In order to break down the bad writing and narrow niches of the Sabbat and Independent Clans, I've taken a page from Vampire: the Requiem and re-imagined the 13 Clans as manifestations of common vampiric archetypes. There are seven of them at the base, but six of them can be split into two sub-archetypes that are directly opposed to each other.
These Clans embody the idea of Vampires as authority figures, dark kings and queens of the nocturnal world.
Displaying the connection between the ruler and his domain, the Tzimisce are centered on the Divine Right of Kings. They rule their herds because that is the natural order of the world, predator controlling the herds he feeds from.
Self-made men, the Ventrue display authority they have won through their own deeds. The relationship between a lord and his vassals is mutually beneficial; Ventrue have a responsibility to maintain the health of their prey.
Representing the blood mages and unholy sorcerers of vampire fiction, these are Clans that ritually twist dark magic to their will.
Magic is simply science not yet fully understood, according to the Cappadocians. These mad scientists and sinister doctors treat the supernatural as an extension of the natural and exercise power over the physical and spiritual world with clinical precision.
The classical wizards, Tremere are spell-casters and sorcerers that engage in codified ritual practices to manipulate occult power. Hide-bound and traditional, the Warlocks have an immense respect for authority, which forms the center of their magical understanding and Clan culture.
Religion and vampires have a long history. These two Clans represent the connection between vampires and the Powers That Be.
Possibly the oldest explanation for vampires is the power of demons and dark gods. Worshipping those forces, the Baali are the most feared of all Clans. They venerate innumerable dread powers and preach the word of Hell itself.
Damned by God, vampires are all witnesses to His power. The Lasombra turn to God to understand their condition, some as penitents hoping for redemption and others as heretics that believe vampirism is a gift marking them as God's chosen.
With their inhuman strength and durability, vampires are often imagined as fearsome fighters. In two opposite fashions, these Clans fulfill that niche.
Trained and disciplined soldiers, the Assamites are military vampires. They have fought on many sides in many wars, all across the world. They are civilized fighters, embracing order and rules in combat.
The howling rabble, untamed mob and mad gangs of thugs that prowl the night. Brujah fight without concern for fairness or sport, simply struggling to destroy their enemies in the most direct manner.
As primarily urban creatures, vampires hide among humans in where humans feel safest. These Clans are the undead in our very homes.
Exemplifying the seedy underbelly of society, the Nosferatu even dwell in the sewers and catacombs of human cities. Disfigured and rejected by society, they are none the less essential to urban vampires for their grasp of information and secrets.
The gorgeous upper crust, Toreador would be rulers if they cared at all for responsibility. Instead they are fops and socialites, famous for being famous and devoted to advancing themselves rather than taking charge of others.
Possibly the oldest archetype: a horror that attacks travelers and those on the edges of society.
Cast out for embracing the Beast over their former humanity, Gangrel are feral monsters that prowl in the wilderness. They revile cities and the vampires that dwell within, preferring to live in nature and exist purely as predators. No sheep's clothing for these wolves.
The Ravnos still have their humanity, but they are the worst of mankind. Crime and vice are their lifeblood and they enter one city only to be cast out before making a home. Their presence never tolerated for too long, Ravnos are nomadic and eager for new places to run their games of sin.
The only archetype composed of a single Clan instead of a pair: the undead oracles and sinister prophets. Malkavians have seen beyond the veil of reality and been shattered by what they found there.
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