The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

These are the Roads I want to know how many if any some of you follow, and why or how you feel about them.


Roads

Road of the Warrior (Mradu)
Guardians, protectors, sources of energy and keepers of the traditions, Mradu are physically and spiritually tough. See the entry in the Vampyre Codex by Michelle Belanger. Any Mradu must rest from duty if ordered to do so by an elder or the Lord of the house.
Path of the Guardian
Guardians are bodyguards, protectors of allies and healers and keepers of sacred places. They are responsible for keeping the peace and keeping Artifacts and holy places sacred and undefiled. Guardians are expected to be calm, level headed and impervious to insult, yet ready to defend others physically or astrally if required. Guardians should NEVER initiate combat under any circumstances, and should always try to peacefully diffuse tense situations. That said, all Guardians must be in some type of ongoing martial art or other self-defense training. Guardians must be bound by the dictates of personal honor and uphold the Black Veil and Covenant of the house. Guardians are traditionally linked to a location, person or Temple and usually only offer their services in that direction. A Guardian may choose to move from one person or place to another where they feel they are more needed or more comfortable.
1. Path of the Avenger
All of the above holds true for avengers and more besides. Avengers actively investigate tales of wrongdoings and rending of the Veil. All avengers should be trained in self defense and investigation. Avengers also answer challenges to the House. If an Avenger uncovers solid evidence of a serious crime committed by a House member, it is their duty first to notify the house Council of their findings, then the offender(s). The offender(s) is brought before the Council to give their account which is recorded, at which time the Avenger must provide tangible evidence and convince the Council that the offender is guilty. The Council decides whether the situation should be brought to a vote before the house, and any emergency decisions are made by the Council present until a full meeting is called.. In the case of illegal activity, the evidence and name of the offender is anonymously submitted to the local law enforcement officials. All Avengers must maintain a trustworthy police contact just in case of such an event.
2. Path of the Wolfwalker
These are practitioners of astral shapeshifitng and deeply attuned to nature. Their protectorate or territory is a predominantly wooded area (such as a park), and they are responsible for keeping it clean and keeping an eye on mundane activities within. Wolf walkers try to develop the instinctive link between themselves and certain animals and do research in that direction. They are often practitioners of shamanism, Wicca, druidism or other earth-centered religions. Wolf walkers are expected to aid local environmental groups if possible and keep up with such issues in their community. Wolf walkers are often solitary wanderers and welcome in any Temple or Haven allied with our House.
3. Path of the Death speaker
These are warriors of the spirit and astral realm. They investigate cases of haunted or possessed places and specialize in dealing with the spirits of the dead. Death speakers are expected to study parapsychology as a science and spiritual path and be equipped both physically and intellectually to investigate using both approaches at once. Death speakers should be historians, able to unearth the history of a location of a place or individual. They also maintain a database of historical vampyric encounters and people for use by Aspirants. Death speakers are expected to be accomplished magicians of their chosen tradition.

