Index
Section 1: Guild Policy
-Goals
-Membership
-Patronage
-Guild Secrecy
Section 2: Toreador Prestige
-Granting and Stripping
Toreador Prestige
-Guild member Prestige
-Positional Guild Prestige
-Toreador Recognition
-Sample Prestige and
Recognition
Section 3: The Guild Colleges
-The Specifics
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-College Ranks and Positions
-The Poseurs
-Additional College Mechanics
Section 4: Guild Positions
-The Pautach
-The Voice of the Pautach
-The Guildlords
-The Guildmasters/mistresses
-The Guildmembers
Section 5: Who's who
Section 6: Cybercafe
Section 7: Salons
Section 8: Toreador Lore
Section 9: Combo Disciplines
Section 10: References
The Toreador Guild is dedicated to promoting and preserving the arts, judging what is worthy of praise, and nurturing and assisting fellow artists. The Guild does this by bringing all Artistes and friends of the Arts together in communication and cooperation. Advancing Clan-wide political agendas may sometimes be required to further the interests of commendable art, but art is always primary.
Successful art is an expression of sublime concepts (nature
of humanity, beauty, truth, love, etc.) given form and rendered with
excellence. It communicates, reveals, and advances a philosophical agenda. Even
if that agenda is relevant only to ones fellow artists.
The Toreador Clan constantly debates upon what constitutes
true art. Throughout the years, no two Toreador have ever completely agreed as
to what personifies superb art.
The Guild is primarily a Toreador-only institution. Kindred
of appreciable artistic talents, who have allied themselves with Clan Toreador,
are fully committed to the goals of the Guild, and
capable of honorably maintaining the trust of Clan Toreador and secrecy of the
Guild may be admitted at the discretion of the Guildlord.
Ghouls can be valuable and reliable members of the Clan.
They cannot however be members of the Guild. The Guild is only open to Kindred.
Ghouls may be given knowledge of the existence of the Guild if their Regnant
deems them worthy. The only time ghouls are seen posting missive to the Guild
is to announce something on behalf of their Regnant. As local Guild meetings
are commonly salons, it is the decision of the local Guildmaster as to whether
or not ghouls are allowed to attend.
At times, non-clan members such as Caitiff are inducted into
the Toreador Clan. In those instances, each addition should be taken on a
case-by-case decision when determining if they should be informed by the Guild.
Those inducted into the Clan must possess Guild qualities (that of an artiste
or a poseur) before even being considered as a potential Guildmember. If a
Toreador is unable to decide upon an adopted clan member’s possible acceptance
into the Guild, consultation should commence with the local Guildmaster. Each
non-clan Guild potential should be interviewed and evaluated thoroughly before
a decision of acceptance or denial is made.
Patronage
Each Toreador should find a mortal artist or protégé to take
into patronage. The choice of mortal and their field of expertise lie entirely
within the judgment of the Toreador. The mentor will be responsible for
promoting their career, critiquing their work, overseeing their training and
opportunities.
Each Toreador is judged by the quality of protégé they have
selected. Turning a protégé into a Ghoul is considered by most to be a
hindrance to the expression of their full creativity. Should a Toreador wish to
sponsor more than one artist, they are encouraged to do so. Only one candidate
will be considered when a Toreador’s patronage is reviewed. Should the Toreador
feel confident in their choice, they should feel comfortable sharing that
talent with the rest of the clan. This may accomplished many ways. A Toreador may
send their protégé on tour, send copies of their albums to the Clan, hang their
work in several galleries or print it nationwide.
This policy is not mandatory. A Toreador may option to
disregard it. However, for shirking traditional responsibilities as a member of
the Guild, a Toreador’s prestige will certainly suffer.
The Guild is a secret organization held sacred within the
Toreador Clan. Its existence should be maintained only to those who are in good
standing within the Clan. Any Toreador has the right to be informed and stand
as a member of the Guild if he or she is able to prove their worth through
either artistic or critiquing means. The fundamental purpose of the Guild is to
promote and admire art in all its forms without hindrance of outsiders. It is
every Toreadors duty to preserve the sanctity and mystery of the Guild. The
Toreador Guild is a secret that should be well guarded and hidden from non-clan
members in order to preserve its goals and growth.
Sharing any Guild information with non-clan members is
considered a violation of the Guilds secrecy. To do so places the existence of
the Guild, its goals, and its attributes in jeopardy. Those who violate the
secrecy of the Guild will most assuredly find themselves beneath punishment of
Guildmasters, the Guildlord, The Voice, and even the Pautach. There are no set
standards as to exact disciplinary actions for revealing secrets of the Guild,
but punishments are always severe. One may find them selves at a loss of
Prestige, gaining negative Prestige, exiled from the Clan, torpor, or in some
instances much harsher punishments. All stations within the Guild may have say
so as to the punishment of one who has violated Guild secrecy but it is strongly
suggested that the local Guildmaster first be informed of any potential leaks
in the Guild so that evaluation of those accused can be made. From that point,
he or she may petition the Guildlord for advice, recommendation, or judgment in
relation to the matter. The Guildlord need not be sought for guidance on every
breach of Guild security but should be informed as to all guilty parties
involved.
When one is found to have compromised the mystery of the Guild to outsiders, it is the Toreador clan’s duty to conceal the breach through either creative methods or dismissing it completely so that this “senseless rumor” can be nullified. After any punishment has been enforced, it is common practice for all Guildmembers to be notified of the treachery, insolence, and punishment of those who have compromised the secrecy of the Guild.
Toreador Prestige is a defining guide as to how Toreador are seen and recognized within the Clan as a whole. Toreador Prestige acts as a recognized measure of ones standing to Toreador throughout the world. Toreador Prestige can be expressed primarily through accomplishments achieved within the Guild. Those artistes or poseurs who have impressed their local GuildMaster/Mistress may receive Prestige based on their respective accomplishments.
