Vampire Courts

There are stations within a court and respect owed to those positions. In order of prestige in Ushaw Moor, they go Baron, Seneschal, Chamberlain, Keeper, Sheriff, and Scourge. To be fair, no one gets in the way of the Scourge. There are higher positions in Prince Meagan’s Court in Durham. If someone enters town claiming position in Meagan’s court, assume they outrank you.

The Role of the Baron

A Baron is a vampire appointed by the Prince, or a vassal of the Prince commanded to do so, of a Domain to rule a small part of a larger Domain. Answerable to the Prince, or Prince-appointed vassal, the Baron determines the rules of the Barony, including altering how or if any of the Traditions are followed. The right to call Blood Hunts on a whim, ban the Embrace or creation of ghouls, claim all mortal residents as Blood Dolls, rule kindly or cruelly, etc, are all given to the Baron. Any vampire choosing to live in a Barony agrees to live by the Baron's rules. A Player Character plays the role of the Baron.

Common Rights and Duties of the Baron

• Right of Destruction – by virtue of the Second Tradition, the Baron has the right to destroy any vampire for anything at anytime.
• Right of Siring – by virtue of the Third Tradition, the Baron may give or revoke permission to any vampire who wishes to sire.
• Right of Domain – the laws of the Barony are enacted and enforced by the Baron’s Will.

Right of Feeding – the Baron has the the right to feed from anyone he or she wishes, and can dictate who can feed from whom.

• Duty of Upholding the Traditions – while all the Traditions are expected to be upheld by all vampires, a Baron may choose not to follow some or all of them.
• Duty of Protection – the vampires who reside in the Barony look to the Baron for protection and to settle conflicts in a fair manner during Elysium, and with an Ordeal.
• Duty of Shepherding the Flock – the Baron monitors the ratio of humans to vampires in the Barony. The Baron may deny a vampire the right to feed or remain in the Barony when food is scarce.

The Agents of the Baron

The are positions of duty held by vampires who reside in a Barony. These positions are appointed by the Baron, who can combine or split them as he or she sees fit. All of these positions are played by Player Characters.

• Seneschal – the Baron’s right hand man who can accept Introductions and act in the Baron’s absence. He hears all complaints first before choosing (with the right bribe) to inform the Baron. The Seneschal is either a mere secretary, or may be the real power behind the Baron. The Seneschal is not always the same as "Vice-Baron". As often as not, someone else will be chosen to replace a Baron.
• Chamberlain – The heart of court in the Baron’s domain, the Chamberlain organizes feasts, tournaments and Elysiums, welcome out-of-town dignitaries and may attend to the Baron’s mundane needs, such as bringing meals. The hub of gossip, rumors and social interactions with those who live in the domain, the Chamberlain helps weed out any potential detractors.
• Keeper – Many Cainite leaders understand the need of having the council of a mystic or spiritual advisor. Long ago, Malkavian or Nosferatu were oracles (and still are), but in the current Christian atmosphere, many Cainite leaders turn to Ashen Priests – adherents and teachers of one of the Roads of Caine. Ashen Priests often lead sacraments and advise on both political and mystical matters.
• Scourge – When swift justice or punishment is needed, the Scourge are sent to handle the matter quickly and quietly. They are the Baron’s private executioners with the duty of bringing Caitiff, Autarkis and the Hunted before the Baron or destroying them outright.
• Sheriff – Normally handling matters of jurisdiction and security, the Sheriff, and his own appointed cronies, keep neonates from causing trouble and make sure no unwanted Cainites enter or stay in the Domain.