The Laws of the City of St. Louis

 

Comes now, Prince Percival Kent of the City of St. Louis, who hereby welcomes all Kindred who follow the Traditions to His Domain.  Be it known that His Majesty keeps a peaceful domain and welcomes visitors, as long as they do not disrupt his peace.

 

1.     Uphold the Traditions in their Entirety.

a.       The First Tradition: Masquerade
Do not reveal your true nature to those not of the Blood. Doing so forfeits you your claim to the Blood.

                                                               i.      By Order of the Prince of St Louis: Should a Kindred reveal his/His true nature to one not of the Blood, that Kindred shall suffer the full measure of His Majesty's Displeasure.

                                                             ii.      By Order of the Prince of St Louis: Should a Bonded Servant reveal his/her/your true nature to one not of the Blood, both Servant and Regnant shall suffer the full measure of His Majesty’s Displeasure.

b.      The Second Tradition: Progeny
Sire another at the peril of both yourself and your progeny. If you create a childe, the weight is your own to bear.

                                                               i.      By Order of the Prince of St Louis: Should a Kindred wish to Sire a Childe, permission must be sought from the Prince prior to the Embrace. Should a Childe be created without said permission, the Sire will suffer full measure of His Majesty's Displeasure. That Childe shall also suffer review by the Prince. If deemed unfit, the Childe shall also suffer the full measure of His Majesty's Displeasure.

                                                             ii.      By Order of the Prince of St Louis: Permission for bonding servants to the blood is not required, but the Regnant who so bonds bears the full weight and responsibility for their servant’s actions.  Irresponsible Regnants who abandon their ghouls shall suffer the full measure of His Majesty’s Displeasure.

c.       The Third Tradition: Amaranth
You are forbidden from devouring the heartsblood of another of your kind. If you violate this commandment, the Beast calls to your own Blood.

                                                               i.      By Order of the Prince of St Louis: Diablerie is forbidden. Any Kindred found to have committed this act will be exiled from the city. A Blood Hunt may be called, if necessary. Come not into my Domain with these black streaks upon your soul, for you are a threat to all.

2.     Subinfeudation

a.       Let it be known and respected that, in gratitude for services rendered, the area called Soulard is the Tenurial Domain of Alexander McCairn.  Regent McCairn is hereby granted the right to set forth his/her or her own Laws within this sub-domain as long as they do not conflict with the Laws of St Louis or disrespect the Prince. As with all rights, Subinfeudation is subject to His Majesty's Displeasure and may be revoked if breached or abused.

b.      Let it be known and respected that the area called Mid-Town is the Tenurial Domain of the Mekhet. The Regent of Mid-Town, who is to be determined by Clan Mekhet, is hereby granted the right to set forth her/his own Laws within this sub-domain as long as they do not conflict with the Laws of St Louis or disrespect the Prince. As with all rights, Subinfeudation is subject to His Majesty's Displeasure and may be revoked if breached or abused.

c.       Let it be known and respected that the entire expanse of the sewers is the Tenurial Domain of the Ordo Dracul. The Regent of the Sewers and Warrens, who is to be determined by the Ordo Dracul, is hereby granted the right to set forth his/her own Laws within this sub-domain as long as they do not conflict with the Laws of St Louis or disrespect the Prince. As with all rights, Subinfeudation is subject to His Majesty's Displeasure and may be revoked if breached or abused.

3.     Deference

a.       Any Kindred entering my Domain must present themselves to the Prince by proxy of their Clan Priscus or Covenant leader within seven nights of arriving in St. Louis. Should they fail to do so they will be considered trespassers and agent provocateurs.  When trespassers are discovered, they shall be banished from my Domain immediately. A Blood Hunt shall be called, if necessary.

                                                               i.      Should it come to pass that a Clan or Covenant leader is neglectful in their duties in reporting new Kindred, that clan or covenant will suffer a measure of His Majesty’s Displeasure.  A similar lack of consideration and respect will be given in return.

4.     Kindred Rights

a.      The Right of Domain

                                                               i.      A Kindred's Haven may be considered His personal Domain as long as they do not conflict with the Laws of St. Louis or disrespect the Prince.

b.      The Right of Transit

                                                               i.      Kindred and Ghouls who travel on official Prince's Business may cross any border without risk, threat or hindrance of any kind.

