Vampires - General overview from my point

[Prince Alexander]

Hello everybody!

I am so sorry for the numbers of discussions I start, but hey… it is to help all! And I just like to chat about the many different topics we encounter in RP and all around.

This time I would like to discuss ‘vampires’. It seems like I’m seen as the overlord of the vampires for some reason (following sounds silly, but it is the truth): I am not! Yes, I started up a family in Karamoon of vampires, a bloodline, together with Blaze. This is because I simply didn’t want to play the common vampire like we all know. Why not? Well personally I can be little arsed with the folklore. But there are many people who want to play the ‘more common’ vampire. Their good right. But I do get the questions about races, how to act and more. Alexander cannot educate one in other ways than he follows himself. I am happy to give one a role in the family or to turn one in my ways so it will have my blood (but I do it properly, I just don’t turn everybody around me! You must prove yourself!)… But that is not what this discussion is about. This discussion is about the normal vampires. Note: if people want to know more about my bloodline/race/family or how you want to call it, let me know in a reply and I will dedicate a topic to that too. Note two: Again this has little in common with the family I play!

The common vampire
The are sexy! Yes, that is one of the few things Alexander has in common with them. They know how to use their charms. They stay quite young in appearance, even though in time they can be old in time. The immortality does play a big a big role in the life of a vampire. Because of the age, the person has got a great chance to be very experienced in life. Knows what to do, all the tricks to hide in the shadows and how to strike. Immortality gives enough time to experience many sides of life; you get easily bored and wish to do something else. Also trial and error comes to look into here. The person knows how to hunt in order to stay alive, because you will need blood!

Many paths can be walked to get blood. It can be by being charming and seducing, or it can be by simply using the act of surprise and strike hard when the piece of dinner doesn’t know it. You have a great strength and speed, so use it!
This said, many bloodlines do have mastered flying. It is quite common for a vampire to have the ability of flight. This does help with hunting and other things, so use it if your bloodline/story allows it. This also counts for magic.

Danger! -weaknesses
Ok, I did rep the word ‘immortality’ earlier; but in fact most common vampires aren’t immortal. Why not? How can something die when it is already dead? They are seen as animated dead bodies. In the nose of Lycans and other creatures with great noses they will be considered dead meat. There are certain ways to dispel the curse of the animated dead (in normal words: to kill a vampire). Garlic, wooden stake through the heart and a long exposure to sunlight are quite common ones… Also holy objects such as crucifixes, holy water and more. Why are vampires afraid of Holy objects? Because they are animated dead bodies, they are neither in Hell or Heaven; but they should be. Their soul is trapped on this plane (‘the world’ as our chars know it) and therefore they are even more unholy than the damned Devil himself (sorry Kain ;)). What is the opposite of unholy? Indeed; holy. There are in folklore and history also references that God doomed the vampires and made them vulnerable for everything what has to do with him (don’t ask me how a vampire can walk on HIS world then, but okay… one of the many flaws of folklore).
Sunlight, ah yes! The interesting bit of playing a vampire in Second Life. Vampires don’t like light at all, especially not sunlight. They prefer the shadows and darkness. But how do you play that in Second Life? We all live at different time zones, so it is a bit icky if you asked me. I am thinking about to introduce the idea of cutting up a day in four parts. SL times from 00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00, 18:00-24:00 and then respectively saying: Light- darkness- light- darkness. An other method could be making more use of the RPS tool. RPS has built in that a vampire is weaker during ‘light’ than during ‘the darkness of the night’. You can also use this to put down a foot whether you can go outside without having to cover yourself as much as possible. Note: the vampire template does not give direct excess to this function, if you play a vampire hook up with an admin to ask if they can turn it on for you.. But I would love to see your views on this.

And to keep RP interesting I can suggest that you will ask yourself: How will my char respond to the different types of blood? Will Elves be poisonous (they are pesky anyway, so you can easily add that to emphasize it), will Fae make you drowsy and as turned on as… I don’t know what… Because if you know how your char would react to blood, it is harder to pick a victim; creating an RP for yourself already!

Behaviour
Are vampires arrogant? Hell yes. They know they are sexy, they know they are immortal and they know they have more powers than a human. They use it and will use it with their words. They look down on others. You are able to move swiftly, to stay hidden. You are cocky, arrogant. You want women or men… You want everything and soon enough everything will bore you. You want more, more, more and more. Though you are bound to the person who turned you; but that is later.

