Status
From CoterieWiki
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As Kindred's life blood may be vitae, their social sustenance comes from gossip. Status is a system in which a character's reputation may rise or fall. It's a cut throat part of Kindred society where Harpies can be bought off, friends may turn their backs and enemies bask in your minor failures.
So what is Status?
The easiest answer to this question is Status is the public opinion of your character in New Marseille. It's what people are saying behind your back (in character), basically.
Why is Status important?
It all depends on the goals of your character. For a character who's entrenched in the political affairs of New Marseille, status can make or break their career. Not only that, but other characters will respond to the status you hold in the city. Characters that hold a high status with many positive traits are less likely to associate with those of low status for fear of being labeled with them in conversations. After all, we're only as good as the company we keep, right? Well, the petty nature of Kindred believe so.
Perception is everything in New Marseille. While your character may not be Untrustworthy, that doesn't mean a slighted or competitive character won't start spreading that rumor... or even worse, pay off a harpy to spread it for him.
What are harpies?
The cop out answer on this would be to send you to the harpy entry: here. So, that will give you a basic idea of what harpies are regarding the Camarilla view.
But let's break it down to what's more understandable for us players. Harpies are the "status police" and just like any human police precinct may be corrupt, the harpies are no different! A harpy lives and breaths gossip and while they may say they only serve the best interests of the populace, they are still kindred. Harpies can be bought and sold to weave words to the benefit or detriment of their fellow kindred. They control the public view of the populace.
If you want to stay on top of the status game, pissing off a harpy is not always in your best interest... unless of course, you're trying to defame the harpy, but that's an entirely different bowl of jellybeans!
What is the difference between clan status and Camarilla status?
Camarilla status is the view of your character's reputation within the entire Camarilla, but clan status is the view of your character within your own clan (the entire clan, not just your local clan members). Often times, a player will need to choose which status they want to pursue because clan status and Camarilla status can be polar opposites (except perhaps the Ventrue).
To use an example, let's say you are a Gangrel. Now your character may be well respected and viewed as Loyal within the Camarilla, but how will your clan react? They may think you're an Obedient Dog. Not very flattering, but that's part of the game.
All characters must choose, and it's a good idea to pick early on what you're gearing for. Both Camarilla status and Clan status have their own pros and cons.
Where can I find what my status is?
You can see your Camarilla Status here.
Please go to your respective clan forums for your clan Status.
What do Camarilla status traits mean?
Below is a listing of both positive and negative Camarilla status traits and their base definitions. As a reminder to all players, the status system is not a fair system. Just because a status trait is listed for your character does not mean by definition the trait is true or untrue.
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Alright, I get the traits, but what do the numbers mean?
The numbers listed beside your Status Traits have a two-fold purpose. First, they are a rating of how well-known your character is not only in New Marseille, but also in the entirety of Kindred society as well as how much sway you hold in that society. Second, they dictate who in the city hierarchy is willing to listen to you and who you will need help to see. Below is a listing of guidelines in which status levels are treated. Please keep in mind that it is not until Camarilla Lore 2 that your character will have a full understanding of the information below. (Don't metagame. The Storytellers will notice.)
| Status Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Negative Status | Only possible when one is blood hunted. |
| 0 Status | Unacknowledged or extremely disgraced individuals. |
| 1 Status | All acknowledged Kindred who have not yet made a name for themselves. No special effects. |
| 2 Status | Kindred who are not only acknowledged, but have in some minor way distinguished themselves in a manner befitting a more statused individual. At this level, a Kindred may approach the Primogen of another clan to discuss a business matter. Not being at this level does not preclude discussion with a Primogen of another Clan on trivial matters, current affairs, or other non-business topics (though certain Primogen may look down on you for attempting to do so). This level simply opens the door to doing business with a Primogen of another clan. |
| 3 Status | Kindred whom have distinguished themselves above the average neonate in terms of Status. Lowest level of Status a Primogen should have without that Primogen's status reflecting poorly upon the assembled clan. Minimum level of status necessary to get an audience with the assembled Primogen Council. |
| 4 Status | The average Status of a Primogen, or Kindred who are well known and have distinguished themselves within the city enough so that their name may be known to neighboring areas. Minimum level required to request an audience with the Seneschal. Individuals of this level may request an audience with the Prince, but are subject to His Grace's discretion. |
| 5 Status | Well known Kindred, even beyond the walls of other cities. Rumors and stories of exploits and deeds may be whispered of in nearby Elysiums. Acceptable level to request a direct audience with the Prince. |
| 6-7 Status | Extremely well known kindred whose exploits are well known through out the Camarilla cities of the continent. May have attracted the attention of those whom an Elder generally considers their Elders. |
| 8 Status | A well known individual who has become known throughout most of the Elysiums of the world. |
| 9-10 Status | Generally a Prince or other person of considerable power. |
| 10+ Status | Can be used on occasion to exemplify the relative status of an individual who ascends the normal scale of city affairs, such as an Archon or Justicar. |
Pursuing the Status Game rather than Playing Your Character: Don't Do It
If it is observed that a player is specifically pursuing Status that lies outside of their character's understanding of Status and/or outside of their character's motivations as dictated by play, the player will be docked XP or worse... expelled from the game. While Status is important to the Coterie Online Chronicle, it is not the primary purpose of the game. The primary purpose is to tell the stories of your characters realistically and coherently. Status chasers will be noticed.
Going to a harpy and saying, "I want to be known as Exalted," will not fly (not that you can't buy status, but being that specific introduces a level of meta information that is not accessible in character). The traits themselves are not exact nor would your character have a full understanding of them no matter your level of lore. There is no magical list in character. In character it is hearsay and reputation.
That all said, have fun and good luck!
