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While suffering from insomnia, again, and counting the dots on my ceiling... a thought occured to me I'd like to discuss. (since this is Vampire Rave for all things Vampire).

The thought occured to me that in most myths, legends, stories, movies.. etc. A turned vampire never retains his current mentality. Understandable. However - the change that takes place is almost always depicted as instantaneous. The "turned" vampire either hates humanity, or dies himself with each death he causes. Fiction or NonFiction - the change never really happens gradualy through the coming of time.. years.. centuries.

thus the saying "if i were turned into a vampire today.. i would?" obviously you wouldnt do what you think you would.. as this perceived change takes place in a moment.

How plausible is this - is what I would like to discuss. (im not asking if anyone believes a person can be turned - thats another thread). And if such a drastic change occured instantly - what would be left to change to at the end of the centuries?

(See what happens when you dont sleep?)

I think that the instant change isn't change of mentality, rather a liberation ther of. On a side note, Louie in Interview With a Vampire did not make an immiediate change, he went back and forth between his human morality and vampire nature.

I'd like to point out that Louis was drunk.
HIS problem was that he DIDN'T think about it beforehand and therefore has no grasp of what he was doing by saying "yes".

Damn that Capt. Morgans...

The vampire comes about as a drastic change and personality changes/ emotional changes/ mentality changes are not horribly uncommon as the vampire comes to be as the result of something that's pretty traumatic to begin with.

Maybe the personality, along with its wants and desires, lies in the soul.

When the person dies their soul goes off to a better place / be reincarnated whatever, along with that personality.

The souless body is then awakened to go off and do vampire things.

thats a interesting thought artemka.... hmmm never thought about it like that before.... it would make sence a souless body going off to do vampire things.... it would explain how some who wound never kill were then able to go freely and feed and such with out remorse.....that would explain the mentality change or the behavore change in one cause they would be missing there soul a part that makes them human...... hmmm now ya got me thinking ill end up with a headache before the days over.... lol

AND.... to add to that... you're a law abiding citizen. Yes, some anger management issues with stupid people, but who doesn't.

Then WHAM!! You're immortal. Super speed... eventual flight, etc.etc.

Would you mind so many of the laws, THEN??

well gee Khayman if ya put it like that loseing your soul dosent sound to bad then i mean super speed eventual flight.... ok pros and cons of loseing your mind as you know it when your human to being a souless being with no remorse and super speed........ya i dont think id pay attention to to many laws aftr that Khayman

MY point of view is that one doesn't loose their soul in the process of changing.

Their soul just changes so drastically, more so to the point of showing what they'd behave like if they no longer had to fear anyone or any bounds of their mortal life.

All the sudden the original set of rules doesn't apply to you anymore.

You're going to act differently.
In a drastic manner.

Khayman- I was unaware that Louie was a drunk... interesting tidbit of information there.

On to my response. I think that with every change in anyones life, their mentality changes. Every little moment shapes a person into who they are. Here's my poor example. I never had a fear of driving in traffic. One day, a man accelerated into the back of my car putting me in the middle of a pile-up. NOW whenever I am stuck in traffic, I chain-smoke newports and watch the rear-view mirror like its my job. Mentality just changes with everything and anything. Just my thoughts on the matter.

i see your point Khayman and it dose make sence.......

I didnt say he was *A* drunk... I said he was DRUNK.
Bar... hooker... pier... LOL

OH! Lol! Ok, forgot about that! Thanks for clearing that up before I went and made some idiotic reference to him!

I think that that mentality change would only happen if it were purely a psychological thing. If a vampire perceived all vampires to hate humanity, he would, unknowingly, change his mentality to fit what he percieved to be true. But even then, it would probably take at least a little while in order to change completely. So that instantaneous mentality change seems rather unbelievable to me, all in all.

