The Holy See Administration for Montgomery-Capitol
From LanceaSanctum
[edit] THE HOLY SEE ADMINISTRATION FOR MONTGOMERY-CAPITOL
CARDINAL (addressed as your Grace or your Eminence): both the Prince (Eminence) of the city and Bishop (Grace) of the Lancea Sanctum covenant including all the authorities thereof. The Cardinal is the divine administrator and arbitrator over Canon, Domain and Common law. Official Positions are the Templar, the Inquisitor and the Sheriff each given a category of law to interpret and enforce under the purview of the Cardinal. Penalties vary and depend on the judgment of the Cardinal due to severity and the category of law violated. The duties and authorities listed below are just some of what the Cardinal possesses.
Duties include:
§ Serves as the Lancea Sanctum Bishop
§ Officiates the Sacraments
§ Administration of the city
§ Maintains the Book of Excommunication “Libri Malediction”
§ Regulate Dueling (Cardinal may be petitioned through the Templar to allow legal Dueling)
Authorities include:
§ Excommunicate Lancea Sanctum members
§ Exile “kindred-from-kine” (restricted feeding)
§ Banish resident kindred from Domain
§ Issue death at the stake
§ Order Death Warrant “Nex Proelator” (functions like Blood Hunt)
§ Grant Letter of Release (letter to allow one single action of necessity against Tradition or Law)
§ Accept Sales of Indulgence in lieu of punishment for crimes (monetary compensation for transgression “of equal value”)
§ Abolish the office of any official or unofficial position
§ Socially blacklist kindred by public record “Libri Vexillum”
§ Assign Penance
§ Grant Pardons
§ Permit the “Privilege of Silence” during Confessions
§ Grant or Remove Personal Domain
1. PRIESTS & PARISHES: Priests are responsible for the spiritual teaching and guidance of other vampires and serve as local advisors. Priests make up the leadership of Sanctified groups or specific coteries offering a particular philosophical viewpoint of the Lancea Sanctum that differs from another group. The position is highly esteemed and is usually accompanied by an award of a Parish (geographical area of the city that an individual Priest presides over) by the Cardinal. The largest Sanctified group led by a Priest is directly proportional to the Parish size/boundaries. The Priest is only responsible for what lies within his or her own Parish’s boundaries as a Sheppard tends his or her flock. A Priest may take interest of anything occurring within his or her Parish and demand explanation of any action or review of all proceedings that takes place; but may not needlessly hinder the Sheriff, Inquisitor or Templar in their duties. A Priest must hear out any-and-all grievances from the City Council without formal occasion on decisions made by the Priest of that specific Parish but is under no obligation to adhere to such complaints. Note: that a Parish is not Private Domain (see below)—it is only an area of authority. The position of Priest is the only legal designated successor for Cardinal.
Duties include:
§ Spiritual teaching and guidance of other vampires
§ Tending the Flock of Mortals (ensure status-quo, overall health and population stability of the mortal sector within the Parish)
§ Officiate the Sacraments
§ Inform the Inquisitor of any-and-all possible offenses of Canon Law
§ Update the Cardinal on the health of the Parish
Authority includes:
§ Declare any location a Sanctuary within the boundaries of the Parish (to be enforced by the legal authority of the Templar)
§ Forbid trade, business, work or other sources of revenue / increase from any-and-all kindred within the Parish boundaries
§ Grant or Remove individual, clan, coterie, family or covenant Feeding Grounds
§ Set Feeding Restrictions
§ Forbid Residency
§ Banish kindred from Parish (more than forbid residency; vampire cannot cross Parish boundary seeking entrance)
§ May legally conduct own / parallel investigations within Parish by appointing unofficial parties to do so
§ Assign Penance
§ Grant Pardons
§ Permit the “Privilege of Silence” during Confessions
Note: May not grant personal domain within a Parish—only the Cardinal can do so
I. COMMON LAW: the body of law based upon the Cardinal’s decisions and customs embodied in reports of decided cases or unwritten in statute—constituting the basis of the administration. Common law ensures strict compliance of the Cardinal’s edicts (to include etiquette & decorum, spoken or implied agreements / promises, debts, etc…). Examples include: social faux pas, interruption, talking out of turn, insults, purposeful distractions, perjury (lying) or bearing false witness during the proceedings of the Cardinal; acts of violence within Sanctuary, murder, theft or damage too Sanctuary; refusal to pay penalty “sale of indulgence”, fines, work-debt, ignorance of the law, dress code, and leaving “exile kindred from kine” before summoned to return, breaking an oath or vow, illegal dueling, etc...
