Clan Senya Titles (WoD)

For many centuries Clan Senya held the Great Deception. Pretending to be members of other clans, the Clan kept its existence a secret from the other Clans, building their powerbases and influencing events secretly. Internally, the clan operated much like a mortal intelligence agency, with clandestine meetings, alternate identities and secret messages - but with a controlling structure and roles and titles. Many of these titles had been around since before the Great Deception, others developed during the Deception, and yet others were formalised after that Clan ended the Great Deception, as part of its new role in the Camarilla.

Many of the titles overlap, or conflict with Camarilla titles. For example, a Senya may be the Primogen of a Camarilla city, having a seat on the Prince's council and thus representing the clan; yet may have an older kindred who has no formal Camarilla title holding the position of Patriarch, or perhaps first-amongst-equals. This means whilst this kindred may have great status within the Camarilla, the Clan would expect him to be subservient to his superior.

In Ashford for example, Braxton Donahoe is the Senya Primogen, although he is by far not the eldest Senya in town. He is also the First-Amongst-Equals for the state of California. There is presently no Patriarch in Ashford as Braxton's presence effectively makes it moot. It has been suggested that with the increasing Cathayan and Sabbat assaults on California, that Braxton may need to step down as either Primogen or First-Amongst-Equals or suffer at both positions. If he were to step down as Primogen, then the likelihood is that another Senya would become the Primogen, and likely take the position of Patriarch/Matriarch. Within Ashford, as far as the Camarilla is concerned, this Kindred would be the clan's representative and ruler, but as far as the clan is concerned, Braxton would still be calling the shots.

Like much in Kindred society, in case of conflicts then personal influence, power, and the respect and support of other Senya is a big factor in which position holder would win out. As a rule, however, Children of the Dark almost always side with Clan Status over Camarilla Status (as loyalty to the clan is a major principle of the Path of Honorable Accord that most of them follow), whilst Children of the Light, Children of Light and Shadow and (especially) Oracles are more likely to support a Primogen over a Patriarch/Matriarch. The reality is that defiance to the clan would have been dangerous and life-threatening in the past, but Camarilla rules prohibit this to a great extent, at least openly. Whilst covertly things can still happen, again depending on the power and ruthlessness of the Senya authorities being defied, this has proven in practice to grant the opportunity for rebellious and even anarch Senya to survive, if not thrive.

Titles of Status

These titles represent achievement of status, via age, wisdom or personal achievements. Lower levels can be gained simply by age or natural occurrences that apply (or could apply) to most Senya kindred, but the higher levels can only be achieved by those Senya who prove themselves effectively pillars of the community and obtain both personal power which benefits the clan, as well as proven loyalty and responsibility.

Δυνητικός (Dynitikós - Potential)

Mortals/Ghouls Only
This is when a mortal has been officially marked as a potential for the Embrace and is being observed (and to a degree protected) by the clan. This official marking is done in order for clan members to know, and thus not negatively interfere with, the adoptee. For example Potentials will not be fed upon or ghouled by other clan members, and may even find themselves receiving protection against non-Senya kindred who may attempt to. Potentials are usually ghouled by prospective sires and monitored over a period of time.

Θετός (Thetós - Adopted)

0-Point Clan Status Title
Recently-embraced Kindred, Thetós (adopted) spend a period of time (usually up to 20 years) with their sire receiving guidance and tutelage in the ways of the Clan, the Kindred and of Gehenna. Whilst the period under which their sires are responsible for them numbers 20 years, the actual direct mentorship period is usually far less. In these Final Nights, many sires spend only a few years directly mentoring their childer, though they are responsible for them in the eyes of the clan for the full period. Adoptees have no voice or vote in clan functions, and require a nomination from a brethren in order to address the assembly of their own cognition. During their adoption period they must remain within the same city as their sire. The new Presider has recently begun to allow the adoption period to be cut short for respected sires whose childe has proven merit. Adoptees must spend at least one point in the Mentor background to represent that their sire is duty-bound to tutor and protect them until the end of their Adoption period.

