~ [ History ] ~ [ Traditions ] ~ [ Leadership & Structure ] ~
~ [ House Positions] ~ [ Known Lores ] ~ [ Concepts ] ~
{Note: This is not the complete history, more will be learned after you become a member of the House, this however should help you get started and what the general clan could learn with a good amount of Lore.} Augustus Drusus (sire of Marcus Drusus) created House Drusus as a fighting unit of Roman brothers dedicated to the downfall of religion lead by his son Marcus Drusus. Their main target was organized religion in all its forms. Augustus Drusus was pivotal in the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 69 AD and soon after turned his attention to the rising power of Christianity, which he has attempted to obliterate ever since. Now, that purpose was not *explained* to all members of the house, and some even ostensibly served the Church and had no idea of the true scope of the House purpose, but that is the true history, as only the elders knew it. Augustus Drusus embraced his childe Marcus Drusus specifically to embrace childer and create the house. Together Augustus, Markus, Gaiseric, Claudius Tages, and Decius comprised the "five demons" that warred with the early Catholic Church, though more were added 'demons' would be added later as well as faiths to target.
The annuals (or the Official House History in written format) for House Drusus begin in 1202 CE. The first annuals were kept by Louis de Froissart first childe of Decius. When the House initially formed all the Clan knew of it was that it was a fierce group of macho Roman warriors who laid waste to every target they focused upon. What the general clan knows about us today is that House Drusus is a warrior house whose members are often seen fighting for Ventrue princes and various causes. Its members are respected for their loyalty and bravery. Due to the nature of several embraces and the secrecy of the house purpose, some in the general public actually believes the house is religious in nature. Many believe that the House is a totally Catholic House, this may also have to do with the knowledge that there is an all-Jewish House, our sister House, AlKhazari. Those who know it better believe the House to be warring with the Daeva of Religion though these are soft whispers and those who say such things are brave souls to dare the attention of such powerful beings. Many will never hear the word Daeva or ever know what or who it is even if they do… many members of House Drusus would say to that "Lucky you!"
This House has strayed greatly from the original goals. With the coming of the Age of Enlightenment, the control that the church maintained over the state and other institutions has begun to wane. As the House has always been most intent on preemptive action against potential threats to kindred existence, it now turns its focus to broader issues that threaten the existence of Ventrue everywhere. This has extended to, but is not limited to Sabbat and Spirits of the dead, the werewolves, while the house still maintains the fight against the Church, and particularly the remnants of the old hunter groups.
Particular actions towards this end have included establishing safe-havens for those in need to find refuge in time of crisis, as well as retreat to study the arts which make Ventrue superlative in their leadership capabilities. An additional project includes providing cohesive fighting forces complete with supplies and ammunition to deal with hotspots across the country and one night the world.
Members have always found unity and support within this house, particularly in military matters. Esprit de Corps has been the order of the day from the house's inception to the present. House Drusus is a major player in any military action the clan undertakes without exception to date. The military actions that the house is involved in transcend clan lines, demonstrating to the more physical clans that Ventrue, too, can be ferocious. Due to our alliances with other clans we too have learned their arts and mastered them only adding to our already great power.
It is the hope of every member of the House that the Camarilla is a safer organization as a direct result of his or her efforts, with some minor exceptions. Though House Drusus supports the Camarilla as a Sect it has been known to still claim Ventrue within the Sabbat. The idea of 'Kings wherever we go' holding true. Its said that some in the House still rather openly deal with their House brethren on all sides. This un-nerves some of the Ventrue higher ups and is generally kept VERY quiet.
The Traditions of the House have all but been lost to us save the tradition of Honorable Duel. This details that two Drusus may duel when conflict arises between them and will be overseen by the Regent and/or House Elder. The Challenger picks time and conditions, the Challenged picks place and weapon. NOTE: THIS NEED NOT BE A PHYSICAL CHALLENGE. Seconds and witnesses are allowed but the decision of this challenge is final and may often result in the final death or punishment as deemed by the Regent or Elder. The House Elder and/or Regent makes the final call on the winner of the challenge. Etiquette of this challenge dictates that the challenger sends missive to the House Elder, House Regent, and the Challenged. The missive should state his terms and conditions, as well as the reason for the challenge. The challenge (as such to others would make us look weak) is kept VERY quiet, if it is not many times the challenge is dismissed by the elder and/or regent and the offending party in his/her breech of etiquette is punished. Sometimes, the House is not aware these challenges take place when they do to save face for the House entire. After all parties receive the missive the House Elder and Regent address both parties and see if mediation can solve the issue. If not the challenge goes forward as needed. This is usually a FINAL option in a conflict between Drusus as the loser normally does not like the fate an elder and/or regent places on them. In the House this is much unto calling down a Justicar, dangerous and more often than not, deadly.
House Leadership and Power Structure
The Regent and its Elder as well as their 'staff' enforce all traditions and laws inside the house. The position "Elder of House Drusus" belonged, naturally, to the House's founder, Augustus, until his death in 1472 CE. It then passed briefly to Decius until he decided to withdraw from public life in 1550 CE and named Louis de Froissart as his successor. After de Froissart's death in 1945 CE, Claudius Tages claimed the title without opposition. In the Spring of 1998, when Claudius was destroyed he willed the position to Gavin of Wells. However because of his scholarly pursuits and seclusion Gavin turned the position over to Koszmarna in the Fall of 1998. Lady Amira AlKhazari took the house from Koszmarna in 1999, according to an ancient agreement with Markus Drusus to care for her brother's house should no other elder exist, and was regent and elder for over a year. Her mission was to disentangle the House from various enmities and alliances that were destroying it, and when that was done she turned it over to Lucas Artias as the next Regent but not House Elder. Upon the fall of Artias from regency, Jans Van Oort was appointed. After his fall his childe Elizabeth Carrington stepped forth and claimed power with the backing of the recently awakened House Elder Justianian Aurelius, claiming the same ancient pack between Markus and his siblings as his right to do so.
