Status

From SuspireWiki

This section is rather long, but if you take the time to read it thoroughly, you might find yourself much more enlightened on ways to play the social game and succeed.

Without a doubt, the Carthian covenant leads the way in Atlanta thus it is important to understand the rules of the game under which the Carthian, and thus the city, operates. Whether you choose to have your character follow those rules is up to you, but ignorance has never been an excuse when a neonate is brought before the Prince for the breaking of a rule.

Many characters get into trouble right off the bat, because they fail to understand the hierarchal system that the Carthian and the majority of Atlanta operates on. This page is designed to help you understand this structure.

Contents 1 The Introduction 2 Speaking of Status 3 Clan and Covenant Status 4 City Status

The Introduction

"Status is the central focus of many Kindred's existence." In fact, it is the central pillar that holds up the Hierarchy of the Danse Macabre. Status is how the elders maintain control over the younger Kindred. It is the primary tool that the elders wield over the anarchs and each other. This is an elder's most guarded privilege. Respecting Status is difficult to do, but that is the point, you are not supposed to like it. The Elders have all the power (both authority and physical) and not everyone agrees on how that power is applied. Status, in our game, is awarded by the Storytellers based on general play and the circulation of rumors. And before you cry foul about circulating rumors, remember that the social system is NOT fair. Harpies can make or break a reputation.

Status is not a blunt weapon, though. It is a scalpel that must be used carefully. Apply too much pressure and the tool breaks. Relying on Status to open all social doors is likely to establish a Kindred’s reputation as boorish and unworthy of his high standing. At the same time, failing to cultivate the respect of one’s peers by participating in Kindred society leads to deteriorated Status. High standing is a mantle that requires constant care. Those who wield it are under attack from those below, as well as under close scrutiny by those on the same level and above.

This section details a variety of systems related to Status. The in-game means through which two Kindred achieve the same Status dots can vary greatly. A social wallflower who is the progeny of the Prince, and an unbound rabble-rouser who has proved effective, might have both City Status 2, but they aren’t treated the same. Similarly, a high Status does not mean a “better” vampire, simply one with more respect in a certain group.

Not all vampires feel this way about Status. They are known as Anarchs. There are certainly some benefits to ignoring Status, not the least of which is gaining the respect and admiration of the Anarchs. The Anarchs choose to survive by their wits and strength.

Once declared an Anarch, you are free game for the Hound and Sheriff or Reeve. The Prince will offer you no support, no mercy and will not mind if you disappear. You declared that you didn't "have'ta listen to those fucking stupid elders and their stupid fucking status crap", remember? Why should they listen to you?

Speaking of Status

"Status" is an out-of-character game term. It quantifies perceptions that exist in character, but no Kindred would describe herself (or anyone else) as having "Status 2," and players should avoid using such terms as much as possible. The following are suggested terms, but not necessarily the only terms you can use to describe status in-game.

The terms below can be woven into in-character conversation seamlessly and can even be used in out of character conversations between players to remain in the habit. These words are generally capitalized so that their system implications are clear. The phrases in quotations are other ways to convey the same information.

•	Acknowledged (or “of low standing or rank”)
••	Recognized (or “of some standing or rank”)
•••	Valued (or “of significant standing or rank”)
••••	Respected (or “of high standing or rank”)
•••••	Admired (or “of pre-eminent standing or rank”)

For Example: For declaring Status, one would state that "William Scott is Acknowledged by Clan Gangrel," "Dillon Radley is Respected in the domain of London," and "In the eyes of the Invictus, none is more Admired than Joshua Musgrove himself."

Clan and Covenant Status

Praiseworthy Deeds for Clan or Covenant • Regular attendance at clan or covenant gatherings; active participation in regular clan or covenant activities •• Recognizing clan or covenant leaders and obeying their edicts; promoting loyalty among fellow members of the clan or covenant ••• Designing plans or removing obstacles in ways that advance the goals of the clan or covenant; serving the clan or covenant significantly above and beyond the expected •••• Defining an overall goal for the clan or covenant and organizing members to achieve it; assuming a position of recognized leadership within the clan or covenant ••••• Acting to position the clan or covenant to achieve eminence or ascendancy

For purposes of notation, generally covenants tend to police themselves or have their own status inner-workings, but other factors such as the above can present themselves. For clans, generally rises are policed by the Priscus, but this isn't always the case.

City Status

Praiseworthy Deeds for the City • Regularly attending local Kindred functions (without being disruptive); Acknowledged •• Actively promoting loyalty to the city’s elders; obeying the edicts of all city elders; Defending the city against outside threats ••• Devising and implementing plans that further the goals of city elders; carrying out specific plans beyond the norm on behalf of city elders •••• Expanding the city’s overall power, resources or reputation in a minor way; removing a significant obstacle or threat to local Kindred ••••• Significantly expanding the city’s overall power, resources or reputation; assuming a position of leadership in the city (prince) Here are some other ways your status can be raised: You have performed a major service for the Prince You have made yourself well known in the city (elysium regular) You have achieved a position within the city You have provided resources or aid to the Prince or city officials You have shown good etiquette You have assisted other Kindred with introductions or getting settled. You have been shown favor by those of high status (prince, seneschal) You have remained visibly active within city affairs.

Sins Against the City • Deliberate public violations of the Traditions; wanton slaying of mortals or destruction of property; betraying any Kindred to outside threats •• Accidental public violations of the Traditions; deliberate private violations of the Traditions; murdering prominent local mortals without dire need; actively disobeying city elders ••• Hindering a local industry or resource; killing a local mortal in a suspicious manner without good cause •••• Failing to attend major gatherings of the local undead (court); actively disrupting a gathering of the local Kindred; bloodhunting a prominent elder without due cause ••••• Allowing a known diablerist residence; allowing a masquerade breach to go unfixed Here are some other ways your status can be lowered: You have argued with elders, failure to defer to your betters You have expressed a lack of knowledge about the Traditions or laws of the domain You have shown a lack of etiquette in elysium You have failed to cooperate with elders You have badmouthed or disrespected those of status Your childer or ghouls have misbehaved. You have exercised "bad judgement" You have broken or "bent" Traditions You have failed to honor a boon.