Toreador Prestige may also be stripped from those who have
acted inappropriately as per their standing within the Clan. Such a loss of
Prestige can be seen as humiliation by the Toreador Clan and allows the
unfortunate victim to fall beneath ridicule by her own peers. Such a disgrace
can create great difficulties in retaining ones former standing within the
Clan.
A Toreador may hold no more than ten (10) personal Toreador
Prestige. This limit may be exceeded by positional prestige such as that of
Guildmaster/mistress, Guildlord, The Voice, and The Pautach.
Granting & Stripping Toreador Prestige
The awarding and stripping of Prestige is normally conducted
by local Guildmasters. A Guildmaster has the authority to award and strip
prestige as they deem fit. However, excessive awarding and stripping of
prestige can reflect poorly upon the Guildmaster in question. The granting and
removal of Clan prestige is a process that should be carefully considered and
not abused by those who sit as Guildmaster. Negative prestige may also be “awarded”
to those who have faltered within the Guild. This form of prestige is most
unfavorable and can diminish ones standing within the Guild. Examples of
negative prestige can be “Dull”, “Tasteless”, “Bore”, “Passé”
etc.
In
addition, Poseurs may also strip Clan Prestige. They act as the balance of
prestige inflation and ensure that Artistes only receive reward for their best
works and efforts. At any public exhibition of any Toreador’s work, a Poseur is
able to strip prestige from the Artiste being featured. The Poseur must
critique a work as poor before doing so and must spend time during the evening
lambasting the reputation of the Artiste in question.
Upon becoming a Guildmember, a Toreador is afforded many
opportunities to increase their standing within the Clan. Through acceptance,
diligent work, successful art shows, and various acclimates a Guildmember can
accumulate respectable Prestige within the Clan. Clan Prestige for achievements
in the Guild is as follows:
Upon becoming a member of the Guild, every Toreador is to be
considered "Loyal".
Every Toreador Artiste who proves themselves to their local
GuildMaster/Mistress is awarded "Talented".
Poseurs who make their first significant contribution
(hosting an Elysium, supporting artists, etc.) are awarded the prestige
"Stylish".
Once a Toreador Artiste masters their art form and the
Guildmaster reviews their work, they are considered "Accomplished".
Toreador Artistes who master two or more fields are
considered a "Master" or "Virtuoso" (or a similar
impressive title).
Artistes who have mastered more than three art forms may
acquire one additional prestige, decided upon by their Guildmaster.
The prestige "Immortalized" can be given to
Artistes who have a significant body of work that will stand the test of time.
(Fame-5 and Art-5) The Artiste must be considered dead by mortal society for a
significant period of time.
Positional Guild Prestige
Toreador Prestige can be received by achieving standing
within the Guild. For each position within the Guild, a Toreador is bestowed a
set prestige which personifies their positional standing within the Guild.
Officers of the Guild may appoint assistants to perform duties and may grant
appropriate Prestige as they define fit for the position.
Upon achieving the position of Guildmaster/mistress, the
Toreador in question is seen as "Venerable".
Those of Clan Toreador who are nominated to the continental
position of GuildLord are seen as Masterful and Avant Garde.
When chosen by the Pautach, The Voice shall receive the
Prestige of Insightful, Judicator, and Faithful.
The mysterious Pautach of Clan Toreador shall hold the
Prestige of Faultless, Impeccable, Immaculate, and Benevolent as per their
ultimate standing within the Guild.
Toreador Recognition
At times, there are instances when either
boons, status, or even "Clan Friendship" qualifies as reward
for those outside of Clan Toreador who have assisted or proven a form of
standing in the eyes of the clan. The Toreador Clan is renown
for their offering of acknowledgement or "titles" to those who they
consider pets, allies, or even enemies.
Instead of offering out of clan prestige those of clan
Toreador bestow Recognition. This form of acknowledgement is recognizing those
who are seen by Clan Toreador as “Loyal”, “Cherished”, “Colorful” or any
recognition which members of clan Toreador deem fit. It holds no actual binding
merit within Clan Toreador with the exception of showing that the recipients
are valuable in some way to the clan.
Any member of the Clan in good standing may grant Toreador
Recognition. However, it is strongly suggested that the local
Guildmaster/mistress and the clan be consulted before recognizing a non-clan
member. Recognition may be stripped or abolished by a Guildmaster or a
Guildlord at anytime.
Sample Prestige and Recognition
Below are submissions of sample prestige that can be awarded
(either favorably or unfavorably) by stations within the Guild. Keep in mind
that these are just examples and that all Toreador are encouraged to be as
creative with Prestige and Recognition as possible.
Positive Prestige:
Loyal, Cherished, Colorful, Talented, Stylish, En Vogue,
Avant Garde, Marvelous, Shiny, Happening, Well Dressed, Useful, Influential,
Cutting Edge, Sexy, Visionary, Breathless, Stupendous, Incredible, Wondrous,
etc.
Negative Prestige:
Fashion Victim, Captain Obvious, Inadequate, Tasteless, Bore, Passé, Disco Duck, Cry Baby, Loudmouth, Tyrant, Depraved, Untalented, Barbaric, Dense, Ignorant, Failure, Gauche, Insufficient, Spoiled, Two-Left Feet, etc.
The Guild is organized on a regional level because
Guildmasters in close proximity to their Guild members are best able to judge
local work. As the Clan has seen it also allows Toreador to mobilize well for
emergencies such as total breakdowns in Guild communications. It does not
however encourage cross-pollination of ideas and study by Toreador in widely
disparate fields.
