Traditions

No one exists in a social vacuum. Laws are the rules people create to regulate behavior and to promote, for the most part, the common good. Among kindred, there exist three notable and influential laws adhered to by almost every vampire. These are known as The Traditions.

It is rumored the traditions were first codified long ago, in the times of the Camarilla. Tonight they are accepted across kindred society, in part, because they justify the nature of that society, promoting the primacy of Princes and elders, enforcing the Masquerade, ensuring that not too many Childer are created and that vampires do not, too often, feed upon one another.

While other laws exist among kindred, laws created by and adhered to by individual covenants, local laws decreed and enforced by local Princes, etc. the traditions are the basis of and core of kindred law. In addition to the traditions, there are customs, some of which have become nearly as universal as the traditions. The three most common customary traditions are Domain, Tutelage and Deference. Each of these is associated with one of the three traditions.

The First Tradition: The Masquerade

Do not reveal your true nature to those not of the Blood. Doing so forfeits you your claim to the Blood.
The masquerade protects Vampires from the knowledge and interference of mortals. The masquerade is what keeps "rational" humans from believing that Vampires are real.

Domain

A domain is usually comprised of a single city and a limited radius outside its borders. Within her domain, a Prince has absolute authority. The custom of domain derives from the First Tradition largely because one of the first duties of a Prince is to ensure the masquerade is upheld within her domain.

The Second Tradion: Progeny

Sire another at the peril of both yourself and your progeny. If you create a childe, the weight is your own to bear.
Any vampire can create more vampires. Doing so is to damn another soul for all eternity. It is not an act which should be indulged lightly.

Tutelage

When a vampire sires a childe, is it considered the duty of the sire to tutor the childe in the laws and customs of kindred society and to ensure the childe does not violate the first tradition in the heady and difficult first nights of her requiem.

The Third Tradition: Amaranth

You are forbidden from devouring the heartsblood of another of your kind. If you violate this commandment, the Beast calls to your own Blood.
It is said that while the blood of mortals is sweet, the blood of kindred as far sweeter still. Though drinking the blood of other vampires has its pleasures and perils, the Vinculum not the least of these, drinking the life blood, the heart's blood, of another vampire causing their Final Death is an act fraught with danger and the promise of power as well.

Deference

While respect for one's elders is simple good manners even in mortal society, among kindred it takes on an even greater significance. Especially when that elder may be hundreds if not thousands of years old.

Vampire Glossary

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