History of the Masquerade:  Since the beginnings of time, Kindred have lived alongside humanity, feeding on whom they will, Embracing those who ask.  Then, came the Inquisition.  Kindred were forced into hiding. Those who did not go to ground were ultimately destroyed; by beheading or fire, but not before they had been tortured almost beyond reason. Thus, the Masquerade was developed. Kindred were no longer to flaunt their true nature, instead to hide behind a human identity, pretending they were human when they were anything but. Not all Kindred wished to comply with this, however.And so the sects were formed. The Camarilla,which follows the Masquerade to the letter, and the Sabbat, which shuns the Masquerade, revelling in flaunting their inhuman power and drawing attention to themselves. Thirteen clans in all, and seven of them in the Camarilla. Two in the Sabbat, and the remaining four Independent, following no one but their clan's founder. For Millenia, this has been. And Kindred are all around you,even on this very night.