Giovanni Ettiquette

A great deal of thought has gone into keeping the public face of the Giovanni family and clan genteel and respectable. All members of the family are groomed to this and expected to behave in certain ways.

Among Family:
1. In Venice, it is still common for both ladies and gentlemen to greet each other with a light kiss on the cheek. Since our American cousins consider this custom slightly effeminate and old-fashioned, a warm double handshake is acceptable.
2. Gentlemen will rise when a lady sits, stands, or joins a group. All chairs are pulled out. If a lady joins a conversation and declines to sit, all will remain standing. Ladies need not rise if another joins a group.
3. Everyone is addressed with respect. No exceptions. Both Family members and visitors from other Clans are to be greeted with cordiality and deference, if only for their potential usefulness.
4. When sitting for official business, seating is done hierarchically, i.e., Better families at the head of the table, and second most important to his right, third to his left and so on, alternating. Always know who is in charge. If in doubt, take a lower seat to avoid causing offense accidentally.

Security:
1. Arrive together, leave together. No one travels alone. No exceptions. It does not matter how much Potence you can boast, how intimidating you look, or even what kind of things your Wraith can do. At the very least you have someone else to draw fire while you make your escape if needed. Not to mention the benefits of always having at least one witness with you.
2. Ladies are never without at least one man for every two women.
3. A weapon is never brandished in public unless you are using dire force, and only when dire force cannot be avoided. The Enforcer is the exception to this rule.
4. Never accept anything handed to you. Have one of the ghouls accept it on your behalf. Always thank them even if you do not like what it was.
5. Keep a record of who can sense Wraiths in a city. If you think there is someone with Necromancy find out &report them to the Don/Dona. If you are a Don/Dona, then report it to the Prefect. Take no action until they say otherwise. Prepare to have them whacked.
6. Keep a close tab on all Family within your city. If one goes “missing” you better report it to Venice, for if you don’t you will soon be seen on the back of every milk carton on the planet.
7. Keep at least one wraith with Flux / fatalism / outrage around.
8. Keep a well defended and unknown haven.
9. In the event of a boot party, make it very costly for them to even think about whacking you or yours.

Public relations:
1. Always dress appropriately for the occasion. Brujah wear jeans and white socks, not Giovanni.
2. Wraiths will not, for the most part, be talked about in public.
3. Ladies will act like ladies at all times, especially in public. They are the flower of our Family’s honor as well as its future.
4. Arguments with other Clan mates take place in private only. This is basic Rispetto.
5. When dealing with clients, check your facts. Do not spread rumors needlessly, no matter how delicious they may be. We provide accurate information to our clients, not gossip. This is a distinction for which our friends are prepared to show great appreciation.
6. Pay for all information even if you already have it. Keep all sources happy.
7. Never promise more than you can deliver. Deliver what you promise, without fail, even though months may frustrate your efforts. A client’s privilege is as invaluable as our word of honor. If you are going to double-cross someone, therefore, make sure to have an alibi or two for public consumption.
8. It is distasteful to discuss Necromancy in public. Certain admissions can be made in private, however, to select individuals. Necromancy is never taught outside the Family, for any reason!!! Individuals outside the Family, even scum like the Samedi who are observed to have a “wild” talent, must be disposed of. Needless to say, the monopolies and prerogatives of other clans must be respected if this tradition is to be enforced…. Or just don’t get found out.
9. The Proxy Kiss and all matters relating to Family discipline are strictly private, and remain the exclusive jurisdiction of the Family itself. No public mention shall be made of disciplinary procedures, but our rights there to shall be strongly asserted.
10. Remember at all times that you are a member of chosen elite. You were bred and trained since birth to carry on the honor of the Family Giovanni.
11. In all things the clan comes first.

from LARP rules hammered out by David Hutton.