Autovampirism:

The drinking of one's own blood.

Awakening:

The physical and mental changes that occur when someone awakens to their latent vampire nature. 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 mental and physical changes. These changes often include an increased sensitivity to light and particularly to sunlight, a growing affinity for night and darkness, switching from a diurnal to a nocturnal to a diurnal sleeping schedule, and experiencing the first symptoms of the thirst. Many experience 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 newfound feelings. (See also "turning")

Beacon:

A particular feeling or energy signature generated by vampires in general, but latent or potential vampires in particular. The beacon seems to exist to attract other vampires to the potential vampire so that they may instigate the awakening process. (See also "vampdar")

the Beast:

The primal, instinctive, animalistic, bestial nature of a frustrated or desperate vampire, where he or she gets really evil-minded and aggressive and wants to just go berzerk, rip people and things apart for the pure "fun" of it, and feed violently. It's destructive and cold, and if you don't control it, then you will be under its control. This is different from just "vamping out" but that is when it's most likely to manifest.

The Black Veil:

Also known as the "Thirteen Rules of Community". Composed by Michelle Belanger, Father Todd Sebastian and COVICA, this is a set of 13 common-sense guidelines for the Sanguinarium as well as the vampire community. It deals with such things as responsibility, etiquette, feeding practices, the lifestyle, discretion, etc. The Black Veil has undergone several major revisions since its first incarnation in 1997 in attempts to be made more applicable and palatable to the real vampire community and not just the Sanguinarium; in 2003, it was revised once again and cut down to just seven tenets.

Blood-Bars:

Rumored underground vampire havens, which have a members-only and very secretive policy. They are only open to properly initiated (usually through a coven) members of the community, if then. It is said they serve stored blood and/or have willing donors who provide blood over a bar. Certainly if they exist they are only a part a of a local population's Cabal.

Blood Bond:

1.) A strong, sometimes undesired, bond or attraction which can develop in a donor towards the vampire he or she is feeding; this bond can be a mutual thing between both the vampire and his or her donor, but often is felt only by the donor.
2.) A rite, ritual or ceremony marking a commitment to a coven or an individual. It is also a term to reflect a vampiric marriage.

Blood Doll:

Someone who gives blood in hopes of looking cool and/or who may have erotic desires fufilled by being fed on.

Blood-Drinker:

Anyone who drinks blood, regardless of motivation.

Blood-Fetishist:

Someone who is erotically attracted to the sight, taste or smell of blood; he or she generally has no physical need to consume it, and will usually be happy with small amounts. Blood-fetishism is often accompanied by other sexual fetishes, including sadism and masochism, and the blood is usually taken 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, a sanguinarian (see also "the Thirst", "sanguinarian"). Particularly refers to one who has no control over his/her thirst and goes around feeding indiscriminately.

Blood Vamp:

A short form of "blood vampire", or sanguinarian.

Bloodletting:

The physical act of cutting or piercing the flesh in order to extract blood. This is commonly used for feeding as well as in bloodplay and fetishism. (See also "bloodplay".)

Bloodplay:

Similar to bloodletting, bloodplay is the act of using blood in sexual or fetish situations. Bloodplay can also refer to the integration of blood and bloodletting in ritual. (See also "bloodletting".)

Bloodsharing partner:

A more appealing term for a donor. Some donors dislike being called "donors", as they feel it somehow belittles them or their role in their vampires' lives.

Cabal:

The far-underground "shadow" community of sanguinarians in a particular geographic location. Few even believe they exist and Cabals include the Bloodbars and other unknown things. Cabals are very selective as to who even knows who is a member.

Chi:

The Chinese term for life-energy. It is also often referred to as pranic energy or life force. Chi is the bio-electrical energy which runs our bodies on a subtle level. Energy vampires and many psi-vamps believe that they can manipulate chi and feed upon it to sate their hungers. It is believed by some that, to a certain extent, blood vampires also feed upon chi, for a great deal of this subtle energy is believed to be concentrated into the blood. See "psychic energy".

Clinical vampirism:

A psychological condition, such as Renfield's Syndrome, in which the afflicted person experiences a psychological urge to drink blood. This urge is often satisfied with their own blood, and sufferers of clinical vampirism typically bear slashes from razors and knives up and down their arms from where they have drawn blood from themselves. Particularly sociopathic forms of clinical vampirism drive sufferers to attack and sometimes (although rarely) even kill other people in order to drink their blood.

A related condition is known as SMS, or Self-Mutilation Syndrome. This newly named pathology is becoming alarmingly common in American youths. Sufferers of SMS, often known as "cutters", feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disease. Most sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or emotional pain onto their bodies. (See "Self-Mutilation Syndrome", and "Renfield’s Syndrome".)

Court:

A monthly social event which is much like a "town meeting" for members of the vampiric community in a specific geographic area. Court is usually held once a month at a local tea or coffee house, lounge or haven, and only vampires and those within the community are welcome. This is an opportunity to socialize with others in the community. News and announcements are made, poetry is read, new members, elders, etc., are introduced. Here vampires are generally free to escape mundane society. The host of the court is usually a locally respected Elder who secures a date, time, venue, and promotes the event.

Combo:

A vampire who is capable of feeding on blood as well as psi energy. It seems to me that most real vampires are capable of feeding from both, or using blood and psi interchangeably. Ex., "I am a psi/sang combo." (Also, "Hybrid")

Coming Out (of the Coffin):

He-he...couldn't resist. This means the same thing that it means for Gays (except they come out of the closet...). Involves being open or frank with people about being a vampire, 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 people in the vampiric community choose to be "in the coffin" and are not public about their lifestyle outside of the community or scene.

Coven:

Groups of individual vampires or vampyre lifestylers, usually but not always located within a certain geographic area, who have banded together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and/or rites. Covens range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. The organization and purpose of each Coven varies from fraternal (House Sahjaza); religious (Church of the Vampire - not to be confused with the Vampire Church); or familial (Clan of Lilith). Some titles given to leaders of Covens include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Matriarch or Coven Master. There are no requirements for forming a Coven other than a group of people getting together, choosing a sigil, name and theme.

COVICA:

The now apparently defunct Council of Elders drawn from many different traditions whose purpose is to help network the community, standardize language and terminology, and encourage cooperation, if not outright unification between the diverse aspects of the Sanguinarium and vampire communities. COVICA stands for Council Of Vampyric International Community Affairs.

Cutters:

See Self-Mutilation Syndrome.

Donor:

Someone who gives or shares their blood or life-energy, without obligation. Many donors prefer to offer themselves to just one vampire, but some donors will offer of themselves to entire covens, provided their offerings are appreciated and not abused. (See also "source", "supplier")

Elder:

A prominent member of the vampiric community who is honored and respected for his or her experience, knowledge, willingness to help others, accomplishments and devotion. Elders are often those individuals who have helped establish a community, organize groups, or help network the community.

Elorath / Scrolls of Elorath:

From House Eclipse: "According to the OSV, this is the great vampiric essence and the vampiric astral spirits, called by the Temple of the Vampire the Undead Gods. This is one of the inner teachings of OSV. Some say this term evolved from the word "el-or-ath", which is the Atlantian term for a vampiric spirit. However, this is--" untrue! In actuality, the word originated back in the days of the original Coven, then operated by Raphael Osiris, and the "Sanguinarium" was still "the Sanguinary".

Embrace:

A hug. Since turning or awakening someone does not involve any sort of hug, where the vampire wraps his arms around a person, drawing him or her close so he can bite them on the neck to feed or turn them into a vampire, (a la Dracula or Christopher Lee), I am not going to define it as such, -- regardless of the misusage of the word by others. Embrace does not mean turning, but it is an incredibly romantic word for an an event which, in a lot of people's minds, is extremely pseudosexual and erotic. (See "turned" and "awakened").

Emotional vampire:

See "psychic vampire", sense 2, and especially "psychological vampirism".

Energy signature:

The pattern of energy, vibes, or the feeling that is unique to each individual; a person's psi 'fingerprint' identifiable in real life or astrally and oftentimes left behind long after a person has gone. Vampires supposedly have a particular kind of energy signature, and those who can pick up on this can identify them as vampires. An energy sig is different from a presence, though you can feel the presence of someone's energy, too. (See also "beacon")

Energy vampire:

An individual who has a need to feed upon the lifeforce of others. Most energy vampires feed upon chi or pranic energy and avoid drinking blood. Some intermingle energy vampirism with blood-drinking. Also referred to as psi-vampires, most energy vampires exhibit the same characteristics that distinguish other real vampires, including light sensitivity, a nocturnal lifestyle, and periods of the Hunger or Thirst. (See also "chi", "hunger", "psychic vampire", "real vampire", "thirst")

Excommunicated:

Cast out of a coven or the vampiric community as a whole. (See also "Invisibles", "Sin nomine")

Family:

A term used by many people to describe their coven or their close circle of vampires and friends. Also, a general term for all members of the vampiric community.

Fashion vampyre:

This is not a type of actual vampire. Someone who does not have the vampiric condition, and who just dresses the part. The fashion vamps are only into the aesthetics (fangs, contacts, fashion) and not the philosophy or spirituality of the lifestyle -- think "fashion victim". (See also "wannabe" and "poser")

Feeders:

Another term for sanguinarians which distinguishes them by their need to feed upon blood.

Feeding:

The act of consuming blood (or, in the case of psi or energy vampires, pranic energy) from someone (or an animal). (See also the "Hunger", the "Thirst", and the "Need".)

Feeding circle:

A group of donors, usually from three to seven, who feed a specific vampire or coven of vampires.

Grazing:

This is a type of lifestyle which is looked down upon by the rest of the vampiric community in which a vampire randomly and without discretion feeds upon unscreened donors or sources typically picked up in niteclubs and Goth bars.

Haematodipsia:

A strong form of haematophilia.

Haematomania:

A strong psychological craving for blood.

Haematophilia:

An erotic attraction to the taste, sight (or smell) of blood.

Haemosexuality:

See "blood fetishist".

Haven:

A Vampyre nightclub or other gathering place. Considered hallowed ground, the haven serves as the social hub of a given community, providing a place where all the community can gather and socialize. Often, special functions arranged by the vampiric community in an area are held at the local haven.

House / household:

A group of vampires united under a common theme, set of traditions, philosophy / beliefs, sigil and hierarchy/structure. The purpose of a House or household can range from the merely fraternal, to the spiritual. The number of members in a house or household can be as few as three or number into the hundreds, although I generally think of "household" as having a smaller number and "House" as being the larger counterpart, perhaps consisting of a number of households.

Any group of several or more vampires can get together and form a household or House; there is not a requirement to be "approved" by some official council or board; becoming recognized and accepted by the rest of the community, however, is a matter of time, publicity, reputation of the members, their conduct, etc. Some of the more widely known, established Houses are House Kheperu, House Eclipse, House Sahjaza, House Quinotaur, House Nekhbet; there are many others, as well.

"Human":

A term used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not vampires. At best, this term is misleading because it implies that vampires are not human. (See "mundane")

the Hunger:

The desire to feed, also identified as the Thirst or the Need. The Hunger is both a psychological and physical sensation. Physically, it manifests as an intense hunger or thirst -- but is not satisfied by food or drink. Psychologically, a vampire in the throes of the Hunger feels agitated and empowered at the same time. Pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, and sometimes even body temperature, increase in anticipation of the act of feeding. (See also "feeding", the "Thirst", the "Need")

Hunter:

Someone that hunts, stalks, threatens, or does harm (whether it be physical, psychic, psychological, or emotional) to someone because he or she is a vampire, or because the hunter believes them to be so; or which gathers information to report those who are vampires. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Blade fans are not included in this category; it applies to seriously unbalanced individuals who really are on some sort of holy hate crusade and intend to follow through with violence or action. (See also "slayer")

Hunting:

Actively going out and seeking donors or sources in havens or in public. (Some even go to the mall!) This means bringing them home to feed or to eventually screen them. At one point, this was considered safe, but with the advent of HIV and AIDS, hunting indiscriminately is considered irresponsible and extremely dangerous; there still must be a period of screening time. Vampires who feed irresponsibly are looked down upon; and are sometimes "excommunicated" by their elders for this offense.

Hybrid:

A vampire who is capable of feeding on blood as well as psi energy. It seems to me that most real vampires are capable of feeding from both, or using blood and psi interchangeably, so is the term "hybrid" really necessary, or accurate? (See "Combo")

Immortal:

Term occasionally used to refer to or describe vampires. Though technically, it means incapable of death or dying, it is used much more loosely in reference to vampires, implying that they are not subject to aging, are impervious to disease and injury, etc., and that they are above and superior to "humans" or "mortals". God is immortal; vampires are not. Further, it has not been incontrovertibly proven to me that vampires do indeed experience a capability of an extended lifespan. Check with me in about 20 to 30 years, and I should be able to tell you something more definite about that...

Incubus:

The plural is incubi. A male sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his or her energy and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.

Invisibles:

Those members of the community who, having been ostracized and stripped of their name, are treated as if they no longer existed. Invisibles have committed some great crime in the eyes of the community, and for this they are no longer allowed to associate themselves with the rest of vampire culture. See also "excommunicated", and "sin nomine".

Latent vampire:

Someone who is already naturally a vampire, but whose vampiric tendencies have not yet manifested. Apparently, some latent vampires may need to be "turned" or "awakened", while others may have their tendencies "activated" by indeterminate causes. Latent vampires sometimes seem to stand out to other, already established vampires through a phenomenon known as the "Beacon". See also "awakening", "beacon", "turned".

Leech:

1.) A small, bloodsucking worm;

2.) An incredibly rude and derogatory (well, at least disrespectful...) term to call someone who is a vampire.

Lilith:

History's first recorded feminist, she was the first wife of Adam, and created as an equal. When she declined to submit to Adam as his subordinate, he went whining to God, and God cast her out of the Garden of Eden, then created Eve, allegedly from Adam's rib, and therefore supposedly subordinate to him; apparently she was, as he didn't whine for a third wife (but since this is not about Eve, I won't elaborate). Lilith was later demonized by patriarchal societies who felt threatened by female equality; still later, she was deified by others. Not a bad job for a lady, eh?

It is theorized by some that, though entirely as human as Adam, since Lilith had her own complete set of genes and DNA, she is the progenitress [female progenitor] of a separate strain of humans, which is nonetheless capable of intermingling with the more common Adam/Eve strain. It is theorized by some that this strain is where vampires come from. If this is so, then it could explain why vampirism seems to run stronger in some family lines, yet appear spontaneously or only sporadically in others.

the Long Night:

The name for the festival celebrated on the Winter Solstice. Occurring in mid-December, this night is the longest night of the year, and many households and covens gather together to celebrate this. It is a festival of community where everyone relaxes and socializes. It is also the traditional night to recognize new members of the community or a coven or to perform rites of passage.

Mentor:

A guide and teacher to a new or inexperienced vampire; the one who helped him or her through the awakening. (See also "sire")

"Mortal":

A term used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not vampires. This term is, at best, misleading because it implies that vampires are "immortal". (See "mundane")

Mundane:

A term used to distinguish those who are not vampires from those who are. This is, I feel, more accurate that "mortal" or "human", and serves to distinguish those who are merely living normal, mundane lives and unencumbered with the life of a vampire. It is not a disparaging term. (See the article "Why We Use the Term 'Mundane'")

the 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". (See also "feeding", the "hunger", the "thirst")

Neovampyre / Neovampire:

A person who is not a natural vampire, but who is a student of vampyric/vampiric skills, philosophies and/or magicks; i.e., a person who (for lack of a better word) "converted" to vampyrism.

"of the Blood":

A term sometimes used to refer to someone as being a vampire.

Otherkin:

Someone who identifies with something other than their human side, such as a particular animal, mythological or fantastical being. He or she takes on the astral form of the animal or being when they are in the astral plane. Often, otherkin have physical attributes, mannerisms or thought-patterns identified with their particular being, such as fae having an elfin appearance, or wolfkin having a pack mentality. Types of otherkin include therians (were-beings), fae or faeries, dragons, elves, angelics, and so forth. Some consider vampires to be otherkin, while others do not.

Parasite:

A completely insulting and derogatory term to refer to or call a psi-vamp or emotional vampire, implying that they are thieves and have no honor.

Porphyria:

An acute medical condition which has been postulated by some scholars to have inspired the vampire myths of the past. Sufferers of porphyria have pale, flaky skin and are very sensitive to sunlight. Their gums often recede excessively, giving their teeth an elongated and possibly 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 Mediaeval 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 and there is no supporting evidence to Dr. Dolphin's assertion that porphyria sufferers have been driven to drinking blood by their disease.

Poser:

Someone pretending or claiming to be a vampire who is not, with the intent of deceiving others, by making false claims as to their powers, abilities, lifespan, etc.

Pranic energy / Prana:

See "chi", "psychic energy".

Primus:

A vampire, almost always an elder, who founded or is the leader of a large family or coven of vampires.

Psi:

A general term for the life-energy which is found within and throughout all living things. Also called prana, chi, pranic energy, psychic energy, etc. The life-force that surrounds and is contained in living things. This is the life-force that energy and psychic vampires feed upon. This energy is also contained in the blood and is believed by some to be an integral part of the transfer which occurs between a donor and a sanguinarian. See also "chi" and "pranic energy".

Psychic attack:

Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm or disruption to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim. See also "psychic vampire attack".

Psychic energy:

See "chi" and "psi".

Psychic vampire, Psi vampire (psi-vamp, for short):

1.) Someone who "drains" life-energy (prana, chi, life-force, whatever) rather than blood from others. Psi-vampires may or may not consume blood as a means of extracting pranic energy.

Though the two terms refer to the same being, they do so with different meanings in mind. Some insist on calling psychic vampires "psi-vampires", and insist that "psychic vampire" is incorrect, and then proceed to "prove it" by splitting etymological hairs. I disagree. There is a distinction which needs to be made between the two terms. "Psychic vampires" are called such because they feed psychically, as opposed to physically. However, it could be argued that psi is the auric or life-energy where as "psychic" is actually now thought to be shared thoughtwaves from a collective consciousness. So "psi-vampire" refers to what they feed upon, whereas "psychic vampire" refers to how they feed. Not infrequently, psi-vamps may also experience the Thirst in varying degrees of intensity, and in fact, there are many similarities in condition between the psi-vamps and the sanguinarians, with the main difference being, so far as I can see, the psi-vamps' need to drain pranic energy, and ability to do so.

2.) A psychic vampire, in psychiatric terms, is someone who drains emotional energy without giving anything back, and can make the other person very tired, depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse, if too much is drained; an emotional vampire. Katharine Ramsland discusses this in depth in her book, Piercing the Darkness, (Harper Prism, 1998), pp. 190-196, referred to as "covert vampire". See also "psychological vampirism".

Psychic vampire attack:

An uninvited and unwelcome draining of one's vital energy, or chi or pranic energy. A psychic vampire attack occurs when a psi-vampire targets someone and feeds or attempts to feed. This can be done from casual contact, from across a room, or even through dreams. These attacks are not always just for draining; they can also be an attack on the mind itself, causing the target to hear, see, and feel things. Attacks of this nature can range from mild to very severe, sometimes leaving the victim despondent or even physically sick from being drained so. It's debated whether one can become a psychic vampire from repeated severe psi-vampire attacks. In general, though, this seems only to produce a condition known as sympathetic vampirism. (See also "sympathetic vampirism".)

Psychological vampirism:

These individuals often have a histrionic or narcissistic personality disorder and they are constantly drawing attention to themselves. They usually create dramatic situations and then demand emotional support from those around them. These individuals are emotional vampires. There is nothing metaphysical or spiritual in their condition, it is a simple psychological disorder. Yet it leaves the victims of these clingy, whiny people emotionally and mentally drained after dealing with them. These individuals are not to be confused with psychic, psi or energy vampires. (See also "psychic vampire", sense 2.)

Puppy:

A somewhat derogatory term for one who has developed an undue fascination, obsession or bond with a vampire and follows him or her around, trying to gain the vampire's attention or approval, and fawning over him or her, in a manner not unlike a puppy dog follows his or her master around. (See also "blood bond".)

Real vampire / Real vamp:

Someone who has a condition which includes but is not limited to a physical thirst or driving need for blood (which is non-erotic in nature; and in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other blood-drinkers, such as blood fetishists) or psi energy; increased physical and/or psychic sensitivities; sensitivity to light or sunlight and a nocturnal circadian rhythm; amplification and/or alteration of emotional states and feelings, etc.; and perhaps the (unsubstantiated*) potential for an indefinitely extended lifespan (which is not to be confused with "immortality"), although many vampires do maintain a youthful twenty-something look well into their thirties or even forties. It does NOT include the abilities to change shape, fly, command others' wills, heal instantaneously, accomplish superhuman feats of strength or speed, etc.

*Some vampires believe the condition does include the potential for an indefinitely long lifespan, but this belief has not been incontrovertibly proven, to the best of my knowledge.

Rogue:

1.) A vampire or blood-drinker's former donor or source who parts company on hostile terms and causes trouble;

2.) A vampire who can't handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, posing a danger and threat to both him or herself and others.

Renfield's Syndrome:

"Some attention has been given to a condition named 'Renfield's Syndrome' in psychological literature, based on the fly-eating character Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Renfield's Syndrome is described as having four stages: a trauma or 'critical incident' in childhood in which the patient discovers that the taste and sight of blood is 'exciting' or attractive; 'autovampirism', the drinking of one's own blood (autohemophagia); 'zoophagia', or the consumption of blood from animals; and finally 'true vampirism', in which the patient must have human blood, and may resort to stealing blood from medical facilities, or serial murder." -- Vyrdolak. (Apologies to Vyrdolak, whose site is the only site I could find with any information regarding this.) So far as I know, this is not an officially recognized mental disorder.

Roleplayer:

1.) Someone who engages in role playing games (RPGs).

2.) This is often used as a derogatory term for those who play Vampire: The Masquerade or similar vampire RPGs and/or who pretend to be a vampire in their free time when they are not. RPGers are also associated with posers and other fakes who dress the part and pretend to be something they are not. See also "poser" and "wannabe".

Sangomancy:

A form of vampyrecrafte, or vampiric magick, which specifically involves the use of blood in the rituals. (See "vampyrecrafte".)

Sanguinarian:

Someone who has a physical thirst, need, craving for blood (which is non-erotic in nature) in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other blood-drinkers. Sanguinarians (a word from the Latin root "sanguinarius", meaning "bloodthirsty") apparently do not get the benefits from pranic energy, or else they are unable to feed psychically like psi and energy vampires, for whom blood and pranic energy are apparently interchangeable.

the Sanguinarium:

The network of like-minded organizations, events, businesses, websites, individuals, havens (nightclubs) and resources for the greater vampire and vampyre lifestylers communities. Inspired by the "vampire connection" of vampire bars, nightclubs and safehouses founded in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, the Sanguinarium serves to bring this vision to life as a real "Vampyre Connection". Many real vampires frown upon the Sanguinarium because of the non-vampiric lifestylers it attracts and the artificial pomp and aristocratic hierarchy it endorses.

Note: The Sanguinarium is not to be confused with Sanguinarius Organization for Real Vampires, which is the author's effort to help real vampires, blood drinkers and vampiric people.

Sanguine / sanguin / sang vamp(ire):

These are shortened forms of the term "sanguinarian". See "sanguinarian".

