Guide to Etiquette

This is a general guide, meant to help people who like consistency or enjoy being very specific with titles. It is not meant to force anyone to act a certain way, but is a guide for people wanting to be more fancy-ish.

The Haberdasher-Mountbatten Guide to Etiquette

Penned with Poise by Lazarette Haberdasher of the Illustrious Clan Toreador

& Alexander Mountbatten VII, Esteemed Scion of Clan Ventrue

Greetings to you, my nocturnal associates. I am Lazarette Haberdasher of the Illustrious Clan Toreador. A name, I dare say, you might've heard whispered in the dimly lit corners of Elysium, or sung by the sirens at grand Camarilla balls. My hands have sculpted beauty, my voice has serenaded the night, and my vision has guided our clan in the art of elegance for time immemorial.

However, amidst the mosaic of Kindred intricacies, I've observed a rather disconcerting pattern: the gradual erosion of our cherished traditions, the very marrow of our undying society. Etiquette, my dear associates, is not mere affectation but the very lifeblood that sustains our society's grace and gravitas. It is the silent symphony that orchestrates our nightly ballet, where each step, each glance, and each word is a calculated art form. Recognizing the gravity of this lapse, I've allied with the Esteemed Scion of Clan Ventrue, Alexander Mountbatten VII. A beacon of propriety, Alexander's lineage is one of power and poise, and his word is as golden as the Ventrue crest. Our shared vision? To pen this definitive codex: The Haberdasher-Mountbatten Guide to Etiquette. Consider this our combined offering to the Camarilla, a masterclass in navigating the perilous waters of our eternal society.

By the end of this guide, dear reader, you shall be armed with more than just knowledge. You shall possess the quintessential weapon that distinguishes a true Kindred from mere shadow: class.

In the grand theatre of Kindred Society, one mustn't mistake the art of decorum as mere trifles. The Camarilla—especially our esteemed Toreador clan—does not merely dip its toes but elegantly pirouettes in the realm of formality. Be it a majestic soirée to laud the prince or a confidential tête-à-tête amongst associates, we Toreador approach with a panache that leaves a lasting impression. When in the company of our fellow Kindred, honor demands the utterance of titles and, naturally, we expect a mirrored grace in return.

While there may be whispers and playful jests regarding our Toreador and Ventrue brethren's penchant for grandeur and ceremony, make no mistake, our dedication to protocol is unwavering. True, impeccable manners might not thrust a Kindred into the luminous echelons of the Camarilla. Yet, a vampire who turns a blind eye to these sacred rites will find their ascent to reverence and rank riddled with more pitfalls than triumphs, regardless of their deeds.

The subtle choreography of honorifics, the choice threads of formal attire, the artful ballet of bows, curtsies, and genuflections—each is an ode to the reverence one holds for another vampire. It behooves the fledgling Kindred to recognize and salute the stature and, by that gesture, the monumental feats of those who have tread this path before them. This is no demeaning act; rather, it is a noble display of acknowledgment. To acknowledge an elder's prowess is to recognize their immense might. Similarly, when one stands before greatness, one must ensure they are a vision worthy of that presence. After all, the mere act of the superior granting you their company is a testament to your worth. Ignoring such sacred rituals? Well, it's a blatant exhibition of one's own naiveté.

And let's not forget the Ventrue—a clan where respect isn't just given, but earned and reciprocated. Even the greenest neonate, whose accolades are yet to be sung, may find a nod of recognition from the venerable. It might be a mere whisper of acknowledgment, but it stands as proof that the luminaries of the covenant see their juniors as part of their noble lineage.

Titles and Status

Greetings, Kindred of the Camarilla. I am Alexander Mountbatten VII, Esteemed Scion of the proud and venerable Clan Ventrue. My bloodline has, for generations uncounted, been the steady hand on the tiller of Kindred society, steering us through storms and into prosperous waters. My name has echoed through the marbled halls of Elysium, a symbol of authority, tradition, and the indomitable spirit of our clan.

