Definition of Boons for Status Packet

2. Reason for Vote: An objection was filed by Craig Coyne, CM of Gimli, concerning:

I. Boons: Introduction

Prestation is the monetary system of the Kindred. Boons should be considered a form of currency among the Kindred and are taken very, very seriously.

Whenever someone does a favor for a Kindred, beyond that individual's expected duty or station, she is expected to fulfill an obligation to repay the debt. It is important that she repays any Prestation debts, and it is important that she be sure that all the debts to her are upheld. In the event that a Kindred feels that another owes her a Boon for some reason, she may demand a Boon from them and any negotiations must be settled between the two and the Harpy.

Kindred are often offered favors by others, and when this occurs there can be a number of different reactions. It is dangerous to offer someone a boon, especially to those of lower status, as you never know when or how it might be called due. Moreover, once the boon is given, the granter has no say in what will be requested in return.

The ability to demand a boon is a demonstration of power. Thus, many Kindred search for ways to "assist" their fellows (even if they have to arrange those circumstances necessitating their assistance).

The chart below lists examples to be used as a general guideline for determining the value of a Boon. Obviously, these are not the only acts that could constitute the existence of a Boon.

Trivial Boon: One-time favors, unsolicited information, watching over someone for an evening, aiding someone with a Discipline, supporting someone's political move, helping with a plan, etc

Minor Boon: The task performed can last more than one evening and generally requires some sort inconvenience. Providing needed information of crucial value, instruction in a rare Ability, using Influences or Resources to aid another, minor Political maneuvering/sway, acting as a bodyguard for an extended amount of time, facilitating passage through a hostile territory, disposing of a threat, helping carry out a plan, important advice, etc.

Major Boon: Great expenditure of time or resources, instruction in a Discipline, purchasing a location to serve as someone's Haven, exchange of controversial information, major political maneuvering/sway, helping someone get out of trouble, etc.

Blood Boon: Coming to someone's aid and suffering injury, being willing to shed blood, saving the life of a Kindred's immediate kin, instruction in a clan-specific discipline, etc.

Life Boon: Saving another from certain death when one's own life is in peril.

The listed values of Boons can be adjusted based on the Status levels of the Kindred involved. Obviously, no self respecting Harpy would allow a six Status elder to owe a one Status neonate a Life Boon. Regardless of the facts in the case, a neonate saving an elder is usually possible, as the elder was probably not in as much danger as the neonate thinks. On the other side of the coin, a powerful elder may pull a neonate from harm's way with little effort on her part, therein reducing the literal value of a Boon. These complicated adjudications make the job of the Harpy difficult at best, as she is under constant scrutiny to make the choice that pleases the 'authorities.'

Two Kindred who agree upon a Boon have the option of registering it with the Harpy. If they do so, they run the risk that the Harpy will discuss the matter with others (although this is bad etiquette on the part of the
Harpy). If they do not, however, there is no guarantee that the Harpy will enforce the Boon, even if a complaint is brought up later.

Trading Boons

Boons may be traded between Kindred. Such a transfer must be registered with a Harpy in order to be acknowledged; though the reason for the transfer need not be registered.

Boons and Stations

Doing things that are expected of a Kindred will usually not lead to a Boon being bestowed. As an example, if the Keeper of Elysium is able to cover a Masquerade breech, then it is within the expectations of her duty and there are no Boons awarded. The Harpy is charged with the positional responsibility of adjudicating the worthiness of a Boon if it ever comes to question.

Prestation or "Paying the Piper"

In accepting a Boon, the granter automatically loses Status to the receiver until the debt is repaid. The Status gained is commensurate with the magnitude of the favor. The receiver rises in Status in comparison to the
granter until the Boon is repaid and the balance of Status is restored.

In terms of the Status system, receivers are considered to gain as many Status Traits as the Boon is worth (Trivial Boons would be worth one Trait, Minor Boons are worth two, a Major Boon is three, a Blood Boon is four, and a Life Boon is five Traits). These Traits may only be applied when comparing Status between the debtor and receiver; the Status adjustments do not apply to any interactions between the individuals and the rest of society.

Non-Camarilla Kindred and the Prestation system

Non-Camarilla Kindred have no onus to repay boons that they may owe, and they have no voice or standing in the Camarilla with which to secure that debt. Who is going to make sure that a Giovanni pays you back for the help
you gave her? The Harpy does not care about Independents. Therefore, Camarilla Kindred deal in Boons with non-Camarilla Kindred at their own risk.

Coordinator's Notes: It has been decided that the entire section of Page 8 of the Status Packet concerning Boons and Prestation be put up for vote.
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