SVM

THE STATUS QUO

Overview Overview Stability.

Stability. It isn't a word that is associated with the Sabbat very oftIt isn't a word that is associated with the Sabbat very often, but it is the end-goal of theen, but it is the end-goal of the Status Quo.

Status Quo. They accept the fact that trThey accept the fact that true and sweeping change is impossible, and ue and sweeping change is impossible, and seek to keepseek to keep things just

things just as they are. as they are. Wars happen, Packs Wars happen, Packs fight, Methuselahs fight, Methuselahs are sought, found, are sought, found, and slain. and slain. AndAnd all of this is just good enough for

all of this is just good enough for them, and if you start adding other things them, and if you start adding other things to the mix, none of to the mix, none of  this will end up getting done

this will end up getting done properly.properly.

The Great Jyhad continues, and the

The Great Jyhad continues, and the Lasombra, Tzimisce, and few scattered Antitribu that makeLasombra, Tzimisce, and few scattered Antitribu that make up the Status Quo understand that shaking

up the Status Quo understand that shaking the foundations of the Sect will only serve to distractthe foundations of the Sect will only serve to distract the rank and file from

the rank and file from their real goals. their real goals. Working to find middle-ground betWorking to find middle-ground between the boisterousween the boisterous Loyalists and the constrictive grasp Ultra Conservatives, The Status Quo have

Loyalists and the constrictive grasp Ultra Conservatives, The Status Quo have their work cut outtheir work cut out for them in their desire to keep

for them in their desire to keep things as they are.things as they are.

Nickname The Status Quo seeks to

The Status Quo seeks to keep things as they are. keep things as they are. Supporters of the Code of Supporters of the Code of Milan, the PurchaseMilan, the Purchase Pact, the Black Hand, and the Inquisition (when they don't seem to be overstepping their bounds Pact, the Black Hand, and the Inquisition (when they don't seem to be overstepping their bounds and stirring the pot in unnecessary pomp an

and stirring the pot in unnecessary pomp and circumstance), the Status Quo are very much d circumstance), the Status Quo are very much aa conservative and methodical Faction, and they pl

conservative and methodical Faction, and they play this role wellay this role well. . As a member, it iAs a member, it is your job tos your job to keep the focus of others on

keep the focus of others on the big picture and remind them the big picture and remind them that the little things shouldn't bother that the little things shouldn't bother  them when they have Antediluvians to

them when they have Antediluvians to destroy hiding out there somewhere.destroy hiding out there somewhere.

Prerequisites to Join Prerequisites to Join Storyteller Approval

Storyteller Approval And Status Quo Subcoord NotificationAnd Status Quo Subcoord Notification Leadership x2, Lore: Sabbat x2, Mentor x1, Politics x1 Leadership x2, Lore: Sabbat x2, Mentor x1, Politics x1 You must hold and retain a

You must hold and retain a position in your Pack or within the Clergy of the position in your Pack or within the Clergy of the SabbatSabbat

Immediate Benefits of Local Importance Immediate Benefits of Local Importance Those of the Status Quo know

Those of the Status Quo know that unity is paramount, and seek to aid that unity is paramount, and seek to aid each other in their planseach other in their plans as best they can, more

as best they can, more so than individuals in other Fso than individuals in other Factions. actions. They also know that this They also know that this cannot becannot be done by those that seek to keep upheavals from happening, but have no power to prevent them.

done by those that seek to keep upheavals from happening, but have no power to prevent them.

Thus, new members of the Faction tend

Thus, new members of the Faction tend to find aid and support from those to find aid and support from those of higher positionof higher position from within the Sect

from within the Sect. . This is represented by an This is represented by an additional mentor for the charadditional mentor for the character, who holdsacter, who holds the position of Bishop i

the position of Bishop in another area. n another area. This individual is a priThis individual is a prime source of knowledge in theme source of knowledge in the more mundane talents necessary to rise through the ranks (Etiquette, Expression, Fire-Dancing, more mundane talents necessary to rise through the ranks (Etiquette, Expression, Fire-Dancing, Intimidation, Leadership, Lore: Noddist, Lore: Sabbat, Politics, Rituals, and Subterfuge, as Intimidation, Leadership, Lore: Noddist, Lore: Sabbat, Politics, Rituals, and Subterfuge, as examples) of the Sect, as well as can

examples) of the Sect, as well as can pull enough strings to at least get pull enough strings to at least get his Faction-matehis Faction-mate connected with some of the

connected with some of the supernatural tools of leadership (Animalism, Auspex, Dominate,supernatural tools of leadership (Animalism, Auspex, Dominate, Fortitude, and Presence all at 2

