The traditions are considered the inviolate rules of Kindred existence, and they have been the basis of all vampiric laws since the time of Caine. Most vampires follow them out of habit, whether because they are common sense suggestions or necessary for survival.

THE FIRST TRADITION: THE MASQUERADE

Thou shalt not reveal thy true nature to those not of the blood. Doing so shall renounce thy claims of Blood.

Explanation: Age-old law demands that the knowledge of the existence of true vampires be kept from mortal man. To reveal such to them would place the kindred in dire jeopardy. Violation of this tradition is the most serious offence a vampire can commit. The strengths and resources of humanity in the modern age are such that were human and Kindred to war, the survival of the Kindred would be in question.

THE SECOND TRADITION: THE DOMAIN

Thy domain is thy concern. All others owe thee respect while in it. None may challenge thy word in thy domain.

Explanation: These days only the most powerful vampires in a city can claim domain over it. They do so according to the tradition, and pretend that all others live there only at the pleasure of the Prince. Princes claim they possess the cities, and in most ways, they do. This tradition is used by them to support their claims. This tradition is what gives a vampire the right to claim Princedom.

THE THIRD TRADITION: THE PROGENY

Thou shalt sire another one with permission of thine elder. If thou createst another without thine elder's leave, both thou and thy progeny shall be slain.

Explanation: Throughout most of vampiric history, the 'elder' of this tradition was one's sire, though a looser interpretation has evolved in recent times. Many princes have stipulated that they are the elder referred to in this tradition and refuse all who dwell within their domain the right of creation without permission.

THE FOURTH TRADITION: THE ACCOUNTING

Those thou create are thine own childer. Until thy progeny shall be released, thou shalt command them in all things. Their sins are thine to endure.

Explanation: One who sires a childe assumes responsibility for that child's existence. If the childe is unable to endure the burden of its new existence, it is the sire's responsibility to take care of the matter. If the childe attempts to betray the Kindred and threaten the Masquerade, it is up to the sire to prevent him. While still a childe, under the direct care of one's sire, a vampire has no rights. If a childe takes actions which threaten the security of other Kindred, the sire can be held responsible.

THE FIFTH TRADITION: HOSPITALITY

Honor one another's domain. When thou comest to a foreign city, thou shall present thyself to the one that ruleth there. Without the word of acceptance, thou art nothing.

Explanation: Though vampires are loath to travel far, they occasionally do. Ancient custom dictates that when entering a new domain, a city claimed by an elder, the newcomers must present themselves to the elder. This was so even before there were princes, in a time where there was only one Kindred in each city. It was simply a tradition of politeness: one knocks before entering.

THE SIXTH TRADITION: DESTRUCTION

Thou art forbidden to destroy another of thy kind. The right of destruction belongeth only to thine elder. Only the eldest among thee shall call the blood hunt.

Explanation: This tradition has caused more controversy than any other, and reinterpretations are constantly being discussed. It seems to imply that the right of destruction is limited to one's own bloodline. Only the sire has the right to destroy his progeny. However, the shift in meaning of the word 'elder' has resulted in most princes claim this right over all who dwell within their domains and the Camarilla as a whole supports this decision.