Primogen

Primogen is a flexible title. In some domains, a Primogen is simply the eldest and most influential Kindred of a given Clan. In others, a Primogen is a member of a council of advisors to the Prince. In some domains, Princes appoint the Primogen (and they may even appoint multiple Primogen of the same Clan, to keep that Clan divided) while in other cities, Primogen arise from among the most powerful members of that Clan or as a result of popular Clan politics. This is perhaps the most difficult of Camarilla titles for a new Kindred to understand.

The Primogen has access to the Prince and counsels her on matters of domain importance. According to the noted scholar of the Kindred condition, Claire Bargo, Primogen “may force a Prince to recognize a vote on a topic of personal significance — though this must typically be done in Elysium or while the Prince’s court is in session, unless the Prince is willing to convene a special hearing.” Bargo warns that “the result isn’t binding, nor does calling the vote require other Primogen to cast their vote, but it does show the popular Kindred opinion of the matter in question… and savvy Princes would do well to heed their Primogen.” Bargo’s commentary considered, few Princes are thrilled to be forced to consider matters of policy at anyone’s behest other than their own, so a Primogen who finds himself invoking this privilege frequently may well find himself excused from the duties of the Primogen thereafter. A Primogen may call this vote as often as she wishes, but if the vote fails or lacks popular support, the Primogen loses a point of Status for one month. If she fails two subsequent votes, the Status loss is permanent (though she may earn it back through some other method, as is normal for Status).