Elder

An elder in both Vampire: The Masquerade and Vampire: The Requiem is a vampire of advanced age and status. While there is no strict definition, one normally must be at least a century or two old and far removed from their mortal past to qualify. The choices and sacrifices they have made in order to survive so long instills a degree of amorality and slow caution; it is not unusual for elders to design plans that take decades or centuries before coming to fruition. Such beings are often cold, if not monstrous, and focused completely on their own interests and well-being, though a rare few sturggle to maintain their human sentiments.

There is a long standing cycle of hate and resentment between elder and younger vampires, being especially pronounced between sires and their childer. Elders often use their greater power and influence to oppress those younger than them out of fear of being outnumbered and because most vampires of such age believe they know what's best. Younger vampires naturally chafe under such treatment and grow jealous of the elders' positions and power.