2. Relationships and Intimacies

[Zeo DiPaulo]

• Important terms (See below)
• Sex and "The Bite"
• Bonding
• Unioning
• Children
• Turned: progeny vs parner vs sevant
• General Family
• Pets

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Important Terms

Maker:
The vampire that has turned another vampire. Please note, never are parents of born vampires termed Maker.Also sometimes called Sire, especially among much older/ancient vampires.

Progeny:
Primarily a term used in reference to a Turned Vampire by their Maker, though occasionally born vampiric children are called this as well.

The Bond:

Generic term sometimes used to describe a forged bond between two vampires (usually) or a vampire and another being. There are many kinds of bonds, and the implications of this force can only be understand by taking into account the nature of the bond.

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Sex and "The Bite"

Sex:
As with humans, individual vampires will have different opinions as to what is considered 'intimate', as well as what sexual behavior is appropriate and with whom. Similarly there is some discrepancy between how vampires from differing parts of the world treat it. However, vampiric society, regardless of nation of origin, has certain etiquette as to sexual behavior.

• Intimacy and Sex can be two different matters. Vampires tend to have a more casual view on sex than humans, as such persecution of things such as masturbation, homosexuality, and most forms of what humans deemed 'sexual deviance' through out the ages have always been acceptable on vampiric terms. How intimate an act is, usually is based on the intent of the act, the personalities of the vampires involved, and most tellingly other related acts such as 'the bite' discussed later.
• Taboo activities only pertain to pedophilia, reproductive capable incest of family members of either direct decent or family members closer related than a second cousin, non-reproductive incest of family members of direct decent, and contact with species outside of the classification of falling under "people".
  
  One should note however, that despite this very limited set of taboo behavior, vampires are not prone to forming unusual fetishes to the exclusion of seeking 'normal' sexual contact.
• Exclusivity:
  Choosing to remain dedicated to a single partner is rare in vampiric society. Exclusivity in sexual relationships has changed by definition among vampires, with the current meaning typically being, to refrain from having additional lovers of the same race. In other words, if two vampires are lovers and they don't have sex with other vampires but do with humans, they would still consider themselves to be exclusive to one another. Modern Exclusivity also allows for engagement with slaves regardless of race, and the involvement of others within an act between the 'exclusive' lovers. This does not mean that a particular pair won't have stricter standards set up in the relationship, but it is expected that such arrangements be discussed as the assumption of any vampires is that he or she is allowed to act within societal standards. Though, for some reason, young vampires, just like young humans have been noted for occasionally super imposing higher standards and assuming they are understood, so experienced vampires should decide if they wish to be cautious or stern with young vampires who may expect more than they are due.
• Bonding:
  
  Information on Bonding will be under the bonding section

"The Bite"

While sex is viewed loosely in vampiric society, sharing "The bite" is not. Biting (implying the penetration of flesh via the fangs) another vampire is seen as a deeply intimate act, especially at the neck. For this reason, unless a vampire is in an environment where he or she holds enough authority to not be concerned with the comfort of those present, he or she will not openly bite another vampire. This would be considered vulger, and degrading to the recipiant of the bite. The only exception, one might get away with a nip to the wrist in public, but even then this would be seen as a 'naughty' action at the very least.

Despite the level of attachment usually present with biting shared between vampires (and Dhampires to a lesser extent, precluding the sharing of blood for nourishment), it doesn't imply sexual exclusivity. In some cases it may not include sexual activity between the pair at all (though this is nearly unheard of )

Implications: Due to the intimacy of the bite, typically vampires will only use their fangs as weapons against each other, or bite one another for blood as a last ditch effort for survival, or in the case of the latter, if one is trying to drain another vampire to gain an ability from him/her.

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Remember that these are according so societal standards, obviously like with humans there is always the possibility that they will be acted against by someone.

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Bonding

"The Bond", or bonding are umbrella terms used to describe various manners in which a vampire and another being (usually but not always another vampire) are connected in such a way that one or both parties are dependent upon on the other's continued existence and/or subject to sensing the other's feelings, desires and/or will. Which of these conditions exist depend on the type of bond being discussed, as well as how the bond itself is formed, as they can be formed naturally in some cases, or artificially so. Created bonds are made by the exchange of blood and a ritual.

