Vampyres
Let me start off by saying that if you believe in what Hollywood portrays as a vampyre, or that Anne Rice's Vampyres are how a REAL vampyre is... YOU ARE WRONG and have alot to learn. Vampyres are human like you, only thier senses are more acute, they have the need to feed, whether one is sanguine or psi.
Here is a brief run down of people assume a vampyre is, does, or how one acts.
~ They are immortal...FALSE, They age, die just like you, through we tend to live a longer lifespan (5 years on average).
~ They will burn-up/explode in sunlight...FALSE, While they may be light-sensitive, many are out and about all day. Even on the beach.
~ Vampyres fly...FALSE, can you fly? No and neither do vampyres.
~ They can shape-shift...FALSE, They do not turn into bats and other creatures.
~ Vampyres have super-human powers...FALSE, While a vampyre is intune with their pyschic abilities, they are still human.
~ If a vampyre bites you, you will become a vampyre...FALSE. No one can turn INTO a vampyre. A vampyre is born not made.
I could go on and on. Basically this is a quick run down. Just remember Vampyres are human, they come from all walks of life, have all different types of jobs, families etc. Don't assume because some might dress in black or be goth that they are a vampyre..most aren't. Also beware of roleplayers...these are people whom play a 'vampyre' character in a game or in chats. Some actually think they are one. So if you are in chats on a message board and someone starts to talk about they are 400 years old etc...Ther are not Real. Another good clue is screen names taken from movies/books and tv. I, in my 32 years haven't never met a real vampyre named, Lestat, Dru etc. We have real names given at birth, though one may have taken on a Magikal Name if they practice magik.
[THE BLACK VEIL - 13 rules of the community]
The Black Veil (AKA "13 rules of the community") is a vampyre code of traditions, etiquitte and common sense which has been endorsed by many orgazations and elders throughout the subculture. It was created to teach fledglings a system which will help them within the community.
1. DISCRETION
This lifestyle is private and sacred. Respect it as such. Do not make a sideshow of yourself. WE do not have to prove ourselves to anyone. Appearing on public TV to tell the world that you drink blood is useless attention-getting. It gets a negative reaction for the whole community. Our place is in the shadows; our greatest protection from small-minded humanity is the fact that they do not believe we exist. Someday they may be ready for us to reveal ourselves to them, but that time is not now. Do not hide from your nature, but never show it off the those who won't understand.
2. DIVERSITY
Our paths are many, even though the journey we are on is essentially the same. No single one of us has all the answers to who and what we are. Respect everyone's personal views and practices. We cannot let petty differences of ideology prevent us from maintaining a unified community; there are enough who would attack us from the outside. Our diversity is our strength. Let our differences in viewpoint enrich us but never divide us upon ourselves.
3. SAFETY
Use sense when indulging your nature. Do not flaunt what you are in public places. Feed in private and make certain your donors will be discrete about what happens between you. Donors who create rumors and gossip about us are more harm than they're worth. If you engage in blood-letting, put safety and caution above all other things. Blood-born diseases are a very real thing, and we cannot risk endangering ourselves or others through irresponsibility. Screen donors carefully, making certain they are in good health both mentally and physically. Never overindulge or get careless. The safety of the entire community rests upon each member's caution.
4. CONTROL
We cannot and should not deny the darkness within. Yet we should not allow it to control us. If our beast or shadow or darkside is given too much sway, it clouds our judgment, making us a danger even to those we love. Never indulge in pointless violence. Never bring willful harm to those who sustain you. Never feed only for the sake of feeding, and never give over to mindless bloodlust. We are not monsters: we are capable of rational thought and self-control. Celebrate the darkness and let it empower you, but never let it enslave your will.
5. LIFESTYLE
Live your life as an example to others in the community. We are privileged to be what we are, but power should be accompanied by responsibility and dignity. Explore and make use of your vampire nature, but keep it in balance with material demands. Remember: we may be vampires, but we are still a part of this world. We must live lives like everyone else here, holding jobs, keeping homes, and getting along with our neighbors. Being what we are is not an excuse to not participate in this reality. Rather, it is an obligation to make it a better place for us to be.
6. FAMILY
We are, all of us, a family, and like all families, various members will not always get along. However, respect the greater community when having your disputes. Do not let your individual problems bring emotional strife to the family as a whole. Settle your differences quietly among one another, only seeking out an elder's aid in mediation when no other solution seems possible. Never bring your private disputes into public places and never draw other family members into the issue by forcing them to take sides.Like any normal family, we should always make an effort to present a stable and unified face to the rest of the world even when things are not perfect between us.
