True Elders and council members are appointed to their positions due the amount of power, knowledge, experience, lineage and to a lesser extent, age. Elders and Council members are never appointed with only one of the above-mentioned qualities, but all, with out exception. Granted anyone can run around calling themselves, or convincing others, to call them Elders. The difference is who can back up their claims and who cannot. As a friend of mine once said, "Don't let your mouth write a check that your body can't cash." It is a very dangerous thing to do so, especially because of what we are.

Unlike mortal society, Vampyre females are the ones in charge. Males may be more powerful, but are submissive to the female's wishes. She has the ultimate call on things. Vampyre females are by nature very dominate, strong willed and violent, and not to be trifled with when angered.

Anyone higher in power than you, you must show respect to. Never look a Pure or a Royal in the eyes if you are Turned. Pures never look a Royal in the eye. Thus Turns and Pures may greet a Royal as "My Lord" or "My Lady", unless other wise ordered.
A Turned can never speak to a Royal unless the Royal starts the conversation. A Pure can talk to a Royal but must respect the wishes of the Royal if the Royal doesn't wish to speak with them. A Turned can talk to a Pure but must respect the wishes of the Pure if the Pure doesn't wish to speak with them.

While walking, just as in the military, the lower ranking Vampyres walk on the left hand side (protecting the heart of the Vampyre they are with). There is only one exception to this. It is that to show respect to the eldest. The younger vampyre, regardless of their lineage, shows respect to the elder. However if the age difference is only a few years (1 to 4) then respect is due to lineage. If lineage is unknown or lineage is equal then respect is due to the one of greater power.

Dinning: If you know anything about table manners then you are set. The younger Vampyres must wait for either the eldest or the clan leader to lift their fork before beginning their own meal. If you have no clue, this should help a little. Keep your elbows off the table. Never stuff your mouth. Never speak with your mouth full. Keep whatever hand is not doing anything in your lap. Never reach over people for something, ask someone to pass it. Rank has no order at the table, unless the clan leader desires it.

No "play fighting" in public places or public Havens. This kind of behavior should be restricted to your home or private Haven. Do not feed in public. This is something that obviously should be restricted to your home or private Haven. Never approach or attempt to initiate conversation with two Vampyres that are embracing (holding each other). These actions could be considered hostile, especially if their backs are turned to you. Always approach facing them, not from behind. If you must approach from behind, walk loudly and make sure that they are aware of your approach.

Authors:Gabriel the Fallen & Razor The Tormented

Supernatural Select