Ranks in the Sabbat

The Sabbat is not a very structured sect. There are many levels and positions of leadership. However, unlike the Camarilla, the positions are filled only by the most loyal and capable vampires, regardless of generation. The role of leader in the sect is just that: A Leader. Leaders are not rulers. However, the higher the level of leadership, the more Sabbat will listen to and obey the leader.

The Sabbat uses the titles of clergy to denote the basic levels of leadership that exist within the sect. The practice started partially out of mockery, but has developed into a useful representation of leadership.

Regent

- The highest title in the Sabbat is that of Regent, who is the absolute leader of the Sabbat and (according to Sabbat doctrine) is merely overseeing the sons and daughters of Caine until Caine returns to lead his children himself. The Regent is the president, so to speak, of this vampire sect. The Regent does not have absolute authority, but her directives are usually carried out. The title of Regent is currently held by Melinda (Lasombra). There have been only 4 Regents in the Sabbat's history (3 Lasombra and one Tzimisce).

The Regents responsibilities include:
  • Oversee all matters of the Pack
  • Handle all disputes that cannot be resolved by the Cardinals/Prisci
  • Has the authority to make/break alliances and declare enemies *
  • Has all powers regarding promotion and demotion of those within the Pack *
  • May bring others in to Unlife or give them Final Death *
  • Member of the Inner Circle with full voting power

    • Cardinals

    - Assisting the Regent are the Cardinals of the Sabbat. This lot has managed to gain control over large geographical regions, similar to how the Tremere Inner Circle have large assigned territories. . The Cardinals seldom answer to the Regent or the Prisci unless their activities have a detrimental effect on the Sabbat as a whole. The Cardinals are responsible for all that happens within their regions, and for planning and delegating all Sabbat activities within their respective regions. There are 13 Cardinals, chosen by status within the Sect and not by clan.

    The Cardinals responsibilities include:
  • Assist and advise the Regent
  • Handle all disputes involving more than one Clan that cannot be resolved by the ArchBishops/Bishops
  • Has the authority to make/break alliances and declare enemies *
  • Can promote or demote those of a lessor rank *
  • May bring others in to Unlife or give them Final Death *
  • Members of the Inner Circle with full voting power

    • Prisci

    - Below the Cardinals in power are the Prisci. The Prisci act as a board of directors for the Regent, similar to a Camarilla city's Primogen and advising the Regent and the Cardinals about the affairs of the sect. Atthought they report to the Cardinals, they serve the Regent directly. Most are Elders or powerful Ancillae. One member from each clan is chosen, for a total of 13. The most prestigious of the clan members generally hold the rank of Prisci .

    The Prisci's responsibilities include:
  • Advise the Regent and Cardinals of the Pack Members of the Inner Circle with full voting power
  • Unable to bring others into Unlife, give them Final Death, promote or demote, or make/break alliances and declare enemies *
    • Together the Cardinals and the Prisci form the Inner Circle. No one with status less then 4 could ever see the Inner Circle to meet with them, unless they summoned you for whatever reason.

    Arch-Bishop

    - Serving each Cardinal of the Sabbat are ArchBishops. Arch-Bishops serve their territory's Cardinal, holding sway over a smaller region, similar to a Camarilla Prince ruling a city. These vampires usually rise through the ranks, serving lengthy tenures as priests and bishops of the sect. Each Cardinal has the power to appoint whomever he wishes to the position of ArchBishop. Some accept bribes, but vampires who gain their positions in this manner often mysteriously disappear. Multiple Arch-Bishops preside over these smaller domains, all contained within a single Cardinal's region.

    The ArchBishop's responsibilities include:
  • Oversee all matters of a clan within the Pack and lead that Clan
  • Assist and advise the Cardinals
  • Handle all disputes involving members of their Clan May bring others into Unlife *

    • Bishop

    - Below the ArchBishops are the Bishops. The Bishops serve the Arch Bishops and are given domains in a city to control as a vassal for the Arch-Bishop.

