VAMPIRIC TERMS LIST
There are many terms I have not included here - they are mainly pertaining
to diseases (in which case they would be covered under medical links in the
awakening page of the vamp support section
in this site) or would be terms that are typically exclusively used in houses/groups/organizations
and don't appear to be in common use elsewhere in the realvamp community.
There are other sites out there that include such terms, however I don't plan
to add the terms in here because they don't apply to what I cover on my site,
the exception being terms that are alternates for ones that I do cover. I
am also not including terms that are *primarily* used by role-players. I recognize
some of them may seem applicable, but there's still the appropriateness test.
This list originally received a starting boost from Sanguinarius' own
lexicon, but all expansion, rewording, clarification, additions and maintenance
on this list is done by me.
AWAKENING
The process of awakening, while used here to refer to anyone who's discovered
their vampiric nature, can also refer to someone who's "true" nature
is something other than mundane human, but yet not vampiric. Those who consider
themselves were-creatures or, for instance, elves, dragons and the like, can
also go through a period of awakening. The effects on an individual will vary
- no two people go through awakening in exactly the same way, though there
may be similarities between members of any awakened type. For instance, those
who awaken to their vampiric nature will commonly experience photosensitivity,
gradually switching to a nocturnal sleeping schedule, and other similar effects,
while those that awaken to other natures may experience part of a different
group of effects.
Sometimes, this will simply refer to the process by which the person becomes
aware of their vampiric nature, but does not involve many physical changes,
if any happen at all. The "characteristics" may already be there
- photosensitivity, etc - but the person may simply be unaware of the underlying
cause until this point. How well it proceeds in this case depends on the individual's
mindset towards it. The awareness may be gradual, a slow process over a varying
time period, or sudden if it is sparked by some traumatic event.
Addendum:
Someone asked me in an e-mail if I was sure there are people who
are elves, dragons and the like. Well, all I can say is I'm sure that *they're*
sure of it. This is not my judgment call to make - I can't verify it online,
and I haven't met any of them in person. As long as nobody involved is a
menace to society, what they consider themselves to be makes no difference
to me. I'm not exactly in a position to throw stones from my glass house,
since a large portion of *them* don't believe vampires exist either.
Many experience acute feelings of isolation and alienation during this process,
as their new awareness of their inner nature seemingly distances them increasingly
from their "normal" family and friends while they adjust. It
is normal to experience this, however you do NOT have to let it distance
yourself if you don't want it to! You just have to learn what to keep hidden
when dealing with non-vampires.
AUTOVAMPIRISM
Drinking one's own blood instead of blood from a donor or other source. This
is NOT a recommended practice because while it seems to reduce the current
cravings or bloodlust, when they come back it is often worse than before.
BEAST
The primal, instinctive, animalistic, bestial nature of the vampire. This
is part-and-parcel of any vampire's nature, not just those that are frustrated
from not feeding recently. It can be 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. Depending
on the control the individual has, there may be a facial expression ranging
from merely aloof to obviously Hungry/Thirsty.
I've seen mentioned on a few message boards how this is primarily a role-player
term. I will grant that it's original source is White Wolf....HOWEVER....I
feel this term is applicable *anyway* for two reaons - (1) a large number
of people are using it in spite of it's RPG source, and (2) when "the
beast" is the primary influence at that time, the person's usual sense
of calm and reasoning abilities are not exactly up to par - i.e., one of the
factors that set people apart from animals said to be the ability to reason
- lose some or all of this ability (among others) and the person is said to
become more bestial. In other words, I view this as a catchall reference to
the mental state, not intended to refer to any role-playing thing.
This does not mean the person is any less "themselves",
only that their control is lacking (hence seeming animalistic to outsiders).
The person is not particularly *different* as much as *uncontrolled* to various
degrees. There is a difference.