a. SANCTUARY—all who seek Sanctuary are welcome. Within Sanctuary, resident or transient kindred are only subject to Canon Law & Common Law (Domain Law does not apply).
b. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT—there is no acknowledgement as such. All are assumed to have full rights and privileges to take up residence within the city domain or to travel through the city without restriction or penalty by the written word of the Cardinal and without having to seek audience. The only exception is if a kindred’s name is transcribed on the pages of the Libri Vexillum (social blacklist)—then a kindred has been declared rogue and loses those rights and privileges (no longer protected by Domain Law)….meaning, any harm that befalls them will not be met by justice.. Blacklisted individuals may still seek Sanctuary and may maintain residence within the city or still travel though it if they so choose…but it’s very dangerous to do so! (Example: the Black Knight who went Rogue and robbed all whom he chose—no one could stop him do to his expert dueling—so he remained and was greatly feared!) To get removed from the pages of the Libri Vexillum a kindred must bargain with the Templar (through the Harpy as mediator). Note: blacklisted kindred cannot use City status or the privileges thereof making them ripe for constant insults and disrespect from other kindred (this usually seems to be enough to ensure that blacklisted kindred don’t stay on the blacklist for very long).
c. OATHS & VOWS—an oath/vow can transpire in many forms from fealty, to verbal or written contracts, to swearing personal or family codes of honor. The constant in all oaths and vows is that witnesses (plural) must be present. i.e. Both parties involved in a verbal contract must each have a witness during the wording, or a group ceremony (multiple witnesses) for an public oath of fealty. Witnesses serve as testimony if a deal is not honored or perhaps an oath of fealty is broken, etc… If one lacks a credible witness (or no witness) any ruling on the agreement is bound to favor of the one who does.
1. TEMPLAR (Nickname = Tax Collector, Bouncer, etc…): chosen by the Cardinal to administer, interpret and enforce Common Law—simply put, the Templar enforces the Cardinal’s will by his own judgment. The Templar has numerous responsibilities and has been granted the power to be “expedient.”
Duties include:
§ Preserve all ordained Sanctuary(s) “grounds-keeper”
§ Deliver announcements/decrees (as given by the Cardinal) so all kindred may hear
§ Represents the Cardinal in proxy
§ Master of Ceremonies
§ Track and report all personal domain
§ Collect 10% of all resident vampire's disposable incomes as tithing
§ Collect all Covenant tax
§ Oversee all work debts to completion
§ Collect all Sales of Indulgences
§ Sustains “Exile Kindred from Kine” judgment(s) issued by the Cardinal
Authority includes:
§ Interpret and enforce judgments for Common Law
§ Demand tithing
§ Demand covenant tax
§ Issue work-debt
§ Suspend personal domain rights
§ Use of all means available “under purview of the Cardinal”
§ Deliver death at the stake until all debts are paid “by Cardinal’s order only”
§ Transcribe and/or remove kindred name(s) to/from the Libri Vexillum (Blacklist)
§ Officiate Dueling
§ Dismiss the Harpy for lack of effective duty performance
§ No authority pertaining to Cannon or Domain Law
§ Assumed to speak for the Cardinal at all times
§ May appoint a Ward(s)
Sale of Indulgences, Tithes & Tax |
|||
|
Minor |
Major |
Tithing |
|
|
Resource Dots |
Monthly Spending Cash |
Cash in Resource Dot |
10% of disposable income |
|
1 |
500 |
(5,000) |
50 |
|
2 |
1,000 |
(10,000) |
100 |
|
3 |
2,000 |
(20,000) |
200 |
|
4 |
10,000 |
(100,000) |
1000 |
|
5 |
50,000 |
(500,000) |
5000 |
