The world of Kindred in Vampire the Masquerade has a unique currency just like any other culture or society, but Kindred are not typically impressed that much with cold hard cash. Kindred deal in something more complicated, boons.

A boon is a debt, owed to someone as payment typically for a favor that they acknowledge has been done for them; a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" agreement. It is important to remember that there are other reasons to offer a boon (without it being requested) and also instances where etiquette demand you offer a boon even if you think perhaps you may get away without doing so (especially if the Harpies are present). A Kindred who does not respect the boon system may become known as untrustworthy and not fit for society, making it difficult for that individual to expect others to honor boons owed to them and in extreme instances may lead the Court to destroy that individual.

In every domain social order demands boons must be paid off. If a Prince, or their Court, doesn't enforce boons, then the individuals who owe the Prince boons may not honor them either, and a Prince isn't going to tolerate that. For this reason, although the Prince (and through him the Scourge) is the only individual "authorized" to enforce boons, ignoring a request to fulfill a boon is highly discouraged. Lesser boons, or first time boon offenders, may be able to ignore a boon with nothing more than suffering a loss of Status and public standing. However, multiple offenders are likely to receive severe punishment... as well, these individuals may go missing without much alarm from the Court.

However, owing boons does offer some amount of protection. An individual who holds a boon over another may go to great depths to find out why the individual in their debt has not been seen recently, and may even avenge any misfortune that has become of them. It is also noteworthy to remember that when owing a boon to an individual, it is assumed that you will respect that individual and may even show them friendliness until the boon is paid; though this is a perk only neonates find particularly appealing.

Keep in mind that Boons can be traded like currency between Characters. Usually Elders are the ones who participate in this chess match. Moving their pawns where they wish them to be. When a marker is transferred between Characters, the person who owes the marker is informed.