From the lord of Noctem Aeternus18:41 Jan 01 2006
Times Read: 595
The Creed Of Noctem Aeternus
I am Strigoi VII of Noctem Aeternus So We Begin!
Truth is within my night side, all I must do is listen to
myself for I am my own temple.
I lead, explore, learn, inspire, feed, create, love,
provide, dance, honor & pleasure.
I acknowledge my day side is the sensory illusion,
known as the Maiiah.
I acknowledge by night side as my natural,
Primal and Magical subconscious.
I uphold and respect the Black Veil & the Noctem Aeternus
Covenant, the foundation of ethics of our family.
I acknowledge that I am at the top of the food chain,
however, I respect the chain that I am on.
Blood is the life.
I worship those who give me their most precious gift.
Noctem Aeternus is my chosen family,
I honor our path and traditions.
Therefore I will experience most in life here and now.
For I am Strigoi VII of Noctem Aeternus So we begin!
HAIL ELORATH!!!
The Seven Principles
1.Duty (Chu)
2. Justice Mortality (Gi)
3. Complete Sincerity (Makoto)
4. Polite, Courtesy (Rei)
5. Compassion (Jin)
6. Heroic Courage (Yu)
7. Honor (Meiyo)
Higher Thinking
Live with an open Mind!
To live with an open mind, is to live with Understanding.
To live with Understanding, is to live with Peace.
To live with Peace, is to live with Love.
To live with Love,
Is to live with GOD!
Noctem Aeternus is an international organization,
which is part magickal order , part vampyric family and a fraternal order,
that is based on teaching and learning more on who and what we are.
We are not R.P.Ger's.
But true life vampyres/vampires
coming together with like minded people
for a better understanding of who and what we are.
Noctem Aeternus membership is only for the serious seeker.
open by invite and sponsorship.
No one under the age of 18 will be
Allowed.
We of Noctem Aeternus
hold the Black Veil and the Pillars of our house
in the strictest of respect.
we suggest you read the Black Veil,
and agree to live by it for yourself before
coming to us.
Our way of life is not for all!
The qualities of what makes up a Noctem Aeternus member:
Every seeker is a unique experience and there are certain qualities which ,
distinguish a Noctem Aeternus seeker,
from other Sanguinarium or Vampyre families.
1. Realists in that Vampyrism is more than just a fashion statement.
We physically do not turn into bats or mist,
Our bodies do not last forever.
We are human beings who have been modified on an astral level.
2. Ambition and realizing the world is not an easy place and willing to challenge things in your life.
You must realize that you are your own person and if you want to get things done,
in this world you have to do them your self.
3. Individual, you are not a follower , sheep or seeking membership to a Vampire fan club for self gratification or just looking for something to belong to.
You are seeking affiliation with Noctem Aeternus for self growth and to achieve Xeper
individually and as a family.
4. Magickal ability.
No fear but respect of the occult and a skill at ritual and energy work.
Many members of Noctem Aeternus are encouraged to be powerful and skilled in many paths
( Santeia, Buddhism, Gnostic, Christianity, Paganism, Setian, Tantric workings, etc.
5. Support of the family.
We want people who are dedicated and loyal to the family.
Who want to see the success of the household and put it first amongst all other
Occult or Vampyric organizations.
6. Humbleness & Patience.
You have to understand and be willing to make the investment in
the family as we are making one in you.
It will take time before you formally get initiated.
If it does not work out there is a reason.
Even if you are an "Elder" in another house.
We respect those willing to take the necessary steps
like all others that join the family.
7. Seeking one's Dragon within.
Seeking one's ultimate state of existence and realizing that pursuit of
this state is never completed and that the journey is the experience.
( Striving for perfection. )
8. Willingness to learn and educate.
Contribute to the household with your knowledge
and learn from the others.
keeping an openmind.
9. Business sensibility.
Understand we all have to eat and pay our dayside bills.
Noctem Aeternus is no place for freeloades or people who sap others.