Sanguinese:

All the language: jargon, slang, doublespeak, plays on words, etc. used by vampires to be able to converse with on another, either privately or in public.

Sanguivore:

A term that I am seeing more frequently, used to define sanguinarians, but which I feel is inaccurate, as sanguinarians do consume more than just blood. I would strongly recommend using the term to refer to those who consume only blood, and nothing else, as their main source of sustenance. I have not encountered any tangible proof that such individuals do exist, and I feel that this is highly unlikely.

the Scene, or Vampyre Scene:

The "scene" is a general term for the social aspects of the vampire subculture including nightclubs, havens, events, businesses, societies, and even the online part of the subculture. Many vampires and vampyre lifestylers are a part of the vampiric community, but do not go out and socialize. Most of the current scene revolves around the Sanguinarium.

Seeker:

Someone who is seeking after vampires, or knowledge of vampires, usually desiring to become one him/herself. Unlike a wannabe, the seeker has a more thoughtful approach to vampirism and is willing to learn all he or she can about the condition before jumping head-first into it.

Self-Mutilation Syndrome (SMS):

A psychological condition which has apparently begun to grow among American youth. Sufferers of SMS, also known as cutters, feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disorder. Most sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or emotional pain onto their bodies. Some eventually get involved in body art and blood fetishism. See also "clinical vampirism", "Renfield's Syndrome".

Sexual vampirism:

A form of psi-vampirism where feeding is done primarily from sexual energy, or energy generated during sexual activity, with or without the exchange of blood. The feeding can be done intentionally or unconsciously / unintentionally. A common term for female vampires who feed exclusively through sex is "Succubus", a word which originally denoted a Mediaeval demon which was believed to visit the dreams of men and tempt them into sexual misconduct; the male version of the word, although not as widespread, is "Incubus". See also "incubus", "succubus".

Sigil:

The identifying symbol of a house, haven, coven, or individual. The sigil often has ritual or symbolic significance for the individual or members of the household. For example, the Sanguine Ankh represents members of the Sanguinarium.

Sin nomine:

Latin for "without name". A vampire who has been stripped of his or her name and recognition within the community for having committed some great crime in the eyes of the community. See also "excommunicated" and "Invisibles".

Sire:

A term from Vampire: The Masquerade roleplaying system that has crept into general usage meaning the one who turned (or awakened) someone who is a vampire. (See "mentor")

Slayer:

A loud-mouthed dumbass that makes public and obnoxious claims of killing people who are (or who the slayer thinks are) vampires. Just like hit-men for the mafia, those who may be real vampire hunters or slayers are NOT going to publically announce what they do, as that's a surefire way to the Big House, or the Happy Hotel. At any rate, they'll get investigated. If they are posers, then they will continue to remain free and flap their lips a lot; if they are real, then the Law will deal with them accordingly.

Whatever the case may be, Sanguinarius urges you to report these individuals to the proper authorities. Maybe being investigated will put a reality check in their miserable lives and cause them to tone down their racist shitspeak. (See also, "hunter")

Whether they are harming or killing people, or desecrating graves and corpses, or conducting illegal interstate commerce (ex., a site on the net, offering vampire hunting or slaying services in exchange for money or goods) -- even if they have had no takers!, -- they are doing or offering to do illegal things, and should be reported. I believe conducting illegal interstate commerce is a felony--?

It's one thing to be a fan of Buffy, or Blade, or Jack Crow, or whoever, and it's one thing to have a ROLEPLAYING persona of a vampire hunter, but if that's the case, then those who do need to put some sort of indication that this is the case!

Solitary:

A vampire who chooses not to be involved with a coven and has little if any interest in interacting within the community.

Source:

Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term that I prefer to use; I feel that it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a donation...

Strigoi Vii:

A term meaning "living vampires" in Romanian folklore, it is used by some to refer to the condition and philosophy of being a vampire. The movers and shakers of the Sanguinarium have appropriated the term for their use in describing their more spiritually oriented path, the Order Strigoii Vii.

Succubus:

The plural is succubi. A female sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his or her energy and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.

Supplier:

Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term; I feel that it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a donation...

Sympathetic vampirism:

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 vampires but can manifest itself among the sources used by sanguinarians as well. In general, the victim's resources become so depleted that they have to resort to vampirism themselves in order to replenish them. In addition to a need to feed, the sufferer of sympathetic vampirism may manifest symptoms commonly associated with real vampirism, such as heightened sensitivities and sensitivity to sunlight. Often, this condition causes some real vampires to mistakenly assume that their donors, -- or the donors thinking that they, themselves, -- have somehow been turned or awakened. 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 vampire or vampires who feed from the person to stop completely. Without the constant depletion of resources, the person's system should gradually correct itself over time.

Tease-the-Vamp:

A cruel "game" that non-vampires, or even other vampires, sometimes play where they tease or taunt a blood vamp with either thoughts of blood, or actual blood, which they have no intentions of giving to the vampire being teased. While it might be amusing to watch the vamp's reactions, this "game" causes misery for the poor vampire, and can result in his or her vamping out or worse, if it's not stopped.

the Thirst:

The craving, need, desire, urge to drink blood, experienced as an intense thirst-sensation and withdrawal-like symptoms. To say the least. This manifests not unlike an addiction, and is very difficult and annoying to have to deal with. (See also "the Hunger, "the Need", "Feeding")

The Thirteen Rules of Community:

See "The Black Veil".

to Turn:

To make someone into a vampire. This is most likely a misunderstanding or misconception of the awakening process. See also "awakening", "latent vampire".

Turned:

Another term for becoming a vampire. Some groups believe that ordinary people can be turned into vampires, but this is most likely a misinterpretation of the awakening process. The method for this turning varies from group to group, but generally involves a rite of blood or energy exchange between the vampire and the person to be turned. If someone appears to have been turned, he or she was most likely a latent vampire to begin with. See also "awakening", "latent vampire".

Twoofing:

An alternate, less blatant, and less cheesy-sounding, term created as an alternative for the phrase "vamping out". See "vamping out".

Vampire:

A much-disputed term with many meanings, depending upon whom you're talking to. See also the definitions of "sanguinarian", "blood-drinker", "blood fetishist", "psychic vampire", "Vampyre Lifestyler", and "Vampiric Community". Here, it is used to encompass all of the above-listed groups into a general category. Also, here, it is not used to define any of those as some sort of supernatural or superhuman beings or someone who has returned from the dead (excluding being revived by medical procedures), and so forth. Anyone who makes those sorts of claims, is lying.

Vampdar (a.k.a. Vampire radar):

A humorous play on the word "radar" and inspired by the gays' term, "gaydar", this term is used mostly by vampires who are experienced in meeting other vampires (live and in person) to describe the particular feeling they get. It's not something that can really be described well to others, but if you've experienced it, you'll know. (See also "beacon")

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 Mediaeval styles and themes, trappings of lace and velvet, funerary décor, and overall dark and melancholy themes. Scenes of crypts, abandoned castles, and shadowy landscapes abound in artwork that appeals to the vampire aesthetic. The work of Gothic artist Joe Vargo of Monolith Graphics, which can be found on the Web at www.monolithgraphics.com, is an excellent example of this.

Vampire 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...)

Vamping out:

Experiencing an acute flare-up of the thirst. This also involves a change in the person's manner, breathing, pulse rate, thought patterns, etc., as their body gears up to go out and attempt to satisfy the thirst. This is a real thing, not a fantasy thing, and I won't let anyone else who does not really have this as a real occurrence claim it; to do so makes a mockery of those of us who really do have to deal with it! (If they don't have it and they claim it, then I wish it on them; let them have it!).

Vampiric community:

The community of people who identify with or have been identified with the label "vampire". This includes blood-drinkers, psi and energy vampires, and Vampyre lifestylers. The community also includes donors and sometimes the friends of vampires. (See "vampire")

Vampyre lifestyler / Vampyre (spelled with a "y"):

Someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into his or her personal life, often cultivating 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 a 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 vampires in the sense of craving blood, while others are blood fetishists, and still others are just drawn to the "Vampyre aesthetic". This is an outgrowth of, but distinct from, the Gothic subculture.

Vampyrecrafte:

In general, this is the magick practiced by vampires or vampyre lifestylers. Many of them are pagan and follow the old ways, and the ways of magick are an integral part of their beliefs. Most vampires or vampyre lifestylers practice numerous techniques associated with energy manipulation. Many also practice some form of magick, most oftenly ritual magick or chaos magick. Vampyrecrafte refers to magickal techniques specifically designed by vampires and vampyre lifestylers 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.

Wannabe:

A slang term, a contraction of the words "wants to be". Derogatory term for someone who wants to become a vampire, usually with unrealistic expectations of what it would be like. Most wannabes have a very romanticized vision of vampirism, and they seem to think it would improve their lives somehow or make them more interesting. Many are attracted by a false vision of a vampire's powers. They usually fail to look at the practical side of becoming a vampire, such as necessary changes in lifestyle, finding sources to feed from, and trying to hold a job while balancing one's vampiric nature with daily life.

This document was created in its original form in 1997 by Sanguinarius. Since then, it has continually been updated to reflect the accuracy of terms and to add new terms. Many have adopted and adapted various versions of this document, subsequently making their own independent revisions, additions and deletions, but the terminology document and copyright belongs to Sanguinarius and Sanguinarius.org for Real Vampires/Sanguinarius: The Vampire Support Page. It is permitted to copy and/or adapt this Terminology document so long as you do not do so for commercial purposes. Sanguinarius alone reserves THAT right, should she choose to do so. Just because you did some work on it, or added/excluded some terms, or changed some of the text in the document, does not make it suddenly your work. The same goes for extracting the text of the definition(s); give Sanguinarius credit www.sanguinarius.org

Abani (formal, Sanguinarium)

A term used by the OSV to designate family relation to a House or bloodline. "Of the family of...."; for example: Angel, abani Sahjaza or Stephen, abani Omallie, for those in this small section of the vampire community.

Abbon *(formal, Sanguinarium)

An elder who has earned the respect of the community, and specifically the OSV but is not the member of any House or organization. Such vampires are usually strong willed, confident and very independent. Often they choose this path after becoming disgusted with or otherwise tired of the politics of the community. A special title given to honorary members of an OSV family who might either be Ronin/Teliob or members of other Households or Orders. The name of Abbon is useful for related Households or Orders to make alliances and show respect for each other and for select individuals who choose not to or are not interested in making a formal commitment to join a group for any reason. An alternate term in the Eclipsan system is Avavago.

Acolyte (formal, Sanguinarium, House Eclipse)

1. (Sanguinarium) Someone who is a member of the Synod and helps run administrative tasks such as moderating elists, checking spelling, helping with programming, etc.
2. (House Eclipse) An assistant or helper in any religious organizations associated with vampires (and mundanes for that matter). For example, an acolyte would ensure that an incense burner was in place for a ritual or rite, filled at all times and moved as needed. An acolyte may also handle ritual implements, bringing them to ritual participants and putting them away when no longer needed.

Adra * (formal, Sanguinarium)

A term for a sponsor or mentor of someone in the community. The Adra is responsible for teaching their Nadja or Gevanma (Apprentice) the ways of the community or of a specific group including the Black Veil or other behavioral codes and the contents of the Scrolls of Elorath in the OSV system. In other groups, a mentor is called other names, such as the Eclipsan term Pibliar. In many groups the teachings depend on the Apprentice or Gevanma's personal interest and specific safety requirements. 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.

Adna (formal, House Eclipse)

In the Enochian language, this is the word for service. It is the formal term used by House Eclipse for those who choose to serve others in whatever way, including as non-vampiric Kitra. Usually an OtherKin person who chooses to support and aid a leader or ally rather than leading themselves. Often bonded to the one they aid by blood or magic. These vampires act as supporters and aides for other vampires, and also work as a check on the vampire in a leadership position's ego. Somewhat similar equivalent to the term Kijara of the OSV and means "servant" in Enochian.

Ageless (House Eclipse)

The vampires of legend in whatever form or type. Sometimes thought to be spirits, deities or angels of a sort and revered by many vampires as guardians or protectors similar to the Christian angels and saints. Also seen as the nonhuman or superhuman creatures the original legends of vampires referred to These beings, since they are sometimes seen as astral, and always more than human, do not age and usually do not require any mundane items or comforts.

AmakhBlades (Formal, House Eclipse)

An award given for a vampire who has directly saved lives or helped others by defending them. This is mostly a Mradu ranking/award but on occasion is earned by others. This is often given to vampires who work as paramedics or EMT's, Firefighters, Police or doctors, volunteers for groups such as the Guardian Angels or those who work as big brothers and big sisters for children. These are a set of matching blessed or enchanted daggers that are worn on formal occasions, and a Mundane counterpart for them is often also worn. These daggers are never used in combat save in an absolute emergency to defend one's life or the lives of others. This is extremely unlikely and they are primarily a badge and sign of honor. The word Amakh is a transliteration of the Ancient Egyptian word for Honor.

Amakhi (Formal, House Eclipse)

One who has earned the honor of wearing Amakh blades by defending another in combat and being of the warrior caste. This can be physical defense, as with a bodyguard or police officer, defending and fighting for another's life, such as an EMT or Firefighter or fighting spiritually, such as a person who acts as a Big Brother or Big Sister to youth in trouble. Essentially, they are awarded for extraordinary service in aiding others. Also a formal term for a member of the Warrior caste of Tabaan level or above who have usually earned this honor.

Ardetha (formal, Sanguinarium)

Vampires who have been awakened through sympathetic vampirism, a magical system or ritual or by an epiphany or near death experience. Some vampires are said to have been made vampyres through a ritual or by another. The ability to do this is questionable, as most mentors are only known to be able to help someone come to terms with their vampyric condition, Ardetha are rare case, as the ability to "turn" another is a great gift or a rare ritual. Also referred to as Salbrox or Made vampires.

Altar* (House Kheperu)

Usually a councilor (Kitra) who is trained to initiate a balance of the energy in a ritual. Also a Companion who is trained to balance the energies of several members of the priest caste. They usually sit in the center of a ritual and many times assist one priest in the workings of magic.

Ananiel (formal, House Eclipse)

A word to designate those who have potential for vampirism but are dormant. Unawakened vampires who may or may not be Awakened purposefully or Awaken on their own. Taken from the Enochian word meaning "Secret Wisdom" and somewhat corresponding to the OSV term "Klavasi"

Anecris/Sangovin (formal, House Eclipse)

The name for a ritual blood substitute and enhancer made using alchemical and magical means from plant, animal and other ingredients. This was created by Raven OrthaeVelve of House Eclipse and is used in many of the rituals in the system of sanguine vampiric magic created and published by her on the House Eclipse website. It is extremely complex, time consuming and demanding to make.

Ancients*(general)

Those vampiric entities who are said by the OSV and the Temple of the Vampire to act as guides and tools of magical workings in those traditions. These are capable of appearing as whatever the being wishes, from ancient gods to totemic animals, such as wolves, bats or hawks, to archetypes such as the Dragon or Griffin. This word also refers in the OSV tradition to the ancient deities and mythical/spiritual personas such as Lilith, Set, The Ancient Vampyric Gods, Caine, Kali, etc. Also may refer to the belief that the Ageless exist somewhere and still guide sanguinarians. Thus the Greater Ageless are also referred to as the Ancients, or seen as lesser descendants and assistants to the Ancients.

Apprentice*(General, House Eclipse)

A newly Awakened vampire who is strongly emotionally or blood bonded to an elder/mentor. Apprentices are seen as children and all of their actions are considered to be those of the mentor. If an Apprentice makes a mistake, their mentor fixes it and takes responsibility for it. The Elder/Apprentice bond is extremely strong and very complex. As Apprentices are legal adults, their actions outside the House are their own to deal with, and the mentor assumes no responsibility. Mentors may separate from Apprentices in case of a severe disagreement though this is traumatic for both parties. It is the Mentor who declares an Apprentice ready to survive and act within the community on their own before the House and asks that the Apprentice's rank be raised. Often Mentor and Apprentice are lovers or close friends.

Autovampirism: (Medical, Sanguinarius)

The drinking of one's own blood. Very dangerous for a vampire to do for reasons of self control and health.

Avavago (formal, House Eclipse)

This is the polite term for an independant vampire who has achieved recognition and respect without the help of a House or other organization. Such individuals are extremely strong, wise voices in the community who aid us in looking beyond the "group only" mindset most vampires posess. Examples of people who have earned such recognition are Sanguinarius, MemoryandDream and Nitallica. They on occasion ally themselves with Houses though their actions and beliefs will always remain uniquely thier own. The term comes from the Enochian word for "The Thunders of Increase" and is meant to pay homage to the strength of character and independance posessed by such people.

Awakening*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarum)This occurs when someone awakens to their latent vampire natures. 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 mental and physical changes. These changes often include an increased sensitivity to light (particularly to sunlight), a growing affinity for night and darkness, switching from a diurnal to a nocturnal to a diurnal sleeping schedule, and experiencing the first symptoms of the thirst. Many experience 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 newfound feelings. *See also Becoming and Turning. Also refers to the dawning awareness of becoming a different type of Otherkin or adopting that archetype as a part of one's persona lity.
2. (Sanguinarius) The physical and mental changes that occur when someone awakens to their latent vampire nature. 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 mental and physical changes. These changes often include an increased sensitivity to light and particularly to sunlight, a growing affinity for night and darkness, switching from a diurnal to a nocturnal to a diurnal sleeping schedule, and experiencing the first symptoms of the thirst. Many experience 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 newfound feelings. (See also "turning")

Ayahtiaru (formal, House Eclipse)

Originally a fiery, blood drinking serpent in Ancient Egyptian mythology that helped judge the sins of the spirits of the dead. Now used as a respectful honorific before the name of a vampire (for example, in a formal setting or letter, Ayahtiaru Jonathan) or as a respectful name for a sanguine vampire.

Azra * (formal, Sanguinarium)

A matriarch or patriarch, also high priest or priestess of a household, order or guild. A high priest or priestess within the group called the Synod.

Azralim * (formal OSV)

A term that seems to have been recently made up by members of OSV, as it has only been used recently. It supposedly translates from the invented language called Elorathian to mean, "The Old Ones", and is a term for the old-school vampires that predate the modern vampiric internet community. Most of these Azralim are supposed to have ties to the old covens of New York City and one can hope, to other places. According to OSV, it is they who passed on all their traditions to the vampire community as well as their philosophies and teachings via the Sanguinarium, who of course claim to be the only ones to recieve this "Wisdom". Most vampires know by the fact of being intelligent that the OSV is a new group attempting to make itself lookimportant with ties to older things, which is a classic tecnique in religious groups and magical orders. Those who have spoken to vampires who predate the explosion of the community in the 90's have come away with the impression that such older vampires are disgusted by such claims and to be polite consider them patently false.

Beacon*( general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium*) A particular feeling or energy signature generated by vampires in general, but latent or potential vampires in particular. The beacon seems to exist to attract other vampires to their potential so that they may instigate the awakening process. Some believe that the Beacon is actually a type of pheremone or other such chemical that is recognizable on a subconscious level by other vampires. The strength of the Beacon dictates what level of experience a vampire is. Thus a subtle Beacon usually signifies a latent vampire and a strong one a full member of the community. 2. (Sanguinarius)A particular feeling or energy signature generated by vampires in general, but latent or potential vampires in particular. The beacon seems to exist to attract other vampires to the potential vampire so that they may instigate the awakening process.

Beast, the*(general, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius,Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarum)Also known as "the Dragon", "The Darkside","The Dark" or "the Shadow". This is the primal, instinctive and animalistic side of the vampire. In some traditions the beast is seen as only a small part of being a vampire, while in others, the beast is seen as the very personification of the vampire nature. The Beast is the overwhelming desire for blood or energy which arises when one hasn't fed recently. Learning to cope with and control the beast is an integral part of balancing one's "Nightside" or vampiric existence with one's "Dayside" or ordinary life. See also Dragon.
2. (Sanguinarius)The primal, instinctive, animalistic, bestial nature of a frustrated or desperate vampire, where he or she gets really evil-minded and aggressive and wants to just go berzerk, rip people and things apart for the pure "fun" of it, and feed violently. It's destructive and cold, and if you don't control it, then you will be under its control. This is different from just "vamping out" but that is when it's most likely to manifest.
3. (Illuminatti) The need for blood running rampant and uncontrolled.

Becoming*(general, Roleplaying)

According to OSV, a process akin to awakening, which is the act of embracing one’s vampirism. Many individuals awaken to their true nature, only to end up hiding from it and suppressing it for the rest of their lives. Many people using other systems consider this term outdated or innacurate, as aone cannot become a vampire through any means. The potential for vampirism is either present or not, and almost nothing can change that. In OSV tradition, this process is marked with a rite of passage, such as an exchange of blood or energy with a mentor or a ritual of death and rebirth. Other groups use other rituals, or none at all, seeing the event itself as traumatic and frightening enough without enhancing this with ritual. Some traditions see the Becoming as the "Rite of Passage" marking vampiric adulthood. See also Awakening and Turning.

Bellah*(formal, Sanguinarium)

An affiliate member of a Sanguinarium household, who is still in the outer circle and not yet initiated. Often has gone through the Rite or Oath of Dedication and has been sponsored by a full member of a house such as a Isro or Elder. They are also testing their place in the family. Bellah are also known as "dedicants" or "pledges". Bellah are mentored, protected and guided by all more senior House members and cherished similarly to children. Typically, the mentor or Adra of a Bellah is responsible in part for their apprentice's behavior and actions.

Bigliad (Formal, House Eclipse)

A vampire drawn to help, heal and otherwise aid other vampires through magic, counseling or simply being there for others in time of need. These vampires are cherished for their wisdom, grace and kindness and often become teachers of apprentices in the arts of healing. They rarely choose leadership roles or postitions, finding the hassle and strife irritating or harmful to their gentle natures. Instead they choose a vampire or group to ally with, usually on the condition of being left out of feuds and arguments. The word is taken from the Enochian word meaning "Comforter" and is similar to the Kheprian word "Kitra" and the caste it describes.

Black Swan* (formal, Sanguinarium)

A non-vampire lover or friend who is not a vampire by nature or an Unawakened vampire, but who is nevertheless favorably inclined towards Vampires. They may or may not frequent vampire nightclubs and usually understand the demands of existence as a vampire. Black swans are often family, friends and donors who can aid vampires in coming to terms with their natures with their willingness to keep an open mind. Occasionally a Black Swan will Awaken due to the proximity of vampires and their Beacon. An alternate term is Kithani. See also White Swan.

Black Veil *(formal, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)"The thirteen rules of the community", written by Father Todd and amended by Michelle Belanger of House Kheperu. The Black Veil encourages respect among members of the vampire scene regardless of their different traditions and urges vampires to be sensible and discrete in their lifestyles. The Black Veil is sometimes also known as the Thirteen Rules of The Community. There are many different versions in existence, all of which have their adherents. All are basically the same idea with different expressions and degrees.
2. (Sanguinarius) Also known as the "Thirteen Rules of Community". Composed by Michelle Belanger, Father Todd Sebastian and COVICA, this is a set of 13 common-sense guidelines for the Sanguinarium as well as the vampire community. It deals with such things as responsibility, etiquette, feeding practices, the lifestyle, discretion, etc. The Black Veil has undergone several major revisions since its first incarnation in 1997 in attempts to be made more applicable and palatable to the real vampire community and not just the Sanguinarium; in 2003, it was revised once again and cut down to just seven tenets.

