Mind's Eye Theatre - Vampire The Requiem.pdf - RoseRed

granted therefrom), the next step was to ingrain the idea that every aspect of the existence
of Kindred domains must be respected. From this effort arose the notion that a vampire
should present himself whenever he travels into the domain of another vampire. After all,
one doesn’t really respect the tradition of domain if one hunts on another’s land without
permission. One doesn’t have to actively challenge the rightful claim of another vampire in
order to disrespect both the domain and its owner.
Of course, even this seemingly well-intentioned tradition has its controversy. Modern
Princes invoke this code as a means by which to keep track of who is and who is not within
their demesnes at all times, by asking that each visitor or would-be resident present himself
upon entering. Once the visitor does, the Prince either acknowledges him — in which case he
may remain in the domain (under the Prince’s protection) — or refuses to acknowledge him
— in which case, he is expected to depart the domain immediately. As a result, this tradition
has come to be ignored the most by young Kindred, many of whom don’t even know of its
existence (usually because they were not properly educated after their Embrace).
One of the most common reasons for these violations is the gray area that defi nes visitors
and would-be residents. Kindred who just pass through often feel no obligation to stop
just so they can potentially put themselves at risk by coming before the local Prince. Only
those who intend to remain for any length of time are required to present themselves, and
some feel that it is up to personal interpretation just what a “length of time” might involve.
Some Princes have been known to specify a duration (in terms of nights), so that there is no
confusion when the Prince’s Scourge or Sheriff brings newcomers forward for questioning.
As a result, this practice tends to complicate already complex social dynamics while further
widening the gulf between elder and neonate.
Technically, this tradition applies to only those who intend to hunt within a domain. If a
vampire can establish that he’ll not be a drain on the domain’s resources (by demonstrating
access to a private blood supply, for example), then he could argue that the tradition doesn’t
apply to him on any practical level and that presentation before the Prince is merely a social
courtesy. Obviously, this situation does not arise very often, and when it does, most Princes
aren’t thrilled with the idea of being snubbed by the letter of the law. To them, it is better to
just present one’s case during rather than instead of presentation.
For a less formal interpretation of the tradition of deference, see “Presentation” on p. 28.
96
THE MARK OF DAMNATION
Many wonder about the true nature of the Curse, given the way the Traditions
interact with it. The Traditions are tied so closely to the vampiric condition that each
one actually carries with it a physiological expression. The Tradition of the Masquerade
is refl ected in the fact that no Kindred appears in any recording device or refl ective
surface unless he wishes to be seen that way. The Second Tradition, the prohibition
against the profl igate creation of vampires, manifests in the diffi culty with which
vampires create new progeny. A considerable investiture of personal will and energy
is required to even consider violating the decree.
Perhaps most interestingly, however, is the third restriction, the Tradition prohibiting
the destruction of another Kindred with the intent of consuming his heartsblood and soul.
Unlike the physiology of the fi rst two Traditions, which are preventive in nature, the true
weight and message of the third manifests only after it has been violated. Some suspect
that the prohibition is tied to the divine or diabolical origin of the Kindred. Obviously,
the element of personal choice remains for the undead. By the same token, removing the
onus of a decision to kill from vampires would, some might argue, defeat the purpose
of vampires in the fi rst place. Historical accounts of vampires, even among the Kindred,
depict them as cursed for the terrible and selfi sh decisions they have made.
chapter one: society of the damned