DISCLAIMER: Some of the following information was taken from and compiled by

Compiled through COVICA (Council of Vampyre International Community Affairs) by Father "Sebastian" Todd of Sahjaza/House Sabretooth, Michelle Belanger of House Kheperu, Damien Daville of the Vampire Church and Sanguinarius of Sanguinarius: the Vampire Support Page. © 2000 Sabretooth's Vampyre Almanac / Vampyre Nation.

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

Awakening:

 

This occurs when someone awakens to their latent vampyre nature. 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.This can be a very difficult and painful time. latent vampire full time.

 

Altar:

 

Usually a concubine who is trained to balance the energies of several members of the priest caste. They usually sit in the center of a ritual, many times they assist one priest in the working of magick.

 

Ancients:

 

Refers to the ancient deities and mythical/spiritual personas such as Lilith, Set, The Ancient Vampiric Gods, Caine, Kali, etc.

 

The Beast:

 

Also known as the "Dragon", the "darkside" or "the shadow". This is the primal, instinctive and animalistic side of a vampyre. In some traditions, the beast is seen as only a small part of being a vampyre, while in others, the beast is seen as the very personification of the vampyre nature. Learning to cope with and control the beast is an integral part of balancing one's "Nightside" or vampyric existence, with their "Dayside" or ordinary life. See also Dragon.

 

Beacon:

 

A particular feeling or energy signature generated by vampyres in general, but latent or potential vampyres in particular. The beacon seems to exist to attract other vampyres to the potential so that they may instigate the awakening process.

 

Becoming:

 

A process akin to awakening, which is the act of embracing one’s vampyrism. Many individuals awaken to their true nature, only to end up hiding from it and suppressing it for the rest of their lives. this process is marked with a rite of passage, such as an exchange of blood or energy with a mentor or a ritual of death and rebirth. See also Awakening and Turning.

 

Black Swan:

 

A non-vampyre lover or friend who does not feel the draw to become sanguine, but who is nevertheless favorably inclined towards Vampyres. They may or may not frequent vampyre nightclubs and usually understand the Vampyre-fetish / lifestyle. See also White Swan.

 

Black Veil:

 

The terms and etiquette of the Sanguinarium which form a common language and a code of conduct accepted by the majority of the largest covens. The Black Veil encourages respect among members of the Vampyre scene regardless of their different traditions and urges vampyres to be sensible and discrete in their lifestyles. The Black Veil is sometimes also known as the Thirteen Rules of Community.

 

Blood-drinker:

 

Anyone who drinks blood, regardless of motivation.

 

Bloodbars:

 

Rumored underground vampyre havens, which have a members-only and very secretive policy. They are only open to properly initiated (usually calmae and higher) 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 apart a of a local grotto's Cabal.

 

Blood Bond:

 

A rite, ritual or ceremony marking a commitment to a coven or an individual. It is also a term to reflect a vampyre marriage.

 

Blood-fetishist:

 

Someone who is erotically attracted to the sight, taste or smell of blood. Blood-fetishism is often accompanied by other sexual fetishes, including sadism and masochism. Blood fetishists don't neccessarily consume blood. They just have a very strong attraction to the sight, smell or taste of it. Very often blood is linked to sexual acts. From the clinical perspective a fetishist is incapable of having sex without the subject of his attraction. 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. Particularly refers to a sanguine who has no control over their thirst and goes around feeding indiscriminately. See also the Thirst and Sanguine.

 

Bloodletting:

 

The physical act of cutting or piercing the flesh in order to extract blood. This is commonly used for bloodplay, fetishism and feeding. Since most teeth are not made for biting ones neck (and this is medically seen as very risky) it's required to find other ways of getting blood. Usually this is made through cutting etc. Find someone who is qualified to teach you how to do that, or you risk serious injury.

 

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.

 

Blood-Vampire:

Blood vampires have a strong craving for blood or a vampire whose only source of energy is blood. In some theories blood vampirism is – from an evolutionary point of view – a very early stage of vampirism. At a later time of his life a vampire is able to learn a more subtle form of feeding. In contrary to this some blood vampires claim to be the only true kind of vampire.

Cabal:

 

The Cabals are legends among the sanguine and are sanguinarium unto themselves and lie deep "underground", apart from the public community. 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. Gaja are not welcomed here; only those who formally have been confirmed to have the vampyric condition. The head of a local Cabal is an elected leader known as a Najgja. Also see Alsosee Najgja, Grotto or Sanguinarium.

 

Cainites:

 

An order or movement within the vampyre community which suggests that Cain was the father of vampyres. This belief may strongly be influenced by Vampire: the Masquerade which also depicts Caine as the father of vampyres, although devout Cainites insist that their tradition existed first and was only borrowed from the White Wolf system. In general, the belief hinges upon the fact that Caine was the first murderer and that when God sent him out to wander in the world, He cursed Caine with immortality. Some Lilithian traditions link Caine with Lilith, and this connection has also been taken up by White Wolf and most fully explored in "Revelations of the Dark Mother." Whether this belief in Caine originated with the role-playing system or was adapted by them is nearly impossible to determine. It is true that Caine had been a dark and brooding figure in myth and fiction prior to the White Wolf system, but it is unclear if he was ever clearly depicted as vampiric before then. Most Cainites drink blood, although they also supplement this with life-energy.

 

Caninus Lupus:

 

Some consider this a tradition of vampyrism which is shamanistic/tribal in nature, while others look at it as something completely different from the vampyric condition. It is someone who chooses to expand upon the beast and relates many of their philosophies to the ecology of the wolf.

 

Calmae:

 

Calmae are neither elders nor fledglings; they are those who have been properly initiated (usually through a Coven), proven themselves and mastered knowledge of the Black Veil, the Lexicon, and other details of the vampyric community. They are comfortable with and have a basic understanding of their vampyric condition; many have discovered what caste they are a part of. Calmae generally are permitted to Sponsor fledglings. They are also known to take on their own donors and are signified by a red stone in their sigil.