7. HAVENS
Our havens are safeplaces where everyone in the community can come to socialize. There are also often public places where we are likely to encounter people who don't understand our ways. We should respect the patrons of these places as we should also respect the owners of the establishments and always be discrete in our behavior. We should never bring private disputes into a haven. We should never initiate violence in a haven. And we should never do or bring anything illegal into a haven, as this reflects badly upon the community as a whole.The haven is the hub of the whole community, and we should respect it as such, supporting it without business and working to improve its name in the scene so that we can always call it home.
8. TERRITORY
The community is extensive and diverse. Every city has a different way of doing things, and a different hierarchy of rule. When entering a new city, you should familiarize yourself with the local community. Seek out the local havens. Learn what households have sway here. Get in touch with key members of the community, learn who is who, and show proper respect where it is due. You should not expect to impose your old way of doing things on this new scene. Rather you should adapt to their rules and be glad of their acceptance. Always be on your best behavior when coming to a new city either to visit or to stay. We are all cautious and territorial by nature, and only by making the most positive impression possible will you be accepted and respected in a new community.
9. RESPONSIBILITY
This lifestyle is not for everyone. Take care in who you choose to bring into it. Those who are mentally or emotionally unstable have no place among us. They are dangerous and unreliable and may betray us in the future. Make certain that those you choose to bring in are mature enough for this burden. Teach them control and discretion, and make certain that they respect our ways. You will be responsible for their actions, and their behavior in the community will be reflected back to you.
10. ELDERS
There are certain members of our community who have established themselves as just and responsible leaders. These are the people who helped establish local communities, who organize havens, and who work to coordinate the networking of the scene. While their word does not have to be law, they should nevertheless be respected. They have greater experience than many others, and usually greater wisdom. Seek these elders out to settle your disputes, to give you guidance and instruction, and to help you establish yourself in the local scene. Appreciate the elders for all they have given you: if it was not for their dedication, the community would not exist as it does now.
11. DONORS
Without those who offer themselves body and soul to us, we would be nothing. We cannot be other than what we are, but it is the donors who sustain our nature. For this service, they should be respected. Never mistreat your donors, physically or emotionally. They are not to be manipulated or leeched off of for more than what they freely offer. Never take them for granted. Appreciate them for the companionship and acceptance which they offer us, which so many others would refuse. This above all: appreciate the gift of their life. That communion is sacred. Never fail to treat it as such.
12. LEADERSHIP
When you choose to take a position of authority in the community, remember that you do not lead for yourself alone. Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. A good leader must set an example for everyone through his actions and behavior. His motives should be selfless and pure, and he should put the interests of the whole community before his own. The best leaders are those who serve to better the community and whose person and behavior gives no one -- even those outside of the community -- a reason to criticize them.
13. IDEALS
Being a vampire is not just about feeding upon life. That is what we do, but not necessarily what we are. It is our place to represent darkness in a world blinded by light. We are about being different and accepting that difference as something that empowers us and makes us unique. We are about accepting the dark within ourselves and embracing that darkness to make us whole beings. We are about celebrating the thresholds: body and spirit, pleasure and pain, death and life. Our lives should be lived as a message to the world about the beauty of accepting the whole self, of living without guilt and without shame, and celebrating the unique and beautiful essence of every single soul
Vampyre Terminology
Autovampirism: The drinking of one's own blood.
Awakening: The physical and mental changes that occur when someone awakens to their latent vampire nature (see "latent vampire"). The awakening typically occurs during or shortly after the onset of puberty, but in some individuals may take years to manifest. Those undergoing the awakening, undergo various mental and physical changes. These changes often include an increased sensitivity to light and particularly to sunlight, a growing affinity for night and darkness, switching from a diurnal to a nocturnal to a diurnal sleeping schedule, and experiencing the first symptoms of the thirst. Many experience acute feelings of isolation and alienation during this process, as their changing nature distances them increasingly from their "normal" family and friends. Many seek out organizations or groups to help understand their desires and newfound feelings.
Beacon: A particular feeling or energy signature generated by vampires in general, but latent or potential vampires in particular. The beacon seems to exist to attract other vampires to the potential so that they may instigate the awakening process.
the Beast:
The primal, instinctive, animalistic, bestial nature of a frustrated or desperate vampire, where he or she gets really evil-minded and aggressive and wants to just go berzerk, rip people and things apart for the pure "fun" of it, and feed violently. It's destructive and cold, and if you don't control it, then you will be under its control. This is different from just "vamping out" but that is when it's most likely to manifest.
The Black Veil:
A.K.A. "Thirteen Rules of Community". Composed by Michelle Belanger, Father Todd and COVICA, this is a set of 13 common sense guidelines for the Sanguinarium and the vampire/vampyre community. It deals with such things as responsibility, etiquette, feeding practices, the lifestyle, discretion, etc.