I don't agree that they r turned but besides that, I would say that it is a mentality and personality change to take place. Some don't always realize that they have the essence within them and I would think that it comes about by a change in the person's general personality and mental state.

hmm, i suppose it comes down to how you define soul. is your soul your self awareness? your self identity? if this is the case, then you are not losing your soul when you are turned, but the other way round - your body is losing you.your whole idea of who you are, maybe even your self awareness. perhaps a vampire is nothing more than an automaton, acting purely on instinct, with no dreams or desires. of course, there would also be no suffering either. but without self, what is the point?

Tis my belief, that vampires tend to sleep better during the day.I have talked to many who have days job, etc.but really their body and mind prefer to be awake at night. i think it harkens back a long time ago.Like myself, i feel more alive and awake at night.

I agree with NO and have known many of the same.

I definitely agree with that orchid. We do feel more energized and alive in the late hours but we still have to do our everyday things and don't always have the opportunity to "sleep in" all day lol.

what if you are born and go through no change?

o.O Nature vs. nurture.

I think I would equal the change to learning of a disabling illness. The shock of finding out what you have...and then dealing with the different aspects of this illness over the years. Your mentality does change. SOme get depressed and stay that way. Some work to figure out a way around the disability....

Same goes I think for being turned. The inital shock is one thing...dealing with what you have become. But it is an ongoing struggle to cope with what you have become.

I think maybe it depends on the person. If you have a natural caring streak about you then maybe you dont lose it and perhaps if you are a my give a damns busted kind of person you just dont feel the nuturing state. *shrugs* Its just my opinion but to me I would think that everyone is different so why should the same effect happen to everyone.

When going through the transformation of becomming a vampire you are being reborn into the new life of the undead. The changes have to be traumatic, drastic and instantanious.

I am not sure that I exactly know what you are looking for here. Are you asking if there is a slow change that occurs mentally? If so the answer would be yes. This is an awakening to your new status in life. However, I do not think that you go insane. I hope this is what you are looking for, if not please rephrase the question so that it is easier to comprehend.

Khayman, call me naive but I would still try my best to obey the laws. Both of my kind and theirs. I agree with some that the change may be gradual but once getting over the shock of being a vamp I don't really see why you should change mentally. I suppose it would depend on the type of person you were before as to which type of vamp you would become. As a vamp, you are what you are accept it and move on, so to speak.

i don't believe the change causes the breakdown, i think it's the realization that you are now undead that makes vampires hate the living

Ok, I read the question and had a wonderful response, then as I read the other responses; I realized Khayman had already said what I was going to say, however... I must have my say, even if it is repetive.

Imagine if you woke up one day and were superior in every way to just about everyone else on the planet... it's like the saying goes, ultimate power corrupts.

This is all assuming you believe in the vampires depicted in modern popular culture.

Wow! So many different views.


1. But have they lost their soul once changed? In most Fiction/Nonfiction - Vampires speak of themselves as "being damned". Which to me would imply they are damned after they "die". (by stake, head chopping what have you). And if the body is souless.. wouldnt that render them into more of a zombie state?

2. I agree a turning would have drastic changes. However, It seems to me that at first you have those instant changes of better senses, speed, etc.. and of course the thrist. In most of Anne Rice's literature, it seems the vampire becomes more introspective right from the get go, while delving into the phyiscal material world as far as evaulating their individual traits. (ie - Lestat stares at a chandalier on end just to gauge the spheres of lighting).

Now In Blade (1 and 2) - we dealt with born and unborn vampires. We see most of the turned (the extra's - not including the girlfriend in blade 1 for some reason) becoming raving blood thirsty psycopaths from the moment they are bitten - however we see slower changes in Blade himself as he moves through the story line. In Blade 2, the chick starts discovering some of her lost humanity and her demeanor starts to change slowly. (not instantaneously).

I would think changes would be drastic as far as the human senses go, creating chaos and havic in ones life. However the philosophical changes to me, would take longer and develope more over time. Lestats mother, whom he sires, comes very close to this. Howver it seems Rice made the change far to drastic in such a short period of time. Once she's traveled all over the globe, what is left for her to change to mentality wise? I would have thought, that since she was dying at the time she was sired, Rice would have depicted her as having a better respect for the life cycles itself. Or maybe I missed something in my reading?

