Traditions (VtM)

The Traditions are the fundamental laws of Kindred society, supposedly handed down by Caine himself.

After the new Conevention of Thornes was signed, the Traditions changed to a modern and updated version of them.

## Overview - Old Traditions

Here is the basic breakdown of the six traditions:

* **Masquerade**: Hide the existence of vampires.
* **Domain**: A kindred's hunting ground is his own territory, and he rules it absolutely.
* **Progeny**: Sire only with permission of one's elders.
* **Accounting**: Until childer are released, their actions are the responsibility of their sire.
* **Hospitality**: Honor the domains of others, and present oneself to the ruler of any domain you visit.
* **Destruction**: The right to kill Kindred is reserved for the Elder of a community. Only an elder may call a Blood Hunt.

The Traditions form the legal backbone of Camarilla society, although in modern nights, the Prince fulfills the Elder role outlined in the traditions. Most vampiric culture springs from the Traditions – presentation is outlined in the Tradition of Hospitality, the Blood Hunt in the Tradition of Destruction and the parceling of land in the Tradition of Domain.

## Overview - New Traditions

Here is the breakdown of the new ten traditions:

* **Masquerade**: Hide the existence of vampires.
* **Domain**: A kindred's hunting ground is his own territory, and he rules it absolutely.
* **Progeny**: Sire only with permission of one's elders.
* **Accounting**: Until childer are released, their actions are the responsibility of their sire.
* **Hospitality**: Honor the domains of others, and present oneself to the ruler of any domain you visit.
* **New Destruction**: The right to kill Kindred is to be decided by a court. Only a court can call a blood hunt.
* **Generosity**: The duty to protect fellow kindred.
* **Charity**: The city representative can collect taxes.
* **Liability**: The city representative answers with his own blood to issues of the city.
* **Borderland**: The limits of a city representative will never be longer than the borders of the city lines.

The new Traditions are still the legal backbone of Camarilla society, now joined by Anarchs and the new Clans that abide by the rules.

## The Traditions

Below are excerpts of the New Convention of Thornes Treatise.

### First Tradition: The Masquerade

*All Kindred are hereby bound by blood oath to ensure the utmost secrecy and concealment of the existence of our kind from mortal society. The violation of this most sacred tradition constitutes a grave offense against our kind, and all Kindred shall strive at all times to avoid any actions that could potentially expose our existence to the mortal population.*

*To maintain the Masquerade, Kindred shall not reveal their true nature to mortals, nor shall they engage in any behavior that could lead to the discovery of our kind by the uninitiated. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, feeding in public, displaying supernatural abilities or powers, or engaging in any form of behavior that could draw attention to our existence.*

*Should any Kindred violate the Masquerade, they shall be subject to punishment by order of the local Prince or Justicar Courts. Such punishment may include, but is not limited to, monetary fines, imprisonment, or even the Final Death.*

*All Kindred are hereby warned that the violation of the Masquerade constitutes a grave threat to our continued existence, and thus the punishment for such an offense shall be commensurate with the severity of the violation.*

*Let all Kindred, from the youngest fledgling to the most ancient Methuselah, take heed of this solemn vow and swear by the blood of Caine to uphold the Masquerade at all times and at all costs.*

### Second Tradition: Domain

*Let hereby be settled that each Kindred shall have the right to claim and rule over a territory, known as their Domain, as they see fit, provided that they do not infringe upon the rights of other Kindred to do the same. The Domain of a Kindred shall be respected by all others, and any trespassing into another's Domain shall be seen as an act of aggression and may be met with force.*

*The ruler of each Domain shall have absolute authority over all within their territory, and their word shall be considered law. All Kindred within a Domain must abide by the laws and customs established by the ruler, and any violations of these laws shall be met with swift and just punishment.*

*However, the right to rule a Domain comes with great responsibility. A ruler must ensure the safety and security of all within their territory, and must be prepared to defend their Domain against any who would seek to invade or harm it. In return, the ruler of a Domain may expect the loyalty and support of those under their rule.*

*Should a dispute arise between rulers of adjacent Domains, the matter shall be brought before the local Prince or Justicar Courts for resolution. The ruling of the Prince or Justicar Courts in such matters shall be considered final and binding.*