Road of the Priest (Cenoquodi, Ramkht, Sen.)
Priests are the leaders, mystics and guides of community. They collect, write and perform Rituals, Rites and Initiations, form Covens and Circles and keep traditions sacred and accessible. Priests are also expected to initiate new members and seek out those on the verge of Awakening or in need. Priests are almost always practitioners of some type of magic.
1. Path of the Blood priest
A blood priest is a literal priest and devotee of a Vampyric or other dark deity. These include but are not limited to Anubis, Osiris, Nephethys, Morrigu, Kali, Anwyn, Hades, Hecate, Sekhmet, Lilith, Tlatzolteotl, Tzcatlipoca, Hel or Hephaestus. Blood priests may take a confession of a Vampyre if they wish to give one, pass along the prayers of the community, bless havens or Temples or initiate Acolytes. Blood priests give spiritual council to Vampyres in need of such and are expected to have training in at least peer counseling and basic psychology. They are also expected to be knowledgeable about their patron deity and other dark deities and devote time and effort to creating Rites for the community. Blood priests often search out and investigate rumors of the Ageless or Undead. If an ageless or undead is ever found they trade services similar to a Companion to them. Others research means of magically or artificially extending their lifespan or developing powers similar to vampires of legend.
2. Path of the Sangomancer
Sangomancers are Vampyre magicians, sorcerers and witches. A Sangomancer spends a great deal of time on studying magical lore and history. They are a resource for vampyres who wish to study the occult or simply have a talisman made for any purpose. They do spells for and within the community and maintain the House's library as well as their personal libraries. Sangomancers are asked to create new spells for the House Grimoire as they are able or contribute articles and research to our database. No Sangomancer is permitted to do spells involving spirits of decay or demons. Such practice is absolutely forbidden in this house. We accept Satanists as members but reserve the right not to bestow upon them the rank or title of Sangomancer if their spells or rites involve demons or other infernal spirits. All Sangomancers are subject to spiritual examination to prove they do not use such magic to harm others. Those who break this law will be asked to submit to a penance (usually an amount of community service and a purification ritual or fine). Those who refuse or consistently repeat the offense will be cast from the House, shunned and have their names and records expunged from our rosters and our hearts.
3. Path of the Keeper of the Scrolls
Keeper of the Scrolls are our record keepers, lore researchers, website runners and document creators. The head Keeper of the Scrolls of the House is our formal Record Keeper, and is allowed a vote at House meetings. Keepers of the Scrolls are expected to remain completely neutral in all disputes within or without the house. Keepers of the Scrolls tend to be bookworms and are required to have a basic understanding of human laws. They are also expected to have a large amount of knowledge available about modern Vampyre culture, houses and beliefs. Scribes keep a record of all House members, their names, Paths, affiliations, etc. If a Vampyre is ever cast from the House, it is the Keeper of the Scrolls who destroys all references to their name in the records and burns their House Oath in the expulsion ritual. Keepers of the Scrolls are expected to be able to recognize and translate most commonly used magical scripts, and to be knowledgeable in the areas of calligraphy, formal document layout, papermaking, manuscript preparation and the like. No House member my attack a Keeper of the Scrolls for any reason as long as they stick to their oath of neutrality and uninvolvement, and all are expected to protect them. Keepers of the Scrolls are usually unarmed and commonly travel with a Guardian as a protector. Keepers of the Scrolls often function as our ambassadors to other Houses.
4. Death speaker
A death speaker is literally a speaker for our Ancestors. They are the truest historians of our kind and often spend most of their time buried in old books of legend. Death speakers try to correct mistakes in our histories and, like scribes, keep records of lore. Many Death speakers pick a particular historical person to research and devote most of their research to that being or person. Death speakers may also research and compile mythology dealing with Vampyres from ancient cultures, and studying how such myths impact our society today. Death speakers usually are not involved in Vampyre culture on a day-to-day basis, and many are mostly solitary. Like Keepers of the Scrolls, death speakers are mostly neutral lore keepers who one treats with respect, goes to for information and otherwise leaves to pursue their studies. Many Death speakers travel to sites involved in historical vampire lore and do research in the field as well, as quite a few are amateur archeologists.

