye, bt legend and rumor definitely finger the founder asthe Incerlper, albeit vi ‘tele verification forsuch speculation. Some para- roid Kindred think that someone else is using [entrie’s} “good tame” to interfere with the clan. Either way, the Ventrue elders would prefer that whoeter itis cease or step out of hiding. (Gurma Ove Te Kes or Koa B numbers. The lesson came, as did so many in the early nights, with a high price. One Hilder, Meson, had set lute authority, demanding service from every me say that ther Kinuired’s v kine and giviny s fate was the result of tle evidence sy p that it was merely th mob n ignant head, as it would do again down through the ages. What n the kineb fledon’s palace and st an agonizing Final Death. One childer excaped munity like of the clan's wit inthe sunligh sould happen to ot learned to fear the power af mort sok the name Artemis, her Ventrue, hadsettled inthe region of Greece called the Peloponnesus. ks had buile prospe The Doria this peninsula the foundations of would become great placessuch asCorinth and Angos, st important of all, Spa by another settled in rtemispause inher wanderin ds that offered so little to attract a Ventrve! It was aman who had « dream for the olk of Sparta — a dee them into the most feared ce, His n hewn that wo od upon the ion, discus dream for the Spartans. With Medon'sdeath still thinhermind (although several centuries had passed), nissaw the potential threat and utility of Lycurgus decided to follow a course that s0 mi te. Rather than try owing power of mortal in uutions (and risk being run over in bought into the Spart: © process), she owing mortal This Ventruet Orthia, Sparta's pu k upon herself the role of Artemis 1s. She watched Lycurgus win over the Spartan people and install his fabled ‘constitution. Even she was somewhat surprised when the wtbiciue Span tevaded dhe neighlueing region of Messina, erulaving the entire region. Artemis saw in the Spartans many parallels to Kindred existence. A large serf population made progress possible for the Spartans, just as the large kine population made Kin- dred existence posible. Having so many sexs allowed the Spartans to devote their entire lives to perfecting the art of war, Where most Greek city-states had to spend their time farming or trading to support them- selves, the Spartans could focus solely upon the challenges of self-perfection and self-defense. Unswervingly loyal, unflinchingly brave and nearly unbeatable in battle, the Spartans struck Artemis as a flawless model of the mortal porential. Other Ventrue soon flocked to the Peloponnesus, teaking to work wich Areoris to tide the Sparcin wor ‘machine to power. Each settled inadfferent city within the region, urging the city leaders toward a conclusion ‘most of them had already reached on their own: better to ally with Sparta than face ite wiih. Thun the Peloponnesian League —aloose alliance of cty-seates with Sparraat its center —eametobe. The secondmost powerful city within the alliance was Corinth, a rich ‘commercial community. The Ventruc Evarchusclaimed this city as his domain and he, to learned important Jessons that the Ventrue would carry with them for aaillennia wo come Corinth thrived on trade, particularly in its prized potteryand Peloponnesian foodstuff: Backed by Sparta’s rnilitary might, its merchant ships traveled throughout the Acyean and expanded the league's influence and power. Evarchus understood that money had veal power cover the kine. Kindred had seldom had much use for ‘currency, but in a world where mortal institutions grew more and more expansive. money seeroed to he a bey to influencing the kine. Evarchus’ merchant fleets argu- aibly made him the fine truly “wealthy” Ventrue, and ethers would follow in his footsteps thereafter. Allwent srl on Sats ais ol ie Votan ventas Guasesy Corinth and the Ventrue Peloponnesian League con- tinued to prosper Tue Fest Bruygan War ‘Acheas and Sparta hal fought side by side in the great war against Persia, This war was a mortal con- cer, one the Kindred had litte to do with, In fact, Artemis tried to keep her Spartans from becoming involved at all, but she found that her influence over them indeed had a limit, Proud, brave and scornful of the barbarian Persian king, the Spartans had marched off to war and into history without their goddess! reluctant