Mind's Eye Theatre - Vampire The Requiem.pdf - RoseRed

the diocese • by the kindred, for the kindred • common law
WEAPONRY AND THE DANSE MACABRE
Given the heavily armed nature of the modern age, it’s worth noting that
vampires often must be very careful about where they carry weapons within the
domain. While wandering one’s own territory armed is seldom a problem, bringing
a weapon into another vampire’s territory unannounced can cause some problems,
as it’s very easy to interpret as a threat in the eyes of suspicious Kindred. Even more
importantly, smuggling a weapon into Elysium or into any sort of audience with the
Prince is typically seen as a serious if not outright deadly insult. After all, Elysium
is supposed to be a neutral territory — sneaking a weapon into that situation is
therefore seen as either an intent to violate the peace of Elysium, or an implication
that the ruling authorities are not powerful enough to enforce the peace, a slight
few such infl uential Kindred will tolerate. Likewise, entering the presence of the
Prince with a concealed weapon implies either an assassin’s intent, or simply that
one does not feel enough respect for the Prince to go unarmed. Neither message is
particularly healthy for the reputation or well-being of the Kindred in question.
Of course, exactly how strictly this practice is enforced depends on the Prince and
the domain in question. Since they know many Kindred will try to go armed whenever
possible, one solution favored by many Princes is to decree that weapons are forbidden
at Elysium and other Kindred gatherings, then grant permission to carry a weapon as
a political favor. This not only rewards those who display obediance, but also subtly
stacks the deck against those who would threaten the Prince’s interests. Offi cers such
as the Sheriff and the Hound are typically assumed to be allowed to carry weapons
in the course of their duties, and other offi cers may receive it in deference to their
power or personal standing. Lastly, in domains or territories that are under siege
or where Kindred are frequently in danger of attack (witch-hunters, Lupines, etc.),
carrying a weapon may be far more common and accepted, especially if those forces
have actually attacked Elysium in the past. Even the most tyrannical Prince knows that
attempting to needlessly disarm Kindred who fear for their existence is tantamount
to inviting rebellion.
Princes that forbid vampires from being armed in Elysium or other specifi ed areas
typically require that all weapons be checked at the door, where they can be secured
until the vampire decides to leave. Even if a vampire is permitted to carry a weapon,
most of the time they must still declare its presence to the Master of Elysium, so that
there are no unpleasant surprises later. Note that while it may be relatively easy for
Kindred to smuggle weapons in using Touch of Shadow or mundane methods, the
penalties for being caught with a weapon later on are typically much harsher, as not
only has the Kindred defi ed the prohibition, but actively attempted to conceal this
violation as well. Suffi ce it to say that the punishment is seldom worth the dubious
security of carrying around a gun or a knife, especially since such weapons are typically
little threat to the Kindred.
CLAN, COVENANT OR BLOODLINE RESTRICTIONS
In some cities, the powers that be have a particular aversion to one particular clan, covenant
or even familial bloodline and have decreed that group a pariah. In these domains,
merely being Nosferatu or Carthian or whatever is a breach of the domain’s social contract.
A member of said group is forced to leave the city, but some truly vicious or hateful Princes
call blood hunts on fugitives.
While a city might be dominated by a single covenant, almost no city belongs entirely to
one faction over the others, and most contain members of at least three or four, if not all
fi ve, of the major covenants. Even rarer, almost to the point of nonexistence, is a city where
one specifi c clan holds absolute power.
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