When the Gangrel of Necropolis became independent, former Gangrel Primogen Morgan Powyll was faced with the prospect of watching her clanmates scatter to the four winds. Driven to prevent the dissolution of the Clan, a treaty with the Prince of Necropolis, then Damascus Dreiburgen, was formed. The traditional territory of the Clan -- the various city parks within Necropolis -- was ceded to the Camarilla, save one. Swope Park was given over to the independent Gangrel, and became the Clan's Domain. There the Clan's leader rules in the manner of a Camarilla Prince.

Thus the independent Gangrel, already at home in the vast environs of Swope Park, settled it en masse to secure the Clan's only territory in the city. The Gangrel leaders organized the Palatinate, with Morgan, their last Primogen, to lead as Jarl Palatinus. Not long after the formation of the Palatinate, treaties were made with the anarchs of Independence, and Clan Giovanni in Necropolis. Through the Giovanni, the independent Gangrel secured the necromancers' mutual support in time of crisis, as well as the aid of their power over ghosts. From the anarchs the Gangrel gained the territory of Fleming Park, east of the city proper, to protect the anarchs against Sabbat incursions from that direction.

With these alliances in place, the independent Gangrel took their side in the Final Nights, deciding that here, the Clan would not walk alone. Morgan Powyll prepared a last bastion for the Gangrel Clan, hoping to stave off the imminent doom of Gehenna that threatens all of the Kindred. The mass destruction of Clan Ravnos proved that the independent Clans risk much in standing alone; in Necropolis, at least, the Gangrel do not.

Palatinate: (German PFALZ) A county in which the lord exercises powers normally reserved for the king, including the exclusive right to appoint officials, hold courts of chancery and exchequer, and to coin money. The king's writ is not valid in a County Palatine.

This in effect makes the Clan entirely autonomous and self-governing. In addition, the Clan's hierarchy is responsible only to themselves and the citizens of the Palatinate; the Camarilla Inner Council has no power over the Palatine, save for condition of existing treaties.

In addition to acting in an advisory administrative capacity to the Jarl, the Witan also presides over criminal cases; and arbitrates disputes between individuals that could not be resolved by the Clan leader.

Judicial decisions of the Witan would be binding; however, in matters of "criminals", any punishment -- including destruction of the offender -- can only be recommended. The Jarl makes the final determination and pronouncement of sentence. Any executions would be carried out solely on orders from the Clan leader, no one else. This is in keeping with the Sixth Tradition. However, the Constables and the Warlord have a "standing writ" of destruction from the Jarl which allows them to pursue their duties in defense of the Palatinate.

STEWARD: The Whip/Second Assistant Primogen. See CHANCELLOR.

CONSTABLE: The Enforcer. Historically, this was a military leader. The position is the equivalent of the Camarilla Sheriff. The Constable's duties also cover that of the Scourge, an obligation shared with the Warlord. The Constable may appoint Deputies as he/she sees fit, subject to prior approval by the Jarl.

LOREMASTER: This position is responsible for the teaching and dissemination of the lore and traditions unique to the Gangrel. The Loremaster might oversee any formal challenges in the Challenge Circle, for example, or arrange for "Lore Gathers" where the Gangrel would refine their art of storytelling. The Loremaster also organizes and oversees the education of "sireless" neonates in the Gangrel Disciplines and traditions. In certain cases, the Loremaster may assume the responsibilities and prerogatives of a Sire, with the consent of the Jarl.

REEVE: An elected or appointed member of the Witan. The Reeves are the eyes and ears of the Jarl in regards to matters pertaining to the Clan and the Palatinate. Along with the Steward and the Chancellor, they are responsible for the maintaining of the Traditions within the Clan and keeping the Clan organized.

WARLORD: This title seems to be unique to the Gangrel. The Warlord is responsible for the overall defense of the Palatinate from outside threats, including the overseeing of the Fyrds as a collective entity. The Warlord
would also assume the role of a Field General/Marshal, should the Gangrel go to war. The duties of the Scourge are shared by the Warlord and the Constables. The Warlord may create Deputies as he/she sees fit, subject to final approval by the Jarl.

CHAMBERLAIN: Any personal advisor(s) to the Jarl, outside of the Witan. The title is strictly honorary, and carries no judicial or administrative powers save those specifically granted by the Jarl.