 

Castes:

 

A growing number of vampiric covens and households make use of a caste system to help define the roles of their members. Originally utilized by the Kheprian Order, the caste system is derived from similar caste systems used in ancient societies. The vampyre castes include Priests, Concubines, and Warriors. The Concubines are lovers, donors, advisors, and altars (the center balance of a ritual for sangomancy). The Priests are the leaders, scholars, organizers and practitioners of magick, such as Sangomancy or Vampyrecrafte. Finally, the Warrirors are the strongarms, protectors and guardians of the community. See also Concubines, Priests, Warriors.

 

Chi:

 

Chi is 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. 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.

 

Childe:

 

A fledgling who is apprenticed to a "sire" and taught the Black Veil and the ins-and-outs of the Vampyre scene. Once they have learned these rules, they can be presented to the Elder of their household or Court through a ceremony of recognition. Although taken originally from the role-playing system Vampire: the Masquerade, "childe" has been integrated into the common jargon of the vampyre scene. Also see Apprentise, Sire and Adra.

 

Circle or clutch:

 

A small coven; can be related to a pack of wolves or a pride of lions.

 

Classical Vampirism:

 

A term that describes the type of vampire very similar to those known from Stoker's writings. Usually a classical vampire has been turned by an older vampire. Some theories devide them into two categories: A categorie ONE vampire has a very extended life span of more than 150 years. A categorie TWO vampire has a normal lifespan like any human.

 

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 SMS, and Renfiled’s Syndrome

 

Coming Out:

 

Used in a similar way as regarding gays or lesbians. The main difference is, that this is very much more difficult than the "simple" gay coming out

Coming out is something that has do be done very carefully, if you are a vampire, as people will consider you to be dangerous and probably crazy. This is still a very sensitive topic and some further discussion is definitely needed here.

 

Concubine:

 

In the vampiric caste system started by the Kheprian Order, Concubines are vampyres whose primary function is to facilitate the work of others. Concubines, also known as Counselors, are generally paired with members of the Priestly caste. In the Concubine-Priest pair, the Concubine is the less public partner who serves as donor, advisor, and magickal partner. Concubines are trained to meet the greater needs of the Priestly caste as well as to offer partnership and emotional support. Ritual work is often done with the Priest leading ritual while the Concubine serves as the center or focus of power, sometimes referred to as the altar.

 

Court:

 

A monthly social event which is much like a "town meeting" for members of the Sanguinarium in a specific geographic area. Court is usually held once a month at a local tea house, lounge or haven, and only Vampyres and black swans are welcome. This is an opportunity to socialize with others in the Scene outside of the havens or night clubs. News and announcements are made, poetry is read, new households, children, calmae and elders are introduced. Here Sanguines are generally free to escape mundane society. The host of the court is usually a locally respected Elder or Sanguinary Acolyte who secures a date, time, venue, and promotes the event.

 

Coven:

 

Covens are groups of individuals and organizations who embellish the vampyre/vampire lifestyle; who band together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and rites. Covens range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. Depending on their background, size and geographic location, Covens are referred to as Clutches and Circles for smaller groups; and Legacies, Households and Clans for larger groups. Those who belong to more than one coven are known as "Kithal". Some Covens have "Subcovens", which represent a branch of the family tree. The organization and purpose of each Coven varies from fraternal: House Sabretooth; religious: Church of the Vampire; or family: 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. Yet, to become recognized by the scene is the challenge; as a reputation, respect and name must be built and earned. Currently, some of the better known Covens are: House Sabretooth, House Omallie, Mavenlore, Della Noir, Blackdove, House Kheperu and Trylesta.

 

COVICA

 

A 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 vampyre scene. COVICA stands for Council of Vampyric International Community Affairs.

 

Dhampyri:

 

They are born with the vampyric condition and grow up completely knowing they are "different". This condition is extremely rare and many end up being solitaries if not raised by parents who are vampyres.

 

Dayside:

 

The mundane life of a vampyre: paying taxes, mundane family, going to work, etc.

 

The Dragon:

 

The primal nature of a vampyre, interpreted as primal fire. Some traditions believe that this is what causes the hunger or thirst.

 

Donor:

 

Someone who shares their blood or life energy, without obligation. Many donors enter into partnerships with vampyres. These partnerships are often also sexual in nature, although they do not have to be. Many donors prefer to be monogamous, offering themselves to just one vampyre at a time. Some donors will offer of themselves to entire covens, provided their offerings are appreciated and not abused.

 

Elder:

 

A prominent member of the vampyre community who is honored and respected for their experience, accomplishments and devotion. Elders are often those individuals who have helped establish a community, organize courts or havens, or coordinate the networking of the scene.

 

Elorath:

 

This is a term referring to the phenominon of the draw of people being drawn together to live the vampyre lifestyle. It is expressed through vampyres seeking out others like themselves and forming the "vampyre scene". Since the birth of the internet and the success of Anne Rice and and Vampire: the Masquerade, people people have identified themselves with this lifestyle.

 

Elorathian:

 

This is a term for the vampyre language, which is only taught to Calmae of COVICA related covens.

 

Embrace:

A hug. Nothing more! This has nothing to do with being turned. Even if this is part of most Dracula movies this is not the real live way. Hugging and biting does not turn – I have tried it, believe me on this one.

 

Endless Night Festival:

 

Held annually by the Sabretooth coven of Sahjaza and Father Sebastian Todd, the Endless Night Festival is the single largest gathering of vampyres run by vampyres in North America. It is traditionally held in either New York or New Orleans on the weekend closest to Halloween. It is comprised of two events, the Vampyre's Ball one night and the Dark Bazaar the day before with merchants, seminars, tea parties and art shows, etc. For more info visit www.endlessnight.com.

 

Energy Vampyre:

 

An individual who has a need to feed upon the life force of others. Most energy vampyres feed upon chi or pranic energy and avoid drinking blood. Some intermingle energy vampirism with blood-drinking. Also referred to as psi-vamps, 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.

 

Fangsmith:

 

An individual who is trained in making fangs for members of the vampyre scene. They are commonly referred to as "father" or "mother".

 

Family:

 

A term used by many people to describe their coven or their close circle of vampyres and friends. Also, a general term for all members of the vampyre community.

 

Family Dentist:

 

A fangsmith.

 

Fashion Vampyre:

 

Someone who just dresses the part. The fashion vamps are is only into the aesthetics (fangs, contacts, fashion) and not the philosophy or spirituality of the lifestyle.

 

Feeders:

 

Another term for vampyres which distinguishes them by their need to feed upon blood.

