CAINE

Tradition holds that Caine, the Biblical slayer of his brother Abel, is the Sire of all Kindred.

There is much controversy over this within the 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 and a mystery of heritage.

The exsisting 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 of 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 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 Mehet, are widely know.

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 activities seem to be tracing the activities of each other and thwarting whatever moves their opponents make. These moves seem to range from something 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, split between those who would live within the mortal world and those who would live without.

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 attain this state. They must war with the others 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 lesser. Some say they are the last generation to have true mastery over the powers of life and death, and can only die the Final Death if they choose or are slain by one of equal power.

Is this, perhaps, the Jyhad.? A maneuvering to see who shall be the last of their kind?

These vampires are know as the Methuselahs, for they are nearly as powerful and secretive as the Antediluvians.

Those of fourth and fifth generation 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 remains 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 and to manipulate the younger generations.

Though the blood of Caine begins to dilute somewhat at this distance, those of fourth generation are still extremely powerful. It can be assumed they have reached their maximum potential in two or three Disciplines.

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, or at least they think they do, comprise the majority of the princes, and are the Primogen of many cities.

Those that remain in positions of visibility tend to be important figures,i.e.: leaders of clans or bloodlines, or princes of great cities. Most of the princes of European cities tend to be of the sixth generation. Princes of American cities tend to be of the seventh or eighth generations.

Members of these generations have most commonly reached their maximum potential in one or two Disciplines.

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 younger generations.

Members of these generations are frequently called ancillae, though of course this is based on age more than generation.

Most were created in the modern era, and thus are somewhat alien in temperament to the old 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.

Most characters belong to these generations.

They are still powerful creatures, but the special gifts of Caine's blood,i.e.: the unique powers and abilities akin to magic, 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.

These Kindred are the most rebellious yet malleable of vampiric society.

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