5.     Lextalionis

a.       Only the Prince of the City may call a Blood Hunt upon a Kindred outlaw. Upon such a Hunt being called, the Prince shall expect all Kindred of the Domain to actively and willingly participate until a satisfactory conclusion has been reached.

b.      Only the Prince may confer the Right of Destruction.  An unsanctioned, intentional or maliciously reckless act resulting in the Final Death, incapacitation, or abduction of another Kindred or the destruction, incapacitation, or abduction of a Kindred’s unabandoned, fully Bonded Ghoul is a criminal offence, and subject to His Majesty’s Displeasure.

                                                               i.      Duels or Contests of Arms: His Majesty confers the Right of Destruction to those who would participate in duels or contests of arms entered into by mutual consent.  This Right of Destruction exists only for the duration of the formal duel, which shall abide by the following rules.

1.      His Majesty must be given one week’s notice, in the case that he might wish to attend.

2.      At the conclusion of the duel or contest of arms, a witness representing each participant will present themselves before the Prince to offer testimony.

6.     Treason

a.       Treason shall be defined thusly and is subject to His Majesty’s Displeasure, which will likely entail Final Death: violation of allegiance toward His Majesty, His Property or His Will, especially in the acts of waging war, actively or passively, or by consciously and purposely acting to aid His Enemies.

7.     Elysium, the Prince’s Court, Required Etiquette and Due Notice

a.       Restrictions for any Elysium: Elysium shall be coveted and kept safe from unwanted attention.  In support of this no kindred or ghoul shall feed, commit an act of violence or civil disorder or make use of Vampiric Gifts within a 5 block radius of any designated Elysium. Those in breach of this Commandment shall suffer His Majesty's Displeasure.

                                                               i.      For the purposes of these laws, a city block shall be defined as 0,05 miles in measure.

                                                             ii.      Each Elysium shall have one accountable Keeper.  The accountable Keeper is granted permission to establish an independent policy for feeding within Elysium’s walls, but does not have the authority to dictate feeding policies outside of Elysium’s walls.   Special dispensation may be sought on a case by case basis.

                                                            iii.      The Prince, the Seneschal, the Sheriff and his/her Deputies, the Keeper and his/her Assistants are exempt from any and all Elysium laws which restrict both violence and their use of Vampiric gifts inasmuch as they are used to maintain the peace and safety of Elysium, subject to His Majesty's Displeasure.

b.      The Old St Louis Courthouse, as well as the immediate surrounding grounds, are to be considered Elysium.  Elysium shall be free of violence, and safe for all Kindred. Gifts of The Blood are not to be used in Elysium. The Masquerade must be kept in and around Elysium.

                                                               i.      This Elysium shall be considered the Domain of the Invictus, who shall appoint an accountable Keeper. The Prince shall hold here a regular, periodic court where any Kindred may table issues of concern.

                                                             ii.      The Right of Adornment is bestowed upon the Keeper of Elysium, who shall designate the party responsible for decorating Elysium for Court.

c.       The Walls Get Smaller, shall be considered Elysium.  Elysium shall be free of violence and safe for all Kindred. 

                                                               i.      This Elysium shall be considered the Domain of Amadeus Silver, who shall be appointed as accountable Keeper.

d.      The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, shall be considered Elysium.  Elysium shall be free of violence and safe for all Kindred.

                                                               i.      This Elysium shall be considered the Domain of Bishop Jesus Santana, who shall be appointed .as accountable Keeper

e.       The Prince’s Court, shall comprise of a specific number of officers and meet at a time, place and frequency of His Majesty’s discretion.  There, by His majesty’s invitation and subject to His Pleasure or Displeasure, they shall advise His Majesty in matters related to the City

                                                               i.      There shall be a specific number of officers who may be appointed or discharged at His Majesty’s Pleasure.  A position need not be filled at any given time.

1.      The Seneschal: The Prince’s right hand, the Seneschal is responsible for many of the night-to-night details of running a government. While the Prince concerns himself with conflict in the city and making certain the Masquerade goes unbroken, the Seneschal makes sure that things run smoothly in the government itself. He is responsible for keeping track of the Prince’s assets (and possibly those of the Primogen or others ruling bodies). He makes schedules and appointments and handles the many logistics required so that no elder feels that another is given preferential treatment. The Seneschal holds substantial power in the domain, for he often decides whose petitions society of the damned are passed on to the Prince, who receives a court audience, and in what order.

