• Some were exiled aristocrats, intellectuals, revolutionaries, and esoteric thinkers, who saw in the New World a chance to shape their destiny beyond the constraints of lineage or scandal. Whether Enlightenment rationalists, mystics, free-thinkers, or displaced nobles, they brought with them ancient knowledge, complex worldviews, and a hunger to reshape society on their own terms.

• Others aristocrats and ex-pats were looking to find a new home to fit into and aspired to join the southern court 

Among the Newcomers, some are tied to Savannah’s thriving, progressive art scene, gravitating towards the city’s alternative, liberal culture that centers on creativity, self-expression, and defiance of convention. The Founders call them the Bohem, and they embody a stark contrast to the Founders and the early ideals of the original  Southern Court. 

• • Unlike the Founder’s aristocratic values, they tend to embrace change, diversity, and the city’s unique bohemian energy. Anchored by the vibrant cultural milieu surrounding institutions like the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the thriving subculture, they view the city as a living canvas, a place for reinvention and freedom from the chains of old-world vampiric orthodoxy. 

  • They see themselves as the central influence on Savannah’s evolving identity, authors of its culture, and challengers of the old supernatural order. Their progressive vision, however, is continuously challenged by the Founder’s hold over the city’s elite and traditional supernatural domains.

  • The Bohem values emphasize personal freedom, artistic expression, and individuality over rigid social structures and age-old traditions. These vampires see Savannah as a place for artistic exploration and reinvention, both for themselves and for the supernatural community.

  • Individuality and Self-Expression: Bohem prize self-expression and creativity. They are known to experiment with their style, appearances, and approach to vampirism itself, often viewing it as a part of their identity rather than a burden or curse. Their attire ranges from casual bohemian fashion to edgy, modern outfits, reflecting the diversity of Savannah’s alternative scene. Reinvent the Self: Escape the past, whether as an exile, outcast, or artist, and forge a new identity beyond blood and title.

  • Embracing Change: Many of them are unafraid to challenge tradition, openly criticizing the Southern Court’s obsession with hierarchy and status. The Newcomers believe in fluidity over structure, viewing change and adaptability as essential for survival in the modern world. They scoff at the Traditional Vampires' elitism, often seeing it as antiquated and stifling. Preserve and Challenge Culture: Cultivate art, history, philosophy, and heresy alike. Seek truth through both beauty and rebellion. Protect the Right to Change: Fight against forces (tradition, hierarchy, stagnation) that trap people in old forms.

  • Community and Inclusivity: Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the Bohem’ philosophy. Many are recent arrivals, having chosen Savannah for its artistic allure and sense of freedom, and they welcome other newcomers regardless of origin. They value alliances and friendships across supernatural lines, believing that the supernatural community is stronger when united. Many Newcomers sometimes work with Awaken humans, gifted, shifters, and witches, especially those drawn to alternative and creative circles. Shape Savannah’s Future: Whether through salons, secret societies, or political maneuvering, influence the city’s metaphysical and cultural direction.

  • Art as Power and Protest: For the Bohem art is not only a means of expression but also a way to disrupt the status quo. Many are connected to SCAD, participating in art shows, film festivals, and live music events. They are drawn to subversive art forms, street art, performance, and underground music, as a way to rebel against the rigid standards of the Traditional Vampires. Art is seen as a source of energy, both spiritual and social, and a means to challenge the Southern Court's authority.

• What binds them together, however loosely, is a shared outsider status, and the knowledge that the Founders, no matter how polite, will never truly see them as equals.

The Bohem’s Connection to the Art Scene and Liberal Values

• The Bohemes’ culture is heavily influenced by Savannah’s liberal art scene. With SCAD serving as a hub for artistic innovation, they find ample inspiration and camaraderie among the city’s artists, musicians, and activists. This connection to the arts gives the Bohem a reputation as visionaries and rebels who embrace Savannah’s modernity rather than clinging to its past.

• Alliance with SCAD: Many Bohem are either SCAD alumni or maintain close ties to the institution, supporting the school’s art community as patrons or participating in art collectives and collaborations. They consider SCAD’s influence crucial in shaping Savannah’s unique identity, and they often see the college as a safe haven from the scrutiny of the Southern Court.

• Involvement in the Local Arts and Music Scene: Bohem are regular fixtures in Savannah’s art galleries, music venues, and underground clubs. They participate in film festivals, live performances, and exhibitions, seamlessly blending in with the city’s artistic community. Some even contribute to local culinary events or take part in Savannah’s innovative culinary scene, further embedding themselves in the city’s liberal culture.

• Progressive and Open-Minded Philosophy: The Bohem welcomes individuals from all walks of life, creating a melting pot of various backgrounds and perspectives. Their open-minded approach has attracted vampires from diverse cultures and disciplines, including those shunned by the Traditional Vampires. This openness makes them more adaptable and, to an extent, more resilient in the face of change.

The Newcomers, drawn to Savannah during the 1920s and beyond, arrived in the city with their progressive ideals, artistic flair, and a hunger for liberation from the rigid traditions. Their presence sparked tension with The Founders, the traditional Southern vampires, whose aristocratic values and tight grip on Savannah’s supernatural order had remained largely unchallenged for over a century.

Since their inclusion, the Newcomers have brought a breath of fresh air to the Southern Court (See 1922). They introduced innovative ideas, advocating for modernization and outreach to younger supernaturals. Their influence also encouraged the Court to loosen some of its more archaic traditions, creating an environment that could better adapt to the changing times.

However, tensions still simmer beneath the surface. Some Founders remain distrustful of the Newcomers, viewing their liberal ideals and unorthodox practices as a continual threat to the Court’s integrity. Similarly, the Newcomers occasionally chafe under the formality and hierarchy of the Court, with some members secretly questioning whether unity was worth compromising their independence.

Even as many were welcomed into the Southern Court, they remained “elegant outsiders”, too strange, too modern, too idealistic to be truly accepted. Some now blend aesthetics with politics; others work in shadows, building influence through salons, scholarship, and subtle power plays.

Despite these challenges, the alliance between The Founders and the Newcomers has endured, largely because both sides recognize the necessity of solidarity in the face of growing external threats. Today, the Southern Court stands as a symbol of Savannah’s ability to reconcile tradition with change, proving that even the most deeply rooted groups can find common ground.