II. CANON LAW: the codified law governing the Lancea Sanctum. Examples include: the Traditions, Black Magic (used within the Sanctuary), seeking membership within the Lancea Sanctum after Excommunication, and all accounts of Heresy committed by Lancea Sanctum Coteries such as: when faith allows to transcend material things, denial of the traditions--making the Lancea Sanctum unnecessary, denying your inhumanity, believing that simply following the traditions is enough, contest the sale of indulgences, deny the powers of the Lancea Sanctum, to condemn the Lancea Sanctum, declaring Coterie separate from the Lancea Sanctum, etc…
a. Prime Canon Law: Do not question! (non-members of the Lancea Sanctum may not question Canon law—laws are kept secret within the Covenant)
1. INQUISITOR (Nickname = Harbinger "of Death"): chosen by the Cardinal to administer, interpret and enforce Canon Law. The Inquisitor has only one specific duty—to ensure that no infraction of Canon Law goes without punishment.
Duties include:
§ Investigate suspicions pertaining to Canon Law
§ Track and report on all recent childer within the Domain (released or not) and keeps history of lineages
§ Sustains Excommunication judgment(s) issued by the Cardinal
Authority includes:
§ Interpret and enforce judgments for Canon Law
§ Use of all means available to conduct investigation “under purview of the Cardinal”
§ Apprehend and take suspects into custody on suspicion
§ Issue torture through ordeal (by hot iron, hot water, public flogging, temporary maiming)
§ Deliver death at the stake “with Cardinal’s permission only”
§ Deliver final death “with Cardinal’s permission only”
§ No authority pertaining to Domain or Common Law; or within Sanctuary
§ May appoint Watcher(s) – similar to Deputies but secret sub-group (also known as: Shadows or Daggers)
III. DOMAIN LAW: laws of domain apply to city or personal domain. Only the Cardinal may hold domain over the entire city. City Domain Laws apply to any who cross over/into city boundaries—whether resident or transient. Personal Domain may be granted or removed by the word of the Cardinal. Landowners of personal domain may dictate private law for that specific portion of the city (see Landowners in Unofficial Positions below). As a courtesy, Landowners may request the Sheriff (or any other individual) to Champion their private law at any time (note: the Sheriff may decline for any reason—for example: a Landowner never formally announced his/her private law). Examples include: petty, minor and major theft, city disturbances, physical assault, murder, and kindred returning to the city after banishment. Note: the Sheriff's jurisdiction is only within the City Domain (City Domain does not include Personal Domain or Sanctuary) and it is expected that all kindred rush to a Sheriff’s aid.
1. SHERIFF (Nickname = Hound): elected by a majority vote from the City Council but not bound to adhere to council decisions. Position to administer, interpret and enforce Domain Law for the Cardinal (Sheriff may be from any Clan or Covenant). Directly responsible to track and report all Retainer/Ghoul(s) within City Domain.
Duties include:
§ Investigate and clean-up City Disturbances
§ Track and Report all Ghouls and Retainers within the Domain
§ Sustains Banishment judgment(s) issued by the Cardinal
§ Regulate Nex Proeliator (Death Warrant / i.e. Blood Hunt) “as commanded by the Cardinal”
Authority includes:
§ Apprehend and take suspects into custody on suspicion
§ Use of all means available to conduct investigation “under purview of the Cardinal”
§ Arrest anyone discovered to be harboring or abetting vampires under Nex Proeliator
§ Deliver death at the stake “with Cardinal’s permission only”
§ Deliver final death “with Cardinal’s permission only”
§ No authority pertaining to Cannon or Common Law; or within Sanctuary
§ May appoint Deputy(s)