*In all things, the right to rule a Domain must be exercised with wisdom and discretion, for the good of all Kindred and the preservation of the Masquerade. Any who abuse this right shall face the full wrath of the local Prince or Justicar, and may be stripped of their Domain and exiled from Kindred society.*

### Third Tradition: Progeny

*Of the Traditions that bind the Kindred, none is more fundamental than the sacred duty of Progeny. No Kindred shall dare to sire another without first receiving the consent of their Elders. Such a decision requires careful consideration and prudent forethought, for a progeny is a weighty responsibility and carries with it a multitude of potential consequences.*

*Before being granted the boon of progeny, the requesting Kindred must prove their worthiness and demonstrate their capacity to raise and educate their progeny with the utmost care and discipline. Should they be found wanting, they will be denied their request and may face censure or even punishment.*

*Furthermore, until a progeny is deemed ready to be released from their Sire's tutelage, the Sire shall be held accountable for all of their actions. Any violations of the Traditions or the laws of the Kindred committed by a progeny shall reflect upon their Sire and may result in the Sire being held responsible for the progeny's misdeeds.*

*In light of the grave importance of this Tradition, any Kindred who dares to sire another without first receiving permission from their Elders shall be punished severely by order of the local Prince or Justicar Courts.*

### Fourth Tradition: Accounting

*It is the responsibility of a sire to maintain a watchful eye over their childer, to provide them with guidance and instruction in the ways of our kindred society, and to ensure that their actions do not bring dishonor or shame upon their sire or their clan. Until a childe is released from their accounting, they are considered the responsibility of their sire, who shall be held accountable for any transgressions committed by their progeny.*

*A sire shall have the authority to dictate the actions of their childer within the bounds of their own domain, and shall be responsible for ensuring that their childer abide by the laws and customs of any domain they may visit. This duty extends beyond mere instruction and guidance, and requires a sire to take an active role in their childe's affairs, including providing protection and support when necessary.*

*Any Kindred who violates this sacred tradition of our society shall face swift and just punishment, as determined by the local Prince or Justicar. This is not a matter to be taken lightly, for the reputation of a sire and their clan is at stake. It is therefore incumbent upon all kindred to uphold this tradition with the utmost seriousness and commitment, for the good of our society as a whole.*

### Fifth Tradition: Hospitality

*In accordance with the principles of honor and mutual respect among Kindred, all shall observe the sacred rite of hospitality. No Kindred shall enter the Domain of another without proper presentation to the ruling authority of that Domain. Any Kindred seeking entry to another's Domain must be mindful of local customs and laws and conduct themselves in a manner befitting their station.*

*As guests in a foreign Domain, Kindred shall obey the commands of their hosts, lest they bring dishonor upon themselves and their own Domain. Should a Kindred commit any transgressions or violations of the law during their stay, the responsibility for their actions shall fall upon their host, who must answer to the Prince or Justicar Courts for any breach of hospitality.*

*Any Kindred who violates this ancient and sacred Tradition shall face swift and severe punishment, as determined by the local Prince or Justicar Courts, for the breach of trust and disrespect of the honored customs of the Damned.*

### Sixth Tradition: New Destruction

*The sanctity of Kindred life is paramount and must be respected by all those of our kind. The taking of a Kindred's life without just cause is an affront to our traditions and a violation of the natural order. Therefore, any Kindred who seeks to end the existence of another of our kind must first seek the permission of a court of law composed of impartial judges.*

*This court shall be convened by the local Prince or Justicar, and its proceedings shall be conducted with the utmost seriousness and gravity. The accused shall have the right to present evidence and testimony in their defense, and the judges shall weigh all relevant factors in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.*

*If the accused is found guilty, punishment shall be swift and severe. Such actions undermine the stability and security of our society and cannot be tolerated. The punishment shall be commensurate with the offense, and may include exile, imprisonment, or even the ultimate penalty of destruction.*

*Let it be known that any Kindred who takes the life of another of our kind without just cause shall face the full weight of the law and be subject to the judgment of their peers. It is our duty as Kindred to uphold the sanctity of our own lives, and those of our fellow Kindred, in the face of any threat or challenge.*