Blood-Bars:
Rumored underground vampire havens, which have a members-only and very secretive policy. They are only open to properly initiated (usually through a coven) members of the community, if then. It is said they serve stored blood and/or have willing donors who provide blood over a bar. Certainly if they exist they are only a part a of a local population's Cabal.
Blood Bond:
1.) A strong, sometimes undesired, bond or attraction which can develop in a donor towards the vampire s/he is feeding; this bond can be a mutual thing between both the vampire and his/her donor, but often is felt only by the donor.
2.) A rite, ritual or ceremony marking a commitment to a coven or an individual. It is also a term to reflect a vampire/vampyre marriage.
Blood Doll:
One who gives blood in hopes of looking cool and/or who may have erotic desires fufilled by being fed on.
Blood-Drinker:
Anyone who drinks blood, regardless of motivation.
Blood-Fetishist:
Someone who is erotically attracted to the sight, taste or smell of blood; they generally have no physical need to consume it, and will usually be happy with small amounts (see also, "haematophilia", "haematomania", and "haematodipsia"). Blood-fetishism is often accompanied by other sexual fetishes, including sadism and masochism, and the blood is usually taken during sexual or fetish play, as in a bondage or domination situation.
Blood Junkie:
A derogatory term for someone who experiences the physical need to consume blood, a sanguinarian (see also "the Thirst", "sanguinarian"). Particularly refers to one who has no control over his/her thirst and goes around feeding indiscriminately.
Bloodletting:
The physical act of cutting or piercing the flesh in order to extract blood. This is commonly used for feeding as well as in bloodplay and fetishism.
Bloodplay:
Similar to bloodletting, bloodplay is the act of using blood in sexual or fetish situations. Bloodplay can also refer to the integration of blood and bloodletting in ritual.
Bloodsharing partner:
A more appealing term for a donor. Some donors dislike being called "donors", as they feel it somehow belittles them or their role in their vampires' lives.
Cabal:
The far-underground "shadow" community of sanguinarians in a particular geographic location. Few even believe they exist and Cabals include the Bloodbars and other unknown things. Cabals are very selective as to who even knows who is a member.
Chi:
The Chinese term for life-energy. It is also often referred to as pranic energy or life force. Chi is the bio-electrical energy which runs our bodies on a subtle level. Energy vampires and many psi-vamps believe that they can manipulate chi and feed upon it to sate their hungers. It is believed by some that, to a certain extent, blood vampires also feed upon chi, for a great deal of this subtle energy is believed to be concentrated into the blood.
Clinical vampirism:
A psychological condition, such as Renfield's Syndrome, in which the afflicted person experiences a psychological urge to drink blood. This urge is often satisfied with their own blood, and sufferers of clinical vampirism typically bear slashes from razors and knives up and down their arms from where they have drawn blood from themselves. Particularly sociopathic forms of clinical vampirism drive sufferers to attack and sometimes (although rarely) even kill other people in order to drink their blood.
A related condition is known as SMS, or Self-Mutilation Syndrome. This newly named pathology is becoming alarmingly common in American youths. Sufferers of SMS, often known as "cutters", feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disease. Most sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or emotional pain onto their bodies. (See "Self-Mutilation Syndrome", and "Renfield’s Syndrome".)
Court:
A monthly social event which is much like a "town meeting" for members of the vampiric community in a specific geographic area. Court is usually held once a month at a local tea or coffee house, lounge or haven, and only vampires and those within the community are welcome. This is an opportunity to socialize with others in the community. News and announcements are made, poetry is read, new members, elders, etc., are introduced. Here vampires are generally free to escape mundane society. The host of the court is usually a locally respected Elder who secures a date, time, venue, and promotes the event.
Coming Out (of the Coffin):
He-he...couldn't resist. Uh, means the same thing that it means for Gays (except they come out of the closet...). Involves being open or frank with people about being a vampire, drinking blood, feeding upon energy, etc. Those who have come out in this way do not hide their lifestyle at all, not even in their daily lives. Many people in the vampiric community choose to be "in the coffin" and are not public about their lifestyle outside of the community or scene.
Coven:
Groups of individual vampires or vampyres, usually but not always located within a certain geographic area, who have banded together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and/or rites. Covens range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. The organization and purpose of each Coven varies from fraternal: House Sahjaza; religious: Church of the Vampire (not to be confused with the Vampire Church); or familial: Clan of Lilith. Some titles given to leaders of Covens include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Matriarch or Coven Master. There are no requirements for forming a Coven other than a group of people getting together, choosing a sigil, name and theme.