Υιός/Κόρη (Gios/Kóri - Son/Daughter)

0-Point Clan Status Title
Collectively referred to as paidiá (children), this is the title given to kindred who have ended the Adoption period but have not yet undergone the Becoming. Children are considered junior clan members, expected to act according to clan law and whilst they are allowed to voice opinions in clan functions, they may not vote or request the right to Embrace. Though they are treated well, and often their elders will listen to wisdom they may say, many Sons/Daughters resent the fact that most clansmen still treat them like childer during this time, as they are considered inexperienced. This period is still considered a learning period by most except that unlike when they were an Adoptee, this is a period of Self-discovery and Self-learning as opposed to Guidance and Tutorial.

Αδερφός/Aδερφή (Aderfós/Aderfí - Brother/Sister)

1-Point Clan Status Title
Collectively referred to as αδελφοί (adelfoí - brethren), this title is traditionally granted to those of our clan who have come of age - on the fiftieth year of unlife – and undergone the Becoming. In modern nights this has evolved and is now granted at an earlier stage to neonates who show promise or prove themselves to the clan with respectable deeds. In fact, some claim that clan members seems to show more respect for neonates who “earn” the becoming early than those who “graduate” to it simply by ageing and following the clan laws. It was known that Clarissa Jade, embraced in 1945, was granted her Becoming after only 32 years. All Senya of adelfoí or greater status are considered βουλή (Boule) – able to vote on clan affairs in general assemblies and grand conclaves and the term Boule is used to collectively refer to all members of the clan with full rights and membership.  

Πατήρ/Πητέρα (Patér/Mitéra - Father/Mother)

2-Point Clan Status Title
Collectively referred to as γονεῖς (goneís – parents), this honorary title is granted to those of our kin who have sired and raised childer. This act carries status as only brethren who have gained sufficient respect are allowed to Embrace, and it is believed that each new member who adapts well and prospers, enrichens and empowers the clan as a whole with new strength, knowledge or culture, depending on the one Embraced. During their childe’s adoption period, the paters gain the Ward flaw as they are duty-bound to guide and care for the adoptee. The title is kept even after the 20 year adoption period ends, as a mark of respect for contributing to the clan’s growth and strength. A parent who’s childe becomes a failure – failing the Becoming, becoming Wayward or similar, or if they failed to protect them and the childe meets final death – earns the title of Estranged to signify that they failed as a parent and, by extension, the clan. In the case where a sire is killed before the end of their childe’s adoption period, other Senya who would be eligible can assume the role of Parent, gaining the status and responsibilities thereof. This is also similarly common of particularly high-Title holders, such as Firsts or higher, where it is common that the Embrace itself is carried out by the sire, but the responsibilities of Parent are passed on to another. These individuals are known as ανάδοχος (anádochos), which equates to “Godparent” or “Sponsor”).

Πατριάρχης/ Mατριάρχης (Patriárchis/Matriárchis - Patriarch/Matriarch)

3-Point Clan Status Title
Collectively referred to as Πατριαρχία (Patriarchía – Patriarchy), these are the Senya in charge of other Senya in the city, and leader of the Boule. A position roughly equivalent to Camarilla Primogen and typically serve the same function within Camarilla domains. They are the elected representative of the clan in a City, chosen by the resident Senya in a city. This person is normally the most popular, powerful or respected of our clan in the locale, though popular young kindred with good diplomatic skills may be chosen instead of far elder kindred. Note that for clan status purposes, there is no distinction made between whether a Matriarch is a Primogen, or the Prince of the city. Clan status is accorded based on loyalty and respect within the clan, not the Camarilla. It is possible, though rare, for a Senya with low clan status to become the Primogen or even Prince of a city, or conversely for a Matriarch to have no official Camarilla title of function. Most commonly, as the Patriarchy are elected by the Boule in assemblies, the election serves to select both the Partiarch as well as the Primogen. It is not unheard of, however, for the Boule to elect a highly respected or diplomatic Brethren as their Primogen, serving in an Ambassadorial role to the clan, but not as Patriarch. This Primogen would, as far as the clan is concerned, fall under the direction of and working alongside the elected Matriarch. At least, in theory. In practice, which of the two has more actual power in a city and sway over the city’s Senya depends on both personal influence and power. Difficult and contentious relation and rivalry between Children of the Light Primogen and Children of the Dark Matriarchs are not as uncommon as the clan would like to admit.