Road of the Counselor (Kitra)
Companions, Counselors and Concubines are the gentlest and often the most understanding. As a rule, they are devoted to the welfare of others. They are a lover who understands your needs, a friend who does not mind you crying on their shoulder and someone you can rant to when you are fed up with life. Counselors are sacred and cherished and very lucky is anyone who has one for a coven member or friend.
1. Path of the Companion
A companion or concubine is exactly that- a person who is the perfect aid to a Vampyre (or other creature) in a position of power or leadership. They are well versed in the arts of love, the practice of massage and herbalism, the mysteries of healing and the manipulation of energy. They can also be a true power in their own right as information gatherers, spies, social manipulators and organizers of gatherings. Woe to anyone who offends a Companion, as their bond mate will often ostracize the rude fellow or madam for the offense. Companions often offer comfort of different kinds to allies of their blood bond mates, including all of the aforementioned. Many companions wield true power due to these skills, while others are content to work from the shadows of their more public bond mates. These Vampyres are content in the knowledge that without their support and selfless devotion, our House would not be capable of holding itself together. Most Companions are formally Blood bound to a follower of one of the other greater Roads. This bond may be renewed or seperated annually.
2. Path of the Healer
The Vampyre who undertakes this path is a rare and cherished individual indeed. Like Keeper of the Scrolls, no house member may ever harm a healer unless they physically are attacked by the Healer first. Healers are neutral, and expected not to take a side in any dispute. They are also expected to help any Vampyre who comes to them in need. Healers are expected to at the very least be certified in Infant, Child and Adult CPR yearly. They are also required to take basic first aid at a minimum as well as peer counseling classes. Many Healers are EMT's or Paramedics with local Fire Departments, and this is strongly encouraged. Many also learn energy healing, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, herbalism, reiki or other alternative healing skills. Healers are welcome in any haven or Temple at any time, and must be helped and protected by other House members. This is the only vampyric path that may be followed by Black Swans, who will be equally honored as long as they continue to offer aid to those in need, both inside and outside the House.
3. Path of the Neferai
Neferai is an Ancient Egyptian word that means “beautiful one ". These vampyres devote themselves to the arts and to preserving and promoting beauty within the Vampyre culture. All must practice some kind of art, and should seek out new and upcoming artists to make others aware of them. Many are art or antiques dealers, some are appraisers and others just love pretty things of all kinds. All kinds of art and artists are revered, from classic painting and sculpting to the cutting edge of body modification and performance art. Neferai often use themselves as a canvas, decorating their bodies with clothing, jewelry, makeup and tattoos. Neferai are expected to be knowledgeable about different artists, both famous and obscure and to devote at least a little time to the study of art history. Like all those on the Counselor path, Neferai are usually very beautiful, alluring and sensual creatures.
4. Path of the Seer
Seers are exactly that, vampyric rune casters, tarot readers and psychics. Many are at least semi-professional and should be experienced in several methods of divination. Most Seers excel at a truly vampyric form of scrying known as blood scrying. This is creating an artificial "blood" medium (usually a red liquid such as rosehip tea, cranberry juice or wine) with a few drops of their blood or some of their energy added and placed in a ritual vessel. This is used exactly as with water or oil scrying, but many Seers say it makes their visions stronger and clearer. Other vampyres specialize in dowsing for water or other substances. Some simply study the history of divination and it's connections to the Vampyre culture, while others try and create new divining tools for our kind. All Seers are expected to keep their clients information and readings in total confidence, similar to a priest in a counseling session. All Seers are welcome to practice their craft at havens and Temples. Seers are often asked to do readings before the House undertakes a venture so that the members of the House may know some of the possible outcomes.

They are some of the Roads in the Strigoi Vii.
not saying you have to agree with them just trying to see what others think of them.
I my self look to some of them for understanding. and for the record I am not one who plays R.P.G's. but this is the life I live.

here is one site I found there are more but I grabbed the first one but do it your self.

http://www.freewebs.com/houseanubisaktura/lexicon.htm

Hello and good evening,
I, myself, thought of it as quite intriguing. When viewing through the many paragraphs, I discovered there aren't many protectors. All in all, the guardians are never to initiate problems but should take martial arts. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

http://www.freewebs.com/houseanubisaktura/lexicon.htm

Where'd this site come from...the menu didn't work, it's on freewebs so it may have been built by anyone. The history that I found was kind of depressing...

"House Anubis Was Founded by Lord Uriel Ravenlore Venir And Lady Pandora Regent Of The court Of The Black Rose, with The Hope To Create a Vampiric HouseOrganization Dedicated to the serious Study Of Vampirisim and its related studies."