COVICA:
The Council of Elders drawn from many different traditions whose purpose is to help network the community, standardize language and terminology, and encourage cooperation, if not outright unification between the diverse aspects of the Sanguinarium and vampire/vampyre community. COVICA stands for Council Of Vampyric International Community Affairs.
Cutters:
See Self-Mutilation Syndrome.
Donor:
Someone who gives/shares their blood or life-energy, without obligation. Many donors prefer to offer themselves to just one vampyre, but some donors will offer of themselves to entire covens, provided their offerings are appreciated and not abused.
Elder:
A prominent member of the vampiric community who is honored and respected for his/her experience, knowledge, willingness to help others, accomplishments and devotion. Elders are often those individuals who have helped establish a community, organize groups, or help network the community.
Emotional vampire:
See "psychic vampire", sense 2 and especially "psychological vampirism".
Energy signature:
The pattern of energy, vibes, or the feeling that is unique to each individual; a person's psi 'fingerprint' identifiable in real life or astrally and oftentimes left behind long after a person has gone. Vampires supposedly have a particular kind of energy signature, and those who can pick up on this can identify them as vampires. An energy sig is different than a presence, though you can feel the presence of someone's energy, too.
Energy vampire:
An individual who has a need to feed upon the life force of others. Most energy vampires feed upon chi or pranic energy and avoid drinking blood. Some intermingle energy vampirism with blood-drinking. Also referred to as psi-vampires, most energy vampires exhibit the same characteristics that distinguish other real vampyres, including light sensitivity, a nocturnal lifestyle, and periods of the Hunger or Thirst.
Excommunicated:
Cast out of a coven or the vampiric community as a whole.
Family:
A term used by many people to describe their coven or their close circle of vampires and friends. Also, a general term for all members of the vampiric community.
Fashion vampyre:
This is not a type of actual vampire. Someone who does not have the vampiric condition, and who just dresses the part. The fashion vamps are only into the aesthetics (fangs, contacts, fashion) and not the philosophy or spirituality of the lifestyle -- think "fashion victim".
Feeders:
Another term for sanguinarians which distinguishes them by their need to feed upon blood.
Feeding:
The act of consuming blood (or, in the case of psi / energy vampires, pranic energy) from someone (or an animal).
Feeding circle:
A group of donors, usually from three to seven, who feed a specific vampire or coven of vampires.
Gaja:
See "fashion vampire".
Grazing:
This is a type of lifestyle which is looked down upon by the rest of the vampiric community in which a vampire randomly and without discretion feeds upon unscreened donors/sources typically picked up in niteclubs and Goth bars.
Haematodipsia:
A strong form of haematophilia.
Haematomania:
A strong
An erotic attraction to the taste, sight (or smell) of blood.
Haemosexuality:
See "blood fetishist".
Haven:
A Vampyire nightclub or other gathering place. Considered hallowed ground, the haven serves as the social hub of a given community, providing a place where all the community can gather and socialize. Often, special functions arranged by the vampiric community in an area are held at the local haven.
"Human":
Term used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not vampires. At best, this term is misleading because it implies that vampires are not human.
the Hunger:
The desire to feed, also identified as the Thirst or the Need. The Hunger is both a psychological and physical sensation. Physically, it manifests as an intense hunger or thirst -- but is not satisfied by food or drink. Psychologically, a vampire in the throes of the Hunger feels agitated and empowered at the same time. Pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, and sometimes even body temperature, increase in anticipation of the act of feeding.
Hunter:
Someone that hunts, stalks, threatens, or does harm (whether it be physical, psychical, psychological, or emotional) to someone because s/he is a vampire, or because the hunter believes them to be so; or which gathers information to report those who are vampires. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Blade fans are not included in this category; it applies to seriously unbalanced individuals who really are on some sort of holy hate crusade and intend to follow through with violence or action.
Hunting:
Actively going out and seeking donors / sources in havens or in public. (Some even go to the mall!) This means bringing them home to feed or to eventually screen them. At one point, this was considered safe, but with the advent of HIV and AIDS, hunting indiscriminately is considered irresponsible and extremely dangerous; there still must be a period of screening time. Vampires who feed irresponsibly are looked down upon; and are sometimes "excommunicated" by their elders for this offense.
Immortal:
Term occasionally used to refer to or describe vampires. Though technically, it means incapable of death or dying, it is used much more loosely in reference to vampires, implying that they are not subject to aging, are impervious to disease and injury, etc., and that they are above and superior to "humans" / "mortals". God is immortal; vampires are not. Further, it has not been incontrovertibly proven to me that vampires do indeed experience a capability of an extended lifespan. Check with me in about 20 to 30 years, and I should be able to tell you something more definite about that...
