[@Themerlinhawk] if he had to choose now after living a nice fulfilled life. Basically by going Ventrue you'll do more hands on outside work, challenging yourself by risking your life, with Ravnos you'll do a lot of studying, self exploring, and advancing your own work.

Currently in Ravnos there's a dhampir that is furthering her knowledge in Alchemy
And an older vampire continuing her late teacher's work (the mad scientist type)

Currently in Ventrue there's an Aspirant and Kyres. [@Warbozz] is considering making a dockworker at Ventrue.

You could still be adventurous in Ravnos, like your character's knowledge he seeks is discovery? Like travel places discover new types of animals, plants, etc. Or you could be an inventor of sorts though I don't know if that would fit your background story unless you were taught how to be an engineer