The Camarilla is many things, but it is not easily defined. Is it the universal organisation of Kindred, sheltering them beneath the cloak of the Masquerade? Is it a tool of the Antediluvians, used to keep the vampiric masses docile in preparation for the night of their slaughter? There’s no set answer, but everyone initiated into the world to the Kindred has an opinion.
The Camarilla is the largest single sect of vampires as well as the most open; theoretically any vampire may claim membership, regardless of lineage. In Fact, the Camarilla assumes that all vampires are members of their sect - whether they want to be or not. The founders of the sect view it as the Great Society of undead, and take offence at any suggestion otherwise.
The Camarilla's primary concern is the maintenance and preservation of the Masquerade. The sect was organized in the 14th century in response to the growing influence of the Inquisition. Historically, there have been many attempts by leaders of the Camarilla to assert more authority over other aspects of vampire existence. Each time, the attempt has failed in a wave of bloodshed. The princes do not brook interference into what they consider to be their historical rights and privileges. Nor do the Methuselahs desire a competitor who could thwart their aims. Therefore, the Camarilla remains a divided sect of only moderate influence. The elders who control it use it as yet another means to oppress and manipulate the anarchs.
It is thought the Ventrue played a primary role in bringing together the seven founding clans of the Camarilla. Their efforts and imagination certainly lie behind its improbable origin. Though the Camarilla holds itself open to all bloodlines, those that choose to participate represents only slightly more than half of the known clans. Only seven of the 13 clans were among its founders, and only these clans regularly attend meetings of the Inner Circle. Individuals from other clans may be part of the Camarilla, but no other clan as a whole is.
The Camarilla does not openly recognize the existence of the Antediluvians. Statements about them are publicly derided. As far as the Camarilla is concerned, they are but myths.
The Camarilla is, at best, a loose affiliation of Kindred. There are few laws among the Kindred, only Traditions. There are no policies on immigration or borders, only customs. Indeed, for a sect that places such heavy reliance on tradition and history, the Camarilla has precious few mandated behaviours. Most of these are covered by the Six Traditions; the rest are common sense. Otherwise, the Kindred of the Camarilla act as they please, within the boundaries established by local princes.