Blood (general, Illuminatti)

Blood is nourishment for a sanguine vampire. It is also called lifefood, food or life essence.

Blood and Roses: (formal, OSV)

A rather overdramatic term for a wedding performed between two members of OSV in their wedding ritual. To many this seems inappropriate since the OSV is extremely intolerant of Sangine vampires and consistently tries to push the idea that they must learn to subsist on energy alone, or that at least they are being unsafe.

Blood-Bars*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)Rumored underground vampire havens, which have a members-only and very secretive policy. They are only open members of the community, if then. It is said they serve stored blood and/or have willing donors who provide blood over a bar. Certainly if they exist they are only a part of local underground societies of vampires. Also refers to a bar or nightclub where open feeding is permitted and accepted as normal. All members of a blood-bar go through rigorous disease screening and testing. Some groups who believe in the existence of the Ageless think that blood-bars are inspired by their legendary exploits.
2. (Sanguinarius)Rumored underground vampire havens, which have a members-only and very secretive policy. They are only open to properly initiated (usually through a coven) members of the community, if then. It is said they serve stored blood and/or have willing donors who provide blood over a bar. Certainly if they exist they are only a part a of a local population's Cabal.

Blood Bond*(general, Sanguinarium, Sanguinarius, Illuminatti)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium )Among Sanguinarium members, this refers to two or more people who have been tested for STDs and blood born diseases. (2a) A rite, ritual or ceremony marking a commitment to a coven or an individual. (3a) A term to reflect a vampire marriage. (4a) A formalized alliance or link between two vampires who drink each other's blood on several occasions, creating an empathic link. This bond can enable these vampires to develop each other's abilities over time. They can also be an uncomfortable burden if the two vampires cease to get along.
2 (Sanguinarius)1b.) A strong, sometimes undesired, bond or attraction which can develop in a donor towards the vampire he or she is feeding; this bond can be a mutual thing between both the vampire and his or her donor, but often is felt only by the donor.2b.) A rite, ritual or ceremony marking a commitment to a coven or an individual. It is also a term to reflect a vampiric marriage.
3. (Illuminati) The promise of love or protection made by the giving of one's blood to another.

Blood Doll: (Sanguinarius, White Wolf)

1. (White Wolf)A blood donor or one who engages in donating or bloodsports for erotic or attention seeking reasons, or as part of a fetish.
2. (Sangiunarius)Someone who gives blood in hopes of looking cool and/or who may have erotic desires fufilled by being fed on.

Blood-drinker (general, Sanguinarius)

Anyone who drinks blood, regardless of motivation.

Bloodist:* (general, NightPoe)

A term originally created by NightPoe to describe someone who is erotically attracted to the sight, smell or taste of blood or the process of extracting it. Other sexual fetishes, including sadism and masochism can accompany bloodism or blood fetishism. Blood fetishists have no physical need to ingest blood. The blood is usually drawn during sexual or fetish play, as in BDSM situations.

Blood Fetish: (general, Illuminatti)

The sight of, smell of or taste of blood as an object of sexual arousal.

Blood-fetishist (general, Sanguinarius and BDSM)

Someone who is erotically attracted to the sight, taste or smell of blood. Other sexual fetishes, including sadism and masochism, often accompany blood-fetishism. Blood-fetishists generally have no physical need to consume blood, and will usually be happy with small amounts. The blood is usually taken during sexual or fetish play, as in a bondage or domination situation.

Blood-junkie *(slang)

1. (Sanguinarium)A derogatory term for someone who experiences the physical need to consume blood. Particularly refers to a sanguine that has no control over their thirst and goes around feeding indiscriminately. Often a problem in those who Awaken with no mentor to teach the strict self-discipline necessary to function as a vampire and control the Beast. See also the Thirst and Sanguine.
2. (Sanguinairus) A derogatory term for someone who experiences the physical need to consume blood, a sanguinarian (see also "the Thirst", "sanguinarian"). Particularly refers to one who has no control over his/her thirst and goes around feeding indiscriminately.

Bloodletting *(general, Sanguinarius)

1.The physical act of cutting or piercing the flesh in order to extract blood. This is commonly used for blood play, fetishism and feeding. Still considered a medical practice in some parts of the world. (See also "bloodplay".)

bloodlust: (general, Illuminatti)
br> The blinding need for blood. A vampire feels bloodlust when the need is just short of the state referred to in this system as The Beast.

Bloodplay* (general, Sanguinarius)

Similar to bloodletting, blood play is the act of using blood in sexual or fetish situations. Blood play can also refer to the integration of blood and bloodletting in ritual. This is not a safe-sex practice, so all participants should be carefully screened before being allowed to participate. (See also "bloodletting".)

Blood Rush *(general, House Eclipse)

The feeling of strength, ecstasy, euphoria and clarity felt by a vampire after feeding. This is usually accompanied by a similar feeling in the donor called the Swoon or Rapture by the Sanguinarium, though House Eclipse uses the same term for both participants. It is thought to be brought on partially by the rush of endorphins brought on by the incision in sang vampires or the influx of energy in psivamps.

Bloodsharing partner: (General, Sanguinarus)

A more appealing term for a donor. Some donors dislike being called "donors", as they feel it somehow belittles them or their role in their vampires' lives.

Blood vamp (General, Sanguinarius)

A short form of "blood vampire", or sanguinarian.

Blood-Vampire: (general, Internet)

Blood vampires have a strong craving for blood or a vampire whose only source of energy is blood. In some theories blood vampirism is - from an evolutionary point of view - a very early stage of vampirism. At a later time of his life a vampire is able to learn a more subtle form of feeding. In contrary to this some blood vampires claim to be the only true kind of vampire, or at least the most basic and honest type.

Born (born vampire): (Formal, Illuminatti)

The tie when the need or urge to drink human blood is first recognized.

Cabal*(Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)The Cabals are a formal term for a society of true sanguine vampires with the actual vampiric condition. Cabals can include the Blood bars, Temples and other locations where vampires can be completely open about their natures. Cabals are selective in their screening process for new members and often observe a person for quite a while before approaching them. Posers, fakes, lifestylers and roleplayers are NOT welcomed here, only those who have been formally confirmed to have the vampiric condition. Often a House is the public face or Outer Circle for a Cabal. The head of a local Cabal is supposed to be an elected leader known as a Najgja. However most have never heard of such a term and simply consider this another description of a vampiric House that does not allow posers and fakes. See also Najgja, Grotto, Sanguinarium.
2. (Sanguinarius)The far-underground "shadow" community of sanguinarians in a particular geographic location. Few even believe they exist and Cabals include the Bloodbars and other unknown things. Cabals are very selective as to who even knows who is a member.

Cain:(general, biblical, Illuminatti)

The first son of Adam and Eve, made a vampire by Lilith. Cain is the progenitor of a clan line of vampires seperate from The Clan of Lilith.

Cainites (general, Sanguinarium)

An order or movement within the vampire community, which suggests that Cain was the father of vampires. This belief may strongly be influenced by Vampire: the Masquerade, which also depicts Caine as the father of vampires, although devout Cainites insist that their tradition existed first and was only borrowed by the White Wolf system. In general, the belief hinges upon the fact that Caine was the first murderer and that when God sent him out to wander in the world, and cursed him with immortality. Some Lilithian traditions link Caine with Lilith. This connection has also been accepted by White Wolf and fully explored in "Revelations of the Dark Mother." Whether this belief in Caine originated with the role-playing system or was adapted by them is nearly impossible to determine. It is true that Caine had been a dark and brooding figure in myth and fiction prior to the White Wolf system, but it is unlikely that he was ever clearly depicted as vampiric before then. Most Cainit es are said to drink blood, although they also supplement this with life-energy.

Caninus Lupus*(formal, Sanguinarium)

Said by OSV to be the largest of the Therian tribes. This term is not used outside the OSV.Some consider this a tradition of vampirism., which is shamanistic/tribal in nature, while others look at it as something completely different from the vampiric condition. It is someone who chooses to expand upon the beast and relates many of his or her philosophies to the ecology of the wolf. Also seen as those who have both Shapeshifter and Vampiric natures combined.

Calmae*(formal, Sanguinarium)

Supposedly meaning "Quiet" or "Keeper of Secrets", It is the third OSV ordeal or initiation, in which the individual being adept in the Outer Teachings of the OSV can now become a full member of a House or Order. Also has been used to refer to a fully initiated member of a Sanguinarium household who usually has gone through the Rite of Transformation and made an Oath of Brotherhood or Sisterhood. Calmae are neither elders nor fledglings; they are those who have been properly initiated (usually through a Coven), prove themselves and mastered knowledge of the Black Veil, the Lexicon, their Beast, basic sangomancy (depending on House and Tradition) and other details of the vampiric community. They are comfortable with and have a basic understanding of their vampiric condition; many have discovered what caste they are a part of. Calmae are generally permitted to sponsor fledglings. They are also known to take on their own donors and are signified by a red stone in their si gil. There is a somewhat similar level called Isro in the Eclipsan system.

Castes/Roads* (general, House Kheperu)

Introduced to the Sanguinarium by the Kheprian Order, the road system (known as castes in the Kheprian system) is customary for those who pass the third ordeal (Isro) commit to a road to focus on. The three roads include Kitra (councilors), Mradu (guardians/warriors) and Ramkht (deacons). The system of roads is supposed to be more detailed in the Scroll of Calmae, the third Scroll of Elorath in the Vampyre Grimoire. This triumvirate system is used by it's adherents to allow a balance and exchange of energy within families, virtually each road feeding from the other and strengthening the bond between members of a household. This system also used to help create a strong and organized household, with all members fulfilling their various roles within the community and contributing to the whole. 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 once th ey have been formally initiated into the family. Some Houses also accept and recognize lesser subdivisions and archetypes called Paths.

Cenoquodi (formal, House Eclipse)

This word designates a vampire drawn to the occult, to service to a deity or other such being and one with the natural instinct and talent for leadership. Many such vampires learn magic, divination, ritual and other arts and often serve as both spiritual and general leaders in the vampire community. Not all Cenoquodi are leaders, as some prefer solitude, study and neutrality without the burdens and demands associated with organization. There are dangers associated with this caste and personality type, as many become dependant on the reverence and energies of thier followers, descending into culthood, egotism and narcisissm. Still, if properly taught and posessed of enough self discipline, these vampries are great assests to thier individual communities and the Community as a whole. This comes from the Enochian word for "Minister" and corresponds somewhat to the Ramkht or priest caste of the Kheprian system, though a Cenoquodi may also be a warrior, politician or healer.< br>
Chi (general, Asian Religions and Sanguinarius)

Chi is the Chinese term for life-energy. It is also often referred to as pranic energy or life force. Chi is the bio-electrical energy, which runs our bodies on a subtle level. Energy vampires and many psi-vamps believe that they can manipulate chi and feed upon it to sate their hungers.It is believed by some that to a certain extent, blood vampires also feed upon chi, for a great deal of this subtle energy is believed to be concentrated into the blood. See "psychic energy".

Childe* (formal, White Wolf)

A fledgling who is apprenticed to a "sire" and taught The Black Veil and the ins-and-outs of the Vampyre scene. Once they have learned these rules, they can be presented to the Elder of their household or Court through a ceremony of recognition. Although taken originally from the role-playing system Vampire: the Masquerade, "childe" has been integrated into the common jargon of the OSV. Most other groups refuse to use it due to it's roleplaying origin.

Clutch: (general, Illuminatti)

A small coven or branch of a House; can be related. Can also be called a Coven or Pack. Usually geographically centered and has 3-13 members. Just as a group of lions is called a pride of lions, a group of vampires is called a clutch of vampires.

Clan:* (general, White Wolf, Illuminatti)

One name for a vampire extended family in the Illuminatti system. Not used often due to it's roleplaying connotations.

Clan Line:(Formal, Illuminatti)

A vampire's lineage in the Illuminatti system, traced through each sire or maker in the line. The clan line also includes descendants.

Classical Vampire (general, NightPoe)

NightPoe uses the following description of Classical vampires on her website. It is similar to the Eclipsan description of the Ageless. Essentially in her system, a Classical is a person infected with a specific vampire retrovirus that causes sever and drastic changes in the body and mind of the one infected. Infection is only done on purpose not accidentally. Classicals are tough, extremely long lived and very remote from mundane affairs. She describes them as very mentally cold, psychic and posessing the stereotypical vampire ego. This is also a term that describes the type of vampire very similar to those known from Stoker's writings. Usually a classical vampire has been turned by an older vampire. Some theories devide them into two categories: A categorie ONE vampire has a very extended life span of more than 150 years. A categorie TWO vampire has a normal lifespan like any human. They can be read about in detail on her website.

Clinical Vampirism (Medical, Sangiunarius)

A psychological condition, such as Renfield’s Syndrome, in which the afflicted person experiences a psychological urge to drink blood. This urge is often satisfied with their own blood, and sufferers of clinical vampirism typically bear slashes from razors and knives up and down their arms from where they have drawn blood from themselves. Particularly sociopath forms of clinical vampirism drive sufferers to attack and sometimes (although rarely) even kill other people in order to drink their blood. A related condition is known as SMS, or Self-Mutilation Syndrome. This newly named pathology is becoming alarmingly common in American youths. Sufferers of SMS, often known as cutters, feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disease. Most sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or emotional pain onto their bodies. *See a lso SMS "Self-Mutilation Syndrome", and Renfield's Syndrome.

Coming Out of the Coffin*(general, Sanguinarius and Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) Similar to the term used for Gays (except they "come out of the closet"). Coming Out of the Coffin involves being open or frank with people about being a vampire, 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 people in the vampire scene choose to be "in the coffin" and are not public about their nature outside of the community or scene. Coming out can be quite dangerous and damaging for those whose friends and family are unprepared, and is not generally recommended.
2. (Sanguinarius) He-he...couldn't resist. This means the same thing that it means for Gays (except they come out of the closet...). Involves being open or frank with people about being a vampire, 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 people in the vampiric community choose to be "in the coffin" and are not public about their lifestyle outside of the community or scene.

Communion Feeding* (formal, House Sahjaza)

Often referred to simply as feeding by vampires outside OSV and House Sahjaza, this is a term coined by House Sahjaza to refer to one of many types of consensual or honorable and "karmatically balanced" feeding, ranging from pure energy draws (pranic) to emotional, to sexual (tantric and of course the most classical through blood (Sanguinarian). Communion is only used when feeding is done with ethics and on a consensual basis. It also should only be used to describe feeding from screened and tested vampires and donors. Communion is said to take place in several forms, such as unconscious, ambient, sympathetic, astral, tactile, visual, temporal and sanguine. Many vampires consider this a rude or blasphemous perversion of the word used in the Christian religion and thus will not use it.

Companion (General, House Eclipse)

A mundane or vampiric ally, aide, friend or supporter of a vampire who accepts their choices and life as a vampire or member of another House than theirs in the Eclipsan system. These can be lovers, donors, business partners, allies, advisers, relatives or friends. Formally termed Kithan, in the Eclipsan tradition, they are full House members if they should wish it with a vote for those who have been with the House for a while or a voice at meetings for newcomers. Companions are cherished and revered for the gift of life they give vampires and no decent vampire would ever harm or threaten a Companion. They are the supports that keep us on our feet in rough times.

Concubine/ Kitra*(House Kheperu)

In the vampiric caste system, started by the Kheprian Order, Concubines are vampires whose primary function is to facilitate the work of others. Concubines, also known as Counselors, are generally paired with members of the Priestly caste. In the Concubine-Priest pair, the Concubine is the less public partner who serves as donor, advisor and magical partner. Concubines are trained to meet the greater needs of the Priestly caste as well as to offer partnership and emotional support. Ritual work is often done with the Priest leading the ritual while the Concubine serves as the center or focus of power, sometimes referred to as the altar. See also, Councilor, Kitra. On rare occasions, Concubines or Counselors can be non-vampires.

Consort (general, House Eclipse)

The closest thing many vampires get to marriage, as many vampires are not monogamous by nature. A consort is a Mundane or Otherkin lover (A vampiric Consort is usually termed a Co-Consort) who is many things to the vampire. Consorts are usually blood bonded to the vampire and often to their Pack or Circle as well They may vote in the vampire's absence, though this differs from bonding to bonding. Consorts usually are donors and are tested regularly. They are treated as being of the same rank as their bond mate, whether they are Mundane, Otherkin or vampiric. If the vampire rises in rank, so does the consort. If the vampire blunders, respect for the Consort is lost as well. Should the Consort behave foolishly, the vampire will suffer too. Consorts are often business partners, amateur psychologists, councilors, sparring partners, political allies or magical partners, and, of course, friends.
In Eclipsan tradition, Consorts can be up to a foursome or on very rare occasions even more, though usually it is a pair that bonds. The relationship is not always monogamous, as long as both bond mates agree. Sometimes Co-Consorts will go out to find lovers together or enjoy BDSM activities together or as a group. Often two sets of vampires and consorts will bond together to form a Pack or Circle or even with more to form a House.
Vampires and consorts will eventually grow in different directions, and this too is accepted. A Consort may leave a vampire or vice versa as long as it is mutually agreed upon, and usually they will remain close friends. If a quarrel ensues, it is often very painful for both bond mates, and usually they will seek mediation for their difficulties. If a Consort and vampire separate, all the Consorts rank that they share with the vampire is lost, unless the Consort has gained rank on their own.

Councilor/Kitra*(House Kheperu)

Serve a multitude of functions within the community. They are lovers and donors, counselors and confidants. In ritual, they often serve as altars, acting as the fulcrum of power between a Mradu and a Ramkht when rites are performed. Most (but not all) Kitra are submissive, offering themselves in spirit and flesh to their Mradu or Ramkht. Kitra are also often skilled donors and keep their energy in top form to feed members of their household, and often are the keepers of a household's "Golden Circle" to use the Illuminatti term. They are often very sensual people, trained in the arts of lovemaking and entertainment for the pleasure of the household, thus highly sexually charged. This road is modeled from the example temple concubines, young men and women pledged to their temples, who offered service through their flesh. These concubines were highly valued and cherished by the priests and warriors they served. On rare occasions, Concubines or Counselors can be non-vampires. S ome groups find this description demeaning and use other terms and systems for similar individuals but without the overtones of submission or outright slavery.

Court*(formal, Sanguinarium)

1. Is a chapter and gathering of the Sanguinarium, which is a geographically based cocktail party where members of various households, seekers and ronin gather for celebration, training, socialization, ritual and education. A council of elected Magisters' is usually established as the officers of the court to plan itinerary, manage the court e-list, and set the location and date.
2. A monthly social event which is much like a "town meeting" for members of the Sanguinarium in a specific geographical area. Court is usually held once a month at a local tea house,lounge or haven, and only vampires and Black Swans are welcome. This is an opportunity to socialize with others in the scene outside of havens or nightclubs. News and announcements are made, poetry is read, new households, children, Isro and Elders are introduced. Here, sanguines are generally free to escape mundane society. The host of a Court is usually a locally respected Elder or Acolyte who secures a date, time, venue and promotes the event. See also the now outdated term Moot.

Coven*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (General) Often refers to a small group of vampires ranging from as few as three to as many as thirteen. They are often branches of a household’s family tree. * Also see clutch.
2. (OSV and Sangiunarium)Covens are groups of individuals and organizations who embellish the vampire/vampire lifestyle; who band together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and rites. Covens range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. Depending on their background, size and geographic location, Covens are referred to as Clutches and Circles for smaller groups; and Legacies, Households and Clans for larger groups. Those who belong to more than one coven are known as "Kithal". Some covens have "sub covens", which refer to a branch of the family tree. The organization and purpose of each Coven varies from fraternal (House Sabretooth), religious (Temple of the Vampire), or family (Clan of Lilith). Some of the titles given to leaders of covens include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Matriarch or Coven Master. There are no requirements for forming a Coven other than a grou p of people getting together, choosing a sigil, name and theme. Yet, to become recognized by the scene is a challenge as a reputation, respect and name must be built and earned. Currently some of the better known Covens are: House Sabretooth, House Omallie, Maven lore, Della Noir, Blackdove, House Kheperu and Trylesta.
3. (Sangiunarius)Groups of individual vampires or vampyre lifestylers, usually but not always located within a certain geographic area, who have banded together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and/or rites. Covens range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. The organization and purpose of each Coven varies from fraternal (House Sahjaza); religious (Church of the Vampire - not to be confused with the Vampire Church); or familial (Clan of Lilith). Some titles given to leaders of Covens include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Matriarch or Coven Master. There are no requirements for forming a Coven other than a group of people getting together, choosing a sigil, name and theme.

COVICA *(formal, Sangiunarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sangiunarium) A council of elders drawn from many different households and courts whose purpose is to help network the community, standardize language and terminology, and encourage cooperation, if not outright unification between the diverse aspects of the vampire scene. COVICA stands for Council of Vampiric International Community Affairs. Not everyone believes COVICA is a good idea, and many think that the group purposely refuses membership to certain people or groups for discriminatory or personal reasons.
2. (Sangiunarius)The now apparently defunct Council of Elders drawn from many different traditions whose purpose is to help network the community, standardize language and terminology, and encourage cooperation, if not outright unification between the diverse aspects of the Sanguinarium and vampire communities. COVICA stands for Council Of Vampyric International Community Affairs.

Cousin: (formal, House Quinotaur)

A member of House Quinotaur. Cousins are ranked from 1st to 9th. 9th Cousins are outer circle members and can be virtually anyone. 8th cousins and higher are open to all those with the fundamental need to exchange energy as long as they agree to follow the Veil/Black Veil/13 Rules of Community. The ranks of Cousins are:

9th Cousin:

Anyone with the fundamental need to exchange energy who officially makes themselves known to House Quinotaur. You are free to follow whatever you desire, always knowing you have a Home with us and a Family to look out for you. 8th Cousin:

Anyone with the fundamental need to exchange energy who agrees to follow the Veil and makes themselves known to House Quinotaur. Quinotaurii of this rank and higher must believe in the possibility of the Merovingian Theory and honour the Veil. Only Quinotaurii of this rank or higher may be permanently accepted into the offline community of House Quinotaur. 7th Cousin:

Any Quinotauri who abides by the description of 8th Cousin and can exchange energy on 2 different levels. 6th Cousin:

Any Quinotauri who abides by the description of 8th Cousin and can exchange energy on 3 different levels. 5th Cousin:

Any Quinotauri who abides by the description of 8th Cousin and can exchange energy on 4 different levels. 4th Cousin:

The leader of a Territory for House Quinotaur. Cousins of this rank or better should be able to drain energy on 4 levels. Leaders of Territories are formally known as Brother/Sister but may have any title the Quinotaurii of their Territory agree upon. 3rd Cousin:

The leader of a Realm for House Quinotaur. Also known as Aunt or Uncle. 2nd Cousin:

The leader of 1 of the 8 Dominions of House Quinotaur. Also known as Father/Mother. 1st Cousin:

Any Quinotauri who has proven their Lineage by tracing it back to Merovech.

Cnila Bahal (Formal, House Eclipse)

This is the strong instinctive recognition most sangs feel when encountering other sangs. It does not seem present to as great a degree in psivamps. Sang vampires can feel an instinctive recognition on a primal level of eachother, and with practice, even the level of the vamp so sensed. There are many theories behind this, ranging from mystical to simple pheremonal cues. This ability is present in all Sangs but must be trained and worked at for proficiency. Similar to the Beacon of OSV, and comes from the Enochain words for "The Loud Calling of the Blood".