Other terms: Hunger, Thirst
BEACON
See "vampdar" below. This term appears to be used primarily by
House Kheperu, and those that share Kheperu's methods of operation. This term
is a little more "classy" than mine, but can be confusing to people
who aren't familiar with it.
Source: Originally, House Kheperu, but
is starting to see more frequent usage elsewhere
BLACK VEIL
A set of common sense guidelines intended to cover the vampiric community.
I have not had previous versions on my site because of how closely they resembled
White Wolf's "traditions" from Vampire: The Masquerade, and the
associated "These look like RPG materials" baggage some people can't
get over. I've always felt they were sensible guidelines (once you got past
the pretentious writing) because essentially they boil down to "don't
do anything stupid or obvious", "don't piss people off", etc.
:) The current (2003) revision is far enough away from the V:TM-like original
that I now have a copy here.
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 group)
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 group. I have been unable to
personally verify the existence of these, I'm only mentioning them because
they come up occasionally in conversation.
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, only to "play with
it a little" and will usually be happy with small amounts. Blood-fetishism
is often accompanied by other sexual fetishes, such as sadism and masochism,
and the blood is usually taken during sexual or fetish play, as in a bondage
or domination scene.
BLOOD VAMP
My general term for any vampire requiring blood in their diet. It is meant
to be descriptive about the feeding style without leaving any doubt to anyone
new to the concept. I use this term throughout my site in MY writings so that
people understand what I am referring to.
Other terms: Blood-drinker, Sanguinarian,
Sanguine, probably another half-dozen or so...
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.
Addendum:
For all the mention I've seen of this on various websites, it has -
so far - proven impossible to find mention of it on genuine medical sites
or in genuine medical publications. So it's quite possible this this is
an "urban legend", spread around because "it sounds good".
Nonetheless, it is here because of how frequently it gets mentioned in other
places.
Other terms: Renfield's Syndrome
COMING
OUT (OF THE COFFIN)
Means the same thing that it means for Gays (except they come out of the
closet...). It involves being open or frank with people about being a vampire
and all that it entails. 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 or private live due to work
and/or family issues. After all, we are seen as [sarcasm] either delusional
or a menace to public safety. [/sarcasm] (This is the same public, mind you,
that thinks a rising crime rate or the latest serial murderer is not front
page news. Yes, there are more important things they could be worrying about.
No, it's not fair. But we have to deal with it anyway.)
Source: In common usage
DONOR
Someone who gives/shares their blood or life-energy, without obligation.
Many donors prefer to offer themselves to just one vampire, but some donors
will offer of themselves to entire groups of vampires, provided they are appreciated
and not abused. This can often be an intimate relationship, but is not required
to be the case.
Other terms: Source, Supplier (??)
ELDER
When used with it's proper definition, this is a member of the vampire community
who is known and respected for their experience and knowledge. An elder is
often a mentor, someone who's willing to take the time to explain things to
others so that they know what to expect or know how to behave in situations
that come up. A wise elder is open to acquiring new knowledge, for the sake
of being able to pass it on to those that need it, even if they don't need
the information themselves.
This is often used in organizations as well, and does not necessarily mean
the same thing as I have set it here. I have seen websites set up for "House/Order
such-and-such", but the quality of the site content, and the spelling
and grammar used in the content, will often give the impression that the webmaster/group
isn't that familiar with either the real vampire community, or the concepts
of how to deal with one's inner self.
ELEMENTAL
VAMPIRE
A psivamp that (pretty exclusively) feeds off natural energy sources such
as lightning storms, electricity, etc. This is a fairly new (2003) term that
I've seen becoming popular. I personally tend yo categorize this as a subcategory
of psychic vampire, since it's all energy anyway. :)
See also: Psychic Vampire, below
EMOTIONAL
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. This is a social issue, not a vampiric one
(i.e., "drama queens", etc.) so generally these types of people
are not to be confused with psivamps; although it IS possible for a psivamp
to exhibit this character flaw, non-vamps can have it as well.