10. Love of aestheics
Within ritual or going out, all of Noctem Aeternus,
should be well dressed and presented.
Aesthetics are a powerful tool of communication and atmosphere in the scene and ritual.
We are a decedent and fabulous group as well as we are serious about who and what we are.
11. Serious.
We of Noctem Aeternus are seeking people who take vampyrism serious,
and are not interested in seeing life as a Roleplaying Game.
We of Noctem Aeternus are students of the vampyric life,
and wish to explore every aspect of this dark gift.
that we may better understand who and what we are.
12. A healthy ego.
We do not want people who are ego-manics,
but have a healthy ego or realize they have a big one and are willing to work on it.
13. A good sense of humor.
The ability to laugh at things and one's self.
14. The ability to face and acknowledge.
Face your fears, problems, prejudice and forgive honest mistakes.
We do not want guilt ridden people who hold on to things and can not move on.
15. Willingness to share.
Be open with others with what you have found ,
in the right time and place - and to be silent when it is not the right place and time.
These are the traditions and codes of ethics,
for the house of Noctem Aeternus.
ANYONE WHO FAILS TO UPHOLD THEM WILL BE
EXCOMMUNICATED
The Pillars are here for our safety.
The outside world (human or day side)
does not understand who and what we are.
Therefore, for your safety and the safety of the family
we must hold our traditions, codes and ethics with the highest regards.
The Covenant
1. Secrets
Secrets not only protect us from those that would cause us harm,
But they also bind us,
and give us a common ground.
The inner teachings should not be shared with any who are not part of the house,
or ready.
Community secrets are our unity.
The outer teachings are a tool for screening others into the family,
And bring us together.
Share your nature only with those who have the wisdom to,
Understand and accept it.
Learn to recognize these individuals.
Our secrets are our safety and unity.
2. Responsibility
We of Noctem Aeternus embrace the concept of,
respecting the Human /Day side worlds laws.
Though we are an international subculture with our own codes of conduct,
we still live in there world.
NO member of the family should ever commit,
any illegal act which will bring shame, unwanted and unhealthy,
attention to yourself the house or the nation.
3. Minors
Some of us feel that the first signs of Awakening start at an early age.
yes in some of us this is true,
But the risk is to great for a misunderstanding.
Under no circumstances allow anyone under 18
to be initiated into a house of any kind, attend Quabals, undertake ordeals,
or gain access to any outer or inner teachings.
4. Our Mission
All of our kind are of the same great spiritual family.
We are all parts of the spiritual organism that is Elorath.
It is our job to our brethren to see past our differences,
and pull together and try to make something of ourselves.
In doing so we create jobs for those in our nation,
and set an example for the next generation.
Never force our way or will on another,
Doing so will weaken there love for the nation,
thus making it and us weaker.
Let them come to us.
if they feel the calling they will come.
Understand we come from all walks of life and faiths.
teach what you know and learn from them ,
no one has all the answers to whom and what we are what you can.
we learn a little from each other and grow.
Our diversity is our strength
Am I my brothers keeper?
Yes I am.
5. Recognition
Respect! and recognize All! Vampyre,
Dark & Esoteric Organizations and Groups.
Our community is far to small to have conflict keep us apart.
6. Creation
Support and host Quabals,
open havens, start a business, encourage and support artist,
Dance, Performances, Rituals and all
forms of creative expression which will help keep the dark flame burning.
We are here to create a culture in which we can all
support each other and thrive at the fullest of our potentials.
7. The Pact
Honor, Chivalry and Loyalty
are benchmarks of Strigoi VII.
We seek to resurrect and express the empowering traditions,
of a long lost eras,
While consistently updating them for modern times.
We are all adults and should strive for a higher moral standard.
8. Respect
Always be civil even to your deepest enemy.
Resolve conflicts in private.
Confront those who have offended you,
directly and respectfully.
know that you have the right to protect your Honor , self ,Family and home
but do it with respect.
when in another's land know the laws and respect them.
9.Swan's
We are to have two Swans and a mate.
Screen you Swans.
