Does anyone know who created that idea?  The first place I ran across it several years ago now was in Laurell Hamilton's work.  Since then I've seen it in at least two others -- Gina Chance, and someone else I can't remember right now.  Anyone know who gets the credit?

I'd say it goes WAY back...lol.  And it's in lots and lots of series I've read.  But, I'm really no help, because I have no clue who would have started it.

I don't know if she started the idea, but I know Walker's Hunter series revolves around the idea of Master vampires and each patroling their territory.

Hasn't it been used for ages as a description of one of the oldest most powerful vampires?   One who is able to control other vampires due to all the accumulated power and knowledge he's gained over the ages.   Depicted as territorial and sort of like feudal lords. 

Yeah its an old thing. I read it in books when I was in high school. Even Anne Rice has a bit of the master concept with her books.

Wouldn't DRACULA be considered a master vampire? In which case the concept would date to the mid 1800's.