To deal with that issue, the Guild has organized Colleges in
accordance to genre that assists in placing Toreador with their specific
talents. In doing so, the Colleges allow Toreador to council and share ideas
with fellow peers who also share similar interests and goals.
It is possible to be a member of more than one college. Your
membership is based on your field of study. For instance, a playwright studies
writing and is a member of the
Deans of the various colleges, Toreador willing to accept
the task of organizing and rallying all like-minded Artistes together, are
decided upon by Guildmasters, the Guildlord, or an accumulation of them both.
Deans select one prestige trait of there choice upon being appointed. It is
discouraged to hold a "Dean/Guildmaster" or
"Dean/Guildmaster/Primogen" combination.
Working in unison with the Dean is the College Critic. The
College Critic holds the responsibility of assisting the Dean in judging
various works submitted to the appropriate College. Both the Dean and the
Critic must attend any showing or project that may result in the bestowal or
stripping of Prestige. In the instance where the two of them
cannot agree on whether the project is worthy or not both the Dean and the
Critic must spend the evening swaying the audience to their own
take on the worth of the work. Whichever voice is more appreciated at the end
of the evening is considered correct. A stalemate between both the Dean and
Critic is assumed to mean that the work is simply too tedious to waste so much
effort on. In those instances the work itself is considered moot and neither
praise nor ridicule befalls the artiste in question.
The term "College" does not denote a physical or
geographic location; merely a mutual association based on similar interest. The
terms salon, school, club, fellowship, lodge, troupe are equally appropriate.
It is not mandatory to use the term "Dean" or College Critic, the
following works equally well: boss, maestro, prima donna,
director, first chair, professor, etc.
Prestige would accrue to those who studied under
particularly gifted teachers. Prestige would also accrue to teachers who went
on to produce particularly talented students. Colleges that produce an
abundance of talented and/or famous students would become more distinguished,
resulting in increased prestige for their members and vice versa. Any prestige
awarded would be ratified and tracked by the local Guildmaster unless the duty
of tracking prestige is delegated to another local Guildmember.
If a Toreador is uncertain as to which college(s) they
belong, they should send an "application" to the likeliest Dean,
College Critic, or consult their Guildmaster.
The current Guild Colleges are Music, Letters,
Crafts, Theater, Visual Arts, and War. Descriptions
and examples are listed below.
Singers, Musicians, Songwriters,
Composers, etc.
When you can almost feel your heart beat to the sound of the
drums, and the orchestra calls to you like a sweet lover at
Journalists, Writers,
Philosophers, Playwrights, Literary critics, etc.
While the
Sculpture, Metalwork, Woodwork,
Fashion, Architecture, Restorations, etc.
When the inspiration moves you and you find you must create,
your hands seize there medium and you begin. Your artwork is born out of your
imagination and shaped by your fancy.? The end result
leaves onlookers breathless and in awe of what comes so very naturally to you.
Mont Saint Michel, The Thinker and other great pieces have stood the test of
time and remain works of genius. This college takes what
others see as ordinary material and transform it into masterpieces.
Actor, comedians, Directors,
Dancers, Technical personnel, Performance artists, etc.
You have known your whole life that the whole world is a
stage, and that is where you have made your home. Whether you are called on
stage to perform or work behind the scenes to make the magic happen, you
entertain while communicating your message to the audience then let them go to
mull it over. Greek tragedies, Shakespeare to today and Rent have given us a
chance to explore the sides of humanity and ourselves that we often seek to
forget.
Painters, Photographers,
Filmmakers, Mixed visual media, etc.
Life is beauty, beauty is art, and art is life. You seek to
capture a second of life as it passes by into the eternity of your work. A
child’s smile, a mother’s tear, powerful emotion and
then they move on, but you have preserved it. Members of this College tend to
trek out in search of their inspiration, and bring back the wonders that they
have found. Recently this field has expanded to nearly limitless possibilities
while not forgetting its roots. From Picasso’s
Fighters, Martial artists, Strategists, Defenders of
the clan, Sophistry leadership, Subterfuge, Public speakers, Spies, Diplomats,
etc.
Do not be mistaken into believing that all members of this
college are blood thirsty, quite the opposite in fact. Those who can lead a
call to arms or rally the crowd are just as critical as those that are behind
the curtain in the war council and those on the battlefield. The same spirit
that moves others to create artwork riles members of this college to create
change. Throughout the history of mankind those who studied battle and the
tactics of war triumphed over those who ignored it’s
virtues. This college is chiefly responsible for the defense and expansion of
the clan.
-APPRENTICES
To be recognized as an apprentice to a College, the
character must have at least one level of ability in an appropriate field. If a
character has no performance levels whatsoever, they will not be recognized as
an apprentice within the College until they prove otherwise. Apprentices have
no vote in College issues, and traditionally are kept under the tutelage of one
of the Masters. Kindred remain Apprentices until they have developed a body of
qualified work that is then judged by a Dean and ratified by a Guildmaster.
Non-Toreador may be a member of Toreador colleges. No apprentice may teach art
or exhibit their work without permission from the Dean.
-JOURNEYMEN
After serving as an Apprentice, the character may seek the
position of Journeyman by petitioning their College Dean or Critic. Both are
likely to ignore the request unless the character has attained the third level
in an appropriate ability and prepared a body of work.?
Apprentices seeking Journeymen status are expected to prepare, at the direction
of their Dean, a Senior Exhibit or Senior Exhibition. This Senior Exhibit or
Senior Exhibition must be publicly shown and reviewed by the Dean (or the Dean’s
representative) and the Critic. If the work is reviewed favorably, the
character is elevated to Journeyman status. If the work is reviewed
unfavorably, the character loses prestige and cannot exhibit again for three
months.
Journeymen may exhibit their work but not accept
commissions. Journeymen may be called upon to assist Apprentices but may not do
so without permission. Non-Toreador of exceptional talent may become Journeymen
but have no privileges within their college.
