Prince

The preeminent vampire of a Camarilla city and probably the most numerous position of ultimate authority among Western Kindred, Princes are the rulers of given cities. Some Princes are tyrants or absolute monarchs of the Damned while others are politically feeble puppets propped up by more powerful supporters, but the position of Prince is one acknowledged and even (grudgingly) respected by all vampires, even those not of the Camarilla.
A Prince’s duties and privileges are many, but the most important is the interpretation and enforcement of the Traditions, particularly the Masquerade. Beyond that, a Prince has any individual powers he can claim and uphold, such as declaring Elysium, calling a Blood Hunt, adjudicating disputes between residents of his domain, the right to claim a blood-tribute, and potentially even the right to name, ignore, or even disband the Primogen.
Kindred of any age can in theory be Princes, but in reality, praxis — the right of Princes to rule — goes only so far as the Kindred members of a domain respect and allow it. A weak or young Prince might be ineffectual or even a laughingstock, while just speaking the name of the aforementioned Mithras or Prince Lodin of Chicago might be enough to cause a shiver of fear down the spines of those cities’ vampires.
The role of Prince is a complex and varied one and much has been said about it, but ultimately, a Prince is master of the domain.
The Prince enforces and interprets the Traditions; her word is law in her domain, which extends so far as she has the might or influence to back it up. So long as the other Kindred of the domain respect the Prince’s authority, the Prince may render a verdict on any matter involving the Traditions, up to and including another Kindred’s claim to the Blood. Everything from censure to declaring a Blood Hunt is at the Prince’s disposal.
The types of Prince who rule domains are many and varied. A wise Prince knows that rule must be just to enjoy continued support, but a tyrant Prince may well rule through fear.

Type

Nobility, Non-hereditary

Related Organizations

• Camarilla