The Cainite nobility is replete with ranks and titles. Some are ceremonial, and others tied directly to a vampire's status. Unlike the mortal nobility, gender does not divide Cainites; there are probably as many male princes as there are female ones. While some male Cainites might hold on to their mortal preconceptions about the "fairer" sex, only the truly foolish underestimate their female counterparts.
Monarchs
Lords and Ladies
Princes
Barons and Baronesses
Knights
The Low Clains
Monarchs stand above all others, they are regents of Cainite kingdoms who rule over courts that span across Europe and reach to the Holy Land. Most, if not all, are Methuselahs, ancient Cainites who remember the nights of Rome as clearly as most neonates remember their mortal lives. The monarchs were once lords themselves, exiles and survivors of Rome's fall, who grew powerful when Europe was still young and unknown. In the War of Princes, the monarchs goad their lords and princes to battle, trying to secure themselves for the uncertain future that unfolds with each passing night. Some fear that the age of Cainite dominance is coming to a close, and that they will eventually have to hide from humans and rule like lepers in the night.
The monarchs keep their physical locations well hidden, known only to their most loyal lords and attendants, and they don't claim domain over vulnerable cities that can burned down by Cainite rivals or zealous mortals. To exert their influence, the sponsor powerful lords (through force, coercion or powers of power), effectively claiming domain over them. Doing so provides a lord with the backing of a powerful Methusalah, and it grants the monarch agents in return with which to extend his influence, without having to expose or compromise himself. This last element is key, especially considering the fact that some monarchs have been in torpor for centuries and their power bases have eroded. Yet some monarchs, such as the Ventrue Mithras and Hardestadt or the Lasombra Montano, are very active in the War of Princes. They do not shy away from making a personal appearance or leading the occasional charge.
Although they are no where near as powerful as the monarchs, the lords command vast domains and armies of loyal princes, barons and knights. Lords rule territories analogous to most Medieveal kingdoms, which are divided in turn into a number of principalities held by vassal princes. Most lords hold their own courts once or twice per year, spending the rest of the time traveling to the courts of their vassals, settling disputes and attending ceremonies and tournaments.
The most active rank in the War of Princes, prince is a generic term for a vampire with domain over a significant, and strategically vital, territory and tied to the feudal system. This domain is usually of Europe's cities--which are growing in number--or large towns or even key castles. Princes who ruled their fiefdoms before the First Crusades are commonly called counts or dukes to distinguish themselves from younger princes. Although they are impressive titles that command much respect, count, duke or earl are normally honorific.
As aides-de-camp and companions of princes or lords, barons are the field commanders, sheriffs and chamberlains of the nocturnal nobility. Although most claim a domain of sorts (a hamlet, guild, bridge or even castle), the rank of baron is bequeathed in part because of the skills and talents of the vassal. From the title of baron, many Cainites eventually earn their own fiefdoms and becomes princes themselves. While princes and lords are the plotters and schemers of the War of Princes, barons (and the knights below them) are Cainites of action.
The lowerest rank, but in many ways the most important, vampiric knights are usually neonates and ancillae who have proven themselves and sworn fealty to a baron or prince. Although it is a common rank, knight is a noble title and a privilege that puts the vampire above his kin and ties him to official vassalage. Knights are usually dispatched to rival courts as messengers and spies, or they are granted a small domain to test their worth and devotion to their prince, lord, and monarch. In the War of Princes, ti is more often the ashes of knights and their squires that cover the battlefields. But it is also the neonate knights who stand to gain the most. Many inherit vast domains as spoils of war and become forces to be reckoned with in the War of Princes.
The Low Clans are stigmatized under Feudal Lextalionis. Although individuals are rarely welcomed at court, their broods rarely receive the same treatmetn that a Lasombra or Ventrue's might. It is possible for a low-blooded vampire to rise into the nobility, but she must work twice as hard and face constant second-guessing. It is far more common for low-blooded vampires to be given a post at court without the noble rank that usually accompanies it. Malkavian mystics, Gangrel sergeants, Nosferatu spies, and Tremere sorcerers are becoming more and more frequent at court, but even being knighted for their service is a rare blessing.
The War of Princes, however, has begun to blur the lines separating the High and Low Clans. Many Low-Clan Cainites take to the battlefield under the banner of princes and lords, which has given them significant leverage in recent years. Their status grows with each battle, and some have even received domain as their rewards. And of course there are several low-blooded vampires who have simply claimed and defended domains, earning the title of prince without some high-blooded fool's approval.
