The Anarchs
The Anarchs are a sect of vampires whose members are interested in tearing down the social order upheld by the Camarilla, believing it to unfairly defend the interest and status of a select number of older Cainites at the expense of the greater majority. What it should be replaced with is a subject of heated debate, but in the end, the Anarchs are united by their faith in an equal system where power is distributed throughout the population and status dictated by merit, not social customs centuries old that have no place in modern thinking.
In the eyes of the Anarchs, the Camarilla is corrupt and out-dated while the Sabbat is monstrous and hypocritical. Yet the Anarchs' power remains comparatively small, and so the sect operates under the shadow of the Camarilla, hoping to transform it from within. While its members are often seen as naive, radical, or even dangerous, they exhibit a passion and vision for changing the world of the undead few groups can match.
In spite of the name, most Anarchs do not favor a free-for-all, dog-eat-dog, eye-for-an-eye style of ultimate freedom and zero government. Instead, they prefer to work towards establishing their own perfect form of government. Stereotypically, this is some sort of vampiric direct democracy, communism, or, sometimes, going back to feudalism, but each individual Anarch has their own idea of what makes the "best" kind of social contract.
The Anarch's historical origins lie in the Anarch Revolt which birthed the Sabbat, but in the modern nights, they are mostly an unorganized rabble of younger vampires and Caitiff. "Anarch" was originally a name imposed upon them by Camarilla Elders since they sought to overthrow the leadership structures of Cainite society, but while many new Anarchs are indeed anarchists, the more traditional desire has been to bring democracy (or at least meritocracy) to Kindred society.
MODERN NIGHTS
Recent years have seen a great many changes, overturning the uneasy status quo that had previously dominated. The two groups went through a rather messy divorce when Theo Bell, renowned Brujah Archon (or, as some Anarchs would say, Camarilla lapdog), murdered the Prince of Chicago on stage in front of an assorted 'Who's Who' of the Camarilla, including the leader of the Sect himself, while all but yelling 'SCREW YOU GUYS, ANARCHS RULE'. Since then, rather than being viewed as a rebel faction by the Camarilla, the two now consider themselves as enemies and opposing Sects. In some cities, with bigger problems to deal with and resources stretched thin, the Camarilla might still ignore Anarch activity and in very rare cases the two might even work together when needs absolutely must. In others, however, the situation is outright war. Either way, Anarchs are no longer viewed as 'Camarilla who just haven't admitted it yet', but instead the opposite is the case - vampires are Anarchs until they prove themselves worthy (by licking enough boots) to be declared Camarilla.PRACTICES AND ORGANISATION
Organization amongst the Anarchs is a laughable concept. The "Movement" really has no in-sect control over itself than a group of wild animals. That said, this is precisely the reason why the Movement is so attractive to many vampires - while there are no vampires making sure that things get done, there are also no vampires pushing you to get those things done. Within a region, Anarchs tend to follow the leadership of "barons" as like-minded groups begin to form, a title which was first used with the intent to mock that of "Prince." Most of these Barons are persons of respect, but aren't always particularly old; ironically, the oldest Anarchs sometimes refuse to take on a leadership role, holding that such practices make them no better than a Camarilla Prince or Sabbat Archbishop. Anarchs also tend to prefer to lead by example than they do because of who their sire was, which Clan they're in, or any other silly posturing found among the Ventrue or Tremere. Anarchs are sometimes targeted for recruitment by the Sabbat, but most respect the Masquerade and some of the other Traditions, even if they do not respect the vampires who enforce them. For their part, the Anarchs spend a great deal of their time counseling their members away from the sect, for they understand that while the Camarilla may be repressive, controlling, and ever-so-slightly maniacal, the Sabbat is what happens when you completely give in to your dark side. Most Anarchs stave off the descent into the Beast with a firm conviction in their cause, which they see as lacking among the younger Sabbat pack members. Anarchs, like all vampires, are considered members of the Camarilla by default, but unlike the Sabbat they are tolerated, as per the terms of the Convention of Thorns. Gaining reputation and gaining prestige among the Anarchs are two widely different challenges. Prestige is all but a non-existent thing, as there is too much contention among the Anarchs for them to ever create a standard by which to judge their fellows, and therefore it is quite impossible that anyone Anarch could stand as a role-model or paragon of the sect. What one Anarch likes, another will vehemently dislike and another will copycat. However, loosely, anything that degrades the power base of the Camarilla, or spits in the collective eye of the Sabbat is applauded. There are many martyrs of the cause among the roles of the Anarchs, but going out with a bang is at least as important as successfully fulfilling the Movement's goals. Gaining a reputation, however, among the Anarchs is easy; gaining a good reputation among the Anarchs is more difficult. The most highly-regarded Anarchs, such as Jeremy MacNeil and Smiling Jack, are widely respected for their stance against the Camarilla - and more importantly, the action they are willing to take in support of that stance.The Convention of Thorns