blessing. Even though they returned vieto un, ahe win not plowed. Nor was Evarchus, Prince of Corinth. In the wake of the war, Athens began to rise in powerand rival Corinth’s position asthe wealthiest reading city in Greece. Although Athenian ability played no small role in, the city-state’s meteoric rise, the citizens haa a litre help from a few enterprising Brujah. Long artracted to innovative thoughts and ideas,several Brujahhadsetted in Athens to take in its glories. While Pericles built his beautiful city as amonument to Athenian power, these Brujah Kindred sat by his side, helping when they deigned to do so, but mostly eryoying the fruits of Athenian labors, They watched quietly as the Athe niansestablishedthe Delian League, apowerful military and trade alliance that stood! in undoubted opps to the Spore ld Pelopones possi into being. He did not have toc chet Athens wes the problem. They cine Athens just as much as the Ventrue di Gonflict seemed inevitable. The two ancesfinally came toa head, thanks in no the urgings of Evarchus and eventually Art long, terrible war ensued, lasting decades and engl. ing all of Greece in a seasonal struggle, The Kinlted held back from batile, preferring not to risk thet unlivesovermortal assets— yet. The At could all but ignore the conflict, since Athe walls kept the Spartans at bay andthe Athe censured continued prosperity. Besides, they found th fickle masses of the Athenian Assembly too fractured when they did try to interfere. These infh individual memberswas pot enough tosway the greater ‘body of the assembly. Artersis anal Evarchus feared attacking Athens on their own without their Spartan troops behind them. Eventually, thanks to the ‘of a Spartan general narmed Lysardh i part Artemis and Evarchus vis marched ince the city, fully pr Vergeance on the arrogant Kindred ns. Be wats not to be. The wily Cainites had fled the city, and the first “Brujah War” ended without either side spilling the other’s blood. However it left a bitter taste in the mouths of Sparta’s Ventrue pattons. Several Brujah and Toreador called the Ventrue barbaric and power mad, while the Ventroe cameto thinkof the Bruiah as ‘Guens Ow Tc Kees or Koon dangerous dreamers with no sense of decorum. The conflict set the pattern for thingsto comebetween the tun clone Likealllegendary ages, though, theepoch of Sparta’s sory passed shortly thereafter. In but a few short de- «ces, Spartan hegemony flllike ahouse of cands othe « Thebunoy whose city seemed remarkably free from Kindred presence. Artemis’ temple was burned, and she and hee brood fled into the night. Evarchus lingered in Corinth for many more years untithe finally slipped into torpor for a few centuries, Awake once ‘more and residing in Greece, Evarchus supposedly ex- ists in the modem nightsas but an echo of his greatness during the mythic age ‘THe Latin Ventrue When Artemis and Lysander fled west in the century B.C, they found Ventrue among the ans already established on the Italian Peninsula, c Ventruc had settled among the Etruscans, an ingenious and prosperous people of central Italy, cen- turies before. The Verntrue had exisrad there in quiot peace, many claiming a small Etruscan city as her own, domain. Then came Collat: Ventrue history credits Collat with leading the revolution that freed Rome it. He set himself up as the Kindred Prince of Rome and watched his city grow. Rome's power and sovereignty spread in fits and starts over the next few centuries, expanding to include all the former Etruscan cities and eventually most of Analy. Collar and his Ventrue brood profited from the mn, following the soldiers into new cities and claiming domains there. I was Callat, though, who set thepattern for future Ventrue in Rome andin the world at large. Unlike many Kindred at chat time, he did not rule openly or claien to be a god. The Romans were a religious, supentitious and proud people. They were more likely to stake and burn a vampire than rey te coexistwith him. Therefore, the Ventruc of Italy main- tained « low profile, collecting favors from its citizens and governors and influencing evens from behind the scenes by calling on them to repay thie debes. ‘When war with Pyrthus of Epinus brought Rome into direct conflice with the Greek cities of southern Italian Ventruecame into contact with Greek whe had sectled