Kindred produce progeny, much as mortals do, and different generations exist among them in much the same manner. There exist more than 13 generations of Kindred, and the more distant a Kindred is from Caine, the first vampire, the weaker the Kindred is. Kindred are commonly identified by what generation they belong to.

It is important to understand that generation does not necessarily indicate age. A vampire of the 10th generation could be twice as old as a vampire of the sixth generation

If vampires engage in the practice of diablerie, the slaying and drinking the blood of Kindred of earlier generations, they may raise their effective generations. For example, if an eighth generation vampire slays and drinks the remaining vitae of a seventh generation vampire, her effective generation is now seventh, not eighth.

Tradition holds Caine, the Biblical slayer of his brother Abel, is the Sire Of All Kindred. There is much controversy over this within Kindred community, as there are none still existing who can claim with utter certainty to have met Caine. Certainly, those of the second generation would know, but they're not talking. Some of the third generation who yet exist claim to have met a being who may have been Caine, or simply a powerful Kindred of the second generation.

It is an unresolved question - a mystery of heritage.

The existing translations of the Book Of Nod place the number of second generation Kindred at three. Caine in his sorrow created them to live with him in his great city of Enoch. Nothing is known about these three.

One can assume, based on the Book Of Nod, that they were slain either during the Deluge or in the First War following the Flood. As one might expect, all those of age are reluctant to speak of their sires and the great strife that overcame them all. Undoubtedly, some know more than they are revealing.

Were any of the second generation still in existence today, they would be powerful beings: akin to demigods, perhaps.

It is believed that seven members of the third generation exist, though the names of only two, Lucian and Mekhet, are widely known. In common argot, they are referred to as the Antediluvians, and they are the founders of the 13 vampire clans. All remain hidden, lost in the workings of the Jyhad, the war that has lasted nearly as long as recorded history. They continue their struggle, but now instead of openly warring on the battlefield, they use subterfuge, guile and outright deceit. Their primary activity seems to be tracing the activities of each other and thwarting whatever moves their opponents make.

These moves seem to range from things as petty as the acquisition of a piece of artwork or property, to grand schemes involving nations. Those of the third generation see themselves as manipulators and dominators, and are split between living within and without the mortal world. It is unclear if this reflects the origins of the Jyhad, or is just what it has degenerated into. There are other suspicions, based on the origins of the word Jyhad. Some among the third generation may indeed have reached Golconda and are attempting to assist others of their kind to attain that state. They must war with other Ancients who do not wish this to come to pass.

Those of the third generation are powerful beings, with abilities and powers only guessed at by their lessers. Some say they comprise the last generation to have true mastery over the powers of life and death, and can only die the Final Death if they choose to or are slain by one of equal power. Is this, perhaps, the Jyhad? A maneuvering to see who shall be the last of his kind?

Recently, the Ravnos Antediluvian awakened within the borders of India and Asia and waged a short terrible war between the Kuei-jins and some of the other supernatural powers of the planet. It's death knell brought about the near total annihilation of the Ravnos clan. Now known as the "Week of Nightmares", it signifies the beginning of the End Times.

These vampires are known as the Methuselahs, for they are nearly as powerful and secretive as the Antediluvians. Those of the fourth and fifth generations are most often the pawns of choice in the Jyhad, as they may have political power among the other Kindred. As a result, their numbers have dwindled significantly with the actions of the Antediluvians. Few of this generation remain active, and many have become Inconnu out of fear of the Jyhad and diablerie. The Inner Circle of the Camarilla is said to be composed of members of the fourth generation There are even rumors that the true purpose of the Camarilla is to blunt the efforts of the third generation to manipulate the younger generations.

Though the blood of Caine begins to dilute somewhat at this distance, those of the fourth generation are still extremely powerful.

Vampires of these generations are powerful enough to think they can resist the workings of their elders, and so remain deeply involved in Kindred society. They control the Camarilla (at least they think so), comprise the majority of the princes, and are the primogen of many cities. Those who remain in positions of visibility tend to be important figures: leaders of clans or bloodlines, or princes of great cities. Most of the princes of European cities tend to be of sixth generation. Princes of American cities tend to be of seventh or eighth generation.

Interestingly, the members of the eighth generation seem to be the last Kindred viewed as "elders." Perhaps it is because the majority of them were created before the modern age, and that is evident in their manner and bearing.

Though they are sometimes called elders, these Kindred often associate themselves with members of the younger generations. Members of these generations are frequently called Ancillae, though of course this is based on age more than generation. Most created in the modern era, and thus are somewhat alien in temperament to the older Kindred. In more ways than one, they bridge the gap between the anarchs and the elders.

The most recent generations of Kindred are often called neonates. They are still powerful creatures, but the special gifts of Caine's blood (the unique powers and abilities) are rarely found here. Born within recent memory, the Kindred of these generations are products of societies that have received the benefits of, and been victims of, rapid change.

There are exceedingly few Kindred of these generations, and none beyond. Indeed, those of 15th generation have failed to sire any progeny. Their blood is far too thin, and they are too removed from Caine to be able to pass on the Curse. Some also possess a new ability that sets them beyond any vampire, the gift of Insight. It allows that vampire to see the past and future of the Kindred and learn the secrets of the Jyhad. Some others also possess the ability to create new disciplines like the old Antediluvians and Methuselahs used to do.

These are vampires that are more human than vampire. The are the product of a 15 generation vampire and a full blooded human, born and bred within the womb of the female, whether that female is a vampire or human. They can walk in the sun and replenish their own vitae without even bothering to feed upon another human and eat food. They belong to no clan and are not of any generation. Dhampirs are just one more sign that the End Times have begun...