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 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 has developed into a useful representation of leadership.

Regent - The highest title in the Sabbat is that of Regent, who is the absolute leader of the Sabbat and (according to Sabbat doctrine) 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 her directives are usually carried out. The title of Regent is currently held by Melinda (Lasombra). There have been only 4 Regents in the Sabbat's history (3 Lasombra and one Tzimisce).

The Regents responsibilities include:
Oversee all matters of the Pack
Handle all disputes that cannot be resolved by the Cardinals/Prisci
Has the authority to make/break alliances and declare enemies *
Has all powers regarding promotion and demotion of those within the Pack *
May bring others in to Unlife or give them Final Death *
Member of the Inner Circle with full voting power

Cardinals - Assisting the Regent are the Cardinals of the Sabbat. This lot has managed to gain control over large geographical regions, similar to how the Tremere Inner Circle have large assigned territories. . 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 13 Cardinals, chosen by status within the Sect and not by clan.

The Cardinals responsibilities include:
Assist and advise the Regent
Handle all disputes involving more than one Clan that cannot be resolved by the ArchBishops/Bishops
Has the authority to make/break alliances and declare enemies *
Can promote or demote those of a lessor rank *
May bring others in to Unlife or give them Final Death *
Members of the Inner Circle with full voting power

Prisci - Below the Cardinals in power are the Prisci. The Prisci act as a board of directors for the Regent, similar to a Camarilla city's Primogen and advising the Regent and the Cardinals about the affairs of the sect. Atthought they report to the Cardinals, they serve the Regent directly. Most are Elders or powerful Ancillae. One member from each clan is chosen, for a total of 13. The most prestigious of the clan members generally hold the rank of Prisci .

The Prisci's responsibilities include:
Advise the Regent and Cardinals of the Pack
Members of the Inner Circle with full voting power
Unable to bring others into Unlife, give them Final Death, promote or demote, or make/break alliances and declare enemies *

Together the Cardinals and the Prisci form the Inner Circle. No one with status less then 4 could ever see the Inner Circle to meet with them, unless they summoned you for whatever reason.

Arch-Bishop - Serving each Cardinal of the Sabbat are ArchBishops. Arch-Bishops serve their territory's Cardinal, holding sway over a smaller region, similar to a Camarilla Prince ruling a city. 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. Multiple Arch-Bishops preside over these smaller domains, all contained within a single Cardinal's region.

The ArchBishop's responsibilities include:
Oversee all matters of a clan within the Pack and lead that Clan
Assist and advise the Cardinals
Handle all disputes involving members of their Clan
May bring others into Unlife *

Bishop - Below the ArchBishops are the Bishops. The Bishops serve the Arch Bishops and are given domains in a city to control as a vassal for the Arch-Bishop.

The Bishop's responsibilities include:
Advise the ArchBishops of the Clan
Assist ArchBishops in Clan matters when necessary
Unable to bring others into Unlife, give them Final Death, promote or demote, or make/break alliances and declare enemies *

Priest - Serving the Bishops are Priests, who serve as the religious leaders of Sabbat Packs, of which there is one Priest per pack. The Priests are responsible for leading the Sabbat rituals and ceremonies for the Pack. They may be any ranking or non-ranking member of the Pack and are often the Pack Leader as well.

The Priest is the only member of the Pack that may directly speak to the Bishop about a subject. You may have any status to speak to the Priest, but Status:2 to the Bishop, Status:3 for Arch Bishop, and Status:4 for the Prisci/Cardinal. Status:6 or greater is required to meet the Regent personally. Going against these norms are deemed very deadly, as the Status game is followed by the assassination game.

Paladins - Also called Templars. The protectors of the Sabbat. Originally formed as a response to the fears concerning the loyalty of the Black Hand. The Leaders of the Sabbat may call upon the Paladins, or Templars, of the Sabbat as protectors. From the Rank of Bishop on up, have at least one Templar bodyguard. Many have whole packs of them. The Regent has the largest at 30 members who follow her every whim. The Templars are more loyal to the people they protect then to the Sabbat.

This page was authored by Patrick Halverson.