Can I have a list please?
Yes you can.
- Immortal, youth you have it!
- Holy weaknesses and a diet away from garlic
- Watch out for falling stakes, they can so get through your heart!
- Sunlight can be annoying
- Flying, yes Sir!
- Arrogance (the Elves of Mithlond and I can give lessons in that. Ow and find Duke Remiel! ;))
- Magic? If you wish to do it, there is an opening to it
- Darkness, shadows are your new best friend. They are only not talkative. Sorry
- Blood! It was about bloody time you got your hands on that victim. You took forever!
- Family? See below

Family and loyalty, know your place
Vampires are either rogues or have a family/clan. Rogue vampires are just on their own… But if you play a member of a family or you are turned by a member of a family and you are accepted in the family, you are as loyal as a dog to them. Many families know ranks, hierarchy. Respect this! They are your only friends who won’t kill you around in RP. But can you marry someone inside or outside the family? That is up to the rules of the family. But yes, you can get married… But children? Well you will have to turn someone for that. If you turn someone, you are that persons ‘father’ in fact. The person you have turned is your ‘child’. Reason why common vampires cannot give birth is easy: they are dead.

How to turn someone
You grab the person by the shoulder with both hands and you twist him or her. Now the person has turned. You could also ask if the person could turn to or away from you. But that is not the turning we speak about here. No, we are talking here about the sex and lust driven turning of someone. The best part! First you drain the person; as far as you can go without killing the person (drinking dead blood is disgusting and can be lethal too! So let the heart beat on!) and then you give your magic ingredient to the person, your own blood. Give him or her enough of it, make it a nice blood-fest! Gory, Gothicy and Sexy! The person will slowly regain its strength… but will also see the tunnel of light. It will go insane, it will beg to die… but deep in mind it wants to go through, it will fight to become a vampire. If not, simple… he or she will simply die of blood loss. Once the person wakes up from this terrible dream, he or she will feel like still dreaming. Everything seems to look different, sharper and more detailed, lighter in darkness. The sounds, like everything is in High Definition! Welcome to the race.

I think I have covered here a whole lot. See this as just guidelines, perhaps you have noticed that I said a couple of times that it also depends on you; and you alone with the family you play with how you play your char. I do feel that we should have an overall chart for rogue vampires or for those who do not know what family to go along with. Well, if that is the case (admin, could you leave it then in a reply here?) then I will make a reply post with some ideas for it.

One last question please!
Go ahead!
Are vampires evil?
No, they are justified, bored and annoying. They sway from good to bad, just however they feel. They see their selves above anyone else and will act along with those he or she chooses to be friends with.

[Prince Alexander]

Northern Vampires
Okay, I am at work and bored. So I thought I will also give an insight into Alexander’s family anyway; the Nordic family line. Alexander is the Prince (soon King ;)) of the Skaersjborg family. The Skaersjborg family has rooted among two other families (Skaelheim and Njordvor). They are situated in what would be now Greenland or Scandinavia. Up against the upper north regions. The regions north of the places they live are populated by the might Ice dragons and other creatures who like to play in the snow. The town they have their castles nearby are far away apart from each other and other towns. The population in these regions is very thin.

Birth, being alive and more
Like I said in my previous post; there are big differences between ‘normal vampires’ and ‘Northern vampires’. For once, Northern Vampires are not dead. They hold a little bit of life to reproduce. This is needed because they need the humans in the towns where they live nearby for their blood and products (think of simple things like furniture). Without being able to give birth and life, the vampires will assimilate the whole population and miss out on blood and other things. So they are able to reproduce their selves for that. Given that, they don’t need to eat or anything, they get their supplements via blood (since a lot of minerals/vitamins are distributed via blood; this is plausible).

Let there be light
Because these Northern regions don’t know days and nights like we do, but seasons of day and night (both are nearly half a year, night is actually a bit longer), they must be able to move freely in the light of the sun. Or else they wouldn’t be able to go out during the spring and summer.

Charming Politics
Northern Vampires are good with the tongue (no you ladies, not only that way! I know how gutter minded you all are!) If it comes to manipulation, politics and persuasion. They know too well that they must be careful with wars, as their numbers are low and they also need to keep the humans in the nearby towns at friend. They have a strange relationship with the towns where they live and they do everything to keep it that way. Also the skill of charming has developed very well, because to keep the humans friendly they must persuade both women and men to give them blood voluntarily (only criminals and whores are taken to the castle by force). Don’t look up strangely if a Northern Vampire acts rather bi-sexual; it is mostly in their nature to appear that way, to get what they want. You are just a tool to get what they want. No matter what sex or race you are. Pretty awesome huh? You probably didn’t expect that the Prince could appear to be bi-sexual. Well, if he really needs something or needs blood… here you go.

I believe I can’t fly… or summon flies
Nope, pure blooded Northern vampires cannot fly; know very little of magic… I can’t say anything more than this. Short and straight forward.

