Vampire lifestyleA small number of people claim membership in a subculture called the vampire lifestyle, believing themselves to be vampires, and that the associated lifestyle is one to be celebrated. While some claim that the drinking of blood is not a requirement, most who call themselves "vampires" advocate ritual blood consumption. Because this lifestyle and the activity of consuming blood, are considered to be objectionable, and carry risks of contracting disease, the subject is considered highly taboo. There are a myriad websites and organisations dedicated solely to this topic, though, little or no works exist in print. The belief is very broad and encompasses a large number of topics, from the characteristics of vampires to ethical issues to creation of new vampires. Some critics have charged such groups are cults, using cult-like methods to draw new members in. While older occult and tribal cultures have similarly uncommon rituals, the "vampire lifestyle" is largely a social creation within Western culture, drawing from the rich recent history of popular culture related to cult symbolism and horror film. Thus the phenomenon appears to exist primarily in North America and Europe, and to a lesser extent in certain parts of South America and Asia. In what follows, the term vampire is used to refer to those believing themselves to be vampires as part of this subculture. It is used interchangably with vampyre and a number of other terms, which have more specfic uses.
Types and VariationsMembers of the vampire sect fall into roughly two categories: psionic (psi) and sanguarian (sang). Sanguarian vampires model themselves the closest to traditional mythology (see vampire) in that they believe themselves to be dependant on blood for both their sanity and the supernatural powers they believe they possess. They generally accept either animal or human blood for this purpose, provided it remains unmodified and inseperate. Psionic vampires are said to be able to feed either on blood or psionic energy, having to start off with blood. Many members of the sect believe that psionic vampyres, by nature, have poor interparsonal skills, and that their behavior is often mistaken for a personality deficiency. Other types and variants include:
ThirstAll vampires believe they are subject to an affliction called the thirst. This is a hunger for blood (or energy, depending on the type of vampire). This affliction has symptoms comprised of a combination of extreme desire for water, withdrawl-like symptoms, and a random and extreme psychosis and rash of animal instinct referred to as the Beast. Vampires believe that they have control over this affliction. The time between feeding and the onset of another thirst is inversely proportional to the quality of blood. That from oneself or from animals is said to be worst, followed by humans, then wiccans or other mystics. The best, naturally, is believed to come from other vampires.Creation of New VampiresThe genesis of a vampire can take many paths. Most involve a biological link to someone in the community. Note that, for this belief, being "fed" upon is not an accepted means of transmission. However, most have to do with blood, as it would be supposed.AwakeningThis form is only applicable to those with a "vampire" or two in their ancestry. Those who the believers think can be awakened are drawn from childhood to everything associated with blood and with vampires and may have a natural like of the darkness. They may feel even more drawn to the community by puberty, sometimes almost irresistibly, and this is the time in which they may "awaken". (Note that puberty is usually the time in which individuals attempt to be superior psychologically.) This may be done by the "vampire" accepting his nature, and convincing himself (or being convinced) that he is what he thinks he is. If a "vampire" is not awakened during this time they will be considered unawakened or latent; thus they will still give birth to potential unwakened "vampires". They will usually cease to experience any attraction to the lore or any symptoms of the affliction.BirthWhen a believer becomes a parent, it is believed that the offspring will be vampires. What sort and how much depends on the parents, in the following cases:
TurningIf a believer intravenously administers a portion of their blood to a non-vampire, without the aid of needles, the non-vampire will be considered a "turn" and also believed to be "awakened". They will allegedly inherit a portion of the "parent" vampire's power. It is believed that needles or any other technology nullifies the vampirisim-carrying properties of the blood. This belief is tied to a more traditional myth, which states that a vampire is an immortal undead creature resurrected from death with a bit of blood from another vampire. It should be noted that this activity significantly increases the risk of those partaking of contracting a blood-borne pathogen or disease! This activity is NOT recommended!Food SourcesVampires, in order to "replenish their vampiric energy", will sometimes feed on the blood of other humans, however will also feed on other things such as themselves, animals, plants or the elements. Psionic vampires believe that they feed by meditating and willing the energy toward them, or occasionally by unconscious means. All vampires believe that