Crimson Dance* (formal, Sanguinarium)

The Strigoi Vii holiday held on Valentine's Day which reflects the romance and erotica of the vamp subculture. Also a term for the seduction of a donor, including when such is done without fully explaining what is happening to said new donor, which is highly unethical.

Crimson Swan *(Formal, OSV)

The OSV term for a blood donor. Also called M'kheru in the Eclipsan system.

Crystal Swan* (Formal, OSV)

The OSV term for a Pranic donor.

Cutters (medical, Sanguinarius)

See Self-Mutilation Syndrome.

Dhampir: (general, Illuminatti)

A next generation vampire or the child by blood of a vampire.

Dhampyri/Born vampires*(general, Sanguinarium)

These vampires are born with the vampiric condition active or Awaken before puberty, and grow up completely knowing they are "different". This condition is extremely rare and many end up being solitaries, if not raised by parents who are vampires.

Dayside/Solus*(formal, Sanguinarium)

The material side of the twilight balance; IE: paying taxes or rent, going to work, birth family, etc. Also any mundane issues that prevent one from attending vampiric events or shape one's behavior and appearance.

Dodsih (formal, House Eclipse)

A fake vampire of any type. These range from teenagers on computers seeking recognition and respect without earning it by using fake titles and claiming grandiose things to roleplayers so wrapped up in their artificial personalities that they try to forget their real life. None are true vampires though some may choose to dress like the foolish Hollywood stereotype or even wear fake fangs and convince others they are vampires. Usually these people are lonely, pathetic individuals with no social interaction outside these lies. The Eclipsan system considers such people fools at best and at worst dangerously off center individuals who need psychological counseling. This is comparable to the OSV term of "Gaja" though we do NOT believe in even talking to these individuals, much less allowing them into vampiric groups and events.

Dominus* (formal, Sanguinarium)

A "high elder" and often the leaders or most senior members of a household in the Sanguinarium system. Among the dominus are the high priests (Azra is used in the text though it is mentioned only in passing elsewhere) and primus (founders) of the family. In the Kheprian system dominus are 3rd degree. Dominus often lead covens, organize Houses and watch over Havens. A similar but not identical term is the Eclipsan Vran.

Donor*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) Someone who shares his or her blood or life energy, without obligation. Many donors enter into partnerships with vampires. These partnerships are often also sexual in nature, although they do not have to be. Many donors prefer to be monogamous, offering themselves to just one vampire at a time. Some donors will offer themselves to entire covens, provided their offerings are appreciated and not abused. Donors are cherished and protected by responsible vampires and are often given gifts in return for their services. They are honored affiliates of a House or coven. See also Source.
2. (Sanguinarius)Someone who gives or shares their blood or life-energy, without obligation. Many donors prefer to offer themselves to just one vampire, but some donors will offer of themselves to entire covens, provided their offerings are appreciated and not abused. (See also "source", "supplier")

Donor Swans: (formal, OSV)

In the OSV terminology, someone who shares thier blood or life energy without obligation. Many donors enter into partenrships with vampires. These partnerships may often be sexual in nature, although they do not have to be so. Many donors prefer to be monogamous, offering their gifts to just one vampire at a time. Some donors will offer themselves to an entire House or Order, provided that their offerings are appreciated and not abused. There are several types of donor swans in the OSV system including Crystal Swans (pranic or psi energy), Crimson Swans (Sanguine) and Amber Swans (Pranic and Sanguine). In the Eclipsan system, all nonvampiric allies of vampires are called Kithani and all donors given the title of M'kheru. (see also source or Kitra)

Dragon, The*(formal, Sanguinarium)

The Dragon is the "hunger" or the "thirst" of vampire fiction and mythology according to OSV, as well as somehow being the Higher Self in this tradition. It is the draw to consume pranic energy, which can often manifest as a blood lust or as an emotional vampire. As one follows the Strigoi Vii path, the Dragon may manifest as a temptation or draw to one's night side. The primal nature of a vampire, interpreted by this group as primal fire. Some traditions believe that this is what causes the Hunger or Thirst. In the OSV it is also considered the inner light or higher self and supposedly can be mastered with the development of the Will, meditation, dreamwalking and thier concept of the Twilight balanc, which originally is a concept created by the Temple of the Vampire. The Dragon is referred to in the OSV tradition as being our true self, our creative fire, our power and our potential to supposedly somehow become superhuman. Eclipsans call this the Beast or Khaibit.

Dream Festival: (formal, OSV)

A holiday celebrated by members of OSV that falls on the Summer Solstice and that is used to celebrate their Dayside existence, including birth family and donors. This is an adaptation of a Wiccan and Pagan holiday for use by the OSV.

Elder *(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) A prominent member of the vampire community who is honored and respected for their experience, accomplishments and devotion. Elders are often those individuals who have helped establish a community, organize courts or havens, or coordinate the networking of the community. Most elders are responsible and levelheaded, but some have been slightly unbalanced by personal problems with their condition. These Elders have a hard time maintaining their Dayside existence. Other Elders are confident enough to be totally out of the coffin and try to educate the mundane public about our condition. See also the Eclipsan term Vran.
2. (Sanguinarius) A prominent member of the vampiric community who is honored and respected for his or her experience, knowledge, willingness to help others, accomplishments and devotion. Elders are often those individuals who have helped establish a community, organize groups, or help network the community.

Elorath*(formal, Sanguinarium)

According to the OSV, this is the great vampiric essence and the vampiric astral spirits, called by the Temple of the Vampire the Undead Gods. This is one of the inner teachings of OSV. Some say this term evolved from the word "el-or-ath", which is the Atlantian term for a vampiric spirit. However, this is unlikely. Most people accept that it was simply made up by the Sanguinarium. Within the Sanguinarium this is a term referring to the phenomenon of the allure of people being drawn together to live the vampire lifestyle. It is expressed through vampires seeking out others like themselves and forming the "vampire scene". Since the birth of the Internet and the success of Anne Rice and Vampire: the Masquerade, people have identified themselves with this lifestyle. Unfortunately, this causes many posers and foolish mundanes who fool themselves into thinking they wish to be what they think a vampire is. These people have in the past been preyed upon by less than honorable members of the community.

Elorathian*(formal, Sanguinarium)

This is a term for the vampire language, which is only taught to Isro of COVICA related covens. Many believe that this language is completely made up and substitute the term for formal words of the OSV vampiric lexicon.

Embrace (general, White Wolf, Sanguinarius)

1. (Sanguinarius) A hug. Since turning or awakening someone does not involve any sort of hug, where the vampire wraps his arms around them, drawing them close so he can bite them on the neck to feed/turn them into a vampire, (a la Dracula/Christopher Lee), this should not be necessarily defined as such, -- regardless of the mis usage of the word by others. Embrace does not mean turning, but it is an incredibly romantic word for an event, which, in a lot of people's minds, is extremely pseudo sexual and erotic (see "turned" and "awakened").
2. (OSV) According to OSV, this is the process known as the Becoming, the embrace is the welcome acceptance or adoption of the vampiric nature, condition, experience and the OSV philosophy. This is a total turnaround from previous Sanguinarium and OSV uses of the terms, which were similar to that of Sanguinarius, and most people will avoid the term in any use with vampirism due to it's roleplaying connotations.

Emotional vampire*(slang, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

See "psychic vampire", sense 2 and especially "psychological vampirism". A Sanguinarium term for a Drama King/Queen adapted from Sanguinarius who tries to attract attention through their behavior and feeds off being the center of attention.

Endless Night Festival*(general, Sanguinarium)

Held annually by the House Sahjaza for the rest of the Sanguinarium, the Endless Night Festival claimed by them to be the largest gathering of vampires run by vampires in North America. It is traditionally held in either New York or New Orleans on the weekend closest to Halloween. It is comprised of two events, the Vampire's Ball one night and the Dark Bazaar the day before with merchants, seminars, tea parties and art shows, etc. For more info visit www.endlessnight.com. Unfortunately, many vampires have no way of attending due to mundane and financial concerns. It is seen as a gathering of community elders, but it is mostly a social event that brings in money for it's organizers.

Energy Signature (general, Sanguinarius)

The pattern of energy, vibes, or the feeling that is unique to each individual; a person's psi 'fingerprint' identifiable in real life or astrally and oftentimes left behind long after a person has gone. Vampires supposedly have a particular kind of energy signature, and those who can pick up on this can identify them as vampires. An energy sig is different from a presence, though you can feel the presence of someone's energy, too. (See also "beacon")

Energy Vampire (general, Sanguinarius)

An individual who has a need to feed upon the life force of others. Most energy vampires feed upon chi or pranic energy and avoid drinking blood. Some intermingle energy vampirism with blood drinking. Also referred to as psi-vamps, most energy vampires exhibit the same characteristics that distinguish other real vampires, including light sensitivity, a nocturnal lifestyle, and periods of the Hunger or Thirst. *(See also "chi", "hunger", "psychic vampire", "real vampire", "thirst") . Two new terms for this type of vampirism are the Ancient Egyptian Shef Usheb, and the Enochian Lonshi Talhon.

Eophan*(general, House Eclipse)

A polite term for one who is an enemy of the community, intolerant to vampirism or otherwise hostile but still comes into contact with us for whatever reason. Some bored and lonely people seek to gain attention and respect by claiming to "hunt" or "Slay" vampires, which is of course murder and illegal for good reason. Others have for whatever reason left the community and feel antagonism towards it. Still others have religious/moral injunctions against vampires and vampirism. The equivalent OSV term is White Swan.

Excommunicated (general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) See Ravass Bhavatan, Invisibles and Sin Nomine. Those who have been ostracized from the OSV section of the community due to their being percieved as comitting a serious crime in the eyes of some member of this group, usually those in the higher ranks. The crimes the OSV punishes with Excommunication are those that are seen as jeapordizing someone else's safety (though in practical terms this often seems to outsiders as simply jeapordizing the group or a member by telling an unpleasant truth publicly) or disregarding the Black Veil (which was never meant to be enforced according to it's writers statements and the beliefs of those who originally adopted it). Those who have been excomunnicated are no longer permitted by the ruling body of the OSV, the Council of Nine to interact with members of the OSV, it's sub groups and included or allied Houses.
2. (Sanguinarius) Cast out of a coven or the vampiric community as a whole. (See also "Invisibles", "Sin nomine")

Extraction: (general, Illuminatti)

In the Illuminatti system this term is from a vampire's bloodline, descendants.

Faboan (formal, House Eclipse)

A vampire or person who is called one or pretends to be one who has proved themself incapable of handling the demands of thier Hunger or everyday life and keeping their egoes in check, or a delusional mundane who desperately wants to be a vampire and convinces themselves that they are one. Also any person who members of House Eclipse feels presents a definite danger to them. Such people break the law, commiting crimes ranging from illegal substance distribution and abuse to rape and murder. They feel superior to other people and thus feel no qualms about using, abusing, hurting, lying to or even killing them. This is the result of a weak mind and poor teaching, or being taught incorrectly that vampires are somehow superior to mundanes. Faboan may risk themselves or the health of donors by not getting tested for diseases or using unsafe feeding methods, as they often have severe delusions of grandeur. These vampires are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. This term also applies to any person classified by history or the media as vampires, whether or not they posess the actual vampiric condition. Examples are Kyle Hubert, the Vampire Killer or Nico Claux, the Vampire of Paris. This word comes from the Enochian term meaning "Poison". This is in some ways like the concept of "Sin Nomine" but is not applicable to vampires who merely annoy or disagree with a House and are exiled from it.

Fangs (general)

According to many legends and most modern stories, fiction, movies and the like, Ageless vampires naturally grow sharpened and pointed incisor and canine teeth after becoming vampires. These are used for puncturing the skin so the vampire may drink the blood of those they feed on. Many vampires as well as Mundane imitators have caps made to fit over their teeth that look like fangs, and some sets are quite sharp. It is very dangerous to feed using fangs, as the fangs make puncture wounds, which often get infected and the saliva can carry many dangerous diseases, such as herpes, hepatitis, HIV and tetanus. Thus most vampires use them as a form of jewelry or because they find the look of them appeals to their Beast or Khaibit. Fangs may be used for an occasional nibble but should never be used to break the skin.

Fangsmith *(formal, Sanguinarium)

An OSV term for an individual who is trained in making fangs for members of any community that might need them. They are commonly referred to as "father" or "mother" by the Sanguinarium, though others refuse to use these terms and find them silly. According to the OSV, the above titles are due to the concept that supposedly those having fangs made are somehow involved in a ritualistic process while aquiring custom made fangs, that can act as a catalyst to awakening. Only the OSV ascribes to this theory. To everyone else, they are business people only to most, hold no specific rank due to their practice and are not necessarily members of a House or Coven.

Family (general, Sanguinarius)

A term used by many people to describe their coven or their close circle of vampires and friends. Also, a general term for all members of the vampiric community.

Family of Night* (General, OSV)

A term used by many people in the OSV to describe their coven or their close circle of vampires and allied otherkin or Black Swan friends. It is also used as a general term for all members of the vampire community. Others find this term pretentious and simply refer to the vampire community as exactly that.

Family Dentist (general, Sanguinarium)

The OSV word for a fang smith. This term is misleading and should be stringently avoided as fang makers hardly ever have any dental training and should not be referred to by a title they have not earned.

Fashion Vampire*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)Someone who just dresses the part for whatever reason. The fashion vamps are only into the aesthetics (fangs, contacts, fashion) and not the philosophy or spirituality of the lifestyle. Most real vampires hate Gaja, refuse to associate with them and mock them openly. They are damaging to real vampires, as their presence among us makes us all look like fakes. * Also see Gaja.
2. (Sanguinarius)This is not a type of actual vampire. Someone who does not have the vampiric condition, and who just dresses the part. The fashion vamps are only into the aesthetics (fangs, contacts, fashion) and not the philosophy or spirituality of the lifestyle -- think "fashion victim". (See also "wannabe" and "poser")

Festival of Radiant Life *(formal, Sanguinarium)

A Strigoi Vii holiday, which falls on the summer solstice and celebrates the Dayside, mundane family and donors. A vampiric adaptation of the celebration of an ancient Pagan holiday.

Feeders* (general or slang, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius)

1. (Illuminatti) A hungry vampire or vampires, the opposite of food in the Illuminatti system.
2. (Sanguinarius)Another term for vampires, which distinguishes them by their need to feed upon blood. Also a term referring to those who consume animal blood, which is a risky and often unethical practice.

. Feeding*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) The act of consuming blood, life force, or energy from a person, animal, or other source. AKA Communion by House Sahjaza, if done between consenting, aware, screened and safe individuals. Other Houses consider that term sacreligious and disrespectful.
2 (Sangiunarius) The act of consuming blood (or, in the case of psi or energy vampires, pranic energy) from someone (or an animal). (See also the "Hunger", the "Thirst", and the "Need".)

Feeding Circle* (general, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius)

A group of donors, usually from four to seven, who feed a specific vampire or coven of vampires. A group of people, usually from four to seven, who give the gift to a particular vampire. The members pledge to do the vampire and eachother no harm.

Filtering/Filter Shield (general, psionics)

The word used for a type of shield made up of psychic, pranic or astral energy or Chi that allows some things in while blocking others. This is usually created by visualization of the one to posess the filter shield, and often focused into a specific amulet or other focal point. This type of shield is primarily used by psivamps or psionicists who wish to work only with specific types of energy and find other types distracting or difficult to work with. A person must be grounded and in a state of relaxation to begin building any type of shield or filter with energy.

First Age *(formal, Sanguinarium)

Refers to the birth era of the Sanguinarium from 1992-2002. Not used by anyone else.

Food: (general, Illuminatti)

A source of blood that is sometimes hunted for in the Illuminatti system. The opposite of feeder.

Fruitbat*(slang, Sanguinarium)

A humorous term for a nutty vampire. This indicates a vampire who’s "not all there". The demands of surviving as a vampire can be too much for some, and in some cases, their mental and emotional states clearly suffer. This can also refer to a vampire who has a habit of acting wild and crazy, kind of like a court jester or class clown, mostly for attention and entertainment purposes. Often an Elder who is incapable of handling their urges or allows their Nightside to dominate completely until they cannot pass for a Mundane at all.

Gaja*(slang, Romany, Sanguinarium)

Originally a word used by the Gypsies or Romany to designate a person who does not follow their lifestyle, it was a derogatory term that meant "root-feet". Now it is used by OSV as a formal term for fashion vampire or someone who is in the vampire scene, portrays the archetype of a vampire but does not feed. Most real vampires will not associate with these liars and fools, as their presence is damaging to the community.

Gaunt (slang, NightPoe)

Aterm used on the website created by NightPoe that refers to physical ageless type vampires as a pun on the traditionally gaunt, thin and pale appearance. Other terms for the same are Ageless and Pales.

Gevanma (formal, House Eclipse)

The proper, formal or polite term for an Apprentice, or a newly Awakened vampire in a mentoring relationship with another vampire. Where as the term of Apprentice is general, Gevanma is used by House Eclipse members only. It is the Enochian word for "beginning". It is comparable to the OSV level of Bellah.

Gift, the: (general, Illuminatti)

Blood, lovingly given by a vessel or food in the Illuminatti system.

Gizyax Bloodfeud (formal, House Eclipse)

When two vampires, usually two who each are leaders and are well thought of in their respective or the general Community decide for any reason, from moral to political to religious not to get along, it can send shockwaves through the entire community and leave many people hurt psychologically, physically or financially. Because vampires tend to have strong personalities and legendary egos, we often argue or even develop deep rivalries or hatreds for one another for many reasons. Rather than make the foolish and unreasonable demand that we all get along like one big, lying, fake dysfunctional family, House Eclipse has advanced this term and standard of behavior for vampires who do not get along for whatever reason. This is essentially a gentleperson's agreement to disagree or whatever issues, but not to try to sweep others into the argument. Stemming from this is the agreement not to fight, harass, flame or argue online on message boards both take part in. Vampires in a G izyax BloodFeud also agree to avoid eachother in public places or if forced into the same area to cordially avoid one another with no harassing words, gestures or movements to disrupt the event or place for others present. Such vampires do not need to play at being friends and may make their feud known openly as much as they like and expound on the reasons therefore in private. The main purpose is to maintain peace on the Internet and in our Vmadea or Havens, while still allowing personal dislikes and arguments to exist.

Glyph: (formal, OSV)

The OSV term used to describe their set of rune-like symbols that have specific individual meanings to it's members. Many other groups have their own sets of glyphs, but prefer to call them other names, such as sigils.

Golden Circle*(formal, Illuminatti, Sanguinarium)

1. (Illuminatti)A word originally coined by this group to describe a group of donors and mundane allies a vampire coven or household holds sacred and protects. The people around a Coven or Household, which include Back Swans, vampires, lovers, etc. Members of a vampire's Golden Circle have a special relationship to the vampire. This usually includes a child or children and a partner.
2. (OSV and Sanguinarium) A sacred and protected group of donors dedicated to a particular group of vampires and looked after by a specific member of that group.

Grazing (slang, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

This is a type of lifestyle, which is looked down upon by the rest of the vampire community in which a vampire randomly feeds upon unscreened donors typically picked up in nightclubs and Goth bars. Vampires who feed without discretion in this manner are suuposedly derogatorily referred to as Strega. This is of course inaccurate as a strega is a witch according to the correct definition. * See also Strega.

Grotto:* (formal, Sanguinarium)

A no longer used and outdated term for a local population of vampires in close geographic area, this usually refers to include all vampyres in a specific area, that according to the Sanguinarium includes the phonies and fake lifestyler and RPG wannabees that they call Gaja. They also use a more specific term, cabal, which is supposed to only refer to true vampires and the underground, non clubbing community.

Grounding and Centering: (general, psionics)

A term used by the pagan, magical, occultist, vampire and other communities to refer to the practice of stablizing oneself psychically through linking with the earth and ridding oneself of excess or nonuseful energy. This can be done on one's own or through a more grounded vampire, usually a Mradu in communities using the caste system. Many techniques for this exist, varying according to philosophy, religion or House and Order.

Haematodipsia (medical, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (Sanguinarius)A strong form of haematophilia.
2. (OSV and Sanguinarium) A fetish or erotic attraction to the taste, smell or sight of blood. Haematodipsia is supposedly a stronger form or pathological disorder of Haematophilia. This had to be pieced together by the editor as many sections of the Lexicon in the "V" book are riddled with text errors.

Haematomania (medical, Sanguinarius)

A strong psychological craving for blood.

Haematophilia (medical, Sanguinarius)

An erotic attraction to the taste, sight or smell of blood.

Haemosexuality (medical, Sanguinarius)

A term related to those with the vampiric condition who have a sexual relation with blood, including but not limited to fetishism.

Harvesting: (general, OSV)

The act of going out to collect pranic or psychic energy. Used only in the OSV.

Haven*(general, OSV and Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium, House Eclipse)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)A vampire nightclub or gathering place. These are considered sacred grounds and often times they are blessed by an acolyte in the OSV tradition. Most others consider this superfluous or even invasive to the beliefs of the actual owners of the location. 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 vampire community. Many Havens are run or protected by Black Swan allies of a vampiric House, and all have an Elder in charge of them.
2. (Sanguinarius) A Vampire nightclub or other gathering place. Considered hallowed ground, the haven serves as the social hub of a given community, providing a place where all the community can gather and socialize. Often, special functions arranged by the vampiric community in an area are held at the local haven.
3. (House Eclipse) The outdated term for a vampire gathering place. Many groups choose or prefer strongly not to use this word due to it's origin in roleplaying games, and House Eclipse uses the term Vmadea as a substitute.

Healer (formal, House Eclipse)

The reverent, respectful, polite and titular word used to refer to those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to aiding others through healing and the restoration of health. This can include psychiatrists, counselors, doctors, EMT's, EMT firefighters, masseuses, physical therapists, real faith healers, gemstone healers, herbalists, Reiki and reflexology practicioners, acupuncture or acupressure practicioners, shamans or medicine people, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors or any other healer of any other system. Such people are considered int he Eclipsan system divinely blessed and inspired and followers of this system will go out or thier way to protect or aid such people.

Hemhari (formal, House Eclipse)

An applicant to a House who is not a full member but is a probationary one, or an associate of the House who chooses not to be a member. Often called Outer Circle in different Houses. Named after the Norse deity Hemhaidahl who guarded the Rainbow Bridge between Earth and Valhalla. Similar to the rank of Jahira, Pledge or Dedicant in OSV tradition, though for House Eclipse it is often a temporary rank only. Those who cause trouble within a House may be put under this status as a form of punishment or warning.

Hidden, the:* (formal, Illuminatti)

Another name for Lilith's Children used by the Illuminatti or the Clan of Lilith as well as Her nonvampire worshippers.

Households/Houses*(general)

These are groups of individuals and organizations who live within the vampire community; who band together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and rites. Households are also called Houses, and range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. Those who belong to more than one households are known as "Kithal" in the OSV system. Some large houses have "clutches", which represent a branch of the family tree. The organization and purpose of each household varies from fraternal to spiritual. Most often Sanguinarium households are organized into inner and outer circles. Other groups have different systems of admission. With the associates, pledging members, mundane or donor friends are members of the Outer Circle in this system, while initiates, Elders and Primii make up the Inner Circles in this system. There are no requirements for forming a household other than a group of people getting tog ether, choosing a sigil, name and theme or philosophy. Yet, to become recognized by the Community as a whole is the challenge, as a reputation, respect and name must be built and earned. Currently, some of the better-known households are: Sahjaza, Quinotaur, The Coven Organization, House Eclipse, Dark Star, House Kheperu, Clan of Lilith or Illuminatti, Nehkbet and the Court of Lazarus.

