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I posted another thread on vampiric culture, but it was vague, So I have a question, what is your opinion of the definition of vampiric culture?

It really varies, but the best I have found, and I live by this is The Black Veil

(A voluntary code of ethics for the Vampyric Groups and Individuals)

True, what is The Black Vail?

If you believe that vampires are a different species than there is no set culture. Cultures are not typically defined by a species. It is the population that determines the culture. So one group of vampires may have a completely different culture than another group of vampires.

Again, it depends on what your idea of a vampire is.

the above posts hits it right on the spot, the society of the planet determines culture,

That being true,
you also have to take into consideration the way of life someone takes on.

A person won't "take on" a culture unless one has already been established. To establish a culture, there needs to be an initial population with similar needs and wants, living in either a cooperative or symbiotic relationship. Once this population has established that culture, an outsider may "take on" certain traits of that culture. This is how noodles came to Europe. *smiles*

Well, no one has posted the different cultural groups. I've never really done a study but I keep reading peoples profiles who claim their are either sang or psy vamps. These may be classified as cultural groups. There's also role playing vamps, which may also be considered a culture. If there are any of the above willing to contribute to the thread, it would be most enligthening.

Wolfsbohne is right. There needs to be a culture established before there is anything to follow.

I believe Vampires exist and I am not talking bout the Hollywood Type either..There are so many different cultures in this world and to me that makes anything possible..So that includes Vampirism..

it depends really. i personally HATE the aristocratic courts that some houses and covens set up for themsleves. but i agree with most of what the black veil and the psychic vampire codex.

I am not sure I have ever seen just one definition. I am not really a fan of most of the courts and societies out there and I believe there is a hell of a lot of misinformation and mythos attached to them. I guess I view my vampirism as just a small part of the whole and something as natural and mundane as having red hair or dark skin. I am more likely to identify with friends I game with or with activities I enjoy rl.

I am much more likely to tell people I am an artist than a vampire. I guess people go towards what they need and maybe some need the support and identity that can be gotten within the culture.

I would say most of the time the other society defins one society, the other culture defins a culture, one will choose what is another, it is never the culture itself or the society itself that choose what defines it.

i dont believe there is a "vampire culture"
i believe that a vampire can belong to any culture i for one am not of the "vampire culture" but am in fact a vampire

Culture or cult :)

Is this an evolution of an idea based on benefits and growth within a group...created because it was in its nature to be so? Something that not only provides immediate rewards to those involved but becomes something better and stronger for it and rewarding all in the future who gain access to it?

Or is this an acceptance of someone elses creation as faith. Rewarding only because it does not question you and lets you be a part of it. Benefitting only the creator as 'priestess' or leader in real terms and owing it's existence to the idea that no one questions it's origin or it's hypocrisies.

It's no secret that I hold no love for the Codex or the Black Veil. Partially because I know that the creators of those rules and histories don't practice what they so often preach in the way of subtlety or quiet contemplation or because the origins are too indebted to fiction writing and VtM conventions. However, so long as you have found your truth instead of having it handed to you by someone who holds ulterior motives of fame and fortune behind your back, then I won't argue your faith for faiths sake.

I don't think it is much of culture as it is a community and lifestyle. It's all perceived differently by different people.

everyone looks at it differently as to if it is aculture and lifestyle or a cult I feel it is a lifestyle and established culture already yet their are many views on it.

The modern day vampiric culture is made up of several part.

The part of the wannabes and RPGers that like to pretend, they consider themselves vampires, occasionally are complete and total nutcases and give actual vampires a bad name.

