The Great Pyramid

By Vincent Sollars (bubba@falcon.cc.ukans.edu)

Ranks of the Pyramid

The pyramid is currently divided into the ranks of apprentice, Regent, Lord, Pontifex, and Councilor. Each of these ranks, except that of Councilor, has seven circles of mystery, which serve as a further hierarchical mechanism for determining the recognized worth of a particular member of the pyramid. Though the circles of mystery occur at all ranks of the pyramid except that of councilor, the ones most important to chronicles are obviously of the apprentice level as most players will be running characters of this level. At the apprenticeship level these circles of mystery determine a thaumaturgist's access to magical lore, his standing among his Peers at social occasions, duties at the chantry, and relative independence.

I have come up with a system describing each circle of mystery at the apprenticeship level. Disobedience at the true apprenticeship level (first through third circles) often takes the form of Final Death (approval of the area Lord required for third or lower circle members, fourth or higher require a tribunal), menial duties, and failure of advancement. Actual advancement in rank is determined by the Regent at first while higher ranking Tremere are needed for further advancement (discussed below).

After the true apprenticeship circles, the thaumaturgists circles occur (circles four and five) followed by the master circles (circles six and seven). Advancement through these ranks requires various criteria, but never underestimate the power prestation and powerful allies have on advancement. The political and underground orders present in the Tremere clan often make and break a thaumaturgist's career.

I have also divided occult knowledge at the apprenticeship rank into three levels of security. The security clearance of the thaumaturgist governs the type of paths and rituals he has access to. This is to protect the clan against those of their own who would break the code of the Tremere. The qualifications placed on these three security levels often are determined by the type of chronicle you will be running. For my purposes I use the following qualifications:

Level Three: Scrying, fae related magic, dark thaumaturgy.

Level Two: Affecting kindred specifically or especially, recently developed rituals and paths

Level One: Everything else.

The First Circle of Mystery

An apprentice begins in this circle after successful recitation of the Tremere oath. At this level the kindred has already been recognized as a kindred by the rest of kindred society, and the Tremere hierarchy. The apprentice has been released by his sire from the restrictions of a childe and is now a neonate. The Tremere keep a close eye on those of this level, primarily concerned with defectors who may give out the secrets of thaumaturgy to others. The apprentice has no standing, and is not entrusted with duties of any importance unless supervised.

Magical Lore Access: Thaumaturgy three, access to the chantry library, first level rituals, level one security occult knowledge.

Peer Standing: "Out of my way, peck."

Duties: Report to the Regent once a week. Menial chantry duties not entrusted to ghouls. The thaumaturgist is nominally assigned to the embracing Tremere, though this master has no obligations until the second circle of mastery is reached (though it is often the case that he takes a great interest, as a good apprentice is very useful).

Independence: At this level the thaumaturgist is required to report once a week to his Regent. The Final Death of the thaumaturgist can be ordered by the Regent with permission of the area Lord. The master has many rights as far as the apprentice including assignment of haven, knowledge of location at all times, and 100% of the time of the apprentice (failure of the apprentice to follow these directives is in violation of the oath and punishable by Final Death). Travel to locations outside the control of the local chantry is not permitted, unless approved of by the Regent and his master and accompanied by a fourth circle or higher standing thaumaturgist. Any Tremere of higher standing has the right to assign duties or order the thaumaturgist about, though these can be appealed to the Regent (you had better hope he agrees if you do so).

The Second Circle of Mystery

Apprentices of this circle have performed some noteworthy deed for the Tremere or their Regent. This can include the acquisition of new magical lore, defense of the chantry against intruders that pose a real threat, political maneuvering resulting in gains for the Tremere, five years of good service to the order, etc. In short, anything that would give the thaumaturgist a dot in Tremere status may be noticed by the Regent by assession to the second circle of mystery. Though the thaumaturgist has proven his worth, he is still not trusted with clan knowledge and is watched for possible defection.

Magical Lore Access: Thaumaturgy three, the chantry library, level two rituals, level one security occult knowledge.

Peer Standing: "How's it going? Got anything to do?"

Duties: Report to the Regent once a month. Many lesser duties for the other Tremere of the chantry such as minor research, minor security issues, or messaging. Tremere of this rank have certain rights to tutelage by their master including access to rituals, tutelage in occult mysteries of the master's choosing, and explanation of the Tremere hierarchy structure and advancement guidelines.