2.       The Herald: The Herald is the Prince’s mouthpiece. When the Prince makes a decree, the Herald’s job is to make sure that all of the city’s Kindred hear of it (assuming it’s meant for all ears…). When the Prince convenes an unscheduled court, the Herald is responsible for alerting those who must attend. The Herald hands down judgment, represents the Prince in proxy when she cannot (or will not) make a personal appearance, and otherwise serves as something of a “secretary of state.” The Herald is assumed to speak with the Prince’s voice at all times.

3.      The Sheriff: A combination police investigator, enforcer and inquisitor, the Sheriff is responsible for enforcing the Prince’s laws and dictates, for bringing outlaws before the Prince for judgment and — at times — for carrying out sentences. Some Sheriffs truly believe in the rule of law and believe that they serve their society and fellow Kindred by keeping the city as orderly as possible. Others love the position for the power it offers, as they are permitted to bully and push around others vampires, even those who would normally be too dangerous to touch. Some Sheriffs are clever, subtle investigators, while others are little more than bruisers with rank.

a.       The Sheriff may appoint deputies to assist them in his or His task.  These deputies may also be appointed or discharged by His majesty.

b.      An uncoerced spoken or written statement made to the Sheriff or the Sheriff’s Deputies may be introduced as sworn testimony before the Prince.

4.      The Prince’s Hounds: Quite simply, a Hound is the Prince’s (or Primogen’s) muscle. If the Sheriff is a policeman, the Hound is an assassin or a leg-breaker. He doesn’t investigate, he doesn’t question. His job is to punish anyone he’s told to punish. In some instances, the Hound and the Sheriff are at odds due to their overlapping responsibilities. In other cities, the two are combined into a single position. While the Hound might be asked to carry out the official and public chastisement of a lawbreaker, that duty more often falls to the Sheriff. The Hound is normally employed when the Prince wishes to skip over normal (and possibly public) procedure.

a.       Hounds may appoint deputies to assist them in his or His task.  These deputies may also be appointed or discharged by His Majesty.

5.      The Primogen: The Primogen of St Louis are hand selected by His Majesty, the Prince, and permitted to congress with His Majesty’s Council and offer their opinion, subject to His Majesty’s Pleasure.  As other officers, a Primogen may be appointed or Discharged at any time in accordance with His Majesty’s Wishes.

6.      Mistress of Elysium: In essence a combination master of ceremonies and groundskeeper, the Master of Elysium is responsible for maintaining a city’s Elysium, ensuring its readiness for court or other official functions, cleaning up afterward and making sure that word of specific Elysium-related events reaches those who must attend. The Master of Elysium is also responsible for enforcing the custom of nonviolence at such gatherings, and he often works hand-in-hand with the Sheriff or Hounds for such purposes.

a.       The Mistress of Elysium may appoint deputies to assist them with tasks.  These deputies may also be appointed or discharged by His Majesty.

                                                             ii.      There shall be a Rite of Succession.

1.      In His Majesty’s absence or incapacitation, there shall be a clear line of succession from officer to officer, the transfer of power taking place in the following order:

a.       The Seneschal

b.      The Sheriff

c.       The Herald

d.      The Accountable Keeper of Elysium for the Prince’s Court

e.       The Hound

                                                            iii.      During Open Court, when asked of the General Assembly, the Prince will hear any/all grievances from the presented citizens of St Louis, where He will then make His Pleasure or Displeasure known.

f.        Required Etiquette for All Kindred

                                                               i.      No Kindred shall harass the Prince at any time.

1.      An exception: If the Prince is under duress, any available Kindred are expected to defend the Prince.

2.      If a Kindred finds themselves within His Majesty’s vicinity, they will keep a respectful distance and not approach unless welcomed.