Incubus:
Plurail, incubi. A male sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his/her energy and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.
Invisibles:
Those members of the community who, having been ostracized and stripped of their name, are treated as if they no longer existed. Invisibles have committed some great crime in the eyes of the community, and for this they are no longer allowed to associate themselves with the rest of vampire culture.
Kithal:
A vampire who is a member of more than one coven.
Latent vampire:
Someone who is already naturally a vampire, but whose vampiric tendencies have not yet manifested.
Leech:
1.) A small, bloodsucking worm;
2.) An incredibly rude and derogatory (well, at least disrespectful...) term to call someone who is a vampire.
the Long Night:
Name for the festival celebrated on the Winter Solstice. Occurring in mid-December, this night is the peak of the Darkside of the year, and many households and covens gather together to celebrate the longest night. This is a festival of community where everyone relaxes and socializes. It is also the traditional night to recognize new members of the community or to perform rites of passage.
Mentor:
A guide and teacher to a new or inexperienced vampire; the one who helped him/her through the awakening. (See also "sire")
"Mortal":
Term used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not vampires. This term is, at best, misleading because it implies that vampires are "immortal".
Mundane:
Term used to distinguish those who are not vampires from those who are. This is, I feel, more accurate that "mortal" or "human", and serves to distinguish those who are merely of unremarkable breeding, living normal, mundane lives and unencumbered with the life of a vampire.
the Need:
The need to feed. When experiencing the Hunger, one is said "to be in Need." Very strong feelings of the Hunger are referred to as "deep Need".
"of the Blood":
A term sometimes used to refer to someone as being a vampire.
Parasite:
A completely insulting and derogatory term to refer to or call a psi-vamp or emotional vampire, implying that they are thieves and have no honor.
Porphyria:
An acute medical condition which has been postulated by some scholars to have inspired the vampire myths of the past. Sufferers of porphyria have pale, flaky skin and are very sensitive to sunlight. Their gums often recede excessively, giving their teeth an elongated and possibly fang-like appearance. Porphyria is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme which helps produce heme, a constituent of the blood which helps carry oxygen through the body. Dr. David Dolphin was the first to suggest that porphyria was the inspiration for at least some of the Medieval vampire myths, contending that some of the sufferers may have been driven to drinking blood in order to relieve their symptoms. As a result, the condition has come to be known in modern times as "the Vampire Disease". This appellation is very misleading, however, as porphyria only superficially resembles the vampirism of folklore and there is no supporting evidence to Dr. Dolphin’s assertion that porphyria sufferers have been driven to drinking blood by their disease.
Poser:
Someone pretending or claiming to be a vampire who is not, with the intent of deceiving others, by making false claims as to their powers, abilities, lifespan, etc.
Pranic energy / Prana:
pending... See "chi", "psychic energy".
Primus:
A vampyre, almost always an elder, who founded or is the leader of a large family or coven of vampires.
Psi:
A general term for the life energy which is found within and throughout all living things. Also called prana, chi, pranic energy, psychic energy, etc. The life-force that surrounds and is contained in living things. This is the life-force that energy and psychic vampires feed upon. This energy is also contained in the blood and is believed by some to be an integral part of the transfer which occurs between a donor and a sanguinarian. See also "chi" and "pranic energy".
Psychic attack:
Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm or disruption to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim. See also "psychic vampire attack".
Psychic energy:
See "psi".
Psychic vampire (Psyvamp) / Psi vampire:
1.) Someone who "drains" life-energy (prana, chi, life-force, whatever) rather than blood from others. Psi-vampires may or may not consume blood as a means of extracting pranic energy.
Though the two terms refer to the same critter, they do so with different meanings in mind. Some insist on calling psy-vampires "psi-vampires", and insist that "psy-vampire" is incorrect, and then proceed to "prove it" by splitting etymological hairs. I disagree. There is a distinction which needs to be made between the two terms. "Psy" is merely short-hand for "psychic", and psychic vampires are called such because they feed psychically, as opposed to physically. However, it could be argued that psi is the auric/life energy where as psychic is actually now thought to be shared thoughtwaves from a collective consciousness. So "psi-vampire" refers to what they feed upon, whereas "psy-vampire" refers to how they feed. Not infrequently, psi-vamps may also experience the Thirst in varying degrees of intensity, and in fact, there are many similarities in condition between the psi-vamps and the sanguinarians, with the main difference being, so far as I can see, the psi-vamps' need to drain pranic energy, and ability to do so.
