Volturi

The Volturi are an organized coven of vampires in the Twilight series of young adult novels. They are the rule enforcers of the vampire world. They 'hire' other vampires with special abilities or powers to help enforce the rules.

Background
The Volturi are the equivalent of a royal family to vampires. Their home is in the city of Volterra, Italy. The Volturi have been in existence for at least three thousand years, if not more. They are the most sophisticated, aside from Carlisle. However, they do not follow a "vegetarian" diet, as seen in New Moon. They are considered royalty, as they are the largest coven in existence with the most potent powers.

Purpose
Although they are not the 'official' royal family of vampires, they still act as though they are, and are an incredibly influential coven. They are also considered 'nighttime patrons of the arts' because of their inability to sleep, they study the arts at night. The Volturi act as guardians, keeping the secret society of vampires hidden from the human world as needed. They often send others to travel from Volterra to destroy overzealous covens from exposing vampires by mass eradication of every vampire (and any humans nearby) present. In the Twilight series, the Volturi are becoming an increasing problem, as they want Bella turned into a vampire as soon as possible, while Edward at the time didn't want her to become a vampire. They also went to Forks, Washington to destroy Victoria's evil coven of young vampires, as they were being a menace to the neighbouring city, Seattle. However, by the time they arrived, the fight had already ended and the werewolves had to escape as the Volturi do not tolerate truces with werewolves.

Powers
Most of the Volturi have very strong special powers. Jane can give anyone the illusion of pain while they are under her gaze and as long as she knows their name- as she asked Bree, the captive vampire in 'Eclipse'. Aro can see all the thoughts that a person has ever had with physical contact between him and the person, slightly differing from Edward. Marcus can sense relationships. Demetri can track anyone once he has the tenor of the mind. Others' powers aren't mentioned, but are rumored to be just as powerful. Also, Alec's power that "makes the Volturi invincible" will be discovered in book 4, Breaking Dawn.

Current members
These three men are the leaders of the Volturi:


 * Aro
 * Caius
 * Marcus

Other members, also known as the guards:


 * Jane
 * Alec
 * Heidi
 * Felix
 * Demetri
 * Gianna (Human)

Previous/Wanted Members

 * Carlisle Cullen: stayed with the coven as a guest; he left because of his belief to not harm humans and created his own in the United States.


 * Edward Cullen: asked by the Volturi because of his ablity to read minds. He declines.


 * Alice Cullen: at the same time they ask Edward, because she can see into the future, she also declines


 * Bella Swan: Aro offers Bella to be in the Volturi, after she is turned into a vampire, but, very shocked, declines