In our endless nights, titles are not just words; they are a testament to our legacy and our lineage. They bear witness to our deeds and our standing amongst the Kindred. To address a peer incorrectly is not merely a slip of the tongue, but a grievous slight against their very essence. Respect and formality are the threads that weave the fabric of our society together, ensuring it does not fray at the edges.

It was with this realization and the disturbing observation of growing negligence in our ways that I felt an undeniable compulsion to put quill to parchment. And who better to partner in this endeavor than the illustrious Lazarette Haberdasher of Clan Toreador, a Kindred whose name and talents are synonymous with elegance and artistry?

In our eternal society, titles and honorifics are not mere flourishes of speech, but the very badges of respect and delineation of stature. The chasm between the Status of two Kindred is directly proportional to the degree of formality the lesser must extend.

A neonate of the Camarilla would scarcely dare to utter a word to a prince or primogen without explicit beckoning; when given that rare privilege, they would resort to titles such as 'Your Majesty' or other fitting honorifics. Only a Kindred of equivalent stature has the audacity to employ a simple 'Sir'.

Nonetheless, every Kindred who has maintained their standing should anticipate being addressed with the decorum of a 'Mister', 'Miss', or 'Madam', followed diligently by their distinguished surname.

Were a Kindred of elevated rank to presume to use a junior's birth name in address, it's a move akin to a maestro's dramatic pause before a tumultuous climax—indicative not of familiarity, but of pronounced disdain. It places the lesser firmly as nothing more than an attendant, or perhaps a green childe. And, let it be known, that even a childe or servant must never suffer the indignity of being called by a mere diminutive or informal sobriquet of their given name.

In Ascending Echelons of Formality (from the modest to the most august):

Informal

Anything with [First name]

Reserved for the most familial of ties, or between lovers.

• Miss Clara.
• My childe, John.

Semi-formal

[Esteem] [Surname]

The least formal and most general-use form of address. Also often used to address an inferior or peer at court, or another Vampire formally who has no rank or position.

• Miss Yale.
• Mister Brown.

Formal

[Honorific] only, [Rank] + [Surname], or [Esteem] + [Position]

Addressing another person in a neutral formality. This is the most common style to use in general.

• Your Majesty.
• Prince Windholtz.
• Madame Harpy.
• Neonate Stevens.
• Lord Winter.
• Lord Sheriff.

Highly-formal

[Status/Adjective]+[Rank or Honorific] or [Honorific]+[Rank]

Addressing a superior or one who must be shown greater deference. Good for showing subservience to another. You may optionally append the surname.

• Your Most Sovereign Majesty.
• Noble Primogen Smith.
• His Grace, Justicar Bell.

Most Formal

[Honorific] + [Full name] + [full title]

Used in formal oral proclamations, grand gestures of deference, and other times you want to seriously kiss ass. Full titles start with the most general (Status class, clan, house, etc) and become more and more specific. Usually a formal court position is last. The main exception to this are Architects of the Camarilla and current & former Camarilla global officers such as Archons and Justicars.

• His Majesty, Silas Cross of Clan Gangrel, Prince of The Domain of Nashua, New Hampshire.
• His Grace, Stanford Warwick, Elder, Imperial Prince of New England, Prince of Providence, and former Justicar of Clan Nosferatu

Titles of Esteem

These titles are used in the most general sense: They indicate a state of being and a general ranking in society.

• Master/Miss/Emex: When a vampire is Embraced but still undergoing the Accounting, the neonate is referred to as Master if male, Miss if female, and Emex as a neutral third option, followed by their surname (formal) or given name (familiar). Mister Wood. Miss Carver. Emex Brown.
• Mister/Madam/Misex: When the neonate enters Camarilla society and for some time thereafter, the vampire is referred to as Mister if male, Madam if female, and Misex as a neutral third option, followed by their surname.

A note for Ventrue: If the Vampire is a Ventrue, the titles of Lord or Lady may be substituted. In general, the term Lord in used in a gender-neutral fashion, however a neutral third option of Laird is sometimes used. Such a title generally supercedes Elder among the clan, while Elder and Lord are often used interchangeably by those outside Clan Ventrue.

Titles of Rank

These titles are used in more formal functions such as positions.