2.) Someone who drains emotional energy without giving anything back, and can make the other person very tired, depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse, if too much is drained; emotional vampire. Katharine Ramsland discusses this in depth in her book, Piercing the Darkness, (Harper Prism, 1998), pp. 190-196, referred to as "covert vampire". See also "psychological vampirism".
Psychic vampire attack:
An uninvited and unwelcome draining of one's vital energy, or chi / pranic energy (see "psychic energy"). A psychic vampire attack occurs when a psi-vampire targets someone and feeds or attempts to feed. This can be done from casual contact, from across a room, or even through dreams. These attacks are not always just for draining; they can also be an attack on the mind itself, causing the target to hear, see, and feel things. Attacks of this nature can range from mild to very severe, sometimes leaving the victim despondent or even physically sick from being drained so. It's debated whether one can become a psychic vampire from repeated severe psi-vampire attacks. In general, though, this seems only to produce a condition known as sympathetic vampirism.
Psychological vampirism:
These individuals often have a histrionic or narcissistic personality disorder and they are constantly drawing attention to themselves. They usually create dramatic situations and then demand emotional support from those around them. These individuals are emotional vampires. There is nothing metaphysical or spiritual in their condition, it is a simple psychological disorder. Yet it leaves the victims of these clingy, whiny people emotionally and mentally drained after dealing with them. These individuals are not to be confused with psychic, psi or energy vampires.
Puppy:
A somewhat derogatory term for one who has developed an undue fascination, obsession or bond with a vampire and follows him/her around, trying to gain the vampire's attention or approval, and fawning over him/her, in a manner not unlike a puppy dog follows his/her master around.
Real vampire / Real vamp:
Someone who has a condition which includes but is not limited to a physical thirst / driving need for blood (which is non-erotic in nature; and in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other blood-drinkers, such as blood fetishists) or psi energy; increased physical and/or psychic sensitivities; sensitivity to light/sunlight and a nocturnal circadian rhythm; amplification / alteration of emotional states & feelings, etc.; and perhaps the (unsubstantiated*) potential for an indefinitely extended lifespan (which is not to be confused with "immortality" -- only God is immortal), although many vampires do maintain a youthful twenty-something look well into their thirties or even forties. It does NOT include the abilities to change shape, fly, command others' wills, heal instantaneously, accomplish superhuman feats of strength or speed, etc.
*Some vampires believe the condition does include the potential for an indefinitely long lifespan, but this belief has not been incontrovertibly proven, to the best of my knowledge.
Rogue:
1.) A vampire/blood-drinker's former source/supplier who parts company on hostile terms and causes trouble; 2.) A vampire who can't handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, posing a danger/threat to both him/herself and others.
Renfield's Syndrome:
"Some attention has been given to a condition named 'Renfield's Syndrome' in psychological literature, based on the fly-eating character Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Renfield's Syndrome is described as having four stages: a trauma or 'critical incident' in childhood in which the patient discovers that the taste and sight of blood is 'exciting' or attractive; 'autovampirism', the drinking of one's own blood (autohemophagia); 'zoophagia', or the consumption of blood from animals; and finally 'true vampirism', in which the patient must have human blood, and may resort to stealing blood from medical facilities, or serial murder." -- Vyrdolak. (Apologies to Vyrdolak, whose site is the only site I could find with any information regarding this.) So far as I know, this is not an officially recognized mental disorder.
Roleplayer:
1.) Someone who engages in role playing games (RPGs).
2.) This is often used as a derogatory term for those who play Vampire: The Masquerade or similar vampire RPGs and/or who pretend to be a vampire in their free time when they are not. RPGers are also associated with posers and other fakes who dress the part and pretend to be something they are not. See also "poser" and "wannabe".
Sanguinarian:
Someone who has a physical thirst / need / craving for blood (which is non-erotic in nature) in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other blood-drinkers; see also "real vampire". Sanguinarians (not an ego term, merely a word from the same Latin root that I got my name from, meaning "bloodthirsty" -- which is why I chose what I chose as my name) apparently do not get the benefits from pranic energy (whatever that is...), or else they are unable to feed psychically like psi / energy vampires, for whom blood and pranic energy are apparently interchangeable.
the Sanguinarium:
The network of like-minded organizations, events, businesses, websites, individuals, havens (nightclubs) and resources for the greater vampire/vampyre community. Inspired by the "vampire connection" of vampire bars, nightclubs and safehouses founded in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, the Sanguinarium serves to bring this vision to life as a real "Vampyre Connection". More information can be found at www.sanguinarium.net or at the Vampyre Magazine website at www.vampyremag.com.
Note: The Sanguinarium (www.sanguinarium.net) is not to be confused with Sanguinarius (www.sanguinarius.org), which is my effort to help real vampires, blood drinkers and vampiric people.
