DarkMother's Profile at Vampire Rave.

What Is a Human Living Vampyre?

What is a real life H.L.V (Human Living Vampyre)?
1. We do not live forever but we do come back in the next life knowing who and what we are.
2. We do not turn into bats or mist.
3. Holy water or crosses do not harm us.
4. We do not sleep in coffins; well some of us do but that is a matter of choice.
5. Sunlight does hurt some of us but it also causes harm to the mundane if exposed to it for too long.
6. For some of us, light is harmful to our eyes.
7. Yes we feed. We feed from blood, psi energy (Parana), Sexual energy or emotional energy. There are some of us that say they do not feed from blood but all in all most of us do. Blood is one of the purest forms of energy. Is it not said the Blood is the Life?
8. We have laws and codes of conduct that we live by. Those that break the laws are shunned by the community.

Because of what books and Hollywood makes us out to be we are evil in the eyes of the mundane.
If people took the time to understand who and what we are, maybe there would be less hate but wishing for that is like fighting for peace. For those of you who are thinking that this is what is best for you or think that it is cool to be a Vampyre because of what you think a Vampyre is, I would say read, study and learn to pull the facts out of the bullshit that Hollywood and books have made us out to be. Seek and ye shall find! This life is not a life for all and should be looked into long and hard. Some of us can choose, but there are those of us that had no choice in being Vampyric.
It is a hard lonely life!

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I made this profile to reflect my name as being known as Dark Mother, as well as to remember the time my home was a safe haven to take in kindred.
From 2009 thru 2013 My home was a safe haven. At some point it may be again.

Open your doors to our kin. Know that doing so will open the hearts of others and bring unity. Let our kin know that they have a safe place to rest when in our land. If we cannot trust our own kind, then who can we trust. No hunting in or around a Haven. Know the laws of the haven.

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The Black Veil

(A voluntary code of ethics for the Vampyric Groups and Individuals)

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 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 out differences in viewpoint enrich us but never divide us upon ourselves.

3.Safety
Use sense when indulging in 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-borne 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 dark side 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 Vampyre nature, but keep it in balance with material demands. Remember: we may be vampyres, 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 meditation 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 safe places where everyone in the community can come 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 to 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 is 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 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 to control and discretion, and make certain that they respect our ways. You will be responsible for their actions, and their behaviors 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 that 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 the 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 them 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 to community and whose person and behavior gives no one- even those outside of the community - a reason to criticize them.

13. Ideals
Being a Vampyre 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 Darkness within ourselves and embracing that Darkness to make us whole beings.
We are about celebrating the thresholds: Body and Spirit, Pleasure, Pain, Life and Death.
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.

Copy Right 1995-2001 by Sabertooth. Revised by Michelle Belanger of House Kheperu.

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* Abani / a’ban-e / : An honorable term meaning “Of the family of…” For example: “Angel, abani Sahjaza” or “Stephen, abani Omallie.”
Abbon / ab’ohn / : A special title given to honorary members of the family who might be either Ronin or members of other Houses or Orders. The title of Abbon is useful for related Households or Orders to make alliances and show respect for each other and for select individuals not interested in making a formal commitment to join the family. See also Kithal.
* Adra / odd-ra / : A term for a sponsor or mentor who teaches ordeals. The Adra is responsible for teaching their Nadja (Apprentice) the traditions of the Strigoi Vii. 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. Also see Sponsor.
* Ardetha /are-death.a / : Vampyres who have been awakened through sympathetic Vampyrism, a magickal system or by the rare occurrence of an epiphany or near-death experience. 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 cases, as the ability to turn another is a great gift or a rare ritual. Also referred to as made Vampyres.
Altar: Usually a councilor (Kitra) who is trained to initiate a balance of the energy in a ritual.
* Ancients: Those vampyric entities who act as guides and tools of magical working to the Strigoi Vii. These can manifest as whatever the individual wishes ranging from ancient gods to totems such as wolves, bats, or hawks, to archetypes like the Dragon or Griffin. This word also refers to the mythical/historical predecessors of vampirism such as Lilith, Cain, Kali, Set, or Nyx. The word Ancients is a generic term to cover any form of these concepts. See also Elorath.
Awakening: This occurs when an individual realizes their vampyric condition and experience. 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 psychological and physiological changes. These changes often include an increased sensitivity to light (particularly sunlight), a growing affinity for night and darkness, switching to a diurnal sleeping schedule, and 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 new found feelings. See also Becoming and Turning.
* Azra / az-rah / : A high priest or priestess within the Synod.
Azralim / az-rah’leem / : Translates from the Elorathian to mean “the old-ones.” Is a term for the old-school Vampyres that predate the modern vampire/Vampyre scene as a whole. Most Azralim have ties to the Old Covens of New York City, and it is they who have passed on to the greater Community their collective traditions, philosophies, and teachings via the Sanguinarium and represented in this book.