IV. UNOFFICIAL POSITIONS: positions not under the Cardinal’s purview.
1. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER (addressed as Councilman or Councilwoman): elected/removed to/from position within own Covenant by diverse methods. They do not have to be the leader of that Covenant but must be selected to represent the Covenant at large. This highly esteemed position (not unlike a Priest) holds unofficial influence the over proceedings and vital decisions within the city pertaining to Domain Law as a sort of “Court of Equity” or forum of public opinion through petition to the Cardinal “with sufficient cause” (by the Chancellor only—see below), by direct lobbying of the Sheriff to take action, or by expressing grievances to the particular Priest over the specific Parish for consideration.
Authorities include:
§ May assemble in group to conduct meetings on the state of the city
§ May elect the Sheriff by a majority vote
§ May remove the Sheriff at any time with a unanimous vote
§ May vote (per majority) to include the unaligned or unbound into council
§ May lobby the Sheriff to enforce council decisions
§ May elect Chancellor by majority vote
§ May remove Chancellor by unanimous vote
§ May express grievances to the Priest of a specific Parish “with sufficient cause”
2. CHANCELLOR (of the city council): elected from within the City Council members as leader and to act as their voice during public assembly (Dark Mass).
Additional Authorities include:
§ May petition the Cardinal (if other council efforts failed) “with sufficient cause” during Dark Mass
3. HARPY: the function of this position is to speak, petition and lobby for individuals or Clans and Covenants of interest during Dark Mass. This is a formal position that holds more sway than others. However, there is no formal method or process to achieve the position. It’s commonly understood that socially elite individuals naturally rise to Harpy. And a Harpy may only be removed by being deposed from position or by the Templar if the Harpy falls short of performing his or her duties effectively.
Duties include:
§ Accounts for all visitors within the city
§ Introduces all new visitors for the first time to the Cardinal
§ Instruct all resident or transient kindred of proper Etiquette
§ Ensures "kindred of status" receive proper acknowledgement by formal announcement
§ Mediator between Templar and individual to find solution for removal from the Libri Vexillum (Blacklist)
Authorities include:
§ Chooses who he or she will announce to give him or her voice (or not) during official proceedings (Dark Mass)
§ May appoint a Lesser Harpy(s)
4. LANDOWNERS: this standing is a highly prestigious entitlement derived from owning personal domain. Usually, Landowners are already influential icons worthy of respect and distinction from others before awarded the domain. Landowners of personal domain may dictate private law for that specific portion of the city that they have been granted by the Cardinal. All Landowners are regarded in high station by the Cardinal himself. Only the Cardinal can remove private domain once granted; but the Templar may temporarily suspend a Landowners rights with sufficient cause. It is customary that Landowners host extravagant social gathering for all sorts of reasons, such as: honoring the Cardinal, good fortune of the Landowner, etc… Some hold traditional calendar events such as grand balls, masquerades, etc… For these occasions, only the Common Laws of the Cardinal pervade (as a guest) as Private Domain Law is established and controlled by the Landowner (many power plays have entered this forum). However, it is unfashionable to refuse attendance—unless the Landowner has been blacklisted. Note: that Parishes owned by Priests do not constitute Private Domain. However, it is usually the case that even the most standard of Priests are granted Private Domain not long after being appointed to the position.
Duties include:
§ Host one event for all kindred; annually
Authorities include:
§ Dictate private law
IV. ETTIQUETTE FOR DARK MASS
- Dark Mass (time/place) is announced by Templar
- Templar collects tithing (from resident kindred) & donations (not mandatory, from transient kindred) in tithing line before entering Dark Mass chamber (10% of disposable income)
- Templar announces Cardinal’s entrance
- All stand until Cardinal is seated
- Cardinal comments
- Priests of individual Parishes approach to receive communion and guidance from the Cardinal. This is the time to address all matters concerning Parish(s) but not Covenant matters—a later Covenant meeting may be suggested if not already scheduled by any Priest
- Inquisitor approaches and formally acknowledges Cardinal, addresses concerns, gives update of duties, if any. Reads off list of childer within the city. May speak to all on Canon Law, if desired. Inquisitor remains next to Cardinal.
