Sabbat Structure

The levels of leadership within the Sabbat are not always precisely defined. The amount of power leaders have is based on how much they can rightfully claim. If they can back themselves up through the support of packs, then they have the right to that level of leadership. The Sabbat uses the titles of clergy to denote the basic levels of leadership that exist within the sect. The practice started partially out of mockery, but it has developed into a useful representation of leader- ship.

The Sabbat is not a very structured sect. There are many levels and positions of leadership. However, unlike the Camarilla, the positions are filled only by the most loyal and capable vampires, regardless of generation. The role of leader in the sect is just that: a leader. Leaders are not rulers. However, the higher the level of leadership, the more Sabbat will listen to and obey the leader. The role of leader is more or less claimed, not awarded. Thus, those fit to lead find their places, pushing out those who are unfit.

Regent - The highest leader bears the title Regent, for (according to Sabbat doctrine) he/she is merely overseeing the sons and daughters of Caine until Caine returns to lead his children himself£ The Regent is the president, so to speak, of this vampire sect. The Regent does not have absolute authority, but his/her directives are usually carried out. There have been four Regents in the sect's history. Each Regent has been overthrown by the other top leaders. Three of the four Regents of the sect, including the current one, have been members of the Lasombra clan.

Cardinals - Assisting the Regent are the cardinals of the Sabbat. This lot has managed to gain control over large geographical regions. The cardinals seldom answer to the Regent or the prisci unless their activities have a detrimental effect on the Sabbat as a whole. The cardinals are responsible for all that happens within their regions, and for planning and delegating all Sabbat activities within their respective regions. There are currently 13 cardinals of the Sabbat. With the expansionist policy of the Sabbat, this number will soon increase.

Prisci - {needs information here]

Archbishops - Serving each cardinal of the Sabbat are archbishops. These vampires usually rise through the ranks, serving lengthy tenures as priests and bishops of the sect. Each cardinal has the power to appoint whomever he wishes to the position of archbishop. Some accept bribes, but vampires who gain their positions in this manner often mysteriously disappear. Most archbishops simply proclaim themselves archbishop and the cardinal usually approves it. The archbishop is the Sabbat's answer to the Camarilla prince. The archbishop controls a city, referred to as an archdiocese.

Bishops - Below the archbishops are the bishops. The bishops control the finances and security of the sect. The bishops can call upon individuals or entire packs to carry out activities in the best interest of the sect. Often the bishops control divisions of territory within a city; these divisions are referred to as dioceses. Sabbat members are within their rights to refuse a bishop's request, but they loose favor with that bishop and may be recognized as disloyal by many others.

Priest - Sabbat priests are the lowest-ranked leaders within the sect, and assist in the administration of individual packs. Each priest is a skilled leader, though he/she may not be the only leader within a pack. The priest acts as emmissary to the bishops in the city. The priest is also trained in leading Sabbat rituals.

Templar - The Sabbat has its share of assassins in addition to the Black Hand. These assassins, known as paladins or templars, serve as personal guards to higher-level leaders. They are also sometimes used to eliminate threats to the security of the Sabbat or the welfare of their personal liege Some paladins appear to be more loyal to their personal liege than they to the Sabbat itself.

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