A Latin term, "ancilla" refers a handmaiden or female servant: the term "ancillary" has come to mean "of secondary importance," or having a supporting role. Such it is with these vampires. Old enough to have some power, they are not to be taken lightly, but they haven't the power or prestige to take on the elders head to head. Ancilla (plural Ancillae) applies to any vampire whose requiem has lasted between 50 and 150 years.
This is the time when a vampire begins to make meaningful progress in the acquisition of power. This is when they may be chosen to fill a lesser position of responsibility, may be selected as a favorite of an elder. It is also a time when a vampire's actions are regarded with greater scrutiny. Careful elders begin to look for likely rivals, possible usurpers of their own power and position. A wise ancilla walks a careful path between insignificance and advancement, a path on which every step might be her last.