the area, including recent Athens’ ancientenemy Syracuse to lick herwoundsand eventually escape from the world into torpor. Lysander Famous Ventrue Whar do, Alexwndes, Kathesine and Fredesick theGreat;JuliusCaesar; Charlemagne; William the | Conqueror; Niccolo Machiavelli; LouisXIV;George | Washington; Robert. Lee and Winston Churchill have in common Nene of them —notaone—was evereitheraVentrucoraKindred atall. Infact, over the course of history, the Ventrue have Embraced very few world leaders into theie esteemed midst, a fact that no doubt seems odd when compared to the clan's known reverence for rank, ttle and heritage. ‘The fact of the matter ts that Embracing a famous mortal isalmost always more rouble than i's worth, especially in the moder nights. Fins of all famous folk make bad vampires: | People tend to notice when their king never ages or he turns again somewhere elisa decade after he supposedly died. Sel, this hurdle was not always 0 seat, especially in previoescenturis. Beforephot0- ‘raph itwasunikelytharmany morealsremembered swhae che king really looked like fice «few decades No, the real problem i that kings and potentates do ; nnotmake gond neonates. Used tabeingon top ofthe world, they have a hard time dealing with the frightful realities of unlife as nen fledglings in che shadow society ofthe Kindred. As the Ventrue grew more*and more diverse along ethnic and cultural lines in the past «wo millennia, the lotiof the neonate has worsened steadily. In ancient times, a newly Embraced war- lord could take a place at hissire’s side immediately, and help rule the commoners. Tonight, that same Kindred would spend the next hundred years learn ing the ways ofthe Jyhad and che intricacies of he Traditions, no matter who her sire might be. Most are unwilling to face once more the hurdles and challenges they already facedin life. Inmortalorno, they simply don't have the patience frit. I's much better w Embrace a younger miorzal, one of good bpeedingiand background whalpailiiprenionsbts } ‘enoiigh to appreciate her place in the world and be | willing to work fora better unl. had established humselfin the Greek city of Tarrentumm ‘Tarrentum eventually became the focus of Rome's war with Pyrrhus, and, when all of southern Italy fell, Lysander himself fell into the hands of Collat’s most promising childe: Camilla. Camilla and Lysander debated for years. A young Kindred of potent blood, Camilla knew little of the world outside Italy. The war with lraly's Greeks had (Gaeom: Vora ns toall manner of new and exciting J currency to elephants. It ako ex didn't even need to approach every member of the ‘empowered government. Most were quite content t0 jndless of Kindred counsel. Many other Kindred fail to realize that the Blue Bloods don’t hoard power, wealth and influence for themselves. Only the most foolish vampire sets him: Seif up as a dictator, The wise Ventrue shares power, calling upon favors and offering his services in return. Doing so not only keeps the true master hidden from view, but also ensures that an enemy can never truly unseat an influential Ventrue from her position of comfort without crippling her vast network of con: tacts andallies. Rivals may lop as many heads from the hydra as they wish, but the body és what must die to truly ruin a Vertrve. Camilla's methods made him wealthy and, ulei- ely, decadent. His ghouls fed and protected him ile he tried to mule Rome through moetal proxies. Lysander advised him in turn although he grew wary of Camilla’s decline. He traveled theoughout Italy and the Mediterranean, acting as Rome's eyes and sometimes cng indked matters. Of course, Lysander had his own goals. His eyes looked constantly eastward to his homeland, which even then was ruled by the ‘upstart Macedonian descendants of Alexander the Great. Furi, however, the Roman Ventrue faced greater problem: Carthage, THe Seconp BRujAH WaR Carthage, the new capital of the Phoenician people, had become the predominant city in Northern Africa and one of the most potent trading powers in the Mediterranean. Itscoloniesextendedall the way through the African coast and on into Iberia. Ie stood as Rome's chief rival in the West, although it had yer to threaten Rome itself. For his part, Camilla cared litle about Carthage. His ambitions still remained confined ro. Italy orposibly