Court (VTR)

The Court is modelled upon the feudal system of mortals. At the top of this system is the Prince, who technically rules over all Kindred within his or her Domain (female rulers almost always refer to themselves as Princes rather than a feminine appelation like Princess or Queen).

Below the Prince is the Seneschal and the Primogen. The Seneschal is the Prince's "right-hand man" and, according to tradition rules the city when the Prince is otherwise indisposed. The Primogen are usually made up of one of each of the five Clans - the term comes from Primogeniture, the rights of the "eldest son". Hence the Primogen is usually populated by the eldest member of each clans, and they serve as an advisory board, representing their Clans and giving them a voice within court.

Directly below the Primogen are the Whips. Again they are typically composed of one of each Clan and, like a political party they are charged with enforcing Clan policy (as such as it is).

Somewhat removed are the Harpies and the Keeper of Elysium. Harpies are professional gossips and are arbiters of status within the court. Most Kindred who are concerned with such things exist in fear of the Harpies, as an unkind word from one of them can dash any aspirations one might have - or worse, they might elevate a rival above them. Keepers of Elysium are responsible for both managing the locations where Kindred meet, and ensuring that all attendees abide by the rules set down by the Prince - this involves upkeep and maintainence of the Elysia and providing adequate security, both mortal and Kindred.

The Sheriff and the Hound are responsible for "law enforcement" within a domain. While they wield little political clout, they report directly to the Prince. The Sheriff acts much like his mortal namesake, arbitrating disputes between aggrieved parties, bringing criminals to justice and ensuring the security of the Court. The Hound's job is different and perhaps more sinister. Usually the toughest and most lethal of all the Kindred within a domain, the Hound is the Prince's personal bodyguard, assassin and leg-breaker. Few members of the Court like the Hound, but few would disrespect them to their face - no-one wants to be their newest target.