The real part are those who are psy or sang vampires who need sustenance from other life forms, not to survive as a whole but still to nourish them(most say mentally or psychically rather than physically)

I asked this very christian lady her take on vampyres and her answer surprised me..she believes they exist,it really stunned me especially for a church-goer,I belief they exist in every dark corner of even the most straight person's mind,but a culture as everyone has stated would have to be just and to this day I have never heard of such,seriously I am the only one who believes where I come from at least in a 100 mi. radius,but when you here of people drinking blood,sacrificing animals and then killed people because the cult master said you must do this and blame it on vampyrism is just another cop out this world has to offer so not to take the blame that society has messed with their minds,it will never be accepted therefore it will always remain hidden or as a target for sick ass freaks

Vampire/Vampyre/Sang/Psi/VtM/OSV/Black Veil with blood or without/.....are only some of the major words and beliefs that define the genre. There are those who follow their own path, and those who follow in the steps of others. The evolution of the undead has, for the most part come into the 21st ce. And become a source of revenue not only for writers of fiction, but non-fiction and life like dental after market fangs, limited edition ankhs to identify you as a member, and literature for those who are looking for the truth. There is none, it is all a myth.

I think that it true in order for their to be a culture some thing has to be established first then their has to be some kind of ideas andrules layed out for that group to follow

Felix, you pose a good question and I think the only way to refute it is to suggest that the strength and immediate benefit that it provides is that acceptance. If it does not question you, then it also does not demand of you to adhere to all of their ideals and practices. I've noticed alot of profiles on here which have nothing but "I am me and that's all I have to say", an ironic "mass originality".

The need simply to be accepted creates a strong bond and, if not a cohesive dominant culture, at least a fluid subculture.

It's true that outside of the Veil and groups like Kheparu and Sanguinarium (whose leadership and direction is part of it's problem), the more generic vampire culture is mutually beneficial for all involved. Universally accepting even of the most broad claims and includes things like otherkin, lycans, and even those who feel they are angelic, demonic, or draconic.

I think a culture has to naturally evolve through and by it's members (as opposed to being created by it's 'leaders') in order to be considered genuinely inclusive and beneficial for all it's practitioners. Without this inclusiveness, it's not so much a culture as a cult.

this can mean a host of things to many people, to me it is the way i live my life in truth there are very few set guidlines that is why we are so diverse

Myself I dont have any views on any culture. Everybody is entitled to live their lives how they see fit as long as they dont try to force other ppl's views, this seems to happen a lot however.

I am with Wolfsbohne on this one, a culture is a set of individuals based on the definition of course which is:

NOUN: 1a. The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. b. These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population.

( A link for the sake of Stabb asking for it.)

Definition of Culture

Anywho...My point is, vampires are not entirely a culture by definition, more along the lines of a well balanced community. A social class if you will. Few and far between but still out there.

If you are looking for a term to justify vampires in the world, as a set civilization, this may never happen considering there have been no placed colonies or races to deem themselves as vampiric.

Histories records indicated that the only vampires dedicated to mankind are those found within media guidelines. Or individuals whom adopt the name as explaining symptoms for which they have themselves in relation to the vampire.

Until all is "proven". the vampire society will alway be mocked and outcasted in one form or another.

There may be some basic guidelines to follow but like in all cultures, individuals make up the majority of their beliefs and followings. In aboriginal cultures, some things are the same within all tribes yet each tribe has individualities that make them unique.

Vampire culture is like any other culture. The best reference to the subject would be author and psy vampire Michelle Belanger. The Black Veil is a good place to start. I totally agree with, nks524, applying the guidlines of that book. I live by The Black Viel myself.

I live by my own code I refuse to dress a cretain way to fit a label I do follow most of the other codes of the veil

The Black Veil
A Voluntary Code of Ethics for Vampiric Groups and Individuals

1. DISCRETION
This lifestyle is private and sacred. Respect it as such. Use discretion in who you reveal yourself to, and make certain that your motives are to truly communicate about our culture and to engender understanding. By no means should you talk to others about yourself and our community when your motives are for selfish reasons such as self-promotion, sensationalism, and attention-getting.
Do not hide from your nature, but never show it off to those who won't understand.

