Ranking below the elders but above neonates, the ancillae (sing. ancilla) are vampires who have proven themselves as valuable members of Kindred society. Certain ambitious younglings may achieve the rank prematurely. Ancillae often serve as aides and agents for elders or the court. Ancillae usually play their own power games as well, though these are of lesser consequence than the manipulations of the elders.
Due to the huge increase in world population over the past few centuries, the vast majority of vampires in the world are ancillae or neonates.
Vampire: The Masquerade[]
In Vampire: The Masquerade, ancillae are vampires that have existed between 100 to 200 years of unlife. The temporal power of the elders is much more pronounced in VtM than in VtR, thanks to the absence of the Fog of Eternity.
Vampire: The Requiem[]
Ancillae (singular: ancilla) are vampires who occupy a distinct middle ground in vampire society. They are older than neonates, having survived the initial tumultuous period following their transformation, but they are not yet old or powerful enough to be considered elders. Typically, an ancilla's Requiem—their undead existence—has lasted roughly 50 to 150 years.
Role and Influence[]
Ancillae are often seen as the "middle management" of the vampire community, positioned uniquely between the burgeoning neonates and the entrenched elders. This position allows them to wield considerable influence, acting as intermediaries, enforcers, or advisors. Their relative youth compared to elders grants them more flexibility and adaptability, while their experience provides them with knowledge and skills surpassing that of neonates.
Challenges and Opportunities[]
Being an ancilla comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. They often bear the burden of managing the day-to-day political and social intricacies of vampire society—a role replete with both peril and power. Ancillae are key players in the politics of the night, engaging in the eternal jockeying for position and favor among their peers and superiors.
Political Dynamics[]
The political life of an ancilla is a balancing act. On one hand, they must navigate the demands and expectations of more powerful elders, who may see them as tools or threats. On the other hand, they hold sway over neonates, guiding or manipulating them as pawns in the complex games of vampire society. Ancillae often form their own factions and alliances, leveraging their collective power to influence events and outcomes within their domains.
Path to Eldership[]
For an ancilla, the path to becoming an elder is fraught with peril but also ripe with potential. Success involves accumulating power, wisdom, and allies, while avoiding the pitfalls that have claimed many of their kind. Many ancillae develop intricate plans and long-term strategies, aiming to secure their ascent through the ranks of vampire society.
Cultural and Social Aspects[]
In vampire culture, ancillae are often respected for their survival skills and feared for their ambition. They are the bridge between the old and the new, embodying the transition from the reckless freedom of new blood to the calculated dominance of the ancients. Their Requiem is a test of endurance and cunning, a prolonged battle to rise above the fray and claim a place among the storied elders of the night.
References[]
- VTM: Vampire: The Masquerade, p. 191, 196
- VTM: Vampire: The Masquerade Second Edition, p. 32, 55
- VTM: Vampire: The Masquerade Revised Edition, p. 31
- VTR: Vampire: The Requiem Rulebook, p. 84