-MASTERS
When a Journeyman feels that she has achieved true mastery
of her art, she may petition the Dean or Critic to become a Master. Five levels
in the appropriate ability are normally required. If the Dean decides that the
journeyman is worthy, the character must demonstrate a significant,
well-reviewed body of work and may attempt a Master’s Piece. This piece, when
completed, will be judged by the Dean, Critic, College Masters, and person’s
Guildmaster. A to
one page write-up, as well as the showing being a major social event is
customary. If the piece and body of work are deemed worthy, the artist is
recognized as a Master Artiste within the Guild. If the pieces and body of work
are deemed unworthy, the artist loses prestige and may not make another attempt
for six months. Master Artistes enjoy great privileges within their colleges.
They may review and instruct all Apprentices, take students at will, accept
commissions, and review the work of Journeymen. They enjoy great autonomy and
prestige. A Master may oversee (indeed is expected to seek out) larger
projects. Non-Toreadors are *rarely * elevated to this position.
-DEANS
The Dean, always a Toreador, determines with the College
Critic the commissions that will be accepted and projects sponsored by their
college. Deans need not go by that title, they are
free to choose whatever suits them, as they are free to set policy, direction,
and procedure for their College (which need not be called a college.) Deans are
recommended by Guildmasters and appointed by the Guildlord. A Dean’s
responsibility is to teach, promote, show, protect and preserve the arts
practiced by their college. It is a wide-ranging mandate of grave
responsibility.
-COLLEGE CRITIC
The College Critic assists the Dean in rendering acceptance or denial of works and prospects within the College system. Each College houses a single Critic within its ranks. A Poseur of the Clan always holds the position of College Critic and is elected through the same methods as the Dean. The elected Critic also selects one prestige trait of their choice upon being appointed.
Poseurs fill a very valuable role within the Guild. They
make or break the careers of unworthy artistes. Experience shows that Deans,
Masters, and Guildmasters will be generous with their praise. Poseurs are the
arbiters of this prestige inflation and ensure that Artistes only receive
reward for their best work and effort. Any showings of Toreador work can only
take place with the approval of the local Poseurs. If there are no local Poseurs,
the approval of a regional Poseur must be sought out. Often, Poseurs are the
source of funding for most Artistes and their exhibitions. Poseurs who fund or
host a successful exhibition of a Master’s piece or Senior Exhibition can earn
prestige.
However to do so, they must be the sole organizer and host
of the event. At these events, ANY Poseur may veto the work and nullify that
Artiste’s chance of being promoted if they deem fit. The praise of critics is
hard won and difficult to maintain.
At any public exhibition of any Toreador’s work, a Poseur is
able to strip prestige from the Artiste being featured. The Poseur must
critique a work as substandard before doing so and must spend ample time during
the evening demeaning the reputation of the Artiste in question. Multiple
Poseurs may ridicule a hapless Artiste and ruin the work of months in a single
evening. Poseurs with an ability level of art criticism equal or higher to the
work being critiqued can halve the time required before an Artiste’s Master’s
piece or Senior Exhibition can be attempted again.
The role of a Poseur is not always that of a cynic. They may
also be called upon to offer suggestions and advice in assisting a young artistes career. Though the average Poseur is not gifted in creating
paintings, poetry, or the such, they are certainly
well versed in the do’s and don’ts? of various
successful or unsuccessful art forms. If carefully orchestrated, the
combination of an artist’s work and a poseurs critiquing talent can create both
beautiful and successful art.
Members of the guild can earn prestige vicariously through the Accomplishments of those they fund, or through the successes of their social events. In the latter, they are more directly at the mercy of the Poseurs. Masters and Deans may choose to sponsor protégé. Doing so is risky. A protégé of a prominent Master (a prominent master is defined as a Toreador Artiste of seven or more prestige) automatically gains one prestige. When a protégé gains prestige for their work, the sponsor gains prestige as well. If a protégé loses prestige for their work, the sponsor loses prestige along with them. In this manner, Poseurs can wield terrifying power over multiple Artistes. No more than three prestige can be gained or lost in this manner. Poseurs can acquire additional prestige from acquiring extraordinary physical art pieces from talented mortal artists or sponsoring extraordinary mortal exhibitions (publications, etc.). The artwork must be publicly displayed or shown for this to occur. The local Guildmaster awards the prestige if he/she deems the acquisition of the piece/sponsored exhibition, a social coup. Once an Artiste is promoted to Master status in any one College they are often considered committed to their chosen field, they are discouraged from studying in other Colleges and from advancing beyond Journeyman level in any other College. Changing colleges is possible but risks significant loss of status and/or prestige.
The Pautach is the unseen representative of the Guild
globally; it is he who consults with the members of our Clan that set policy
(himself included). He co-ordinates the efforts of the Guild globally and
directs any global agendas of the Guild. He is not a member of the Justicariate
staff, but is under his jurisdiction as a member of the Camarilla. However,
when concerning Guild matters, even the Toreador Justicar falls beneath the
jurisdiction of the Pautach. It is the Pautach that has the ability to
permanently remove someone from the Guild, although he usually goes with
whatever decision the GuildMasters and GuildLords have already decided. In the
Clan he is considered, Faultless, Impeccable, Immaculate, and Benevolent due to
his position.
It is the Pautach that has final approval on any new
Guildlord; it is the Pautach that Guildmasters apply to when they have concerns
about a Guildlord’s dedication. He is the ultimate level of Guild authority in
the clan that Members can approach. He is answerable only to the
The Identity of each Pautach is carefully hidden so that
Guildmembers do not send trivial matters to him. He rules through the reigning
Guildlord’s and has complete faith in them to only forward relevant items to
his desk. The Pautach's views and decisions are displayed visually by his Voice
who is currently represented by former Toreador Justicar, Madame Guil.