    The Bishop's responsibilities include:
  • Advise the ArchBishops of the Clan Assist ArchBishops in Clan matters when necessary
  • Unable to bring others into Unlife, give them Final Death, promote or demote, or make/break alliances and declare enemies *

    • Priest

    - Serving the Bishops are Priests, who serve as the religious leaders of Sabbat Packs, of which there is one Priest per pack. The Priests are responsible for leading the Sabbat rituals and ceremonies for the Pack. They may be any ranking or non-ranking member of the Pack and are often the Pack Leader as well.

  • The Priest is the only member of the Pack that may directly speak to the Bishop about a subject.
  • You may have any status to speak to the Priest, but Status:2 to the Bishop, Status:3 for Arch Bishop, and Status:4 for the Prisci/Cardinal. Status:6 or greater is required to meet the Regent personally. Going against these norms are deemed very deadly, as the Status game is followed by the assassination game.

    • Paladins

    - Also called Templars. The protectors of the Sabbat. Originally formed as a response to the fears concerning the loyalty of the Black Hand. The Leaders of the Sabbat may call upon the Paladins, or Templars, of the Sabbat as protectors. From the Rank of Bishop on up, have at least one Templar bodyguard. Many have whole packs of them. The Regent has the largest at 30 members who follow her every whim. The Templars are more loyal to the people they protect then to the Sabbat.

    Sabbat Packs

    The pack is a basic unit of structure for the sect, serving both social and military functions. All Sabbat, even the sect's leaders, are members of a pack. A Sabbat vampire does not have much choice about the pack to which he will belong since he has no control over who chooses to embrace him. He must remain a member of the pack that created him. Packs maintain their own permanent communal havens. They travel occasionally, but one city remains their home. Packs conduct their business on a certain night each week. These weekly meetings are known as esbats. Often an Ignoblis Ritus will be held during the esbat, but it is mainly used to conduct pack business. All pack members must attend unless a good reason for absence is given in advance.

    All Sabbat put their sect before themselves and everything else in the world. They know what will happen to them if they do not. The Sabbat treats disloyalty very harshly, and some members have perfected the art of torture and disfigurement. Final Death is the only real choice for the disloyal.

    This does not mean that all within the sect possess the same opinions. Among the fanatics are those with differing views on all Sabbat activities. The Sabbat leaders do not want mindless drones. They want strong-willed vampires ready to face death for the second time. Only strong Sabbat can understand true freedom, and they are the ones who push the sect on to domination.

    The Sabbat provides protection, freedom and loyalty to all its members. These gifts are not without their costs. The members are required to protect sect interests, carry out missions and to give the Sabbat total fealty and devotion. All Sabbat have what are called Vinculums, or special bonds of love and loyalty shared with their pack. The Vinculum varies between all members, but always translates into a strong love for and loyalty to the sect itself. While Vinculum strength may vary with each individual bond, Sabbat vampires tend to be stronger in their loyalty and devotion to the sect itself than to individual members. Because of this Vinculum for the Sabbat itself, its members are considered fanatics. Most are willing to accept Final Death for the good of the sect. In addition, this special Blood Bond makes the Sabbat's secrets especially hard to uncover.

    From the day a Sabbat vampire is Embraced, she has certain responsibilities. All Sabbat must uphold pack tradition and practices. They must choose and support leaders who serve the good of the Sabbat as well as the good of the pack itself. They must challenge weak and incompetent leaders as well as those who serve only their own interests. They must perform missions for their leaders. They must work to destroy all the enemies of the Sabbat. Finally, they must be willing to give up their immortal lives for their sect.

    Unlife in the Sabbat is wild and dangerous. Most Sabbat vampires do not exist long after they have been Embraced. Younger members are considered the most expendable. Constant fighting with the Camarilla and other foes, such as the Inquisition and Lupines, forces Sabbat to live on the edge. While the Camarilla vampires fear Final Death and seldom take great risks, the Sabbat's basic beliefs lead all sect members to do whatever it takes to carry out the mission of saving Kindred from Gehenna.