* Beacon: A particular feeling or energy signature generated by Vampyres that can be easily perceived by other Vampyres. In the latent or unawakened, this beacon attracts others so that they may instigate the awakening process.
Becoming: A process akin to awakening; it is the actual embrace or acceptance of one’s vampyric nature. Many individuals awaken to their true nature, only to end up hiding from it and suppressing it for the rest of their lives. The process of Becoming is often marked with a rite of passage, such as an exchange of energy or blood with a mentor or undergoing a ritual of death and rebirth. See also Awakening and Turning.
* Bellah / bel-lah / : Is the second Strigoi Vii Ordeal in which the individual chooses to apply and accept Strigoi Vii as a workable philosophy in their lives through personal application. Also refers to the individual who has completed this Ordeal.
* Black Swan: Those who enjoy the Vampyre aesthetic, but are not posers, nor are they Vampyres. They are often donors, friends, companions, lovers, day side family, or those of other subcultures who usually understand, appreciate and respect the Vampyre lifestyle.
* Black Veil: A code of Vampyre ethics and common sense widely accepted by the vamp subculture, akin to the Strigoi Vii Covenant.
* Blood and Roses: The Vampyric wedding ritual.
Blood-Bars: Underground Vampyre havens, which have a members-only and very secretive policy, being only open to certain members of the vampyric community. It is said they serve stored blood and/or have willing donors who provide blood.
Blood Doll: An individual who donates blood to Vampyres in hopes of having erotic desires fulfilled by being fed upon. See also Donor.
Blood-Drinker: An individual who drinks blood, regardless of motivation. See also Sanguine and Bloodiest.
Bloodiest: Someone who is erotically attracted to the sight, taste, or smell of blood; or the process in which it is extracted. Other sexual fetishes, including sadism and masochism, often accompany blood-fetishism. Blood-fetishists generally have no physical need to consume blood. The blood is usually drawn 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 vamp that has no control over their thirst and feeds 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 blood-play, fetishism, and feeding.
Blood-play: The act of using blood in sexual or fetish situations for pleasure and eroticism.
Cainites: An order or movement within the Vampyre community, which advocates that the Ancient, Cain, first Son of Adam was the father of Vampyres. Devout Cainites maintain that their tradition long predated V:tM, which also depicts Caine. In general, the belief hinges upon the fact that Caine was the first murderer and that God cursed him with immortality. In some traditions Cain is often linked with Lilith who catalyzed his becoming. Cainites are a branch of a much larger and older sect of pre-Christian Cain worshipers; where scholars dedicate their life-work to the pursuit and exploration of Cain throughout the ages. Most Cainites drink blood, although they also supplement this with life-energy. See also Ancients.
* Calmae / kal-may / : Meaning “quiet” or “keeper of secrets,” it is the third Strigoi Vii Ordeal, in which the individual being adept in the Outer Teachings of Strigoi Vii can now become a full member of a Household or Order. This term also refers to the individual who has completed this Ordeal. They have usually mastered at least one Strigoi Vii road and undergone the Rite of Transformation. Calmae are not yet Magisters or Elders, but exceptional individuals may be selected by the Synod to learn Inner Teachings. Calmae should be at least 21 years of age.
Cainus Lupus / ka’nus loo-pus / : The largest group of the Therian Tribe. Some consider this a tradition of Vampyrism, which is shamanistic or tribal in nature; while others look at it as something completely different from the vampyric condition. Cainus Lupus experience a strong intrinsic connection, often physical and spiritual, with the wolf expanding upon the Dragon with philosophies pertaining to the ecology of the wolf.
Castes: Also known as Roads within the Strigoi Vii, Castes were introduced to Strigoi Vii by the Kheprian Order. Castes are committed focal paths recommended to those who pass the third Ordeal, or Calmae. This system helps create a strong and organized Order, with all members fulfilling their various roles within the community and contributing to the whole.
Chi /kee / o / t’shee / : The Chinese term for life-energy. It is also often referred to as pranic energy or life force. Chi is the bio electric energy, which runs through our bodies on a subtle level. Energy/Pranic Vampyres and many psi-vamps can manipulate this life energy and draw upon it to sate their hunger. To a certain extent, sanguine Vampyres also feed on Chi, since a great deal of this subtle energy is concentrated in blood. See also Prana.
Clutch: A branch of a Household, Order, or Family also referred to by some as Coven. Usually a Clutch is geographically centered and has 3 - 13 members.
Clinical Vampirism: A psychological condition, similar as Renfield’s Syndrome and SMS, in which the afflicted person experiences a psychological urge to extract & 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 sociopath forms of clinical vampirism drive sufferers to attack, and in extreme instances, even kill other people in order to drink their blood. See also SMS and Renfield’s Syndrome.
Coming Out (of the Coffin): Similar to the term used for gays (except they “come out of the closet”). Coming Out of the Coffin refers to being open or frank with others about being a Vampyre, drinking blood, feeding upon energy, etc. Those who have Come Out in this way do not hide their lifestyle at all, not even in their daily lives. Many in the Vampyre scene choose to be in the coffin and are not public about their lifestyle outside of the scene.
Communion: Often referred to as feeding, it is a systematic form of karmatically balanced and safe feeding. There are many forms of communion including unconscious, ambient, sympathetic, astral, tactile, visual, temporal, and sanguine. There are also different levels of feeding including deep and surface. See also Pranic and Sanguine.

Councilor: Also known as Kitra, Councilors serve a multitude of vital functions within the community as they are more than mere advisers and confidants. See also Kitra.
Court: An experimental system of geographically based “chapters” of the Sanguinarium. They were intended to be a monthly social meeting ground for members of the Sanguinarium with an organization separate from Households and Orders. The Community evolves and Quabals are becoming more popular. The need for Courts is dwindling. The first official court was the Court of Gotham, founded by Father Sebastian in Fall 1997, as he saw the need for a social gathering outside his nightclub Long Black Veil.
* Crimson Dance: The Vampyre festival held on Valentine’s Day (February 14th), which reflects the romance and erotica of the vamp archetype and subculture.
* Crimson Swan: A blood donor.
* Dhampyr / d’um’pyr / : Individual born with the vampyric condition. They grow up aware of their needs and knowing they are “different.” This condition is extremely rare, and if not mentored by those who understand and experience the Vampyre condition, many Dhampyr end up being solitaries.
Dark Mother/Father: Mentor, one who awakens a fledgling (see Adra)
Wayside: The material side of the twilight balance; I.e.: paying taxes, rent, going to work, birth family, etc…
* Donor Swans: Someone who shares his or her blood or life energy, without obligation. Many donors enter into partnerships with Vampyres. These partnerships may often be sexual in nature, although they do not have to be so. Many donors prefer to be monogamous, offering themselves to just one Vampyre at a time. Some donors will offer themselves to entire Households or Orders, provided their offerings are appreciated and not abused. There are several types of donor swans, these include: Crystal Swans (pranic), Crimson Swans (sanguine), and Amber Swans (pranic and sanguine). See also Source or Kitra.
* Dragon: The inner light or higher self, and can be mastered with development of the Will, meditation, dream-walking, and balancing Twilight. The Dragon within is our true self, our creative fire, our power, and our potential to be super-human.
* Dream Festival: A Strigoi Vii holiday, which falls on the summer solstice (June 21st) and celebrates the day side, birth family, and donors.
Elder: A prominent member of the Vampyre community who is honored and respected for their experience, accomplishments, and dedication to the Community. Elders are often those individuals who have helped establish a community, organize courts or havens, or coordinate the networking of the scene. See also Magister.
* Elorath / el-or-wrath /: The great vampyric essence and vampyric astral spirits. This is an Inner Teaching of Strigoi Vii.

