Some of the various clans of vampires have grouped themselves into sects. Each sect represents clans with similar philosophies and goals. Each sect has its own codes of conduct and its own political structure and titles.
A vampire always belongs to one and only one sect. If a vampire changes sect, they no longer belong to their old sect but belong to the new sect instead.
No matter what sect, a vampire cannot have more than one title. If a vampire with a title gains another, they lose the first title, even if the new title would be a demotion. If a vampire with a contested title (see Contested Titles) gains a title, they immediately yield the contested title.
A vampire must belong to the appropriate sect to receive a title. If a vampire with a title changes clans or sects to a clan or sect inappropriate for their title, they lose the benefit of the title until their clan or sect changes appropriately. If they receive a new title, or if their title is contested (see Contested Titles), they immediately yield the old title.
Only Camarilla vampires can hold the Camarilla titles primogen, prince, justicar, and Inner Circle member. Additionally, each clan’s justicar and Inner Circle titles are unique (see Contested Titles) and can only be held by vampires of that clan. The title of prince is associated with a particular city and can be contested by another vampire who claims any title to the same city. The title of primogen is not unique and cannot be contested.
Some vampires are by default Anarch as written on them. An untitled non-Anarch vampire can become an Anarch as a +1 stealth undirected action that costs 2 blood, or 1 blood if the controller controls at least 1 other ready Anarch. A vampire can also be made an Anarch by certain card effects. Becoming Anarch constitutes a change of sect (see above). Like other sects, being Anarch has no effect on game play except as defined by cards and effects in play. Some cards can only be played by Anarch vampires.
Baron is a title that can only be held by an Anarch. The title of baron is associated with a particular city and can be contested by another vampire who claims the title of prince, archbishop, or baron of the same city. If a baron changes sect, they lose the benefit of the title until they become Anarch again, as usual for titles.
Any vampire not aligned with any of the major sects is an Independent vampire. These vampires are identified simply as “Independent” in card text. Some Independent vampires may start with votes, as listed on card text. Treat these vampires as if they had titles of their own. These titles are not tied to a sect.