2. DIVERSITY
Our paths are many, even though the journey we are on is essentially the same. No single one of us has all the answers to who and what we are. Respect everyone's personal views and practices. We cannot let petty differences of ideology prevent us from maintaining a unified community; there are enough who would attack us from the outside.
Our diversity is our strength. Let our differences in viewpoint enrich us but never divide us upon ourselves.

3. SAFETY
Use sense when indulging your nature. Do not flaunt what you are in public places. Feed in private and make certain your donors will be discrete about what happens between you. Donors who create rumors and gossip about us are more harm than they're worth. If you engage in blood-letting, put safety and caution above all other things. Blood-borne diseases are a very real thing, and we cannot risk endangering ourselves or others through irresponsibility. Screen donors carefully, making certain they are in good health both mentally and physically.
Never overindulge or get careless. The safety of the entire community rests upon each member's caution.

4. CONTROL
We cannot and should not deny the darkness within. Yet we should not allow it to control us. If our beast or shadow or darkside is given too much sway, it clouds our judgment, making us a danger even to those we love. Never indulge in pointless violence. Never bring willful harm to those who sustain you. Never feed only for the sake of feeding, and never give over to mindless bloodlust.
We are not monsters: we are capable of rational thought and self-control. Celebrate the darkness and let it empower you, but never let it enslave your will.

5. LIFESTYLE
Live your life as an example to others in the community. We are privileged to be what we are, but power should be accompanied by responsibility and dignity. Explore and make use of your vampire nature, but keep it in balance with material demands. Remember: we may be vampires, but we are still a part of this world. We must live lives like everyone else here, holding jobs, keeping homes, and getting along with our neighbors.
Being what we are is not an excuse to not participate in this reality. Rather, it is an obligation to make it a better place for us to be.

6. FAMILY
We are, all of us, a family, and like all families, various members will not always get along. However, respect the greater community when having your disputes. Do not let your individual problems bring emotional strife to the family as a whole. Settle your differences quietly among one another, only seeking out an elder's aid in mediation when no other solution seems possible. Never bring your private disputes into public places and never draw other family members into the issue by forcing them to take sides.

Like any normal family, we should always make an effort to present a stable and unified face to the rest of the world even when things are not perfect between us.

7. HAVENS
Our havens are safeplaces where everyone in the community can come to socialize. There are also often public places where we are likely to encounter people who don't understand our ways. We should respect the patrons of these places as we should also respect the owners of the establishments and always be discrete in our behavior. We should never bring private disputes into a haven. We should never initiate violence in a haven. And we should never do or bring anything illegal into a haven, as this reflects badly upon the community as a whole.

The haven is the hub of the whole community, and we should respect it as such, supporting it without business and working to improve its name in the scene so that we can always call it home.

8. TERRITORY
The community is extensive and diverse. Every city has a different way of doing things, and a different hierarchy of rule. When entering a new city, you should familiarize yourself with the local community. Seek out the local havens. Learn what households have sway here. Get in touch with key members of the community, learn who is who, and show proper respect where it is due. You should not expect to impose your old way of doing things on this new scene. Rather you should adapt to their rules and be glad of their acceptance.

Always be on your best behavior when coming to a new city either to visit or to stay. We are all cautious and territorial by nature, and only by making the most positive impression possible will you be accepted and respected in a new community.

9. RESPONSIBILITY
This lifestyle is not for everyone. Take care in who you choose to bring into it. Those who are mentally or emotionally unstable have no place among us. They are dangerous and unreliable and may betray us in the future. Make certain that those you choose to bring in are mature enough for this burden. Teach them control and discretion, and make certain that they respect our ways.

You will be responsible for their actions, and their behavior in the community will be reflected back to you.

10. ELDERS
There are certain members of our community who have established themselves as just and responsible leaders. These are the people who helped establish local communities, who organize havens, and who work to coordinate the networking of the scene. While their word does not have to be law, they should nevertheless be respected. They have greater experience than many others, and usually greater wisdom. Seek these elders out to settle your disputes, to give you guidance and instruction, and to help you establish yourself in the local scene.

