The kindred walk among you, unseen, unheard. They desire nothing from you other than your blood. Beware, lest they curse you with the gift of blood, for then you shall become as one of them, and prey upon the living.
Not much is known of the kindred. However, there are whispers of a grey mansion overlooking windswept, silent hills, where the mother of all, Lilith, sits on her night throne and rules her children. Among the kindred, this mansion is known as the motherhouse.
From the dying breaths of a poor adventurer, found near the Orc valley and pale as ashes from blood loss, this is known of the rigid traditions of the kindred.
The tradition of Respect.
A childer should always honour and respect its Sire. Likewise, a younger
vampire should respect the knowledge, power and authority of its elders.
The tradition of Tribute.
A formalization of the tradition of Respect, Lilith claims half a vampire's
income in tribute and divides it among the vampire's elders and herself.
The elders naturally approve of this, while the younger kindred sometimes
mutter under their breath. Nevertheless, such is the decree of the mother.
The tradition of Progeny.
A vampire should, upon such a time it is learned in the ways of the kindred
and its blood is stronger than a mere fledgling's, Kiss those mortals it
deems worthy of the gift of blood and who are willing to receive it. Lilith
wishes for able servants, and so the Sire is responsible for teaching the
ways of the kindred to its childer.
The tradition of Modesty.
A vampire should take care not to create an excessive amount of childer,
lest they turn against their Sire, or run away before learned in the ways
of the kindred. Also, if the blood becomes too diluted, its power will
diminish, and with it the power of all kindred.
Herein lies a paradox of the kindred; create childer to further the power
of Lilith, but in moderation, lest the blood become too thin and the power
of the gift wasted.
The tradition of Challenges.
To prevent chaotic diablerie among the kindred, a formalized challenging
system has arised. The challenger goes to Lilith and challenges the
offender, and if she agrees to a duel, it will take place as soon as the
offender accepts the challenge, and will end with only one survivor.
The tradition of Elerion.
When Lilith sees fit, she calls together all kindred and command them to
choose a champion, the strongest among them, the one with the greatest will
to live. This is Elerion, a grand tournament of which only one vampire
emerges alive and winner. This vampire will stand high in Lilith's favour
until the next time Elerion is called.
You who wish to learn more of the kindred are advised to talk to Leowon, the guildmaster as decreed by Lilith.