Other terms: Psychological vampirism
FEEDING
The act of consuming blood (or, in the case of psi / energy vampires, energy)
from a donor or other blood source.
HUNGER
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.
Other terms: Thirst, Need, Beast
HYBRID
Term used to refer to a vampire who feeds both via blood and energy. One
school of thought says all vampires are capable of this, however I have seen
postings on lists by people who swear they can only feed via one method or
another.
Other terms: dual-fueler (used infrequently)
HUNTER
Usually used to refer to 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. A hunter in this
case may not be mentally stable - but it is also possible that they may be.
They are convinced that vampires are evil and must be killed or destroyed.
The best way to deal with them is through the law - report them for stalking
and intended bodily harm.
Other terms: Slayer (used often by people
who've watched Buffy), Hortontite (from sarasvati)
LATENT
VAMPIRE
A vampire who is not aware of his/her inner nature yet. They may not have
explored this for a variety of reasons, or they may simply not be ready to
understand. It is not advised to "awaken" other vampires, because
sometimes there is a reason for them not being aware of it. For example, they
may have expressed some tendencies in childhood, but due to family life or
environment (i.e., heavily religious fundamentalism), had to "bury"
it while growing up. A situation like this is the result of a survival reflex,
and it's best not to interfere. If you are concerned, simply be there and
be known to them so that if they start asking the right questions, there's
someone there to give them the answers they need.
LEECH
1.) A small,
bloodsucking worm
2.) An incredibly
rude term to call someone who is a vampire.
MENTOR
Person who assists and guides people who are new being a vampire, or who
are unfamiliar with real vampire concepts in general. This is generally used
to refer to one-on-one interaction, usually via e-mail or instant messenger,
but can also be in person or via other methods online such as IRC, running
a website or community. Mentors are teachers by habit or choice, but not necessarily
leaders.
One sign of a good mentor is that they will not force their opinions or methods
upon you, but rather provide you with information and let you make up your
own mind, while answering questions that you may have.
See also: Elder
MOROII
A romanian term used to denote "living vampire". This was proposed
by the Scarlet Moon Organization in 2000 as a substitute for "vampire"
to eliminate some of the preconceived ideas people have when hearing "the
V-Word". However, it has not caught on, and thus is not in common usage
yet (as of 2004).
MUNDANE
Term used (in this usage) to distinguish those who are not vampires from
those who are. (Using "mundane" to describe people not involved
in a particular subculture or interest genre is fairly common - such as the
Society for Creative Anachronisms referring to anyone not in the SCA - even
if you're not used to the idea.) This is more accurate and less derogatory
than "mortal" or "human", and serves to distinguish those
who are merely living normal, mundane lives unencumbered with vampirism. I,
personally, try to advocate use of "mundane" over other terms as
it sounds less degrading. Kinda difficult to convince someone you're fairly
harmless when you're insulting them in the process. :)
I proposed this back around 1998 or 1999 on Sanguinarius' old forum, and
it seems to have caught on.
OTHERKIN
A person who self-identifies as something other than "normal" human.
It is often debated wither "otherkin" includes vampires or not,
I don't know whether that's because many vampires consider themselves human
as well, or for some other reason. While vampires are probably the most commonly
findable on the 'net, this term also includes people who self-identify as
elves, dragons, were-creatures/therians, etc.
POSER /
POSEUR
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. They may simply be bored people "out to have a little
fun", or they may actually believe their claim but come up with reasons
why they can't prove it if you happen to meet them in person. In the past
there have been many roleplayers who come along doing exactly this, which
is why role-players in general tend to be given the "cold shoulder"
until people get to know them better.
PSYCHIC
VAMPIRE
Someone who "drains" life-energy (prana, chi, life-force, etc.)
rather than blood from 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-vamps, most energy vampires exhibit the same characteristics
that distinguish other real vampires, including light sensitivity, a nocturnal
lifestyle, and periods of the Hunger or Thirst. 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/ability
to drain energy.