- Templar approaches and formally acknowledges Cardinal, gives update of duties, if any. Reads off list of personal domain, reads Libri Vexillum, tithing total, and outstanding debts. May speak to all on matters of Common Law/Etiquette, if desired. Templar remains next to Cardinal.
- Sheriff approaches and formally acknowledges Cardinal, addresses concerns of the city until Cardinal concludes them, gives update of duties, if any. Reads off list of ghouls and retainers in the city. May speak to all on matters of the city, if desired. Sheriff remains next to Cardinal.
- The Chancellor stands in place and can addresses city council concerns (not to include specific individual, clan or covenant concerns). The Chancellor may speak on matters affecting the city at large until the Cardinal concludes them. The Chancellor may not directly speak to all present.
- Harpy stands in place and may petition or lobby for individuals, clans or covenants of interest by addressing their concerns. Formally introduces new visitors to the Cardinal. The Harpy may not directly speak to all present.
- Dark Mass is concluded by the Templar
V. OTHER PROCEEDINGS
a. CITY COUNCIL ASSEMBLY: City Council members may be called to assemble during particular times to decide upon city events under Domain Law. Assembly must be called to reach agreement before petitioning the Cardinal “with sufficient cause”. Each member of the council present at the assembly holds one vote. The Chancellor holds +1 vote permanently or as long as he or she holds that position. The Councilman or woman with the largest covenant membership during that specific night holds + 1 vote. Before voting can occur, each Councilman or woman must return to all the members of his or her covenant in a group for "deliberation" to determine the voting position. Note: if a city council member is not present at an assembly, then the covenant must select a Proxy to attend the meeting. If no Proxy is available, the covenant forfeits their vote. If the city council member absent is the Chancellor, then the Proxy still holds the extra +1 vote for that special position and must speak for the council during Dark Mass. Note: the Cardinal is not bound to consider petitions from the city council.
b. INDIVIDUAL COVENANT MEETING: to discuss Covenant specific items with all members present of a particular covenant. Political procedures to be determined by individual covenant's ideology.
c. CLAN ASSEMBLY: to discuss Clan specific items. Clan Assembly involves the clan leader (priscus) of each of the five known clans. Each clan leader holds a number of votes equal to the total number of clan members present that night. The largest number of total votes wins. Clan leaders must "deliberate" with all their individual clan members present before the clan votes can be cast in assembly. If the clan leader is not present at the assembly, then the clan must select a Whip to attend the meeting. If no Whip is available, the clan forfeits their vote(s).
d. INDIVIDUAL CLAN MEETING: to discuss clan specific items with all clan members present.
VI. DUELING: the Lancea Sanctum admits three sorts of offences that warrant dueling. First, is a simple offence; Second, is an offence of an insulting nature; and third is an offence with acts of violence. After the offence, the offended kindred would defy the offender. A signal of the “defy” would be hitting him in the face with a glove or throwing the glove before him. The offended party could stop the duel at any time if he deems his honour satisfied. Vampires must petition the Cardinal (through the Templar) to challenge another vampire in a duel. A duel is a form of armed or unarmed combat in which two individuals participate. Duels represent a contrived combat situation designed to maximize fairness of combat. They usually develop out of a desire for one party (the challenger) to redress an insult to his (or her) honour. Typically, duels are fought between members of the same social class; they are regarded as especially noteworthy when those partaking are of high status but duels can occur at all different social strata. Duels could be resolved by drawing first blood, rendering someone in torpor, or putting someone to final death. The Templar officiates the duel and acts as witness. Both sides must agree on the rules of the combat—coordinated through the Second(s). Second(s) are chosen as trusted representatives (of the aggressor and offended) to arrange the “Meeting” or duel. The Second(s) must determine the time and place of the meeting referred to as: Naming the Duel—usually seeking places of loneliness to avoid interferences, as well as: Naming the Arms; settling the rules of engagement, and verifying circumstances to ensure the duel is fair. If the duel is permitted by the Cardinal; then it may take place only within the Cardinal’s domain to decide the final outcome. All earthly possessions belonging to the loser go to the victor for final death challenges only. If one of the members challenged to a duel resides in another domain, then “that authority figure” from that Domain (other Prince, etc…) will need to be contacted to permit the duel as well. Sometimes a singular combat between two champions could substitute for a mass battle. This practice would be interesting for elders interested not in the destruction of the enemy force but in gaining them to their own cause, since the combat would spare a number of casualties in both parties.