3.      All petitions, requests for audience, favors, etc. must be submitted to His Majesty’s Seneschal for approval and calendaring   Those who are unfaithful to this procedure risk the Displeasure of His Majesty’s Seneschal.

a.       Those who are approached directly by the Prince are exempt from this protocol.

g.      Due Notice

                                                               i.      Any announcements from the Prince will be transmitted in the following manners:

1.      The Prince’s Herald will bear missives to the heads of Clan and Covenant, as well as the Keepers of any designated Elysium.

a.       It is the head of Clan and Covenant’s responsibility to ensure that their own charges receive the Prince’s word.

2.      The Regent of the Media Industry will broadcast the message in an innocuous, coded manner of His discretion.

3.      The message will be available from the Keeper of any designated Elysium.

                                                             ii.      After a week’s latitude, all Kindred are expected to be aware of the Prince’s Will, having been made public by all of the aforementioned methods, and are expected to adhere to His Will lest His Displeasure be invited.

 

 

I, Prince Percival Kent, set my hand to these laws this 5th night of November, 2006. Let them be obeyed.

 

 

 

 

His Majesty’s Feeding Restrictions

 

On this day, July twenty-eight of the year two thousand and six, I, Percival Kent, Prince of St Louis, do hereby announce feeding restrictions levied upon all Firefighters, for they help shelter us from one of our most baneful enemies.  Remove them from your herds and fetter them not.

 

 

 

 

Regent McCairn’s Laws of Soulard

 

These are the Laws of the domain of Soulard within the City of St Louis as laid out by Regent Alexander McCairn in the service of His Majesty Prince Percival Kent, long may he reign.

 

The following are hereby stipulated for all Vampires while in the domain of Soulard. At the present time the domain of Soulard is open to all kindred to enter as long as they obey the laws of the domain and the city. Hunting is allowed for all as long as it follows the laws laid down within the following. Any transgressions of the laws that do not explicitly list a punishment shall have two stages on a first offence the regent will charge a boon. Upon a second offence the offender shall be forbidden from entering Soulard again.

 

In recognition for their work to stem the fire that consumed the Mansion of Soulard and threatened greater destruction in the domain all Fire-fighters within the domain are hereby protected and may not be feed upon nor ghouled by any Kindred.

 

Further more no woman of less than 30 years of age may be fed upon unless she is witnessed to have transgressed one of the seven deadly sins by at least two kindred who are loyal citizens of the crown willing to swear to the matter to the Regent Alexander McCairn.

 

On the matter of dwellings any Kindred who wish to dwell within the domain of Soulard must first contact the Regent, Alexander McCairn, for his permission, those who gain the permission of the regent have then one week to provide the regent with the full address of their Haven. Any who reside in the Domain of Soulard at the present time, as long as they be loyal subjects of the crown, have one month from the issuance of these laws to provide the aforementioned information to the regent. All who wish to dwell in Soulard from the time of this issuance onwards will owe the Regent a boon that he may claim at any time as long as they continue to dwell in his domain

 

Further more any kindred who wish to claim from the stock of Soulard to be their personal property must follow the following restrictions. Firstly all such actions must be brought to and gain the acceptance of the Regent Alexander McCairn prior to their occurrence. Anyone who so claims a dweller of Soulard as a ghoul shall owe the Regent a boon. Should that ghoul be awarded the high honour of the embrace then both sire and childe will owe the Regent a boon, and should the sire dwell in Soulard then the childe must either leave or apply for their own haven within one week of their presentation to the prince after having completed their basic education with their sire.

 

Soulard has housed many tragedies and much that was and is good. Neither is to be forgotten. We must remember the communal spirit that first brought the Circle of the Crone to the Domain, and the tragedy that heralded their departure.

 

 May the name of Chloe Munroe who sacrificed her life for the protection of her prince remain known to all who venture into Soulard as an example to all citizens of the crown.

 

No Kindred shall step upon the site of what was once the Soulard mansion, nor will there be any feeding or dwelling allowed within Ten blocks of the site itself.  Nor shall any Kindred aid in anyway in any effort to rebuild upon the site. Any kindred found upon the site will have no second chance and will immediately be forbidden access to Soulard with no exceptions.

