The Ductus

Ducti, the leaders of Sabbat packs, oversee the operations of the Cainites under their command. Since most packs are formed by three to seven vampires, the role resembles that of a gang leader or the head of a small tribe.

The title of ductus is chiefly honorific and marks its holder as the most capable in the pack. Yet it does carry real authority, and those who abuse it are often beaten and dumped in trash bins, if they are not staked and left to greet sunrise. Ducti rely on presence and force of personality to motivate packmates. They work closely with priests to coordinate assaults, expand the influence of sect and pack, and serve as liaisons to bishops and archbishops.
Ducti can call esbats, usually weekly pack meetings. In these gatherings the priest often performs key ritae, after which the leader evaluates the pack's progress. The ductus also assigns each member duties aligned with current needs: keeping the haven, disposing of bodies, and so on.
With notable exceptions, the position of ductus is the highest rank most nomadic Sabbat can reach. These vampires move from place to place, and most are not suited to hold titles such as bishop or archbishop. In principle, there are no explicit restrictions preventing these Cainites from becoming prisci, cardinals, or even regent, but very few ever do.
The ductus outranks the rest of the pack, and though not always the eldest, has something special that allows authority to prevail when disputes arise. Wise leaders, of course, listen to what the pack has to say and impose rank only when others refuse to accept the force of their arguments.