Independence: A little less strict in that the thaumaturgist doesn't feel almost continually watched, but basically the same as the first circle of mystery. If his master isn't taking his tutelage requirement seriously and he can convince the Regent to act in his name he may be assigned a new master at the judgement of the area Lord.

The Third Circle of Mystery

The primary requirement of the Tremere for this circle of mystery is loyalty to the clan. Though individual Regents may have other ideas, their superiors will look very badly upon a Regent of a third circle of mystery apprentice who ends up breaking the Tremere code. It is at this circle of mystery that the inner mysteries of thaumaturgy are opened up to the apprentice. Apprentices of this level have typically acquired two dots of Tremere status by performing in their field, as well as proving their loyalty in some way (10 years of service usually suffices for the loyalty aspect). This is the final stage of true apprenticeship, where the thesis is assigned for promotion to the fourth circle.

The Thesis: The final project of the true apprenticeship is called the thesis. This project is a truly momentous task conceived of by the master, Regent, and at least one other fourth circle or higher thaumaturgist with suggestions by the apprentice. A thesis project usually takes on the order of ten years to complete and can involve political, occult, or industrial aspects or even combinations of these. The development and refinement of a level four ritual would be a suitable task (see ritual learning and development rules).

Magical Lore Access: Thaumaturgy four, access to chantry library, level three rituals, level one security occult knowledge.

Peer Standing: "Good evening, what do you think of the Astral plane's relationship to thought?"

Duties: The directives of his master as well as any chantry duties the Regent may assign. The duties at this level may involve more sensitive issues or those of a higher security level such as monitoring of lesser rank apprentices. Work on a thesis assigned by the master, the Regent, and at least one other of rank four or higher. Report to his Regent once a month and once a year on the progress of his thesis.

Independence: Though still assigned to a master at this point, he may appeal his assignment on his own by notifying his Regent, who is then bound to send his appeal to the area Lord. The only reasons for an appeal are failure of the master in tutelage duties. Other thaumaturgists than the Regent and master are not allowed to give the apprentice duties, unless the master permits it. At this level the thaumaturgist may leave the area controlled by the local chantry on his own upon the approval of the Regent and his master. The Final Death of the thaumaturgist can still be ordered by the Regent with permission of the area Lord at this level.

The Fourth Circle of Mystery

An apprentice can be considered as a candidate for this circle of mystery when he finishes some grand accomplishment, his thesis, which was assigned when reaching the third circle. This circle of mystery is one of the true benchmarks of an apprentice's life. At this level the shackles of the master are discarded and the apprentice begins to make his own way in the hierarchy. The building of his own laboratory can begin, along with his own secrets of magical lore. The apprentice is now recognized as a thaumaturgist at this level and may be recruited by the secret and non-secret orders of the clan. There may still be some sense of lack of respect, as the thaumaturgist has not proven yet his capabilities of operating on his own initiative.

The Cabal: At this level of mystery the thaumaturgist is "invited" to serve on the Cabal (service is mandatory). The Cabal is made up of all fourth circle and higher thaumaturgists and the Regent. The Cabal meets once a month to vote on matters brought to it regarding the directions the chantry should take, duties of its members, and promotions of its members. Each thaumaturgist gets one vote, except the Regent who gets three. It should be noted that the Cabal is the center of political intrigue in the chantry. Many an unwary fourth circle thaumaturgist took the ramifications of voting on the Cabal too lightly....

Magical Lore Access: Thaumaturgy four, access to chantry library, level four rituals, level two security occult knowledge.

Peer Standing: "I just loved how you rested control of the teamsters from the Ventrue." or "I read your work on the relationship between subjective and objective realities. Most fascinating."

Duties: These vary, but are assigned by the Regent and the Cabal. Any assignment is possible, so the thaumaturgist had best be on good terms with his regent. The Cabal often ends up assigning thaumaturgists of this circle the less desirous duties. His former master can assign no duties at this point. Report to his Regent once a month. Serve on the Cabal.

Independence: At this level and above the Final Death of the thaumaturgist can only be ordered by a properly conducted tribunal. He is no longer subject to the whims of a master, i.e., he may choose his own haven, may come and go without checking first with someone, etc. He is still subject to the rule of his Regent though he may transfer to any chantry provided the Regent at the new chantry agrees. His independence is limited by the amount of duties his ruling Regent requires of him, which can vary tremendously. Though the thaumaturgist no longer needs the permission of anyone to leave the area controlled by the local chantry he must inform his Regent where he is going and for how long (remember he still must report each month). Long absences are looked upon badly when consideration for the fifth circle occurs.