Πρῶτος μεταξὺ ἴσων (Protos Metaxy Ison - First Among Equals)

4-Point Clan Status Title
This title used to be known as the Archones (Archons) but was changed after the 2nd Gran Conclave to avoid confusion with the Camarilla title of the same name after gaining membership. Collectively referred to as Πρώτα (Próta – Firsts) or the latin alternative, Primacy. Whilst the Patriarchy oversees the clan’s affairs within a city, the First Among Equals – or simply Protos, First, or Primus (from the Latin Primus Inter Pares also meaning First Among Equals) – is responsible for coordinating and liaising Senya activities within a region, typically a county, state or similar, typically depending on the size and population of a country. At the least, Firsts supervise a number of cities. The First is elected from and by the Patriarchy in their region of representation, although it is up to the Ekklesia to determine both how many Firsts they want to allocate, and what regions they oversee. The Patriarchy and Firsts are not necessarily the eldest of our clan in a region. In California, for example, Braxton Donahoe serves as First for the state, even though he takes only the position of Primogen within the city, and there are notably elder Senya residing in both the state as well as his own city. It is rare to see Senya Firsts or higher achieving Camarilla positions of Seneschal, Prince or greater, as it is felt that the demands of those positions would occupy too much of their attention, and potentially split their loyalties, to carry out their clan functions. Those Senya who seek to climb the status ladder essentially need to choose if to climb the ladder of the Ivory Tower, serving as Ambassadors and diplomats or working alongside with the Patriarchy and Próta. It is entirely possible for a Senya to amass enough personal power to claim the position of Prince or Anarch Baron, yet have no formal clan status, and be defiant and not respect the authority of the clan hierarchy, becoming Estranged or Wayward. These individuals are typically very powerful and paranoid individuals, as being a Wayward opens them to the very real possibility that a Prytanis or Ekklesia may decide it is in the best interests to the clan to remove them from power.

Πρύτανις (Prytanis - Executive)

5-Point Clan Status Title
Collectively known as the Πρυτάνεις (Prytaneis). Whilst Firsts coordinate clan activities within a state or region, via Patriarchs/Matriarchs who direct clan affairs within a specific city, the Prytanis serve as executive functionaries overseeing activities between the various Firsts in a country. The geographic size of the country and number of cities/states does not particularly matter as far as the title is concerned, meaning that some Prytaneis have a lot more responsibility than others – the Prytanis of USA has many Firsts to oversee, whilst the Prytanis of Monaco has substantially less. Whilst some regions may be smaller, but have more contentious issues to worry about. Some countries or cities may have few if any Patriarchy or Firsts, in essence forcing the Prytanis to take this role. The Prytanis of Mexico, for example, is more involved in coordinating with Wraiths and Phantoms in the Sabbat capital than any established clan presence in the predominantly Sabbat-controlled country.

Εκκλησία (Ekklesia – the Ecclesia/Assembly)

6-Point Clan Status Title
The Ekklesia is the ruling assembly of the clan – also commonly known in the modern nights as the Inner Council – which debate any clan-wide-affecting decisions. Ekklesiasts are elected from the ranks of the Archontes partly by other members of the assembly, and in large part chosen by lottery in a process called sortition. Each of the assembly positions relates to one of the six major continents and whilst they have an equal vote on the assembly, the actual power and responsibility they control varies tremendously – for example the Ekklesiast for Europe is more influential than the Ekklesiast for Australasia. The following are the current Ekklesia positions:

