HarpyReqs FAQ

HARPYREQS FAQ Answering questions on the mysterious thing we all love to hate

This page is in initial draft stage and subject to change. This page is intended to explain what a harpyreq is, how to use them, when to use them, and why they should be used. It seems that many people do not understand how it works here on CoH, or they have tried and it failed or backlashed, or they are used to doing it differently in other games and the help files or other explanations have simply failed to grant an understanding. We hope to provide more clarity here in this medium. If there are more questions still after reading this, please seek out one of the harpies so we can further clarify OOCly. WHAT IS A HARPYREQ? A Harpyreq is basically a report or conversation with the Harpies. Not just a one on one, but it goes to all of them. It is akin to speaking directly to the harpys, even if you cannot grab one ICly, and you have the added benefit that it will reach all of them - including the NPCS. A Harpyreq will give the Harpies a chance to discuss what you bring to them, and decide if they should spread the gossip, as well as either give status to the subject of the rumor, or take it away. Status may be gained in many ways such as by helping to preserve the Masquerade, doing favors for the Prince, or an Elder, or saving another Kindred's unlife. They may also gain it by overthrowing the holder of a station and assuming their mantle, granting it in return for a boon, or defeating a Sabbat menace in the city. On the flip side, Status may be lost, and the possibilities for that are almost endless. From losing control and frenzing, disrespecting another Kindred (especially of higher status), violating the traditions, to acting against the Praxis. More examples will be found later on. WHO SHOULD USE A HARPYREQ? HarpyReq's are for every and any acknowledged member of the Camarilla to use. Consider before you put it in yourself - what is your own status, and what is the status of the person you are reporting about? Especially if you are lower in status, you may want to find someone of higher status to also report this, or do it for you. In fact, the more people that report to the harpies about a particular issue, the more attention it will get, and more weight either for or against the person it is about. In general, for example, if someone of 5 status submits a report on being snubbed by a person of 50 status, it will probably be ignored because why should someone that much higher of status pay any attention to you? Now, if someone of 50 status submits a report on being snubbed by a person of 5 status, that would get attention and rumors spread, including a loss of status. WHEN SHOULD I USE A HARPYREQ? MORE You should use a HarpyReq when something has happened (good or bad) that you feel the harpies should know about, especially if it fits into one of the categories that will be described below. It isn't for OOC issues, only IC ones. Vampire is a highly social game, so missteps ICly have consequences if the harpies find out, and deem it so. Similarly, going above and beyond, doing something helpful, have benefits. Remember, with great power comes great responsibilities. The higher your status, the more clout you have to throw around, and can affect how others behave. If you feel someone is wrong, and they are of lower status, then without absolute proof that you were wrong, then the person of lower status will take the hit. WHY SHOULD I USE A HARPYREQ? INFO YYY SSSSS - Examples: HOW DO I USE A HARPYREQ? Characters may gain Status by helping to preserve the Masquerade, doing favors for the Prince, or an Elder, or saving another Kindred or Elder's unlife. They may also gain it by overthrowing the holder of a station and assuming their mantle, granting it in return for a boon, or defeating a Sabbat menace in the city. In the same way characters may lose Status, and the possibilities for that are almost endless. There are three Harpy types. One, or more, are used for every Harpy req, rather it is scandal or praise: BEHAVIOR, COURT and PRAXIS Example: BEHAVIOR Losing: Airing Dirty Laundry Behavior Not Befitting One's Station Disrespecting the Standing of Other Camarilla Kindred Frenzing, Violence, Reneging on a Boon Spreading Heresy, Supporting Scandalous Kindred Minor Violations of the Traditions Gaining: Encouraging the arts Social activities that benefit the Praxis Cooperation between clans Mediating a situation Outstanding or great improvement Acts of selflessness and courage COURT Losing: Disrespecting Elysium Interfering With the Duties of a Court Officer Violation of Domain Protocols Gaining: Being praised in public by Prince, Officers, or Esteemed Kindred PRAXIS Losing: Announcing an Attempted Praxis Seizure Bloodhunting During A Praxis Seizure Publicly Challenging a Praxis Acts that endanger the Praxis Gaining: Safeguarding from threat Acts that benefit the Praxis Remember that actions of a Character's Childer and Retainers can gain or lose Status for them.