Introduction
The Clan Ventrue have been the Rulers of the kindred for centuries. Since the time of the Second City we have ruled over our fellow Cainites with an Iron Fist.
In these modern nights however, the childer are questioning why? What gives the Ventrue the undisputed right to rule? References to Historical Precedents, Tradition, and even the word of Caine himself will not quiet their queries. It has been Clan policy to silence these voices wherever possible, but that just seems to create more questions in these more open nights.
Maybe it is time for the Clan of Kings to move into the 21st Century. As more modern childer are embraced, who have never experienced the rule of the feudal times, and believe that any form of Dictatorship is inevitably an encroachment of their civil liberties, so we must try to bring them to us in a more modern way.
Ideology and History
Clan Ventrue have ruled, or attempted to rule, kindred society from time immemorial. As we enter the 21st Century however, we see the signs of dissension growing within not only the Camarilla as a whole, but also within our own ranks.
As more Neonates enter Cainite society, embraced from the Democratic Countries of the western world we find that they are less likely to accept an autocratic ruler. It is therefore in our best interests to amend our positions before we are overthrown. Precedent shows that, far from being a far-fetched idea it is more than a possibility. The Anarch Movement that spawned the Sabbat destroyed many powerful kindred before the agreements reached at the Convention of Thorns took effect. In these nights the Anarchs are growing and encroaching on Camarilla held fiefs. This must be stopped, Force has not worked and so now we must look to other ways.
The New Ventrue Movement believes that the best way to do this to stop being Rulers and to start the process of becoming Leaders. Whilst a Ruler issues commands, a Leader shows the way.
Method
To change such a fundamental part of yourself as this obviously cannot occur overnight. I have however attempted to create the easiest way to at least give the impression of an amended ideology, for as Machiavelli stated "It is well that a Prince be reputed liberal. Nevertheless liberality exercised in secret brings no reputation. Therefore any Prince wishing to be thought liberal must do so with magnificence." (The Prince - Chapter XVI.) And "It is not necessary for a Prince to have all the good qualities, but it is very necessary to appear to have them." (Chapter XVIII.). Firstly I would suggest that you start within the clan. For example, I have implemented the Two-Tier Directorate system espoused by my predecessors but I have extended the powers of each tier to defined parameters. This therefore allows all members to know their authority in the Directorate as a whole. I have also implemented a form of Democracy within the Directorate based on the standing of the kindred. Each member is given a number of votes equal to his/her standing. For example a member of the Younger Directorate who has done nothing of note will have one vote for being a recognised member of the Clan. The Chair of the Younger Directorate has an extra vote as befits the position. Members of the Gerousia on the other hand commence their tenure with the vote as a Member of the Clan, an extra vote as a Respected Member of the Clan and a vote as a Member of the Gerousia. Obviously, should the kindred perform some service or be recognised by the clan for some reason then they would automatically gain yet another vote. (E.g. I myself have a vote as a Member of the Clan, a vote as I was a hostage to the Treaty of Durham, a vote for a service performed for the benefit of the Tyne and Wear Directorate, a vote as a Participant of the Ritual. I then gain my 2 votes for being in the Gerousia (Member of the Gerousia and Respected Member of the Clan.) And my two votes as Elder. In effect, in any debate held by the Clan, I have an equivalent say as eight standard members of the Younger Directorate.) As my example shows, although the appearance of Democracy is there, the reality still allows Elders to wield much of the power.
The Camarilla
Once the attitude has been tested and refined within the Directorate it is then a small step to demonstrate the usefulness of the process to the Camarilla as a whole. In doing so the Ventrue is giving neonates the opportunity to see the Camarilla as a forward-facing organisation, trying to come to terms with the modern nights, whilst allowing the Elders a modicum of the rights that they have experienced throughout history.
Conclusion
This policy is obviously a work in progress and I am testing the theory in the Fief of Tyne and Wear which has a history of division. I also have an Anarch within the Directorate, and have found that he appears to be quite receptive to the idea. Maybe, therefore this is the way forward for the Camarilla, only time will tell...
Nathan leFleur BA (hons)
Elder, Clan Ventrue
Participant of the Ritual
Respected Member of the Camarilla
Hostage to the Treaty of Durham
Friend to the Clan of the Rose.