In years previous, a mysterious Kindred known as Alana Fiore
held the position of Wandering Guildlord. This Toreador called no single Domain
or Region home, but moved throughout the Kindred realms, making the will of the
Pautach known to the Guildlords and their servants. Alana Fiore was recognized
as the messenger of the Pautach, and spoke on the Mystery’s authority.
In recent nights, however, Alana Fiore has disappeared,
leaving no trace and a disruptive silence in the wake of his departure.
Requiring a new Rose to carry his will across the world, the Pautach has named
a new Wandering Guildlord, her Grace, Madame Guil.
Ascending to this new position after relinquishing her title
of Justicar, Madame Guil was appointed to the role and given a new title: the
Voice of the Pautach. Rumors abound that Guil sacrificed her Justicariate seat
in favor of solidifying her power within the global Guild by replacing Alana
Fiore. She is the public face of the Toreador Guild and much loved by Toreador
across the entirety of the globe.
As the Voice, Guil carries considerable authority within the
Toreador Guild. The position carries all the privilege of a Guildlord, but Guil
may enact her authority within any region of the world. She is privy to the
identity and machinations of the head of the Guild, the Pautach him/herself,
and as such can mediate disputes between Guildlords, if necessary. With the ear
of the Pautach, Guil holds great sway over the Toreador Guild, and Kindred have
quite literally killed solely in the hopes of earning her attentions.
There are only seven Guildlords recognized by the Clan. Each
oversees a major geographical region:
Each Guildlord oversees their region by maintaining contact
with the various Guildmasters, and often seek the advice of the Guildmasters on
local matters. It is the constant duty of the Guildlords to maintain a vigil
over the social pulse of their region, utilizing national and continental
trends to the advantage of Guild and Clan.
With a few spoken words, a Guildlord can decimate an
upcoming artist, or institute new trends. They have access to the ears of the most
respected Clan Elders, and while a Guildlord may hold no official position
within the Camarilla, the Lords are valued like precious gems among the Clan.
When a Guildlord must be replaced, Guildmasters submit
suggestions to the Voice of the Pautach, who then carries recommendations to
the Great Mystery. After a period of contemplation the Pautach will name a new Guildlord
who may or may not have been recommended by the local Guildmasters.
A Guildlord can over-rule any decree made by a Guildmaster, and can remove and appoint Guildmasters at whim. Guildlords can also grant and strip prestige with the same whimsy, and can have a Toreador removed from the Guild with a single condemnation. Any new Guildmaster who rises to local power must earn his approval before they can claim the prestige of their new position. The Guildlord is ultimately responsible for determining and directing the efforts of the Guild throughout their area of influence.
A GuildMaster or GuildMistress is the Guild position above
Guildmember and are responsible for an area ranging from a single domain to a
geographic area. Guildmasters always report to their corresponding Guildlord.
Upon being elected to the position of GuildMaster, the individual in question
receives the Prestige "Venerable". It is the job of the Guildmaster
to co-ordinate any Guild agenda's in their city, and to align the Clan in times
of adversity. Guildmasters are also the point of contact for visiting members
of the Clan from other cities. The Guildmaster should then make the Status and
Prestige of the Clan Member known, not only to other members of our Clan
(Prestige purposes) but to all personages of importance in the area, most
importantly the Prince and the Harpy (Status purposes). Most Guildmasters will
take it on themselves to act as chaperone to the visitor until they accustom
themselves to the city, but some Guildmasters appoint other members of the
Guild to do this job.
The Guildmaster is a Clan representative, therefore if a majority
of Guildmembers believes that their Guildmaster is not serving the best
interests of the Clan, and then they can ask them to step down. Guildmembers
may then begin decision on electing a new Guildmaster. Sometimes the Guildlord
will come and investigate the replacement of the Guildmaster (or send one of
his staff) or he may elect not to interfere.
When a GuildMaster is elected in a particular area, it becomes their job to oversee the well being of the Clan. In addition, they are to be obeyed in all things that affect the Clan. As such they can over-rule the Primogen member in matters concerning the clan but not where the matter concerns primarily the Camarilla. This use of power is a delicate one for too much involvement with Camarilla decision may draw undue attention and cast possible suspicion as to the Guild's existence. Guildmasters have the power to suspend a Primogen (if they are a Guild Member) from the Guild and then call a Guild meeting to discuss the Primogen’s position, although in some cases they will usually have to account for their actions to their Guildlord.
Guildmembers are just that, members of the Guild. Each
Toreador upon their admittance into the Guild receives the Prestige of
"Loyal". Members of the guild can earn prestige vicariously through
the accomplishments of those they fund, or through the successes of their
social events. For the most part, the Guild is comprised of two types of
Toreador, Artistes and Poseurs. Through diligent work, practice, and finally
acknowledgement, both Poseurs and Artistes can raise their prestige standing
within the Guild. The first Prestige beyond "Loyal" which is granted
to a Poseur of the Guild is that of "Stylish" whereas the first
Prestige granted to an Artiste is that of "Talented". Both groups are
essential to the general function of the Guild. Without one, the other simply
cannot exist. Without Artistes there is no art to be critiqued by Poseurs.
Without Poseurs there are no judges as to what Artistes art form is truly acceptable.
Though the debate is constant as to what constitutes an Artiste and a Poseur,
many aspects of each group can be defined below.
