Praxis

The act of claiming Praxis is the formal designation of a Kindred claiming rulership over a city, of similar extended area. The manner in which this is achieved is variable from region to region, though generally accompanied with a certain amount of physical and social struggle.   As the shadow societies of the Kindred expanded over the centuries there gradually grew a need for the adherence to certain rules and guidelines, as to prevent chaos and risks to the Masquerade.

A Kindred who wishes to claim Praxis, must make this known to the Kindred of the domain that they desire to claim. It is up to them to decide how they go about this. If a peaceful transition of power is expected, a declaration of Praxis is commonly made at Elysium.   There are two different situations that can then occur when a Kindred attempts to claim Praxis. Their claim is either challenged, or unchallenged.   If there is currently a Prince, they must decide to challenge the claim or vacate the position (and likely the domain entirely). A Praxis challenge is then decided upon, which is arbitrated by an agreed-upon neutral party. Most likely a Kindred of some esteem in the domain that both parties respect.   If there is no Prince in the domain at all, another Kindred can also choose to challenge the claim. In this case, a challenge is also agreed upon.

If a Praxis challenge is required to establish who claims the throne, each challenger will assign a second to assist them in logistical matters. A neutral party is agreed upon to judge the challenge.   The decision on what the challenge will entail is decided by the party that has precedent. That means the reigning Prince, or the first Kindred to stake their claim. This can be anything from a scavenger hunt, to pistols at dusk. Most claimants are likely to prefer lethal challenges, so as to prevent a series of Kindred from attempting their luck.

Praxis is observed in the Camarilla, though there can be regional variances.   It is worth noting that the formal rules are rarely fully observed. Subterfuge and backroom deals are common when a Prince's seat is available. Commonly, most Kindred of note in a domain will attempt to come to some kind of agreement, rather than having the domain suffer a series of tumultuous challenges.