As Europe's economy developed and trade became more profitable, the Ventrue began to adopt merchant families as well. And as the Franks and then the Normans began to conquer lands outside of France, the Ventrue often followed the victorious mortals, to Germany, to northern England and Ireland, northern Italy and Sicily, Cyprus and the Holy Land.

Now old ghosts are returning to haunt the Ventrue. Few neonates have learned of the long-ago war with the Brujah, or the city that fell to Roman swords. All they know is that the Brujah loathe them for some ancient slight and seek to block their every goal. The Assamites are emerging out of the East, and the Lasombra are challenging their authority; all in all, the Ventrue have some trying times ahead of them.

The Ventrue are the dominant Cainites of France and England and have influence in many other countries. Their center of power is Paris, and they maintain a firm grip on the fairs and markets of the surrounding regions. Many Ventrue have developed a sentimental attachment to the French noble families. The University of Paris, the splendor of the French royal court and the success of local merchants are all sources of great Ventrue pride.

Most of the Ventrue's might comes from their mortal resources. Through Presence and Dominate, they control some of the most powerful nobles and merchants of Europe. Some build private armies, others attempt to sway local governments but they are for the most part content to change little. It is only when a Ventrue's authority is challenged that he becomes truly aggresive, and then woe unto the offender...

Ventrue organize along courtly standards, both locally and clanwide. The oldest Ventrue of each region is accepted as that region's monarch. Monarchs entertain visitors and supplicants, and local Ventrue are expected to heed their proclamations. Cainites of other clans are accepted into court structure if they wish to make suitable supplications.

The Grand Court is set above all other courts. Ventrue gather there for the opportunity to sum up business, strike deals and make plans for forthcoming years. It is also a place for the presiding Ventrue to commend or criticize younger Cainites, who might thereby win or lose much prestige.

Many Ventrue consider the Grand Court an excellent opportunity to flaunt wealth and influence; they often attend with a train of lavishly dressed retainers and ghouls. Others compete to bring the most attractive, sophisticated or highborn companions. The Grand Court is currently seated in Paris, where the venerable fourth-generation prince Alexander presides as king. The queen is Saviarre, an elder of great beauty who does most of the actual clan governing. Many lesser princes and elders sned ambassadors to the Grand Court to beg aid, to present fine gifts or to announce their triumphs.

The Ventrue, strong among both the merchants and noble classes, cling to the trappings of the nobility upon whom they have fed for so long. Many maintain sumptuous robes to wear to their courts, often having a new robe each visit. Ventrue are fond of all manner of courtly practices, and Ventrue princes have been known to "knight" particularly loyal subjects, a ceremony that often involves the Blood Oath. A Ventrue will often be quite generous when awarding privileges, even to members of other clans.

In order to display their wealth and influence, older Ventrue often become patrons to younger clan members, supporting and encouraging them. They also make ostentatious gifts to one another and are always ready to offer assistance. This is in part a matter of pride (demonstrating their superior power and generosity), but also pragmatically reinforces the clan's power.

The Ventrue continue to engage in various power-games, attempting to gain some measure of control over Cainite society. They are often stymied in this, particularly by the Lasombra, their rivals. In addition, other clans stubbornly resist any form of Ventrue overseers, especially the Brujah, who have robbed them of their influence in Spain.

However, the Ventrue have much to look forward to. Their influence is growing in France and England, and the recent threat of the Tremere seems to be galvanizing many clans into a sort of understanding. With luck, the conflict will forge a new unity in vampire society, and the Ventrue will be the ones to lead the Cainites into the new century. 

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