"Human" (general, Sanguinarius)

A term used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not vampires. At best, this term is misleading because it implies that vampires are not human. (See "mundane")

Humanitas:* (general, White Wolf, Illuminatti)

The part or nonvampire friend of a vampire that remembers and honors his or her humanity and helps prevent the slide into The Beast. A kind of human conscience. Not used much in the modern day due to it's associations with roleplaying.

Hunger, The*(general, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius)

1. (Sanguinarius) The desire to feed also identified as the Thirst or the Need. The Hunger is both a psychological and physical sensation. Physically, it manifests as an intense hunger or thirst - but is not satisfied by food or drink. Psychologically, a vampire in the throes of the Hunger feels agitated and empowered at the same time. Pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, and sometimes even body temperature, increase in anticipation of the act of feeding. Vampires lacking in self discipline may actually lose control of themselves and have to be restrained or talked down. (See also "feeding", the "Thirst", the "Need")
2. (Illuminatti) The unsatisfied need for blood.

Hunt, the: (General, Illuminatti)

The biological urge in the Illuminatti system within a vampire to go out and seek food, or the act of hunting food. Rarely used nowadays due to negative connotations.

Hunter*(general, Sanguinarius)

Someone that hunts, stalks, threatens, or does harm to someone because s/he is a vampire, or because the hunter believes them to be so. Hunters do not have to actively attack the vampire in order to do them harm; often the emotional and mental distress of having someone like this hounding you is damaging enough. Hunters are not only conservative Christians; some Pagans and Wiccans are self-proclaimed hunters, as their religious system views vampires generally as negative or evil. "Buffy: the Vampire Slayer" and "Blade" fans are not included in this category; it applies to seriously unbalanced individuals who really are on some sort of holy hate crusade and intend to follow through with violence or action. Hunters may also be persons who stalk vampires in order to gather information on them, presumably with the intent of using this information to bring them harm sometime down the line. Occasionally, a vampire who is unable to cope with their condition will try and bring harm to the community or it's members as well, and should be considered just as dangerous.* See also Slayer.

Hunting*(general, Sanguinarius, Illuminatti, Sanguinarium)

Actively going out and seeking donors in havens or in public. (Some even go to the mall!) This means bringing them home to feed or to eventually screen them. At one point, this was considered safe, but with the existence of HIV and AIDS, hunting indiscriminately is considered irresponsible and extremely dangerous; there still must be a period of screening time. Vampires who feed irresponsibly are supposedly known as Strega (even though this term actually refers to a witch in the russian tradition and has nothing to do with vampires) and are shunned. Many are "excommunicated" by their elders for this offense. Modern and safe Hunters simply try and find possible donors to screen verbally and start the process of finding out if the person is psychologically interested and equipped to donate. Eventually, the donor will be medically screened as well.

Hybrid (general, Sanguinarius)

A vampire who is capable of feeding on both blood as well as psi energy. It seems to me that most real vampires are capable of feeding from both, or using blood and psi interchangeably, so is the term "hybrid" really necessary, or accurate?

Illuminatti: (Formal, Illuminatti and Clan of Lilith)

Also referred to the Enlightened Ones or the Knowing Ones, another name for Lilith's clan line in this system.

Im Kheperu (formal, House Kheperu)

The ritual of "transformation" used by some to induct a new member into the vampire community. Im Kheperu also denotes the holy day, concurrent with the Pagan festival Samhain, when this rite is most often performed. As a festival, Im Kheperu ushers in the Dark Side of the Year, a time when our powers wax greatly and our awareness of our natures is heightened significantly.

Immortal*(general)

Term commonly used to refer to or describe vampires. Though technically, it means incapable of death or dying, it is used much more loosely in reference to vampires, implying that they are not subject to aging, are impervious to disease and injury, etc., and that they are above and superior to "humans" / "mortals". Gods are immortal; vampires are not. Further, it has not been incontrovertibly proved to me that vampires do indeed experience a capability of an extended lifespan. Check with me in about 20 to 30 years, and I should be able to tell you something more definite about that.... Most vampires use this term to refer to the Ancients, Ageless or vampiric spirits.

Im Sekhemu (formal, House Kheperu)

The double power. This also denotes the holy day, concurrent with the Pagan festival Beltane, when the last peak in power is celebrated before the coming of the Light Side of the Year. During the Im Sekhemu, which properly lasts over a span of days leading up to Beltane, everything about us is heightened to an almost excruciating degree. We feel the last song of power just before the Dark Year fades, and at the same time we experience the greatest hunger as that power heightens all of our sensations. Sekhemu can also refer to the driving sensation brought about by this peak in hunger and power.

Inner Circle *(general)

Those who have been formally initiated into a household, religious order, magical coven or other such group, including the initiates, elders and primii. Most members of this level are permitted to vote on group policy or nominate new members.

Inner Teachings: (general, OSV, House Eclipse)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) Philosophical education beyond the Calmae ordeal of the OSV which this group does not make public and will not publish for general reading by those outside the Order. These teachings must be learned by members from thier mentors or the Order's priesthood.
2. (House Eclipse) The specific higher level teachings of any philosophical, magical or religious group that are learned upon dedicating some time and study to said group.

Incubus / Succubus* (general, Sanguinarius, House Eclipse, OSV)

1. (House Eclipse)A vampire who feeds only while having sex or purely through tantric sexual energy. In Medieval folklore, a Succubus was a female demon who appeared to people, often in dreams, and seduced them. 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 gross 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. Father Sinistrari 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, also retained some of the subtle nature of their non-human parent, and like that parent, fed upon the sexual or life energies of other humans they took as their lovers. This same Father also stated that such interbreeding exhalted the children of such a union and humanity in general, as it gave the children a direct link to the Etheric realm. In modern times, these words are used to denote vampires with a strong sex drive who often feed as a part of their sexual activity, or those who feed on sexual energy or fluids.*See also Sexual Vampire.
2. (Sanguinarius)The plural is incubi. A male sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his or her energy and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.

Inheritors*(general, Sanguinarium)

A belief within the vampire community that the vampiric condition is brought about through a genetic inheritance or mutation. Those who espouse this belief take a very scientific view of vampirism. An example, and most likely the source, of this view is NightPoe's website. They feel that every aspect of the condition could feasibly be quantified and explained if given enough serious scientific study. Those who believe in vampiric inheritance feel that the mutation is passed along from parent to child and look upon it as something, which makes vampires distinctly different from ordinary humans. Those who believe in the inheritance theory suggest that there were "true" vampires 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 vampirism. will become weaker and weaker until they are lost altogether. It could also be argued by these pe ople that with selective breeding, the original vampiric characteristics could be brought back into our kind and strengthened over time. It is possible that Inheritors feed upon blood, life-energy, or both.

Inheritor Vampire (general, Nightpoe)

Inheritors are divided into two classes in Nightpoe's writings. Class 1 comprises the true Inheritors. For, although they are born into their lifestyle, just as are Category 2 Inheritors, they are different in several ways. They do not age in the conventional sense, often living hundreds of years. They heal much more quickly than do nonvampires. They can be killed but it takes quite a lot to accomplish it, as they regenerate some organs, teeth, fangs, and nerves. I am not sure if bones are regenerated. I think perhaps so, but do not know this as a certain fact. Class 1's can go about by day as well, better than the other categories, because they usually are born into a very human state and gradually become aware of the Vampiric growth and changes in their bodies as they age and enter puberty. Thus, often feeling different as they grow into the teen years. They also can eat regular foods and beverages. They DO feed for nourishment.
As with many, but not all real Vampires, Class 1's do tend to avoid humans. Some do make good and lasting human friendships though. The Class 1 is what is considered the immortal or Ageless Vampire, as are the Classicals, but they can die. They just do not do so as often or as quickly. Regarding feeding: Most Class 1 Inheritors disdain 'dead' blood which is frozen or animal blood such as in a steak or piece of liver. They almost always prefer live blood directly from a living source.As with most real Vampires, they lead secretive and secluded lives, making it difficult for humans to get any closer emotionally than the Vampire chooses to permit. As with ALL Vampires they can disappear for long stretches of time. Identities are changed more often than clothes.They have a different relationship to, and perception of, time, which is vastly different from most human perceptions.
They can become ill, but do so far less often as their recuperative processes are faster and stronger. In mental ability all Inheritors can be, and often are, highly psychic and/or empathic -- as are Classicals. They can do all the things Classicals can do. Perhaps it is they, the Inheritors, about whom the legends are truly speaking. Included in Category 1, is a lesser-known subspecies called Lunas. In some cases of European myth, Lunas have been mistaken for werewolves. The Luna is sexual, sensual, earthy, and a bit larger than Category 1’s on the whole. Lunas do have some sexual experience with humans, but not often. In all other aspects Lunas are much like Category 1's.
The second major variety in the Inheritor Class is Class 2. In Class 2, or Category 2, we have the Inheritor, who was born into his/her lifestyle. 'To Inherit' is meant to convey a person who was born into the lifestyle and inherited the characteristics, traits, and the infection from someone in his family. However, not necessarily the parents. If, at anytime, anyone born into the family carried the altered Vampiric DNA and accompanying genes, then anyone else born into the family at a later date could inherit those genes and qualities. Category 2 is the human Inheritor, someone born of a purely human parentage (i.e., both parents being totally human) into a genetic Vampiric lifestyle, meaning that they are not immortal, or eternal. But in all, or most, other aspects they are Vampiric. They suffer from the same problems as Classicals, the same feeding styles, the same methods of feeding and the consuming of blood for nourishment.
Category 2, Night-timers, age much more slowly but do not live the very long life spans of Classicals or Inheritors Class 1. In all aspects, Category 2's are Vampiric. All the forms of vampires can and do go out in light and sun. But Category 2 Inheritors, as with Classicals, tend to feel weak, sick, tired and ill during the day. The skin is also affected, as Category 2's can get heat stroke, internal body fluids evaporate quickly, they pass out, etc. The skin also blisters and burns very quickly even if they are not fair complexioned. They also feed on fresh and frozen blood, have donor feeding partners and sources, etc.
The only real differences are that they are considered human by the medical community, are not immortal, heal more rapidly than humans -- but not as rapidly as Classicals or Inheritors Category 1. They can and do die. The average life span of a Nighttimer is usually between 200 and 300 years.

Initiate*(general)

Someone who has been formally initiated as a full member of a household. This person is now considered a Isro, using the formal terminology. This usually happens in the OSV after the Rite of Transformation, where the individual has been attuned to the family's energy cycles. In other Houses and systems, this is when a new vampire chooses to be formally inducted into a House or other group.

Invisible* (formal, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

Those members of a specific portion or the overall community who, having been ostracized and stripped of their name, are treated as if they no longer existed by thier old comrades and friends. Invisibles have committed some great crime in the eyes of some members of the community, and for this they are no longer allowed to associate themselves with the rest of that part of vampire culture. *See also Excommunicated, Ravass Bhavatan, Faboan and Sin Nomine.

Isro*(general, House Eclipse)

A fledgling vampire who has begun to develop as an individual member of the community. Isro take on some duties and learn vampiric culture from the viewpoint of several Houses before sticking with a particular tradition. The term is used because the vampire is seen as "testing their wings" so to speak in preparation for being totally on their own. At this stage, a vampire may begin seeking their own donors, but the Mentor is still involved in their life and teaching the vampire actively. The Isro will probably begin making friends and alliances at this point and choose a Road or Path to specialize in. Often their Mentor will leave the to their own devices for periods of time to begin forming their own Bonds and Circles. This is comparable to puberty for a vampire and is roughly equivalent to the OSV rank of Calmae. The word is the Enochian term meaning "promise".

Jahira*(formal, Sanguinarium)

A "seeker" who has not dedicated to a household but agrees with their philosophy and is interested in dedicating to the family. Also an ally of any kind who gets along with a House and is welcome in Havens, but is not a formal member. Later called the first Ordeal of the OSV, in which an individual who has chosen to become a member of this group has learned the basic precepts of the Order's philosophy. Also is used to refer to those who complete this Ordeal.

Jaidah* (formal, House Eclipse)

The highest ranking in the Eclipsan system. A Jaidah has been a vampire for at least five years, is well respected in the community, makes contributions to their House or Order and often takes a guiding, advising or organizational position. Jaidah are usually the ones to teach and mentor Apprentices and Fledglings and help newly Awakened vampires learn about, deal with and come to terms with their condition. In this role they are called Pibliar or mentors. Jaidah are expected to be polite, composed and controlled in public and not to engage in drama and creation of strife. Jaidah are also expected to treat those around them, both Mundane and vampiric with respect, compassion and dignity and to comport themselves with the same. Jaidah usually feel compelled to make contributions to the community of some kind, whether in terms of resources, time, writing or otherwise is up to the individual. Jaidah have usually by this rank established a strong and vital system of allian ces, Bonds and are usually leaders or strong members of their Pack or Circle. Jaidah and Elders, which re often synonymous are the only ones who, by vote, can raise a Tabaan to Jaidah rank, though this can also be disputed by any member of the House. Often Elders retire from the endless politics of vampiric society and culture and have trusted and Bonded Master allies and friends who keep them informed or ask for their aid if difficulty arises.
The rank of Jaidah is a high honor and only half those who make it to Tabaan level ever seek to become Jaidah. This is roughly equivalent to the OSV rank of Dominus and is the Enochian word for "highest" referring to rank.

Jhatyet*(formal, Sanguinarium)

Domain of eternity, also referred to by OSV as the council of spiritual beings that presides over a city. In Sanguinarium terminology, a Jhatyet (badly anglicized version of an Egyptian word) is a council of elders. These are the most supposedly "benevolent" and "spiritually advanced" individuals who guide and watch over a given community. In reality, they are the most powerful Elders in a community who for good or ill work together to help run and organize the House or Coven *See also COVICA.

Kali*(general, Hindu)

A bloodthirsty Indian Goddess who has been chosen by some to be a 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 and a skirt of severed arms and little else. She revels in carnage and is widely believed to drink blood; her statues are venerated with libations of fresh blood. She is a personification of lust and fecundity as well as death and destruction. TO those who understand her, all her physically imposing symbols are simply meant to frighten off evil spirits and make her followers understand the cycles of life and death. Her weapons are for cutting through obstacles and slicing away negative thoughts and feelings. Like all Hindu deities, her appearance is very deeply symbolic. Her consort is the god Shiva, an equally complex deity associated with destruction as well as regeneration. Most vampires who look to Kali as their goddess, like her, drink human blood.

Keeper of the Scrolls (formal, Sanguinarium)

The Second Age Term for a secretary of a household or court. They are responsible for keeping the documents, historical records, bylaws and lists of members. In the First Age of these groups, this job was known as a Lore Master.

Keeper of the Veil *(formal, Sanguinarium)

An individual within a household, Order or court who is responsible for "enforcing" the Black Veil or other set of House or Order laws among it's members and the security of the community. Most often this roll is filled by a Mradu and is a member of a triumvirate such as Magister (courts) or Primii (households). Also the head warrior and guardian of a community who trains apprentices in physical and spiritual combat.

Kharrus* (Formal, Sanguinarium)

A priest of the Strigoi vii tradition of vampirism. Inaccurately used to describe other vampiric priests, but should be applied only to those of Ordo Strigoi Vill.

Khaibit (General, House Eclipse)*

This is the word in the Eclipsan system to refer to the darker instincts of a vampire that are called by others the "Beast, the Dragon or the Darkside". Khaibit is an Ancient Egyptian term for the part of the soul that was darker and more primitive or possessed by evil or destructive urges. The literal translation is "Shadow Self" or "Shadow Mind". While the Khaibit was often dark or selfish or even destructive, both the Ancient Egyptians and the Eclipsans believe it is an integral part of the self. It is inseperable from our higher aspirations and day-to-day mind. It also does good things, such as contributing power to us if we are cornered or threatened and enhancing the charisma of a vampire when seeking lovers and donors.

Kheper* (formal, House Kheperu)

This word is interpreted by Michelle Belanger of House Kheperu to mean birth, rebirth, metamorphosis, becoming, awakening, transforming, changing and changing into something new. This is similar to the use of the word in the language of the Ancient Egyptians. It is used by this and other groups as a multilayered word of power that is derived from the name of the beetle (scarab) headed sun deity of the Ancient Egyptians. They associated this sun god with moving the sun across the sky after observing the dung-collecting scarab beetle rolling balls of dung containing thier eggs across the sands. A similar word with the same root is used by the Temple of Set and spelled "Xeper".

Kheprian Order (general, House Kheperu)

A particular order/tradition of vampire Scholar-Monks who have made it their duty to compile information on the vampire community and make this freely available to all. They believe that they ahve reincarnated over many lifetimes to be together and claim to remeber these past incarnations.

Khlysty*(general)

An order or tradition within the vampire community that traces the origin of the vampire back to Biblical or pre-Biblical times. A very secret brotherhood, the Khlysty are predominant on the West Coast of America and may possibly have beliefs related to the Biblical figure of Caine. Khlysty keep their natures very closeted and are highly derisive of posers and life stylers, who they refer to as "kids in capes". Many are blood-drinkers, and they incorporate blood into their ritual magic. They have existed since before the modern vampire community was widespread and have much to teach. Their beliefs can be most directly traced to Gnosticism.

Kiss, The*(formal, Illuminatti, Sanguinarium)

1. (Illuminatti) The bite, nibble or munch of a vampire.
2. (OSV and Sanguinarium) A formal term for a committed donor. In some covens, Kitra is a formal term for the Concubine caste and also functions as the concubines. They are the eyes and ears of the coven, advisors, donors, love slaves and magical altars. Not all Kitra need be vampires, and many feed off sexual energy to some extent, but Kitra are usually vampires in their own right, of whatever type.(2a) The act of taking blood, energy or sexual fluids from a donor.

Kith: (Formal, Illuminatti)

An archaic term for a good friend used in the Illuminatti system.

Kithal (formal, Sanguinarium)

Someone who has been initiated into more than one household in the OSV system.

Kithan (Formal, House Eclipse)

A formal, ritual and/or respectful and polite term and address for a Companion, a member of a House who is a Mundane or non vampire. Also used to specify those who are friends and allies of a vampire and are mundane and support and acknowledge the vampire's right to believe and live as they choose. Roughly equivalent to the OSV "Black Swan".

Kitra (formal, House Kheperu)

A term for a councilor in the roads and caste system introduced and used by House Kheperu. See councilor.

Kijira*(formal, Sanguinarium)

A Strigoi Vii term for a slave in a BDSM format. In the OSV, this sort of agreement is called a Korval Pakt and the Dominant is known as a Raja. In other systems, an apprentice or thrall. A vampire who wishes to swear service to another in return for protection/teaching/etc. See also Adna, a somewhat similar term in the Eclipsan system for a vampire who chooses to be an ally of a community or House leader but still retains all thier rights and voices seperate opinions. They act as a check on the egos of vampires in positions of leadership.

Klavasi (formal, Sanguinarium)

This is a formal term in the OSV system for latent vampirism; sometimes or never manifests, depending on environment and circumstances. See Latent Vampirism.

Korvan Pakt: (formal, OSV)

Readers will note that this word seems to have two spellings, Korval and Korvan. I am not sure which is correct, as both are included in "V" at seperate points. I can only attribute this to another text or spelling error. In the OSV system, this is referred to as a relationship similar or identical to a Dominant and Submissive relationship within the BDSM subculture. It involves the Dominant partner, who is referred to as the Raja in this system making a "pakt" (pact) or agreement of supposed "ownership" and collaring a Submissive, who is referred to as a Kijara to symbolize and demonstrate the aformentioned relationship. The limits and details of such an agreement or "pakt" are written into a contract along with a renewal and/or expiration date. According to the OSV this was based on the GOR novels and their system of absolute slavery of women, though this version is claimed to be non sex specific. This system will seem distasteful to many, and plenty of other options exist for those interested in a less extreme or group specific Dominance and Submission relationship.

Lamia*(general, Illuminatti, Sanguinarium)

1. (Illuminatti) The greek word for a female vampire, used in the Illuminatti system. The plural form of the word is Lamiai.
2. (OSV and Sanguinarium)A Greek vampire with deformed lower limbs that feed upon the blood of children and young men. Supposedly used to refer to a female vampire who practices magic.

Latent Vampire (general, Sanguinarius)

Someone who is already naturally a vampire, but whose vampiric tendencies have not yet fully manifested. Apparently, some latent vampires may need to be "turned" or "awakened", while others may have their tendencies naturally surface over the course of time. Many latent vampires seem to stand out to other, already established, vampires through a phenomenon known as the "Beacon" or Cnila Bahal (bloodcall). *See also Awakening, Ananiel, Beacon, Potential, Turned.

Leech *(Slang, Sanguinarius, White Wolf )

1.) Any one of the various small, chiefly aquatic, bloodsucking or carniverous worms, some of which were once (and still are in some cases) used medically for bleeding patients;
2.) Rude and disrespectful term to call someone who is a vampire or blood fetishist.

Legacy* (formal, general)

The bloodline of a particular vampire or the Ancient they trace their spiritual or physical descent from.

Life's end:* (general, Illuminatti)

Death. Lilith's clan is forbidden to cause life's end in vampires, mundanes or Otherkin in the Illuminatti system.

Lifefood: (general, Illuminatti)

Another term for blood used exclusively by the Illuminatti system. It is also called food, life or life essence.

Lilith: (general, Illuminatti)

The first wife of Adam. She is charged with gathering and preserving knowledge. Lilith was given vampire powers by the Divine according to the Illuminatti oral tradition.

Lillitu/ Lilian/ Lilin (general)

Also the Children of Lilith. This is an order or movement within the vampire community, which promotes the idea that Lilith was the spiritual forebear of vampires. The Lillitu cite the Hebraic tradition that depicts Lilith as Adam’s first wife who was cast from the Garden for refusing to submit 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. Lilith and her heirs were believed by the Israelites to feed upon infants and young men, drinking their life and their blood. Lilith was probably borrowed by the Israelites from Babylonian lore, where she appears as a wild woman who haunts waste places. She is traditionally depicted naked, with long flowing hair, wings and the talons of a bird of prey in place of feet. As the Lady of Beasts, she is often accompanied by wild animals, usually lions or owls. The male counter-part of Lilith is the vampiric man-bird Gelal, who makes an a ppearance in the ancient Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. Many Lilin are visited by Lilith in dreams or visions, or are guided by her in other ways. Many of the Lillin drink blood and also incorporate blood into their ritual.

Lorekeeper (formal, Sanguinarium, House Eclipse)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) The term used by this group during their "first age" to describe the Keepers of the Scroll.
2. (House Eclipse)A respectful and reverent term to refer to a teacher, wise man or woman, scholar, librarian or other collector of knowledge. In the Eclipsan system they are treated with respect and reverence and Eclipsans will often go out of thier way to help these guardians of knowledge.

Long Night, The *(formal, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

This is the name for a festival celebrated on the Winter Solstice. This night is the this night is the longest night 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 from Isro to Elder. Meetings of an entire House often take place on this day.