The Convention of Thorns was an agreement between leaders of the Camarilla, the Anarchs and the Assamite clan made on October 23, 1493 and marked the end of the open conflict between the three groups, and more specifically an end to the first Anarch Revolt. It called for a lasting truce with the Assamites and Anarchs, who were both offered a place in the Camarilla; the Anarchs accepted - they had little choice - while the Assamites declined. The Convention places equal responsibility on all three groups for maintaining the peace, but is seen by most Anarchs as a disaster. It specified that while no Anarchs would face reprisals for their actions (except for the especially heinous, which would be considered by the Justicars within a year or forgotten), they would have to return to their clans and sires, reestablishing the status quo they had rebelled against. Anarchs of the Lasombra and Tzimisce clans did not accept the Convention, however, and went on to form the Sabbat. Despite further Anarch rebellions, like the establishment of the Anarch Free State on the west coast of America in the 1940s, the Convention of Thorns was still upheld in most Camarilla cities for centuries. Anarchs were not punished unless they openly rebelled, and Assamites were hired as assassins or executioners by many Princes who paid them in the blood of their victim(s). This is not the case any longer. The Assamites, or more properly the Banu Haqim, are now full members of the Camarilla - and the treaty between Anarch and Camarilla has been all but shredded, with the two now once more at war. Many years have passed since the start of our current conflict now called the Anarch Movement. Be it known that on this night of 23rd October 1493, the Jyhad has ended. The time for self-destruction is over. This Concordat, bound in the Covenant of Caine by sacred vow, represents an unyielding vigilant truce between the Kindred known unto themselves as Anarchs, the Clan Assamite and the free-standing Kindred bound under the title of Camarilla. Henceforth, the parties shall be recognized by faction as the Anarchs, the Assamites, and the Camarilla. Each of the parties agrees to the responsibility of maintaining peace. Each shall lay its censures upon any who breach or oppose this sacred Agreement. Accounting will be made of all parties for violations by them to either the letter or spirit of this Agreement. This document is legally binding under the accepted Lextalionis of all Cainites as it has passed through the ages. All Kindred are entreated to accept and gain pleasure from this peaceful accord. Be it known that the Anarchs will enjoin with the Camarilla as an accepted part, making it whole. Anarchs are expected to work peacefully to achieve their own ends. They must become defenders of all and they shall receive full entitlement to all rights and privileges belonging to all Camarilla Kindred. All Anarchs shall be accepted back unto their elders and their formerly denounced clans without any fear of reprisal. Only the most vicious of atrocities shall not be forgiven. These shall stand written for the Justicars to hear within one year after which all allegations are no longer valid. All Anarchs shall reclaim all remaining and rightful property confiscated from them. In return, they must turn over any war gains taken during the conflict by giving them to their sires or any recognized clan elder. Know also that if the Anarchs are further warred upon, this open Jyhad invalidates their responsibility to maintain peace with their attacker. They may act freely without fear of reprisal from any nonactive members of the Camarilla. Anarchs are guaranteed the freedom to act as they please short of breaching the Masquerade imposed for the protection of all Kindred from the kine. It is also noted that any member of any other self-proclaimed sect must openly declare this before his elders and renounce this relation. Failure to do so will result in the destruction of any deemed guilty. No Kindred may be sent knowingly to his death by an elder or sire unless the security of clan or Camarilla outweighs the possible loss of unlife. From this night forward, the Assamites shall henceforth no longer commit diablerie upon members of other clans. The Assamites must commit themselves to this acceptance by a mark of assurance placed upon them in the form of a thaumaturgical limitation. All members of the Assamites shall become unable to drink freely of the vitae of other Kindred from