The traditions of Bergen
This is where you can read about the traditions and rules the Families have set to uphold the Masquerade (hiding vampires from human knowledge), and to keep the vampire world safe and secret. If any of these rules and traditions are broken, and the vampires are exposed to the “real world”, the consequences can be dire. These rules and traditions are the reason the outside vampire world hasn’t stepped in on Bergen’s territory.
The Camarilla’s 6 traditions
These 6 traditions and rules constitute the core management system among the vampires, but they are interpreted in completely different ways by the different vampire leaders around the world. Some are weighed more or less heavily depending on where you are. However, these are rules and traditions that will be upheld, and not knowing is no excuse not to follow them.
The Masquerade ->
This first rule is the only universally respected out of these rules. However, this is also the rule that is broken most often. Sloppy hunts and drinking in front of witnesses, a vulgar display of the unliving’s powers, a show to a beloved mortal… All of these are examples of things that happen, but is expected to be a mess that the vampire will clean up on their own. If they don’t, they will pay for this transgression. The expression “Snitches get stitches” doesn’t even begin to describe how seriously the Camarilla and Anarchs take the Masquerade.
In the age where YouTube, clickbait and fake news can make sure a transgression by a vampire gets overlooked by the general masses, there are still people who hunt the supernatural with any means. These people might show up on a vampire’s doorstep and cause mayhem and destruction.
Only the most crazed Cainites dream of a world in which vampires can rule openly. The vampires will do much better ruling behind the scenes, than as the main players in plain sight.
Domain ->
A Prince’s domain is the whole city or country, however a Prince may give certain rights to those who serve them. These rights might include ruling over certain parts of a district or town instead of the Prince themselves. This can create a hierarchy resembling the aristocratic societies of England before the second world war.
Being familiar with the lands one lives on, and who has a right to its use is imperative to navigating the urban environments at night safely.
The Embrace ->
Overpopulation can quickly pose a serious threat to the Masquerade, and to ask the Prince or Council for permission to make a Childe, is the best way to avoid this situation. A life partner of your own blood is one of the things most vampires want the most, but also something they cannot have freely. This is why a Childe is a wanted gift, and a powerful tool for securing an alliance. If you were to end up with an illegitimate Childe, both you and the Childe might meet your permanent deaths as a consequence.
The Responsibility ->
Those vampires you create are your own children. Until your Childe is “old enough” to move out on their own, you are to teach them everything they need to know. Their sins are yours to keep, and anything they do will reflect back on you as their Sire.
Hospitality ->
Everyone must honour eachother’s domain. When you visit another city, it is expected that the vampire presents themselves for whoever reigns there. Without their word of approval, the vampire is nothing. This tradition is especially important due to espionage and isolation, as the reigning Prince or Council need to know who is in their domain, and when. Some Princes even deny access to their domain, by building walls, or even with deadly force. This is not the case for Bergen.
Destruction ->
It is forbidden to destroy someone of your kin. The rights to destroy another vampire lies only in the hands of the Elders. Only The Elder among all vampires, is allowed to call for a Bloodhunt, which is the ultimate punishment in the vampire society.