Types of bonds

• Child to Parent:
  
  A natural bond that forms between a born vampiric child, and his/her parents. This bond included both parents, making the child's life force dependent upon the continued existence of at least one of them to survive into physical adult hood. While a vampiric child may be sensitive to the emotions of his/her parents (and this may continue to adulthood if they are particularly close), nothing is imposed upon the child by way of will, emotions, or desires. Similarly, parents may be attuned to the child's emotions, and will feel the death of the child physical if it takes place during the course of the bond, but that is the extent of what is imposed upon the parents. Once the born vampire has reached complete physical maturity, other than some residual emotional sensitivity (possibly) this bond is broken naturally.
• Turned to Maker:
  
  A natural bond that forms between a turned vampire and his/her Maker.
  The bond is formed while the new vampire is being turned, and like the bond between a born child and its parents, makes the new vampire dependent upon his/her Maker's life force. Unlike the previously mentioned bond, this one is far longer lasting, and slower to be broken. For this reason, it can take hundreds of years before a turned vampire can hope to survive the death of his/her Maker, and for hundreds of years beyond that the death of the Maker can cause profound emotional, psychological, and sometimes permanently physical damage to the turned vampire. This lessens gradually over time as the turned vampire's life force slowly moves towards independence and the vampire becomes stronger, until finally the bond is broken. Over the course of time a sensitivity towards the emotions of one another can form, and if formed is likely to last after the bond is broken.
• Clanmaster to Clan:
  
  A created bond formed between a Clanmaster and the members of his/her clan. This bond imposes a one way dependency of each clan member's life force to that of the the clan master. The strength of this, and the effect losing the clanmaster will have is dependent upon the age and class of the clanmember in question, the emotional disposition towards the clanmaster, and how long the bond has been in place. The younger and/or weaker a vampire is, the more likely he/she will suffer long term, if not permanent effects (most likely death ) at the death of a clan master. The more attachment and willing devotion a clan member offers the stronger this bond is, meaning that those who are closer to the clan master, and feel more loyalty towards him/her are more likely to die or suffer permanent effects from the clan master's death. Of course, the longer the bond has been existed between the master and his/her clan, the more likely the death of the clanmaster will have these adverse effects.
  
  It is possible for a clan master to relinquish the bond with his/her clan, or a member of that clan. This can be done in a 'gentle' manner to allow another master to take over the clan, or a member who is being transferred to a new clan, or violently as is the case of punishment or exile. The latter can result in the same effects as it would if the clanmaster died, except that death of the clan member is unlikely, making other adverse effects the most common outcomes.
  
  In cases where a clan master has abandoned his/her clan, or a clan member has been separated from master and clan, the bond may weaken, making it that much more vulnerable to the possibility that a stronger vampire may move in and override the existing bond with a new one.
• Forged Bond/ Life Bond:
  
  A created bond formed with the exchange of heart's blood. This bond is most typically formed between those who have formed an emotional attachment that goes beyond the simpler constraints of terms such as lovers, or any other emotional attachment that may inspire the forging of this bond. In this bond both sides become dependent upon one another's life force. If either dies, the other one will also. Those that enter this sort of bond can sense one another's emotions, be effected by perceptions of the other's will, and can sense one another's presence in the general area.

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Unioning

Sometimes likened to marriage, a Unioning does not involve the transfer of blood nor does it require the formation of the bond. This practice has somewhat fallen out of favor, though some young vampires are starting to use it as a symbolic gesture of love. Older vampires would only ever use a Union for its original intended purposes.

A Union would often be formed among royals or nobles of vampiric nations in order to establish a political connection between two nations, or at times in a manner by which peace, either through treaty or surrender between nations took place. For this same reason, there are times when modern clan masters may take up the practice for a temporary political advantage.

Another common purpose for a Union, and one that exists today, was to make an allowance for a set amount of time in which a pair were meant to try to create viable offspring. Most typically such an arrangement would spell out which nation the progeny were beholden too, the care for the other vampiric parent and compensation for the time devoted to the time spent on the endeavour.

Unions Are:

• Almost always accompanied by a written contract spelling out the particularities of any given Union.
• Temporary by nature, and will always define the set amount of time during which the contract is to be fulfilled.
• Typically expected to fairly spell out the rights and privileges given to the vampire who will be taking up residence in the other vampire's home.
• Understood to extend until the physical maturity of any and all offspring, in the event that a child is born such that he/she will not reach maturity before the term of the union is up.
• Binding in vampiric law. Unless all parties involved come to an acceptable arrangement to the contrary, a Union is expected to be carried out until term, or the violator will face consequences. In modern times these are decided up on by members of the next level of authority for both parties. In other words, if the Union is set between a Kaiser and any other vampire, the High Councilmen over that Kaiser and that of the second vampire in question (unless it is the same ) will decide on how the terms of the contract will be enforced; however if the vampires involved are only clan vampires, the corresponding clan masters are all that will be required to be involved. In Europe some countries have allowed these responsibilities to be delegated to what royals or nobelsl may remain in that nation, if the Kaiser, or High Councilmen do not wish to deal with these responsibilities.
• Expected to be upheld and respected by all vampires, especially in any social events. In other words, it is expected that if a female vampire is known to be in a Union, another vampire of the opposite sex is to refuse any advances or urges to become 'involved' with the vampire within the Union. The same constraints exist for a male vampire in a Union -if - the host vampire is the female. Any stricter standards than these must be spelled out in the Union and are the responsibility of the vampires involved in it solely.