The Fifth Circle of Mystery

Thaumaturgists of this circle have shown their worth by several extraordinary accomplishments and their loyalty to the Tremere is assured. Usually, to be appointed to this level the thaumaturgist must distinguish himself over the course of at least a decade at the fourth circle and often twice that. Unlike previous promotions, the regent only recommends graduation to this circle. Only a thaumaturgist of Lord rank or higher can confer the fifth circle of mystery upon a candidate. This restriction is in part to prevent too easy of assession and also to provide another level of revue to those learning level five of thaumaturgy.

Though not qualified as a master yet, he is respected as a thaumaturgist in his own right. He has proven his ability to operate apart from his master, and earned the respect if not the admiration of his Peers. It is at this level that the last mysteries of thaumaturgy for many kindred are revealed.

Magical Lore Access: Thaumaturgy 5, access to chantry library, level five rituals, level two security occult knowledge.

Peer Standing: "May I inquire as to your opinion on the upcoming vote?"

Duties: Service on the Cabal. Duties given to him by vote at the Cabal. Meet with his Regent once a month. The Regent may also assign him duties that are specifically for the betterment of the clan or by writ from the area Lord. Minor duties of dubious or minor benefit to the clan must be assigned to someone by vote at the Cabal.

Independence: A thaumaturgist of this rank is largely similar in independence to the fourth circle, except his political ties at the Cabal can give him more freedom from the less desirable clan duties. The Regent is also limited more in the duties he can assign as most must go through the Cabal at this circle. Though the thaumaturgist no longer needs the permission of anyone to leave the area controlled by the local chantry he must inform his Regent where he is going and for how long (remember he still must report each month).

The Sixth Circle of Mystery

Appointment to this circle does not usually occur to less than ancillae-level kindred (fifty years). At this circle the thaumaturgist is considered a master, sufficiently adept to train future Tremere. Appointment to this circle does not occur except in the rarest of circumstances unless thaumaturgy five and Occult four are known by the thaumaturgist, effectively making the fifth circle the glass ceiling for non-occult minded Tremere. Other than thaumaturgy and occult knowledge, candidates for this circle must have shown leadership qualities in the Cabal, demonstrating their ability to serve as a mentor. Like fifth circle appointments, a Lord must confer this circle of mystery.

Magical Lore Access: Thaumaturgy 5, access to chantry library, level five rituals, level three security occult knowledge.

Peer Standing: "Master Kondus, your apprentice is bleeding the chantry ghouls again. If it's not to much trouble could you order him to stop?"

Duties: May be assigned an apprentice at any time and thus have tutelage duties. Service to the Cabal. Report to the Regent once a month. Duty assignment is the same as fifth circle.

Independence: The independence of the master is increased with regards to assigned clan duties, but dwindles after an apprentice is acquired. Monitoring of an apprentice during his first two circles of mystery can take much time, and requires that the master spend most of his time in the local area. As far as travel, the restriction are the same as the previous two circles unless the master has an apprentice, in which the Regent should be consulted beforehand and proper arrangements made for overseeing the apprentice.

The Seventh Circle of Mystery

The pentacle of the "apprentice" ranks. Only a Pontifex at the recommendation of the area lord may confer this circle to a candidate. This restriction is mostly to limit those candidates for regency status (as seventh circle members are), to those that portray qualities desirable to the Pontifex. Each Pontifex has slightly different interests, but they are all interested in leadership qualities demonstrated at the Cabal and more importantly by productive apprentices of the master. Apprentices that become successful are the best demonstration of a master's merit for the seventh circle.

At this circle the master becomes mostly independent, only incurring those limits he wishes for the purpose of advancement, occult knowledge and prestation.

Magical Lore Access: Thaumaturgy 5+ (dependent on teacher willingness), access to chantry library, access to all rituals, level three security occult knowledge.

Peer Standing: "Master Grinoladus, we are in dire need of your advice at the Cabal if you could find the time."

Duties: May serve on the cabal if he wishes. The Cabal may not assign him duties unless he chooses to lend it service. If he does serve on the Cabal he is allowed two votes instead of one.

Independence: Must report once a year to his recognized Regent, though he may travel at his discretion. Even his recognized Regent has no official rights to demand service from him, though he is still bound by the Tremere oath in times of need for service in regards to enemies of the Tremere. Tremere lords and above may still demand service of the thaumaturgist, but even those demands are restricted to recognized service to the clan.