 

Feeding:

Every living thing has to consume something to live, whether it is food, blood, energy or other forms of "food". This term refers to the intake of energy of some kind (blood, psy etc.) by a vampire.

 

Feeding Circle:

 

A group of donors, usually from four to seven, who feed a specific vampyre or coven of vampyres.

 

Fledgling:

 

Someone who is inexperienced with the lifestyle and new to the scene. In general a fledgling is apprenticed to a more experienced vampyre who acts as his sire or mentor.

 

Fruitbat:

 

A humorous term for a nutty vampyre. This indicates a vampyre who's not all there. The demands of the lifestyle can be too much for some, and in some cases, their mental and emotional states clearly suffer. This can also refer to a vampyre who has a habit of acting wild and crazy, kind of like a court jester or class clown, mostly for attention and entertainment purposes.

 

Grazing

 

This is a type of lifestyle which looked down upon by the rest of the vampyre community in which a vampyre randomly feeds upon unscreened donors typically picked up in niteclubs and Goth bars. Vampyres who feed without discretion in this manner are derogatorily referred to as Strega. See also Strega.

 

Golden Circle:

 

The people around a small coven or circle, which include black swans, vampyres, kitra, etc.

 

Grotto:

 

A term for a local population of vampyres in close geographic area, this usually refers to include all vampyres in a specific area, including Gaja. While a more specific term cabal only refers to sanguinarians and the underground, non clubbing "shadow" community.

 

Haematodipsia:

 

A strong form of haematophilia.

 

Haematomania:

 

A strong psychological craving for blood.

 

Haematophilia:

 

An erotic attraction to the taste, sight (or smell) of blood. See Blood Journal for information on blood)

 

Haemosexuality:

 

A term related to those with the vampyric condition who have a sexual relation to blood, including but not limited to fetishism.

 

Haven:

 

A Vampyre nightclub or gathering place. These are considered sacred grounds and often times they are blessed by an acolyte. The haven serves as the hub of a given community, providing a place where all the community can gather and socialize. Often special functions arranged by the vampyre community in an area are held at the local haven.

 

Household:

 

A very large coven, or a group of covens under one sigil. Most households have their own established rules of order, rituals, and beliefs. Examples of established houses include House Sabretooth and House Agasti.

 

Human:

Well, that's a tough one. Sometimes this term is used to distinguish vampires from "humans". Some vampires see themselves as human others stritly deny this. More a philosophical problem than anything else.

 

The Hunger:

 

The desire to feed, also identified as the Thirst. 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 vampyre 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 to someone because s/he is a vampire, or because the hunter believes them to be so. Hunters do not have to actively attack the vampyre in order to do them harm; often the emotional and mental distress of having someone like this hounding you is damaging enough. Hunters are not only conservative Christians; some Pagans and Wiccans are self-proclaimed hunters, as their religious system views vampires generally as negative or evil. "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. Hunters may also be persons who stalk vampyres in order to gather information on them, presumably with the intent of using this information to bring them harm sometime down the line. See also Slayer.

 

Hunting:

 

Actively going out and seeking donors 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 birth of HIV and AIDS, hunting indiscriminately is considered irresponsible and extremely dangerous; there still must be a period of screening time. Vampyres who feed irresponsibly are known as Strega and are shunned; and many are Excommunicated by their elders for this offense.

 

Im Kheperu:

 

The ritual of transformation used by some to induct a new member into the vampyre community. Im Kheperu also denotes the holy day, concurrent with the Pagan festival Samhain, when this rite is most often performed. As a festival, Im Kheperu ushers in the Dark Side of the Year, a time when our powers wax greatly and our sense of our natures is heightened significantly.

 

Im Sekhemu:

 

The double-power. This also denotes the holy day, concurrent with the Pagan festival Beltane, when the last peak in power is celebrated before the coming of the Light Side of the Year. During the Im Sekhemu, which properly lasts over a span of days leading up to Beltane, everything about us is heightened to an almost excruciating degree. We feel the last swansong of power just before the Dark Year fades, and at the same time we experience the greatest hunger as that power heightens all of our sensations. Sekhemu can also refer to the driving sensation brought about by this peak in hunger and power.

 

Immortal:

In the original sense this means incapable of dying. As far as scientific proves go there is no such thing. Some people see this term in a more spiritual sense or in a broader way meaning that vampires are less prone to infections, disease, injury or aging.

 

Inheritor:

A classification for vampires, who are born that way and have inheritet this "illness" from one of their ancestors. Most European vampires are inheritors.

 

Incubus / Succubus:

 

A vampyre who feeds only while having sex or purely through sexual energy. In Medieval folklore, a Succubus was a female demon who appeared to people, often in dreams, and seduced them. The Incubus was the male counterpart to the Succubus. Father Sinistrari, a 14th century Italian monk, wrote an entire treatise on these beings, depicting them as a separate species from humanity whose body, rather than being made of gross physical matter, was made up of subtle energies. He attributed to both Incubi and Succubi elemental essences, so that some had a nature allied with fire while others might have a watery or even earthy nature. Father Sinistrari went on to postulate that Incubi and Succubi could in some instances reproduce with human beings, and the results of such unions were invariably attractive, proud, tall, cunningly intelligent, and strong people with a mesmerizing presence. It is implied that the children of Incubi and Succubi, although possessing a physical body, also retained some of the subtle nature of their non-human parent, and like that parent, fed upon the sexual or life energies of other humans they took as their lovers. See also Nephilim, Sexual Vampire.

 

Inheritors:

 

A belief within the vampyre community that the vampyric condition is brought about through a genetic inheritance or mutation. Those who espouse this belief take a very scientific view of vampirism and feel that every aspect of the condition could feasibly be quantified and explained if given enough serious scientific study. Those who believe in vampyric inheritance feel that the mutation is passed along from parent to child and look upon it as something which makes vampyres distinctly different from ordinary humans. Some who believe in the inheritance theory suggest that there were "true" vampyres at some point in our distant past, and that they interbred with humanity. With this paradigm, however, it can be deduced that as the line gets more and more watered down, the characteristics of vampirism will become weaker and weaker until they are lost altogether. It is unclear whether Inheritors primarily feed upon blood, life-energy, or both.