• Councillor (Asia): Grigori Orlov (CoD) – Covers all the former USSR states (including Russia, though mortal political maps place it in Europe), middle-east and Asian countries Due to the Assamite and Setite presence in the Middle-East and Cathayans in the oriental areas, this position can bring its share of danger.
• Councillor (Africa): Unjongo Hamsou (CoL) – Covers both North and South Africa. Although it is a large area with many territories, it is one of the least contentious as the Ebony Kingdom is home to the Laibon, who do not see themselves as descendants of Caine and refuse membership or allegiance to any of the Cainite sects, and both Camarilla and Sabbat presence are limited and mostly limited to North African strongholds. Nevertheless, as both sects try to expand their influence in Africa, as well as the especially strong presence of Setites in North Africa, this region is not without its challenges.
• Councillor (North America): Isabela (Bat-Zabbai)(CoD) - Covers all of the United States and Canada. As the Camarilla is heavily at war with the Sabbat on the east and southern coasts, and the Cathayans in California, this is a very busy and powerful post. Isabela’s successful leadership in this region, plus her advanced age, were key factors in her becoming Presider.
• Councillor (South America): Ana Carolina Lima (CoL) – As much of South America is controlled by the Sabbat or Independents, this position can be quite dangerous.
• Councillor (Eurasia): Sigmund (CoL) - Covers all countries geographically (if not politically) in Europe. As the clan’s birthplace is considered to be Greece, and Europe has many conflicting Camarilla and Sabbat domains, this position is considered prestigious and was held by the famed Manipalios prior to his death.
• Councillor (Australasia): Hugh Anderson (CoL) – Covers all of Australasia. This is considered the least prestigious position on the council, though some conflicts with Cathayans encroaching from the north have accorded it more respect.

Προεδρεύων (Proedrévon – Presider)

7-Point Clan Status Title
There is only ever one current Presider – this is the chosen Kindred to act as head of the Ekklesia. The Presider determines what direction the clan will follow, handles formal relationships with outsiders and acts as final arbiter in all matters. The Presider is chosen by and from the Ekklesia and therefore also has the responsibilities and duties of an Ekklesiast. The Presider is also expected to hold the clan’s seat in the Camarilla’s Ruling Council unless they choose to appoint another in their stead – but as there has only been two Presiders in the clan’s history, only one since the clan joined the Camarilla, how this will develop has yet to be seen. The current presider is Bat-Zabbai, more commonly known as Isabela, childe of Mariahanne, childe of Kaie’Mu, childe of Zillah, childe of Caine, who also carries out the role of Ekklesiast for North America and holds our seat on the Camarilla Council.

Titles of Shame

Estranged

Negative Clan Status Title
The title Estranged is appended to those who have broken clan laws or failed the clan. For example, a Father may become an Estranged Father if their childe has failed their Becoming, turned Antitribu or failed their adoption period and been destroyed, as a mark of shame to denote that they either chose their progeny poorly, or failed to guide them properly. Those Estranged lose the right to Embrace or to vote in clan affairs – effectively having the same rights as paidiá (children) until they re-earn the clan’s trust. It is possible for children to become Estranged too. Although in this case there is no practical loss of rights, it marks the paidiá as being on the path to failing the Becoming, and the Boule will treat them accordingly. In this case, the title

Prodigal

Negative Clan Status Title
Like Estranged, this is a negative title given to a Senya who has been Exiled from their city due to some crime against the clan or perceived failure. They are treated by Senya in other cities much the same way as Estranged. Prodigals are usually exiled for a specific period or with a specific (usually dangerous) task which, if successfully accomplished, allows the prodigal to return home with their rights re-instated. Prodigals who fail, or flee, are marked as Wayward. The neonate Valerie, progeny of the famed First Among Equals, Braxton Donahoe, was a renown Prodigal until her activities during the Sabbat Crusade redeemed her.

Wayward

Negative Clan Status Title
Like Estranged and Prodigal, this is a negative title given to a Senya who has committed grave offences, failed the Becoming, Prodigals gone rogue or similar. This mark, placed by the Chosen or higher, means that a Senya has been marked for death by the clan. It is sometimes possible, though difficult, for a Wayward to redeem himself and become Estranged – an example of this is Kristina Otis, one of the clan’s Securitors, who was in her youth marked as Wayward – but due to protection by her sire was given the chance and ability to change, and was ultimately redeemed. All Antitribu are, by definition, Wayward.

Titles of Function

Lorekeeper

2-Point Clan Status Title
A clan expert in lore valuable to the clan. Traditionally, more Lorekeepers have been historians and experts in Kindred Lore, particularly the studies of the Book of Nod and prophecies of the End Times, but in the modern nights the role has expanded to include other forms of expert knowledge. Anastasia Nikolaevna for example is a renown medical scientific expert, particularly on the kindred condition and the metaphysics of the Clan discipline of Apparitionem ; although all Lorekeepers must have at least competent understanding in kindred, noddist or clan lore (if not general occult expertise) to be granted the title. Lorekeepers also keep track of clan records, status and boons. Ascensionists and Oracles (especially so, as it falls quite naturally within their areas of interest) are traditionally the ones that most often become Lorekeepers, although some Shadows have become Lorekeepers of renown (such as the famed archaeologist Nicole Bourgoin).