### Seventh Tradition: Generosity

*It is expected of all Kindred to display acts of kindness and protection towards their brethren. Any Kindred who witnesses another being attacked or threatened must come to their aid, and shall not engage in any behavior that could harm another Kindred or jeopardize their safety. The Kindred are bound by an ancient code of honor that requires them to demonstrate generosity towards each other.*

*In the event that a Kindred violates this code, the local Prince or Justicar Courts will take action against them. They will be held accountable for their actions and will face punishment, which can range from a simple reprimand to the harshest of penalties.*

*It is important to note that this tradition not only applies to physical attacks, but also to any act of aggression towards a fellow Kindred. Any Kindred who engages in behavior that could harm or jeopardize the safety of another Kindred shall be seen as violating this tradition.*

*Therefore, it is the responsibility of every Kindred to uphold the tradition of Generosity and act in the best interest of their fellow Kindred. For the safety and preservation of the community, it is imperative that Kindred display acts of protection and kindness towards one another.*

### Eighth Tradition: Charity

*Let it be known that the Exchequer, who shall be appointed by the local Prince or Justicar Court, shall be granted the inalienable right to collect tithes and taxes from all Kindred within the Domain for the betterment of the community. These funds shall be employed in providing succor, support, and relief to the downtrodden and distressed of the Kindred society, as well as ensuring the general safety and well-being of the Domain.*

*It is the solemn duty of all Kindred to contribute to this endeavor, for the betterment of the community as a whole. Failure to do so shall be considered a grave violation of this Tradition and shall incur punishment by order of the local Prince or Justicar Court.*

*Let it also be known that the City representative shall be accountable to the local Prince or Justicar Court, and must use the funds collected for the purposes of promoting the welfare of the Domain. Any violation of this duty shall be deemed an act of embezzlement and shall be punished accordingly.*

*Thus, let all Kindred heed this Tradition, for it is the bedrock of our community's well-being, and any who transgress shall face the swift and sure justice of our leaders.*

### Ninth Tradition: Liability

*In the intricate web of Kindred society, the city representative, henceforth **Ritter** holds a position of immense responsibility. As the designated agent of the local Prince or Justicar Court, or in its absence, the Prince itself, bears the burden of ensuring the safety and stability of the city and its inhabitants. They are the first line of defense against any threats that may arise, whether from within or without.*

*To be a Ritter is to be constantly vigilant, always aware of the shifting dynamics and power struggles that lurk just beneath the surface of Kindred society. It requires a sharp mind and a steady hand, the ability to navigate complex political alliances and balance competing interests.*

*At the heart of this responsibility lies the concept of liability, the understanding that the Ritter must answer for any missteps or failures that occur on their watch. They are the ultimate authority in matters related to the city, and as such, they are held accountable for its success or failure.*

*This Tradition places a heavy burden on the Ritter, demanding a level of dedication and sacrifice that few are willing to undertake. But for those who possess the strength and resolve to rise to the challenge, the rewards are great. To be a successful city representative is to wield immense power and influence, to shape the destiny of the city and its inhabitants for generations to come.*

### Tenth Tradition: Borderland

*By the sacred blood oath of the Kindred, the limits of a city representative will never be longer than the borders of the city lines. This Tradition serves as a cornerstone of our society stability. By establishing the geographical boundaries within which a city representative may operate, we assure that the power is containable and responsibilities as well. The Kindred of a city are tasked with the sacred duty of defining and enforcing the borders of their city, and it is the Prince's solemn responsibility to remain within those borders at all times.*

*Moreover, it is the city Prince's sacred duty to ensure the safety and stability of the city, and to maintain the integrity of the borders at all costs. Any activity that would threaten the security of the city or its citizens is strictly prohibited, and the city representative shall take every measure to prevent such activity from occurring.*

*It is also important to note that any expansion beyond the borders of the city must be approved by the esteemed Primogen council and by neighboring cities, if applicable. This ensures that our society remains cohesive and united, and that our borders are not overextended beyond what can be reasonably maintained and defended.*

*In summary, the Tradition of Borderland serves as a sacred and inviolable foundation of our society, ensuring that our city remains a bastion of safety and stability for all Kindred who dwell within its borders. As such, any violation of this Tradition shall be met with swift and severe punishment, as prescribed by the local Prince or Justicar Court.*