Vampiric Lineage

Lineage is a highly important concept to the Vampires. The circumstances of one's birth, however, are irrelevant. It is rooted in the Patron Vampire, the one who turned or proposed the turning of a prospective vampire.
Some patrons prefer to turn only exceptional people, seeking out children who are highly gifted in one respect or another, while others will turn anyone who strikes their fancy, using intuition to guide their decisions.

History

Beginning with Esmerelda Augustina herself, all vampires are sired from her. At first, vampires were aligned into groups to distinguish what they cared for or sought out in life, each assigned to a patron who shared their interests, and gaining a portion of their patron's powers.
Eventually, Vampires cultivated and selected individuals that they believed would bring them glory.
The more successful a subordinate vampire, the better the patron fares.

Observance

Ibralese tradition, known by most, though it is considered rude to ask a vampire his lineage unless you are older than he is. It is considered a point of pride for many vampires though, and many will tell you outright.