Other terms: Energy vampire, psyvamp,
psivamp, Elemental vampire, Prana/Pranic vampire
REAL
VAMPIRE / REALVAMP
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 recreational
blood-drinkers) and/or psychic energy; increased physical and/or psychic sensitivities;
sensitivity to light/sunlight and a tendency towards a nocturnal sleep cycle.
Many vampires believe the condition does include the potential for an indefinitely
long lifespan, but this belief has not been irrefutably proven, to the best
of my knowledge. Many vampires can and do maintain a youthful appearance as
they get older, this can be for a variety of reasons. It does NOT, however,
include the abilities to change shape, fly, heal instantaneously, accomplish
superhuman feats of strength or speed, etc.
Source: Vyrdolak, from VAMPYRES-L in
the 1990's
Other terms: Sanguinarian, sanguivore,
Moroii, psyvamp, psivamp, strigoi vii, and several others...
RENEGADE
/ ROGUE
1.) A vampire/blood-drinker's
former donor 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 self and others.
ROLE-PLAYER
Someone who engages in role playing games (RPGs). Due to the overwhelming
prevalence of role-players online who get real vampires confused with their
role-playing universe, this has come to be 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.
Not all role-players fit in this derogatory category...and some role-players
ARE real vampires. They may play V:TM or they may play different games - don't
judge all role-players by the few, the annoying, the trolls on the boards
and lists. :)
SANGUINARIAN
Someone who has a physical thirst / need / craving for blood (which is non-erotic
in nature) in more significant or more frequent quantity than is generally
required or desired by other blood-drinkers). This is an alternate term used
to avoid the stereotyping associated
Sanguinarians apparently do not get the benefits from pranic energy, or else
for some reason they are unable to feed psychically like psi / energy vampires.
Other terms: Sanguin, Sanguine, and often
abbreviated to just "sang", which can be confusing when seen out
of context.
SANGUINARIUS
This is a name, not a description. Sanguinarius is the one and only person
behind Sanguinarius.org and it's
related services such as the associated IRC
channel and message
board.
I have seen people posting on lists or message boards saying "I'm a
sanguinarius" - their usage is incorrect, what they mean is "sanguinarian"
(see above).
SANGUIVORE
A term that pops up now and then, used to define sanguinarians who have primarily
or exclusively a blood-based diet. I have not met any these people personally
to know how much of the diet the blooddrinking typically covers, so I cannot
give any further details or verification. Such claims are not always taken
seriously online.
Possible source: It was pointed out that
it may have originated from the Vampirella comics in the 1990's.
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, and use the cutting as a means of distracting
themselves from these feelings.
I have links for SMS information and support over on the Personal
Issues page.
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 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.
Other terms: Incubus, Succubus
THIRTEEN
RULES OF COMMUNITY
See "Black Veil", above.
THIRST
See "Hunger", above.
TROLL
Someone (usually on the message boards or in a chatroom) who deliberately
causes a disturbance by making comments of a derogatory or slanderous nature,
designed to irritate everyone. The person doesn't care who s/he is angering
with their comments, only that they are making essentially a public nuisance
of themselves and getting attention. Most boards have a "Do Not Feed
The Trolls" policy in effect, even if it's not followed - the reason
is because if you pretend the troll isn't there, 9 times out of 10 they'll
go away, frustrated that they couldn't annoy everyone else.
TWOOF /
TWOOFING
Experiencing an acute flare-up of symptoms generally involving a change in
the person's manner, breathing, pulse rate, and thought patterns acompanied
with an increase in sensitivity of senses. This causes a person to seem more
primal and animalistic. Also see "Vamping out", below
Source: LadySlinky, from Sanguinarius'
message boards
VAMPDAR
Sort for "vampire radar", a variation on "gaydar", used
to describe the feeling a realvamp gets when meeting another realvamp. Experienced
vampires - experienced in this case meaning only that they've met enough other
real vamps live and in person - are able to tell when they meet another vampire,
and this is the best way to describe it to non-vamps. The effect is not something
easily described, as it is experienced in different ways by different people.