LonshiCnila'* (formal, House Eclipse)

A formal or ritual term in Enochian for a sanguinary vampire in the Eclipsan system. The direct translation is "A Cup or Vessel of Blood".

Lonshi Talhon *( formal, House Eclipse)

A polite or ritual term for a psi vamp in the Eclipsan system. Comes from the Enochian words meaning "Cup or Vessel of Energy". Used by those who feel psi vamp or pranic is inaccurate, misleading, group specific to the OSV or derogatory.

Low, Lowed, Lowing:*(general, Illuminatti)

Archaic term for the speech of animals that is understood by mundanes, vampires or Otherkin in the Illuminatti system.

Made Vampire*: (general, Illuminatti)

The moment when a born person consumes the blood of a vampire (his or her sire) and Awakens as or becomes a vampire themselves in the Illuminatti system.

Magnus*(formal, Sanguinarium)

The host of a vampire gathering or owner of a haven in the OSV system.

Magus* (formal, general, Sanguinarium)

A term for a second-degree priest of the Sanguinarium Synod, used in this way only in this system. Also a word used for someone who has achieved at least some proficiency at the practices and rituals of sangomancy. In other traditions, a practicioner of any type of magic.

Magister* (formal, Sanguinarium)

A general term in the OSV system for an officer of a Strigoi Vii court's triumvirate which traditionally includes the Master of Ceremonies, Keeper of the Veil and Keeper of the Scroll. Also used as a respectful title for any House elder.

Maker: (formal, Illuminatti)

The parent vampire or the person whose blood has made another vampire in the Illuminatti system. A maker is also known as a sire or progenitor.

Malpirgi (Formal, House Eclipse)

The Eclipsan term for a vampire who practices magic, specifically vampiric magic either as a sanguine using blood magics or a psivamp using psionics and energy magics. This term can apply to anywhere from a beginner to a highly respected practicioner who has been studying for decades. The term comes from the Enochian word meaning, "Fires of Life and Increase" to show how these systems are centered around the life essence in the form of blood or energy all vampires need. Comparable to the OSV word Nomaj.

Mara: (formal, Illuminatti)

The Scandinavian word for a female vampire used in the Illuminatti system.

Masada (Formal, Sanguinarium)

A newly ordained priest of the Synod, also known as an Acolyte. Used only in the OSV, like all terms associated with the "Synod".

Matriarch (formal, Sanguinarium)

A term used by the OSV to refer to the female leader of one of their Households or Orders. Not used by anyone else.

Mentor* (general, Sanguinarius, House Eclipse)

1. (Sanguinarius)A guide and teacher to a new or inexperienced vampire (called a Nadja in the OSV system or an Apprentice, fledgeling or Gevanma in others); the one who helped him or her through the awakening. (See also "sire", or Adra)
2. (House Eclipse) A guide and teacher to a fledgling. This term is sometimes used to refer to one’s Adra or Sire, one who helped another through the awakening. Mentors are in many Houses seen as possessing a sacred and powerful bond with their Apprentices and Fledglings. For a Mentor to mistreat or abuse anyone they teach usually causes them to immediately be expelled from the House as a Nameless One. This is extremely rare, as the empathic bond between a Mentor and Apprentice or Fledgeling runs both ways. The formal term in the Eclipsan systyem is Pibliar.

M'kheru (Formal, House Eclipse)

A respectful and reverent title and word for a donor of any type. This implies willing consent and partnership only and is also meant to demonnstrate how much vampires need them to survive and remain happy. Many M'kheru are lovers and friends that their vampire is deeply devoted to or caring for. The word comes from the Ancient Egyptian term meaning "Gift of Sustenance" and is comparable to the OSV terms, "Amber Swan", "Crystal Swan" and "Red Swan".

Moot*(general, White Wolf)

An OSV word for a formal or informal vampire gathering, taken from a word from a role playing game, "Werewolf the Apocalypse" by White Wolf. A formal term for a Mradu that is no longer used at all outside vocabulary lists.

Moraj*(Formal, Sanguinairum)

A formal or ritual term for an elder in the OSV system. Very rarely used outside of formal letters and rituals, or those trying to earn favor with an especially arrogant Elder.

Mortal*(general, Sanguinarius)

Term used for the purpose of distinguishing those who are not vampires. The term is, at best, misleading because it implies that vampires are Immortal. The more proper and recommended term is Mundane. Occasionally used as an insulting term for mundanes as well. (See "mundane")

Mor-roi*(formal, Sanguinarium)

The word in the OSV and Kheprian system to designate an "elder" of a traditional Sanguinarium household and usually has the power to form their own clutch or local coven of a House and sponsor members of an outer circle. Within the Kheprian system Mor-roi are 2nd degree members of the inner circle. Mor-Roi may break away from their parent group and create local covens. This term originally comes form the Romanian term for a living or partial vampire, so it's appropriateness is questionable. The Eclipsan equivalent is Tabaan.

Mradu*(formal, House Kheperu, Sanguinarium, House Eclipse)

A formal term for a member of the guardian/warrior caste in the system created by House Kheperu. Also used as a respectful title for the same. Within the OSV and Kheprian caste system, they are protectors, guardians and warriors of these community segments. It is considered by those using the caste system to be the duty of the Mradu caste to safeguard those in the community, seeing that members are not harmed by threats within the Houses, Orders and Covens of the community (usually due to tiffs and squabbles between overegotistical vampiric "leaders") or from those outside it. Most members of the Priest or Ramkht caste like to have at least one Mradu who is especially trustworthy as a companion and guard. The Mradu are often used to enforce a House or Order's rules within it's members and enforce the authority of those in command of such groups so their will and decisions are not questioned. In ritual work by these groups, they are used to generate energy and maintain t he protective circle.
In other groups, Mradu serve some silmiar functions, such as protection and bodyguarding, as well as contributing to a House through the discipline of the study of martial arts. However, these groups do not feel the need to "enforce" anything and instead use the Mradu as grounds and reality checks for the often flamboyant egos of the Ramkht and Kitra. Not that a Mradu is not capable of an ego, but they are less likely to get caught up in the hubris of acting as a leader, since they rarely take such a position. In the Eclipsan system, Mradu are often Adna to an Elder or other leader. A new term used by House Eclipse is Amakhi.

Mulo: (formal, Illuminatti)

The Mexican word for a male vampire, used in the Illuminatti system.

Mundane (general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) Term used to distinguish those who are regular people who are not vampires and who have no understanding of our culture. Many groups use "danes" for short. This term came from the Renaissance Fairs that many vampires frequent and is also largely in use by the SCA. 2. (Sanguinairus) A term used to distinguish those who are not vampires from those who are. This is, I feel, more accurate that "mortal" or "human", and serves to distinguish those who are merely living normal, mundane lives and unencumbered with the life of a vampire.

Nadja (formal, OSV)

The OSV formal title for an Apprentice or Gevanma who is being taught the traditions of a specific House or Order, such as the OSV or Kheperian groups. They are taught by a mentor known in this system as an Adra, and in others simply as a mentor or a Pibliar.

Najgja*(formal, Sanguinarium)

The head and leader of a Cabal from the old Sanguinarium system, they are also known as the Gatekeeper, and are responsible for screening new members of a local Cabal. This term seems to have been made up like so many associated by the Sanguinarium. See also Cabal.

The Need (general, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius)

1. (Illuminatti) The biological urge or craving to drink human blood.
2. (Sanguinarius) 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". (See also "feeding", the "hunger", the "thirst")

The Nephilim (general)

A rather widespread belief within the vampiric community, which asserts that vampires 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 vampiric 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, vampires 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 magic and ritual.

Nightside/Noctum*( general, Sanguinarium)

The spiritual and magical side of the Twilight balance, used Exclusively by those following the philosophies of the OSV and related groups. The vampiric instincts, gifts, urges and training of a vampire.

Night-Timer (general, Nightpoe)

Night-timer is a title given to a race of beings who are actually also Inheritors. Although, they are distinguished by the term Category 2. They are also, a Bourne or Inheritor Vampire, and very similar to Class 1 Inheritors. Night-timers are affected and infected by a much weaker strain of what’s come to be known as the V5 virus.
Night-timers normally Live Much Longer than humans: They outwardly age more slowly and stay younger looking in appearance much longer. The average live span of a Night-timer is 200 to 300 years. They look about 80 to 90 at age 300. On the whole, nowhere near as long as the average Classical or Class 1 Inheritor Vampire. They may be killed by most of the normal ways of killing humans, but not as easily. Usually, they tend to be much more psychic than the average human and, most often are just as psychic as the most skilled Vampire. If healthy, they average three to five times as strong as their counterpart human, but much less powerful than a Vampire at the same stage of life at any given point. Night-timers Have Extreme Sensitivity To Light, Heat And Sun: As their Vampire counterparts suffer, so do Night-timers. They are also prone to eye problems and digestive maladies.
As their Classical and Inheritor counterparts, Night-timers consume blood as nourishment, in varying amounts. If they do not do so on some sort of regular basis, they become very weak and prone to illness. Like other Vampires, Night-timers can eat and drink as well as consume blood. Unlike Inheritor Vampires, who tend to heal faster and regenerate to a greater extent, Night-timers do not regenerate organs, but are more like humans in this respect. It was once said that Night-timers inherited the worst of both species. The ailments and other characteristics of both human and vampire without the strength, regenerative abilities, health, or long life of the Vampire. Actually, there are two forms of Night-timer. The ones who more strongly resembles Inheritor vampires in their attributes, (they heal faster, are physically stronger, and tend to be more arrogant) and those who more strongly favor humans. That which causes these differences is believed to be the original strength of the infecting virus.
Night-timers never get much respect from the Classical or Inheritor communities. Most vampires consider Night-timers to be half-breeds or even think of them as human. Humans think of Night-timers as vampires and insist on calling them vampire. Most vampires, especially Bornes, refuse to recognize Night-timers as vampires, even though Night--timers are born the same way. Usually from human parents or skipping generations and resembling ancestors such as Aunts, Uncles, cousins, etc. Night-timers choose to call themselves Night-timers to help differentiate themselves from true Bornes. Unlike Class 1 Inheritors we are not sterile, but we die, and it is difficult for Night-timers to get pregnant. Many first pregnancies are lost, or the children die very young.

Nomaj *(formal, Sanguinarium)

A vampire mystic, astrologer or user of sangomancy in the OSV system. Updated by the OSV to describe someone who has mastered the Nine Pillars of their system of Sangomancy, which is an Inner Teaching of this Order taught by one of their Synod Priesthood.

Ohorelia (formal, House Eclipse)

The committee or other ruling body of a group that includes it's members in the decision making process. Thus a House ruled by a single person or triad of people elevated to this level would NOT be called by this name. Only a House or Order that is a direct and true democracy is given this title and the respect it implies. Even an indirect republic such as the governing of the United States would not count in the strict sense of the word. The term comes from the Enochian word for "Group that Makes it's Rules". It is comparable with the OSV word "Jhatyet" in general but not specifically.

Of the Blood*(formal, Sanguinarius, Illuminatti)

1. (Sanguinarius)A term sometimes used to refer to someone as being a vampire. Also used in stating one's lineage or House, for example, "Vicutus, of the Blood of House Sekhemu".
2. (Illuminatti) The bond that joins all vampires in the Illuminatti system. We are called by The Blood.

Ordeal (formal, OSV)

Within the OSV system, these are a system of initiations and advancements that incorporate rites of passage within a regimented system of of learning via a mentorship program. The Outer Circle of this system's Ordeals include the levels of Jahira, Bellah, Calmae and Magister. The Inner Ordeals of this system include Kharrus, Nomaj, Dominaus and Azra. The actual contents of these Ordeals are not revealed to outsiders, which leads many to wonder and speculate about what might actually be involved in them.

Order (formal, Sanguinarium)

This term is used by the Sanguinarium to describe Households in their Second Age. Other groups use this term to describe larger Houses or belief systems that have spawned smaller groups.

Order of the Dragon* (formal, Christian holy order, OSV)

1. (Christian, House Eclipse Researched) A very hotly debated term that is used by the Sanguinarium to mean something vastly the opposite of it's original meaning. Origially this was an order of Christian Knights dedicated to fighting Satanic influence and manefestation. Many nobles in Eastern Europe were a part of this group. It would have considered vampires irredeemably evil and fought against them due to the Church's teaching that vampirism is an Infernal taint upon a dead body. Thus many are horrified at it's use by the OSV in the following way.
2. (OSV and Sanguinarium) This term is used by the OSV to refer to a system of belief started by the Temple of the Vampire and adopted later by many of their members. It is used to refer to a sect of the vampire community that believe in vampiric supremacy. This is of course a dangerous path to follow, see my Vampire's Guidebook for the reasons why. The beliefs of the so-called Order of the Dragon are complex, but in general are said to include ties to the bloodline of the Holy Grail, the Merovingian Kings of France (which probably comes as a surprise to House Quinotaur), and an older "tradition of supremacy" which the OSV says some claim to predate the ancient Akkadians (spelling corrected from "V"). This Order of the Dragon is said to see vampirism 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 maximum realization of vampiric potential. Followers of t his Order are said to feed on both blood and energy. To some, this strikes uncomfortable parallells with the so-called "Racial Cleansings" in world war two and Serbia in the more modern day. I have researched this group and found nothing online other than a strange vampiric Order that believes in and quotes from the paperback Necronomicon sold in bookstores as it's supposed grimoire of revelations. If this order truly exists outside the aforementioned group, it is too deeply underground for me to find or is NOT calling itself by this name.

Otherkin*(general, Sanguinarius, House Eclipse)

1.( House Eclipse)Any member of any of the recognized types of otherkin. (2) A person who feels/believes/knows that their physical or spiritual heritage or soul essence is non mundane, or who incorporates a nonhuman archetype into their personal belief structure. (3) A shapeshifter, Elven, Fae, Alien, Elemental, Dryadic, Tiefling, Angelic, Phoenix or Draconic soul.
4. (Sanguinarius)Someone who identifies with something other than their human side, such as a particular animal, mythological or fantastical being. He or she takes on the astral form of the animal or being when they are in the astral plane. Often, otherkin have physical attributes, mannerisms or thought-patterns identified with their particular being, such as fae having an elfin appearance, or wolfkin having a pack mentality. Types of otherkin include therians (were-beings), fae or faeries, dragons, elves, angelics, and so forth. Some consider vampires to be otherkin, while others do not.

Othil (Formal, House Eclipse)

The bonded mate or mates of a vampire in the Eclipsan system. This is usually a strong, deep and dynamic relationship invloving a blood or psychic bond between mates. There is no requirement that this be a couple and can be a triad or even larger bonded group instead. Bondmates help eachother deal with all the stresses, pain and difficulty vampires experience and care for one another deeply. Usually Othil are lovers or even spouses. The word is from the Enochain term meaning "Seat or Throne" to imply the support granted by such individuals to eachother. An example from mythology is the Goddess Isis, Consort of Osiris. She was known as his full partner, supporting him and even ruling in his absence. A somewhat similar term in the OSV system is "Abani", as bondmates consider eachother family.

Pack (general, White Wolf)

A very closely knit small group of associated, Bonded or otherwise related vampires. These groups are very closely knit and often share deep physical and psychic bonds. Also called a clutch, coven or circle.

Pales (slang, NightPoe)

A term used by NightPoe as a colloquial descriptive of the Ageless due to their appearance as tall, gaunt, slender beings in movies, books and other media as well as modern legend. They are also referred to by her as Gaunts.

Pandemonium* (formal, Sanguinarium)

Pandemonium is an OSV term for a generally unpleasant experience which includes but is not limited to an acute heightening of all of a vampire'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 "darkside" is very 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 psi-vamps alike, and it serves as a distinguishing factor between those who are real vampires and those who are simply blood fetishists. People outside OSV often call this by different names.

Parasite (Slang, Sanguinarius)

A creature who feeds exclusively on a host to the detriment of said host. An insulting and derogatory term to refer or call a psi-vamp or emotional vampire, implying that they are honorless thieves.

Partner (formal, Illuminatti)

A vampire's mate in the Illuminatti system. A vampire often mates for life in this system, though this can be non-monogamous due to the demands of the Hunger.

Patriarch (formal, OSV)

This term is used by the OSVonly to refer to the male head of a Household or Order. See also Matriarch.

Pibliar (formal, House Eclipse)

A mentor or teacher in the Eclipsan system who has sworn to teach, protect and aid a younger vampire who is usually referred to as an Apprentice. Pibliari are responsible for teaching apprentices or Gevanma blood safety if sanguine, magical and psionic etiquitte, magic, House traditions, language, courtesy, honor and anything else required by the system they use or the House they are members of. Most Pibliari are of Jaidah rank and experienced vampires with much to teach.

Pledge* (general, Fraternities and Sororities)

Someone who is in the initiation process of joining a household, order or other group of any kind. This process varies from house to house and is usually combined with an apprentice and sponsor relationship. *See also Initiate, Gevanma or Bellah.

Porphyria (medical, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius)

1. (Sanguinarius)An acute medical condition which has been postulated by some scholars to have inspired the vampire myths of the past. Sufferers of porphyria have pale, flaky skin and are very sensitive to sunlight. Their gums often recede excessively, giving their teeth an elongated and possibly 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 Mediaeval 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 and there is no supporting evidence to Dr. Dolphin's assertion that p orphyria sufferers have been driven to drinking blood by their disease.
2. (Illuminatti) The medical condition whose side effects can include sensitivity to light, yellowing of the skin, excessive body hair, and withdrawal of the gums (making the canine teeth appear longer). The science student David Dolphin theorized that some of the symptoms could be alleviated with Heme (the red pigment in red blood cells) but this is now known to be incorrect, outdated and harmful.

Polyamory (general)

Refers to multi-person committed relationships, which are not uncommon among covens in the vampire community. Although multiple partners are involved, there is still an element of fidelity in polyamorous relationships. Generally, partners are expected not to be promiscuous but to focus their attentions on members of the already established group. A very typical polyamorous relationship to be encountered in the vampire community usually involves two vampires and a donor who is committed to them both.

Poser*(slang, Sanguinarius, House Eclipse)

1. (House Eclipse) 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 vampiric 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. Posers are not welcome within most vampiric Houses and Havens.
2. (Sanguinarius) Someone pretending or claiming to be a vampire who is not, with the intent of deceiving others, by making false claims as to their powers, abilities, lifespan, etc.

Potential*(general)

A potential vampire. Essentially, someone whose vampirism is latent and unrealized, but who, with a little guidance from another, could realize they have the vampiric condition. See also Latent vampire, Ananiel or Klavasi.

Prana/ Prana Energy (general, Sanguinarius)

Like Chi, Prana is life energy. Prana is a Hindu term, and it is strongly associated with the breath as well as the life. See "chi", "psychic energy".

Pranic (general, Sanguinarium, OSV)

A vampire who feeds from "Pranic" life energy. AKA Psi vamp. An OSV word for an individual who feeds from prana, psychic or life energy, not to be confused with Tantric Vampirism, which is only one type of prana. Pranic vampires fall into different categories depending on the type of feeding they may practice, and these include: Emotional (Those who feed from emotional surges), Tantric (those who feed from sexual energy), Conventional (etereal or from chakras) and Astral (those who feed off the Astral Plane, Dreamlands or the manefestations of the subconscious in these realms). This system believes that Sanguine vampires also feed on Prana to a degree as blood contains high levels of this type of energy. This term and it's subcategories are rarely used outside the OSV and it's related Houses and Orders.

Predator: (formal, Illuminatti)

A vampire on the hunt for food in the Illuminatti system. The opposite is known as prey. Can be used to refer to the hunting instinct of the Beast or Khaibit as well as the act itself

Prey: (general, Illuminatti)

The opposite of predator in the Illuminatti system. A mundane or other vampire that the Beast, Khaibit or Hunger regards as food. The target of a vampire's Hunting instincts.

Primogenitor: (formal, Illuminatti)

In the Illuminatti tradition and some others, the first vampiric parent, Lilith.

Primus *(formal, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) The founder, organizer and creator of any House, Order or other organization of vampires in the OSV system. Often used to refer to leaders of groups of different otherkin types as well.
2. (Sanguinarius) A vampire, almost always an elder, who founded or is the leader of a large family or coven of vampires.

Primii *(formal, Sanguinarium)

The leaders of a household, often one of a triumvirate who run the household's affairs in the OSV system. Primii should have past the Mor-Roi Ordeal or Tabaan level and the Dominus Ordeal or Jaidah level. Also called the Council, Ohorelia or Jhatyet in some traditions.

Procreate: (general, Illuminatti)

To give the vampire's blood to a nonvampire to produce a dhampir or progeny through Awakening dormant potential in some views or transformation in others in the Illuminatti system. (see also Dhampir)

Progenitor: (general, Illuminatti)

A vampiric parent who has procreated, also called a sire, mentor or Maker in the Illuminatti system.

Progeny: (general, Illuminatti)

The product of procreation, also known as a dhampirin the Illuminatti system. This term is not used often today due to it's roleplaying associations.

Prospectus/Book of Laws *(formal, Sanguinarium)

A scroll, book, CD or other recording device which sets the traditions, organization, philosophy and creed of a household, court, guild or council in the OSV system. A copy is often given to new members.

Prospectii (formal, OSV)

The OSV term for a seeker who is interested in that group but has not completed any of the Order's Ordeals or accomplished any of their formalized training.

Psi (general, Sanguinarius)

A general term for the life-energy which is found within and throughout all living things. Also called prana, chi, pranic energy, psychic energy, etc. The life-force that surrounds and is contained in living things. This is the life-force that energy and psychic vampires feed upon. This energy is also contained in the blood and is believed by some to be an integral part of the transfer which occurs between a donor and a sanguinarian. See also "chi" and "pranic energy".

Psychic Attack* (general)

Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim. Spells, rituals and charms which the target is not aware of or has not agreed to are a form of psychic attack.

Psychic Energy (general, Sanguinarius)

A general term for the life energy, which is found within and throughout all living things. Also referred to as prana, chi, pranic energy or psi-energy, this is the life force that energy and psychic vampires feed upon. This energy is also contained in the blood and is an integral part of the exchange, which occurs between a donor and a sanguine vampire. *See also Chi and Prana.

