Oath of Defense

From SuspireWiki

The Oath of Defense is an emergency oath that comes into play only if the coterie’s lord is in danger and summons them or if the coterie members learn of plans against their lord. It is not unheard of for a coterie to swear an Oath of Service to one elder and an Oath of Defense to another. A coterie may not swear an Oath of Defense to more than one lord. Invictus Princes and other high-ranking elders of the covenant almost always have nascent coteries swear Oaths of Defense as a matter of course. This is the only oath that takes place in secret and does not necessitate the pomp of the other two. In swearing an Oath of Defense, it is assumed that the the coterie will do everything possible to return to the side of its lord in times of conflict, danger or upheaval as well as staying attentive to any potential threat, scheme or plot against the liege. In return, the coterie is able to call upon its liege for much weightier matters than a mere Oath of Service would entitle them to. Rare is the elder who will accept an Oath of Defense from a coterie that has ever broken any other kind of oath.

Breaking an Oath of Defense is considered an unforgivable breach of trust. Someone to whom such a coterie has sworn and broken the oath might push for a blood hunt or otherwise call for the Final Death of her betrayers. Furthermore, if the liege meets Final Death because the characters defaulted on their oath, other dutiful elders of the Invictus who know about the forsaken bond will likely make sure that the characters are hunted to the extent of their influence.

There are only three ways to "get out of" an Oath of Defense. First, at the lord’s wish, they can lapse entirely. Secondly, if the Kindred to whom the oath is sworn ever forms a Vinculum to one of the Kindred in the coterie, the oath is considered null as well. Thirdly, any Kindred of greater status than the lord to whom the oath is sworn can cancel the oath, but only if the coterie so sworn instead transfers its oath to that Kindred instead.

Example Swearing

{Oath maker's part to Oath Acceptor}

I, [Oath maker's name], do grant my service in the aid and defense of [Oath acceptor's name]. I swear that upon their call I shall come to their assistance, and shall fight when it is needed for [him/her] regardless of my circumstances.

{Oath Acceptor's part}

I, [Oath acceptor's name], do place my trust and faith on [Oath maker's name], that [he/she] will come to my side in my times of need and defend me from those who would seek me grievous harm. In appreciation I grant [domain/house/ghoul/etc.] to [Oath maker's name].

{If this is to be secret and there is a witness Oath Acceptor says}

As secrecy is necessary for this oath to not be compromised, we request that from henceforth no mention of this oath will be given.

{Witness' reply if there is one}

Heard and Witnessed. {if secrecy is asked} I do accept the necessity of secrecy and shall speak no more of this oath to others.