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First off: I won't put you in touch
with any vampyres, and even if I did they wouldn't make you. But I can at least
tell you what you're getting into...
Let's see now. I think the easiest way to do this is going to be a give and
take sort of exchange. I'll try to answer your questions as best I can, and
you tell me if you're unclear on anything or need more details...
there do exist people who claim to be vampyres. According to a few of these
people whom I happen to know (yeah, I know you don't believe me), it goes something
like this...
vampyres are almost as varied as humans, and the different types tend to have
little to do with each other. There are the vampyres a la Bram Stoker and Anne
Rice, with varying degrees of powers and the like. Then there are the far more
prevalent type, which I will be addressing because it's the only kind I've ever
"met" and spoken to enough to get any decent amount of information. Keep in
mind that I have no real way of backing all this up, and could easily
be wrong.
These vampyres are very similar to humans. In fact, I've not been able to find
a characteristic they have that would mark them as undeniably vampyre. Often
the only way to tell is a combination of things... some common qualities are:
- not allergic to light, but do prefer darkness
- can see well in dim light
- sunburn or burn easily, but are rarely accidentally injured in other ways
- heal quickly when they do get injured
- rarely get sick
- stronger (not superman type here, just a bit more than average)
- faster reflexes
- very good with animals
- seem to be able to "read" people easily (thoughts and moods)
- very persuasive and dynamic people
- love of dark, rich fabrics (velvet, leather)
I'm sure there's more but I can't remember at the moment.
Those vampyres I know who drink blood do so in small quantities, and usually
have a willing mate of the opposite sex that they drink from regularly. I have
heard stories of others who do go hunting strangers, but it seems that most
who do prey upon "evil" or "bad" people. I'm not sure of the truth/motives of
those vampyres that claim to actually kill a victim.... death is not taken so
lightly by those I know. Many of these are often psychic vampyres as well...
some feeding off of positive emotions and being beneficial, some feeding off
of negative emotions and engendering them in others, thereby ensuring their
own survival and the victim's melancholy...
They are not immortal, just very healthy and long-lived. There are two important
things that make a person a vampyre - the physical and the psychological transformations.
The physical transformation comes from having a vampyre drink one's blood and
drinking the vampyre's blood. The physical transformation, however, is not the
only criteria. The person being transformed must have a mental readiness and
desire to become a vampyre. In fact, one vampyre I know has never been physically
"made".
Not all vampyres are goths, not all have dark hair and eyes... physical appearance
can be anything, although most are attractive.
Vampyres are not Satanists. Among those I know, there are two Christians, a
Zen Buddhist, two pagans, and two atheists. It's still debated what happens
to a vampyre after death, but it's agreed that they are not spawn of the evil
one or any such origin.
I'm not sure about the validity of all these claims, but I have seen the people
in question actually consuming blood and exhibiting other "talents". I must
say I haven't discounted the possibility that they're telling the truth. If
the claims are not true, I can at least speculate as to possible motives...
Any vampyres reading this should take the following as applying to the false
vampyres and not to themselves *grin*)
Calling oneself a vampyre immediately distinguishes oneself. It is a way to
get attention and interest other people. It also perpetuates a "dark image"
- much in the same way that some people pierce themselves, tattoo themselves,
whatever. It also gives one something in common with a group, inspiring feelings
of community and acceptance much like any junior high clique. Also tied in closely
with this is a motive of rebellion and nonconformity.
Most of those I know who seem to honestly believe in their vampyrism don't call
attention to it. They are afraid of a backlash by those who don't understand,
much like the Salem witch hunts... they are quiet, subtle, and don't discuss
it publicly. They don't dress in only black or dye their hair... in short, they
look and act like you or i. and you can't always tell the difference...
Hope this has helped.
Humbly yours, ryssa....
This article is presented as part of an ongoing effort to present other views outside of, as well as within, the online vampire community. Those of us who consider ourselves vampiric don't always look at things from the same viewpoint due to our life experiences. As such, the views and opinions contained in this article are entirely those of the author(s), and may not necessarily be shared by SphynxCatVP. The webmaster is not under obligation to update or otherwise keep current the contents of this article. Most importantly, only you can decide for yourself whether this article or any of the author(s) other views are useful or applicable to you - you are responsible for using your own reasoning and judgement, so judge wisely.
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