now unto forever. In addition, the Assamites shall pay the Brujah elders of Spain two thousand pounds of gold in ransom of the five Assamite elders captured committing diablerie. Also, the Assamites may no longer participate in Blood Hunts. Be it also known the Assamites are guaranteed complete independence from Camarilla demands. The Assamite fortress, Alamut, shall be free from any further assaults. Assamites are also granted, out of respect for their beliefs, the freedom to commit diablerie upon all Kindred not recognized as holding membership within the Camarilla. It is rendered that all parties involved and all showing allegiance to any of these parties shall be held responsible for all aspects of this Convention brought forth here, in the neutral kingdom of England, outside the hamlet of Thorn, near the town of Silchester. May Caine hold truth and peace for us all.The Status Perfectus
The Status Perfectus is the document, similar in function to the United States' Declaration of Independence, that established the intention to found the Anarch Free State on the west coast of the United States. The Status Perfectus opens up the Free State to any and all vampires who wish to uphold the Anarch ideals of freedom and disregard for sect politics. Being a Declaration of Principles for the Self-Governance of the Kindred of the Free State. We, the Kindred of the Free State, do hereby declare that we and our progeny, and all Kindred who choose freedom over oppression and liberty over tyranny, of all clans and generations, have as an inherent part of their being the spiritual substance called libertas, or Free Will. We further declare that, as we have freed ourselves from the bonds of mortality, so must we free ourselves from the forces that would rob us of our libertas. Not only must we continue to struggle on our own behalf, but on behalf of our brothers and sisters who continue to be robbed of their libertas by oppression, ignorance and fear. The Anarch Free State is the political expression of that struggle. In choosing to free ourselves from political tyranny, we have also chose to embrace our own libertas and that of our brother and sister Kindred everywhere. For these reasons we, the Kindred of the Anarch Free State, meeting this night in solemn convocation, do hereby pledge ourselves to the following principles:- We declare ourselves to be free and independent, owing allegiance to no creature and no organization.
- We declare our ability to rule ourselves, with no Prince, no Primogen and no other ruler other than that we choose for ourselves.
- We declare our kinship with oppressed Kindred everywhere and offer a home to all Kindred of all generations and clans who will agree to dwell in harmony with us.
- We further accept our responsibility to our oppressed brothers and sisters everywhere and pledge to assist them at all times and in all places in their own struggle for the freedom that we declare to be the birthright of all Kindred, from now until the end of time.
- We recognize our responsibility to maintain the Masquerade, and we pledge to protect and defend it.
- We establish this Status Perfectus and recognize its duty to all Kindred.
The Edict of Barbs
The Edict of Barbs' was issued on the final night of the Conclave of Portland (October 1999), by the three Justicars of the Americas (van der Voort of the Brujah, Mathias of the Toreador and Magestratum of the Tremere). It was brought about in response to several lines of debate argued by several leading Anarchs when engaged in debate with members of the Camarilla. This is the Justicars' answer to the Anarchs. The Words of Their Graces: "The Justicars uphold the Traditions above all things. The Second Tradition clearly states- 'Thy Domain is Thine own Concern. NONE may question thee in Thine Own Domain'. The Justicars are Judges of all; they recognize no 'Sect'. They are of the Camarilla as that is, in their opinion, the only Sect that does exist. If a Kindred places themselves in another 'Sect' it matters not to them; they shall enforce the sacred Traditions fully. It is clear that several 'Anarchs' hold territory and Domain over many lands; the Justicars recognize that while these Kindred do not use the language of the Camarilla and do not refer to themselves as Princes or claim to hold Praxis, this is what they do. So be it. The Justicars shall enforce the Second Tradition in regard to their lands. With this in mind the following judgment is made: Henceforth, no Camarilla Kindred may subvert by word or deed, action or propaganda any territory that belongs to those calling themselves 'Anarchs'. Any who do may be punished by the holders of that Domain within the criteria of the Second Tradition. This being said, no 'Anarch' may subvert by word or deed, action or propaganda any territory that is held in good standing and is claimed by any Kindred loyal to the Camarilla. Any who do may be punished by those holding Praxis of said Domain within the criteria of the Second Tradition."
Type
Political, Faction / Party
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Leader
Leader Title
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Plots
Comments