 

Initiate:

 

Someone who has been formally initiated into a coven. In many covens this is a requirement for becoming Calmae. Also see Pledge.

 

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 vampyre culture. See also Excommunicated, Ravass Bhavatan, and Sin Nomine.

 

Jhatyet:

 

Domain of eternity, also the council of spiritual beings which presides over a city. In our terminology a Jhatyet (badly anglicanized version of an Egyptian word), is a council of elders. These are the most benevolent and spiritually advanced individuals who guide and watch over a given community. See also COVICA

 

Kali:

 

A blood-thirsty goddess from India who has been chosen by some to be a goddess of vampirism. Kali is depicted as a dark-skinned woman with a blood-red pointed tongue and elongated fangs. She typically wears a necklace of severed heads and a skirt of severed arms and little else. She revels in carnage and is widely believed to drink blood; her statues are venerated with libations of fresh blood. She is a personification of lust and fecundity as well as death and destruction. Her consort is the god Shiva, an equally complex deity associated with destruction as well as regeneration. Most vampyres who look to Kali as their goddess, like her, drink human blood.

 

Kheprian Order:

 

A particular order/tradition of vampyre scholar-monks who have made it their duty to compile research on the vampyre community and make this freely available to all. For more information on the Kheprian Order, go to www.housekheperu.homestead.com.

 

Khlysty:

 

An order or tradition within the vampyre community that traces the origin of the vampyre back to Biblical or pre-Biblical times. A very secret brotherhood, the Khlysty are predominant on the West Coast of America and may possibly have beliefs related to the Biblical figure of Caine. Khlysty keep their natures very closeted and are highly derisive of posers and lifestylers, who they refer to as "kids in capes". Many are blood-drinkers, and they incorporate blood into their ritual magick.

 

The Kiss:

 

A formal term for a commited donor. In some covens, kitra is a formal term for the Concubine caste and also functions as the concubines. They are the eyes and ears of the coven, advisors, donors, love slaves and magickal altars. Not all Kitra need be sanguine.

 

Kithal:

 

Someone who has been initiated into one or more covens.

 

Lamia:

 

A Greek vampire with deformed lower limbs who feeds upon the blood of children and young men.

 

Latent vampire:

A term for an inheritor or a natural vampire who has not yet realised his true vampiric nature. The awakening is often triggered by a traumatic experience or by being "turned".

 

Legacy:

 

The bloodline of a particular vampyre.

 

Leech:

 

1.) A small, bloodsucking worm; 2.) An incredibly rude and derogatory (well, at least disrespectful...) term to call someone who is a vampyre.

 

Lilitu / Lilian:

 

Also the Children of Lilith. This is an order or movement within the vampyre community which promotes the idea that Lilith was the spiritual forebear of vampyres. The Lilitu cite the Hebraic tradition that depicts Lilith as Adam's first wife who was cast from the Garden for refusing to submit to Adam. According to the folklore which surrounds her, God cursed her with a thirst for blood, and she went forth and started a line of demonic children. Lilith and her heirs were believed by the Israelites to feed upon infants and young men, drinking their life and their blood. Lilith was probably borrowed by the Israelites from Babylonian lore, where she appears as a wild woman who haunts waste places. She is traditionally depicted naked, with long flowing hair, wings and the talons of a bird of prey in place of feet. As the Lady of Beasts, she is often accompanied by wild animals, usually lions or owls. The male counter-part of Lilith is the vampiric man-bird Gelal, who makes an appearance in the ancient Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. Many of the Lilians drink blood and also incorporate blood into their ritual.

 

The Long Night:

 

Name for the festival celebrated on the Winter Solstice. 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, such as raising someone from Calmae to Elder.

 

Magnus:

 

The host of a vampyre gathering or owner of a haven.

 

Mentor:

 

A guide and teacher to a fledgling. This sometimes is used to refer to one’s Adra or "sire" the one who helped one through the awakening.

 

Mentor:

Usually an older vampire who works as a "guide" for a newly awakened one. Has to be chosen with care!!

 

Moot:

 

A formal term for a member of the Warrior caste.

 

"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". See also Mundane.

 

"Mortal":

Term used to distinguish between vampires and those who are not vampires. This term is, at best, misleading because it implies that vampires are "immortal". This is the same problem as with the term "human".

 

Mundane:

 

Term used to distinguish those who are regular people and have no comprehension for the scene, who are not a part of the scene and who have no understanding of it. Many groups use "danes" for short. This term came from the Renaissance Fairs that many vampyres frequent and is also largely in use by the SCA.

 

Najgja:

 

The head and leader of a Cabal, they are also known as the gatekeeper and are responsible for screening new members of a local cabal. Also see Cabal.

 

Nomaj:

 

A vampyre mystic, astrologer or user of sangomancy.

 

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".

 

The Nephilim:

 

A rather widespread belief within the vampiric community which asserts that vampyres are the descendants of the Nephilim. The Nephilim are demi-human beings who were sired by angels, as related in Enoch I, a book that was dropped from the Bible in the early stages of its canonization. Some Nephilists believe that the vampyric condition is genetically traceable to these otherworldly fathers. Others are content to suggest that the Nephilim simply represent a higher kind of being which came down and intermingled with humanity. As far as the beliefs of the second order of Nephilists are concerned, vampyres experience their condition because they are more spiritual than most beings, with a higher "vibration" or "frequency" to their spirit which somehow burns their bodies out quicker and makes it necessary to feed. Some Nephilists feed upon blood, while many others feed primarily upon life-energy. Most seem to incorporate blood into their magick and ritual.

 

Nightside:

 

The side of a vampyre which happens within the lifestyle/subculture, away from the normal mundane world.

 

"Of the Blood":

 

A term sometimes used to refer to someone as being a vampyre.

 

Order of the Dragon:

 

A sect of the vampyre community who espouse a belief in vampyric supremacy. The beliefs of the Order of the Dragon are complex and hard to render in a short form, but in general include ties to the bloodline of the Holy Grail, the Merovingian kings of France, and an older tradition of spiritual supremacy which either goes back to or pre-dates ancient Egypt. The Order of the Dragon sees vampyrism as both a genetically inherited condition as well as a condition of the soul, so that various incarnations of the soul seek out a genetically pure body for the maximum realization of the vampyric potential. It is unclear whether the Order of the Dragon feed primarily upon blood, life energy, or both.