to the lind thar Lysander so coveted. It was Lysander who saw danger in the African city, Ie was Lysander who saw the Brujah. The CrvelL-yoordesy weld unkensmisaghy Ganghi the Brujah during the Peloponnesian War, had inher- ‘ted his site's hatred ofthe clan. In his travels on behalf of Rome, Lysander had heard many tales of Brujah ‘walkinggopenty among the kine of Carthage, rulingover them like gods, demanding blood-tthes and sacrifices Lysander himself journeyed to the city to discover the truth of these rumors, and he was shocked to find them alltootrue. Thisbehavior had apparently beengoingon, for centuries, and brutal broodsof Assamites and Brujah, had the Carthaginian population well cowed. By the time of Lysander’s reconnaissance, some even planned toexpand their infernal prcticesto Spain and threaten Gaul. Italy would not be far behind. Lysander returned to Camilla to report what he hd found. He nodoubt embellished the tales, tainted ashis perception wasby hisown dislike for the Brujah because of their Athenian connection. Camilla, though, was slow to act. He did not feel comfortable engaging the ‘enemy on their own ground, and he was not so site Carthage was truly an enemy. He had grosen compla- cent in his position farted by bloody excess. Lysander urged his prince to take action again and again, but Camilla refused until the weight of Malkavian and Toreador counsel convinced him otherwise in around about way. In 265 B.C., Greek colonies occupied most of Sicily, independent from both Roman and Macedonian tule. A scattering of autarkis dwelt on the island, with diffrci clan-bevans veiling in diferent cits. The agreacest of them all was Syracuse, where Arcemis had fled and slipped into torporand where now aMalkavian prince ramed Alchias sat enthroned. Alchias did not care about Carthage; he scarcely knew that Brujah resided there. In fact, it was the mortal leaders ofthe city whostarted the war. The Carthaginianshadintervened ina dispute between Syracuse and the neighboring ci Of Medina, They not only eed Ue Sepune hc} cccupied both cities afterward. Then a Brujah of Dominic'the Rogue's lineage came to Alchias, stating inno uncertainterms that both Carthage and the Beujah ad plans for Sicily and Syracuse. Prince Alchias flew into a rage at the implied threat, decapicating the startled Brujah envay. Unsure of what to donext, he fortunately had someone to tury, to for advice: the recently awakened Artemis and the bull-dancer Arikel. This coalition summoned Lysander to the city, and together they concocted a plan to engage Rome ina war with Carthage. Lyeaner se- tumed to Rome to once again plead his caseto Camilla while Alchias urged the governors of Syracuse to com- mit soldiers to the imminent battle. The result was the fst une War, a battle that would decide the fate of beth Sicily and Corsica as well assec the tone for Brujah-Ventrue relations for centuries to come, The Carthaginian and Roman atmies and navies fought for years in an evenly matched stalemate of a war, Carthage made a few forays into Sicily and Italy, but its amy was repulsed bloedily on each occasion Likewise, Roman raids into Africa met with similaly dismal fates. In the end, the mortals finished the war. Rome proved ietorious, annexing both disputed stands Despite the ostensible victory, Carthage remained apowortohe reckoned with, and several cules of Braj, (Covacoe: Vom Assamites and Baal-revering Ca . paged there. Alchias, Lysander and the now-awake ‘Arsene all put pressure ot Camilla wo continue dhe wat and followup on the victory. Rome's prince refused. He had seen what happened when Kindred set foot in ‘Africa: They disappeared forever. Uncil the Brujah posed a serious threat co Rome itself he would not act. CARTHAGO DeLenna Est ‘The second warwith Carthage came 20 years later, andiithad nothing to dowith Kindred at al. Iehegen in faraway Spain, where only a few Brujah neonates re- sided with the cruel Lasombra. The mortal Hannibal and his ellow Carthaginians set the city to war on theit ‘own by capturing che Romanallied colony of Saguncum. Hannibal then marched east and south acrossthe Alps toinvade lraly itself, where he and his army remained focthenext 15 years While Romans nd Carthaginians involved themselves in the bloodiest fighting they had ‘ever seen, most Kindred remained silent and stunned. Many