This is more common among unaffiliated individuals with a strong sense of
humor than among anyone affiliated with groups or other organizations.
Other terms: Beacon
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 attempt to go out and satisfy the Thirst. This is a
real thing, not a fantasy thing. The Beast tends to be much more noticeable
while vamping out, as control tends to be more difficult.
This happens when something sets off a psychological trigger of some sort,
and then the Thirst kicks in on a larger or unexpected scale. (Usually it's
more unexpected than suddenly increasing.) Different things will trigger it
in different people, quite often it's the sight/smell of blood, and happens
more often when the vamp is Thirsty.
Other terms: Beasting, Twoofing
VAMPIRE
/ VAMPYRE
Also referred to as "The V-Word". Stereotypes, bad spellings and
all, this is the term that (at least currently) best describes people who
feel they need to drink blood or drain energy to thrive. Many people get the
wrong impression from this term so some prefer to use "sanguinarian"
(see above) instead to give them a chance to explain without the other person
freaking out.
VAMPIRE
AESTHETIC
The art and style associated with the (stereotypical, usually American) vampire.
This includes figures with long, slender limbs and pale or bone-white skin,
androgynous 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. There is some crossover between the
vampire aesthetic and the lifestyler crowd (described below) and the goth
subculture simply because of similar tastes in music, but don't *ever* make
the mistake of thinking that goth = vampire, unless the person you're talking
to happens to be both, because non-vampiric goths tend to get really really
pissed at the misconception.
VAMPIRE
BAIT
A poser or wannabe who is just screaming or whining for a vampire to come
after them. (What they get may be an entirely different situation than what
they hope for or expect...) This is one of a few derogatory terms for someone
who wants to become a vampire; they usually have unrealistic expectations
of what it would be like. Most 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 (and thus be able to pay the bills) while balancing one's vampiric
nature with daily life.
Other terms: Vamp-a-bee (from usenet
alt.vampyres / alt.culture.vampyres), Wannabe
VAMPIRE
(VAMPYRE) LIFESTYLER
Someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into his/her
daily personal life, often cultivating a "Vampiric" 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, special effects
contacts, etc) or decor in their living space, and perhaps a melancholy or
gloomy attitude.
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 terminology taken from vampire fiction
and RPGs. Some are real vampires in the sense of craving blood - and consider
this method of living to be "celebrating" or "embracing"
their vampiric nature - while others are blood fetishists or recreational
blooddrinkers and still others are just drawn to the looks and appearance
alone, perhaps as a means to try to appear "cool" to their friends.
This is not to say real vampires cannot be lifestyles - only that not all
lifestylers are real vampires.
Some use the "vampyre" spelling with an attempt at more "class".
I prefer not to because it seems too pretentious. It is hotly debated in some
circles as to WHAT the "vampyre" spelling implies over the normal
"vampire" spelling.
WHITE WOLF
A game company that produces the game "Vampire, the Masquerade"
(usually abbreviated as "V:TM"), "Werewolf: the Apocalypse",
and several others. They can be very interesting games if you're into that
sort of thing, but leads to game-related terminology in use by people who
see this as their only exposure to the concept of vampires, werecreatures,
and other non-human beings. Their game setting is called the "World of
Darkness" and makes the assumption that the supernatural has a much greater
impact on people's lives than it does in reality. (Well, at least *I* haven't
heard stories of 8' werewolves and random vampire attacks outside of journalistic
sensationalism and the Weekly World News...) The game itself IS interesting,
however too many people use it as an excuse to blur the lines between reality
and fantasy (i.e., "I'm *really* a member of clan <Brujah/Gangrel/Ventrue/etc.>"),
and that's not a good thing.
Related terms: World of Darkness / WOD,
Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, and lots lots more...
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