NCBandit - It is not so much a question as a discussion, of which would be more plausible.. an immediate drastic change bordering psychopathic tenendcies, or a complete mental breakdown into depression.. versus a slower change that would take place and develope over time as one "turned" would begin to learn and understand his new found powers over the time that follows.

In my opinion, it would come down to the individual.

If suddenly torn from a comfortable world full of 0's and 1's, where everything has a place and is securely in it... into a world where nothing was what it seemed a moment before? It would likely send most people into shock. I think that would explain barbaric blood lusts, wonton destruction, and a giving in to all those dark things that fester in any of us. If nothing is what it seems, what happens to morality? Does it bend with reality? Could your average Joe Dirt with his Starbucks coffee, Newsweek, and 3 kids suddenly let go of the protective shell of mortal law and forcefed divine guidelines??? I don't think so. SNAP. And enter the throat ripping, blood spurting fledgling.

Assuming they survived the frenzied snap of reality, it would likely take YEARS to overcome the emotional scarring. Most people would probably become depressed over the act itself, and spiral downwards till they were so confused and broken, they really were monsters.

On the other hand, you have the strong willed. You have those balanced few who can take what life throws at them, and understand the nature of whats happening around them. The Killer who has a... certain solace in the act they were now "born" to do. Like Lestat, being evil for the sake of it, for nothing more than living up to 'expectation.' Or Gabrielle, shedding the mortal coil, and all moral trappings like a skin, because she was done being mortal. She was ready for bigger and better things. Even Louie ends up coming to grips with what he is for a time, living with Lestat and Claudia, 50 years of joy for him. Strong willed.

And isn't that what it all comes down to? Will. For some, I'm sure there would be an instant breaking of the mind, and the darkness of despair. Others, The Strong Willed, would seize their new state, and work themselves to fit that mold.

Everthing> So, for a strong willed person as a mortal human, once turned, he may find some "minor discomfort".. but his mentality will change over time gradualy. Is that what im understanding you to say?

Whereas a weak willed mortal will just go off the deep end?

Unless the "Change" was something literally causing a person to freak out, and attack the closest source of blood available.... Yeah, pretty much.

Bridging a lot of gaps in theory, and rolling every romantic vampire story out there, it is a viable conclusion. The Strong Willed make their new life what they can. Coming back for a loved one, tormenting someone who did them wrong, or roaming the streets of San Fransisco... they have the Will to continue on, and shape their lives around their new state. Something that wouldn't be much different than when they were mortal, and had to deal with the rigors of life. Adapting, molding, moving forward and onward despite set-backs.

Weaker willed beings... well... I'd say they are generally the ones driven by base desires, wanting only immediate gratification.

Both of those types of Vampires show up through history. Habitual killers, roaming nights endlessly to fullfill their desire for blood or whatever the antagonist for their thirst may be... And the other types who live right along side everyone else without them being the wiser.

Then again, if its something that automatically happens, then who's to say? Maybe a Vampire has to be damned with their first slaughter of innocence to truly be a vampire? Otherwise, where's the sin?

Humbug.

Had a quick thought. Along the lines of Khayman and others here, what if you woke up one day, went through a painful experience and became immortal. All of a sudden, death has no meaning. And God has lost all power and meaning as well, for you already have the one thing that God had to offer to begin with.

It's a change that alters your overall point of view.

Jenova - Not necassarily. By fictional and nonfictional accounts, Vampires are not truly immortal, as they can be killed. (staking, sunlight, fire, beheading, etc.)

So, if the vampire were religous.. I think the mental stress would be overwhelming. Would he destroy himself?

When my awakening happened,which seems like an eternity now,although in human terms it was only ten years ago,the only change I found was the bloodlust,even when I was human I always lived for the night,the day time was a drag,thats why i didnt do brilliantly at school.Which now i,m rectifying.I think its the indidvidual,depending on the type of person you are,before your awakening,that decides what happens after.I,ve never been predatory so the instinct to kill at will was never there,a respect for all living things has been.I think we all try to retain a certain amount of human qualities while accepting what we have become.me personally I try to keep the predatory bloddlust at bay as best I can.but thats just me.

