Lineage Traditions

These are internal traditions. They are not necessarily secret from outsiders, but aren't something we advertise outside the house, either.

** Al-Karami

Arabic for "dignity" (plural)

** Sali lilssalam

Sali lilssalam is the house motto, "Pray for Peace." The implication of the motto is that our enemies should pray for peace, because if we don't make peace, we will completely and utterly destroy them.

** We don't have beasts

(Clanbook, revised, pg. 36)  "Some haughty Ventrue even cease to acknowledge their inner beast at all, claiming it is a curse that affects only lesser bloodlines." We are of the firm belief that we don't have beasts. Certainly the other clans do, as demonstrated by their actions. And since some Ventrue claim to have them, perhaps they do as well. It's not our place to comment on their breeding, after all. But the beast isn't something that runs through our line. [Note: We are aware that this is not necessarily canon for the chronicle, but it doesn't prevent us from using it as an IC lineage belief anyway.]

** Fasting

In keeping with various religious traditions and as proof that we are not controlled by a beast, the house fasts in the form of not feeding to complete satiation at the most appropriate religious holiday (Ramadan, Lent, etc.) In emergencies such as a combat mission or large and potentially dangerous gathering where feeding fully may be necessary to protect those under our care, it is permissible to feed fully and to make up the fasting at another time.

** Zakat

Zakat is giving alms to the poor. It's one of the 5 pillars of Islam that anyone with a certain amount of wealth is obligated to give 2.5% to the needy. This fits with noblisse oblige, and our duty to better society. Of course, there's no real reason to give alms to the mortals. They're just mortals, after all. Thus we give it to the truly underprivileged among us--the Brujah and Caitiff of our domain. When this is done is up to the individual, but it's traditionally done during the most appropriate religious holiday (Eid, Christmas, etc.)

** Tree

At a neonate's coming out party, they are given a tree. This tree is to be planted somewhere where it won't be cut down, and represents the Ventrue's growth in society. Having a tree destroyed is considered extremely bad luck, and anyone worthy of their blood is expected to be able to protect the tree from human development, firewood cutters, etc.  (Planting it far off on a mountain is acceptable, though.)  It's also perfectly acceptable to plant a new tree in the same location if it looks like it's going to die of natural causes.

** Agoge & family

Rather than only local Ventrue participating in the agoge of a childe, all those in the lineage who are available are expected to, meaning the childe may go and live with an established uncle, grandsire, cousin, etc. on the other side of the country or world for a time. If circumstances (travel, local princes, etc.) don't allow this, it is not obligatory, and in general, any given childe only trains under 60-70% of the others house members. Maryam is always the last in the agoge, and it's a chance for her to give her final approval on a new lineage member as well as assure that their training has been done properly. Unless completely impossible, she also expects to give approval of any new embraces before a new childe is embraced. (Read this as--opportunity to create background ties.)

** Approval of potential embraces

Although exceptions can be made if there is a very good reason, Maryam expects to meet and approve of all potential embraces. It's rare that she refuses the embrace to anyone, but it has happened.

** Eid/Christmas/Family gathering

Once a year, the family travels to gather with kin. These gatherings allow for the opportunity to relax with those of equally admirable breeding and taste, and to enjoy the company therein. There is often some subtle politicking over who has the opportunity to host, as well as the usual opportunism to determine who has the best haven, is the best dressed, etc.

** Patronage of a family of ghouls

While not a formal tradition, or even specifically actively encouraged, many of the house have found it advantageous to acts as patrons of a particular family of mortals. This patronage is maintained over the centuries, and particular exceptional members are often ghouled. Anyone engaging in this practice is expected to support a family independently from any other lineage member, and multiple people acting as patrons of the same family would be severely frowned upon.

** Aramaic

Lineage members are taught Aramaic (one of Maryam's 2 native languages) and are expected to be conversant in it. This is used when the family needs to converse privately or any other times when the members want to use it.

** Magic susceptibility

While not universal, many of the lineage have the magic susceptibility flaw. It is rumored that the flaw originated when Maryam embraced one of the elders whose existence and family were cursed. He nearly died in the embrace, and Maryam and many others of the line have been susceptibility to magic ever since.