Let them understand they have to be clean.
cause it is not just there health at risk
but the health of the rest of the house as well.
When feeding sexually put a bag on it.
When feeding from Blood make sure the donor is clean.
Never feed from the ill, elderly or young.
Never feed from some one else's swan without there permission.
10. Problems
Noctem Aeternus is not a role playing organization,
or society of fang wearing teenagers trying to be something they are not.
We are a secret society in that we maintain absolute,
confidentiality of our membership.
Noctem Aeternus is a neutral family within the,
Sanguinarium and Vampyre community,
we as a family do not get involved in the politics of other,
organizations or games of individuals.
If it has nothing to do with the house,
let it stay were it is.
11. Progress
All members of Noctem Aeternus are encouraged to contribute,
to the family and Vampyre community with the fullest of their
talents and skills.
there is no shame in running businesses for the benefit of the house hold.
Monetary stability provides power to achieve goals of the household.
no matter what the job be a job is a job.
but we in Noctem Aeternus strive to better ourselves.
we know you must start some where.
12. Family
We in Noctem Aeternus are a family,
and understand that family may not always see eye to eye.
Fights happen in family, words are said and deeds are done,
but what makes a family, a family is how it gets past the hurtful things,
and unite.
We are family we are of the same mind and blood, let none come between us!
I have felt, ever since I submitted my short version of the Mradu way, a faulted aspect which, must be improved on. I hope what I send to you now, and Lord Ryu, is of more help.
Mradu - Sworn of Blood - Vampyres Bushido
As I look back, I once believed Mradu, were born, but, I believe, its more of an aspect of station then that of birth.
Mradu - What are they you ask? Well we are Warriors, the sacred Protectors of our people. Much like a Soldiers, We are the front line defense when it comes to protecting our people, the sacred locations of where we gather, and sacred teachings of our kind.
What defines a Mradu? Easy, those who have the passion to protect, to become a soldier. Much like those who join the military in defense of their country, family and friends, a Mradu, is much of the same. A Soldier in the defense of its house and people.
As the Soldiers of our houses, we must know how to fight, yet, fighting comes in many different forms then just physical brawn. We must also increase our knowledge, which, makes us warrior scholars. Now, by what we must lean is all up to the situation. If I were to say the great tacticians of the past, that would be a waste. We, in this modern era, aren’t waging a war, we are fighting things on a more one on one and personal bases then in a mass conflict.
Some tactics learning is useful, but one must focus on mental acuity, self discipline and understanding the physics of a body. In which, not only do we become warriors, but field medics. If a fight does happen, and something does go wrong, its best to know how to stabilize your fallen foe or friend, while the police or ambulance is on its way. While fighting and blood is apart of our calling, death should always be something left to be a last option to any situation.
Code of Conduct a.k.a Bushido:
I do not know if these are the exact tenets, but, they do up hold the aspect each Mradu should strive to follow. As much as someone will look at this and feel as if it is a poser idea, in all reality, its all in the eye of the beholder. These tenets reflect more of me then that of my profession in the US military.
Gi = Honesty
Yu = Courage
Jin = Compassion
Rei = Courtesy
Meyo = Honor
Makoto = Sincerity
Chugo = Duty
As anyone who was or is in the Armed Forces, they will remember these meanings. As for those who never where, let these be your guiding light to keeping Honor.
Gi: Honesty: Truth measures the meaning of life so adhering to the truth defines the course of a warrior’s existence. However, common sense accepts that those who lead an honorable life, carry within them a pure soul and thus have nothing to fear from the truth. Lies are a tool of the weak and shameful. Even the most dishonest courtier would heartily agree, as misdirection crafted from half-truths work much better then a lie.
Yu: Courage: Fear touches the hearts of all who must stand for what they hold dear, but the warrior must stand above his emotion. Courage is not the absence of fear, or the willingness to throw one’s life away in the face of impossible odds, but the ability to continue onward regardless.