The change is so fast because it is only a slight change in DNA.
The mind changes so fast because the mind works at hyper-speed.

When your changed into a vampire i think the mentality change comes with time. you might feel a little bit different towards things when your first changed. But i don't see something changing the way you feel so drastically at one time.

So over the years you might feel different towards humanity as you see and experience different things. And as you take blood from your donors.

I believe it to be more slowly....for the most part....its the physical that changes fast....the mind takes time to addapt...thus the inner strugles

Hello and good evening,
I believe it could happen not instantly, but over a short period when they come to the terms of what they are. They are smarter, stronger, faster and other things, soon they get to boasting because they can see that they are better than humans and thus leading to pride. If want to further this conversation, message me...

Jenova, Allgenre...true that according to legends vamps are not truely immortal but have very long lifespans. What could possibly drive me nuts would be the question of "why me, God?" But would I lose my fear no. It comes down to how the vampire felt about God before he was turned. Some can still live a good example or as good as they can after turning some can't. Or do you let the power and all its trappings go to your head? How is ones strenght of character.

I also think it is the loss of fear that affects the change.

If you no longer fear dying, it liberates you. Likewise: If you no longer fear mortal or spiritual laws; or if you are otherwise resigned to your fate (ie I am going to hell anyway,) you loose your fear.

Me also need sleep.

You know.. that might lead to a whole new thread.. or maybe not.

Just what now, besides the sun, does the vampire actualy fear. The damnation of his soul? Retribution? Does he eventualy feel that time wont end?

I think the vampire, wether fictional or nonfictional, would eventualy ask himself. And of course, that would cause his mentality to change and shift again. Perhaps he would sleep for longer periods of time, or fall into a depression as he focuses on these very questions. But I dont think these things cause the sudden shift in personality we see commonly potrayed.

I have the pefect example. For those of you that have seen Dusk till Dawn. (i love that movie btw). After they have reached the bar, and the biting begins.. we see how once the good guys of the party are turned, they immediately turn on their own family and friends in an outright slaughter.

So what plauges me, is why was that change so damn sudden? I tend to wonder what the writers of such novels/scripts are trying to potray here. Unless it is some mystical evil force that changes ones personality at the moment of the turning.

I would have thought it more plausible, that these drastic changes happen over the coarse of time.

i wouldnt say it was an instant change.. more of an eye opener. think of a idea or a concept that once you know about, things will never be the same. you are still the same person, but you finally got the persciption glasses you need to truly see.

tes mentality changes for everyone depending the situation you are in or you can say the environment you are living on .

meeper - I thought the changes were pretty instantaneous. We have god fearing christians who "die", only to start the killing spree the moment their eyes popped open.

That says to me, that something happened while they were "dead or turning" and unconsious.

There are many opinions and side notes, stories, and other such things involved with this. my personal opinion ( for the moment ) is that you gradually change there is no instant purification, one must come to terms with the changes in body and as they do changes of the mind will come next. of course I could be wrong and will gladly search up the answers to such questions or at very least other peoples well thought out opinions.

Allgenre, my words come with modern day vampires in mind. How many vampires on this site go one killing sprees once they are "turned"? The killing (to me atleast) is myth and hollywood.

When one awakens to the energy exchange (be it blood or sang) and experience the highs of feeding and the lows of cravings, their outlook is changed. Could one just dismiss the new vampire dichotomy so easily?

I feel that it depends on what is already in the phyche. If a soul is dark already then whats to grasp? I feel the ones most likely to have a gradual transitional peroiod are those who have never thought of such things. Take Claudia for instance I feel she had darkness in her soul to begin with therefore being a vampire came easily where as Louis only wanted to ease his pain

It had to be instant. I don't think that you can just wake up and think to oneself- okay today I am going to hate all of humanity.