• Neonate/Ancilla: As applies to one’s rank within the sect. This title is always superceded by a positional title.
• Elder: Vampires of sufficient status to be considered elders of their sect may additionally have their title replaced with the term “Elder”. Such things indicate a higher level of formality.
• Position: One’s formal position. This might be a formal position like Prince of Seneschal, or an unofficial position. This also includes positions from other groups, like a Baron or a Doyen.

Honorifics

Certain positions carry honorifics. Others do not. This is not an exhaustive list.

Standard honorifics are used formally in speech and writing, such as:

• Her Grace, Justicar Iadenza
• Your Majesty, Prince Daniels
• His Highness, Seneschal Bagg

Stated Honorifics tend to be used more in proclamations, announcements, and writing. In many cases this honorific may also simply be replaced with a Status of that position,, such as:

• The Sovereign Adam Winchester, Prince of Chicago
• The Honourable Abigail Forza, Lictor of New England
• The Noble Harpy Landring McHale

Imperial Fiefdoms

Some Imperial fiefdoms exist, in which case, the term Imperial may be added just before the last word of the honorific or title, such as “Imperial Prince”, “Your Imperial Majesty”, “Imperial Harpy”, etc.

Honorifics reference

Title	Honorific	Stated Honorific
Camarilla
Justicar (current or former)	Your Grace	The Ascendant
Prince	Your Majesty	The Sovereign
Seneschal	Your Highness	The Esteemed
Sheriff		The Just or The Feared
Keeper of Elysium		The Established
Harpy		The Prominent
Primogen		The Noble

Ventrue-specific titles and terms

Ventrue under the Accounting/Agoge are referred to as "Master/Mistress" followed by Surname: ("This is my childe, Master Brown").

All released Ventrue refer to each other as, at minimum, "Lord"/"Lady"/"Laird" followed by Surname. This is used both directly ("Hello, Lord Payne. Welcome, Lady Smythe") and indirectly ("I wish to introduce The Lord Carver"). This title may be preceded by a special honorific indicating that Ventrue's rank in the clan:

Title	Honorific	Stated Honorific
Lictor		The Righteous
Strategoi	Your Puissance	The Eminent
Member of the House of Peers	Your Lordship	The Venerable
Current sitting Primogen or Praetor		The Right Honourable
The current Whip, and all Aediles		The Honourable

Formal Letters

When addressing individuals, the level of formality is often indicated by how much deference you are giving to each person’s title. Some general considerations:

When addressing, The format is usually:

[Honorific] [Full Name or Surname], [Titles in order of Precedence]

A conclusion

The realm of the Camarilla is not just woven with the threads of power, but equally, if not more significantly, with the intricate patterns of respect. From the fledgling steps of a childe, through the ascending path of a neonate, to the seasoned strides of an ancilla and the formidable presence of an elder, respect is the binding force that interlinks every Kindred.

Every nod of deference, every honorific uttered, and every protocol observed is a testament to more than individual acknowledgment; it is the cornerstone upon which the dominion of the Camarilla stands robust. A domain where respect flows seamlessly, from the loftiest to the most nascent, is not just a domain of power but one of unmatched unity and strength.

Honoring one’s prince is to venerate the very leadership that ensures the Camarilla's survival in an ever-tumultuous world. Paying homage to one’s sire is to recognize the lineage from whence one came, acknowledging the rich tapestry of knowledge and tradition passed down through the ages. Extolling one’s clan is to celebrate the collective identity, a confluence of shared values and histories that shape Kindred society. And in revering the Camarilla, one pays tribute to the overarching umbrella that safeguards, unifies, and guides every Kindred.

In essence, to walk the path of respect is to walk the path of true Kindred enlightenment. For in this world of darkness and intrigue, it is respect that brings forth a luminous beacon of unity, ensuring that the Camarilla remains an indomitable fortress against the ceaseless tides of time and change. Let every Kindred, irrespective of their standing, remember this cardinal truth, for it is the bedrock upon which our grand society thrives.

