Editing Independent Alliance (section)

===Patron and Protege===

Patron and Protege
As in the old days of fealty, the strength of the Alliance is often in the mentor relationship. An elder may have one, and only one, kindred they take under their wing. Such a relationship must be consensual and agreed to, and the relationship may be terminated by either party at any time. 

It is important to note, these relationships are very strictly professional, perhaps to avoid the nepotistic dalliances of the Camarilla. Even the Mesu Bedshet recognize the importance of this relationship’s function. As such, for a patron and protege to be discovered to be involved romantically or intimately is a great scandal worthy of disgrace.

Patron has no effect while an Elder does not have a Protege. The protege must be younger in age, higher in numerical generation, or both. An Elder can simultaneously be a protege to an even older elder.

These benefits apply even if either party is using positional status. This is an exception to the rule which only allows you to use the status benefits from one source.

'''Patron'''
* Passive: The Elder receives a +1 bonus on social challenge against other members of the Independent Alliance so long as the protege is within 10 steps of them
* Spent: By expending Patron, the elder may spend 1 of their protege’s willpower in a retest as if it were their own, so long as the protege is within 10 steps of them when this occurs.

'''Protege'''
* Passive: The Protege is considered to have 1 additional willpower when comparing traits in a social challenge against another member of the Independent Alliance, so long as their Patron is within 10 steps of them.
* Spent: By expending Protege, the protege may gain one free retest, which counts as a Willpower retest, so long as their patron is within 10 steps of them.