Well.. I didn't really mean it like that..I meant it like a comparison that well, Humans just don't wake up and say they're going to hate the rest of humanity.. so I doubt that vampires wake up one day and they just decide that they're going to drink blood

Meeper - that was the point of this thread. I was not asking about "real vampires" etc.. but an opinion as to why fictional/nonfictional vampires are sometimes potrayed that way.

"Fiction or NonFiction - the change never really happens gradualy through the coming of time.. years.. centuries" ~Allgenre

Your question posed at the beginning of this thread though talks about both the myth and the reality. Specifically, the idea was raised about if one woke up the next day as a turned vampire, i would _____.

While i think the movies and books have their place of amusement, I cannot fathom that everyone on this site who claims to be a vampire hates everyone and enjoys killing people. I would just like to stop perpetuating a stereotype that people have when it comes to vampires so that we as a group can be more accepted by society. If youre discussing myths, make it obvious. Most of the generic responses on this thread do not atest to being myths or reality, and i just want it to be known that vampires are more than a two dimensional hollywood charecter.

Meeper - With all due respect, I would prefer the opposite and that someone make it obvious when discussing the modern psy or sang vampire. The definition of a vampire is pretty clear unless we're discussing modern living vampires or Upir's historical vampires. Most often, when someone says vampire, their referring to legend or fiction. It could be said that on this site, the ratio changes, but I'd still say that since the term vampire had accepted meaning before living vampires, the onus is on them to differentiate between fiction, myth, legend and modern living vampires.

When I'm discussing vampires (notice that there is no qualifier here)...I'm discussing the accepted definition. When I'm discussing modern living vampires or psy vampires or sang vampires, I will qualify it so that the average person would know my meaning.

I think that if one truly believes that they are something else, then they take on that pre-created label. I think that perspectives do change ver time in a deeper, more life affecting level, but almost instantaneous change is more the substance of roles than anything else.

When vampires are turned they loose their soul , can't go out in the day, you have no friends , realizes he's not living any more . This makes one ticked off creature.

I can see where you are coming from Felix, but this site is devoted to both modern day and fictional. I think anytime we discuss vampires we need to clarify what type we are refering to when discussing issues.

I agree with VRs mission of cataloging everything vampirish, but i think this site does offer many a chance at community with like minded sang or psy vampires. I do not even claim to truly be either of those vampires, but know people who fall into those categories.

At some point we need to discuss what is reality and what is just fiction. I do not have doubt Felix that you understand the difference, but there are many on here that do claim to be immortal vampires that go around lurking for prey. You can see countless threads that people only address the legend as if it were real.

We all know (dont we?) that the in the hollywood version of being turned, that suddenly they turn evil and start the hunt. What is there to discuss or carry on discussions? Other than bring in modern day vampires take on what it means to be "turned" or "awakened".

Allgenre, as for the stories where the change is instant, I think those are based on the not very well known myth that upon being turned your soul is replaced/changed into a demon or the myth that the soul simply leaves the body leaving behind a walking talking you without your morals or beliefs.
Someone on hear brought up the loss of fear causing it and I have to ask, what if it is not the loss of fear, but that they no longer care? Maybe it's because they have lost what held them to their morals and have become embittered to a degree, and since they have the ability more than others they decide to take it out on the world?

Meeper - I made my point very clear at the begining.

And I was under the impression that VR was about anything Vampiric or Gothic in nature.

My mistake if I read that wrong.

Actualy Meeper... go back and read the opening a bit more slowly.

It was a hypothetical thread. I didnt mention psy or sang.. or any other modern terminology specificaly for this very reason.

Cant say I rather like the implication of your response neither.. however rather then make msyelf look like a raving **** which I generaly am.. I am going to kindly bow out of this thread.. before I do something dumb.

Thanks for the topic of conversation.. it was very thought provoking everyone.. Im due for another bout of insomnia.. so Ill see what my mind cooks up next.

forgetting reality for a moment, and lets look at the fictional side.

an ordinary person is suddenly turned into a vampire (or over a few days). everything changes. if they didnt believe in them, or had no knowledge of vampires, they would suddenly have to change their belief system to incorporate them. if they did believe already, they probably had preset ideas of them, and may well have to change their viewpoint to adapt to their new state.

awakening as a vampire may be enlightening, and could be somewhat akin to a religious epithany - only in reverse. generally this tends to change people's mental state. people are very adaptable, and a drastic change in a person's life will bring about a certain change in personality. al lot of our personality is down to a self image which is based on how we feel we fit in our environment. if we are forced to shed this, it leaves us with the potential to explore hidden parts of our persona - release darker or wilder aspects.