Lord Uriel Ravenlore? That's biblical angelic first name with a D&D last name...so the "serious study" is kind of out the window right there.

Look I'm all for someone having the modern vampire belief. I won't discount it simply because I've never seen support for it in my world. But the idea that a 'serious' membership for study of the modern vampire is going to be done by (I looked at the membership) One goth man and his 10 goth female 'Childe' is ludicrous.

If you go into it as a social club - great...but I would hesitate to even consider this a remotely serious philosophical study or 'path'. Be wise and no what you're dealing with.

wow... this thread has envoked some passionate responses. I believe myself to be to complex to be held into just one catagory. So I am not offended by the thread question, but will check in from time to time to see where this goes.

LordofNoctemAetermus, thanks for the interesting post. Indeed this will make for interesting research.

My question is for the knowledable UpirLikyj, pray tell what is your ¨true version¨ of vampiric tradition.
It would be better to offer what you hold to be true than slash another.

I would have to agree with andaluz.

Rather then tear down someone else's views, I would rather read about ones own opinion.

If I am understanding, the link was provided as an example, as he states that "grabbed" the first one. I would recommend reading the links over before providing them.. becuase to me.. it sounded like a few "youngins" having an orgy. Just my opinion of it.

I think everyone follows some kind of path they develop from within. (Be it good or bad) An inner guide you could call it. I dont believe one has to be Vampyric in belief to have such a path.

try this site
http://www.atlantavampirealliance.com/educational/lexiconterminology.html

Actualy, I took a look at: http://www.atlantavampirealliance.com/educational/lexiconterminology.html

I was rather impressed. Seemed to me a comunity of people coming together under a common belief. Thanks for the link.

Thanks for all the info and then link, I'm of the opinion that all knowledge is worth having. I'm not sure I buy into the theory, but I'm not discounting it either.

I am however, of the opinion that it is a little uncalled for to trash someone elses beliefs, just because they don't align with yours. To Upir I would say, there is always more than one version of every story.

I agree. by slamming people that hard, all we hope to accomplish, is to make people more leery of posting on the boards their responses - for fear of retribution.

UpirLikhyj - wether you call it Chivalry, Duty, Honesty, Integrity, Freedom, Warriorism, Vampirism, Manipulation, good or bad.. everyone has a road they walk down. Some even walk down one, that mege for awhile onto another, only come to a fork that need to be renavigated.

It would be more productive perhaps, to state your own opinions, or why you disagree.. rather then just flat being.... errr.. id rather have discussions then sessions of .... you know.. there isnt a nice way to say it.. so I wont.

This is a great post! I will have to check out the links & research this idea a little more! I do agree it is wrong to bash another's opinion..save that stuff for the people outside vr that give us all a hard time for being interested in something different!

I see what UpirLikhyj is aiming at. But it is human to categorize.
Some people just can't live simply following their own rules, but must find some others to adhere to.
These Castes can be found in many nations of old, and in many creeds. The need to inject it into the "Vampiric Community" is completely unneccesary, but there are always some who want to anyway.
It's unavvoidable.
Atleast it can be useful as filler in novels and movies. And, as mentioned, in RPG games.
It's a damn shame though, as it is corrupting of the originality.

ok let me say this many and I MEAN MANY other walks of life have paths like these wiccan, : high priest/ priestess ect. and they are not seen as RPG's it is what helps all faiths have them decons and so on. so why is it wrong for the vampyric paths to have them aswell?

A "walk of life" is what you see it as. Many others will see them as little more than self imposed labels, simple words.
They are not necessary.

Interesting story there, but everyone has their own theories.I don't really putting any creature into a certain catagory or place.Like i said, we are all individuals and it should be that way. I know what u mean about family and clanish ideas,and family is good. But we have to remember to be ourselves,not what a book or story says we should be.Thanks for sharing that however, but I disagree with yer concepts.