A smelly religion
They are not afraid of garlic; some who are used to ‘human food’ even might like garlic. Why? Because it has an awesome taste! But be careful for the bad breathe after dinner.
And as it comes to Holy objects, they are immune for this too. Why? Because simply they don’t believe in Christianity. Why would you be afraid of a crucifix if you don’t even know what it stands for? They follow the Norse Mythology. Freyja, Odin, Loki and the likes. Though, they are no big fans of the god of Earth (Jord)… But Odin is a hero! Show your loyalty to this religion to a Northern Vampire and you have made a new friend…

Bloodlust
Yes we like blood too! But it also depends on the player how their character they play reacts to blood. Alexander gets disorientated and tired of Fae blood, strength of Demon blood, a good mood of human blood, foul mood (because of the taste) of lycan blood and well… Elven blood is nearly lethal to them. The bitter and sour taste won’t get him in the mood either.

Are they evil?
Perhaps for the morals of some character they are evil yes; but they see their selves as justified in their actions. They have a goal and will accomplish it by any means. They justify every way they use to achieve their goal; knowing exactly what to do, what they are doing and strongly believe in it. If someone is in the way of their goal; they will get rid of that person. Preferably by politics, but if everything else fails by brute force. Is that evil? Depends. Are you that person? And do you know the reason why they do this? If you think one of Alexander’s (or Blaze’s) action is evil, talk to them and you will see… they will see justice in it.

Cold, ice cold!
The true blood Northern Vampire does like his cold atmosphere. They prefer cold water over heated water and fire? They have a dislike to it. It is bright, it burns, it is nosey and it is warm! No, they don't really enjoy fire or anything. Alexander feels best during the winter, when the lands are covered in snow and the water is nice and cold.

Northern vampires in Ambrea
Yes! We are represented in Ambrea! Lady Blaze of Skaersjborg and Prince Alexander of Skaersjborg came to Ambrea (Blaze followed him, after he was sent away from the castle because there was a war they couldn’t win) and Blaze has turned one man: Sir Eoin of Skaersjborg. And that is the family actually. Soon there will be someone added to it, but yeah… That person is ‘only’ human.

So, this was a short view on my race of Vampires. As you can see I have done my best to kick folklore in the balls. Why? Simply because I don’t want to be too mainstream. I have based my character and this family on stories from the Maya’s/Inca’s, Norse and Egyptian Mythology and on ‘non folklore news’ on vampires. The Italians have a nice history with vampires too, recently (year ago?)They found skulls with a brick stuffed in the mouth; to crush the teeth for if the ‘undead’ would rise from their graves (so they wouldn’t have their fangs). But okay, scratch the last line; was useless and off topic.

Any questions on this? Please do make clear if you ask a question, to make sure that you let know on which subject! If it is about the common vampire, probably like this mate below [photo], or if it is regarding the Northern Vampires.



Simple notes: Everything I've told here has been considered in the Role Play of those who play as a part of my family. Also a summary of this has been included in my character approval and of coruse is approved. Again, if you want to be a part of it (if it is by turning or an alt)... please contact me and I can hook you up with a bigger background on the family.

[Kendai]

I'm still not sure how northern vampires procreate in the natural way- are they dead or alive? Mortal or immortal? Can they turn others into their kind, and if so, what is the difference between a "natural-born" northern vampire and one that was turned by a northern vampire, if any? And what are the differences between northern vampires and superpowered humans who happen to drink blood instead of eat food? :P I've always been confused by this, maybe you could answer it better for me :)

[Bink]

I kinda always wanted to know too, but then, I always felt that no matter the variety the defining quality that made a vampire a vampire was the fact that they are not "alive". Not in a traditional human sense. It's the blood in them that causes their immortality. How one creatively explain that 'new life' is the fun part.

because as kendai said, it is a bit confusing as to "super powered carnivorous human" or vampire. I'd really love the clarification too!

[Adro]

I only find the real confusion in the immortality while holding on the part of that life in this case and that is mostly it. :) As life implies death, even for a long lasting Elf. But I guess it would just mean that they can die just not by age? o_o;

[Peyton Lysette Montrose]

You touch on some very important and valid points here Alexander. Each vampire will be slightly different, just from their own personalities. I know Peyton is very vain, proud and arrogant. She's subdued about it but if you look close enough, she's looking down the length of her nose at most males she's encountered (females, too!). The best part is, she makes no apologies for her conduct. She fully embraces what she is, its easier for her since she was born into this.

[Prince Alexander]

That is exactly what I mean by arrogance indeed. And feeling for no need to apologize is also a point I tried to cover in the bit if vampires are evil. They are just different and do what they want. Two points which actually go hand in hand together indeed.

Speaking about vanity, pride and arrogance: Alexander knows to handle those subjects too well... hehe, disliking the wilds because it will ruin his suit and boots.

