Knights of the Blood
Role Within the Clan
Knights of the Blood are, first, the self-appointed internal police of the Ventrue, and second, the champions of Ventrue power. Knights of the Blood tend to not follow the standard protocol or decorum that many Ventrue are used to, but follow a strict “for the greater good” ideology when it comes to matters of the clan. Most members are fed a constant stream of dogma and propaganda by their superiors to keep them assured that their techniques are effective, and many of these zealots adopt an attitude of superiority to those outside the Knights of the Blood; because of this, some of the Elder members have become extremely paranoid.Membership
Prerequisites to Join or Advance
Squire of the Blood
No one "applies" to join the Knights of the Blood. Potential recruits are chosen without their knowledge by a Knight of the Blood, or higher. The individual, their ability to cope with stress, their specific skills, and their methods are all observed by the Knight for an extended period of time before the individual is approached. In addition to an almost fanatical devotion to the clan, Knights often ensure that the recruit has the necessary ability before standing behind their presentation.Knight Errant of the Blood
After a trial period of no less than one year, and after learning from several different Knights and Knight-Errants, a Knight may bring his Squire to be presented at the Knighthood Ceremony. Though the Ceremony itself is purely a courtesy, it is a tradition which is considered of vast importance. A Squire who has been judged worthy by a Master-Knight will earn the rank of Knight Errant, and will receive a full set of traditional regalia. The Master-Knight may choose to directly test the Squire during the Knighthood Ceremony, both in social or mental acumen, and in physical prowess.Knight of the Blood
After a period of no less than one active year as a Knight-Errant, a Knight-Errant may petition a Master-Knight to hold a Knighthood Ceremony. The Knight-Errant should be prepared to cite specific examples and bear witnesses which show that his or her investigations and judgements have reflected well on the Knights of the Blood, and that he or she has been an effective force at advancing the interests of Clan Ventrue. The Master-Knight may choose to directly test the Knight-Errant during the Knighthood Ceremony, both in social or mental acumen, and in physical prowess.Master Knight of the Blood
After a period of no less than one active year as a Knight, one may petition the Grand-Master-Knight to hold a Knighthood Ceremony. The Knight must be prepared to endure a rigorous, sometimes multi-night combat, often with several Master-Knights for opponents. Though tests are seldom as straight-forward as they seem, the candidate can expect to be tested for their maximum limits in mental acuity and physical endurance.Structure
Squire of the Blood
Knight-Errant of the Blood
Knight of the Blood
Master-Knight of the Blood
History
In years before the Camarilla, during the Dark Ages, the Knights of the Blood were the militant extremists of the Ventrue. When Ventrue forces were in chaos because of infighting or treachery, aid would be dispatched in the form of the Knights of the Blood, usually at the behest of an Elder. The Knights of the Blood were well-known for their brutality in enforcing the will of the Clan, much to the displeasure of the individuals they “assist.”
However, by the time of the Anarch Revolt and the formation of the Camarilla, the pervading attitude of many Knights of the Blood was that too many Ventrue had eschewed their aristocratic roots in favor of the merchant class - a path where complacency grows proportionally to ones’ material wealth. Needless to say, when the Sabbat emerged from the Anarch Revolt, the majority of the Knights of the Blood were among their members. This “betrayal” spawned a vehemence matched by few others.
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Though the divergence in the Knights of the Blood almost destroyed the group, several powerful Elder members have slowly reformed the Knights of the Blood in the modern nights. The modern equivalent of the Knights of the Blood has significantly fewer members than in the times before the Anarch Revolt, but their members are just as effective as they were in the Dark Ages and usually display a blindingly fanatical devotion to the organisation. Members work to maintain and hone their militant skills, combating threats to Ventrue interests all over the world. To many Knights of the Blood seem to be focused more on ensuring Clan loyalty and solidarity than concentrating on any singular threat from without.
Type
Military, Knightly Order
Training Level
Elite
Related Ranks & Titles
Related Ethnicities
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