I guess I should elaborate on my theory. I have belief in the House of Kheperu and their theory on the 3 types of vampires.once again though, i do not think anyone is just"one" type.I think we are a bit more or less of all.
ie.warrior, councelor,priest.
I shall not bore with the details of the types here, but rather place them in my profile.so this read is not too long.

Noctem Aeternus is an international organization,
which is part magickal order , part vampyric family and a fraternal order,
that is based on teaching and learning more on who and what we are.
We are not R.P.Ger's.
But true life vampyres/vampires
coming together with like minded people
for a better understanding of whom and what we are.
Noctem Aeternus membership is only for the serious seeker.
Open by invite and sponsorship only.

No one under the age of 18 will be allowed.

We of Noctem Aeternus
hold the Black Veil and the Pillars of our house
in the strictest of respect.
We suggest you read the Black Veil,
and agree to live by it for yourself before
coming to us.
Our way of life is not for all!

i have read the the Vampyre Codex by Michelle Belanger iam a book freak so i go there..... i loved your discripted post .. and found it a great read..... but like some i find it to rpg and i myself wouldnt take it to seriously...... but i am not one to discriminate on outheres beliefs..... its what you believe and the path you take in life and it works great for you..... i belive very strongly like a few have already mentioned ..... we follow our own paths and go were we feel the path should take us....and as long as that path works for us..... it dosent matter really what outhers think........

Thank you for the additional links.

Upir has carefully researched historical record and holds some very strong opinions about the vampire and I respect him for that even when I disagree with his beliefs. There is a time when it's both valid and noble to call someone else's philosophy to the mat and demand a serious response. Otherwise we're all just pretending to respect each other but to self absorbed in our own thoughts to really care.

I think that there is something to be said about the idea that many modern castes, cults, circles, communities, clans and other are put together by young people in such a way that it IS in fact difficult to take them seriously. The emphasis has been laid down on cool titles, dark imagery, gothic logos, and that tends to take away from the 'meat' of the philosophies. How is the modern warrior really a warrior? Do these philosophies hold water in modern times?

It was said in it's defense that much of this path's core beliefs resemble most other paths. I say in rebuttal, that if that's the case, then with the exception of this one having vampire imagery, what actually makes it different from say Bushido for example...or Wicca?

I guess it comes to the life itself,the situation at any given time.If someone attacks those you love you become the guardian the protector,if someone you care for is in emotional distress you give them a shoulder to cry on or is tense and you give them a reiki massage you become the healer,if say you meet a newly awakened vampire who asks you questions,you become a priest or guide.Its down too us.

I find it interesting that there are those out there that follow this. I would wonder how this applies to modern life beyond serving as a social hierarchy among a small group of people, or as a hobby.

I actually know a few that do follow this. I find it... odd. But them as my Coven and clan can tell you I am not exctally a joiner lol. I am very much one of those that like to do things my way and in my own time. So haveing to confrom to that degree lol I would go isnane.. or make everyone around me insane.

But the one friend I have that really believes this ( and she is so sure it is the right thing she has put me in a path in her mind lol) it truely seems to work for her.

So I suppose it boils down to .. do you like that much structure in your life.. or do you like to do things your won way?

a dead civilisation and culture remains static and unchanged - living cultures evolve and change. sometimes a group of people decide that none of the cultures around them are quite what suits them, so they create a new culture and belief. they may draw on history, they may draw on myth, they may draw on fiction, or they may just make something up- it doesn't matter where an idea comes from. all ideas were new at some point.

whether this is based on some ancient order, gleaned from a work of fiction, or based on a game - it doesn't matter - the ideas are valid no matter where they originate. who is to say that the thoughts of a "philosopher" who died a thousand years ago are more wise than the thoughts of the woman who sits behind the counter at your local newsagent?

old cultures die or change, new cultures are born every day - it is the way of things.

i may not have two cents to add, but i love the whole thread, just reading the different people adding to it. and the points of view here. and saying thank you for this thread... love just reading it. (learning)

Haven't heard much of this. Very interesting topic here, definitely. This has definitely led to towards some interesting information to read and study.