[Valos]

So...if a Drow became a vampire, would the double arrogance become so great that his head would explode? >.>

[Marenwolf]

Let's find out! ~Licks his fangs~

[Prince Alexander]

Ok, as for the normal vampires, immortality is probably caused by the inheritance of the body by an imprisoned soul of the devil. They are animated corpses; which is also stated in the dictionary and comes forward in the folklore.

But with the Northern Vampires, immortality is perhaps the wrong word. They aren’t controlled by the devil or anything and they have a little bit of life in them in order to reproduce. The reason why humans age is because the regeneration process of the cells stops working; causing the cells not to be repaired or replaced anymore (yes, every cell in your body gets replaced, except for a couple of cells which brain cells is one off). Vampires in general regenerate faster; they recover quicker from their wounds and everything. Also doesn’t this process stop for them, period. This brings with it that the aging process is taken away, making the few organs effectively immortal.
So to the question if they aren’t just super-humans with traits and everything? Depends how you see it or feel about it. Evolution theories show that humans are not much more than evolved primates. But you can see them also as a standalone race with their own pro’s and cons. So yes, I would say: No, they are not just super-humans for a taste of blood and extra traits, I see them as a stand alone race.

As for Valos: There is a border of arrogance, and I think that will be defined by the result after a successful mating between a drow and a Northern Vampire. I think you will have brought Hell onto Earth ;)

[Blaze]

In terms of the giving birth thing.....it is not easy! The Northern vampire race has only the tinest ability to reproduce...the odds are something like one in a thousand! That is what makes their race so special in their eyes. Only one or two children are born to the family every hundred years because the odds are just so stacked against them. And also why ALexander was SUCH a prescious child, he was the trueblood son of the Vampire Queen...waiting for an heir to the Skaersjborg throne can take centuries of waiting. I would also like to add that vampire reproduction was tackled and able in Blade and the Stephanie Meyer series...so if its good enough for them...!! ;)

In regards to Blaze....her being able to give birth is made more possible due to her human heritage, her father being human....yet still she considers it a miricle and I have dedicated over 3 months now of rping this pregnancy with her being half vampire in mind, it has not been easy and certainly shall continue to be a challenge! But those involved, especially Alastair make it a fun challenge. If ever anyone has any questions I am happy to answer them...particularly ic...Blaze is always willing to explain stuff! :)

[Lukash]

Well this is indeed a touchy subject and I'm quite fond of vampires (altho they are most of times portraited poorly throughout SL RP sims, Ambrea's vamps are showing me a side of the mithology that's been proved quite intriguing).

I personally like the Cainite mythology myself (it is probably the most famous of them all yes, but it holds far more interesting traits than the ones shown by hollywood and the like).

To put it short: The Cainite myth states that vampirism was born with Cain killing his brother Abel, as a curse cast by God on him, deming the man to wander the earth forever, feeding on the blood of others.

This brings me interestest because the immortality isn't seen there as a gift, but a curse (Anne Rice states it so well on her books: The Vampire may live forever but he will never evolve, and never adapt...always a stranger and a castaway amidst the crowd).

As for weaknesses I think hollywood had really done a number on'em...and they became well, let's callit dumb.

I particularly like the Whitewolf standarts for weaknesses (dunno if it has originally come from there but there's my reference)

A stake to the heart wont kill a vampire but it will stop him until removed;

Holy objects will hurt them if only held by a person with true faith (makes sense or else it'll be just a piece of wood right?). It can be ANY object as long as it holds meaning to its wearer and his faith;

Cut his head off and the vampire will be proclaimed dead, dead, dead;

Sunlight will harm and further exposure to it kill the vampire (that has NOTHING to do with UV rays (cause that would be well...stupid), it is the holyness of the light provided by the sun (God's fire showering His creatures below, there's nothing holier than that!!) that harms them, once they are cursed, damned creatures.) and 80 FPS sunblock won't help the vampires one bit.

They are indeed immortal and deprived of any kind of bodily function, their bodies merely adpated and shifted to a blood recieveing vessel.


Too bad the movie industry is corrupting that side of vampiric mythology to the point where it's becoming annoying, but it doesn't change the fact that it has its charm!

I'm dieing to spend some more time alongside the Vampires of Karamoor, hoping to learn some more about this peculiar side of vampirism you're willing to show us!

[Prince Alexander]

Sunlight will harm and further exposure to it kill the vampire (that has NOTHING to do with UV rays (cause that would be well...stupid), it is the holyness of the light provided by the sun (God's fire showering His creatures below, there's nothing holier than that!!) that harms them, once they are cursed, damned creatures.) and 80 FPS sunblock won't help the vampires one bit.
So what is it with the Earth then? The Earth is not Holy you tell... Because God created the Earth...

Oh and well, Alexander is strong in avnity and such; but he merely speaks about his customs, and what he can and can't. Showing weaknesses and strengths is lowering your defences ;)