 

Pandemonium:

 

Pandemonium is a term for a generally unpleasant experience which includes but is not limited to an acute heightening of all of a vampyre's sensitivities, a change in the person's manner, alterations in breathing,pulse rate, and thought patterns, as their body gears up to go out and attempt to satisfy the thirst. This phenomenon is when the "beast" or "darkside" is very definitely felt as a real force within the vampyre's psyche and the vampyre's self-control totters on a razor-edge. This particular phenomenon is experienced by both sanguines and psi-vamps alike, and it serves as a distinguishing factor between those who are real vampyres and those who are simply blood fetishists.

 

Parasite:

 

A completely insulting and derogatory term to refer or call a psi-vamp or emotional vampyre, implying that they are thieves and have no honor.

 

Pledge:

 

Someone who is in the initiation process of joining a coven or organization. This process varies from group to group and is usually combined with a apprentice and sponsor relationship. See also Initiate.

 

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.

 

Polyamory:

 

Refers to multiperson committed relationships, which are not uncommon among covens in the vampyre community. Although multiple partners are involved, there is still an element of fidelity in polyamorous relationships. Generally, partners are expected not to be promiscuous but to focus their attentions on members of the already established group. A very typical polyamorous relationship to be encountered in the vampyre community usually involves two vampires and a donor who is committed to them both.

 

Poser:

 

Someone who pretends to be a vampire. A poser usually makes outrageous claims about their powers, age, and lifespan for the purposes of feeling self-important, or with the intent of being deceitful to others, for their own selfish reasons. Most posers draw all of their fictional vampiric abilities directly from sources such as Anne Rice, White Wolf, and so on, and for this reason are immediately recognizable for the frauds that they are.

 

Potential:

 

A potential vampyre. Essentially, someone whose vampirism is latent and unrealized; but who, with a little guidance from another, could realize they have the vampyric condition. See also Latent Vampyre or Klavasi.

 

Prana:

 

Like Chi, Prana is life energy. Prana is a Hindu term, and it is strongly associated with the breath as well as the life. See also Chi and Psychic Energy.

 

Primus:

 

A vampyre, almost always an elder, who founded or is the leader of a large family or coven of vampyres.

 

Psychic Attack:

 

Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim.

 

Psychic Energy:

 

A general term for the life energy which is found within and throughout all living things. Also referred to as prana, chi, pranic energy or psi-energy, this is the life-force that energy and psychic vampyres feed upon. This energy is also contained in the blood and is an integral part of the exchange which occurs between a donor and a sanguine vampyre. See also Chi and Prana.

 

Psychic Vampyre:

 

1) Also psi-vamp. A psychic vampyre in general is a person who drains, knowingly or unconsciously, the psychic energy from those around them. Unconscious psychic vampyres are usually a pain, as they don't realize what they are doing and make no effort to control their feeding. Conscious psychic vampyres, or energy vampyres, are individuals who have full knowledge and control of their abilities. Some psychic vampires may integrate blood-drinking into their feeding habits, although, unlike the sanguines, they are not limited to blood alone. The definite need for actual, physical blood seems to be the only real factor which distinguishes sanguine vampyres from psychic vampyres, as both experience light sensitivity, heightened awareness, nocturnal cycles, and the Thirst.

 

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; an emotional vampire. Psychoanalyst and occultist, Dion Fortune, recognizes this form of vampirism in her classic occult work, Psychic Self-Defense. Katharine Ramsland discusses this in depth in her book, Piercing the Darkness, (Harper Prism, 1998), pp. 190-196, referred to as a "covert vampire"; Anton LaVey was referring to this type of person when he spoke of "psychic vampires". See also Emotional Vampire.

 

Psychic Vampire Attack:

 

An uninvited and unwelcome draining of one's vital energy, or chi / pranic energy (see "psychic energy"). A psychic vampyre attack occurs when a psi-vamp targets someone and feeds or attempts to feed. This can be done from casual contact, from across a room, or even through dreams. 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 vampyre from repeated severe psi-vampire attacks. In general, though, this seems only to produce a condition known as sympathetic vampyrism.

 

Psychological Vampyrism / Emotional Vampyres:

 

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 or energy vampyres.

 

Ravass Bhavatan:

 

A ritualized name for someone cast out of a particular household or the entire community in general. Also called the Sin Nomine (Latin for "without name") or Excommunicated, Ravass Bhavatan are the nameless, whose name, status, and social acceptance within the community has been formally stripped away. One is not made Sin Nomine lightly, and usually the ordeal occurs before the entire community to which the Ravass previously belonged. The name of one thus cast out is not only stripped from them, it is also stricken from any of the community’s records and never uttered by members of the community again. In general, this is the greatest punishment that can be meted out to someone in the community, and once someone has merited this, the word is spread through the whole vampyre network that they are not allowed to associate with the scene in any city. The actions that inspire such a rite of ostracization are indeed severe, and usually include a complete disregard for the Black Veil and other people's safety. See also The Black Veil, Excommunicated, or Sin Nomine.

 

Real Vampire / RealVamp:

 

A sanguinarian, psychic, or energy vampyre. A real vampyre has a particular condition which includes but is not limited to the following characteristics: a real need for blood or life energy; heightened sensitivities; light sensitivity; a largely nocturnal sleep cycle, increased (but not supernatural) healing abilities; and a possibly lengthened or slowed lifespan. Where the need for blood or life energy is concerned, this is not expressed as a strictly erotic urge and often is sated outside of sexual situations. The heightened sensitivities are believed by many to include a number of psychic abilities, such as empathy, astral projection, clairvoyance, and energy manipulation. The sensitivity to light and the nocturnal body cycle are not so limiting that a real vampyre cannot be up and out during the day; it is simply an effort for them to do so. They are in no danger of bursting into flames at the touch of sunlight, although many report that they burn very easily and tend to suffer sun stroke and heat stroke. The slowed aging process has in no way been incontrovertibly proven, although many vampyres maintain a youthful twenty-something look well into their thirties. Real vampyres do not shapeshift into bats or other small furry animals. They cannot fly or rise from the dead (without perhaps the help of a defibrillator!), they do not possess phenomenally super-human strength or speed, and they are in no way physically Undead or Immortal.