Jin: Compassion: A wise person tempers power with mercy. A great leader won’t overwork his soldiers towards selfish ends. So, too, the wisest warrior those who understand that mercy is a fundamental principle to life. A warrior who spares the life of an enemy proves himself the better man.
Rei: Courtesy: Though strength of arms is the domain of the warrior, respect must also take its place, as the domain would quickly dissolve into chaos without a strong tradition of courtesy.
Meyo: Honor: Honor is the binding force that should define all warriors, the shining virtue that elevates them above the common man. Honor cannot be truly define, for those without any concept of honor will never understand.
Makoto: Sincerity: For a warrior, word and action coincide to complete the true meaning of sincerity. A warrior need not to make promises, for every word he speaks should breathe sincerity. A warriors word is the cornerstone of his reputation, and cannot be violated.
Chugo: Duty: All that exists has a purpose: to recognize and fulfill that purpose insures the virtue of duty. Even the lord must bow before the might of the Heavens, and a warrior can do no less than follow his example
These are the basics of a Mradu, in my eyes. I will add more, most will be in regards to brethren rituals, which have more spiritual meaning and trust, then it does actual magic.
Mradu's Path
What does it mean to be a Mradu? It means you’re a warrior, a body guard, a guardian and a grounder of energy. We are, in all, the defense of our people, we are the soldiers they call upon when arms need to be taken. Yet, as simple as this sounds, there is more to us then fighting.
We must have honor and show respect. We must act as knights or Samurai, if you will.
Respect those who came before you and those who came after.
Show intelligence, do not be rash, we might be warriors, but we need to show we are focused and dedicated. Not just some berserker who wildly swings their weapon at anyone who might seem a threat to ourselves.
Also do not shame those you are with. Be insightful, be knowledgeable, if we fight, we must be able to do it on all fields of battle, not just that of brawn, but books and brain are just important, and with that, that will win a bigger battle, for both yourself and the group you represent.
Only fight that which must be fought, not what can be fought.
Integrity, one must always be honest, if no one can trust you, then everything your fight for will fall apart.
Service before self, some times we must give up personal gain in order to progress the group as a whole.
This is what we are, for the most part. We are physical people, but must always remember that we have to be well rounded to be good body guards, guardians, warriors. Also, in aspects of communion or blood rituals, we are also the energy grounders. We help keep decent amounts of energy in the place, making sure there isn’t a back lash.
As for what we favor, its all on the person who is a Mradu. In the books its said we favor war games, strategies, martial arts, military tactics. I say, you are defined by what you feel will make you a better person, and what makes you a better Mradu. Do not just focus on one aspect, but learn as much as you can, while you stay sharp.
The Black veil so you can see the differents in mine and the first.
The Black Veil, also known as the "13 Rules of the Community" was composed by Father Todd of House Sahjaza, Michelle Belanger of House Kheperu and COVICA as an voluntary standard of common sense, etiquette and ideals for the greater vampyre/vampire community.
Although copyright 1997-2001 by Father Todd and Michelle Belanger, the Black Veil is an open licensed text available for reproduction on related websites or in print for organizations and individuals who wish to promote it's concepts and ideals. All that is asked is that the Black Veil not be changed, amended or modified in ANY way and include the text and links detailed between the asterisks * here.
1. DISCRETION
This lifestyle is private and sacred. Respect it as such. Use discretion in who you reveal yourself to, and make certain that your motives are to truly communicate about our culture and to engender understanding. By no means should you talk to others about yourself and our community when your motives are for selfish reasons such as self-promotion, sensationalism, and attention-getting.
Do not hide from your nature, but never show it off to the those who won't understand.
2. DIVERSITY
Our paths are many, even though the journey we are on is essentially the same. No single one of us has all the answers to who and what we are. Respect everyone's personal views and practices. We cannot let petty differences of ideology prevent us from maintaining a unified community; there are enough who would attack us from the outside.
Our diversity is our strength. Let our differences in viewpoint enrich us but never divide us upon ourselves.