I feel that the real root of the changes has yet to be addressed. Which is simply HUNGER. Whether it blood, psycic energy, sex or marshmellows. When the main drive behind your existance and even your survival change so drastically, one can only cope with it in a relatively limited number of ways. But its still the HUNGER that now drives the Vampire. Love it or Hate it.

What never ceases to amaze me is how many seem to either forget or become so involved with the "Myth" and mystique of the vampire that they seemingly tend to forget that it is not a "Myth" but rather a reality that has been, up to a point, successfully buried by the Catholic church along with the history of pre Adamic civilizations that were present on this planet.
Biblical references to pre-Adamic civilizations can be found throughout the old testament, but you must read with an understanding of what is being said and not in English.
Not to get off the subject......

Their life spans were not eternal, at least not here. I know this may confuse some of you.
A person could not be "Turned" but instead become as a servant, a donor if you wish. The inter-breeding between humans and these "visitors" brought about offspring that carried both traits from both parents.

The Sumerians.....yes I mention them again because it's important you understand the origins.....had dealings with these personalities on different levels.....

Here ya go .....find the apocryphal and polycryphal texts if you really want to get into the historical truth that has been supressed.....if you can still find these texts. That's the only problem finding them. Not something from Barnes and Nobels that some "Educated professor has compiled from the last 30 years."
You will need to find the old books printed in the 1920's and 30's they are about 4 to 5 inches thick.
Needless to say the "Watered down and streamlined versions of today" keep you far from what you may seek. There is too much truth, too much history, too much contradiction to biblical references in the older texts.

Mentality Changes: Yes a persons mentality will change as far as their outlook on life or a t least 10,000 plus years ago it might have. And a blood transference between the two races did prolong the donors life span....to a degree.

Let's try to remember that life spans in pre-Adamic times and post-Adamic times were quite lengthy. It's what was in the blood....The blood is the life....

The "fountain" of youth.....the "Tree" of the knowledge of good and evil......the "Tree" of life....

Fountains ???? Trees?????......maybe metaphors...ya think.

What about thralldom. Perhaps the instantaneous attacking of former colegues is due to the wishes of the master or the vampire that turned them.
This is a common theme in much vampire literature.

I think the conversion from becoming a vampire changes the emotions and the outlook you would have. Thus if you were a cheery person and then turned you would see the world from a darker point of view because of the turning. Having control over your mentality is just something that lessens.

i think it would totally depend on that individual person but of course the personality would change at least a little i would think

I'd think some changes would be instant.

1) "wow, I don't have to save for retirement"
2) "Crap, I feast on blood. And I had such a nice tan!"
3) "I have to bail on everyone I know"

Plus all the difference in perception.

Other things would take time, like missing certain things during the day, and the everyday joys/sorrows that come with knowing time is limited.

i think the thing that starts a mental change in vampires is the level of acceptance one has that he/she is indeed a vampire

If I were immediately changed into a "bloodsucking immortal with levitation and flight capabilities"... I cant say that the first thing I would do, is annhilate every living around me within the first 3 minutes of opening eyes, and then set off to rule the world.. metaphoricaly speaking.. as hollywood would have us belive.. which was my orginal question. Why do they potray it as such.

If vampires were real (and I am NOT debating wether they are or not), I dont believe they would turn into stark raving evil meniacal creatures the moment they are turned.. i think it would be a slow and steady process of constant change..


.... however.. I would settle an old score with my ex.

i know when i was turned the change wasn't my mentallitly, it was more of my personality, i came more to hate things i cared for before, and i began to hate the weak, but as time as gone on different changes have taken place that i can't comprehend yet.

