Antediluvian

An Antediluvian is a vampire of incalculable power, thirteen of whom survived the Biblical Deluge, and who are usually considered to be the founders of the thirteen clans.

Technically, since "Antediluvian" literally means "before the flood", the term Antediluvian can be applied to any Cainite who predates the Great Flood, such as Caine or the Second Generation, but it is almost always used to specifically refer to the Third Generation, from whom the thirteen clans are descended.

Most believe these god-like beings to be either in torpor, manipulating the Jyhad, or dead, but there are a large number of myths and prophecies surrounding the clan founders, many of which are contradictory and suspect. However, certain beliefs have prevailed throughout vampiric history, particularly in regards to their actions in Gehenna.