Kindred Hierarchy Definitions
Governing Bodies
- Ambassador -
Ambassadors are similar to the Primogen and Seneschal positions within the Camarilla Hierarchy. Each species has a representative; Kindred, Mage, Mortal (yes, mortal) and Shifters. Ambassadors convene at the Prince's, or their own, discretion. They are the chamberlains, advisors to the Prince and each other, manager and judges for their kind and interpreters of law. This position is rarely appointed outright; over time, those with the skills to be Ambassadors tend to rise to the top most trusted quickly. Most are unimpressed with displays of bluster and demonstrate remarkable insight into the nature of natural and/or supernatural beings. Typically, an Ambassador will step into the position of Interim Prince should the current Prince take a leave of absence, abdicate or be slain. They are also given some powers of the Camarilla Harpy position, in that their word can make or break a creatures existence within the city, amongst other things.
- Prince -
A prince does not "reign" over a city. They are the servant and protector of the city as a whole and the one ultimately responsible for whatever happens within it. Therefore, none may question the Prince or their decisions since the city as a whole is their responsibility and domain. Not even the Ambassadors would openly question the decisions made by the Prince. However, the Princes role is more like that of an overseer or magistrate than that of a monarch. They are the judge who settles disputes within the Hierarchy, between citizens, the ultimate authority on the Traditions (or whatever laws they wish to acknowledge) as they relate to their city, final decision maker when a filibuster or other decision that affects the city and its citizens needs to be made and the keeper of the peace. Above all, their concern is the Masquerade and its preservation. Whether this means they regularly scour their city for individual troublemakers or keeps a stranglehold on the wilder elements is up to them.
Ambassadors are similar to the Primogen and Seneschal positions within the Camarilla Hierarchy. Each species has a representative; Kindred, Mage, Mortal (yes, mortal) and Shifters. Ambassadors convene at the Prince's, or their own, discretion. They are the chamberlains, advisors to the Prince and each other, manager and judges for their kind and interpreters of law. This position is rarely appointed outright; over time, those with the skills to be Ambassadors tend to rise to the top most trusted quickly. Most are unimpressed with displays of bluster and demonstrate remarkable insight into the nature of natural and/or supernatural beings. Typically, an Ambassador will step into the position of Interim Prince should the current Prince take a leave of absence, abdicate or be slain. They are also given some powers of the Camarilla Harpy position, in that their word can make or break a creatures existence within the city, amongst other things.
- Prince -
A prince does not "reign" over a city. They are the servant and protector of the city as a whole and the one ultimately responsible for whatever happens within it. Therefore, none may question the Prince or their decisions since the city as a whole is their responsibility and domain. Not even the Ambassadors would openly question the decisions made by the Prince. However, the Princes role is more like that of an overseer or magistrate than that of a monarch. They are the judge who settles disputes within the Hierarchy, between citizens, the ultimate authority on the Traditions (or whatever laws they wish to acknowledge) as they relate to their city, final decision maker when a filibuster or other decision that affects the city and its citizens needs to be made and the keeper of the peace. Above all, their concern is the Masquerade and its preservation. Whether this means they regularly scour their city for individual troublemakers or keeps a stranglehold on the wilder elements is up to them.
Assistive Positions
- Counselor - (For) Ambassadors & Prince -
Counselors are those trusted individuals whose wisdom of the ages, or even just the area and its denizens, are sought out by the city Hierarchy and/or the Prince. They are the ones who will be called in for advice and guidance on any varying level of importance. Although, a wise member of the Hierarchy won't waste the time of these Elders with trivial matters that could more easily be solved by themselves. Ambassadors and Princes of the city would be well advised to listen to the advice of these Elders. However, since the Prince, and secondly the Ambassadors, are the ones ultimately responsible for the city with their lives on the line, they may or may not follow the advice given. Although, do not mistake the value of a good Counselor. Members wishing to climb the social, as well as political, ladder of the city would do well to seek these members of the Hierarchy out and befriend them.
- Enforcer -
Enforcers are similar to the Camarilla Keeper of Elysium, Scourge and Sheriff. The Enforcers duties are numerous and varied. The Enforcer is the one that ensures the preservation of the Masquerade, ensuring 'unenlightened' mortals do not enter areas of the city and/or Elysium, clears events and/or security to ensure the Masquerade is kept (or adequately protected if the event is permitted to drop the Masquerade), patrols the borders of the Princedom, brings offenders into court and/or detains them, as well as seeking out and possibly destroying those who have failed to present themselves to the Prince properly, keeps order within the city and is the one ultimately responsible for security within the Elysium domain. The Enforcer is typically chosen through agreement with the Prince and Ambassadors. The Enforcer is almost always permitted to choose Deputies to assist them. The position is more than simply being the muscle behind the Hierarchy. Want to have a decent time within the city? Don't anger the Enforcer.