Typically a Poseur of the Guild is one who is skilled in
critiquing the various forms of art produced by Artistes of the Guild. They are
often devout in their skills of critiquing and will stop at nothing to praise
or destroy an Artistes work. Poseurs are literally able to make or break the
careers of unworthy artistes. Poseurs are the check that balances out this prestige
inflation and ensures that Artistes only receive reward for their best work and
effort. Showings of Toreador work can only take place with the approval of the
local Poseurs. If there are no local Poseurs, the approval of a regional Poseur
must be sought out. Poseurs are often the source of funding for most Artistes
and their exhibitions. Indeed, Poseurs who fund or host a successful exhibition
of a "Master’s piece" or "Senior Exhibition" earn prestige.
At these events, ANY Poseur may veto the work and nullify
that Artiste’s chance of being promoted. The praise of critics is hard won and
jealously guarded. Furthermore, at any public exhibition of any Toreador’s
work, a Poseur is able to strip prestige from the Artiste being featured. The
Poseur must critique a work as substandard before doing so and must spend a
significant portion of the evening "trashing" the reputation of the
Artiste in question. (Much like how a Harpy effects the stripping of status.)
Multiple Poseurs may flock together upon a hapless Artiste and ruin the work of
months in a single evening. Poseurs with an ability level of Art Criticism
equal or higher to the work being critiqued can halve the time required before
an Artiste’s "Master’s piece" or "Senior Exhibition" can be
attempted again.
An Artiste is a Guildmember who is skilled in a particular
art form and is talented in displaying said form. As to what constitutes an art
form, this may vary. Primarily art forms will fall beneath six categories:
Music, Letters, Crafts, Theater, Visual Arts, and War. Examples of each can be
any of the following:
-Music: Singers, Musicians, Songwriters, Composers, etc.
-Letters: Journalists, Writers, Philosophers, Playwrights,
Literary Critics, etc.
-Crafts: Sculpture, Metalwork, Woodwork, Fashion, Architecture,
Restorations, etc.
-Theater: Actors/Actresses, Comedians, Directors, Dancers,
Technical Personnel, Performance Artists, etc.
-Visual Arts: Painters, Photographers, Filmmakers, Mixed
Visual Media, etc.
-War: Fighters, Martial Artists, Strategists, Public
Speakers, Spies, Diplomats, etc.
Currently, each of these six categories are
represented by Colleges which exist within the Guild to serve as a collection
of individuals who share common interests per specified area.
Artistes are the progenitors of creative beauty within the Guild. Without their talents and passions expressed through their various art forms, the Guild would simply be unable to exist. An Artiste is an individual who is passionate about his or her particular art form. Though their art forms may be displayed often or seldom, their being is devoted to perfecting their art for self-gratification or in many instances, the satisfaction of the Poseurs. No matter the reasoning for their art, the Artistes will work endlessly on their creations in order to shed beauty on an otherwise tragic existence.
Madame Guil – Ask any Toreador throughout the world who the leader of the clan is and she will certainly give you a single name: Her Divine Grace, Madame Guil. Currently serving her second term as Justicar of Clan Toreador, Madame Guil has long been a leader in the Camarilla and, more privately, in the Guild. Those who have been in her presence cannot help but love her and even her enemies do not ill of her – too loudly. A figure of awe inspiring beauty and terrifying power, the Toreador Justicar can make or break a person within the Guild, the Clan or the Camarilla with but a word and often does so. Those who have found her favor clamor to stay in her good graces while those who have been cast out of her light tremble in fear and regret.
While much of her past remains shrouded in secrecy (and really, who would want to get caught snooping around the shadows of a Justicar in the first place?), she has been heavily active in the clan since the late 18th century. It is rumored that she has the close personal support of Francois Villon, Prince of Paris, and as such her main offices are in that city. She was recently announced amongst the Guild as the Voice of the Pautach, the speaker for the Great Mystery.
Incredibly beautiful, cold and well spoken, Madame Guil is considered the epitome of a Toreador. She has long, dark hair, blood red lips, pale skin and looks to be around 16 years old. She carries herself with all the majesty and confidence expected of a goddess. More can be read about Madame Guil in the Toreador Clanbook: Revised and The Children of the Night.
Francois Villon – The city of Paris is thought by many to be the most beautiful in the world: a cultural center par none where the arts and beauty take center stage in every aspect of life. Thus it is only fitting that it is ruled by the Toreador Clan, all of whom follow the word and law of its Prince, Francois Villon. Although the Prince’s humble mortal days are known by anyone who is familiar with his poetry (he is, after all, the first lyrical poet of France, his work first published in 1456), his embrace by Helena of Clan Toreador in 1463 made him into vampiric aristocracy. In 1493 Villon was named Seneschal (or Chambellan in the French) of Paris under the then prince, Beatrix, who served as leader of the city until July 14, 1789, the night when the Bastille was stormed. On that night she met her final death and Villon took the mantle of praxis.
Since 1789 Villon has ruled Paris strongly but with the grace and beauty expected of one of his blood. A man of quiet passions whose passing still makes women swoon, he is exceptionally private despite the fact that he holds court regularly and presides over all that is “gauche” or “beau.” While many members of the Camarilla rail against him for his excesses, his cruelty and his ignorance, the Prince of Paris is none of these things and is actually quite a reasonable but firm European Prince. His courts are some of the most open in the world and, while he may appear arrogant or self-absorbed, he is one of the most clever and intelligent men alive.
There is known to be an ongoing feud between Prince Villon and Queen Anne Bowesly of London that seems to have more to do with national pride than any slight in the Camarilla. As such, there are few Toreador in London and few Ventrue in Paris and neither of the clans seem upset about these things. Those who have served Villon also profess that the Prince is a master tactician and high standing member of the Military College within the Guild, neither of which is surprising considering how successfully he has waged war against the Anarchs, Sabbat and werewolves surrounding his city.