I think that the mentality does change but if you have ever watched queen of the damned then it shows that it takes a while to change and you still are attached to your humanity for a while and same with underworld it shows it taking a while for Micheal to be able to feed he has not gotten the stomach for it

In most of the older tale of vampires, the turned loose their souls. I think that is where we get a change of mentality.

I think this is a well thought of question. I would have to say that the idea of changing instantly to whatever your going to be isn't true. I think it might appear that way, but only because the shock the new vampires mind and body has gone through.

Think about it, when your sick your grumpy, when your confused you get defensive.... the shock of turning may cause the person to act a certain way as a self defense...

However, as they learn more about themselves as vampires and their relationship with thier prey their relationship can change.

hey, there's a good one.

Plus, new sets of instincts. Thats bound to alter your outlook.

I would think it would come on in a gradual process. A progressive need , confusing at first , mostly dissmissed as an ailement or what have you, only to grow stronger with time , hence the "awakening".
To be "turned" , if there is such a thing , probebly would not be that much different.
Then how does the act of being "turned ", come to pass? Passive transfer? I imagine,.... but that would be for the blood drinkers , simulating a kind of communicable disease. Then what about the Psi's? Whats the deal there? Can and do they ever omitt to the term being turned, or having turned someone?

These are just thoughts, take them as you will....and there is no need for being rude about it .

I think when a person is changed, some of their human aspects are still with them. THey might not have their guilt. It will then make it easier for them to tend to their vampire needs. But either their worst side or their other side is free.

I think that a Vampire is set free of emotions once changed. I believe it would be immediate. other emotions would become more prominent, like hunger.

The personalilty changes or mental changes u speak of; I believe to be a lifelong journey. One does turn on like a lightbulb.Situations and changes in one's body and mind, are gradual.As new information comes into the brain, it must be processes.Like anything else in life,one has to settle in or become comfortable with change.

when you go through any thing in life it changes you somewhat but I don't think it would ever change you're core belifes.
so you would still be the same person really just have a diffrent take on things.

I believe it is the will of the master vampire in those various movies. The master often finds himself in a position where his haven is being invaded and he kills the hunters... as they die... they raise up and start killing other hunters.

It also seams a possibility that it is not vampirism but actually necromancy on the part of the vampires still in the fight... raising zombies to defend their homes.

It is also possible that the lust for blood, or for murder is all consuming... a reverse Windigo effect; the more blood you consume or flesh you anihilate, the less you crave it.

Personally I am fond of the thrall concept although I do not like the concept of Master vampires (Ie if you kill the master vampire the others can be freed from the curse)

I dont particualy buy into the Master Vampire theory either.

You bring up a good point. Although at this point I am reminded of "Interview With The Vampire"...Louis did not turn instantaneously(I hope I didn't slaughter that spelling!). His turning more or less took place overnight and he did seem to suffer more than most other movie vamps do. He had questions he wanted answers and he did what he could to quench his thirst for knowledge on what he had become.

However, if all vamps DID indeed change at the snap of your fingers, the only thing left for them would be centuries of not knowing what would happen one day or the next. No wonder they are often referred to as tortured creatures!

It's been about 20 years since I read that book... If I remember correctly his body took a while to die. I liked that. I also wonder if the body goes into random spasms and rigor mortus etc. Perhaps a desire to kill is a response to the greif of a life lost. A desire for revenge from a weak body whose soul has already left it so that there is no restraint.

I believe that most of the physical changes happen right away. But as far as the mind goes I think that over time it will change. Just like humans, time always changes ones thoughts and the way they see the world. And if vampires do live for hundreds of years I think that would have a major impacted on how they see things.

I Agree With BloodAngelX, But Also look at it this way, Take the myth, You Were just turned, Either you hate humans so it is easy to feed or long to be normal and hate what you are, Since most entertainment venues portray vamps as having super speed, your thought would be as such, So givin that you may make decions that take most a week or month to make you would make them faster.

i believe that the need for feed makes a vamp change this mentality but emotionally we remain the equal same person........just with a different perspective