 

Within the Domain of Soulard The Disciplines of Theban Sorcery as granted by Longinius by the  and the Croac sorcery practiced by the Circle of the Crone or any other such arcane magic’s are forbidden completely except with specific and explicit permission from the Regent

 

These Laws stand within the laws of St Louis and should not be taken to contradict any law or proclamation made by the Prince now or in the future. Should they in the future contradict any law passed down by the Prince then until such time as they are amended the law of the prince is to take precedence over the law of the domain.

 

 

 

Elysium Laws for The Old Courthouse

 
 
Let it be known that the Old Courthouse, as His Majesty’s designated Court Elysium, has been given to the members of the Invictus to tend.  All others are guests under Elysium Law.  The Invictus shall appoint an appropriate candidate for Keeper of His Majesty’s Elysium, who will have the right to change any and all laws as she sees fit.

 

Please observe the following laws of the Court Elysium:

 

1.      There will no violence done inside the Court Elysium, nor in a 5 block radius surrounding it.

a.      The use of any vampiric discipline not used in defense of the Prince or the Keeper is considered violence

b.      Feeding is not allowed within this radius

 

2.      The use of vampiric gifts are strictly forbidden inside the Court Elysium and will be considered as a use of violence.

a.      An exception, the use of vampiric gifts used in defense of the Prince or the Keeper is allowed.

 

3.      No weapons may be carried inside Elysium.

a.      An exception, the Sheriff, Hounds, and members of the Seneschal’s Watch may carry weapons inside Elysium, but all must be in full view

 

4.      The Court Elysium is open to all Kindred, the Keeper and any of her designated assistants may not refuse entrance to anyone at anytime.

a.      While in the Court Elysium please remember that you are considered the cordial guest of His Majesty and the Invictus.

b.      His Majesty’s laws will be on display in the Keeper’s Office

c.       No ghoul shall enter Elysium without his Regent, except on matters of urgent business (such as delivering a message).  If a ghoul is found inside Elysium without a specific reason, or can give no reasonable proof of his task, then his Regent will suffer the full displeasure of the Keeper of Elysium and the Invictus.

 

5.      Dress shall be formal at all times (suits and ties for gentlemen, dresses or dress slacks for women.

a.      Always present yourself formally to the Keeper of Elysium, or the Court Notary Lord Justin Delaney, should the Keeper not be in residence.  This shall your first task upon entering Elysium.

b.      Gentile behavior is expected at all times within Elysium.  A visitor shall not raise their voice, use coarse language or damage anything within the Court Elysium.

 

6.      The Prince and anyone He shall designate is exempt from these Elysium laws.

 

 

 

Elysium Laws for The Walls Get Smaller

 

1.      The management’s (Silver’s) rule is absolute. Should the manager be unavailable, then this duty falls to his appointed deputies. Any violation of these laws is deemed punishable by immediate expulsion from the Elysium, with further punishments to be considered by the management and all details of the matter will be given to the Prince, so that all kindred may know of your failures.

2.      The only exception to rule number one, is when it comes into direct conflict with edicts presented forth by the Crown.

3.      Any violent or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the Elysium, at the discretion of the management team. All stipulations, mentioned in rule number one also apply.

4.      A surrounding area of 5 blocks in all directions of the Elysium is a designated ‘No Feeding’ zone.

5.      While Ghouls are welcome into Elysium without being accompanied by their master, let it be know that the ghoul’s master is still responsible for their actions and any punishment that would normally be levied against the ghoul, shall be transferred to the master.

a.      There is to be strictly no admittance into The Walls Get Smaller allowed under any circumstances by kine, mortals, call them what you wish. Likewise, The Walls Get Smaller must never be mentioned to or in the presence of kine either. Naturally, in the VIP Room an exception may be made but only after written authority is given by the manager and you clear up your own mess.

 

6.      Light refreshments are available at the bar and are to be served at the sole discretion of the manager (Silver) or by one of his appointed deputies.

7.      The VIP Lounge is an entirely private and secluded area, which is exempt from the ‘No Feeding’ rule. However, it is still under the complete jurisdiction of the management team (Silver and his deputies).

8.      The aforementioned VIP Lounge is to be booked in advance or to be available for use, at the discretion of the management team. The former takes precedence.

9.      The deputies have equal authority as one another and are answerable to the manager (Silver) and the Prince, only. All queries or special requests are to be directed to the management team.

10.  Enjoy yourself, this is a place to relax and unwind.