Francois Villon is a handsome man who appears to be in his early thirties. He has dark hair that brushes his shoulders but is often cut short depending on the style and expressive brown eyes. His features are clearly French and his clothing is always the most stylish and tailored, even if he’s wearing jeans and a tee shirt. He has a sense of quiet power and eloquence that seems quite at home in his Elysium: the Louvre. More can be read about Francois Villon in the World of Darkness: Second Edition.
Victoria Ash – Some people are born to power and fame while others seize it on their own terms. Victoria Ash, Prince of Huntsville, Alabama, former Primogen of Atlanta and well known pop singer, grabbed a hold of power and has no intention of letting go – ever.
Feisty, clever and quick with a comeback or to tear apart a poor piece of art, Victoria Ash has as many enemies in the Clan and the Camarilla as she has friends (according to some, the numbers of those who curse her name are far greater than her comrades), and just about anyone could become her next stepping stone. Even though she is only an Ancillae amongst the Clan, her influence among the Toreador is vast and many peg her to become the next secretary to the Guild Lord, a fact that does not sit well with the woman currently filling that position, Amity Bright. Love her or hate her, there are few who can deny her power, especially concerning the fact that she currently seems to have the favor of Her Grace, Madame Guil.
Victoria Ash is a woman of somewhat dubious heritage who still speaks with a slight accent from her mortal days. Her red hair is vibrant while her creamy complexion and swan like neck make her wildly desired by many male kindred. She is always dressed at the height of fashion and is never seen in anything that might even be considered out of season. More can be read about Victoria Ash in the Toreador Clanbook: Revised.
Ross Delmont – As the recently elected Guildlord of North America, Ross Delmont is the only Guildlord ever to be born on the North American Continent. Little is known about this most fabulous man except for the fact that he is always seen with a beautiful woman on his arm and is rumored to be one of the favorites of Madame Guil. Since the retaking of New York from the Sabbat, his offices have been placed in downtown Manhattan although he is rarely in residence there. Nicknamed ‘the Chameleon,’ it is whispered amongst the Clan that Guildlord Delmont often travels from salon to salon secretly posing as other members of the Clan to see how the Guild is actually faring. He is a poseur of great renown who has risen quickly among the ranks of the clan since his embrace at the turn of the 18th century and has always been a strong supporter of the arts. He is well known for revitalizing the practice of taking a mortal on as a protégé so that it is now de rigueur for most Guild members.
Ross is an attractive man in his late twenties with short, sandy brown hair and mischievous green eyes. He prefers wearing leather pants and loose shirts although he can sometimes be found in a perfectly tailored suit on the right occasion. Ross Delmont is exclusive to the Habit of Being.
Amity Bright - Known amongst the clan as ‘Her Everlasting Brilliance,’ Amity Bright tends to inspire a lot of emotions in people. Those who have been to her parties (the best in North America) tend to love her. Those who have been marked as her enemies tend to hate her. And many, who simply deal with her because she is secretary to the Guildlord, just try their best to cater to her every whim.
Amity’s known for being a bit of a rock-n-roll sort of girl with a taste for the new arts. While she can appreciate a symphony or a classical sculpture as well as any Toreador, she’s also been instrumental for helping many of the less mainstream art forms get recognized. She was rumored to have been personally involved in the cultivation of Dadaism, Abstract Expressionism and the Pop Art movements. One of Andy Warhol’s most famous silk screens also just happens to be of this fiery young Toreador.
Amity is a pretty young woman who is often described as cute rather than beautiful, but more than makes up for it by her incredible fashion sense. Always wearing the most daring creations by Chloe or Alexander McQueen, the Secretary likes to cultivate her image as a rebel against the stoicism of the clan. She’s recently become interested in the J-rock and Harajuku movements of Japanese pop culture and keeps swearing that she’s going to face the mysterious Kindred of the East to see Tokyo’s finest one day. Amity Bright is exclusive to the Habit of Being.
Spencer Delancy – Witty. Talented. Vicious. Intelligent. All of these and a million more come to mind when describing the icon of Clan Toreador that is Spencer Delancy. Hailed by mortal and immortal critics alike as ‘the modern Oscar Wilde,’ Spencer’s operas and plays have been performed on stages throughout the world to huge critical acclaim. His acerbic wit and biting social commentary are often upstaged only by his natural flare for character studies and the absurdly comedic. However, what most of his fans don’t know is that the majority of his plays aren’t parodies of current politics; they’re jabs at his immortal audience, mockeries of kindred society.
Spencer Delancy was a member of the Parisian bourgeois at the beginning of the 18th century and began his career in the arts as an actor. Although those dark salad days are long behind the current ‘It’ man of the clan, he often draws upon his experiences in those times to keep one step ahead of his enemies. Named Guildlord of North American in the late 1970s, Spencer is accredited for helping to bring the ailing Broadway district back up to its current glory. Only the presence of the Sabbat were able to keep him out of New York and so he used his influence in the mortal realms to help bolster the theater communities of New York and Chicago from his home in Washington D.C., all while acting in his capacities for the clan. In the early 1980s he named Amity Bright as his secretary and the two often cut a swath through the art scene wherever they traveled. However, Spencer’s knack for picking out character traits and parodying elders of the Camarilla in his plays earned him more than a few enemies and in 2000, just after New York was reclaimed from the Sabbat, his haven in D.C. burned to the ground in the middle of the day. The Guildlord was assumed to have perished in the fire and all was thought lost; Ross Delmont was appointed to the now vacant position by the Voice of the Pautach, and eventually the dust settled.
When Spencer reappeared in the domain of Huntsville, Alabama in September of 2005, it sent ripples throughout the Camarilla. The former Guildlord claimed that the rumors of his death were exaggerated and that he had spent the last few years vacationing in Puerto Rico. Now, amidst vastly mixed reactions, he has returned to the public life and his enemies are certainly awaiting the wrath of his wit.