Embrace: Also known as becoming, the embrace is the welcome acceptance or adoption of the vampyric nature, condition, experience, and, in this book, Strigoi Vii philosophy. Embrace does not mean “turning a la Dracula/Christopher Lee,” but it is an incredibly romantic word for such, which, in a lot of people’s minds, is extremely pseudo sexual and erotic. See also Turning and Awakening.
Emotional Vampyre: Those that feed from strong feelings or emotional surges. Uneducated, these individuals often resort to histrionic or narcissistic behaviors, constantly drawing attention to themselves, which they feed on. Some feel that there is nothing metaphysical or spiritual in their condition, it is a simple psychological disorder that is irreversible. Others feel that these vamps resort to emotional draw simply because they know no other way to access needed energy. With understanding, tolerance, and proper training, these emotional vamps can be assets to the community by learning how to balance hyperactive individuals and overly charged environments. See also Psychic Vampyre and Psychological Vampirism.
Energy Signature: The pattern of energy or energy ‘fingerprint’ that is unique to each individual and is often left behind long after a person has gone. This can be sensed not only in the material/real world as a subtle body emanation, but also in the astral plane. Vampyres have a particular kind of energy signature, and those who can pick up on this can identify them as Vampyres. See also Beacon.
Energy Vampyre: An individual who feeds upon the life force or pranic energy of others. Also referred to as Pranic Vampyres and Psi-vamps, most Energy Vampyres exhibit the same characteristics that distinguish other real Vampyres including light sensitivity, a nocturnal lifestyle, and periods of the Hunger or Thirst. See also Pranic Vampyre, Psi-Vamp, and Real Vampyre.
Excommunicated: Those who have been ostracized from the scene because of committing a serious crime in the eyes of the community. The crimes punishable by excommunication are those that jeopardize others safety and disregard the Black Veil. Those who have been excommunicated are no longer allowed to associate themselves with the rest of Vampyre culture. See also Ravass Bhavatan, Invisible s, and Sin Nomine.
* Fang smith: A trained fang maker for members of the Vampyre scene. They are commonly referred to as “father” or “mother,” as the intricate and ritualistic process of acquiring custom made fangs often acts as a catalyst in the awakening.
Family: A term used to describe a Night side adopted family, Household, or Order of Vampyres and friends. The Family is also, a general term for all members of the Vampyre community. See also Household.
Family Dentist: The Fang smith who caters to a particular Household or Order. See also Fang smith.
Fashion Vamp: Someone who just dresses the part of a Vampyre. Also know as Gaja, fashion vamps are only into the aesthetics (fangs, contacts, fashion) and not the philosophy or spirituality of the lifestyle. See also Gaja.
Feeders: Another, although less charming term, for Vampyres, which distinguishes them by their need to feed upon blood.
Feeding: The act of consuming blood, life force, or energy. See also Communion.

Feeding Circle: A group of donors, usually from four to seven, who feed a specific Vampyre or family. See also Golden Circle.
* First Age, The: The birth era of the Sanguinarium from November 6th, 1992 until October 31st, 2002.
Fledgling: Someone who is inexperienced with the lifestyle and is new to the scene. In general, a fledgling is an apprentice to a more experienced Vampyre who acts as a mentor. Usually refers to someone who has not past the first/Jahira Ordeal. See also Nadja.
Fruit bat: 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.
* Gaja / ga-jah / : A formal term for a fashion Vampyre or someone who is in the Vampyre scene, portrays the archetype of a Vampyre but does not feed. See also Fashion Vamp.
Glyph / gl’f / : A rune-like symbol used by the Strigoi Vii embedded with a specific meaning.
Grazing: This is a type of hunting, which is looked down upon by the rest of the Vampyre community in which a Vampyre randomly feeds upon unscreened donors typically picked up in nightclubs or bars. See also Feeding and Communion.
Golden Circle: A sacred and protected group of donors dedicated to a particular Order or Household, usually looked after by the Matriarch or Kitra.
Haematomania: A strong psychological craving for blood.
Haematodipsia: A fetish or erotic attraction to the taste, sight, or smell of blood. Haematodipsia is a stronger form or pathological disorder of Haematodipsia.
Haemosexuality: A term related to those with the vampyric condition who have a sexual relation with blood, including, but not limited to, fetishism.
Halos: The Sanguinarium has minor geographic distinctions throughout the world knows as “Halos.” These “mini-Sanguinariums” are areas where there is Strigoi Vii and or Sanguinarium activity. They are simply names to describe the geographic area, and usually do not reflect any form of organization or hierarchy. Each Halo is named according to a geographic feature, specific personality trait of the area, or a piece of local day side history. It is up to the locals within the Halo to determine their own glyph.
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. The local haven will often host special functions arranged by the Vampyre community. See also Sanctuary.
Harvesting: The act of going out and collecting pranic energy. See also Hunting.

