Many people believe that vampires are only the creatures of myths, legends and folk tales. Unknown to many there is a growing subculture of ‘Vampires’. These self proclaimed children of the night may also call themselves ‘Vampyers’ the change in spelling is used to distinguish them between the mythical creatures but what other differences are there?
There have been vampire myths for hundreds of years all over the world, but most originate from Europe. Many believe that the vampire myths began during the time of the Black Death as bodies were buried quickly as not to spread infection. This ended in numerous people being buried alive. And so they would ‘rise from the grave’ this would not be as hard as previously as there was little space for burial and so bodies were buried nearer to the surface. There were many tell tale signs of a vampires grave including
. Wide open eyes
. Ruddy (rosy) complexion
. No rotting
. Blood in veins
All of these can be explained by the simple fact that the person was not dead. You may ask how could one be mistaken for being dead, in this time of primitive medical care and an epidemic on the rise doctors were hard to find and so the only tests taken to prove the death maybe an ear to the chest and nose to listen for a heart beat and breathing. How you may ask could these things be unheard. There is a condition called catalepsy in which the sufferer becomes induced in a trance-like state and is immobile this state can last from minuets to days. In the state the heart beats are slowed and the breathing shallow, so they may not be detectable.
Modern day vampyers are harder to define. Many will go only as far as wearing the typical gothic attire and fake fang caps, using these to become the dark icon of films and books which many have read and viewed. Others go a step further and believe that they need to feed upon others. There are two main types of vampyre, Chi and Blood. Chi vampyers believe that they need to feed upon the chi, energy or emotions of others. Blood vampyers believe they need to consume blood to remain healthy. They tend to believe that they have better hearing, sight, smell, agility, or empathy than others. Most vampyers go though an ‘awakening’ during or soon after puberty this is the period in which they become aware of their need for other ‘supplements’ other than food and discover their ‘vampric gifts’. Both types follow a voluntary code of vampric ethics called the black veil, this ensures that both the vampyre and the donor are safe.
At this point many of you maybe about to throw the magazine down in disgust and refuse to read further. Please read on as I hope to dismiss your fears of all those you suspect to be closet vampyers. The question now is ‘Are these people to be feared or is it harmless?’ Generally vampyers follow the Black Veil which state heavily that donors are never to be taken for granted ‘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’ Few will feed of those that have not consented. And most insist that there donor(s) have regular blood tests to check for blood borne dieses. This ensures that no one is harmed unintentionally; most donors are friends or partners of the vampyre. Many vampyers will not let a donor participate until they fully understand what it means. In my opinion many vampyers are safe but of course, with all things there are exceptions.
Lady Dorian (her vampric name) is 15 and believes herself to have been a chi vampyre for several years now. ‘I first became interested in vampires when I was about 11, our English teacher read us the story of Dracula from memory and it fascinated me. About a year later I read it myself and became even more enthralled with it. Earlier in the year I joined the website www.vampirerave.com here I felt accepted and safe. I am still on the site and have made many friends who have been hugely supportive. The site has a forum on which the conversation is based about vampires, vampyers and the vampric lifestyle as well as music, fashion, and every day events. I first tasted blood when I cut my finger on some scissors and sucked to wounds so that I would not bleed every where. I fell in love with the taste at once and began cutting regularly just to taste it. I met a friend over the rave and he taught me that I did not ‘need’ the blood but the energy contained with in it and that I was only weakening myself by feeing in such a way. He taught me much about vampric ways. And thought him I have learnt how to feed upon chi energy. I myself would never feed upon anyone who did not understand what they were getting involved in or who had not had a blood test. There is too much danger involved. I do not flaunt my nature as I fear judgement from those who do not understand but I have told me close friends as I feel that they have a right to know. I do know people who dabble in blood play and do not use the necessary precautions and do not know the dangers. I feel obliged to teach them of them. Vampirism is not about loonies bathing in blood by candle light but civilised people indulging in what they feel necessary in a safe and controlled way.’
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