 

Regnant:

 

Similar to a Master in the BDSM scene, but a term for those in the vampyre lifestyle. See also Thrall.

 

Renegade / Rogue:

 

1.) A vampire/blood-drinker's former source 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 threat to both him/herself and others.

 

Renfield Syndrome:

Named for the fly-eating maniac in Dracula, a mental disorder where the afflicted seeks to increase his/her own power by accumulating lives. It has four stages: Stage one, where the person starts out eating insects; stage two, where he graduates to larger organisms, such as birds, as did Renfield, often feeding the bugs to the birds, then consuming the birds; stage three, he is compelled to seek after larger "lives", killing larger animals and drinking their blood to receive power; stage four, where he desires after human's blood, possibly being a danger to others or themselves.

 

Rite:

 

A ceremony performed to recognize a person’s advancement within the vampyre community. Rites recognize the crossing of a threshold from one state or level of understanding to the next. For example, a rite often accompanies the advancement of one who is Calmae to the position of an Elder. The form and nature of the rite varies from tradition to tradition, and can be a public and highly ritualized event or a private and very personal transformation.

 

Ritual:

 

Is a magickal working or ceremony which is aimed at achieving a specific goal. Vampiric magickal traditions such as Sangomancy or Vampyrecrafte have various rituals which range in form and nature according to the tradition from which they derive. See also Sangomancy, Vampyrecrafte.

 

Ronin:

 

A vampyre who is not a member of a coven or household. In the Japanese feudal system , ronin were Samurai who lacked allegiance to a particular house, but who were nonetheless honorable and skilled as samurai. In the modern vampyre culture, some ronin are solitary because there is no established community in their geographical area or because their job or way of life requires them to be too nomadic or independent to settle into one particular household. Some ronin are simply "burned out" by the lifestyle and have withdrawn from an active participation in the scene. See also Household, Coven or Solitary.

 

Rosette:

 

Mark left behind when a vampyre feeds. Rosettes are often small and round in shape and range from red to purplish in color. They look somewhat like hickies but are usually lighter in color and more consistent in shape. The rosettes left by blood vampyres will typically have the small cut made in the donor's skin located somewhere in their center. Energy and psi-vamps sometimes leave these marks behind as well, although there is no obvious cut located within the mark.

 

RPGer:

Role-Player: One who engages in roleplaying games like VtM and others. Sometimes RPGers are also lifestylers, others distinguish between their 'human' life and their role and have nothing to do with Vampires.

 

Safari:

 

A form of play-hunting when a vampyre or coven of vampyres goes out to find donors but not bring them home. Maybe a little nibbling, but never feeding.This was used in the late 1970s to teach fledglings how to hunt in discos.

 

Sangomancy:

 

A path of mixing blood and chaos magick where each initiate takes the best from other paths and combines them into his or her own interpretation.

 

Sanguinarian:

 

Someone with the Vampyric Condition. Taken from the Latin word meaning "blood-thirsty", a Sanguinarian is someone who has a physical thirst, need, or craving for blood. This need is generally non-erotic in nature and distinguishable by the greater quantity required from the minimal amount consumed by blood fetishists. Many energy vampires are able to sustain themselves on pranic energy or chi alone, while Sanguinarians need to combine this with actual, physical blood in order to get any benefit from it. See also Sanguine.

 

The Sanguinarium / Sanguinary:

 

The network of households, individuals, covens, businesses, nightclubs, artists, etc., which make up the Vampyre Connection. It is maintained by Lady Melanie and more information can be found at www.sanguinarium.net or at the Vampyre Almanac website at www.vampyrenation.com.

 

Sanguine:

 

A familiar term for vampyre.

 

Sang Vamp:

 

Term which refers to a blood-drinking vampyre. See also Sanguine.

 

Seeker:

Someone who has a general, often scientific, interest in vampirism or the desire to become one.

 

Setians:

 

A belief within the vampyre community that links vampirism back to the Egyptian God Set. Egyptologists have recently suggested that Set is just a deification of an Egyptian high priest from very early times, and that the rivalry between Set and Osiris represents a rivalry between competing temples. In the Setians' view, Set was a high priest of a temple who developed a ritual of death and rebirth that allowed the soul to achieve immortality. The Setians believe that the rites described in the Egyptian Book of the Dead are only improperly recollected versions of this ritual. Set chose 72 associates to undergo this ritual with him and to travel eternity as undying spirits which were eternally renewed. The vampiric condition was a side effect of this ritual. The Setians believe then that vampirism is a spiritual condition, and it represents immortality inasmuch as the soul is immortal and capable of recollecting itself throughout every rebirth. Setians feed primarily upon life energy and generally abstain from the physical drinking of blood.

 

The Scene / the Vampyre Scene:

 

The "scene" is a general term for the social aspects of the vampyre subculture including havens, events, businesses, societies, and even the online part of the subculture. Many vampyres are a part of the vampyre subculture 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 wannabee, the seeker has a more thoughtful approach to vampirism and is willing to learn all they can about the condition before jumping head-first into it.

 

Sexual Vampirism:

 

A form of psychic vampirism where feeding is done primarily from sexual energy, with or without the exchange of blood. The feeding can be done intentionally or unconsciously / unintentionally. A common term for vampyres who feed exclusively through sex is Succubus, a word which originally denoted a Medieval 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.

 

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.

 

Signature:

Term used to describe the unique aura or energy structure that each individual has.

 

Sin Nomine:

 

Latin for "without name". The Sin Nomine is a vampyre who has been stripped of their name and recognition within the scene for severe violation of the Black Veil. See also Excommunicated.

 

Sire:

 

A term which means someone who has awakened or turned someone into a vampyre. The term originated in the Vampire: the Masquerade role-playing system, but now has become so widespread that it has become integrated into the common parlance of the scene. Also see Abra

 

Slayer:

 

A loud-mouthed individual that makes public and obnoxious claims of killing people who either are or are believed to be vampyres. Most slayers pattern themselves after Buffy or Blade and generally have all the smarts and personality of a bag of peatmoss. Just like hit-men for the mafia, those who may be real vampire hunters or slayers are NOT going to publicly 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 lives and cause them to tone down their racist shitspeak. See also Hunter.

