By Chris Fieldhouse (fieldhou@oslo.Geco-Prakla.slb.com) (11 May 1995)
Nickname: The Big Brothers
Basic Beliefs: Some of us are better than the masses. We cannot help being superior, we just are, so it is our duty to help and protect the masses; it is a burden we carry for the benefit of all.They say they know what they want, but really they would rather that all the decisions are made for them by an understanding and caring society controlled by an elite.
The attitudes and opinions of such an elite can be summed up by "I know what is best for you".It is the duty of the elite to strive towards a Utopia based upon 'Decisiveness' and to help those around them by relieving them of the burdens of decision making.
History: With the Roman Empire gone, some senior Ventrue saw the dark, un-civilised centuries before them and were filled with dread. Rome fell because of the other clans squabbling and the inaction of the Ventrue clan to grasp the opportunity to lead. The Ventrue are natural leaders, but they must have a conviction and a goal. Those senior Ventrue decided to work towards a time when society would be ruled by the Ventrue and the Ventrue ruled by an elite within the clan. To these Ventrue elders, these goals and convictions became all important, and in time, it became a path that helped found the Holy Roman Empire. With the founding of the Camarilla, the number of followers diminished.
Following the path: The character should accept his place within the elite that will build the Decisive Utopia. The character should never show signs of weakness, whether it is before others of the elite (who may judge the character un-suitable for the elite) or before your inferiors (how can they rely upon you for guidance if you are weak?). The character should be the 'caring big brother', show kindness when needed, be protective of those who rely upon you, but act coldly almost all of the time. the character should maintain an interest in Politics, Commerce or Law and maintain ties to the various influential structures within society.
Description of Followers: Most are ambitious, self-righteous, determined, intelligent, but principled. They are concerned for their fellows and wish to help. They can be aloof, stuffy, serious and tend to be immaculately dressed. they study Politics and Commerce as a means to achieving their ends. Although they are concerned about prestige, they do not let it rule them; they do not accept talentless "yuppies" or "yes" men into their ranks. Members of the Ventrue comprise the largest portion of this Path's following and it is strong among the Giovanni clan.
Do's and Don'ts of the Path of Decision:
* Do help others who are inferior and make their 'lives' easier.
* Do not misuse the trust your inferiors have in you.
* Do not misuse your retainers, contacts or other trustees.
* Do not demean yourself or the goal of a Decisive Utopia.
* Do play your part in striving for Utopia (find new suitable members for the elite, make plans, etc.)
* Do better yourself.
* Do maintain your dignity and appearance.
* Do not allow a slight from an inferior go without later 'repayment'
Hierachy of sins:
10) Failing to advance the Decisive Utopia. (by not spending 1 hour each night planning for the Utopia, meditating or spreading the word).
9) Being dishonoured (even falsely) or losing status (thus affecting your standing within the elite and before the inferior masses).
8) Failing to have an inferior show gratitude (or be in debt) when you help them.
7) Being disrespectful to a superior.
6) Treating those who rely upon you poorly.
5) Treating retainers or colleagues poorly.
4) Betraying the trust of someone you are responsible for.
3) Embracing someone not worthy or who has nothing to contribute to the elite.
2) Betraying the trust of a superior.
1) TREASON- Betraying the progress towards the Decisive Utopia.
These sins do present a potential trap. A kindred may find himself in a situation where he faces breaking sins because whichever choice he makes will break the path's creed, i.e. if a retainer threatens your standing within the elite, then you face breaking the level 9 sin if you do nothing, but you break the level 5 if you do something. There is no answer here because this represents the anguish that following any form of path or other pseudo-religion instills, your choice.