In these cases the Lancea Sanctum have established the following rules, which, indeed, so long as dueling is permitted by the Cardinal, may be considered most judicious, and such as should regulate the arrangement of all quarrels.
Rule 1. If, in the course of a discussion, an offence is offered, the kindred who has been offended is the injured party. If this injury is followed by a blow, unquestionably the party that has been struck is the injured one. To return one blow by another of a more serious nature severely wounding, for instance, after a slap in the face does not constitute the kindred who received the Second blow, however severe it may have been, the party originally insulted. In this case, satisfaction may be demanded by the party that was first struck. Such a case must be referred to the chances of a meeting.
Rule 2. If an insult follows an impolite expression, if the aggressor considers himself offended, or if the kindred who has received the insult, considers himself insulted, the case must also be referred to a meeting.
Rule 3. If, in the course of a discussion, during which the rules of politeness have not been transgressed, but in consequence of which, expressions have been made use of which induce one of the party to consider himself offended, the vampire who demands satisfaction cannot be considered the aggressor, or the kindred who gives it the offender. This case must be submitted to the trial of chance.
Rule 4. But if a vampire sends a message without a sufficient cause, in this case he becomes the aggressor; and the Second(s), before they allow a meeting to take place, must insist upon a sufficient reason being manifestly shown.
Rule 5. A childer may espouse the cause of his sire, if he is too aged to resent an insult, or if the age of the aggressor is of great disparity; but a childer cannot espouse the quarrel of his sire if he has been the aggressor.
Rule 6. There are offences of such a maddening nature, that they may lead the insulted party to have recourse to acts of violence. Such acts ought invariably to be avoided until the meeting.
Rule 7. The offended party has the choice of arms. (Naming the Arms is a point of such vital importance, that it is impossible to be to careful in ascertaining, evenly and deliberately, from which of the parties the insult originated.)
Rule 8. When the offence has been of a degrading nature, the offended has the right to Name both the Arms and the Duel.
Rule 9. When the offence has been attended by acts of violence, the offended party has the right to Name the Duel, Name his Arms, and may insist upon the aggressor not using his own arms—to which he may have become accustomed by practice; but in this case the offended party must also use weapons in which he is not practiced.
Rule 10. There are only three legal types of challenges; Tests of Weaponry, Tests of Firearms, and Tests of Grappling. Tests of Weaponry include any type of weapon, whether axe or sword—but circumstances must be equal. Test of Firearms include pistols only and the pistols and/or ammunition must be equal. Tests of Grappling include hand-to-hand combat or brawling (note: always to include a single stake placed in the center of the circle—see below). Use of any disciplines and sorcery or blood magic are permitted in challenges unless stipulation to the contrary has been made. Equality must be regarded where powers of the blood are permitted.
Rule 11. It is the duty of the Second(s) to decide upon the necessity of the duel, and to state their opinions to their Principals. After having consulted with them in such a manner as not to allow any chance of avoiding a duel, they must again meet, and exert their best endeavors to settle the business amicably. If they fail in this attempt, they must then decide upon arms, time, place, distance, and mode of fighting; and at the same time they must endeavor to come to some arrangement regarding any difficulties that might arise, when the parties are on the ground.