Psychic Vampire *(general, Sanguinarius)

1) Also psi-vamp. A psychic vampire in general is a person who drains, knowingly or unconsciously, the psychic energy from those around them. Unconscious psychic vampires can be somewhat of an annoyance, as they don’t realize what they are doing and make no effort to control their feeding. Conscious psychic vampires, or energy vampires, are individuals who have full knowledge and control of their abilities. Some psychic vampires may integrate blood drinking into their feeding habits, although, unlike the sanguines, they are not limited to blood alone. The definite need for actual, physical blood seems to be the only real factor, which distinguishes sanguine vampires from psychic vampires, as both experience light sensitivity, heightened awareness, nocturnal cycles, and the Thirst. 2.) Someone who drains emotional energy without giving anything back, and can make the other person very tired, depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse, if too much is drained, an emotional vamp ire. Psychoanalyst and occultist, Dion Fortune, recognizes this form of vampirism 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 vampires". *See also Emotional Vampire. Often considered derogatory, and many Houses shun the term as insulting and misleading.
(Sanguinarius)1.) Someone who "drains" life-energy (prana, chi, life-force, whatever) rather than blood from others. Psi-vampires may or may not consume blood as a means of extracting pranic energy.
Though the two terms refer to the same being, they do so with different meanings in mind. Some insist on calling psychic vampires "psi-vampires", and insist that "psychic vampire" is incorrect, and then proceed to "prove it" by splitting etymological hairs. I disagree. There is a distinction which needs to be made between the two terms. "Psychic vampires" are called such because they feed psychically, as opposed to physically. However, it could be argued that psi is the auric or life-energy where as "psychic" is actually now thought to be shared thoughtwaves from a collective consciousness. So "psi-vampire" refers to what they feed upon, whereas "psychic vampire" refers to how they feed. Not infrequently, psi-vamps may also experience the Thirst in varying degrees of intensity, and in fact, there are many similarities in condition between the psi-vamps and the sanguinarians, with the main difference being, so far as I can see, the psi-vamps' need to drain pranic energy, and a bility to do so.
2.) A psychic vampire, in psychiatric terms, is someone who drains emotional energy without giving anything back, and can make the other person very tired, depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse, if too much is drained; an emotional vampire. Katharine Ramsland discusses this in depth in her book, Piercing the Darkness, (Harper Prism, 1998), pp. 190-196, referred to as "covert vampire". See also "psychological vampirism".

Psychic Vampire Attack (general, Sanguinarius)

An uninvited and unwelcome draining of one’s vital energy, or chi / pranic energy (see "psychic energy"). A psychic vampire 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. Attacks of this nature can range from mild to very severe, sometimes leaving the victim despondent or even physically sick from being drained so. It’s debated whether one can become a psychic vampire from repeated severe psi-vampire attacks. In general, though, this seems only to produce a condition known as sympathetic vampirism. 2. (Sanguinarius) Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm or disruption to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim.(See also "sympathetic vampirism".)

Psychological Vampirism. / Emotional Vampires (slang, Sanguinarius)

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 vampires. There is nothing metaphysical or spiritual in their condition, it is a simple psychological disorder. Yet it leaves the victims of these clingy, whiny people emotionally and mentally drained after dealing with them. These individuals are not to be confused with psychic, psi or energy vampires. (See also "psychic vampire", sense 2.) .

Puppy: (slang, Sanguinarius)

A somewhat derogatory term for one who has developed an undue fascination, obsession or bond with a vampire and follows him or her around, trying to gain the vampire's attention or approval, and fawning over him or her, in a manner not unlike a puppy dog follows his or her master around. (See also "blood bond".)

Quinotaur (Formal, House Quinotaur)

A type of sea beast referred to in the Quinotarii system. Legend has it this beast, or one similar to it impregnated Merovech's mother after she was already with child.

Quinotauri (Formal, House Quinotaur)

A member of House Quinotaur (singular). We use the term Quinotauri to differentiate ourselves from those who refer to themselves as vampires. Many years ago the vampire community believed sanguinarian vampires and psi vampires were totally different. Today, most of the community understands they are one and the same. Quinotaurii have come to a further understanding. We have a fundamental need to exchange energy not to take it. As such, the term vampire is not wholly accurate. Quinotaurii have the understanding we are something else, not parasites, not predators but people who exist in a symbiotic relationship with those not like us.

Quinotaurii (Formal, House Quinotaur)

The plural form of Quinotauri. Members of House Quinotaur

Raja (formal, OSV)

This is taken and adapted from the Indian word for the prince or ruler of a specific district who had little power outside that area. In the OSV system, it refers to the Dominant partner in a Dom/Sub relationship which is called a Korvan or Korval (two seperate spellings are included in "V") Pakt (pact). As in any relationship of this type, the exchange of power is consensual and can be retracted at will.

Ramkht* (formal, House Kheperu)

A formal term for the caste/road which are the deacons (priests in the Kheprian system). They form the intent in rituals and guide the energy to the Mradu. Also a respectful title to call the same. Within the OSV and Kheprian system, this is the formal term for community organizers, catalysts and ritualists or magicians. They are responsible for teaching, leading, learning about and guiding a specific group within the community as wisely as they can. They are the most prone to egotism, narcissism and instability of these castes, and are reputed to rely on the Kitra to care for them and the Mradu to keep them safe. However, many systems also see crossovers between the castes, including Ramkht who show aspects of other castes, but still need to be grounded in reality and cared for when they get too wrapped up in their work.

Ravass Bhavatan (formal, Sanguinarium)

A ritualized name created by the Sanguinarium and OSV for someone cast out of a particular household or the entire community in general. Also called the Sin Nomine (Latin for "without name") or Excommunicated, Ravass Bhavatan are the nameless, whose name, status, and social acceptance within the community has been formally stripped away by a group within the community. One is not made Sin Nomine lightly, usually the ordeal occurs before the entire community to which the Ravass previously belonged. This is considered an unecessary humilliation and usurping of governmental judicial powers by many. The name given to them by thier old group 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 this segment of the community again. This is the greatest punishment that can be meted out to someone in the OSV community. Once someone has merited this, the word is spread through the group's allied Houses, who m ay then judge for themselves if the punishment is merited or whether to grant the individual sanctuary, and the Ravass Bhavatan are not allowed to associate with their former coven or House by it's members. The actions that inspire such a rite of ostrization can range from silly disputes to severely compromising another's "authority" but often are severe, and often include a complete disregard for the group's rules and other people’s safety. *See also The Black Veil, Excommunicated, or Sin Nomine.

Real Vampire / RealVamp *(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) A Sanguine or Pranic vampire. A real vampire 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 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 energy abilities. The sensitivity to light and the nocturnal cycle are not so limiting that a real vampire cannot be up and out during the day. It is simply more of an effort for them to do so. They are in no danger of bursting into flames at the touch of sunlight, although many report that they burn very easily and tend to suffer sunstroke and heat stroke. The slowed aging process has not been proven, although many vampires maintain a you thful twenty-something look well into their thirties. Real vampires do not shapeshift 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, though they may believe their souls reincarnate.
2. (Sanguinarius)Someone who has a condition which includes but is not limited to a physical thirst or driving need for blood (which is non-erotic in nature; and in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other blood-drinkers, such as blood fetishists) or psi energy; increased physical and/or psychic sensitivities; sensitivity to light or sunlight and a nocturnal circadian rhythm; amplification and/or alteration of emotional states and feelings, etc.; and perhaps the (unsubstantiated*) potential for an indefinitely extended lifespan (which is not to be confused with "immortality"), although many vampires do maintain a youthful twenty-something look well into their thirties or even forties. It does NOT include the abilities to change shape, fly, command others' wills, heal instantaneously, accomplish superhuman feats of strength or speed, etc.
*Some vampires believe the condition does include the potential for an indefinitely long lifespan, but this belief has not been incontrovertibly proven, to the best of my knowledge.

Regnant*(formal, Sanguinarium)

Similar to a Master in the SMBD scene, but a term for those in the OSV and Sanguinarium subsections of the vampiric community. Regnants are responsible for ensuring the safety of their Kijara in all scenes. See also Thrall or Kijira, Korval Pakt, Raja

Renegade / Rogue (general, Sanguinarius)

1.) A vampire/blood-drinker’s former source who parts company on hostile terms and causes trouble;
2.) A vampire who can’t handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, posing a threat to both him/herself and others.
Renfield’s Syndrome *(Medical, Sanguinarius, House Eclipse)

1. (House Eclipse)Renfield’s Syndrome 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 of Renfield’s Syndrome typically bear slashes on their hands and arms where they have withdrawn 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 up to and not excluding 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 himself and drinking his own blood. Renfield’s syndrome in its earliest stages is very close in appearance to SMS, a syndrome discussed later. Renfield's Syndrome is said to only affect men according to medical literature.*See also Clinical Vampirism and SMS.
2. (Sanguinarius)"Some attention has been given to a condition named 'Renfield's Syndrome' in psychological literature, based on the fly-eating character Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Renfield's Syndrome is described as having four stages: a trauma or 'critical incident' in childhood in which the patient discovers that the taste and sight of blood is 'exciting' or attractive; 'autovampirism', the drinking of one's own blood (autohemophagia); 'zoophagia', or the consumption of blood from animals; and finally 'true vampirism', in which the patient must have human blood, and may resort to stealing blood from medical facilities, or serial murder." -- Vyrdolak. (Apologies to Vyrdolak, whose site is the only site I could find with any information regarding this.) So far as I know, this is not an officially recognized mental disorder.

Right of Sanctuary (formal, House Eclipse)

The Right of Sanctuary is a formal agreement in the Eclipsan system to treat an outsider from an allied group as one of our own of Isro or Mor-Roi rank. This means that with this right granted, a one-time traveler or regular visitor is permitted the privileges of this rank without having to seek out an Elder every time they want to visit a Vmadea or feed within one. They are permitted to seek a Councilor's comfort, a Warrior's guardianship and protection, and a Priest's magical services without making prior arrangements. They may bring one escort with them to a Vmadea or Temple (Non Mundane) and are to be treated with respect by House members. The Right of Sanctuary must be approved by a vote at a meeting and renewed yearly. Those that behave badly, act poorly in our Havens, insult our allies and members or otherwise prove unworthy of the honor and privilege of this gift of respect will have it immediately withdrawn and will be shunned and ignored by all. Their group will not be held responsible for their actions, though we may request an apology before this courtesy is extended to the same group again.

Rite/Rite of Passage (general)

A ceremony performed to recognize a person’s advancement within the vampire community or a specific Order or House. Rites recognize the crossing of a threshold from one state or level of understanding to the next via Initiations, Ordeals or service offerings to both the Mundane and vampiric community. For example, a rite often accompanies the advancement of one who is Isro to the position of Tabaan, or From Calmae to Mor-Roi. 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.

Ritual*(general)

Is a magical working or ceremony, which is aimed at achieving a specific goal. Vampiric magical traditions such as Sangomancy or VampyreCrafte have various rituals which range in form and nature according to the tradition from which they derive. Used also by nonvampiric magicians and religions to describe religious or magical ceremonies. *See also Sangomancy.

Road (general, Sanguinarium)

A Sanguinarium term for the different paths of Kitra, Ramkht and Mradu. This triumverate system is used by it's adherents to provide a balance and exchange of energy within a House or Order, each caste feeding from and strengthening the others, to strengthen the bond between a group's members. Castes and Roads are not used by all Houses, Orders and Covens, and not every vampire fits within one specific archetype. Those who use this system intitate members into a specific Caste only after a specific point in their development.

Rogue: (slang, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius, House Eclipse)

1.) (Sanguinarius)A vampire or blood-drinker's former donor or source who parts company on hostile terms and causes trouble;
2.) A vampire who can't handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, posing a danger and threat to both him or herself and others.
3.) (House Eclipse)A vampire who dislikes the community or who has been hurt by or hurt many people within the community and due to having worn out their welcome, prefers to work alone and loudly decries the community to any who will listen. (see also Faboan)
4.) (Illuminatti) The existence between being Born and Made in the Illuminatti system. A time of confusion, discomfort, and learning.

Ronin (formal)

A vampire who is not a member of a coven or household. In the Japanese feudal system, ronin were Samurai who lacked allegiance to a particular house, but who were nonetheless honorable and skilled as samurai. Those described as Ronin in the OSV system or Teliob in the Eclipsan are often wise and knoweldgeable, and often train apprentices, collect information and become respected and revered Elders who ally with or simply keep the company of members of many Houses or other groups.

Rosette (formal, Sanguinarium)

Mark left behind when a vampire 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 vampires will typically have the small cut made in the donor’s skin located somewhere in their center. According to OSV, some traditionalist Sanguines can feed through transdermal permeation and somehow have no need to cut or pierce the skin, and thus will leave no hickies. Energy and Psi-Vamps sometimes leave these marks behind as well, although there is no obvious cut located within the mark. Again, somehow the blood essence is said to be absorbed transdermally. No other group uses this term, and nowhere else have I read of this "transdermal" feeding with no mark at all.

Roleplayer (slang, Sanguinarius)

1.) Someone who engages in role playing games (RPGs).
2.) This is often used as a derogatory term for those who play Vampire: The Masquerade or similar vampire RPGs and/or who pretend to be a vampire in their free time when they are not. RPGers are also associated with posers and other fakes who dress the part and pretend to be something they are not. See also "poser" and "wannabe".

RP’er / RPG’er (general)

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 vampire lifestyle in their free time while rejecting it in their ordinary lives. RPGers are also associated with posers and other fakes in the scene who dress the part and pretend to be something they are not. *See also Poser and Vampire: the Masquerade.

Safari (general, Sanguinarium)

A form of play hunting referred to only within the OSV and Sanguinarium when a vampire or coven of vampires goes out to find donors but does not bring them home; maybe a little nibbling, but never feeding. This was supposedly used in the late 1970s to teach fledglings how to hunt in discos, but many vampires that lived during that time scoff at the word as nonsensical and made up.

Salbrox (formal, House Eclipse)

The ritual or forced Awakening of an Ananiel or Klavasi vampire in the Eclipsan system using magic, ritual or specific traumatic circumstances. This is occasionally done by Houses and Orders who see strong potential in an Unawakened vampire and who are asked to Awaken this potential by the Ananiel. The said person, however is often not ready for all that comes with being a vampire and can have thier life ruined by such an event, or at the least changed for the worse. A few manage to come through Salbrox with little difficulty and become respected vampires in the community, thus the continuing of the practice. The word comes from the Enochian word for "live Sulphur", a potentially deadly substance in Alchemy but one necessary to many formulas.

Sangomancy*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) A path of mixing blood use and other magic, where each initiate takes the best from other paths and combines them into his or her own interpretation. Many paths and forms of Sangomancy exist, from simple divination to high ritual and invocation. All spells and rituals use blood in some way.
2. (Sanguinarius)A form of vampyrecrafte, or vampiric magick, which specifically involves the use of blood in the rituals. (See "vampyrecrafte".)

Sangomancer*(general)

Literally translates as "Divination using blood". A vampire who studies, practices and creates new forms of sangomancy. Anyone called this should have been a vampire for at least three years and have mastered the basics of Sangomancy. Most Sangomancers create their own form or variety of Sangomancy and tailor rituals to fit their personal beliefs and tastes.

Sanguinarian* (general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)Someone who feeds on blood. Taken from the Latin word meaning "blood-thirsty, Bloody or reddish in color", a Sanguinarian is someone who has 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 Vampires are able to sustain themselves on pranic energy or chi alone, while Sanguinarians need to combine this with actual, physical blood in order to get any benefit from it. *See also Sanguine.
2. (Sanguinarius)Someone who has a physical thirst, need, craving for blood (which is non-erotic in nature) in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other blood-drinkers. Sanguinarians (a word from the Latin root "sanguinarius", meaning "bloodthirsty") apparently do not get the benefits from pranic energy, or else they are unable to feed psychically like psi and energy vampires, for whom blood and pranic energy are apparently interchangeable.

Sanguinarium / Sanguinary, The *(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

A group of houses, businesses, organizations and beliefs that make up a part of the vampire community. It's members typically follow the Black Veil, attend Sanguinarium Havens and events, and bear a specific form of ankh as a sigil. Not all vampiric houses and groups support the Sanguinarium or consider themselves a part of it, or even recognize their laws and traditions. They are a visible portion of the community, but definitely not the only or dominant part. Many real vampires frown upon the Sanguinarium because of the non-vampiric lifestylers it attracts and the artificial pomp and aristocratic hierarchy it endorses. They have often been accused in the past of trying to set up a monopoly within the community and claiming to be the only "real" community out there.

Sanguine*(general)

A term for a blood drinker. In the Latin language Sanguine refers to someone who is blood-thirsty. Today it is a term for all blood drinking vampires and often substituted for the term of vampire (which is seen as misleading and inaccurate by many).

Sanguine / sanguin / sang vamp(ire): (general, Sanguinarius)

These are shortened forms of the term "sanguinarian". See "sanguinarian".

Sang Vamp (slang)

Term, which refers to a blood-drinking vampire. * See also Sanguine

Sanguivore: (general, Sanguinarius)

A term that I am seeing more frequently, used to define sanguinarians, but which I feel is inaccurate, as sanguinarians do consume more than just blood. I would strongly recommend using the term to refer to those who consume only blood, and nothing else, as their main source of sustenance. I have not encountered any tangible proof that such individuals do exist, and I feel that this is highly unlikely.

Scene, The / the Vampire Scene*( general, Sanguinarius)

The "scene" is a general term used by the OSV and few others for the social aspects of the vampire community including havens, events, businesses, societies, and even the on line part of the subculture. Many others feel it is overly pretentious or has strong echoes of words used to describe the Gothic and BDSM subculture. Many vampires and vampyre lifestylers are a part of the vampiric community, but do not go out and socialize. Most of the current scene revolves around the Sanguinarium, due to the amount of money they invest on attempting to appear to be the entire community as opposed to a small part of it.

Second Age (formal, Sanguinarium)

Begins on November 31st, 2002 and refers to the second 10 years of the Sanguinarium community by that group. Here the traditions of the Strigoi Vii have been established

Seeker *(general, Sanguinarius)

Someone who is seeking after vampires, or knowledge of vampires, usually desiring to become one him/herself. Unlike a wannabe, 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. Some seekers eventually awaken as vampires or become donors, Kithani or Black Swans.

Self-Mutilation Syndrome/SMS (general, Sanguinarius)

A psychological condition which has apparently begun to grow among American youth. Sufferers of SMS, also known as cutters, feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disorder. Most sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, self punishment or emotional pain onto their bodies. Some eventually get involved in body art and blood fetishism. *See also Clinical Vampirism, Renfield’s Syndrome.

Setians *(general)

A belief within the vampire community that links vampirism back to the Egyptian God Set. Egyptologists have recently suggested that Set is just a deification 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. The vampiric 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 lif e energy and generally abstain from the physical drinking of blood. Also refers to the Temple of Set, a legitimate religion founded by Michael Aquino as a Left Hand Path faith.

Sexual Vampirism*(general, Sanguinarius)

A form of psi-vampirism where feeding is done primarily from sexual energy, or energy generated during sexual activity, with or without the exchange of blood. The feeding can be done intentionally or unconsciously / unintentionally. A common term for female vampires who feed exclusively through sex is "Succubus", a word which originally denoted a Mediaeval demon which was believed to visit the dreams of men and tempt them into sexual misconduct; the male version of the word, although not as widespread, is "Incubus". See also "incubus", "succubus".

Shef Usheb*(House Eclipse)

A polite, formal, ritual or respectful term for a psychic vampire in the Eclipsan system, used by those who feel the other term is derogatory, misleading or insulting. It comes from words in Ancient Egyptian that translate as "To eat or feed on strength, vigor, energy or force".

Shield, Psychic (general, psionics)

A construction of chi, prana, astral or other energy for the purpose of blocking unwanted psychic intrusions, attacks, feeding or any kind of spells or excess emotions or energy from outside it's user. Usually made by a person on thier own for this purpose from a state of relaxation or meditation. Varying levels or degrees of shields exist, from heavy ones that block out all energy to thin, light ones tailored to allow specific types of energy or people through. These are commonly referred to as filtering or filter shields.

Sigil*(general, Sanguinarius)

A magical or identifying symbol of any kind, in both the vampiric community and outside in various magical systems. Within the community, 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. Within the OSV and Sanguinarium households and courts are expected to create their own version of a Sanguinarium Rune. Many different groups outside the Sanguinarium have their own sigils or even sets of sigils for use in identification and magic.

Sin Nomine (formal, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

Latin for "without name". A vampire who has been stripped of his or her name and recognition within a specific group in or the whole of the vampiric community for having committed some great crime in the eyes of the community. See also "excommunicated" and "Invisibles".

Sire (general, White Wolf, Sanguinarius)

A term from Vampire: The Masquerade roleplaying system that has crept into general usage in the OSV system meaning the one who "turned" (or awakened) someone else who is now a vampire. (See "mentor", Pibliar and Adra).

Slayer (slang, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (Sanguinarium)A loud-mouthed individual that makes public and obnoxious claims of killing people who either are or are believed to be vampires. 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. At any rate, they’ll get investigated. If they are posers, then they will continue to remain free and flap their lips a lot; if they are real, then the Law will deal with them accordingly. Whatever the case may be, vampires urges you to report these individuals to the proper authorities. Maybe being investigated will put a reality check in their lives. * See also Hunter.
2. (Sanguinarius)A loud-mouthed dumbass that makes public and obnoxious claims of killing people who are (or who the slayer thinks are) vampires. Just like hit-men for the mafia, those who may be real vampire hunters or slayers are NOT going to publically announce what they do, as that's a surefire way to the Big House, or the Happy Hotel. At any rate, they'll get investigated. If they are posers, then they will continue to remain free and flap their lips a lot; if they are real, then the Law will deal with them accordingly.
Whatever the case may be, Sanguinarius urges you to report these individuals to the proper authorities. Maybe being investigated will put a reality check in their miserable lives and cause them to tone down their racist shitspeak. (See also, "hunter")
Whether they are harming or killing people, or desecrating graves and corpses, or conducting illegal interstate commerce (ex., a site on the net, offering vampire hunting or slaying services in exchange for money or goods) -- even if they have had no takers!, -- they are doing or offering to do illegal things, and should be reported. I believe conducting illegal interstate commerce is a felony--?
It's one thing to be a fan of Buffy, or Blade, or Jack Crow, or whoever, and it's one thing to have a ROLEPLAYING persona of a vampire hunter, but if that's the case, then those who do need to put some sort of indication that this is the case!

Sponsor (general)

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 and mentor.

Solitary (general, Sanguinarius)

A vampire who chooses not to be involved with a coven and has little if any interest in interacting within the community.. *See also Ronin or Teliob.

Somnusium* (formal, Sanguinarium)

An OSV term for putting one's nightside to rest or taking a break from the vampire community. Usually those who go into Somnusium try to suppress their vampiric tendencies in favor of leading a more "normal" lifestyle. However, this can lead to physical weakness or even violent outbursts in those with a strongly developed Hunger.

Source (general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) Someone from whom a vampire 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.
2. (Sanguinarius) Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term that I prefer to use; I feel that it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a donation...

Starseed Vampires (general)

A tradition or movement within the vampire community, which asserts the extra-terrestrial origins of the vampire 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. It is not clear whether the Originals reproduced sexually or if they "turned" humans in order to increase the ranks of their race. It would seem from conversations with members of this order that they did both, and it is from unions between these original three as well as subsequent unions between the "turned" members of humanity, that all vampires are descended. In the Starseed philosophy, vampirism is a condition of both body and soul, and once one has been "turned", they continue a vampiric existence through subsequent incarnations. Often, these incarnations are remembered and the vampiric individual looks upon him or herself as immortal in the sense that he or she is aware of this lifetime as well as being aware of lifetimes lived far into the distant past. Starseed vampires feed mainly upon life energy, although they incorporate the drinking of a small quantity of blood into their rituals.

Strega *(Sanguinarim and OSV)

Supposedly a term referring to a sanguine vampire who feeds indiscrimanantly, but I have never seen it used or heard it spoken outside word lists. It seems to have dropped out of usage. This is just as well, as the true meaning is a witch of any kind in Russian, and would thus be insulting to Wiccans.

