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

Hierophant
In domains where the Circle of the Crone has a signifi cant enough presence to warrant
it (that is, in cities with three or more members), the wisest take on the equivalent role of
high priest. Such a spiritual leader is called a Hierophant and is charged with a number of
duties. The Hierophant is responsible for calling meetings to order and for leading various
rites and rituals (such as the Crone’s Liturgy). The Hierophant also oversees the induction
of new members to the Circle, and no Acolyte may be granted full status without his leave.
“Hierophant” is also a term of respect, and even elders who no longer lead rituals may continue
to bear the title as a “badge of offi ce” or a sign of enlightenment.
Among the Hierophant’s responsibilities is the actual formation of dogma observed by
the covenant in a given domain. For example, some Hierophants call extensively upon the
Celtic pantheon in interpreting the Kindred condition, while others invoke “demons” who
are actually nature spirits in certain Eastern European followings. Still others might have an
outlook that draws heavily on Judeo-Christian myth, substituting Lilith for the Crone, while
other groups see themselves as incarnations of the Native American wendigo or manitou. Still
others blend a variety of religions into their own unique view of the Kindred. This body of
dogma almost always grows organically over time, incorporating new Acolytes’ beliefs, changing
when the covenant’s tastes dictate, or taking into account new information or discoveries.
More so than any other covenant, the policies of the Circle of the Crone morph and adapt,
and the responsibility of keeping it all cogent rests in the hands of the Hierophant.
The Chorus
The chorus is not an actual title in the covenant, but rather a descriptor for a certain type of
member. The chorus is the collective “new converts” to Acolyte ideology, and a probationary
member of the Circle. Few would-be converts are capable of grasping the often painful truth
of the Acolytes’ mindset, so most new members go through a period of “apprenticeship”
during which they slowly acclimate to existence in the Circle of the Crone. As a point of
order, covenant secrets such as Crúac are never revealed to the chorus, and they are watched
just as much as guided for the duration of their probation. This introductory period exists as
much for the chorus’ security as the covenant’s, for once members are fully inducted, there
is truly no turning back.
56
Hateful
demagogues
A foul
aristocracy
chapter one: society of the damned
Misplaced values
Lost within
themselves
Distracted
from true
understanding