* Households: Also referred to as Orders, Households are fraternal or family-like organizations within the Vampyre community. These organizations are groups of individuals who share common philosophies, ceremonies, membership requirements, traditions, belief systems, sigil, hierarchy, and theme. The organization and purpose of each household varies from fraternal to spiritual. There are no requirements for forming a household, however becoming recognized in the community is the challenge, as a reputation, respect, and name must be built and earned. Households range in size from as few as three members to as many as a hundred. Some large houses have clutches, which represent a branch of the family tree and are usually organized into inner and outer circles; with the Dedicants, Pledges, Swans, and Affiliates in the Outer Circle, and full members and Elders in the Inner Circle. The term Household was coined by Father Sebastian inspired by the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA).
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 remains unquenched 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. See also The Thirst.
Hunter: A person, who stalks, threatens, or causes harm to those involved in the Vampyre community, or to those who they believe are vampires. Hunters are not only conservative Christians; there are others who are self-proclaimed hunters, as their religious systems view vampires as negative or evil. The term Hunter applies to seriously unbalanced people who are on some sort of holy hate crusade and intend to follow through with violence or action. Hunters do not have to actively attack or physically harm their victims; often the emotional and mental distress of having someone like this hounding you is damaging enough. Hunters may also be those 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!) with the intent of bringing them home to feed or to eventually screen them. With the existence 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 shunned; many are even excommunicated by their Elders for this offense.
Im Kheper / im’kep’r / : The ritual of transformation used by the Kheprian Order to fully recognize a mature member into the community (most often completing the MorRoii Ordeal). Im Kheper usually takes place on the Twilight Festival and is also known as the Night of Transformation.
Immortal: One not subject to death. Term commonly used to refer to or describe vampires. Today, this term is used much more loosely implying that Vampyres are not subject to aging, are impervious to disease and injury, etc., and that they are above and superior to humans or mortals. Some Vampyres claim immortality of the soul, through reincarnation while others maintain that vamps experience improved health, less noticeable signs of aging and a prolonged lifespan. However, note that Vampyres are not impervious to death, and furthermore, it has not been incontrovertibly proven that Vampyres experience an extended lifespan.
Inner Circle: Those who have been formally initiated into a Household/Order including full members and Elders. See also Household.
Inner Teachings: Philosophical education beyond the Calmae Ordeal which is not made public and is not published in this book. They must be learned either by being taught by an Adra or by the Synod.
Incubus: With female variant, Succubus, it is a Vampyre who feeds on tantric sexual energy obtained while having sex or through reaching orgasm. In Medieval folklore, a Succubus was a female demon who appeared to young men in dreams, and seduced them, to drain their sexual energy and ultimately capture their soul. 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 physical matter, was made up of subtle energies. He attributed to both Incubi and Succubi elemental essences; some had a nature allied with fire, while others might have a watery, or even earthy nature. He went on to postulate that Incubi and Succubi could in some instances reproduce with human beings; 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, retained some of their non-human parents subtle energy, nature, and desire to feed upon the sexual energies of their lovers. See also Nephilim and Sexual Vampyre.
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 Vampyrism 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. Those who believe in the inheritance theory suggest that “true Vampyres” existed 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 Vampyrism will become weaker and weaker until they are lost altogether. Inheritors feed upon blood, life energy, or both.
Invisible: Those members of the community who, having been ostracized and stripped of their name, are treated as if they no longer existed. Invisible s have committed some great crime in the eyes of the community, and for this they are no longer allowed to associate with the rest of the Vampyre culture. See also Excommunicated, Ravass Bhavatan, and Sin Nomine.
* Jhatyet / jah’t-yey / or / jah’t-yet / : A poor English version of an Egyptian word referring to a council of high Elders. Refers to the Domain of Eternity, and the council of spiritual beings that presides over a dominion. The Jhatyet are the most benevolent and spiritually advanced individuals who guide and watch over a given community.
* Jahira: The first Ordeal of Strigoi Vii, in which the newly introduced individual has learned the elementary Outer Teachings of Strigoi Vii. Also refers to the individual who has completed this Ordeal. See also Neophyte.
Kali / kah-lee / : Terrifying Indian Goddess of conception and death. Patroness of many bloodthirsty cults such as the “Thugs.” Kali is referred by some as one of the Ancients as well as the patron-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, a skirt of severed arms, and little else. She revels in carnage, blood sacrifice, and is widely believed to have thrived on blood-drinking; her statues are venerated with libations of fresh blood. Kali, a personification of lust and fecundity, as well as death and destruction. Her consort, the god Shiva, is an equally complex deity associated with destruction and regeneration. Most Vampyres who look to Kali as their Goddess drink blood. See also Ancients.

* Keeper of the Veil: An individual within a Household, Order, or similar organization who is responsible for enforcing the Black Veil and the security of the community. Most often this roll is filled by a high level Mradu, who is a Magister or a member of the leading Triumvirate. See also Mradu.
* Keeper of the Scroll: Is the Second Age Term for a secretary of a Household, Order, or similar organization. They are responsible for safe-keeping and maintaining the documents, historical records, by-laws, and lists of members. In the First Age, this job was known as a Loremaster or Scribe.
* Kharrus: An ordained Strigoi Vii priest or priestess which is recognized by the Synod.
Khlysty / k’lis-tee / : 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. Khlysty keep their true natures much closeted being highly derisive of posers and lifestylers, to whom they refer to as “kids in capes.” Many are blood-drinkers, and they incorporate blood into their ritual magick.
* Kijira / k’jee-rah / : A term for an individual taking a passive or submissive role in Korvan Pakt with a Raja as the active participant. Also see Raja and Korvan Pakt.
* Kithal / kee’thol / : Those who belong or have been initiated into the Inner Circle of more than one Household or Order. See also Abbon.
* Kitra / kee’tra / : A term for a councilor in the roads and caste system. Serving a variety of functions in the community, they are lovers and donors, counselors and confidants. In ritual, they often serve as altars, acting as the fulcrum of power between Mradu and Ramkht. Most Kitra are submissive, offering themselves in spirit and flesh to their Mradu or Ramkht. Kitra are also skilled donors, and keep their energy in top form to nourish members of their Household/Order, often being the Keepers of the Golden Circle. They are often very sensual, highly sexually charged, and trained in the arts of lovemaking and entertainment for the pleasure of the Order or family. This road is modeled from the example temple concubines, young men and women pledged to their temples, who offered themselves through service and flesh; these concubines were highly valued and cherished by the priests and warriors they served. See also Councilor and Roads.
* Klavasi / klav.vah’see / : This is a formal term for Latent Vampyrism, which sometimes, rarely, or never manifests, depending on environment and circumstances. See Latent Vampyrism.
* Korvan Pakt / kor’vahn pakt / : Is a relationship and system similar to BDSM and dominance/submission in which a Raja as the active partner making a pakt or agreement of ownership and collaring a Kijira as a passive/submissive partner to symbolize and demonstrate the relationship. The limits and details of the agreement or pakt are written on a contractual basis with a renewal and/or expiration date.
Kiss, The: The kiss is an informal term for a committed donor or the act of communion. See also Golden Circle and Communion.
* Kheper: was coined by Michelle Belanger of the Kheprian Order. Kheper translates to mean birth, rebirth, metamorphosis, becoming, awakening, transforming, changing, and changing into something new. It’s a many-layered word of power derived from the name of a God. This comes from the same root and meaning as the Temple of Set’s word, Xeper.

