Harpy

Harpies are the opinion leaders and the trend-setters to whom other Kindred look when it comes to matters of taste, style, philosophy, or politics.   A Harpy’s word influences the domain’s attitudes and can be a powerful supporter of the status quo or a force for insidious change. Harpies are rarely appointed directly (and Kindred rarely trust those who are). Instead, a Harpy paradoxically becomes so by acting as a Harpy. The Harpy’s role is often intertwined with domain politics, and it is a bold or foolish Prince who neglects those vampires who represent the cutting edge of popular opinion in his domain.   Vampires assuming the role of a Harpy are both feared and trusted. Trusted as they are the official recorders of debts owed, status gained and can serve as diplomats or envoys to other domains, and feared as they are unusually aware of dirty little secrets, crimes committed in other cities, and, if they have a mind to, are able to raise a Kindred to the heights of legend or to destroy their reputation forever.