 

SMS / Self-Mutilation Syndrome:

 

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.

 

Source:

It is a neutral expression for a donor or victim, who is the person where the vampire gets the blood or energy.

 

Sponsor:

 

Someone who takes on the responsibility of helping someone get initiated to a coven. Their job is to teach them the ways of that particular coven and to make sure they are prepared to be initiated properly.

 

Solitary:

 

A vampyre who chooses not to be involved with a coven and has little if any interested in going out in the scene. See also Ronin.

 

Somnusium:

 

Putting one's sanguine lifestyle to rest or taking a break from the scene and Sanguinarium. Usually those who go into Somnusium try to suppress their vampyric tendencies in favor of leading a more "normal" lifestyle.

 

Supplier:

Someone who deals in (mostly) blood and/or brokers between source and vampire.

 

Starseed Vampires:

 

A tradition or movement within the vampyre community which asserts the extra-terrestrial origins of the vampyre race. According to the Starseeds, three individuals came to our world from elsewhere. These were immensely powerful beings known as the Originals. One of the Originals was male, one was female, and the third was hermaphroditic. It is not clear whether the Originals reproduced sexually or if they "turned" humans in order to increase the ranks of their race. It would seem from conversations with members of this order that they did both, and it is from unions between these Original three as well as subsequent unions between the "turned" members of humanity, that all vampyres are descended. In the Starseed philosophy, vampirism is a condition of both body and soul, and once one has been "turned", they continue a vampiric existence through subsequent incarnations. Often, these incarnations are remembered and the vampiric individual looks upon him or herself as immortal in the sense that he or she is aware of this lifetime as well as being aware of lifetimes lived far into the distant past. Starseed vampyres feed mainly upon life energy, although they incorporate the drinking of a small quantity of blood into their rituals.

 

The Swoon / Rapture:

 

The rush of ecstasy experienced by a donor during the feeding process. Often this rush is of a sexual nature, although it also has strong psychologically euphoric effects. The vampyre also experiences a similar psycho-sexual rush. This rush can be experienced in explicitly sexual situations but may sometimes be brought about through casual contact between the vampyre and the donor. In other systems this is referred to simply as "the rush" "rapture" or "the ecstasy".

 

Sympathetic Vampyrism:

 

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 vampyres but can manifest itself among the vessels used by sanguine vamps 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 sensitivity and sensitivity to sunlight. Often, this condition has caused a number of real vampyres to mistakenly assume that their donors, -- or the donors themselves 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 vampyre or vampyres who feed off the person to stop completely. Without the constant depletion of resources, the person's system should gradually correct itself over time.

 

The Thirst:

 

The craving, need, desire, or urge to drink blood, experienced as a sensation of intense thirst. The thirst is the primary symptom of a psychological or physical addiction to blood. Many energy vampires experience a similar phenomenon, although they sate their need through an energy exchange with a partner.

 

Thrall:

 

A Vampyre term for slave in the BDSM scene. See also Regnant.

 

Tradition:

 

A specific set of values, customs, philosophies, spirituality, outlooks, and beliefs. Many covens center around one specific tradition; for example, Temple of the Vampire, the Kheprian Order, the Coven of Sahjaza and the Vampire Church. Each tradition typically answers the following in its own unique way: the nature and purpose of vampirism; the origin of vampyres; and the goals of the vampiric community. See also Elorath, Lilians, Nephilim, Setians and Xanastasians.

 

Turn:

To make someone a vampire. There are more theories on how to do this than I could quote here. Some theories insist that there is no possiblity of turning a human. This is only possible with latent vampires.

 

Turned:

 

Another term for becoming a vampire. Some groups believe that ordinary people can be turned into vampires. 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. See also Becoming and Awakening.

 

Twilight:

 

A state of vampyric enlightenment which balances one’s dayside with their nightside.

 

Vampire:

 

With this spelling refers to the fictional creature found in literature, myth, legend, film and TV which includes Lestat, Dracula, Nick Knight, etc. This does not refer to people who live a vampyre lifestyle and have the vampyric condition.

 

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, and 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: the Masquerade:

 

A role-playing game developed by Mark Rein-Hagen and published by White Wolf in the early 1990s. Inspired by the novels of Anne Rice and the growing fascination with vampires in popular culture, V:tM portrays a dark, Gothic-Punk world where immortal vampires ran human society from the shadows. Vampire: the Masquerade separates vampires into different types, called clans, each of which has characteristic strengths and weaknesses. These fictional vampires order their society into Elders, Ancilla (of middling years), and Neonates (the youngest, also known as childer), and each city is run by a vampiric Prince. The vampires in the so-called "World of Darkness" abide by a set of rules that insure vampiric secrecy, known as the Traditions or simply as The Masquerade. White Wolf’s Vampire: the Masquerade was the first publication to refer to vampires as Kindred. Other terms developed by them include "sire", the vampire responsible for making a new vampire; "childe", a new vampire; and "the embrace", the process of becoming a vampire. The game became very popular, and it even earned its own short-lived television series, Kindred: the Embraced. The pro-wrestler Gangrel, who used to be part of the quasi-vampiric team called the Brood, was sanctioned by White Wolf. His wrestling name is the name for one of White Wolf’s vampire clans.

 

There are varied opinions about V:tM in the vampyre community. At first, Vampire: the Masquerade seemed useful. It increased awareness about vampires in general, and made the image of the vampire something that was very accessible to popular culture. On one hand, this made it easier for real vampyres to start accepting and coming out about their nature. On the other hand, the role-playing game spread a good deal of misconceptions throughout the community, as the vampires portrayed in the role-playing game were very clearly fictional, being undead blood-drinkers who burned at the slightest touch of sunlight and could be transfixed with a wooden stake through the heart. Perhaps the worst thing about V:tM is it took something that was real for a small portion of the population and relegated it to the status of a fantasy role-playing game.

