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But that is only the beginning. From their rebirth vampires strive under conditions that are both burdensome and inequitable. Added on to this inequality is the society of kindred called the Camarilla. Nothing can be more unfair then that and vampires have little choice in this matter either, it is conform or rebel and face almost certain death. Within the Camarilla age and position mean everything. If you do not like it, join the anarchs. If you want to just create trouble, go independent the anarchs do not need you. The Camarilla is based on rules, these rules are not out of character games mechanics, and these rules are the way the society works. Hence they can be unfair. These rules exist to not only keep conduct between vampires civil so that the beast is not tempted they also exist to protect those in positions. This is very unfair isn�t it? Too bad, if you do not like it then vampire is probably not for you, or at least not the Cam/Anarch venue. This unfairness revolves around status, because that is what age and position amount to. Those of high status are believed over those of low status. They get treated with more respect. They are allowed a voice in court. Sometimes they are the only ones allowed time with people such as the Prince. The rules protect the older kindred because they are the ones that set them up. Of course they are going to try to protect their interest and investment. Is all of this fair? No, it�s not. The Camarilla is not based on the idea that everyone is equal. It was created back when they believed peasants were akin to animals and saw a definitive difference between commoner and noble. These ideas are still present, only the specifics have changed.

So what can be done about this? Well, for starters once people realize that just about nothing about the life of a vampire is fair it should be less of a problem. The problem is that many do not understand that this is just a part of the World of Darkness. It ties into that Punk element when they call it a Gothic-Punk game, the sense of rebellion against the old. So go with it. Most players do not get to play anything better then a positionless neonate so why should it matter then? Do not like it that your primogen is always holding you back? Do something about it. In an unfair world, the night is what you make it. Just do not whine about how unfair it is or before you do at least play a 13th generation Caitiff so you really know what it is like to have a character shit on and ignored.

-- Andrew Hemond

This extends to social class. This is information that people know, if they didn�t then they would just consider you a Neonate. Ancillae are known to be ancilla just as Elders are known to be old and of potent blood. These can be concealed only at the cost of being considered a Neonate. These social classes are more than just words they separate vampires. Neonates are the bottom of the barrel and are looked down upon by those of higher social class. The lucky thing is that most kindred are only Neonates so they are stuck in the same situation together at least.

The problem comes in because there are OOC rules to how status works and they are okay mechanics for figuring out how to oust a primogen or prince, but that is about it. ICly these little mechanics make the barest sense. Burning status to remove someone is sort of like using up your prestige within the society to swing views your way. You may take someone down but you will not smell like roses afterwards. This creates all sorts of strangeness, one day you are the top of the food chain and then next you are at the bottom but you took out the prince. It is not a very feasible system, but it is all we have.

Without changing the rules there is no way to change it but within the system we can try to keep the areas distinct. Do not ever say something akin to, �I am brave, esteemed and revered.� It is alright to say something like, �Prince Randal has seen me wise in my dealings within Riverside and with the kindred of this city.� That actually sounds more believable. Also, avoid saying things such as, �Since I am brave I no longer see you as wise.� That sounds ridiculous. It makes no sense. The better way is to publicly state something like, �You are a fool Bob Brujah, your actions this evening have shown that you are unworthy of the esteem that the members of this city have held you in. Your behavior tonight was not fitting someone of your station within our sect and the members of this domain will be made aware of your mistakes.� Then afterwards OOCly note that you expending a temporary status to remove the wise status trait. This way the in character interaction is preserved and the out of character mechanics are adhered too.

-- Andrew Hemond