3. SAFETY
Use sense when indulging your nature. Do not flaunt what you are in public places. Feed in private and make certain your donors will be discrete about what happens between you. Donors who create rumors and gossip about us are more harm than they're worth. If you engage in blood-letting, put safety and caution above all other things. Blood-born diseases are a very real thing, and we cannot risk endangering ourselves or others through irresponsibility. Screen donors carefully, making certain they are in good health both mentally and physically.
Never overindulge or get careless. The safety of the entire community rests upon each member's caution.
4. CONTROL
We cannot and should not deny the darkness within. Yet we should not allow it to control us. If our beast or shadow or darkside is given too much sway, it clouds our judgment, making us a danger even to those we love. Never indulge in pointless violence. Never bring willful harm to those who sustain you. Never feed only for the sake of feeding, and never give over to mindless bloodlust. We are not monsters: we are capable of rational thought and self-control.
Celebrate the darkness and let it empower you, but never let it enslave your will.
5. LIFESTYLE
Live your life as an example to others in the community. We are privileged to be what we are, but power should be accompanied by responsibility and dignity. Explore and make use of your vampire nature, but keep it in balance with material demands. Remember: we may be vampires, but we are still a part of this world. We must live lives like everyone else here, holding jobs, keeping homes, and getting along with our neighbors. Being what we are is not an excuse to not participate in this reality.
Rather, it is an obligation to make it a better place for us to be.
6. FAMILY
We are, all of us, a family, and like all families, various members will not always get along. However, respect the greater community when having your disputes. Do not let your individual problems bring emotional strife to the family as a whole. Settle your differences quietly among one another, only seeking out an elder's aid in mediation when no other solution seems possible. Never bring your private disputes into public places and never draw other family members into the issue by forcing them to take sides.Like any normal family, we should always make an effort to present a stable and unified face to the rest of the world even when things are not perfect between us.
7. HAVENS
Our havens are safeplaces where everyone in the community can come to socialize. There are also often public places where we are likely to encounter people who don't understand our ways. We should respect the patrons of these places as we should also respect the owners of the establishments and always be discrete in our behavior. We should never bring private disputes into a haven. We should never initiate violence in a haven. And we should never do or bring anything illegal into a haven, as this reflects badly upon the community as a whole.The haven is the hub of the whole community, and we should respect it as such, supporting it without business and working to improve its name in the scene so that we can always call it home.
8. TERRITORY
The community is extensive and diverse. Every city has a different way of doing things, and a different hierarchy of rule. When entering a new city, you should familiarize yourself with the local community. Seek out the local havens. Learn what households have sway here. Get in touch with key members of the community, learn who is who, and show proper respect where it is due. You should not expect to impose your old way of doing things on this new scene. Rather you should adapt to their rules and be glad of their acceptance. Always be on your best behavior when coming to a new city either to visit or to stay. We are all cautious and territorial by nature, and only by making the most positive impression possible will you be accepted and respected in a new community.
9. RESPONSIBILITY
This lifestyle is not for everyone. Take care in who you choose to bring into it. Those who are mentally or emotionally unstable have no place among us. They are dangerous and unreliable and may betray us in the future. Make certain that those you choose to bring in are mature enough for this burden. Teach them control and discretion, and make certain that they respect our ways. You will be responsible for their actions, and their behavior in the community will be reflected back to you.
10. ELDERS
There are certain members of our community who have established themselves as just and responsible leaders. These are the people who helped establish local communities, who organize havens, and who work to coordinate the networking of the scene. While their word does not have to be law, they should nevertheless be respected. They have greater experience than many others, and usually greater wisdom. Seek these elders out to settle your disputes, to give you guidance and instruction, and to help you establish yourself in the local scene.
Appreciate the elders for all they have given you: if it was not for their dedication, the community would not exist as it does now.
11. DONORS
Without those who offer themselves body and soul to us, we would be nothing. We cannot be other than what we are, but it is the donors who sustain our nature. For this service, they should be respected. Never mistreat your donors, physically or emotionally. They are not to be manipulated or leeched off of for more than what they freely offer. Never take them for granted. Appreciate them for the companionship and acceptance which they offer us, which so many others would refuse.