 

Despite the shortcomings of the game reality, and lacking any serious non-fiction about their own culture, many real vampyres identified with the vampire clans of the role-playing game and borrowed much of the terminology developed by White Wolf. Especially in the early 90s, when there was no set jargon for the community, this common language established by the role playing game proved very useful to help individuals from different groups and different geographical locations communicate about what they were. Over the years, however, there has been growing tension between the role-players and the real vampyres. The role-players see Vampire as a chance to dress up and become something they’re not. It is very important for them to distinguish between their game of make believe and their real lives. As a result, many role-players look down upon real vampyres and perceive them as delusional beings. Bad elements among the role-players have also been known to take their flambouyant vampire personas into clubs and other public places and intentionally lampoon the real vampyres. The antagonism of the role-players has lead to understandable bad feeling on the part of the real vampyres, who have been striving to define their community in their own terms in order to get away from the sense that it’s all "just a game". In general, now, it is typical to see signs for "No RPGrs" and "No V:tM" on websites and message boards dedicated to real vampyres.

 

Vampyre:

 

A person who lives the vampyre lifestyle and has the vampyric condition. See also Sanguinarian, Real Vampyre or Vampyrism.

 

Vampyre 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...)

 

Vampyrism:

 

Although it is different for many groups is it more or less a combination of a philosophy, blood fetish, lifestyle (to many also a sexuality) and versatile spirituality, which revolves around the exchange of energies. Many times it includes the building of personal pseudo-family relationships from shared beliefs and experiences.

 

Vampyric Community:

 

The community of people who identify with or have been identified with the vampire. This includes blood-drinkers, psychic/energy vampires, and vampyre lifestylers. See Vampire.

 

Vampyrespeak:

 

Also known as "the sanguine tongue". This is the vampyre language (found in the lexicon), which combines double-talk, jargon, sign language, arcane words and sigils (runes). In general, one must be an accepted part of the community in order to become familiar with these terms. Some terminology is usually only taught to individuals initiated into covens and approved by the Council.

 

Vampyric Condition:

 

Most vampyres express their condition through a mixture of philosophy, spirituality, lifestyle (and some consider it a fetish). Basically, the need to feed upon blood or life energy in order to remain emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy. This condition can come about in three basic ways, 1) (Dhampyri) they are born with it and grow up completely knowing they are "different"; 2) (Klavasi) they are latent and it sometimes or never manifests, depending on environment and circumstances; and 3) (Ardetha) they are "made" through a ritual or by another of the condition. There are many different traditions of vampirism, each with their own outlook and explanation on how to manage and experience this condition, but in general the final interpretation is left up to the individual.

 

Vampyre Connection:

 

An international network of businesses, havens, producers, organizations, scholars, performers and artists who cater to or are involved in the vampire/Vampyre scene. The Vampyre Connection also includes a common "language" of terms and etiquette known as the Black Veil. The more arcane and formal term for the Vampyre Connection is the Sanguinarium.

 

Vampyre Lifestyler:

 

Someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into his/her personal life. Vampyre lifestylers often cultivate 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 or life energy, while others are blood fetishists, and still others are simply drawn to the "Vampyre aesthetic".

 

The Vampyre Nation:

 

A term for the community as a whole.

 

Vampyre vs Vampire:

 

"Vampyre" is the older spelling of the word "vampire" used in the 18th & 19th centuries, thus "Vampyre" is used to refer to people who are really into the scene or lifestyle. The more modern "vampire" is most often used to refer to Hollywood, myth and fiction.

 

Vampyrecrafte:

 

In general, this is the magick practiced by vampyres. Many vampyres are pagan and follow the old ways, and the ways of magick are an integral part of their beliefs. Most vampyres practice numerous techniques associated with energy manipulation. Many also practice some form of magick, most oftenly ritual magick or chaos magick. Vampyrecraft refers to magickal techniques specifically designed by vampires 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. Also see Sangomancy.

 

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.

 

Warrior:

 

Also known as Companions or Equites (a Greek term used to designate Alexander’s elite forces). In the vampiric caste system, the Warriors are those entrusted with the safety of the community. Strongarms and guardsmen, Warriors protect both Concubines and Priests. They also help to enforce the 13 Rules of Community, also known as the Black Veil. A well-trained Warrior completes the triumvirate of power between a Concubine and a Priest. A Warrior is commonly a good friend of both members of the Priest-Concubine pair, occasionally a lover of one or both of them, who provides protection, back-up, and additional energy and support in any magickal workings. See also Caste System, Concubine, and Priest.

 

White Swan:

 

Someone who cannot tolerate the Vampyre lifestyle and proves antagonistic to the Scene. In general, White Swans are still a part of the Gothic or fetish scene, which often brings them into contact with the vampyre community despite their disgust at our ways.

 

Xanastasians:

 

An order within the vampyre community which believes in the extra-terrestrial origin of vampyres. The Order of Xanastasia believe that the first vampyres were otherworldly beings who fled or were cast out of their original home and sought shelter here on earth. The vampiric condition is looked upon as a direct inheritance of the otherworldly nature of these beings.

 

Formal Selected terms from the Elorathian Tongue:

 

Abani:

 

An honorable term meaning "Of the family of...."; for example: Angel, abani Sahjaza or Stephen, abani Omallie, for those in the Vampyre scene. Abani is predominantly in use in the New York scene or in households directly affiliated with House Sabretooth.

 

Adra:

 

A term for a sponsor or mentor of someone in the scene. The Adra is responsible for teaching their "apprentice" the ways of the community including the Lexicon and the Black Veil. This relationship can be defined as those involved see fit, ranging from a dom/sub, brother/sister, sire/childe, etc. or a multitude of other options.

 

Ardetha ("made vampyres"):

 

Are vampyres who are "made" through a ritual or by another of the condition. The ability to do this is questionable, as most adra are only known to be able to help someone come to terms with their vampyric condition, Ardetha are rare case, as the ability to "turn" another is a great gift or a rare ritual.

 

Gaja:

 

A formal term for fashion vampyre.

 

Klavasi (latent vampyrism):

 

This is a formal term for latent vampyrism; sometimes or never manifests, depending on environment and circumstances. See Latent Vampyrism.

 

Kitra:

 

A formal term for a committed donor, in some covens kitra is a formal term for the Concubine caste and also function as the concubines, they are the eyes and ears of the coven, advisors, donors, love slaves and magickal alters. Not all Kitra need be sanguine.

 

Mradu:

 

A formal term for someone in the warrior caste. See warrior caste.

 

Ramkht:

 

A formal term for the caste which contains the leaders, scholars and workers of magick. This is similar to Nomaj but more active in leadership roles and commonly paired with a Kitra.