Latent Vampyre: Formally known as Klavasi, a latent Vampyre is someone who is naturally a Vampyre, but whose vampyric tendencies have not yet fully manifested, which they often do after puberty or after mid-life, if ever. Apparently, some Latent Vampyres may need to be turned or awakened, while others may have their tendencies naturally surface over the course of time. Many latent Vampyres seem to stand out to other, already established Vampyres through a phenomenon known as the Beacon. See also Klavasi, Awakening, Beacon, Potential, and Turned.
Leech: Any of the various small, chiefly aquatic, bloodsucking or carnivorous worms in which one species was used to bleed patients. This is a rude and disrespectful term for a Vampyre.
Lilitu / lee’lee-too / : Or variants Lilian or Lilim, are the Children of the Ancient 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 sexually 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, The Lilitu. Lilith and her heirs were believed by the Israelite s to feed upon infants and young men, drinking in their life and their blood. Today, devout Lilitu claim to be visited and guided by Lilith, whom they refer to as “Mother.” Lilith often appears as a wild nude woman with long flowing hair, winged, with the talons of a bird of prey in place of feet, and often accompanied by wild animals, usually lions or owls. Many Lilitu are sanguine and also incorporate sanguine practices into their rituals. See also Ancients.
* Long Night Festival: Name for the festival celebrated on the Winter Solstice. This night is the peak of the Dark Side 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 ascending from Calmae to Elder.
Magnus / mag’nas / : The host of a Vampyre gathering or owner of a haven.
* Matriarch: The female head of an Order or Household.
* Magister: A Strigoi Vii term for Elder.
Mentor: A guide and teacher to a fledgling or Nadja. This term is sometimes used to refer to one’s Adra, or to the one who helped another through the Awakening. Also see Adra.
* Mradu / m’rah-doo / : Within the Strigoi Vii road system, they are the protectors, guardians, and warriors of the community. It is the purpose of the Mradu caste to safeguard those in the community, seeing that none come to any harm whether from threats within the community or outside. It is common for a Ramkht to have at least one Mradu who is especially trusted and is a companion and guard. The Mradu help enforce the rules within the community and see to it that the authority of the Magister is respected. In ritual, they generate the energy and maintain the protective circle. See also Roads.

Mortal: Subject to death. This term is used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not Vampyres. This term is, at best, misleading because it implies that Vampyres are immortal. See also Mundane.
Mundane: Term used to distinguish those who are regular average people who are not a part of the scene and who have no understanding of it. Many groups use “danes” for short; not to be confused with the inhabitants of Denmark, also known as Danes. This term originated in Renaissance Fairs, which many Vampyres frequent, and is also largely in use by the SCA. See also Mortal.
* Nadja / n’add’ja / : A ward or apprentice who is being exposed to the traditions and philosophies of Strigoi Vii and is being taught and guided through the initial Ordeals by a mentor or sponsor known as Adra. See also Fledgling and Adra.
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.”
Nephilim: A belief within the vampyric community, which asserts that Vampyres are the descendants of the Nephilim. The Nephilim are demi-human beings that 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.
* Nomaj / no-mah’ge / : A Vampyre mystic, astrologer, or user of sangomancy, who has mastered the Nine Pillars of Sangomancy. This Inner Ordeal is taught only by the Synod.
Night side: The spiritual and magickal side of the Twilight balance dealing with magic, primal nature, the Dragon, etc.
Of the Blood: A term often used to refer to someone who is Strigoi Vii.
Ordeal: Within the Strigoi Vii paradigm, these are a system of initiations and advancements that incorporate rites of passage with a regimented system of learning via a mentor ship program. The Outer Ordeals include: Jahira, Bellah, Calmae, and Magister. The Inner Ordeals include: Kharrus, Nomaj, Dominus, and Azra.
Order: A second age term for Household. See also Household.
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, 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 some claim pre-dates the ancient Akadians. 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. Followers of the Order of the Dragon feed upon both blood and life energy.

Patriarch: The male head of a Household or Order.
Pandemonium: Is a term generally used for an 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 “Dark side” is definitely felt as a real force within the Vampyre’s psyche and the Vampyre’s self-control teeters on a razor-edge. This particular phenomenon is experienced by both sanguines and pranic-vamps alike, and it serves as a distinguishing factor between those who are real Vampyres and those who are simply blood fetishists. See also Hunger and Thirst.
Parasite: An insulting and derogatory term to refer or call a psi-vamp or emotional Vampyre, implying that they are honor-less thieves. See also Leech.
Pledge: One who has promised dedication; a generic term for Nadja. See also Nadja and Fledgling.
Porphyria / por’fee-ree’a / : An acute medical condition, where sufferers have pale, flaky skin, and are very sensitive to sunlight. Their gums often recede excessively, giving their teeth an elongated 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.
Polyamory: Refers to multi-person 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 a poly amorous relationship. Generally, partners are expected not to be promiscuous, but to focus their attentions on members of the already established group. A very typical poly amorous relationship to be encountered in the Vampyre community usually involves two Vampyres 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 vampyric 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.
Prana: The subtle energy or life-force, akin to Chi or Mana, which is found within all living things. Prana is a Hindu term, strongly associated with the breath as well as the life. See also Chi and Psychic Energy.
Pranic Vampyre: An individual who feeds from prana or life energy, not to be confused with Tantric Vampyrism, which is only one type of prana. Pranic Vampyres fall into different categories depending on the type of feeding they practice; these include: Emotional (those that feed from emotional surges), Tantric (sexual energy), conventional (ethereally or through chakras), and Astral (those that feed on the astral plane, dreamworld, or the subconscious). To some degree sanguine Vampyres also feed on prana as the blood contains high levels of pranic energy. See also Psychic Vampye.