Rule 12. Honour can never be compromised by the offending party by admitting that they were in the wrong. If the apology of the offending party is deemed sufficient by the Second(s) of the offended; if the Second(s) express their satisfaction, and are ready to affirm this opinion in writing; or if the offender has tendered a written apology, considered of a satisfactory nature; in such a case the party that offers to apologize ceases to be the offender; and if his adversary persists, Naming the Arms must be decided by the Templar. However, no apology can be received after a blow. An amicable arrangement of a quarrel should take place before the parties meet on the ground, unless circumstances prevent a prior interview. Howbeit, if when upon the ground, and even when armed, one of the parties thinks proper to apologize, and the Second(s) of the offended party are satisfied, it is only the party that tenders the apology upon whom any future unfavorable reflections can be cast.
Rule 13. If the Second(s) of the offending party come to the ground with an apology, instead of bringing forward their Principal, it is only to them that blame can be attached, as the honour of their Principal was placed in their hands. Second(s) accept the consequences in lieu of the represented Primary if apology is ignored and are liable to censure by the Cardinal.
Rule 14. No challenge can be sent by collective parties—if any Covenant, Clan, Family or Coterie have received insult, they can only send a single individual belonging to it, to demand satisfaction. A message collectively sent may be refused; but the challenged party may select an antagonist, or leave the nomination to chance.
Rule 15. All duels should take place before one month and one day’s time has expired since the offence, unless it is otherwise stipulated by the Second(s).
Rule 16. Second(s) are not witnesses; therefore the Templar (at a minimum) must be present to witness.
Rule 17. No Second or witness shall become a Principal on the spot. Any insult received by them constitutes a fresh offence.
Rule 18. The Second(s) should not remain more than ten minutes on the ground without a combat.
Rule 19. The Second(s) must determine whether the combatants in duels shall be allowed to take breath (i.e. intervals between rounds or be separated after each wound) providing sufficient time for apology. In such cases, then one of the combatants exclaims that he is wounded, or a wound is perceived by his Second, the combat is to be stopped. With the consent of the wounded vampire the combat may be renewed.
Rule 20. When a Second raises his hand, it must be considered as the signal to stop; in such cases, the other Second shall cry out "stop," when the parties must recede one step, still remaining in guard.
Rule 21. If the wounded vampire, although the combat is ordered to be stopped, shall continue to press upon his adversary with precipitation; this act is tantamount to his desire to continue the conflict, but he must be stopped and reprimanded. If, under similar circumstances, the combatant that is not wounded continues to press on his antagonist, although ordered to stop by the Second(s), he must be immediately checked by them by all means, and considered as having infringed the stipulated rules. It is the duty of the Second(s), at all risk and peril, to rush upon him and disarm or retrain him. In this case, the party who has observed the rules, has a right to demand another duel of a different form. Witnesses may only rally round as backing per arrangement by the Second(s), unless stipulation to the contrary has been made.
Rule 22. The Second(s) must inspect weapons and all circumstances to both agree before proceeding with combat.
Rule 23. The Second(s) are never to let their Principals know that they are of opinion that the nature of the insult received is such as to render final death combat necessary.
Rule 24. The Second(s) of a young vampire shall not allow him to fight an adversary above three hundred years of age, unless this adversary had struck him; and in this case his challenge must be accepted in writing. His refusal to comply with this rule is tantamount to a refusal to give satisfaction, and the young vampire's honour is thereby satisfied.
Rule 25. If any unfair occurrence takes place in a duel, it is the duty of the Second(s) who commit the circumstance to paper, and follow it up during the next proceeding of the Cardinal, when they are bound by the Laws of Common to give true evidence.
Rule 26. It is the duty of Second(s) to separate the combatants the very moment that the stipulated rules are transgressed.
Rule 27. A sire, a brother, a childer, or any relative in the first degree, cannot serve as a Second or against his relative.
Rule 28. The combatants of any test will be requested to throw off their coats, and to lay bare their breasts, to show that they do not wear any defense that could ward off a thrust or harbour concealed weaponry. A refusal to undergo this examination is to be considered a refusal to fight.