Unions are not:

• Implications of a bond between partners, nor the future formation of such a bond. They may not even imply any particular attachment beyond father/mother of ones progeny (when successful), as in some cases the parties involved may not even be acquainted prior to the Unioning, and may be paired by probability of the passing of given bloodline abilities, the production of viable offspring, the openness to such a contract, and/or political advantages offered.
• Meant to ensure permanent care of either party beyond their time constraint.
• Used to deny resulting children the right to equal contact, and loyalties with either parent.
• The same as a contract to act as a carrier and or "nurse-maid", or sperm downer for another pair.
• Tied to a religious ceremony, except in cases where there is a desire to seek the blessing of the Moongoddes in the endeavor to create a child (it will always be the Moongoddes in matters of fertility, regardless of which vampiric deity is the governing one )

Note: Vampires over 500 years of age will -never- form a Union for things such as love, or attachment, as prior to much more modern times, Unions would never be considered for anything other than their contractual advantage (to ensure the parties involved are treated fairly and are enabled to get what they want out of the union). Younger vampires should be aware that when involved with an older vampire, they will see it as an insult to suggest being contractually tied in such a way without one of the legitimate reasons for being Unioned being present.

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Children

While attitudes towards children and their place in society and in the home tends to vary by culture or origin, and often by the age of the vampires (as it reflects the age in which he/she was brought up in), as well as being influenced by the current society in which a vampire lives in, there are some aspects of the child parent relationship that reoccur regularly among them.

• Limitations on procreation:
  
  While the standards may vary in given regions, the high council does not currently limit vampires to a given number of children they may have, nor does it require an attempt to produce any number of children. There are also no constraints as to what age a vampire must be in order to produce children.
• Abortions infanticide ect:
  
  Quite simply the intentional killing of offspring prior to physical maturity is not done, nor is it ever tolerated in vampiric society. While there are allowances for a vampire to kill "half" offspring (ie Dhampire) this can also be problematic for the vampiric parent, especially for the mother, due to the broad mentality that killing one's own offspring is unacceptable, as well as the existence of the parent child bond. There had once also been an allowance for the killing of 'cursed' offspring (ie those born on a black moon ), now however such practices are seen only in lesser nations and by few remnants of the old ways. Even so, it was rare that the parents themselves would kill the offspring, instead turning the duty over to a trusted family friend, while often mourning the loss of a child.
• The bond:
  
  As mentioned in the early segment about types of bonds, there exists a bond between a born offspring and his/her parents. Because of this bond, a parent of a vampire will, at the very least, have a desire for the child to thrive (even if not by his/her raising the child). While there is no guaranty, this is, in part, the reason that regardless of vampiric nation, children vampires were rarely sold for any purpose that took control of the child away from the parents (such as the practices that were common in old England when children were sold to work houses or as chimney sweeps). Selling of children vampires at all in most nations (currently ) is considered illegal, regardless, any vampire may face the high council in regards to such actions.
  
  Note: Children vampires being trained to take up the service of their clan (such as with the children of servants or slaves) is not considered selling a child, but is considered more akin to teaching the child the family trade.
• The Bond: Emotional Ties
  
  The bond does not guaranty additional emotional ties between a child and parents. This makes it possible for a vampire to act as a medium for a pair who desire a child to provide on for them. This is usually done for family or close friends, however, so that the vampire who is preforming this service is making his/herself vulnerable in creating the child due to the bond. Therefore, he/she would want to be sure the child is going to those who can protect and care for it properly. Even so, there are many cases in which the vampire giving up his/her parental claim on the child may desire a less important role, such as an honorary aunt/uncle. The fact that emotions are separate from the bond also can also account for the occurrences in which matured children may kill their parents and visa verse.
  
  While it has been stated that emotional attachments are not a given just because of the bond, this does not mean that they are not present. Often, especially in nations where fondness and love between child and parents is fostered, it is the norm for such emotional ties to exist between parents and their children.