Sanguine / sanguin / sang vamp(ire):
A shortened form of the term "sanguinarian".
Sanguivore:
A term that I am seeing more frequently, used to define sanguinarians, but which I feel is inaccurate, as sanguinarians do consume more than just blood (see "sanguinarian", "real vampire"). I would strongly recommend using the term to refer to those who consume only blood, and nothing else, as their main source of sustenance. I have not encountered any tangible proof that such individuals do exist, and I feel that this is highly unlikely.
the Scene / Vampyre Scene:
The "scene" is a general term for the social aspects of the vampire subculture including nightclubs, havens, events, businesses, societies, and even the online part of the subculture. Many vampires/vampyres are a part of the vampiric community, but do not go out and socialize.
Seeker:
Someone who is seeking after vampires, or knowledge of vampires, usually desiring to become one him/herself. Unlike a wannabe, the seeker has a more thoughtful approach to vampirism and is willing to learn all he or she can about the condition before jumping head-first into it.
Self-Mutilation Syndrome (SMS):
A psychological condition which has apparently begun to grow among American youth. Sufferers of SMS, also known as cutters, feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disorder. Most sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or emotional pain onto their bodies. Some eventually get involved in body art and blood fetishism. See also "clinical vampirism", "Renfield's Syndrome".
Sexual vampirism:
A form of psi vampirism where feeding is done primarily from sexual energy, or energy generated during sexual activity, with or without the exchange of blood. The feeding can be done intentionally or unconsciously / unintentionally. A common term for female vampires who feed exclusively through sex is Succubus, a word which originally denoted a Mediaeval demon which was believed to visit the dreams of men and tempt them into sexual misconduct. The male version of the word, although not as widespread, is Incubus. See also "incubus", "succubus".
Sigil:
The identifying symbol of a house, haven, coven, or individual. The sigil often has ritual or symbolic significance for the members of the household. For example, the Sanguine Ankh represents members of the Sanguinarium.
Sin nomine:
Latin for "without name". A vampire who has been stripped of his/her name and recognition within the community for having committed some great crime in the eyes of the community.
Sire:
A term from Vampire: The Masquerade roleplaying system that has crept into general usage meaning the one who turned (or awakened) someone who is a vampire.
Slayer:
A loud-mouthed dumbass that makes public and obnoxious claims of killing people who are (or who the slayer thinks are) vampires. Just like hit-men for the mafia, those who may be real vampire hunters or slayers are NOT going to publically announce what they do, as that's a surefire way to the Big House, or the Happy Hotel. At any rate, they'll get investigated. If they are posers, then they will continue to remain free and flap their lips a lot; if they are real, then the Law will deal with them accordingly.
Whatever the case may be, Sanguinarius urges you to report these individuals to the proper authorities. Maybe being investigated will put a reality check in their miserable lives and cause them to tone down their racist shitspeak.
Whether they are harming or killing people, or desecrating graves and corpses, or conducting illegal interstate commerce (ex., a site on the net, offering vampire hunting or slaying services in exchange for money or goods) -- even if they have had no takers!, -- they are doing or offering to do illegal things, and should be reported. I believe conducting illegal interstate commerce is a felony--?
It's one thing to be a fan of Buffy, or Blade, or Jack Crow, or whoever, and it's one thing to have a ROLEPLAYING persona of a vampire hunter, but if that's the case, then those who do need to put some sort of indication that this is the case!
Solitary:
A vampire who chooses not to be involved with a coven and has little if any interest in interacting within the community.
Source:
Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term that I prefer to use; I feel that it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a donation...
Strigoi Vii:
A term meaning "living vampire" in Romanian folklore, it is used to refer to the condition and philosophy of being a vampire.
Succubus:
Plural, succubi. A female sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his/her energy and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.
Supplier:
Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term; I feel that it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a donation...
Sympathetic vampirism:
A condition which sometimes occurs in individuals who have been fed from too frequently. This most often occurs in the donors or sources of energy vampires but can manifest itself among the sources used by sanguinarians as well. In general, the victim's resources become so depleted that they have to resort to vampirism themselves in order to replenish them. In addition to a need to feed, the sufferer of sympathetic vampirism may manifest symptoms commonly associated with real vampirism, such as heightened sensitivities and sensitivity to sunlight. Often, this condition causes some real vampires to mistakenly assume that their donors, -- or the donors thinking that they, themselves, -- have somehow been turned. But the condition is hardly permanent. This condition may last for a few weeks, although sometimes it can be drawn out for months or years. The best course of action is for the vampire or vampires who feed from the person to stop completely. Without the constant depletion of resources, the person's system should gradually correct itself over time.
