Six years ago, I came to New York with a vision. A city without a structure, a city without a Prince. I wanted a city where Kindred could be themselves without having their ideals forced upon them by a quote - unquote "Higher Power". Unfortunately, I vastly overrated my own power -- I believed that simply by the force of my presence and the virtue of my ideals, I could change the largest, most important city in the country. Of course, others had the same idea: Benedict, obviously, had his vision of what this city could be. With the help of his Archons, there was little myself (or anyone) could do against him or Harcourt.
However, with the departure, disappearance or death of Benedict, Harcourt, Chandra and Randolph Carter, the former "second-tier" of vampire elders has become the new ruling class. Veronique, Persephone, Wilhelm Gearhart, Elijah Hightower, Denver Hammersmith, Derek Fleming are among this group, as am I. With all due respect to Veronique, none of these people have the ability to run a city the size of New York. Even with the help of Hammersmith and Armitage, Veronique's city is slowly degenerating into, pardon the term, shit.
A lot of changes have been happening lately, things that are beyond my control but not beyond my notice. I've had to reconsider my options and opinions -- several possible courses of action have presented themselves. Any number of routes of action have become plausible -- all have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
After much careful consideration and discussion with others, I have made a very difficult decision. When I came to New York, I had visions of making the city a home for freedom and individuality. I can no longer allow myself the illusion of being able to do that.
This shipyard and the rest of this neighborhood -- Marble Hill -- is but a symbol of but rejuvenation can do. Within the next ten years, Marble Hill will have become the most active harbor in New York City. The new Yankee Stadium, the new home for Moonshadow Enterprises, all of these things are going to reinject life into the Bronx and allow it to suffice itself without the existence of haven of commerce to the south -- Manhattan. Who needs Wall Street -- the Bronx doesn't want stocks, it wants jobs. The unemployment rate in the Bronx has been the highest of any county in the United States from 1983 - 1994. It is now the 6th lowest in the state and will, by the end of next year, be the lowest.
Because of all of these factors as well as others, I firmly believe the Bronx needs to be governed separately from the rest of New York City for the purposes of Cainite government. As a new city and its first and strongest resident, I hereby declare myself Prince of the Bronx.
I am not the same Prince as the rest, however. I do hold the Camarilla in the higest regard and do belive in several of their traditions. However, as its Prince, I do have choice over which traditions I sacred and will enforce the penalties for violations thereof: the Masquerade, obviously, is of utmost importance. Any violations of the First Tradition will be met with violent death, administered by myself or agents.
I care not for the second nor third traditions, but uphold the fourth. You are free to create childer as you will, but you must control them, primarily to protect the First Tradition, if nothing else. If you do not follow the Tradition of Accounting, you will meet your Final Death, as will the progeny in question.
The fifth tradition is slightly modified -- I only require certain Kindred to announce themselves to me: Cainites whose blood is of the sixth generation or stronger or have existed on this earth for over one thousand years. I simply ask this as a matter of respect from one elder to another. Nor do you have to gain my permission to be here; I simply request to be notified.
The sixth tradition, one of destruction, is also upheld: thou shalt not kill. I am the Prince, I am the law. Just because my laws are looser does not mean they will not be enforced as fervently. A final note about the sixth tradition: the Sabbat are not welcome in my city; any who enter the Bronx are considered to be under blood hunt.
Regardless of how this declaration may sound, I hold no animosity towards the Prince of Manhattan, Veronique. She is certainly welcome within my city -- I simply request her to notify me before she enters into the Bronx, as I ask all elders of her station to do. I wish her all the best of luck in the coming years as we gain ground together in the war against the Sabbat.
I urge other Cainites to likewise declare their domains within other boroughs of New York -- with a little bit of unity, perhaps we can control this vast metropolis which threatens to consume us.
Thank you. Good night.