Strigoi Vii*(Sanguinarium, Sanguinarius, House Eclipse )

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)The Sanguinarium translates this as "living vampires" from ancient Romanian and Italian. It is used to refer to a path of vampirism., which includes the Black Veil, the Dragon, the Communion, the Twilight and the five ordeals.
2. (Sanguinarius) A term supposedly meaning "living vampires" in Romanian folklore, it is used by some to refer to the condition and philosophy of being a vampire. The movers and shakers of the Sanguinarium have appropriated the term for their use in describing their more spiritually oriented path, the Order Strigoii Vii.
3. (House Eclipse)All of the above may be true but the literal original translation is "an infanticidal witch who transforms into an owl and drinks the blood of babies and will become a vampire after they die". The word "Strigoi" comes from the term for a Striga or strig, which is either an owl or a witch who can take the shape of an owl and are malevolent, practicing dark witchcraft and curses.

Swan (general, OSV)

A term used in the OSV system to refer to a friend, family member, donor, lover, consort or colleague who is aware of vampires, specifically the OSV with which this term is associated, but is not awakened nor has vampiric potential. There are many subcategories of this term used by OSV and it's affiliates, including Black Swans (donors and friends), Crimson Swans (sanguine donors), Crystal Swans (Psi or Pranic donors), Amber Swans (donors of both Psi energy or Prana and blood) and White Swans (those who fear or dislike vampires but still come into contact with them). Other groups have varying names for these types of people, feeling that comaring them to an animal is insulting and derogatory or simply overdramatic and silly. For example, M'kheru of a donor of any type, Eophan for White Swan and Kithani for Black Swan.

Swan Lake (slang, OSV)

A term used by members of OSV to describe a "hunting ground". Considered silly and overdramatic by many others.

Succubus: (Sanguinarius)

The plural is succubi. A female sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his or her energy and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.

Supplier: (Sanguinarius)

Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term; I feel that it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a donation...

Swoon / Rapture, The: (formal, Sanguinarium)

The OSV word for 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 psychological euphoric effects. The vampire also experiences a similar psycho-sexual rush. This rush can be experienced in explicitly sexual situations but may sometimes be brought about through casual contact between the vampire and donor. In other systems this is referred to simply as "the rush", "rapture" or "ecstasy".

Sympathetic Vampirism. (general, Sanguinarius)

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 vampires 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 themselves in order to replenish them. In addition to a need to feed, the sufferer of sympathetic vampirism may manifest symptoms commonly associated with real vampirism, such as heightened sensitivity and sensitivity to sunlight. Often, this condition has caused a number of real vampires 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 vampire or vampires who feed off the person to stop completely. Without t he constant depletion of resources, the person’s system should gradually correct itself over time.

Synod *(formal, OSV)

According to the OSV who are the ones who coined this term and the only real users of it, this term is from a German word meaning "Council of Bishops", so it's appropriateness in describing a group of vampires seems questionable to many. This is said by them to be a "Neutral" and "Unbiased" organization within the vampire community who provide resources, educational resources, networking, and has the mission of supporting those who follow the Strigoi Vii pardigram. This group is blatantly obviously neither neutral nor unbiased, which can also be witnessed by it's actions, supporting only the projects of the OSV, House Sahjaza and their related or smaller Houses while ignoring worthwhile and useful projects by those outside this belief system. The Synod supposedly selects gifted OSV vampires of Calmae level and Magisters to teach their Inner Ordeals (it is not specified whether these are seperate or identical to those of OSV) through apprenticeship and classes. This group is also stated to be responsible for the ordination of the Kharrus. Most vampires outside the OSV are disgusted by the idea of a supposedly secret Order that has somehow been given the power to tell other vampires both within and without the OSV system what they should or can and should not or cannot do, and what is or is not a "viable" part of vampiric culture. Many compare them to the semifictional "power groups" or secret societies such as the Illuminati of fiction or the Yale Skull and Bones society. Few vamipires outside OSV pay any attention to them save to laugh at them or be disgusted.

Tabaan* (general, House Eclipse)

Tabaan is a level of maturity, responsibility and rank among vampires in the Eclipsan system. The formal term is "Self Mastery" and this means that the Tabaan is not Bound to any Elder or Jaidah. The Tabaan may still bond with other Tabaan and Jaidah, but as an equal, rather than as a student or lower ranking individual. A Tabaan may create a vampiric family or Pack or Circle as it is usually called, which is something like a family, support group and occasionally a group marriage. When a Pack gets too large it often becomes a House in the Eclipsan system. A Tabaan may indeed create their own House or Order as they choose and Mentor others, though usually this is considered a job for Jaidah level vampires. Tabaan are often the most politically active members of a House, making alliances and friendships for their Pack with the aid of the other Pack members. Tabaan are often quite active in the community but are still finding their individual niche.
Tabaan are expected to set an example for Gevanma (apprentices, Bellah) and Isro (fledglings, Calmae) and never lose their cool in public. Tabaan have usually chosen or discovered their primary Road and chosen at least one Path by now, and are expected to aid Jaidah in teaching these to apprentices. This level is similar to the OSV level of Mor-Roi.

Tantra* (general, Eastern Religions)

Hindu/Buddhist philosophy concerned with mysticism, magic and the power of various body postures or mudras of the hands and body or in specific cases with the power of sexual magic and sexual positions and energy. This type of Tantra is known as Tantric Sex.

Tease-the-Vamp:(slang, Sanguinarius)

A cruel "game" that non-vampires, or even other vampires, sometimes play where they tease or taunt a blood vamp with either thoughts of blood, or actual blood, which they have no intentions of giving to the vampire being teased. While it might be amusing to watch the vamp's reactions, this "game" causes misery for the poor vampire, and can result in his or her vamping out or worse, if it's not stopped.

Teliob (general, House Eclipse)

In the Eclipsan system, this is a vampire who chooses not to ally them self with a House or Pack or Circle for whatever reason. Many Teliob are well respected Elders or can be of any other rank they choose. In general, they completely avoid blood bonds, Mentoring and may or may not attend vampiric gatherings. Many Solosus are well respected or even revered by other vampires, as it takes great courage to stand alone.
Many vampires become disgusted or disillusioned with the cattiness, corruption and abuses often found within the vampire community. These people thus choose not to ally with a specific House or group or even to seek out other vampires. They live quietly and discreetly and feed from one or two donors, and do not get involved in House Politics or any of the online soap operas. These vampires are still often wise and have much to say and teach if one can find them, and should be respected for their choices. The term is from the Enochian word meaning "Seperate"

Thirst, The *(general, Sanguinarius)

The craving, need, desire, urge to drink blood, experienced as an intense thirst-sensation and withdrawal-like symptoms. To say the least. This manifests not unlike an addiction, and is very difficult and annoying to have to deal with. The thirst is the primary symptom of a psychological or physical addiction to blood. Many energy vampires experience a similar phenomenon, although they sate their need through an energy exchange with a partner. (See also "the Hunger, "the Need", "Feeding")

Teliob (general, House Eclipse)

In the Eclipsan system, this is a vampire who chooses not to ally them self with a House or Pack or Circle for whatever reason. Many Teliob are well respected Elders or can be of any other rank they choose. In general, they completely avoid blood bonds, Mentoring and may or may not attend vampiric gatherings. Many Solosus are well respected or even revered by other vampires, as it takes great courage to stand alone. Many vampires become disgusted or disillusioned with the cattiness, corruption and abuses often found within the vampire community. These people thus choose not to ally with a specific House or group or even to seek out other vampires. They live quietly and discreetly and feed from one or two donors, and do not get involved in House Politics or any of the online soap operas. These vampires are still often wise and have much to say and teach if one can find them, and should be respected for their choices. The term is from the Enochian word meaning "Seperate"

Thirst, The *(general, Sanguinarius)

The craving, need, desire, urge to drink blood, experienced as an intense thirst-sensation and withdrawal-like symptoms. To say the least. This manifests not unlike an addiction, and is very difficult and annoying to have to deal with. The thirst is the primary symptom of a psychological or physical addiction to blood. Many energy vampires experience a similar phenomenon, although they sate their need through an energy exchange with a partner. (See also "the Hunger, "the Need", "Feeding".

Thrall *(general, Sanguinarium, House Eclipse )

A Vampire term for slave in the SMBD scene in the OSV. *See also Regnant or Kijira. Also a somewhat derogatory term for a vampire who is unable to function independently and formally binds them self to a more powerful or dominant vampire. This is done through blood bond, and lasts a year. A few newer vampires do this as an extended training period to assist a mentor or Elder and learn more before becoming an independent and full member of a House. However, it can cause psychological damage if allowed for too long. Occasionally used as a term for a weak or codependent vampire in the Eclipsan system.

The Thirteen Rules of Community: (general, Sanguinarius)

See "The Black Veil". A set of rules written by Michelle Belanger and Sebastian for the vampire community as a general commonsense guideline for various groups to adopt. Originally this was meant to be a loose set of recommendations, but the trend seems to be for OSV and Sanguinarium related groups to enforce this document as laws, or at least attempt to.

To Turn*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1.(OSV and Sanguinarium) To make someone into a vampire by Awakening their latent vampiric tendencies through ritual or exchange of blood. *See also Awakening, Becoming, Latent Vampire and Potential.
2. (Sanguinarius)To make someone into a vampire. This is most likely a misunderstanding or misconception of the awakening process. See also "awakening", "latent vampire".

Tradition *(general)

A specific set of values, customs, philosophies, spirituality, outlooks, and beliefs. Many covens center around one specific tradition; for example, Temple of the Vampire, the Kheprian Order, the Coven of Sahjaza, House Eclipse, House Quinotaur, Haven Mercury and the Vampire Church. Each tradition typically answers the following in its own unique way: the nature and purpose of vampirism; the origin of vampires; and the goals of the vampiric community. *See also Elorath, Lillins, Nephilim, Setians and Xanastasians.

Turned* (general, Sanguinarius)

Another term for becoming a vampire. Some groups believe that ordinary people can be turned into vampires, but this is most likely a misinterpretation of the awakening process. The method for this turning varies from group to group, but generally involves a rite of blood or energy exchange between the vampire and the person to be turned. If someone appears to have been turned, he or she was most likely a latent vampire to begin with. See also "awakening", "latent vampire".

Turning (general, fiction, Sanguinarium)

An OSV term for the process of Awakening as or otherwise becoming an active rather than a latent vampire. Used in fiction to describe the making of a "human" into a vampire.

Twilight (formal, Sanguinarium)

Within the OSV structure of beliefs only, it is considered state of vampiric enlightenment, which balances one’s dayside responsibilities with their nightside instincts.

Twoofing: (Sanguinarius)

An alternate, less blatant, and less cheesy-sounding, term created as an alternative for the phrase "vamping out". See "vamping out".

Twoof:(Lady Slinky of Bloody Minded)

Experiencing an acute flare-up of symptoms generally involving a change in the person's manner, breathing, pulse rate, and thought patterns acompanied with an increase in sensitivity of senses. This causes a person to seem more primal and animalistic.

The word was introduced to the community pre 1999 and is published in a comic by Sarasvati in I belive march of 1999.

Vamping out: (Sanguinarius)

Experiencing an acute flare-up of the thirst. This also involves a change in the person's manner, breathing, pulse rate, thought patterns, etc., as their body gears up to go out and attempt to satisfy the thirst. This is a real thing, not a fantasy thing, and I won't let anyone else who does not really have this as a real occurrence claim it; to do so makes a mockery of those of us who really do have to deal with it! (If they don't have it and they claim it, then I wish it on them; let them have it!). Called Pandemonium by the OSV.

Vampire *(general, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) The Sanguinarium uses this spelling refers to the fictional creature found in literature, myth, legend, film and TV, which includes Lestat, Dracula, Nick Knight, etc. To them, this does not refer to people who are actual vampires and have the vampiric condition. Many others find the other spelling of "vampyre" pretentious or melodramatic and use the more common one instead.
2. (Sanguinarius)A much-disputed term with many meanings, depending upon whom you're talking to. See also the definitions of "sanguinarian", "blood-drinker", "blood fetishist", "psychic vampire", "Vampyre Lifestyler", and "Vampiric Community". Here, it is used to encompass all of the above-listed groups into a general category. Also, here, it is not used to define any of those as some sort of supernatural or superhuman beings or someone who has returned from the dead (excluding being revived by medical procedures), and so forth. Anyone who makes those sorts of claims, is lying.
3. (Illuminatti) A person who drinks human blood in the Illuminatti system or who has the need urge or craving to drink human blood.

Vampire Aesthetic (general, Sanguinarius)

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 decor, and overall dark and melancholy themes. Scenes of crypts, abandoned castles, and shadowy landscapes abound in artwork that appeals to the vampire aesthetic, and 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 (general, White Wolf)

A role-playing game developed by Mark Rein-Hagen and published by White Wolf in the early 1990s. 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. These fictional vampires order their society into Elders, Ancilla (of middling years), and Neonates (the youngest, also known as childer), and each city is run by a vampiric Prince. The vampires in the so-called "World of Darkness" abide by a set of rules that insure vampiric secrecy, known as the Traditions or simply as The Masquerade. White Wolf’s Vampire: the Masquerade was the first publication to refer to vampires as Kindred. Other terms developed by them include "sire", the vampire responsible for making a new vampire; "childe", a new vampire; and "the embrace", the process of becoming a vampire. The game became very popular, and it even earned its own short-lived television series, Kindred: the Embraced. The pro-wrestler Gangrel, who used to be part of the quasi-vampiric team called the Brood, was sanctioned by White Wolf. His wrestling name is the name for one of White Wolf’s vampire clans.
There are varied opinions about V:tM in the vampire 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 vampires to start accepting and coming out about their nature. On the other hand, the role-playing game 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 vampires 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 vampires. The role-players see Vampire 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 vampires 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 vampires. The antagonism of the role-players has lead to understandable bad feeling on the part of the real vampires, 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 vampires.

Vampyre *(formal, Illuminatti, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

1. (OSV and the Sanguinarium) According to the Sanguinarium, a person who lives the vampire "lifestyle" and has the vampiric condition. Others find this spelling melodramatic and pretentious and use the more common one instead. *See also Sanguinarian, Real Vampyre or Vampirism.
2. (Sanguinarius)A vampire lifestyler. Someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into his or her personal life, often cultivating 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 a 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 vampires in the sense of craving blood, while others are blood fetishists, and still others are just drawn to the "Vampyre aesthetic". This is an outgrowth of, but distinct from, the Gothic subculture.
3. (Illuminatti) A more familliar and formal form of the term vampire.

Vampirism (general, Sangiunarium)

Although it is different for most other groups, it is in the OSV more or less a combination of a philosophy, blood fetish, lifestyle (to many also a sexuality) and versatile spirituality, which revolves around the exchange of energies and/or blood. Many times it includes the building of personal pseudo-family or pack relationships from shared beliefs and experiences.

Vampyrecrafte (formal, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)

In general, this is an OSV term for the magic practiced by vampires or vampyre lifestylers. Many vampires are pagan and follow the old ways, and the ways of magic are an integral part of their beliefs. Most psi vampires practice numerous techniques associated with energy manipulation, while sangs often use blood as an ingredient in charms and spells. Many also practice some form of magic, most often ritual magic or chaos magic. Vampyrecraft refers to magical techniques specifically designed by vampires 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 Sangomancy.

Vampirespeak*(formal, Sanguinarium)

Also known as "the sanguine tongue" to the OSV,which is puzzling considering how little acceptance they have for blood vampirism. These are the vampire languages, which are found in many different forms, and which can include orcombine double-talk, jargon, sign language, arcane words, invented or created words and sigils (runes). In general, one must either know how to use the Internet or be an accepted part of some branch of the community such as a House or Order to become familiar with these terms. Some terminology is usually only taught to individuals initiated into covens and approved by the heads of these organizations. Other Houses and traditions have their own words, sigils and other such communication aides that may be different from those of the larger or more prevalent groups. Our community as vast and each House and tradition expresses itself differently.

Vampire Bait (slang, Sanguinarius)

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.)

Vampiric Community *(general, Sanguinarium)

The Sanguinarium uses this to refer to the community of people who identify with or have been identified with the vampire. This includes blood-drinkers, psychic/energy vampires, and vampire life stylers, though the last are NOT members of the community to those outside this group and should not be included. The community also includes donors and sometimes the friends of vampires. (See "vampire"

Vampiric Condition (general)

Most vampires express their condition through a mixture of philosophy, spirituality, lifestyle (and some consider it a fetish). Basically, the need to feed upon blood or life energy in order to remain emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy. This condition can come about in three basic ways, 1) (Dhampyri) they are born with it and grow up completely knowing they are "different"; 2) (Klavasi) they are latent and it sometimes or never manifests, depending on environment and circumstances; and 3) (Ardetha) they 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.

Vampire Connection* (general, Sanguinarium)

The OSV uses this to refer to their international network of businesses, havens, producers, organizations, scholars, performers and artists who cater to or are involved in their parts of the vampire/vampire culture. The Vampire Connection also includes several "languages" of terms and sets of rules of etiquette, which are followed by different groups to differing degrees.. The more arcane and formal term for the Vampire Connection is the Sanguinarium. Other groups of businesses, Houses, rules, terminology and such exist outside the Sanguinarium, and it is but one of many major organizations.

Vampyre Lifestyler* (general)

A derogatory term for someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into his/her personal life. Vampyre life stylers often cultivate a "Vampiric" physical appearance, including but not limited to a very pale complexion, a wardrobe made up predominantly of dark clothing, a style of dress which is modeled on Victorian or Renaissance fashions, black or blood-red lipstick, sunglasses, fangs, FX contacts, and a generally melancholy or lugubrious air. Life stylers 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. All are fakes and posers who should not be called by the terms of or confused with real vampires. Most real vampires scorn and ignore such fakes and will not tolerate them in their organizations.

Vampyre Nation, The* (formal, Sanguinarium)

An archaic and somewhat misleading term used by the OSV for the community as a whole. Most do not use it because of it's fictional and political connotations, specifically the idea of an independant country or the associations in the Blade comic books.

Vampyre vs Vampire*(general)

"Vampyre" is the older spelling of the word "vampire" used in the 18th & 19th centuries, thus "Vampyre" is used by the Sanguinarium to refer to people who are really into the scene or lifestyle. The more modern "vampire" is most often used to refer to Hollywood, myth and fiction by this group. Many outside the Sanguinarium consider the old spelling to be melodramatic, prissy or snobbish and use the more common (and gramatically correct) one.

Vessel: (formal, White Wolf, Illuminatti)

An archaic term for primary food source in the Illuminatti system. Rarely used due to roleplaying connotations.

Vmadea (general, House Eclipse)

A place where vampires are accepted or at least tolerated in the Eclipsan system, where we gather or where we meet for any reason. A location friendly to or loved by vampires in the Eclipsan system. Such places are often nightclubs, resturaunts, stores or other locales where a group or individual vampire has befriended management or emplyees or where a vampire works. The people within the Pibliar may not know the nature of the vampire and their allies, but see the vampire or vampires as valued customers or workers. Over time and with familiarity, the vampires in such a place may even be given special treatment. Often vampires meet and congregate at such places, where they feel safe and comfortable. Some Pibliari are the homes of individual vampires opened to their Kin and Housemates for meetings or parties. Only in these Pibliari is feeding or ritual ever done unless the group is wealthy and lucky enough to have a place set aside only for House or Oredr functions and open only to them. Such places are considered sacred and it is seen as extremely disrespectful or even blasphemous to start a fight within one or to lose one's temper there or allow one's Khaibit to get out of control. Many vampires call these places Havens, but Eclipsans see this word as having far too many roleplaying associations and movie and fictional connotations. The word is the Enochian term for "Strong Tower" to show how important these locations are to the Vampire Community.

Vran (formal, House Eclipse)

A respectful title for a high ranking, respected or revered vampire in the Eclipsan system. Often used before the name of a person within the community that a member of House Eclipse has extended the Right of Sanctuary towards. For example, Vran Nitallica of The Coven Organization or Vran Sanguinarius. Usually used for leaders.

WorldVeil (General, House Eclipse)

A concept of magic used frequently in Eclipsan lore that states that the world contains much less magic than it did at one point. Essentially, the idea that at one point the common view of magic being instantly acting and monsters and supernatural creatures directly existing in this world was true. However, some occurrence (to many, the fall of the mythological city of Atlantis) caused a sort of supernatural barrier to fall and wall out most magical and paranormal creatures. Thus, the souls of beings such as elves, fae, dragons and vampires were incarnated into human bodies or stay in the astral, the gods stopped being able to directly manifest and intervene in people's lives, and magic became less of an instant results system for making changes in the material world and more of a back door for manipulating the flow of events and such. Believers in the world veil believe that haunted houses and such are areas where the worldveil thins, and it is easier to do magic and manifest the paranormal in the physical world.
Many OtherKin dedicate themselves to finding ways around or through the worldveil so that we can once again become the creatures legend states we were and gain the abilities of legend. Others believe this would cause catastrophe and turmoil and try to guard the veil and upkeep it. Whatever a vampire believes and however they act, most agree that the Veil started to become active around 1500 bce and grew gradually from then. It did not instantly come into place but grew very subtly and slowly until it's present incarnation was reached around 1500 ce. Some also believe that the veil is weakening in the modern era due to the renewed love for and belief in the mystical and paranormal, and that the rise of OtherKin is a direct result of this.

Wannabe (slang, Sanguinarius)

Slang term, a contraction of the words "wants to be". Derogatory term for someone who wants to become a vampire, usually with unrealistic expectations of what it would be like. Most wannabes have a very romanticized vision of vampirism, and they seem to think it would improve their lives somehow or make them more interesting. Many are attracted by a false vision of a vampire’s powers. They usually fail to look at the practical side of becoming a vampire, such as necessary changes in lifestyle, finding sources to feed from, and trying to hold a job while balancing one’s vampiric nature with daily life.

Warrior* (general, House Kheperu, Sanguinarium)

Also known as Mradu or Equites (a Greek term used to designate Alexander’s elite forces). In the vampiric caste and road system created by House Kheperu and adopted by the OSV, the Warriors are those entrusted with the safety of the community. Strongarms and guardsmen, Warriors protect both Concubines and Priests. They also help to enforce the 13 Rules of Community, also known as The Black Veil. A well-trained Warrior completes the triumvirate of power between a Concubine and a Priest. A Warrior is commonly a good friend of both members of the Priest-Concubine pair, occasionally a lover of one or both of them, who provides protection, back-up, and additional energy and support in any magical workings. *See also Caste System, Mradu, Concubine, and Priest.

Werewolf: (general, Illuminatti)

In the Illuminatti system, the product or descendant of a human and wolf coupling between a Child of Lilith in legend and her guardian wolf. According to this legend the product was the first werewolf from whom all others were descended. The werewolf may or may not shapeshift.

White Swan (formal, Sanguinarium)

In the OSV systemomeone who cannot tolerate the Vampire community and proves antagonistic to it's members. In general, White Swans are still a part of the Gothic or fetish scene, which often brings them into contact with the vampire community despite their dislike for vampires or vampiric culture. An alternate term is Eophan in the Eclipsan system.

Xanastasians (general)

An order within the vampire community, which believes in the extra-terrestrial origin of vampires. The Order of Xanastasia believe that the first vampires were otherworldly beings who fled or were cast out of their original home and sought shelter here on earth. The vampiric condition is looked upon as a direct inheritance of the otherworldly nature of these beings.

Xeper (general)

The Temple of Set's siliar version of Kheper or transformation. See also Kheper.

Credit:  This document was compiled by House-Eclipse.org