Paladin

2-Point Clan Status Title
Paladins are members of the clan who specialise in martial prowess and study threats to the clan – traditionally the Sabbat, Baali and the Lupines. Their job is to protect other clan members and bring those fleeing clan justice in. Functionally, they serve much like Camarilla Sheriffs or Hounds, but within the clan. As they are expected to put themselves in harms way for others, or lead in times of conflict, they are accorded respect. Those who follow the Path of Honorable Accord tend to naturally gravitate towards becoming Paladins, which are often seen as a precursor to becoming a Securitor, and so this is popular amongst both the Children of the Dark and the more warrior-oriented Children of the Light.

Phantom

2-Point Clan Status Title
A member of the clan who specialises in disguising themselves as another – usually a member of another clan - in order to infiltrate an organisation or spy on another group or sect for the clan. Phantoms are often thought of as being the “black ops” of the clan, doing jobs under guises of others so that the clan can have deniability. Therefore many Phantoms are Shadows and were investigators, assassins or able manipulators even during their mortal lives. Many Securitors function as Phantoms in the short-term. By appointment, Phantoms serve as double agents for the clan – and their sacrifice and bravery is respected, as they usually operate without any clan support and the consequences of being caught infiltrating the Setites, Giovanni or Sabbat are unpleasant and fatal, if the Phantom is lucky. Phantoms liaise with and fall under Securitors, who monitor many of their activities, especially those Phantoms in the Sabbat, which is a hard role for them to lead due to the Vaulderie. To aid them, Sabbat Phantoms are usually taught the Sanguinary Expulsion combination discipline.

Wraith

2-Point Clan Status Title
Functionally similar to Camarilla Alastors, Wraiths are tasked with finding and destroying Senya Antitribu, or Waywards who have fled. This is a dangerous job which often requires infiltrating enemy sects, such as the Sabbat, or stealthy incursions into hostile territory, and as such is accorded respect. Wraiths also liaise with and fall under Securitors, and functionally often work alongside or rely on intel gathered by Phantoms.

Securitor

3-Point Clan Status Title
Securitors are our secret police. Chosen for expertise in their respective fields their job is to protect other clansmen. Each First can nominate candidates to their Inner Councillor, who then decides how many, and who, to appoint to this station. Securitors function in a similar role to Camarilla Archons but without any official Camarilla recognition, although as Justicars can pick their archons or assistants, the clan’s current Justicar usually appoints one or more Securitors as archons.

First Securitor

5-Point Clan Status Title
Every 13 years the Camarilla Inner Council meet and select their Justicars – one for each clan - a position which is then held for the next 13 years. Whilst it is the Inner Council that argues over, votes on and appoints each clan’s Justicars, the Councillor for each clan is the one to put forward nominations for their clan. The Senya Councillor always puts the names of our Securitors forward and, as such, the Senya Justicar is therefore chosen by the Camarilla Inner Council from amongst one of the Securitors. This Securitor is then elevated to the title of First Securitor out of respect, and can command the other Securitors, who are often employed as their Archons. Pearce Morgan serves as the current First Securitor for Clan Senya. Note that whilst the Justicar’s official function is to enforce Camarilla law and safety, it is expected that loyalty to the clan comes first.

Jyhad Warrior

6-Point Clan Status Title
This relatively new position, chosen by and answerable only to the Inner Council, is a granted to an accomplished warrior who then devotes his existence liaising with Lorekeepers and Securitors to seek new Lore on Gehenna. Unlike Lorekeepers who merely research Gehenna, the Jyhad Warrior is charged with acting to prevent this day from coming by any means necessary. This can range from tackling the greatest threats to the world, seeking out and destroying Setite and Baali cults – all the while without any support from the Camarilla, who would see their activities as heresy at best, treason at worst. The first, and current Jyhad Warrior is an ex-Gangrel named Luke. I’m sure someone will tell you the story sometime.