It's important. It is the initial contract that is central to the quasi-feudal relationship between Prince and those in his Domain, and should be the first act or priority of a newly arrived Kindred. The Acknowledgement is exactly that. An Acknowledgement that, by swearing a loyalty to the Prince, each Kindred is awarded a series of Rights. These come with associated responsibilities...as all rights should do. The Prince wins the loyalty of the citizen Kindred. In return the Prince does his best to ensure the Kindred are safe and as free from menace as the world will allow.
The Priscus of each Clan may (and should) perform a an Acknowledgement aside from the Prince, Herald or Seneschal, and should be the first ones sought out for such. It confers the following privileges:
- The right to Feed in the Communal area of the City.
- Permission to find shelter in the Communal Zone of the Prince's Domain (A Haven of two dots or less)
- The Right to enjoy the protection of the Prince and the Sanctuary of Elysium
- An increase in Domain Status to 1
- Acknowledgements expire if the Kindred Acknowledged is absent from two consecutive Courts, or the Acknowledgement is anulled by the Prince, Herald or Seneschal
Presentation for Acknowledgment
- The petitioner for Acknowledgement declares their name, Clan and Covenant to the Officer of Court to whom they are requesting Acknowledgement.
- The petitioner is then asked if they will abide by the Praxis of the Prince and will be loyal to him and his appointed Officers. This oath is considered binding and taken on great trust. To be disloyal invites extreme penalties.
- If the petitioner agrees, then a Priscus or the Prince, Herald, etc, will usually Acknowledge them – thereby conferring the Rights outlined above.
See Also