This above all: appreciate the gift of their life. That communion is sacred. Never fail to treat it as such.
12. LEADERSHIP
When you choose to take a position of authority in the community, remember that you do not lead for yourself alone. Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. A good leader must set an example for everyone through his actions and behavior. His motives should be selfless and pure, and he should put the interests of the whole community before his own.
The best leaders are those who serve to better the community and whose person and behavior gives no one -- even those outside of the community -- a reason to criticize them.
13. IDEALS
Being a vampire is not just about feeding upon life. That is what we do, but not necessarily what we are. It is our place to represent darkness in a world blinded by light. We are about being different and accepting that difference as something that empowers us and makes us unique. We are about accepting the dark within ourselves and embracing that darkness to make us whole beings. We are about celebrating the thresholds: body and spirit, pleasure and pain, death and life. Our lives should be lived as a message to the world about the beauty of accepting the whole self, of living without guilt and without shame, and celebrating the unique and beautiful essence of every single soul.
THE TRUTH
We walk in the night, banded from the light of day. Or so they say. You've been told that we don't exsist. But the truth be told, that is a myth. You all think that it's great that we never die, but all that shit is a lie. everything comes to an end. So the truth is there are no immortals. The only thing we can say is our soul is dark and we need to feed.
The only thing we crave is the Sweet taste of blood. My heart is dark and my soul is cold, lonely, damned.
I stand before you saying, that yes there is such things as vampyres. And the one thing that cause our body to be on fire, is blood. And you're the ones that hold our desire.
The Prophecy
In many societies there are prophecies foretelling the time of the last great battle of good against evil. The Vampyres have such a legend as well, here are a few of the Prophecies which foretell a time of ending, which begins this, the last war of good against evil, to take place in the modern-day world of the viral vampyre.
And now here are only a few of the prophecies that foretell this time of ending and beginning. The words are taken from Paladin as said to her by Azrael and also taken from other verbal Vampyric Sources.
And there grows near the foretold time.
A time when the truth breaks forth, like a chicken from its shell, at the moment of birth, into the world. The truth is upon the wind and the wind become a gale.
Once set free, the truth travels and releases the knowledge. And there shall be those on both sides who do not wish the truth known. And yet shall it become known to all.
On that day, shall human turn against human, vampyre against his own kind and brother shall slay brother and friend shall kill his friend ... in the name of truth.
Then he shall have been the first, but his truth shall go unheeded, and the children shall betray him.
One of his own shall bring forth the tempest.
And the child shall lead and so shall he become the first and be the last.
In the end, there shall be only two kinds of humans: those who believe and understand, and those who fear.
The truth is upon the wind, and the wind becomes a gale, and shall blow across the land to devastate all within its path.
The wind shall blow ill. And so doth the time of ending become a plague upon all the land.
The messenger rides forth alone.
The wall of stone is false and 'tis but made of clay which shattered as the balance is shattered.
They who speak this truth are the first to die.
The Messenger carries forth the divine truth unto the masses.
The death is accomplished by the hand of evil which is mistaken for the Sword of Right.
But though the lips are silent, the heart screams and the words rise as the Phoenix to herald the end of the beginning.
As the storm grows more ponderous, THEY shall hear the wind song.
And what was fantastic will be reality, and reality shall be proven.
He who is the first, he who is the last, shall know the truth.
And as they do, so shall all, and the tempest subsides leaving only the destruction, a memory ... the voices an echo, and the truth evident.
And Brother kills his Brother, and Friend lies to Friend. and loves are lost as friendships die and the wind blows cold.
The Silent Battle rages, the Balance is no more, and yet doth the end come slowly ... with promise of renewed Light.
As with humans there is, and has been for centuries, a foretelling of a Time Of Ending; a time of a great and awful war which would put an end to things as we know them. A war that would tear families apart, that would turn friend against friend and bring destruction, devastation, and death in its wake.
