Ulkarik

I've run into the term over and over again in some of the most ancient texts, but no indication what it means. But it shows up in most of the vampire legends, but also some about Werewolves. Half the time it seems to be an insult, the other half somthing greater than King. It is a puzzle. ~Historian Luca Bianchi about the term 'Ulkarik' in ancient manuscripts

Amongst vampires the Ulkarik are the most feared, the most hated, and the most respected Vampires... all because they are the most powerful. It was they who founded the long lines of the vampiric clans. Their powers are pure and undiluted by intervening millenia and generations. There is also only one of them left after ten thousand years.

Qualifications

Ulkarik are not elected or born. The title is only for the origional vampires who made the bargain themselves with the Shadow Lord. And even then it is reserved for the four chieftains, with the slightly lesser title Ulmarik for the origional tribesmen. This latter rank is more numerous though even there few of the nearly three hundred tribesmen and women bound by the origional bargain live.
Of the four chieftains only one survives: Luciano, then known as Usilmanmekar or The One who Remembers the Sun. And the lesser Ulmarik have begun using the title Ulkarik.
Even with that dilution, the power of the Ulkarik does not come from any appointment, but who and what the Ulkarik themselves are and the power ten thousand years of life can teach a man (or woman for that matter, though none of the origional Ulkarik were female.)

Duties

Ulkarik have no explicit duties, though they have many priveledges. In Vampire society the strong rule... but there are many forms of strength. Each of the Chieftains founded a Great Clan, with the strongest of the tribesmen founding (then) lesser clans. The Founder has the position of Cheiftain within the clan. Something long forgotten or superceded by tradition in most clans.
But the Sunseeker clan has not forgotten. While their Ulkarik has not claimed his authority in the long millenia of his wait, his clan waits for him. The Ulkarik are expected to be guardians of their clan, though success and atempts are highly variable in the fractious world of Vampire politics.

Responsibilities

Ulkarik are the guardians of their clan, and they are also comitted to the over throw of the World Weaver, that was the entire purpose of their bargain. Some trace the current weakness of vampire culture to forgetting this fundamental mission, but with only one remaining Ulkarik perhaps that is understandable.

Benefits

The Ulkarik are the most powerful of the ancient vampires. In a society where power is everything, this gives them benefits. Whatever benefits they can take. But they are a society, drawn from tribal roots, but a society so there are limits. What those limits are depend on how far the Ulkarik in question wants to push, and what the current king and Council are willing to put up with.
Luciano has delighted in baiting the council, taking things to the edge of what he can get away with almost at a whim. He knows he can take any five of them... but there are more than five on the council. It makes for an uneasy impass, and the Ulmarik have been less cautious about taking sides.

Form of Address

An ulas

Source of Authority

The bargain they, themselves, made.

Length of Term

Life

Related Organizations

• Vampire Court