Counselors are those trusted individuals whose wisdom of the ages, or even just the area and its denizens, are sought out by the city Hierarchy and/or the Prince. They are the ones who will be called in for advice and guidance on any varying level of importance. Although, a wise member of the Hierarchy won't waste the time of these Elders with trivial matters that could more easily be solved by themselves. Ambassadors and Princes of the city would be well advised to listen to the advice of these Elders. However, since the Prince, and secondly the Ambassadors, are the ones ultimately responsible for the city with their lives on the line, they may or may not follow the advice given. Although, do not mistake the value of a good Counselor. Members wishing to climb the social, as well as political, ladder of the city would do well to seek these members of the Hierarchy out and befriend them.
- Enforcer -
Enforcers are similar to the Camarilla Keeper of Elysium, Scourge and Sheriff. The Enforcers duties are numerous and varied. The Enforcer is the one that ensures the preservation of the Masquerade, ensuring 'unenlightened' mortals do not enter areas of the city and/or Elysium, clears events and/or security to ensure the Masquerade is kept (or adequately protected if the event is permitted to drop the Masquerade), patrols the borders of the Princedom, brings offenders into court and/or detains them, as well as seeking out and possibly destroying those who have failed to present themselves to the Prince properly, keeps order within the city and is the one ultimately responsible for security within the Elysium domain. The Enforcer is typically chosen through agreement with the Prince and Ambassadors. The Enforcer is almost always permitted to choose Deputies to assist them. The position is more than simply being the muscle behind the Hierarchy. Want to have a decent time within the city? Don't anger the Enforcer.
WoD Typical Camarilla Hierarchy Positions
(The positions below are given for reference only and are not current positions within the TN Hierarchy.
If you're still not sure which member you need to speak to, have your character begin inquiring.
This will provide an opportunity for RP as well as help find who your character needs to speak to.
Still stumped? Feel free to contact a ST/Op.)
(The positions below are given for reference only and are not current positions within the TN Hierarchy.
If you're still not sure which member you need to speak to, have your character begin inquiring.
This will provide an opportunity for RP as well as help find who your character needs to speak to.
Still stumped? Feel free to contact a ST/Op.)
- Harpies -
These Kindred pride themselves on being the social managers of Elysium. They traffic in 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 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.
- Keeper of Elysium -
The keeper is in charge of what goes on in Elysium. A Toreador wishing 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.
- 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
vampires' 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 he nothing more than 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 claim that having duplicate clans involved in the political structure weighs matters in favor of that clan, no one is really in a position to change it.
- Prince -
A prince does not "reign" over a city. His role is more like that of an overseer or magistrate than that of a monarch. He is the judge who settles disputes between Kindred, the ultimate authority on the Traditions as they relate to his city, and the keeper of the peace. Above all, his concern is the Masquerade and its preservation. Whether this means he regularly scours his city for individual troublemakers or keeps a stranglehold on the wilder elements is up to him. Not every prince realizes or cares that his power is meant to be so informal; indeed, some demand that they be treated like the kings of old, holding "court" and requiring that their "subjects" within the domain attend them as they pass royal pronouncements.
- 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 newcomers who have failed to present themselves. Caitiff, as well as the fledglings 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.
- Seneschal -
This is one position that many princes would like to do without, but which occasionally is necessary. One
prince described the filling of this position to be akin to choosing which knife to put at her 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...
- Sheriff -
Most sheriffs are appointed by the prince and approved by the primogen. While the job description may vary
from city to city, the sheriffs 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 with the "muscle" aspects of ruling. Sheriffs may select deputies, who occasionally require the prince's approval.
- Whip -
Primogen occasionally 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 members' doings. Whips are selected by the primogen.
These Kindred pride themselves on being the social managers of Elysium. They traffic in 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 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.
- Keeper of Elysium -
The keeper is in charge of what goes on in Elysium. A Toreador wishing 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.
- 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
vampires' 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 he nothing more than 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 claim that having duplicate clans involved in the political structure weighs matters in favor of that clan, no one is really in a position to change it.
- Prince -
A prince does not "reign" over a city. His role is more like that of an overseer or magistrate than that of a monarch. He is the judge who settles disputes between Kindred, the ultimate authority on the Traditions as they relate to his city, and the keeper of the peace. Above all, his concern is the Masquerade and its preservation. Whether this means he regularly scours his city for individual troublemakers or keeps a stranglehold on the wilder elements is up to him. Not every prince realizes or cares that his power is meant to be so informal; indeed, some demand that they be treated like the kings of old, holding "court" and requiring that their "subjects" within the domain attend them as they pass royal pronouncements.
- 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 newcomers who have failed to present themselves. Caitiff, as well as the fledglings 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.
- Seneschal -
This is one position that many princes would like to do without, but which occasionally is necessary. One
prince described the filling of this position to be akin to choosing which knife to put at her 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...
- Sheriff -
Most sheriffs are appointed by the prince and approved by the primogen. While the job description may vary
from city to city, the sheriffs 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 with the "muscle" aspects of ruling. Sheriffs may select deputies, who occasionally require the prince's approval.
- Whip -
Primogen occasionally 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 members' doings. Whips are selected by the primogen.