Rule 29. When the combatants are on the ground, the Second(s) are to explain to them all the stipulated arrangements; that they may not deviate from them on plea of ignorance. This being done, the signal of attack is given in the word "Allez" by the Templar; but if before this signal the parties have already set off, the signal is not necessary; but the first who advanced without it is liable to censure by the Cardinal.
Rule 30. The signal of "Allez" having been given, the combatants advance upon each other, and either give point or cut; vaulting, advancing, or retreating at pleasure.
TESTS OF WEAPONRY (additional)
Rule 31. In weapon duels, the Second(s) will mark the standing-spot of each combatant, leaving a distance of two feet between the points of their weapons.
Rule 32. The offended party can always use his own weapons, if they are considered of a description fitting the combat. If, on comparing arms, the weapons should be found to differ, the choice must be decided by chance, unless the disproportion is of a material nature.
Rule 33. The Second(s) shall hold the weapons, bearing the point downward, and, standing close to each combatant until the time is at hand.
Rule 34. To strike an adversary when disarmed, to seize his arm, his body, or his weapon, is a foul proceeding. A combatant is disarmed when his weapon is either wrenched from him or dropped.
Rule 35. Unless previously stipulated, neither of the combatants shall be allowed to turn off the use of any of the bodily limbs, the organ of vision, appendages, etc… of his adversary; however, should a combatant persist in thus (such as using the other hand, fighting blind, etc…), the Second(s) of his adversary may insist equality (such as the advisory’s hand shall be confined behind his back, or blindfolded, etc…).
TESTS OF FIREARMS (additional)
Rule 36. In Firearm duels, the distance should be fifteen paces, drawn by two parallel lines traced by the Second(s). The combatants are placed at the extremity of each line, fronting each other and stand firmly to receive fire from his adversary.
Rule 37. The Second(s) stand behind their Principal(s), in a situation that may not expose them to the fire of the parties.
Rule 38. The Second(s) of both parties shall stand together; having taken their ground, the first command "Make ready," which is followed by the word " Fire" are only to be given by the Templar.
Rule 39. Primary(s) must hold their pistols vertically until use; then they may level the weapons and take aim on the first command “Make Ready”, although they may not fire at the time, and may “Fire” on the second command.
Rule 40. A miss-fire is considered a shot, unless stipulation to the contrary has been made.
Rule 41. If one of the party is wounded, he may fire upon his antagonist, but not after the expiration of one turn.
Rule 42. When both parties have fired without effect, the pistols are to be re-loaded, in the same manner as before. (Note: that single shot dueling pistols with special ammunition is recommended or targeting for specific locations on the vampire anatomy).
TESTS OF GRAPPLING (additional)
Rule 44. In Grappling duels, the distance must be 2 paces beyond arms length of both combatants combined, confined to a drawn circle with a diameter of 10 paces. (Note: grappling challenges suit the lower social strata or classes more than the upper class).
Rule 45. The Second(s) stand outside the circle behind their Principal(s).
Rule 46. A stake will be placed in the center of the circle for both combatants to compete use. If the stake crosses out of the circle’s boundary line, the duel is immediately halted by the Second(s). Otherwise, combatants are not allowed to take breath and the fight must ensue uninterrupted until the end result (even if combat spill out the circle—only the stake must remain within its diameter).
Rule 47. Both combatants must reenter the circle in no less than one turns time after the stake reclaims the center. The Second(s) must reconstitute the stake before one minutes expiration—time between, offering count for possible apologies.
Rule 48. Combatants are permitted to turn off the use of any of the bodily limbs, the organ of vision, appendages, etc… of their adversary; without their adversary insisting equality (differs from the advisory’s hand being confined behind his back, or blindfolded, etc…to mimic a lost hand/arm or eye).
Other Links:
- Cardinal Edward Vaughn
- Holy See of Montgomery-Capitol
- Dark Mass: One, as performed by Cardinal Edward Vaughn
- Dark Mass: Two, as performed by Cardinal Edward Vaughn
- The Alabama Ecumenical Concord
