Primogen

The Primogen is a creation of the late 16th Century. As the rapid urbanization of Europe began to take effect, more and more Kindred found themselves living in close proximity. Princes ruled the cities, but often they faced situations where more powerful Elders sought residence. For Elders who arrived in these good feeding grounds, a Prince ruling over them was not acceptable. Many began to force Princes to concede power in return for support. Thus were born the first Primogen. Primogen is a post that flies in the face of the Second Tradition, because Primogen can and have successfully questioned the Praxis of many a Prince. Indeed, the Primogen have toppled many a Prince. For many Elders, the post of Primogen acts as a legal and legitimate way to keep Princes in check.

As time has passed, the post has become widely accepted and now no one really bats an eye at the existence of a Primogen. The original role of the Primogen is now lost: some Primogen do indeed keep their Princes in check; others are only there because everyone else has them, and some are pawns to rubber stamp whatever the Prince decides.