* Primus /pri’m’us / : A founder of a household or order within the Vampyre community.
* Prospectus / pros-pekt-us / : A scroll which sets the traditions, organization, philosophy and creed of a Household or Order. A prospectus is usually presented to a pledging member.
* Prospect ii / pros-pekt-i / : A seeker who is interested in Strigoi Vii but who has not completed any ordeals or accomplished any formalized training.
Psychic Attack: Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm to the recipient. Psychic Vampyre attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim. See also Psychic Vampyre Attack.
Psychic Energy: A general term for the human life energy. Also referred to as prana, chi, pranic energy, or psi-energy. This is the life force that energy and psychic Vampyres feed upon. This subtle 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, energy-vamp, or pranic Vampyre. A psychic Vampyre is an individual who, knowingly or unconsciously, drains the psychic energy from those around them. Subconscious psychic Vampyres can be somewhat of an annoyance, as they don’t realize what they are doing and make no effort to control their feeding. Consciously these individuals have full knowledge and control of their abilities. Like the Sanguines, Psychic Vamps also experience light sensitivity, heightened awareness, nocturnal cycles, and the Thirst. See also Pranic Vampyre.
2) A Vampyre, who feeds on emotional surges. This individual drains emotional energy, they can develop feeding techniques to balance an over-charged environment or a hyperactive person, but on the other hand, if too much is drained, they can negatively affect the environment and make the other person very tired, depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse. Psychoanalyst and occultist, Dion Fortune, recognizes this form of vampirism in an interpersonal level, 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 Vampyres. See also Emotional Vampyre.
Psychic Vampire Attack: An uninvited and unwelcome draining of one’s vital life 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 - also referred to as astral attacks. Attacks of this nature can range from mild to very severe, sometimes leaving the victim despondent or even physically sick from being so drained. It’s debated whether one can become a psychic Vampyre from repeated severe Psi-Vampyre attacks. Though, in general, this form of repeated psi-drains seem only to produce a condition known as Sympathetic Vampyrism. See also Psychic Attack and Psychic Vampyre.
Psychological Vampyrism: Also referred to as Emotional Vampyres, these individuals often have a histrionic or narcissistic personality disorder, constantly drawing attention to themselves. They usually create dramatic situations and then demand emotional support from those around them. These individuals are Emotional Vampyres, drawing on emotional surges ranging from anger to compassion. Some feel that there is nothing metaphysical or spiritual in their condition, it is a simple psychological disorder. Others feel that they resort to Emotional draw because they are uneducated in other methods of pranic feeding. None-the-less, this type of drain leaves the victims emotionally and mentally drained after dealing with these clingy whiny people. See Emotional Vampyres.
* Raja / rah-jah / : From the Indian word for prince or ruler; it refers to the active partner in a Korvan Pakt, who is given the gift of consensual power over a Kijira or passive partner. See also Korvan Pakt and Kijira.
* Ramkht / rahm’kut /: Within the Strigoi Vii road system, it is the formal term for the community organizers, catalysts, and ritual leaders. It is their responsibility to lead, teach, remember, and guide the community with as much wisdom as they are able to command. With the Kitra and the Mradu, they are the most unstable of the triad, they rely on the Kitra to care for them and the Mradu to keep them safe. See also Roads.
* Ravass Bhavatan / rah’vas bah’vah-th’ahn / : A ritualized name for someone cast out or excommunicated of a particular Household or the entire community in general. Also called the Sin Nomine, these have been formally stripped of their name, status, and social acceptance within the community. The name is not only stripped from them, but it is also stricken from any of the community’s records and never to be uttered by members of the community again. This is not to be taken lightly; it is, in fact, the highest punishment that can be meted out to someone in the community. Usually, this declaration is made before the community to which the Ravass Bhavatan previously belonged to; and once deemed to be Ravass Bhavatan, the word is spread through the whole Vampyre network, and they are barred from associating with the scene in ANY city. The crimes that inspire such a rite of extrication are indeed severe, and usually include a complete disregard for the Black Veil, the safety of others, and/or endangerment of the community. See also The Black Veil, Excommunicated, or Sin Nomine.
Real Vampyre: An individual that truly feeds upon blood or prana. 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, and who are nocturnal. The need for blood or life energy 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 subtle energy abilities. Although they are not in danger of bursting into flames at the touch of sunlight, many report that they burn very easily and tend to suffer sunstroke and heat stroke. Longevity has not been incontrovertibly proven, although many Vampyres maintain a youthful twenty-something-look well into their thirties. Note! Real Vampyres do not shape shift 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. See also Pranic Vampyre and Sanguine Vampyre.
Renegade: Also Rogue refers to violent troublesome individual who may be a former donor or source who parts company on hostile terms and causes trouble, or a Vampyre who can’t handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, posing a threat to both themselves as well as others.
Renfield’s Syndrome: This is a psychological condition in which the sufferer has an affinity for drinking blood in a harmful or self-destructive way, because they cannot get a solid donor. Sufferers typically bear slashes on their hands and arms where they have drawn quantities of their own blood to drink. In extreme cases, they will take blood from animals either wounding or killing the animal to get the blood. At the most extreme end of the syndrome, a Renfield’s sufferer will be satisfied with nothing less than human blood, and will forcibly take it from others if given the opportunity. This can lead to violent outbreaks, even murder. It is postulated that Renfield’s Syndrome can sometimes be traced back to a significant childhood event in which the sufferer was exposed to a quantity of blood, which he found fascinating and attractive. The sufferer then became fixated upon the taste, smell, and sight of blood and eventually learned to sate his fixation by cutting and drinking his own blood. Renfield’s Syndrome in its earliest stages is very close in appearance to SMS. See also Clinical Vampirism and SMS.
Rite: A ceremony performed to recognize a person’s advancement or ascension within the Vampyre community. Rites recognize the crossing of a threshold from one level of understanding to the next via Ordeals. 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. See also Ordeals.
Ritual: Is a magickal working or ceremony, which is aimed at achieving a specific goal. Vampyric 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 and Vampyrecrafte.
* Road: Within the Strigoi Vii paradigm, it is a focal path or road consisting of three paths, these are: Kitra, Mradu, and Ramkht. This triumvirate system allows a balance and exchange of the energy within families, virtually each road feeding from the other and strengthening the bond between members of a Household. Roads are not used in all households and those that do use them, not every member fits into one of these archetypes. Those who use it commonly initiate people into these roads only after they have been formally initiated into the family. See also Kitra, Mradu, and Ramkht.
* Ronin / roh’nin / : Individual who is not a member of any order or household, yet practices the Strigoi Vii philosophy as a solitary. Ronin may have or be mentors and often become Abbon. In the Japanese feudal system, Ronin were Samurai who lacked allegiance to a particular house, but who were nonetheless honorable and skilled as samurai. See also Abbon.
Rosette: Mark left behind when a sanguine 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. Transdermal techniques like wet or dry cupping may also cause a very temporary rosette. Those traditionalist sanguines who feed via transdermal permeation have no need to cut or pierce, as the blood is drawn directly thru the skin; and if properly done, there will be no rosette left behind. Energy and Psi-Vamps sometimes leave these marks behind as well as small amounts of blood are absorbed transdermally.
RP’er/RPG’er: A role-player, meaning someone who engages in role-playing games (RPGs). This is often used as a derogatory term for those who play Vampire: The Masquerade, or similar vampire RPGs and who pretend to the Vampyre lifestyle in their free time while rejecting it in their ordinary lives. RPGers ae also associated with posers and Gaja who dress the part and pretend to be something they are not. See also Poser and Vampire: the Masquerade.
* Safari: A form of play hunting when a Vampyre or family of Vampyres goes out to find donors, but does not bring them home; maybe a little nibbling, but never feeding. This was used in the late 1970’s to teach fledglings how to hunt in discos.

