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The vampire Dynasties

There are currently five vampire dynasties that form the Cabal in As Night Falls:

  • The enchanting Bathory.
  • The authoritarian de Morieve.
  • The primal Orlock.
  • The rebellious Lilith.
  • The intellectual Tepes.

The dynasties are ideological, based on the different hunting practices of vampires. For example, a vampire of the Bathory dynasty hunts using their beauty and charisma, whilst a member of the Orlock dynasty is a savage predator.

Leading each of the dynasties is a monarch, a title that is passed down from monarch to their appointed heir. Becoming the heir is a vicious struggle, as competition is fierce and an heir cannot be certain who is their ally and who may be plotting their downfall. Also, it is not unknown for a monarch to replace a nominated heir with another, should they be found wanting.

Although the change - the process of a human becoming a vampire - is the same for all vampires, each dynasty approaches it in a different way. The Orlocks seek those that are natural predators, whilst de Morieve seek those of natural authority and prestige.

Occasionally, a vampire may choose to leave their dynasty for another. Changing dynasties is a two-stage process, which requires declaring to their monarch they are no longer a follower of their dynasty, and then petitioning the monarch of the new dynasty that they wish to be part of.

When a vampire leaves a dynasty, they are declared bloodless, in that their blood is no longer recognised by the monarchs. They are unable to take part in any Cabal or dynasty ceremony and their doubloons are worthless until they become part of a new dynasty. Their status as one of the bloodless is reneged once the vampire joins a new dynasty.

Any vampire that refuses to join another dynasty is excommunicated from the Cabal, denied protection and may be hunted down before they can reveal the existence of vampires.

Together, the vampire dynasties form the ancient vampire Cabal, but relations are not always harmonious between them. Instead, interactions are often a combination of diplomatic necessity and enlightened self-interest.




 

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