they occupy a higher position in the food chain and a different niche than humans do. Many also claim that they often become ill when eating food.HumansThis is the most widely used form of food. Naturally, to outsiders this form of feeding is considered cannibalism, however vampires consider themselves a separate species that naturally feeds on human energy. It is not recommended by members of the vampiric community that a human be used more than three times by the same vampire, for it is believed that if this happens, the human will become inextricably bound and attracted to the vampire.PsionicPsionic vampires attempt to feed on humans by sapping their psychic energy in meditation. It is believed that the energy is shed naturally in small quantities, and thus it is possible to feed off a crowd in this way. However, feeding from one person singularily supposedly improves the quality of the energy, as does actually having physical contact with the prey (or "donor") during feeding. The person is usually reported as feeling unnaturally drained afterward. The energy of common folk is considered stagnant and thus of poor quality, though that of wiccans and various other spellcasters and magi is considered far better (though none of these claim association with vampirism). The best is said to come from other "vampires", however this is not recommended for starting out.SanguarianSanguarian vampires believe that they feed on humans directly from the blood. It is generally accepted as code of ethics that the blood is taken willingly. Although it can be removed by a doctor using needles, it is mostly taken from open cuts or wounds. Cuts are usually made along the arm or directly behind the shoulder with a razor blade or a lancet; biting is considered very unhygienic and the neck is never used due to the danger of such a practice. A very small amount of blood is actually required.AnimalAnimals are generally considered dangerous, unhygienic and poor food by the vampiric community. The reasons differ for both major types of vampire; psionic vampires will find very little energy as animals are believed to be soulless. Sanguarian vampires may feed off of animals, however it is believed that animals make good hosts for demons because they are vacant. Therefore, the blood must be boiled to remove the demons (who reportedly dislike heat) before it is drunk. Animal blood is generally regarded as swill by the vampiric community.PlantPlants are not useful food sources to sanguarian vampires. However, psionic vampires will find small amounts of energy in most plants (and large amounts in others like redwoods). It is believed that feeding from a plant will most likely kill it.ElementalThis, of course, is of no use to Sanguarian vampires as the elements do not have blood or anything comparable to it. The basic elements are fire, earth, air and water. Many ancient peoples believed that everything was made up of combinations and forms of these. Psionic and elemental vampires believe that the elements are full of energy and can be fed from, however it is not recommended for those not wishing to do harm. It is supposed that drawing from elements is an activity which has a radial effect from the area in which it is done, and weakens or changes everything in the area made up on the specific element. For example, feeding from earth may supposedly affect local plants, and using water may likewise kill fish.Additional SensesMost members of this sect believe themselves to have some sort of sensory amplification or extrasensory perception. The purported effects are:
LifestyleMembers of this sect have a distinctly different lifestyle from others. It includes different habits and different dress norms and even different social norms/faux-pas, and can be considered a subculture.FashionVampires generally are drawn to darker, gothic dress, with a distinct focus on chains, lace and dark colours. Some people believe this is either to hide a black aura, to impersonate a 1700's fashion, or to blend in with darkness. However, as with most style, there is no definite practicality to the dress.Habits and NormsBecause of the nature of this sect, there is no fear or anxiety toward blood. There is, however, a defined sense of superiority to all other humans and faiths. They also have a very well-defined moral system. For example, it is not believed to be improper to kill other vampires or feed from them. It is also considered by most that feeding from an unwilling donor is a breach of ethics. There is also a distinct belief that Vampire slayers are actually a conspiracy against them and that they are mentored by another. Members of the vampiric sect also believe that all of these "vampire slayers" are insane.Organised ActivityThere is a fairly large amount of organised activity in this sect, however it is surprisingly not governed by a single person or organisation. For one reason or another, most of its activity takes place over the Internet and from a distance. Activity on the internet is generally over the following mediums:
External Sources\n* Staking Claims: The Vampires of Folklore and Fiction.,from Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal\n* Vampires, from The New England Skeptical Society\n* Mother of `vampire cult' leader pleads guilty, from F.A.C.T.Net \n |
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