Sanguinarium: is an international movement, family, community, and network that follow common traditions within the Vampyre/vampire subculture. Over time, some of these traditions that were established evolved into Strigoi Vii.
Sanguine: A Vampyre that feeds on blood; a better term for blood drinker. In old tongue, Sanguine refers to someone “of the blood.” Sanguines have 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 Vampyres are able to sustain themselves on pranic energy or chi alone, while Sanguines need to combine this with actual physical blood in order to get any benefit from it. The definite need for actual physical blood seems to be the only real factor which distinguishes sanguine Vampyres from pranic Vampyres, as both experience the throes of hunger. Most serious Sanguines are not public about their practices, and only practice such activities within committed monogamous relationships, primarily due to the high risk of infection and contracting blood born diseases. See also Communion.
Sangomancy: Type of divinatory magick or ritual magick that calls upon the use of blood as a focal component, be it animal or human. Sangomancy is the preferred form of ritual magic, for sanguine Vampyres and those that revere the darker or bloodthirsty Ancients. See also VampyreCrafte.
Scene, the: The scene is a general term for the social aspects of the Vampyre community 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.
* Second Age: Beginning on November 31st, 2002. Refers to the second 10 years of the Sanguinarium community and the new era of the Strigoi Vii. Here the Pillars and traditions of the Strigoi Vii have been finally established.
Seeker: Someone who is seeking after vampires, or knowledge of vampires, usually desiring to become one him/herself. Unlike a poser or Gaja, the seeker has a more thoughtful approach to vampirism, and is willing to learn all they can about the condition before jumping headfirst into it. Also see Prospectii.
Self-Mutilation Syndrome: Acronym: SMS, is a psychological condition which has apparently begun to grow among American youth becoming alarmingly common. 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 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 and Renfield’s Syndrome.
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 deitification 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 where the vampyric condition was a side effect of this ritual. The Setians believe then that vampirism is a spiritual condition, and it represents immortality in as much 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.
Sexual Vampirism: Also known as Tantric Vampyrism, it is a form of psychic vampirism where feeding is done primarily from sexual energy during climax or orgasm, with or without the exchange of blood. This type of tantric feeding can be done intentionally or on an unintentional, subconscious level. A common term for Vampyres who feed exclusively through sex is Succubus if female, or Incubus if male. See also Tantra.
Sigil: The identifying symbol of a house, haven, or individual. The sigil often has ritual or symbolic significance for the members of the household and is like a “coat of arms.” For example, the Sanguinarium Ankh represents members of the Sanguinarium.
* Sin Nomine / sin no’mee-ne’ / : Latin for “without name.” The Sin Nomine is an individual who, having once been part of the Vampyre community, is now stripped of their name and recognition within the scene for severe violation of The Black Veil. See also Excommunicated.
Sire: A term used for a mentor or Adra who has trained a fledgling in the ways of the community. Although this term predates the Vampire: the Masquerade to mean father or progenitor, it was used by them to infer sponsor and mentor, having now become so widespread that it has become integrated into the common parlance of the scene. See also Adra.
Slayer: A loud-mouthed individual that makes public and obnoxious claims of killing those who either are, or are believed to be Vampyres. Most so called slayers pattern themselves after Buffy or Blade. 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. Those that do, are no doubt fakes and they will probably continue to remain free and flap their lips a lot; if they are real, then the Law must deal with them accordingly. Whatever the case may be, we urge you to report these individuals to the proper authorities. Maybe being investigated will put a reality check in their lives. See also Hunter.
Sponsor: Someone who takes on the responsibility of helping someone get initiated to a household. Their job is to teach them the ways of that particular coven, and to make sure they are prepared to be initiated properly. Also see Adra.
Solitary: A Vampyre without a household. Also see Ronin.
* Somnusium: Putting one’s Nightside to rest or taking a break from the scene and Strigoi Vii. Usually, those who go into Somnusium try to suppress their vampyric tendencies in favor of leading a more “normal” or dayside oriented lifestyle. This word was coined by Daemonox.
Source: Someone from whom a Vampyre will get blood or life energy. This is a neutral term; in some cases it is more accurate than donor, as the blood or energy is not always a freely given donation. See also Donor.
Starseed Vampyres: 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. Members of this Order claim the Originals reproduced sexually and turned humans in order to increase the ranks of their race. According to Starseed beliefs, 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 will continue a vampyric existence through subsequent incarnations. Often, these incarnations are remembered and the vampyric individuals see themselves as immortal, in the sense that they are aware of this lifetime, as well as 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.
* Strigoi Vii: Is a term which translates from Romanian to refer to “living vampires,” and refers to the teachings, traditions, and philosophies of the Strigoi Vii paradigm. Strigoi Vii also refers to someone who follows Strigoi Vii teachings as a part of their life.
* Swan: Is a term used to refer to a friend, family member, donor, lover, consort, or colleague who is aware of Strigoi Vii and the Sanguinarium, but is not awakened. There are many forms of Swans throughout the world including Black (donors and trusted friends), Crimson (sanguine donors), Crystal (pranic donors), Amber (both sanguine and pranic donors), and White (antagonists). See also Source and Communion.
* Swan Lake: A hunting ground. See also Hunt.
* Swan Song: The seductive play which comes into harvesting energy from swans or doors.
Swoon: Or rapture, is 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 psychosexual 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 in order to replenish their vitality. In addition to a need to feed, the sufferer of Sympathetic Vampyrism may manifest symptoms commonly associated with Real Vampyrism, 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. See also Ardetha.
Synod: From German meaning Council of Bishops, the Synod is a neutral and unbiased organization within the Vampyre/vampire community who provides resources, educational resources, networks organizations, and has the mission of supporting those who embrace Strigoi Vii teachings; towards preserving traditions and philosophies. The Synod selects those gifted Calmae and accepts Magisters to teach, the Inner Ordeals though actual apprenticeship and classes. The Synod is also responsible for the ordination of the Kharrus. See also Ordeals.