    The pack fills two important, connected roles for the Sabbat. First and foremost, it serves a combat function. This military aspect is important for furthering Sabbat plans. The second function of the pack is to provide a social group for individual Sabbat.

    The Clan does not play an important role in the pack. Each clan maintains its own ties, but these are secondary to those of the pack. Clans sometimes hold their own gatherings, and members often partake of the Vaulderie together.

    Rituals of the Sabbat

    "Every tradition grows ever more venerable, the more remote is its origin, the more confused that origin is. The reverence due to it increases from generation to generation. The tradition finally becomes holy and inspires awe." (Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzshe)

    The Sabbat has established may rituals to strengthen its bonds of loyalty and fraternity. Some rituals, called the Auctoritas Ritae, are practiced by the entire sect. Other rituals, called the Ignoblis Ritae, vary in manner and observation among the packs.

    Auctoritas Ritae

    The entire sect practices Auctoritas Ritae because of long-standing tradition, as well as their significance in Sabbat beliefs. The rituals are usually led by the clergy (the priests) of the Sabbat. The following are the rituals that will be observed on a regular basis:
  • The Blood Bath:
    • The Blood Bath is held whenever sect leaders recognize a Sabbat Vampire as having rightful claim to a title. All the Sabbat who will be under the leadership of the vampire are invited to attend the ceremony. Each subservient vampire is brought before her superior. The superior recognizes the vampire and proceeds to give praise and advice. The titled vampire then shares in the Vaulderie with all present. After this, the vampire is actually led to a pool of fresh and blood bathes in it.
    All ranking vampires (Regent, Cardinals, Prisci, ArchBishops, and Bishops) will be treated to this ritual upon their taking upon their rank. It will be attending by all vampires who are able to be in attendance, whether they will be subservient to that vampire or not.

  • The Blood Feast:
    • The Blood Feast is held at almost all important gatherings. Humans, and possibly an enemy Kindred, are chained and hung from the ceiling upside down. The Sabbat at the gathering are allowed to bite open the victim and fill their glasses with blood. It is customary to lick the wound closed when finished, so as not to waste any vitae. The Blood Feast is blood on tap.

    The Creation Rites:

    This ritual is used when recruiting new members for the sect. In it, all those chosen to become Sabbat are drained of their blood and then given a small amount of vitae from their sires. The Sabbat then bludgeon the chosen unconscious and bury them. Those who claw their way to the surface are knocked out again. They are taken to the secret haven of the pack, where they are awakened and their new status explained.

    Games of Instinct: Sabbat believe the strong alone survive. The Games of Instinct test vampires to see who among them are the strongest. The games are meant as competitions and many place bets on who will win. There are many types of games, and Sabbat are always inventing new ones. The games test such things as hunting ability, resistance to pain, fighting ability, bravery and wit. The Games of Instinct are like sport for the undead.

    Monomacy:

    Monomacy is the method for handling grievances among Sabbat vampires through combat. It allows vampires to challenge each other in duels to settle their differences.

    Sermons of Caine:

    All vampires in the Sabbat know the story of their origins from the Book of Nod. The Sabbat often gather to hear sermons on their history to remind them of who and what they are. The sermons are used to strengthen Sabbat loyalty and ideology. Sermons of Caine are usually carried out by Sabbat priests following the Path of Caine, and by higher-level leaders during other rituals. Sermons of Caine are always followed by the Vaulderie.

    The Vaulderie:

    The Vaulderie is the ceremony of Blood Bonding with all other Sabbat present. The Vaulderie breaks all other Blood Bonds and establishes a Vinculum between all Sabbat taking part in the ritual. The Vaulderie is the most important ritual practiced by the Sabbat, for it is the source of their freedom and solidarity.