Appreciate the elders for all they have given you: if it was not for their dedication, the community would not exist as it does now.

11. DONORS
Without those who offer themselves body and soul to us, we would be nothing. We cannot be other than what we are, but it is the donors who sustain our nature. For this service, they should be respected. Never mistreat your donors, physically or emotionally. They are not to be manipulated or leeched off of for more than what they freely offer. Never take them for granted. Appreciate them for the companionship and acceptance which they offer us, which so many others would refuse. This above all: appreciate the gift of their life. That communion is sacred. Never fail to treat it as such.

12. LEADERSHIP
When you choose to take a position of authority in the community, remember that you do not lead for yourself alone. Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. A good leader must set an example for everyone through his actions and behavior. His motives should be selfless and pure, and he should put the interests of the whole community before his own.

The best leaders are those who serve to better the community and whose person and behavior gives no one -- even those outside of the community -- a reason to criticize them.

13. IDEALS
Being a vampire is not just about feeding upon life. That is what we do, but not necessarily what we are. It is our place to represent darkness in a world blinded by light. We are about being different and accepting that difference as something that empowers us and makes us unique. We are about accepting the dark within ourselves and embracing that darkness to make us whole beings. We are about celebrating the thresholds: body and spirit, pleasure and pain, death and life.
Our lives should be lived as a message to the world about the beauty of accepting the whole self, of living without guilt and without shame, and celebrating the unique and beautiful essence of every single soul.

I always find it amusing that the first rule of the black veil is discretion and yet some of it's most famous promoters are people like Belanger and Don Henrie who have so capitalized off their 'vampire status' for personal gain and celebrity as to completely make a mockery of that rule.

You make a very valid point there felix! It is a bit hypocratic of them.

Felix I was thinking the same thing. The Scroll of Elorath, Book I: Coming forth by Day and Book II: Coming forth by Night all part of the Veil are not secret, but the Strigoi Vii are supposed to be a closed and discrete society.

vampires are not a culture they are a wonderful and very misunderstood species of the Savage Garden and are very devine wonderful creatures.

When speaking of the Vampiric lifestyle such as psi and sang I prefer not to think of us as creatures as it is truely a culture.

If you are speaking of vampires of lore and legend then yes they are fascinating "creatures" if you will.

A bunch of 'normal' people who are interested in the 'vampyric' lifestyle.

Or fictional creatures from fictional whatchawhatevers.

For me it is the black veil, or the 13 rules of the community. I prefer the full version, as opposed to the 7 tennants now issued.

Another good site for vampiric culture is www.sanguinarius.org

The term of "culture" from the anthropological point ov view referres at two aspects that are not very well represented in the so called "vampiric culture": the "technology" issue and the "specific language" issue

I think the area of question is too large and, accordingly the responses would vary and be VERY VAGUE!
One of the first rules of a interview is that the question must not be to general or won`t require a very simple response like "yes".lol

Maybe you should give a precise definition of the term "culture" and then put the question again.The asnwers would be as precise as your definition.

A set of rules don`t mean "culture"

It does entirely depend on whether you believe that in order to be a vampire you have to feed from others. Part of that subset of vampire's culture is (and should be) very rule driven and very well documented.

Other than that the culture of vampires isn't much different from the culture of anything else, it's how you as an individual classify yourself and what you take from that into your everyday life.

it depends on your views on it.

personally i dont think 'vampire's exist other than in the books and such

but 'vampyres' do exist and have an interesting lifestyle

I think vampiric cultures are cultures that believe in vampires and vampiric states of mind

It's a culture that believes in vampires?

knights -

... What the?

Heh, Well I do not follow one paticular way...Im just me...Just like me Religion...But if i was to find a one that i agree with...then I might consider doing such.

i think a vampire culture is more of a way of living.

culture in a state of being and how a person is raised up to conform to its surroundings.