This was/is not exactly religious in nature, but there are parallels. And, as with the Second Coming and the Armageddon, this Ending Time has its own legends and prophecies.
These legends are known mostly only to the vampyres and those close to them. But the rumors of such a time have endured for centuries, told by word of mouth from one to the other.
There are several groups of vampyres, and those who have an interest in them, who have very similar prophecies. A word or two different, a piece of information missing or added to the puzzle.
But they all agree the battle, as with humanity and Christians, will be a battle of great good over great evil. A fight on a planetary scale to include both humans and vampyres.
No more secret, no more underground; no longer limited to just the vampyric communities. But most public and encompassing all mankind and all vampyre kind.
The battle is to be for balance, protection and survival.
In today's world, there are many different vampyre groups and communities; they all belong to a loosely associated organization. An alliance of sorts, which basically keeps the peace. The alliance members are world wide; they abide by an ancient treaty, a treaty with many sections governing such things as conduct, relationships with humans, territorial ties and disputes, political and environmental issues. Laws and rules by which all are governed.
This treaty is ratified and added to, ever so often in large meetings held in Europe, Asia and the Orient, and yes, here in America as well. Those who run the world and govern themselves and others have their own political structure and substructure.
You could compare it to a senate made up of many different councils, committees and other formations which unified the members. All going their separate ways and breaking off into smaller groups. To help understand the treaty concept, think of the alliance and treaty as a whole country, such as the United States, and think of the councils as the individual states, all unified for a common good. Unified to form a uniform policing force and laws that govern and benefit all.
Now think of each member state as an individual, different in modes of conduct. Just as we all are. But in this case, the German, French, American and Asian members all differ within their own location as well ... that way being unified as a member of the treaty, these organizations differ greatly in political beliefs and what they consider to be lawful.
Then, as in America, there is a comparison of the old beliefs, rules and laws, with the new and modern; the natural separation of the very young, the middle aged and the old. But with vampyres, the age differences are greater. But young and old are not restricted to age but the length of time one has been a vampyre, and which kind of vampyre.
In this world, old could mean 800 years and young could mean newly transformed only a day or a week. A Classical vampyre may be a week old, even though the 'actual' age of that newly transformed Classical could be over 50 years old or barely 18 years old. Membership in the treaty originally, and the councils and committees which ran them, is what (in part) had kept the balance.
As with vampyres everywhere, many disagree.
Some feel that humans should be shunned and will have no part in human affairs, others cherish human friendships. Some feel humans are cattle and nothing more. Whereby, there are vampyres who feel humans are going to be the surviving animals and, as such, are responsible for the safety of the planet.
Other vampyres feel THEY are the highest life forms and humans are not necessary and should be gotten rid of by any means possible. Then there are the vampyre rouges, the independents who also adhere to the treaty.
The treaty keeps the balance ... as well as the balance of nature, between man and nature; between man and vampyre, and most important, the balance of good and evil in both the worlds of humans and vampyres.
There is a series of people who govern this treaty ... although the title seems religious, it is not so, not in the same sense as in Judeo-Christian systems ... included in this maze of interlocking different issues is also that of magick ... the old and the ancient, things you have no idea exist ... things of physical and psychic natures ... also dependent on the balance of the cosmos and the universe.
Just as good and evil and life and death are all balance and discipline, so is the treaty dependent on balance ...
For centuries there have been rumor's of this Ending Time. A time when the treaty would be no more ... when the old proven ways would no longer be followed. A time when the balance was disturbed and this would begin before the Christian Armageddon.
It would at first begin with only vampyres but would soon spread to their human associates, then to all mankind. A war unlike any other which would prove the existence of vampyres to the world. There are many truths involved here and a few more important than all the rest.
Vampyres have always been safe because of the myths. As long as the myths were believed, the actual vampyre remains safe and able to function freely amid the disbelief of mankind. They are safe because they are uniformly not believed in by the masses. But the truth about vampyres, by its very definition, will change the balance of nature.
Will humans want the benefits?
The longer life span, the more years of health and strength and beautiful appearance?
