Post by Admin on Oct 1, 2019 18:24:06 GMT
A covenant is an organization or religious establishment consisting mostly of Kindred, though human servants and ghouls are often present at covenant meetings and are sometimes members themselves. There are five major covenants; others do exist, but the vast majority of Kindred are members of the major five, who often disregard the others. In addition, some bloodlines form tightly knit groups based on political or spiritual belief, as well as blood ties; these bloodlines may also be considered minor covenants.
Unlike clans, which may be thought of as families, a covenant is chosen by the vampire according to his or her beliefs. A vampire's Sire's allegiance nearly always plays a large role in their decision. A vampire may choose not to join a covenant at all; such Kindred are known as the Unaligned, or "Unbound."
The Carthian Movement
The Carthian Movement is revolutionary in the concept of a democracy, the "one Vampire, one Vote" ideal and are also the newest major covenant. But since their modus operandi is taking cues on political evolution from the mortals, members have also embraced totalitarianism, communism, technocracy/meritocracy, fascism, theocracy and a host of other forms of government vampires find non-traditional. The vast majority of its members are neonates, newly Embraced and inexperienced vampires. It is the only covenant that votes its leaders. Members frequently argue over what is the best form of government. The Carthian Movement is an almost completely secular and non-religious covenant.
Aboard the ARK, they are constantly trying to convince the council to be more inclusive, and to shake up politics on the ARK. Those few individuals embraced aboard the ARK are most likely to gravitate to the Carthians or the Unaligned
The Circle of the Crone
The Circle of the Crone is considered the vampiric equivalent of neo-paganism and witchcraft. It follows the belief that a goddess (the Crone) was cast out from the other Gods and Goddesses for uncertain reasons. They celebrate most of the major Wiccan holidays and practice a "Blood Magic" known as Crúac. There are many differences in belief and dogma between various circles and cities of the covenant. They generally dislike and argue with the Lancea Sanctum.
The Circle was one of the major proponents of the eradication of the Lancea Sanctum aboard the ARK. They are also recognized as one of the major religions aboard the ARK and accept members from all groups, mortals included (though they will never hold any positions of power within the Circle).
The Invictus
The Invictus (a.k.a the "First Estate") is strictly concerned with material gain and power within a city. They are heavily involved in city politics and business. The members of this covenant are the most common users of the blood bond for subordinates and as a form of punishment. New members are often attracted with the promise of rank and status; with service to elders and experience, any member could rise to prominence if they are qualified and active within the covenant. However, the majority of new members will never gain any recognition for their acts, and the Elder of the Inner Circle use neonates for their own gain. It is a very corrupted covenant, whose first thought is almost invariably "money and power."
They are usually at odds with the Carthians, if the system isn't broken (and it benefits them) why fix it. Up until recently the Invictus held the Vampire's council seat and the loss of that was a major blow to the covenant. They are looking for ways to regain what they lost.
The Ordo Dracul
The Ordo Dracul (a.k.a. "Order of the Dragon" or just "Dragons") is focused on understanding the vampiric condition and improving upon it, transcending the limitations of their condition. They practice a Blood Magic known as the Coils of the Dragon. They believe their line was started by Dracula.
They continue their work
The Lancea et Sanctum - RESTRICTED
The Lancea et Sanctum (pronounced LAN-key-uh et SANK-toom) (a.k.a the "Sanctified") is the Vampiric equivalent to Catholicism. They believe in redemption and forgiveness (or eternal damnation) through Longinus, whom they believe to be the first Vampire, being considered a vampiric Christ or Saviour. They believe that the Vampiric gift is to be used for the good of man, by only feeding on or killing sinners and scaring the "Kine" in the right direction. Proselyting and Conversion are essential to them, for the Salvation of all Vampires. They practice a Blood Magic known as Theban Sorcery. This Covenant generally dislikes and argues with the Circle of the Crone.
During the early years aboard the ARK, this covenant was wiped out. The major instigators were the Crone, but they did not work alone and had a great deal of support from many of the factions aboard the ARK. While it is rumored that some survived the purge, hiding among their greatest allies, the Invictus, it has never been proven
The Unaligned
A vampire may choose not to join a covenant at all; such Kindred are known as the Unaligned, or "Unbound."