    The Wild Hunt:

    Sabbat vampires seldom turn traitor, but those who do rarely survive. The Sabbat is a sect which protects its secrets. If a member reveals something to the enemy that could harm the sect, she is punished severely. Should the enemy ever manage to gain something of vital importance from a Sabbat vampire, the Wild Hunt is called. The Wild Hunt is much like a Blood Hunt, except the Wild Hunt targets all those who may possess the secret knowledge. The hunt is truly wild. The Sabbat stop at nothing to destroy all who possess their secrets, especially the Sabbat traitor who revealed the secrets in the first place.

    Other rituals may be observed on special occasions, such as the Festivo dello Estinto, Palla Grande, or Danse Macabre. In addition, all vampires must swear to the Oath of Loyalty. There will be a Pack Symbol and a Test of Verification that each vampire will be made aware of upon completion of all necessary requirements to reach the rank of Cainite. Any time a ritual is to be observed, all members will be given advance notice of the coming festivities. The eldest and highest ranking priest will be responsible for determining which other rituals will be observed and when. If someone would like to see a ritual held they must contact this person to set it up.

    Justice and Punishment in the Sabbat

    "Whatever is not forbidden is permitted."

    • The Sabbat protects itself from its members' wrongdoing through the use of a special tribunal. The tribunal is made up of at least four prelates, selected from among the members of the Inner Circle and the Arch-Bishops, with at least one of those members being of Cardinal rank or higher.
    The accused is brought before the tribunal and the accuser or another prelate presents the case against him. The accused is then allowed to state his case. The tribunal meets in private thereafter and makes its decision. If the Sabbat is found guilty, she is punished severely. If she is found innocent, the accuser often receives the punishment the Sabbat on trial would have. Sabbat punishment is swift and harsh. The nature and degree of the punishment is based upon the actual crime. The Code of Milan is used as the basis for Sabbat law.
    A tribunal will only be called upon in extreme circumstances, such as treason and situations that cannot be worked out by one leader alone. The decision of the tribunal will be final and all involved will agree before the onset of the trial to abide by that decision.
    Members of the Sabbat are generally free to do as they please, as long as their actions have no adverse effect upon the sect as a whole, but as it can be clearly seen, the Sabbat is not at all lenient to those who act in a disloyal fashion.

    The Code of Milan

    In addition to the Commandments of The Sabbat, the Code of Milan will be followed at all times, by all members of the Sect. These are the statutes comprising the Code of Milan:

  • I. The Sabbat shall remain united in its support of the sect's Regent. If necessary, a new Regent shall be elected. The Regent shall support relief from tyranny, granting all Sabbat freedom.

  • II. All Sabbat shall do their best to serve their leaders as long as said leaders serve the will of the Regent.

  • III. All Sabbat shall faithfully observe all the Auctoritas Ritae.

  • IV. All Sabbat shall keep their word of honor to one another.

  • V. All Sabbat shall treat their peers fairly and equally, upholding the strength and unity of the Sabbat. If necessary, they shall provide for the needs of their brethren.

  • VI. All Sabbat must put the good of the sect before their own personal needs, despite all costs.

  • VII. Those who are not honorable under this code will be considered less than equal and therefore unworthy of assistance.

  • VIII. As it has always been, so it shall always be. The Lextalionis shall be the model for immortal justice by which all Sabbat shall abide.

  • IX. All Sabbat shall protect one another from the enemies of the Sect. Personal enemies shall remain personal responsibility, unless they undermine Sect security.

  • X. All sect members shall protect Sabbat territory from all other powers.

  • XI. The spirit of freedom shall be the fundamental principle of the Sect. All Sabbat shall expect and demand freedom from their leaders.

  • XII. The Rights of Monomacy shall be used to settle disputes among all Sabbat.

  • XIII. All Sabbat shall support the Black Hand.

  • XIV. All Sabbat have the right to monitor the behavior and activities of their fellow Sect members in order to maintain freedom and security.

  • XV. All Sabbat possess the right to call a council of their peers and their immediate leaders.
  • XVI. All Sabbat shall act against Sect members who use the powers and authority the Sabbat has given them for personal gain at the expense of the Sabbat. Action shall be taken only through accepted means, approved by a quorum of the Inner Circle.


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