Would they feel the real vampyre was a threat due to his strength, psychic abilities, longer work history which permits him to gain greater education and wealth?
Would that be considered a threat?
So many issues, so many reasons for the truth to be hidden?
But a few major reasons for the truth to be told.
The major reason ... Death to humans on a massive scale from ... err ... lets call it natural causes.
If one can consider AIDS a natural cause, that is. Deaths of millions of humans over the next 75 to 100 years. That death would also disturb the balance of nature.
What happens to the planet and the vampyres, if the humans die? Some vampyres feel it is natural selection ... just let it happen. But others feel, 'No, humans must survive. It is necessary to the survival of the planet.
Now, just suppose that the vampyres could insure the humans' survival, but in so doing perhaps end their own existence.
This would cause a rift in the vampyre communities with some saying, 'Let them die. They caused it themselves. We can and will survive and so will the planet ... do nothing. Do not endanger us for them.' But others feel humans can be saved but in so doing they would learn a new truth: that vampyres exist. And once this is proven to them, the vampyres will be at risk as they lose the safety of pure myth.
Humans have always feared what they do not know or understand, and they tend to destroy what they fear. The hatred for vampyres is ingrained due to the myths and lies of religion. So, the struggle between the two factions begins; those who wish to keep the treaty, the balance, intact, those who wish to help humanity survive against those who do not.
Those who feel the time is for change, the new ideas over the old, the young and new over the old ways. A change. Let the stronger vampyres prevail.
What could happen if this actually occurred? If the treaty was disbanded? If the alliance fell apart?
The Civil War that would begin the 'Ending Time.'
Some vampyres feel they could and should control the world governments by themselves instead of in the partnerships they now find themselves with humans counterparts. They do not wish any truth known ... especially that they exist. These factions would be pitted against those who disagree.
At first this war is confined to words, then actions only within the vampyre communities. Later it would spill over into the human friendships, then fully into the human communities.
He, who is venerated for maintaining the Old Ways,
is called the Pope of Balance.
But he is only one of many. He is an ancient; sort of a figurehead, one of the symbols of the treaty and what it stands for: peace, right, balance, life.
He is a man of ancient honor who had taken vows to uphold this balance and more.
He is, and has always been, a target and so too become any who ally with him. His family, his friends, his associates ... just in knowing him they are a part of a struggle not many even realize begins.
In the end it is believed he will die sometime near the end of the war. He accepts this and is resigned to it.
Some of us know our fate and know a truth ... it cannot be altered.
Just as the Christian time was foretold, accomplished and not able to be changed by any of its counterparts, so to is this Civil War predestined. Due to happenings during the past few years, such as the disturbances in California where several vampyre groups began to openly argue about general policy and some even got into public fights ... in late 1997 there was a hectic meeting in Germany where several members of the Inheritor hierarchy walked out of the meeting on ratifying the additions to the treaty. This was followed by a general walkout by the younger Classical's.
A while later, in Paris, a high ranking Inheritor was attacked and badly injured by a young Classical. Also during 1997 a Night-Timer who is responsible for a good quantity of the truth reaching the public was stalked, threatened and had property destroyed by vandals. This act of terrorism and destruction was seen as an attempt to prevent information, such as found in the Vampyric Studies Course on the web site and such as is taught in this class, from being given to the general public.
Due to these and other happenings within the vampyric communities it is believed that the time line toward the Ending Time has begun and forces are now in play leading to the inevitable.
It is important to note that this Ending Time which is the beginning of the Civil War will, in its earliest stages, appear to the human community as human 'gang fights' but in actuality will be severe, ideological and territorial disputes which at first will be confined to the vampyre communities. These disputes, however, will not be secret and will, in these early stages, be played out within a public background.
The War of Balance which is the beginning of the Ending Time.
Battles fought within the past several years, since 1998, have left Classical's in control to a minor degree. As to the balance of Classical's to Inheritors, there was never really one, now there is even less.
So my advice to those that go looking- Don't, you will get much more than you bargained for.
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