Other Covenants
Any other covenants mentioned in source material are considered restricted
Unlike clans, which may be thought of as families, a covenant is chosen by the vampire according to his or her beliefs. A vampire's Sire's allegiance nearly always plays a large role in their decision. A vampire may choose not to join a covenant at all; such Kindred are known as the Unaligned, or "Unbound."
The Carthian Movement
The Carthian Movement is revolutionary in the concept of a democracy, the "one Vampire, one Vote" ideal and are also the newest major covenant. But since their modus operandi is taking cues on political evolution from the mortals, members have also embraced totalitarianism, communism, technocracy/meritocracy, fascism, theocracy and a host of other forms of government vampires find non-traditional. The vast majority of its members are neonates, newly Embraced and inexperienced vampires. It is the only covenant that votes its leaders. Members frequently argue over what is the best form of government. The Carthian Movement is an almost completely secular and non-religious covenant.
Aboard the ARK, they are constantly trying to convince the council to be more inclusive, and to shake up politics on the ARK. Those few individuals embraced aboard the ARK are most likely to gravitate to the Carthians or the Unaligned
The Circle of the Crone
The Circle of the Crone is considered the vampiric equivalent of neo-paganism and witchcraft. It follows the belief that a goddess (the Crone) was cast out from the other Gods and Goddesses for uncertain reasons. They celebrate most of the major Wiccan holidays and practice a "Blood Magic" known as Crúac. There are many differences in belief and dogma between various circles and cities of the covenant. They generally dislike and argue with the Lancea Sanctum.
The Circle was one of the major proponents of the eradication of the Lancea Sanctum aboard the ARK. They are also recognized as one of the major religions aboard the ARK and accept members from all groups, mortals included (though they will never hold any positions of power within the Circle).
The Invictus
The Invictus (a.k.a the "First Estate") is strictly concerned with material gain and power within a city. They are heavily involved in city politics and business. The members of this covenant are the most common users of the blood bond for subordinates and as a form of punishment. New members are often attracted with the promise of rank and status; with service to elders and experience, any member could rise to prominence if they are qualified and active within the covenant. However, the majority of new members will never gain any recognition for their acts, and the Elder of the Inner Circle use neonates for their own gain. It is a very corrupted covenant, whose first thought is almost invariably "money and power."
They are usually at odds with the Carthians, if the system isn't broken (and it benefits them) why fix it. Up until recently the Invictus held the Vampire's council seat and the loss of that was a major blow to the covenant. They are looking for ways to regain what they lost.
The Ordo Dracul
The Ordo Dracul (a.k.a. "Order of the Dragon" or just "Dragons") is focused on understanding the vampiric condition and improving upon it, transcending the limitations of their condition. They practice a Blood Magic known as the Coils of the Dragon. They believe their line was started by Dracula.
They continue their work
The Lancea et Sanctum - RESTRICTED
The Lancea et Sanctum (pronounced LAN-key-uh et SANK-toom) (a.k.a the "Sanctified") is the Vampiric equivalent to Catholicism. They believe in redemption and forgiveness (or eternal damnation) through Longinus, whom they believe to be the first Vampire, being considered a vampiric Christ or Saviour. They believe that the Vampiric gift is to be used for the good of man, by only feeding on or killing sinners and scaring the "Kine" in the right direction. Proselyting and Conversion are essential to them, for the Salvation of all Vampires. They practice a Blood Magic known as Theban Sorcery. This Covenant generally dislikes and argues with the Circle of the Crone.
During the early years aboard the ARK, this covenant was wiped out. The major instigators were the Crone, but they did not work alone and had a great deal of support from many of the factions aboard the ARK. While it is rumored that some survived the purge, hiding among their greatest allies, the Invictus, it has never been proven
The Unaligned
A vampire may choose not to join a covenant at all; such Kindred are known as the Unaligned, or "Unbound."
Other Covenants
Any other covenants mentioned in source material are considered restricted