Well, I must admit, this is new to Me. Having been a vampire for the better part of My life, and having studied and read most everything I could on both fictional, legaday and modern vampires, have yet to run across this. its very interesting, and does make one think. But, while I wont bash it, i think it might be alittle far fetched and not exactly accurate.just doesnt seem realistic to me.

In my mind we all walk our owne paths,that being said that does not mean we have to always defend that path to others.The gole in mind should to be learn what you can from others and share what you can too many are trying to pick apart who is real and who is not,the fakes always show themselves for who the are we need not worry about them.I think it is a safe bet to say we all walk our owne paths with a small amount of help from others getting ideas and tips of learning nobodey knows all the answers but if we are truley trying to learn we need to learn to weelcome all points of vew.

I am a warrior type, I do follow my own ethics and ways of life. I am not some roleplayer and nor do I look for fights. But if a fight is to come my way I will hold my ground IF necassary. So yes I can be called a vampiric warrior. I follow in the warrior way of life because it what I enjoy and makes me feel complete in a matter of speaking.

As many have said here,meerly because it hasn't been heard of doesn't make this untrue,I have always been a Guardian,something i hold most dear,and if there is a term better suited,so be it,make mine Mradu,my thanks to you my Brother for the information and everyone else for their worthy opinions,Be Well

-Whether or not these "roads and paths" are real makes no difference to me. I neither lead, follow, or get out of the way. I prefer to carve my own way through the huddled masses of cattle.-

I have followed in this life many roles in many peoples lives from that list. At one point or another all of them, though I will admitt the way you have it worded sounds rpg.

Because the talents of various individuals are need for the success, there are rolls taken by those best suited for them. In general, most of the originators of what we know a the Sanguinarium had some involvement in the Camarilla proir to its evolution. But such a system did not exist in the VtM LARP. Of course there are things that are similar, but but only serve as a platform. Those who occupy the roles of Priest, Counselor, Warrior all have a mission to provide spiritual and physical wellbeing. Xepra, Xeper, Xeperu is becoming, a mystery to the unitiated, but to thase who know it is the essence of the current, and ancient magick, itseph a summation of what is to be.

Well, I think that the path of the Seer is legit. I have been practicing "Seeing" for many years. I don't feel that it is BS.

I could never see myself following such strict rules and conduct and... stuff. Although I've nothing against drinking someone's blood (as long as they're willing, of course), but this? No, I'm just too much of a free spirit.. and this is confusing, too.

However if someone believes in all of this (bs or not) and lives a happy life because of it, all power to them. I mean I may not personally believe in this, but I'll as soon condemn their practices as I would those of Roman Catholocism.

I have heard of the "paths" or "roads" before and I think there are a lot of people here who see it as a form of labeling, however, in my opinion, I've seen it so far as a guide on where in the community I should put my talents to use.

I have read most of the posts in here and it is just asking for opinions but I don't think everyone can be pinned down to one path as I read the things you wrote Ryu I found that I fit into a few of them mostly guardian healer and wolf walker but that is the way I have always been even my native name is niiwinnoodin which means 4 winds because they said I could not be named for only one wind as I followed to many directions

I dont follow one certain path.

I have to agree with a lot of people, this doesn't seem to fit true vampiric nature. It more seems like an RPG type setting and all that stuff

I disagree with most houses or any one that woshes to impose strict rules on how I am to behave. Not just in this area lol. But I also understand tht as I find it distaste full many people find the structure and rule comforting and gives them a place to belong. We all want to feel we are neededand doing the right thing. If this type of thing helps you I am glad its there. My only problem with it arises when I am told that if I am not part of a house or part of this or spell a word a certian way or what ever it is this week.. I am not a "real" vampire. Other than that to each his own.