| Kindred of Importance |
| Over the centuries,certain positions have sprung up in the cities.Some assist the Prince in keeping things in order;others began more as "vanity" positions,but became more solidified and codified as time went on. |
| The Primogen---The Primogen are the assembled elders of each clan in a city.Most often, each clan has a representative primogen,but in some cities a prince refuses to allow a given clan to place a member on this council of elders.In theory,primogen represent their clans among the political body of elders,but in practice the primogen are more often an "old vampire's club" and an incestuous nest of treachery and favor-currying.Primogen---the term refers to individual members as well as the collected body---convene at the Prince's discretion.In cities with powerful or despotic Princes, the Primogen may be nothing more thean a figurehead,while in other cities Princes govern solely at the whim of the elder council.It is worth noting that the Prince is often not the Primogen for his clan.Although some Kindred clai that having duplicate clans involved in the political structure weighs matters favor of that clan,no one is really in a position to change it. The Sheriff---Mossheriffs are appointed by the Prince and approved by the Primogen.While the job description may vary from city to city,the Sheriff's prime job is to be the Prince's "enforcer," the vampire who hauls offenders into court,keeps order on the streets,and generally stands ready to assist ith the "muscle" aspects of ruling.Sheriffs may select deputies, who occassionally require the Prince's approval. The Harpies---These Kindred pride themselves on being the social managers of Elysium.They traffic gossip and social maneuvering, and status is their coin.With the right or wrong word to a Prince,they can make or break a vampire's place in the city.This position is rarely appointed outright;over time, those with the skills to be harpies tend to rise to the top.Most are unimpressed with the displays of bluster and demonstrate remarkable insight into vampire nature.Bucking a harpy will assure one a place at the bottommost rung of the ladder of power for years to come. The Whip---Primogen occassionally keep whips as assistants.Not much different from the whips in mortal government,the whip's job is to goad and encourage discussion and decision-making during clan meetings, and to keep the clan updated on their Primogen member's doings.Whips are selected by the Primogen. The Seneschal---This is one position that many Princes would like to do without,but which occasionally is necessary.One Prince would describe the filling of this position to be akin to choosing which knife to put to your throat.A Seneschal is meant to be a chamberlain,a second-in-command and an advisor to the Prince.At any time, he may be asked to step into the Prince's place if she leaves town on business,abdicates or is slain.Naturally, a Prince wishes to have final authority on such an important position,and many have fought endlessly with their primogen over the subject.This is a dangerous position in more ways than one---familiarity with the subject can give one ideas..... The Keepers of Elysium---The keeper is in charge of what goes on in Elysium.A Toreador whishing to display her latest work,a Tremere wanting to give a lecture,or a Brujah scheduling an open debate on Princely policies---all must clear things with the keeper,who can cancel or approve an event on the grounds of preserving the Masquerade.The keeper is responsible for ensuring that mortals do not enter the area during Elysium and that events run smoothly.Most Keepers are appointed by the Prince, often with the stipulation that their appointment is conditional until their qualifications are assured. The Scourge---As the nights grow more and more violent and the cities fill with unknown Kindred,some Princes have resurrected this ancient position.Essentially, the scourge patrols the borders of a Princedom, seeking out and often destroying newcommers who have failed to present themselves.Caitiff,as well as the fledgelings of the 13th,14th,and 15th generations,have much to fear from the scourge.In some cases,even vampires who have followed protocol fall victim to the scourge,as Princes reflexively react to fears of overpopulation and espionage.A few scourges are Assamite assassins under contract to a Prince. |