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Turned

The relationship between a Turned vampire and his/her Maker depends primarily on one fact and that is why the Maker turned a given vampire. This factor in the relationship will hardly ever change as the process of turning and the bond formed tends to solidify the meaning of that relationship. For example, if a vampire is turned as progeny, one would never expect that status to change to a lover relationship. The only exception to this, a vampire turned to, in some way, serve the Maker, may over time form an attachment with his/her maker that can progress into that of a lover; though, the servant/pet turned will never be seen as progeny. The level of attachment depends on the vampire his/her self, even though the aspect cannot vary. In other words, even though turning the vampire as progeny means he/she must always be progeny, the level of attachment will depend on how the Maker would become attached to his/her offspring naturally.

• General:
  
  All Turned vampire will form "The bond" with his/her maker (as discussed in the bonding section. As such, regardless of why a vampire is turned, the Maker is subject to suffering if the Turned vampire dies, as such, even the servant/pet turned vampire will be carefully selected. It is very rare that a Maker will abandon or kill his/her Turned until after the bond has lessened significantly ( a process that takes much longer than the corresponding bond between a born child and his/her parents). Similarly all Turned are subject to death, or severe consequence at the death of a maker.
• Progeny:
  
  Those turned as progeny (to serve as offspring), should always be viewed as offspring. Even in cases where the hope is to transfer a specific ability, the Maker cannot retroactively retract his/her intentions towards said progeny. It usually isn't good practice to have more than one Progeny (turned), or to create progeny when a vampire already has a child. Other than some adjustments for the physical maturity, turned are usually viewed in the same manner a vampire would view a born child. Typically it takes longer for the turned vampire to be seen as 'matured' even though he/she may have been physically adult since the beginning. Abilities passed from a Maker to his/her Progeny are not considered bloodline abilities unless the ability was already proven to be passed through the bloodline of the original born vampire that started the turned line; however passing on such an ability does entitle the turned vampire to any status that it implies.
• Lover:
  
  Experienced vampires don't turn lovers lightly. The possibility of the relationship falling apart is not something that should be hanging over the Maker's head when this is done. However, turning a lover is a safer means to achieve immortality for one's partner without necessarily risking the Maker's life. However, unlike simply creating the Forged or Life bond, a Maker is still responsible for the development of the new vampire, and tending to any side effects the new vampire may experience from the turn.
• Servants/Pets:
  
  Any other reason for turning a human (or Dhampire to full vampire) would fall under the category of serving the Maker in some way. There were times where a royal, noble, or high ranking military vampire may turn vampires for war or other organized affairs. More commonly now, a pet one feels close to or a servant who proves particularly close to can be turned to ensure continued servitude without the risk of a Forged/Life bond. Obviously this process could not be used with any pet/servant a vampire wished to breed.
• Process:
  
  Turning a human (or Dhampire to a full vampire) is a deliberate act that can not be preformed accidentally. The Maker must bite and drain the intended future vampire via the neck. Typically this is done by puncturing the vein multiple times to increase the enzyme transfer, whether prior to or during the draining process is the Maker's preference. The vampire to be must be drained until such point that his/her heart stops (this will happen via the process by which the heart will beat faster as blood pressure drops to try to make up for the lack of fluid volume. The point will eventually be reached when so much blood is gone that the heart cannot meet the demand to pump faster and will give out). At this point, the heart becomes susceptible to the enzymes that have been pumped into the other vampire. The interaction with the muscle allows for a short window during which the Maker must introduce own blood to the new vampire. As the vampire to be will not yet have fangs, the Maker must see to puncturing his/her self and encouraging the new vampire to take part in his/her first feeding. Once sufficient blood has been shared, the new vampire will no longer be at risk of heart failure, and his/her body will proceed to change according to his/her new life.
• Restrictions:
  
  A vampire that is not yet physically mature is incapable of initiating the turning process. Vampires under the age of 100 are not permitted to turn another without the blessing of the Kaiser he/she is under. Kaisers who are not strict in granting such liberties face losing their rank. Violates will be tried individually and dealt with in accordance to the findings of such trials. As vampire who are not mature are more likely to turn others without thought, less able to ensure their continued existence (and therefore may effectively doom the vampire they have just turned to an early death ), and are far more likely to abandon their charges. As freshly turned vampires running amok can be harmful to the community as a whole, it will not be tolerated.
  