Italian Cainites were too scared to leave their cities, and the Sicilian Mafkavians and Toreador had their hands full with fresh Carthaginian incursions, ‘The Brujah satback in Africaand et theirhuman allies do most of the fighting. Eventually. the Romans tumed the tables and forced Hannibal back to Aftica. The Roman legions followed alongsoonafter invading Afiica nd defeating Hannibal ‘on hishome ground. Carmilla and the other Kindred stayed in their ha- -vens for this last fight, still recovering from nearly wo decades of war in their peninsula. Carthage surrendered and agreed to Roman terms, ceding Spain and making other concessions to the Roman victors. Although upset thy the defea, Carthage itself remaineda secure city sothe Bryjah were content, for the time being. Romans, Ventrue and the loosely allied Toreador and Malkavians in Sicily alike were not so pleased with the outcome. Lysander urged for a final end to the conflict. The mortal army might have been defeated, but the immortal enemies remained as powerful asever. thee clans came to Camilla as well, led by the Matkavian Prince Alchias. The wanted Carthage elimi- rated for good. Meanwhile, the Roman people were being encouraged to fight as well. The famed Roman ‘orator Cato the Elder had an obsession with Carthage. For years he ended every speech he gave in the Senate with the same phrase: Carthago delenda est — Carthage must he destroyed. Lysander picked up the refrain and echoed i in Camila’ er. ‘Whether itwasCatoor Lysanderrallying the cause, the result was the same. Camilla agreed to ally with the other clans and eradicate the Assamite-Brujah menace in Carthage forall time. In one ofthe few instances in which che Vertue actually provoked 4 mortal world conflict, Rome once again declared war on Carthage in 150 B.C. fivefull decades afterthe end ofthe las great struggle. The Roman fleetsand armiesattacke Carthage and lay siege fo the city, surrounding it with a wall of troops and ships. The Third Punic War amounted to not much of a tattle for the Romans: a quick siege and capitulation. For the Venttue, it was the greatest, largest hartle they had ever fought. While Roman legions razed the city, Ventrue, Toreador, Malkaviananda few Gangrel offic: ‘ets helped lead the charge and did bartle in the streets with the Carthaginian Brujah for five nights. Scores of Kindred diedon both sides, along with several thousand mortals, Never before or since has such a titantc hattle taken place openly beewoen Kindred. Any lucky enough to have survived those nights can testify tat it was a blood-soaked horror beyond all others. The invaders wonthe night, albeit ataterible cost. ‘Artemis herself had led the firs foray anto the eity, and she was tom to shreds by a pack of frenzied Brujsh herserks. Prince Alchias was so hadly hurt thist he slipped into a torpor fom which he might never have recovered — his fate remains a mystery. Lysander emerged from the battle scarred but otherwise intact, having taken the final Brujah head himself. Camilla had remainedin Rome, buthisfledgling progeny Tiberias Camifex slew an entire cell of Assamites before suc- cumbingto theirenvenomed vitae. The city surrendered soon thereafter, and the legions began the sack proper. (On Lysander'sonders, they razed the city tothe groxind, killing thousands and enslaving the rest. They salted the earth so that nothing would ever grow there again —and so that no torpid Cainite could rise. The war with Carthage wat over Tne Senate's Far ure Rome's placein the world grew by’ shsct Caethage'n derervctions Blt Asia Minor, then the Near East, then The Roman Empire dominated most work, and Camilla and his fellow Vent ‘of all. OF cone, 90 di ag om other clans. The Malkavians, the Toreador, Gangrel and even the Roman Nosferatu had all played roles in defeating Carthage, so they claimed a share of the spoils. Many of these clans atready held influence within the newly conquered Roman provinces, and they were not about to give up just because the mortal government hod changed. apsand bounds neem ul, then Egypt the known, Gar Ove Ta Kons Fe Koo 9 For the firse rime since the fll oft Venteve hid clans, Doing so proved moredifficult ned since th Second City ice withthe other itwould have had fallen ¢o +. Ay the Prince of Rome and withour Ventrue themselveYou might also like