Spencer is a fairly attractive man in his early to mid thirties with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He prefers casual but always impeccably tailored suits and despises wearing socks or ties. He can only be found in a tuxedo on the opening nights of his plays and even then he tends to affect an air of noble boredom. He is reputed among the clan as being Viciously Outspoken. Spencer Delancy is exclusive to the Habit of Being.
The Toreador have normal means of communicating throughout the globe. However, conversing about the Guild is reserved to that of the Cybercafe. The Cybercafe is a secure network of communication nodes that stretch throughout the globe and is accessible to Guildmembers. The development history of the Cybercafe is unknown though Guild Elders have stated that they believe the Pautach him or herself to be directly associated with its construction. The Cybercafe hub is monitored by an unknown presence or system. Any potential infiltrators are almost always thwarted upon immediate notice. The Cybercafe can be accessed through any terminal and is untraceable when deactivated at the source. The Cybercafe are primarily located in North America. Some areas of the globe do not have access to Cybercafe system (or refuse to use them). In those instances, Guildmembers rely on the use of ghouls or other secure carrier services.
Every Toreador who wishes to gain stature in the Clan holds salons. Each Toreador requires an audience of some sort, no matter how small. A salon, at its most basic, is the small group over which a Toreador exerts control. The salon is the smallest arena where any Toreador - Artistes and Poseurs - holds court to display or critique works. The preparations and arrangements that Toreador make when hosting salons are intricate yet the concept itself is simple; host a showing of your works so that they may be judged.
Any Guildmember can request to hold a Salon but only the local Guildmaster can approve the event. Every Salon must have a Poseur in attendance. This is so the event can have an acknowledged critique to judge the works of the event. Without a Poseur in attendance there is no Salon.
A Grand Salon is an event specifically called and presided over by a reigning Guildlord or higher official in the Guild. A Grand Salon is open to any Guildmember who holds at least the initial prestige of Loyal.
Lore x 1: What an unreleased childe would
have heard through the grapevine.
-Understands that Toreador stand by arts and humanities.
-Heard the terms Salon, Artiste, and Poseur, but does not
understand what these mean.
-A brief summary on how the Toreador Clan views the other 6
Camarilla Clans, from personal experience, augmented by source provided in the
Clan Book about views on the other Clans
-Toreador are cliche-ish.
-Aware of Toreador sponsored arts on-going in current city.
-Knowledgeable of major Toreador artistic movements, but do
not know of the exact Toreador involvement with these movements.
-Toreador frequent art shows, high society galas, and media
events.
-You have heard the term Toreador Recognition.
Lore x 2: What a newly released Childe
would know.
-Can name the most prominent members of their Clan.
-Basic understanding of Toreador ideals.
-Learned the difference between Artiste and Poseur.
-Knows base history of art, insofar as major movements and
some minor movements within, but no knowledge of any Toreador impact upon any
of these.
-May have attended an exhibition.
-You have heard the term Toreador-Antitribu.
-Can recognize local Toreador Elders.
-You understand what Toreador Recognition is.
-You have heard the term Guild.
-You have heard the term Cybercafe.
Lore x 3: What an up-and-coming Toreador
Powerhouse would know.
-You know to be very concerned with your Artiste appearance, upon hearing some rumors.
-Knows Toreador specific events and rumors or base history
of
-Basic introduction to the inter-workings of Clan politics
and the use of Prestige.
-Recognizes any Toreador with Toreador Status of 4 or better.
-You know the positional Guild titles.
-Learned the names of some of the other coteries within clan
Toreador, but are unsure as to their membership and purpose.
-Knows the names of some major influential Toreador with
contact information.
-Aware of how Clan Toreador has impacted the major artistic
movements.
-Understands the differences between the various Toreador
gatherings, and may have even been invited to a Salon.
-You know what the Toreador-Antitribu
are.
-You know what the Guild is.
-You know what the Cybercafe is.
You understand what a Salon is.
Lore x 4: What an established Toreador has
overheard.
-Understands the Guild relationships between the Artistes and Poseurs.
-Knows Toreador specific events and rumors or history of
Clan Toreador.
-Heard some rumors about the Clan Founders.
-Can recognize any Toreador with Toreador status 3 or
better.
-Knows the names of each Guild College.
-Knows most of the ideologies of the major Toreador Coteries
or a prominent member of that coterie.
-Has become distinctly aware of the arts, able to match
artist to work with great ease.
-Heard some rumors of how Toreador have
influenced the minor movements.
-Can wrangle special invitations to
major Toreador Balls or Grand Salons; knows the etiquette of how to host Salons
and may know enough etiquette to effectively host a Toreador Ball.
-You know the names and contact information for various
Guildmasters/mistresses.
-You have heard the term Grand Salon.
Lore x 5: Gossip that takes real talent to
uncover.
-Has heard all the rumors of the legends of the First City and some of the legends of the Second City from the Toreador perspective.
-Heard some interesting rumors of the Clan Founders.
-Knows the history of the Guilds and knows the Guild Membership
of neighboring Regions.
-Has heard rumors of the minor Toreador coteries.
-Aware of how Toreador have influenced the minor movements.
-Knows the secret motivations behind those who sponsor Salons,
and usually has an inside ear, whether you attend that salon or not.
-Knows the etiquette for hosting a Grand Salon.
-You know the names and contact information for the
Guildlords.
-White Wolf Studios: www.white-wolf.com
-Clanbook: Toreador Revised
-Laws of the Night: Revised
-Habit of Being Storyteller Staff
-Habit of Being Players
And anyone else who we may have missed! Thank you!
For further out of character information on Clan Toreador
and the Guild, please read the Clanbook: Toreador
Revised published by White Wolf Studio or consult the Habit of Being ST staff
at ST@habitofbeing.org.