  There are limits to how many turned progeny a vampire can create in a given amount of time in any one area. This helps to ensure that vampires don't over-turn, and upset the human-vampire balance required to sustain both races in a healthy manner.
• Vampires turned as children:
  
  Please note that in modern vampiric society turning a child is looked down upon in most leading nations. In most of Europe, North East Asia, Japan, Australia, and Canada it is illegal (by vampiric law) to turn a human prior to the age of consent for that country. In France, Italy, and the British Isles it is illegal until the age of 18, and in Germany, and Austria until the age of 21. The discrepancy is to account for the difference between having the ability to be held accountable for making personal decision (age of consent ), and being stuck at a lower stage of psychological development (some were pushing for the age of 25). This is also to help give an individual time to consider steps to ensure future biological procreation (especially in the case of the vampire to be having been adopted by vampiric parents )
• Possible side effects:
  
  ***note these are temporary, and are not caused by factors such as age of the human, or any other permanent conditions***
  
  -difficulty adjusting to new schedule
  -sudden, intense bouts of hunger
  -excess blood lust
  -irritability
  -irrational mood swings
  -over stimulation of senses
  -sensitivity to light
  -bouts of uncontrollable violence
  -obsessive biting
  -disorientation
  -bouts of identity confusion (ie forgetting he/she is no longer human)
  
  ***these are not all typical, many will lessen after a years time. Intense hunger is common and tends to persist the longest.***

[Zeo DiPaulo]

General Family

Being ageless, vampires are capable of producing offspring over a nearly indefinite length of times. As such, the generational shifts, and the relationship between family members have a need to be far more flexible than they are in human families.

Genealogy

• Vampiric Genealogy in its purist form tends to be littered with a number of very specific titles that implicate not only the relationship between two family members, but also which individual is the elder (ie as an Aunt could be younger than her Nephew, this is reflected in pure genealogy). However, while some families may be aware the the 'pure' terms, this usually only pertains to royal or noble blood lines, and are often tracked by individuals specifically paid to keep records on these matters.
• Many vampires will only know their immediate family, and parent siblings. Parent siblings are required to ensure a common reference point to identify immediate cousins that were formerly unknown. Ancients are expected to track their lines (or have them tracked), regardless of whether contact is maintained down the generational line.
• Turned vampires are not held by the same restraints of born vampiries in regards to bloodlines. As such, many will only know of their Maker, and when applicable, those family members that the Maker is close to. However, if they come from a prestigious line, they are most often made aware of that in the case of being created as progeny, or having a bloodline ability passed on (the qualification of prestigious line in European vampires ).

Familial ties and titles

• The actual title a vampire uses with his/her family members (except in the case of parents and siblings born within or within the first 50 years of physical maturity), depends less on genealogy and more on the relationships between the vampires. However, the vampire who has a title for kin, will always know the actual relationship that exists between them according to birth.
  
  For example, a vampire with a younger sister that was born 200 years later may not have maintained much of a relationship with his/her parents and therefore may not end up knowing the younger sister well. He/she won't necessarily consider the sibling as such. However, at the same time, two cousins born around the same time, that were raised closely together in the same clan/home may choose to refer to one another as siblings (but they will be aware that they are in fact cousins).
  
  Another good example, Klaus Brauer and Vesperes Van Hasselt are second cousins; however given the closeness that developed in Vesperes' early years, the two refer to each other as Vetter (or Cousin in German). However, Vesperes has children that, due to the immense age difference between themselves and Klaus (their older third cousin), and the nature of the relationship this has wrought, have grown up calling him Onkel (German for Uncle). Similarly, Vesperes had known Klaus' parents (his cousins) as Onkel and Tante (Aunt).
• How close a family is usually depends on the nation of origin of the family, as well as the individuals raising the family. As the longevity of vampires can easily lead to the dissolving of family bonds. Vampires who do tend to maintain family ties over the centuries, will usually do so aggressively. These bonds must typically be formed within the first century of a young vampire's life, or it is uncommon for either party to bother.
• In most cases, politically involved vampires will make it a point to be aware of familial ties among relevant individuals, if the information is available. For this reason, there are some older vampires that do not readily display a closeness to family members they may treasure; however, the opposite can also be true.

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Pets

• How pets are selected:
  
  Pets are usually chosen either due to emotional attachment, or if a servant has proven to be particularly useful; however, in the latter case this would take a human with an especially useful ability and the right attitude, emotional attachment is the most likely cause of a servant or slave being elevated to pet status.
• Pets are typically human, though dhampire or lycans can also be pets. A vampire will only very rarely be given a title of pet (or slave for that matter), as these two titles imply ownership. Such a title is disrespectful for a vampire and as such, it is usually only a title given to vampires a much higher ranking vampire does not considerd to be a potential threat in the future, or in the case of the slave, it may be used on a temporary basis for a vampire to earn his/her place in a new clan.
• Pets are considered the personal property of their masters. Due to their elevated status among other other's under the service of the vampire (ie servants, slaves, cattle), it is not expected that a vampire make his/her pets available to guests.
• Being a pet does not ensure that there is a Forged/Life bond between the pet and his/her master.*