Shadowwalkers: Setting

There are five known vampric lineages.

The Ancient: The Ancient claim to be the first bloodline, though this claim is disputed - somewhat ineffectively - by the Lost. The Ancient originate from Africa and tend toward an almost koan-like approach to tribal wisdom, emulating the values of Tickster gods throughout the world. The Ancient are big on teaching lessons to those around them they feel to be in need of such service.

The Court of the Old World: This is the largest of the vampire lineages occupying most of Europe and Asia. The Court of the Old World are traditionalists, hidebound, and very strict in their views of the world. Vamps of the Old World are very much the sort to exert control over the behavior of others until that behavior conforms to what they believe is right and proper.

The Jade Court:, The most secretive of the bloodlines, the Jade Court makes their home throughout Southest Asia (including the Indian subcontinent), Japan, and the Pacific Islands. Jade vampires tend to keep to themselves and to the shadows, but they are always watching, always learning, always keeping an unseen thumb on the scales.

The Aurora: Broadly considered the newest and youngest bloodline, there is also some merit to the idea that they are the most versatile and adaptive lineage. The Aurora control the entirety of the Americas from Cape Horn to the landless ice north of Canada. Vampires of the Aurora make no bones about interfering in the business of other lineages and indeed the world at large.

The Lost Court: Originally out of Australia and New Zealand, fewer than thirty of their number remain in existence since an unknown pox nearly wiped their lineage out at the end of the eighteenth century. It is rumored none of them can return to the land of their origin. Those of the Lost Court who would set foot in Australia or the large and small islands to its south never leave those lands. Lost vamps tend to hide in the open, alone or in pairs or trios wherever they might be found in the world, tending to keep out of the afairs of others while all the while being extremely aware of the world and society around them.