# Coteries
## What is a Coterie?
A coterie is a group of vampires who band together for mutual benefit, protection,
and shared resources. In Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition, coteries represent
the vampire equivalent of a "pack" or "crew" - a close-knit group that shares
resources, secrets, and often works toward common goals.
Coteries can control shared resources such as:
- **Domain**: Territory controlled by the coterie
- **Haven**: Shared safe houses and lairs
- **Herd**: Reliable feeding sources
- **Contacts**: Mortal allies and connections
## Coterie Structure
Coteries have a simple hierarchy:
- **Leader**: The founder who manages the coterie and its resources. Only the
leader can invite members, manage resources, promote/demote members, and
disband the coterie.
- **Lieutenant**: Trusted second-in-command. May have additional responsibilities
granted by the leader.
- **Member**: Regular coterie members who share in the group's resources and
protection.
## Creating a Coterie
Use `+coterie/create <name>=<description>` to found a new coterie. You must not
already be in a coterie.
Example:
`+coterie/create Night Watch=Protectors of the Elysium who maintain order`
## Managing Members
**Inviting Members** (Leader only)
`+coterie/invite <character>`
Sends an invitation to another character. They must use `+coterie/join <your name>`
to accept.
**Joining a Coterie**
`+coterie/join <leader name>`
Accept a pending invitation from a coterie leader.
**Promoting Members** (Leader only)
`+coterie/promote <character>`
Promote a member to lieutenant rank.
**Demoting Members** (Leader only)
`+coterie/demote <character>`
Demote a lieutenant back to member rank.
**Removing Members** (Leader only)
`+coterie/kick <character>`
Remove a member from the coterie.
**Leaving a Coterie**
`+coterie/leave`
Leave your current coterie. Leaders must disband the coterie instead.
**Disbanding** (Leader only)
`+coterie/disband`
Disband the coterie completely. All members are removed.
## Managing Resources
**Viewing Resources**
`+coterie/resources`
View all coterie resources and their ratings.
**Setting Resources** (Leader only)
`+coterie/resource <type>=<value>`
Set a resource rating (0-5).
Resource types: domain, haven, herd, contacts
Examples:
`+coterie/resource domain=3`
`+coterie/resource haven=2`
`+coterie/resource herd=1`
`+coterie/resource contacts=4`
## Resource Descriptions
**Domain (0-5)**
Territory under the coterie's control. Higher ratings indicate larger or more
valuable territory. Domain provides safe hunting grounds and political influence.
**Haven (0-5)**
The quality and security of the coterie's shared havens. Higher ratings mean
better protected, more comfortable, or more numerous safe houses.
**Herd (0-5)**
Reliable mortal feeding sources cultivated by the coterie. A higher Herd rating
means easier and safer feeding for coterie members.
**Contacts (0-5)**
Mortal allies, informants, and connections the coterie can call upon. Higher
ratings provide access to more influential or numerous contacts.
## Integration with Social Systems
Coteries integrate with the broader social systems of Kindred society:
**Status**: Coterie leaders often have Status in Kindred society. A well-respected
coterie can enhance its members' standing.
**Boons**: Coteries can owe and be owed boons as a group, not just as individuals.
The leader manages collective prestation.
**Political Standing**: Your coterie membership is displayed when using the
`+social` command, showing your role and coterie affiliation.
## Viewing Coterie Information
**Your Coterie**
`+coterie`
View complete information about your coterie, including members (if leader),
resources, and your role.
**Social Standing**
`+social`
`+social <character>`
View comprehensive social information including Status, Boons, and Coterie
membership all in one display.
## Tips for Coterie Play
1. **Choose complementary members**: A good coterie has vampires with different
skills, clans, and capabilities.
2. **Pool your backgrounds**: The coterie system represents characters combining
their Background dots to create shared resources.
3. **Communicate OOC**: Coordinate with your coterie members outside the game to
ensure everyone benefits from membership.
4. **Use your resources**: Don't just track resources - incorporate them into
your roleplay. Feed from your Herd, meet in your Haven, leverage your Contacts.
5. **Political power**: A united coterie has more influence than individual
vampires. Use this to your advantage in Kindred politics.
## Related Commands
- `+status` - View and manage Status
- `+boon` - Manage boons and prestation
- `+social` - View comprehensive social standing
- `+sheet` - View your character sheet (includes coterie info)
## See Also
- `help Status`
- `help Boons`
- `help Backgrounds`