In Eternal Nocturnal Reverence,

Lazarette Haberdasher of Clan Toreador

&

Alexander Mountbatten VII of Clan Ventrue

Alexander Mountbatten

Addendum

Addendum, Dec 14, 1995

The Smooth Talkin' Guide to Kindred Etiquette: A Brujah's Swingin' Notes

By: "Cool Cat" Clyde Thompson, Brujah Tootler and One-time Moonshine Maestro

Hey there, cats and kittens! Clyde Thompson here, bringin' you the skinny on the noble art of being in the know with the Camarilla crowd. So, put on your glad rags, ease back, and lend me your ears.

Now, when you're a Brujah, the crowd expects a certain... fire from you. But if you're lookin' to keep it on the level and make a good impression with the Camarilla, you gotta learn to play it cool. Here's how ya do it, straight from the hip.

The Art of the Smooch:

Not talkin' about layin' one on your favorite doll or fella. Nah, I'm talkin' about showin' respect, even when you think it's all wet. Thew classic ass-smooch. Even if the Prince or that hoity-toity Ventrue is givin' you the heebie-jeebies, put on that smile and show 'em your pearly whites. Remember, every Kindred's got a story, and you'll wanna be on the good side of it. A little deference goes a long way to show you aren’t a threat.

Stay in Your Lane:

Don't get too big for your britches. If you're a neonate, act the part. There's no quicker way to the doghouse than oversteppin'. The wise cats know their place, and they don't go pushin' their luck. Know when to blow your horn and when to let the other cats take the stage.

Slide Under the Radar:

There's an art to bein' seen without bein' noticed. Like when I was slingin' that bathtub gin, it was all about the quiet deals and not the big splash. Make your moves on the down-low. That way, when the big opportunities come knockin', you're in the prime spot without half the Elders knowin' you were even in the game.

Network, But Don't Be a Chatterbox:

Rub elbows with the in-crowd. You don't gotta be the life of the party, but it pays to know the right cats. Get chummy with the right Kindred, and they might just give you the inside track on what's shakin'. But remember, loose lips sink ships. So, keep the yappin' on the QT.

Be a Pal, Not a Pain:

Help out when you can, lay low when you can't. If someone needs a favor and you can swing it, be that cat. But if you're outta your depth, take a step back. Nothin' wrong with sittin' one out if it means you'll be around for the next dance.

Now, I'm all about that peace and love, but every once in a blue moon, there comes a time when a Kindred just gets your goat, and you gotta let 'em know where they stand. But remember, timing's everything. Let's dive right in!

The Delicate Art of the Diss:

Pick Your Battles: Before you go shooting your mouth off, make sure you're pickin' on someone your own size—or better yet, someone smaller. Ain't no point making enemies of the big fish if you're just a guppy.

When They Go Low, You Go High: If some no-good Kindred breaks the Masquerade, shirks Camarilla law, or just plain steps outta line, that's your cue. They've dropped the ball, and now it's your turn to pick it up and run with it.

A Few Zingers to Keep in Your Pocket:

It’s all in the delivery. You don't wanna come off as a wet blanket, so put some style into your zingers. A well-timed jest or sarcastic remark can cut deeper than any blade. It's like playin' the sax—timing and tone, baby.

"Oh honey, if I wanted a lesson in irrelevance, I'd have asked for your life story."

"Your fangs might be sharp, but that wit? Duller than a human's bite."

"Look at you, actin' all high and mighty. Too bad your reputation ain't as tall as your tales."

"Darling, your charm's so ancient, it's gathering cobwebs."

"Ever thought about renovating that haven of yours? It's starting to match your personality: cold, empty, and dead inside."

"Your blood might be potent, but your presence? Utterly forgettable."

"You're the reason our kind prefers the shadows. Easier to hide our embarrassments."

"Does your sire know you're out here making a mockery of your lineage?"

"Remember when you were important? Me neither."

So there you have it, the bee's knees on how to make it in the Camarilla without steppin' on too many spats. Remember, life—and unlife—ain't all about the big stage. Sometimes, it's about the smooth tunes you play in the background. So, keep it cool, hep cat, and you'll be swingin' with the best of 'em in no time.

Stay snazzy,

"Cool Cat" Clyde Thompson, your friendly neighborhood Brujah