Fortitude, and Presence all at 2^ndndBasic level).Basic level).

Also, the Status Quo supports the Black Hand more than any other Faction within the Sabbat Also, the Status Quo supports the Black Hand more than any other Faction within the Sabbat (aside from The Hand itself, obviously), and have long had a working relationship with them.

(aside from The Hand itself, obviously), and have long had a working relationship with them.

Given this relationship, a member of the Status Quo c

Given this relationship, a member of the Status Quo c an always spend a short bit of time aan always spend a short bit of time and dignd dig up the contact information for a local

up the contact information for a local Emissary (or other agent if no Emissary is present) to beginEmissary (or other agent if no Emissary is present) to begin discussions with The Hand and be

discussions with The Hand and be received politely.received politely.

Immediate Detriments of Local Importance Immediate Detriments of Local Importance

While neither as radical as the Loyalists, nor as controlling as

While neither as radical as the Loyalists, nor as controlling as the Ultra-Conservatives, the Statusthe Ultra-Conservatives, the Status Quo still attempt

Quo still attempts to control and guide the majors to control and guide the majority of the Sabbat toward ity of the Sabbat toward their goals. their goals. EvenEven though orders are disguised as requests, all but

though orders are disguised as requests, all but the dumbest members of The Sword willthe dumbest members of The Sword will eventually pick up on the

eventually pick up on the fact they’ve been manipulated and fact they’ve been manipulated and led into a situation that they didn’tled into a situation that they didn’t want to happen for the

want to happen for the end goal of someone they end goal of someone they thought had their best interests in mind.thought had their best interests in mind.

Thus, you are disliked great

Thus, you are disliked greatly by both extremes ily by both extremes in the Sabbat. n the Sabbat. The Loyalists thiThe Loyalists think you’re toonk you’re too controlling, the Ultra-Conservatives think you’re too lax, and both

controlling, the Ultra-Conservatives think you’re too lax, and both Factions want to bring youFactions want to bring you down.

down. Members of either FMembers of either Faction may ignore your Saction may ignore your Status once per evening with notatus once per evening with no repercussions for their actions; as they lack respect for you, your manipulations, and repercussions for their actions; as they lack respect for you, your manipulations, and your your  achievements.

achievements.

Prerequisites for Advancement (Regional Importance) Prerequisites for Advancement (Regional Importance)

Storyteller Approval, Approval of the Sabbat Coordinator (Status Quo Subcoordinator) Storyteller Approval, Approval of the Sabbat Coordinator (Status Quo Subcoordinator) You must have been of Local Importance for at least 6 Months

You must have been of Local Importance for at least 6 Months

Etiquette x2, Leadership x3, Lore: Noddist x2, Lore: Sabbat x3, Mentor x3 (in addition to the Etiquette x2, Leadership x3, Lore: Noddist x2, Lore: Sabbat x3, Mentor x3 (in addition to the

one “phantom” Mentor granted by the

one “phantom” Mentor granted by the Immediate benefit of membership), Politics x3, Rituals x3,Immediate benefit of membership), Politics x3, Rituals x3, Subterfuge x3

Subterfuge x3

You must hold and retain a

You must hold and retain a position within your Pack and at least as a position within your Pack and at least as a Bishop of your city, inBishop of your city, in addition to having at least 5

addition to having at least 5 Personal Status.Personal Status.