Tantra: Hindu/Buddhist philosophy concerned with mysticism, alchemy, magic, and the power of sexual or kundalini energy; also known as tantric sex. See also Prana.
Thirst: Also known as hunger, it is the craving, need, desire, or urge to drink blood, experienced as a sensation of intense, unquenchable thirst. The Thirst is the primary symptom of a psychological or physical addiction to blood. Many Energy Vampyres experience a similar phenomenon, although they sate their need through an energy exchange with a partner. See also Hunger and Communion.
Thrall: Also known as Kijira, it is a term for slave in the SMBD scene. See also Kijira.
To Turn: To make someone into a Vampyre. Some groups believe that ordinary people can be turned into Vampyres. The method for this turning varies from group to group, but generally involves a rite of blood or energy exchange between the Vampyre and the person to be turned. See also Awakening, Becoming, Turning, Latent Vampyre, and Potential.
Tradition: A specific set of values, customs, philosophies, spirituality, outlooks, and beliefs. Many covens, Households, or Orders center around one specific tradition; as do the 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 vampyric community. See also Elorath, Lilians, Nephilim, Setians, and Xanastasians.
Turning: A term for becoming a Vampyre. See also Becoming and Awakening.
Twilight: A state of vampyric enlightenment, which balances Dayside responsibilities with their Nightside instincts.
Vampire: 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 or who experience 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, 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; namely 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: Acronym: V:tM. Is a role-playing game developed by Mark Rein-Hagen and published by White Wolf in the early 1990’s. 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.
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 games 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 V:tM 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 flamboyant 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 feelings 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 RPGr’s” 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 Real Vampyre or Vampyrism.
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 individuals who are truly into the scene or real lifestyle. The more modern vampire is most often used to refer to Hollywood, myth, and fiction.
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.
Vampyre Connection: Another term for the Sanguinarium Community.
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 often ritual magick or chaos magick. Vampyrecrafte refers to magickal techniques specifically designed by Vampyres to take advantage of their unique abilities. Vampyrecrafte often has a dark flavor to it, although in general it is more of a balance between dark and light techniques. See also Tantra and Sangomancy.
Vampyre Lifestyler: Someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into their 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 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 Vampyres in the sense of craving blood or life energy, others are blood fetishists, and others are simply drawn to the Vampyre aesthetic. See also Gaja.

Vampyre Nation: Term referring to the entire Vampyre subculture.
Vampyre speech: Also known as “the Vampyre tongue.” This is the Vampyre language, which combines double-talk, jargon, sign language, arcane words, and sigils or 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 Households, Orders, or covens, and is approved by the Synod.
Vampyric Community: The community of people who identify with, or have been identified with the vampire. This includes Sanguines, Pranics, and Vampyre lifestylers. See also Vampyre.
Vampyric Condition: Most Vampyres express their condition through a mixture of philosophy, spirituality, and lifestyle. It is the basic need to fed upon blood or life energy in order to remain emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy. This condition can come about in three basic ways: The Dhampyr, those born with it and grow up completely knowing they are different; the Klavasi, those in whom the vampyric condition is latent and it sometimes or never manifests; and the Ardetha, those who 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.
Vampyrism: Although it is different for many groups, it is more or les a combination of a philosophy, lifestyle (to many also a sexuality), and versatile spirituality, which revolves around the exchange of energies or blood. Many times it includes the building of personal pseudo-family relationships from shared beliefs and experiences.
Vessel: A term for anyone who is fed upon. See also Source and Donor.
Wannabe: Slang term, a contraction of the words “wants to be.” A derogatory term for someone who wants to become a vampire, usually with unrealistic expectations of what it would be like. Most wannabes have a much 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 Vampyre, such as necessary changes in lifestyle, finding sources to feed from, and tying to hold a job while balancing one’s vampyric nature with daily life.
Warrior: Also known as Mradu within the Strigoi Vii road system and Companions or Equites (a Greek term used to designate Alexander’s elite forces). These strong-arms, guardsmen, and warriors protect both Kitra and Ramkht. See also Roads.
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 of our ways.
Xanastasians / za’nas-tei-sians / : An order within the Vampyre community, which believes in the extra-terrestrial origin of Vampyres. The Order of Xanastasia advocates that the first Vampyres were otherworldly beings who fled or were case out of their original home and sought shelter here on earth. The vampyric condition is looked upon as a direct inheritance of the alien founders.

Xeper / zep’r / : The Temple of Set’s version of Kheper or Transformation. See also Kheper.

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