During the era of
Haus Nachstein's reign over
Dawnstadt,
Margrave von Nachstein imposed rules over
Kindred society.
Six traditions create the framework for governance among Kindred. While they are open to interpretations in each domain and some are more important than others, they are traditions set in place by
Haus Nachstein.
The First Tradition: The Masquerade
Thou shall not reveal thy true nature to those not of the Blood. Doing such shall renounce thy claims of Blood.
The most universally accepted principle among Vampires. This represents the Masquerade, the fact that humans must never know about the supernatural which influences the careful nature all Kindred must have in order to survive. One sloppy feeding, one display of powers in public, or one mistimed confession to a mortal lover could spell doom for those involved as the Inquisition comes knocking down the door to find the creatures who have breached. It is expected that any issues created are quickly solved before something dire happens to them or those they love.
The Second Tradition: The Domain
Thy domain is thine own concern. All others owe thee respect while in it. None may challenge thy word while in thy domain.
Princes own the entire domain which more often than not is the entire city. In some cases, however, they may grant smaller districts or city blocks for others to rule over beneath them. These cases resemble the ancient hierarchy of liege lords and lieges.
The Third Tradition: The Progeny
Thou shall only Sire another with the permission of thine elder. If thou createst another without thine Elder's leave, both thou and thy Progeny shall be slain.
Whenever another vampire is sired, they must first ask for permission from the Prince. Overpopulation is a risk to the Masquerade and additional bodies can quickly become a serious threat.
The Fourth Tradition: The Accounting
Those thou create are thine own children. Until thy Progeny shall be Released, thou shall command them in all things. Their sins are thine to endure.
Wayward childer are punished, as without that, their Sires are often killed for their actions.
The Fifth Tradition: Hospitality
Honor one another's domain. When thou comest to a foreign city, though shall present thyself to the one who ruleth there. Without the word of acceptance, thou art nothing.
Keeping tabs on who is within the city is the duty of the ruling body. While some Princes erect walls or attempt to control the borders through political means, others give up on enforcing this law.
The Sixth Tradition: Destruction
Thou art forbidden to destroy another of thy kind. The right of destruction belongeth only to thine Elder. Only the Eldest among thee shall call the Blood Hunt.
A Blood Hunt is a call to arms, one that allows other members of the society to hunt another down and mercilessly kill them. Anything goes during this time, including
Diablerie, and it can only ever be called by the eldest which is often the Prince.
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