Additional Benefits of Regional Importance Additional Benefits of Regional Importance

As the individuals personal sway rises, so does the interest the rest of

As the individuals personal sway rises, so does the interest the rest of the Faction has in him or the Faction has in him or  her.

her. More knowledgeable instructors More knowledgeable instructors take the place of the previous Bishop take the place of the previous Bishop and other talents of and other talents of  leadership are offered to the individual (Effectively the PC now has a mentor that can instruct all leadership are offered to the individual (Effectively the PC now has a mentor that can instruct all  previously listed abilities to level 5 [and others at ST discretion], as well as u

 previously listed abilities to level 5 [and others at ST discretion], as well as u p to the secondp to the second intermediate levels in the following disciplines: Animalism, Auspex, Dominate, Fortitude, and intermediate levels in the following disciplines: Animalism, Auspex, Dominate, Fortitude, and Presence).

Presence).

In addition, in absence of

In addition, in absence of other willing individuals in the Diocese, this Mentor can other willing individuals in the Diocese, this Mentor can recognizerecognize your deeds and grant you standing for them (assuming their validity

your deeds and grant you standing for them (assuming their validity, of course). , of course). This allows youThis allows you to side-step the local political field and gain

to side-step the local political field and gain recognition from someone who adheres to recognition from someone who adheres to your your   political bent, instead of forcing you under

 political bent, instead of forcing you under the thumb of a possible radical you wthe thumb of a possible radical you will be removingill be removing at a later time.

at a later time.

Additional Detriments of Regional Importance Additional Detriments of Regional Importance These ties with The Hand don’t

These ties with The Hand don’t come on a one-way street. come on a one-way street. While they offiWhile they officially removecially remove themselves from politics, you may be pressured at times to take their side

themselves from politics, you may be pressured at times to take their side on issues that arise inon issues that arise in your region, whether they ar

your region, whether they are activated or not. e activated or not. This lack of bias could easiThis lack of bias could easily be discovered byly be discovered by the nosy, and then manipulated.

the nosy, and then manipulated. In return for theiIn return for their support, you are now the unoffr support, you are now the unofficialicial spokesperson for the policies the Hand wishes pushed,

spokesperson for the policies the Hand wishes pushed, and well…they don’t take failure lightly,and well…they don’t take failure lightly, or accept it often (if at all).

or accept it often (if at all).

Spies are everywhere, moreso when you become

Spies are everywhere, moreso when you become someone important that resists the change thatsomeone important that resists the change that others deem necessary.

others deem necessary. Anyone of at least Regional Anyone of at least Regional Import in any other FImport in any other Faction that has Sabbataction that has Sabbat Lore x3 or higher can engage in a static Investigation challenge (difficulty equal to 20 minus Lore x3 or higher can engage in a static Investigation challenge (difficulty equal to 20 minus your total status) to find out one of your negative trai

your total status) to find out one of your negative traits of flaws of two points or less. ts of flaws of two points or less. They mayThey may not necessarily know what the flaw represents (For instance, you may be

not necessarily know what the flaw represents (For instance, you may be known to have quite known to have quite aa few skeletons in your closet [the Dark Secret flaw], but they only

few skeletons in your closet [the Dark Secret flaw], but they only know the skeletons are there…know the skeletons are there…

not who they are so t

not who they are so to speak). o speak). These flaws and negative traitThese flaws and negative traits have to be something that couls have to be something that couldd have been ‘passed around

have been ‘passed around the grapevine’ as it were, so completely the grapevine’ as it were, so completely isolated secret incidents andisolated secret incidents and unknown flaws cannot be detected.

unknown flaws cannot be detected.

Prerequisites for Advancements (National Importance) Prerequisites for Advancements (National Importance)

Storyteller Approval, Approval of the Sabbat Coordinator (Status Quo Sub-coordinator) Storyteller Approval, Approval of the Sabbat Coordinator (Status Quo Sub-coordinator) You must have been of Regional Importance for 1 Year 

You must have been of Regional Importance for 1 Year 

Etiquette x5, Leadership x5, Lore: Noddist x3, Lore: Sabbat x5, Mentor x5 (in addition to the Etiquette x5, Leadership x5, Lore: Noddist x3, Lore: Sabbat x5, Mentor x5 (in addition to the

“phantom” Mentor granted by the Immediate benefit

“phantom” Mentor granted by the Immediate benefit of membership), Politics x5, Rituals x3,of membership), Politics x5, Rituals x3, Subterfuge x5

Subterfuge x5

You must hold and retain a

You must hold and retain a position within your Pack, serve as Archbishop of your Diocese position within your Pack, serve as Archbishop of your Diocese (or a(or a higher position within the Clergy), and possess at least 8

higher position within the Clergy), and possess at least 8 Personal Status.Personal Status.