House Elder:
Respected advisor to the Regent and members of the House. He is appointed by the previous House elder or current Regent out of respect and remains in this seat for as long as he or she lives or until they no longer desire it. House Elder holds many of the powers of Regent but much like Seneschal to a Prince when the Regent returns there may be questions to answer to or prices to pay. The same applies to the Regent who also must then respect the House Elder lest he or she be removed from Regency. Proper address is "Lord" or "Lady" {insert last name.}
House Regent:
Leader of the House and Speaker for it in all things. This person handles the night to night movements of the House in the Clan political realm. The Regent approves all embraces before hand and watches out for all members of the House via a higher accounting. Though the Regent has the right to release or add members to the House this is not done often and when is done is done for a VERY good reason. To let go of someone rather than kill them is to admit a failure to the Ventrue clan and to accept someone not of the blood into the ranks is to risk a greater danger. Regent is seized much like praxis though if a Regent is not supported by the House their claim can mean very little and someone else will most likely take note from higher in the ranks of the Clan. A Regent must also be able to gain their Sigil Holder's approval. Generally the position goes Regent to Heir, but in our history it has been decided by an either an honorable duel for the position to the death or even in some VERY rare cases a vote. Though, the last highly goes against the warrior nature of the House. The Regent has never been less than Ancillae and probably never will... for if there was a neonate Regent it would surely be a sign of Ghenna! Proper address for a Regent is also Lord or Lady {insert last name here.}
Heir Apparent
Second in command and Heir to the Regency as appointed by the current Regent. Generally is an Ancillae or Elder but in recent nights its rumored even Neonates have served the House in this manner. The heir is a trusted advisor and 'trainee.' This position carries respect and great responsibility but little power. Proper address of an Heir is Sir or Madame {insert last name here.}
Herald-Historian
The voice of the Regent and/or House Elder. Appointed by the Regent and/or House Elder to speak for him/her at official events in which he/she cannot attend. The Herald also is given leave to use the Shield of the House for all official posts to lists. This is another position of honor in the house that can be filled by anyone the Regent chooses.
Warrior Centurion
A new position placed by Regent Elizabeth Carrington to help focus the Warriors of the House more on their tasks and to advise current Regents on matters of War and the Warrior cast of Drusus. This position began as an appointment and now stands as a position that is applied for to the Regent and House Elder when it becomes vacant. Two weeks after call for applications are made the Regent and House Elder will name a new Centurion. The first Warrior Centurion was Captian Evan Davies Lowman. The Warrior Centurion holds the Sword of the Warrior Legion, a large Roman Drusus that is crafted for the 'way of the warrior' and on its hilt lists all the warrior Centurions in order since their inception.
Influence Centurion
A new position placed by Regent Elizabeth Carrington to help focus the Business savvy members of the House more on their tasks and to advise current Regents on matters of mortal influence and the merchant cast of Drusus. This position began as an appointment and now stands as a position that is applied for to the Regent and House Elder when it becomes vacant. Two weeks after call for applications are made the Regent and House Elder will name a new Centurion. The first Influence Centurion was Kathleen Avalon. The Influence Centurion holds the Sword of the Influence Legion, a large Roman Drusus that is crafted in the spirit of 'commerce' and on its hilt lists all the Influence Centurions in order since their inception.
Political Centurion
A new position placed by Regent Elizabeth Carrington to help focus the Politicians of the House more on their tasks and to advise current Regents on matters of Politics and the Politician cast of Drusus. This position began as an appointment and now stands as a position that is applied for to the Regent and House Elder when it becomes vacant. Two weeks after call for applications are made the Regent and House Elder will name a new Centurion. The first Political Legionnaire was Miltanis Haldar. The Political Centurion holds the Sword of the Political Legion, a large Roman Drusus that is crafted in the spirit of 'politics' and on its hilt lists all the Political Centurions in order since their inception.
Views
There is no typical House views on the other Houses, save that the Odren very problematic. Alkhazari is a sister house, which most Drusus regard as nearly their own house, Alexis is similar. There seems to be very strong links to the Doverspike's, although very few members know why and how they came about.
Esteemed Members
Luna Moonstone aka Evelyn Moore, Cyrus Fox, Scotty Carter, Christine Boulant, William Maddox III, Isabelle DeWitt aka Elizabeth Carrington, Raphael Ihabar, Miltanis Haldar, Captain Evan Davies Lowman, Kathleen Avalon, Garret Crown, Christopher Weston, Marcus Colby & Alessio Dodana.
Artifacts
Over the years House Drusus has hidden away powerful artifacts from the mortals that they might not be used against cainites. The general population of the House does not know what these all are but it is rumored that the sword, which pierced the side of Christ, is in our hands! It is assumed the House has these in some vault somewhere in the world and only the Regent or House Elder knows where.
The warrior ethic is key to the House. The first and most important thing to the House, however, is honor. Honor and the Warrior spirit is kept in all fields of Ventrue behavior for the Drusus, be it on the field of battle, the floor of Elysium, or in the mortal influence realm. Strength and honor are respected and all else matters little. The adoption of many more "modern" Ventrue, the death of the eldest, and the expansion into such traditional concerns as finance and influence has given the house a much more modern flavor. While it is still anchored in its Roman history it is also very adaptive and open so the warrior Drusus now comes from all backgrounds and arenas so feel free to be creative... have fun! The sky is the limit!