Tease-the-Vamp:
A cruel "game" that non-vampires, or even other vampires, sometimes play where they tease or taunt a bloodvamp with either thoughts of blood, or actual blood, which they have no intentions of giving to the vamp being teased. While it might be amusing to watch the vamp's reactions, this "game" causes misery for the poor vampire, and can result in his or her vamping out or worse, if it's not stopped.
the Thirst:
The craving, need, desire, urge to drink blood, experienced as an intense thirst-sensation / withdrawal. To say the least. This manifests not unlike an addiction, and is very difficult and annoying to have to deal with.
The Thirteen Rules of Community:
See "The Black Veil".
Turned:
Another term for becoming a vampire. Some groups believe that ordinary people can be turned into vampires, but this is most likely a misinterpretation of the awakening process. The method for this turning varies from group to group, but generally involves a rite of blood or energy exchange between the vampire and the person to be turned.
Twoofing:
An alternate, less cheesy-sounding term created as an alternative for the phrase "vamping out".
Vampire:
A much-disputed term with many meanings, depending upon whom you're talking to. See also the definitions of "sanguinarian", "blood-drinker", "blood fetishist", "psychic vampire", "Vampyre Lifestyler", and "Vampiric Community". Here, it is used to encompass all of the above-listed groups into a general category. Also, here, it is not used to define any of those as some sort of supernatural or superhuman beings or someone who has returned from the dead (excluding being revived by medical procedures), etc. Anyone who makes those sorts of claims, is lying (save One).
Vampire aesthetic:
The art and style associated with the vampire. This includes figures with long, slender limbs and pale or bone-white skin, androgyne beauty, Victorian or Medieval styles and themes, trappings of lace and velvet, funerary décor, and overall dark and melancholy themes. Scenes of crypts, abandoned castles, and shadowy landscapes abound in artwork that appeals to the vampire aesthetic. The work of Gothic artist Joe Vargo of Monolith Graphics, which can be found at www.monolithgraphics.com, is an excellent example of this.
Vampire bait:
A poser or wannabe who is just screaming for a vampire to come after them. (What they get may be an entirely different situation than what they hope for or expect...)
Vamping out:
Experiencing an acute flare-up of the thirst. This also involves a change in the person's manner, breathing, pulse rate, thought patterns, etc., as their body gears up to go out and attempt to satisfy the thirst. This is a real thing, not a fantasy thing, and I won't let anyone else who does not really have this as a real occurrence claim it; to do so makes a mockery of those of us who really do have to deal with it! (If they don't have it and they claim it, then I wish it on them; let them have it!) Period.
Vampiric community:
The community of people who identify with or have been identified with the label "vampire". Includes blood-drinkers, psi/energy vampires, and Vampyre lifestylers.
Vampyre lifestyler / Vampyre:
Someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into his/her personal life, often cultivating a "Vampyric" physical appearance, including but not limited to a very pale complexion, a wardrobe made up predominantly of dark clothing, a style of dress which is modeled on Victorian or Renaissance fashions, black or blood-red lipstick, sunglasses, fangs, FX contacts, and a generally melancholy or lugubrious air. Lifestylers often form alternative extended families and social structures modeled on the "covens" or "clans" of vampire fiction and role-playing games. Many also utilize lingo and terminology taken from vampire fiction and RPGs. Some are real vampires in the sense of craving blood, while others are blood fetishists, and still others are just drawn to the "Vampyre aesthetic". This is an outgrowth of, but distinct from, the Gothic subculture.
Vampyrecrafte:
In general, this is the magick practiced by vampires/vampyres. Many vampires/vampyres are pagan and follow the old ways, and the ways of magick are an integral part of their beliefs. Most vampires/vampyres practice numerous techniques associated with energy manipulation. Many also practice some form of magick, most oftenly ritual magick or chaos magick. Vampyrecrafte refers to magickal techniques specifically designed by vampires/vampyres to take advantage of their unique abilities. Vampyrecrafte often has a dark flavor to it, although in general it is more of a balance between dark and light techniques.
Wannabe:
Slang term, a contraction of the words "wants to be". Derogatory term for someone who wants to become a vampire, usually with unrealistic expectations of what it would be like. Most wannabes have a very romanticized vision of vampirism, and they seem to think it would improve their lives somehow or make them more interesting. Many are attracted by a false vision of a vampire's powers. They usually fail to look at the practical side of becoming a vampire, such as necessary changes in lifestyle, finding sources to feed from, and trying to hold a job while balancing one's vampiric nature with daily life.
The terminology posted above is from Sanguinarius.org for Real Vampires & Blood Drinkers at http://www.sanguinarius.org/. A great site on real vampyrism.