Additional Benefits of National Importance Additional Benefits of National Importance As an ardent supporter of “the way things are

As an ardent supporter of “the way things are now,” you’ve caught the eye now,” you’ve caught the eye of several veryof several very important individuals in t

important individuals in the Hierarchy. he Hierarchy. You gain the Status TrYou gain the Status Trait of “Favored” and now haveait of “Favored” and now have direct communication with one of

direct communication with one of the powerful and influential Cardinalthe powerful and influential Cardinals of the Sabbat. s of the Sabbat. Any whoAny who cast their ire upon you must also take

cast their ire upon you must also take into consideration the repercussions of slandering such ainto consideration the repercussions of slandering such a  powerful individual as well.

 powerful individual as well.

Additionally, those you have impressed are some of the

Additionally, those you have impressed are some of the true elders of the Sabbat, and true elders of the Sabbat, and will see towill see to your tuteledge in the final acquisition of the

your tuteledge in the final acquisition of the powers of leadership (the aforementionedpowers of leadership (the aforementioned disciplines, to advanced level).

disciplines, to advanced level). Though these kernels of knowledge do not come wiThough these kernels of knowledge do not come without coststhout costs (approval of the Sabbat Coordinator [or Status Quo Subcoordinator]), and these costs may put (approval of the Sabbat Coordinator [or Status Quo Subcoordinator]), and these costs may put you directly against those that seek to rock

you directly against those that seek to rock the boat in your area.the boat in your area.

Additional Detriments of National Importance Additional Detriments of National Importance You need to remain viable.

You need to remain viable. Should you fall from Should you fall from the position of Archbishop, you ithe position of Archbishop, you immediatelymmediately lose all benefits of

lose all benefits of National Importance. National Importance. Those who favored you will Those who favored you will turn a baleful eye tturn a baleful eye towardoward your besmirching of their good judgment, and the tasks required to re-attain your position within your besmirching of their good judgment, and the tasks required to re-attain your position within the Faction may well

the Faction may well kill you before they kill you before they make you stronger. make you stronger. You are dealing with theYou are dealing with the reputations of those beings centuries older than yourself, with every year

reputations of those beings centuries older than yourself, with every year that passed a chance for that passed a chance for  them to become even more self-serving, inhumane, and willing to bury an embarrassment rather  them to become even more self-serving, inhumane, and willing to bury an embarrassment rather  than let them try

than let them try to “redeem” themselves. to “redeem” themselves. The only exception to this woulThe only exception to this would be if you wered be if you were welcomed to the Cardinal’s table of Paladins; then…well…you have o

welcomed to the Cardinal’s table of Paladins; then…well…you have o ther expectations of you.ther expectations of you.

The network of spies at this level is much

The network of spies at this level is much thicker, and the political and social thicker, and the political and social terrain much moreterrain much more treacherous.

treacherous. Thus, your secrets are Thus, your secrets are even less safe from even less safe from those that would like to lthose that would like to learn then.earn then.

Thankfully, the ones that like to hold

Thankfully, the ones that like to hold these secrets like to be the only ones these secrets like to be the only ones with Aces in the Holewith Aces in the Hole of this caliber.

of this caliber. A Nationally ImportA Nationally Important member of any other Fant member of any other Faction with Sabbat Lore x4 canaction with Sabbat Lore x4 can now make a static Investigation challenge

now make a static Investigation challenge (difficulty is equal to 25 minus your total Status) to(difficulty is equal to 25 minus your total Status) to

now make a static Investigation challenge (difficulty is equal to 25 minus your total Status) to(difficulty is equal to 25 minus your total Status) to