Too many vampires

[Tharivious]

Seems like quite the opposite, to me. Drindin was listing the worst side of the stereotypes; I'd say not conforming to them is a good thing.

Personally, I agree with Drindin's dislikes. The emo-vampire (Lestat-style, negative-stereotype-WoD, Angel type of things) is just generally obnoxious, and the Dracula-knockoff is just an unimaginative cliche. And like anything else in literature or entertainment, rehashed cliches get dull and boring as you become desensitized to them.

I'm a big fan of the subtle, cunning, manipulative vampire that plays with the minds of those around them to make them think and expect one thing, while building up to another from a completely different direction. I like the kind that throws people constantly off-guard with clever, well-thought out plans, because let's face it, they've got the time to do so. I like the kind that can reason with and confound their prey before going for the feast, even making the prey willing to give their blood. I even like the bruising, brutal types that aren't afraid to get their hands (or claws, always had a soft-spot for the ol' Gangrel) dirty. That shouldn't be a surprise though, since most who've read my posts know I like my evil insidious.

And for what it's worth, I think Jazzmyn is quite well played from my limited interaction with her (and almost as limited OOC knowledge of recent plots). Granted, I've only been exposed to a subtle dose of her, and can't claim to know the whole character, so I could be mistaken.

 

[Cassiel Moonfall]

I recently, and oddly enough spent the other day playing a vampire based video game. And it made me think of this thread. So i had to post up this thought string.

Every culture has a different view of what the vampire truly is. Any movie you watch with vampires has a slightly altered affect of what they are to keep us interested and to be a bit more original. Games, books (authors), game systems. I have yet to see one of these standards of media and myths that actually have one solid view of what a vampires abilities, weakness/powers, origins and ect...ect.. really are.

Some ideals say they are undead, some say its actually a virus much like lycanthropy is a virus. Vampires are pretty and seducing creatures - other are bestial animals. Nothing is ever truly the same in any case that i personally have seen. Which honestly is all perfectly fine and dandy with me.

Now I noticed that the original question was not truely really answered to 'why there is so many'. could be blamed on media but I do know that there is a actual RP group out there that that is consisting of vampires on purpose. Im sure that that group gave others the idea to make a vampire too and run with it as new ideas are formed in our heads every day.

There are hundreds of ideas of what everything really is. For example, in the Gaelic mythology Elves were very tall (around and over 6ft), very slender people who were actually faeries. Some other cultures view them as slender yes but rather short in stature. DnD itself had the 'hobbit' the furry footed halfing which in 3rd edition became just the halfing which is more akin to a very small elf in features with no fur on the footies.

Different authors of books speculate there own ideas on dragons, lycanthropic afflicted beings, vampires, elves, and any other mythological/fantasy being you can possibly imagine. So really it all comes down to some ones own ideas on what the fantasy being could be or perhaps who there favorite author, comic writer, film director, or even favorite cultural myth was.

 

[Elf_Ariel]

Hmmm I just (by just I mean yesterday) watched Bloodrayne... I was -close- to falling asleep by the end of it, though there were some rather intuitive ideas brought up along the way.

Someone, somewhere will have to fill me in just how a dhampir (half human, half vamp) is created...coz my poor brain cant figure it out.

For the record, I'll be killing James later ;-).

But I did come to several conclusions. To breifly overview (in bold because brief and overview do not make conclusive science) vampires, they come in two packages, the I'm trying to be good sort <good>, and the I've decided to be bad sort<evil>. It then occurred to me, that the I've decided to be bad sort, would be rather peeved with the I'm trying to be good sorts. Why? Well figure this, those little critters dont appreciate their gift, their new strengths and powers or whatever. They're not going to help develop the 'kind'. And let's be serious, the world is full of 'kinds' and 'kinds' tend to help one another. Why else would cities have precincts where like 'kinds' of people gather together? Tracking back...so here we have the unappreciative vampires, who by all rights shouldn't be vampires. This is, as I figured it, Belaros' plan for the Nightshades (to bring up the old clan name of which Ariel is/was part of...). I'm not to put words in his mouth, but truthfully, it's my oppinion too, that an evil vampire really isn't going to think much of a good one. In fact they're gonna be pretty agro coz those 'ungreatful' sods are drinking all the good foodstuffs around when they're going into bloodlust. And if they somehow deny the cravings they're still spreading around the idea and often revealing their nature...bad on all levels; when vampires're trying to sneak around out the back and snatch someone through the window!

Perhaps...it's just time...for a revival of old methods and times.

 

[Willow_Calypso]

Someone, somewhere will have to fill me in just how a dhampir (half human, half vamp) is created...coz my poor brain cant figure it out.

That all depends on which gaming system you use. V:TM has Dhampirs. They're created by the lower vampires who have a very diminished bloodline.

Or you could always go the Blade route, though I'd imagine that'd be a 1 in a million chance.

 

[Nugan]

It might be useful to remember that, historically and thematically, vampirism is often about the fear of disease.

Consider the sheer number of plague images associated with the vampire: rodents (both rats and bats), a pale complexion, drawn and wasted features, contaminated soil, and, obviously, the state of death-in-life associated with the most debilitating diseases. Even the "romantic" and "sexy" aspects of vapirism, from seduction to blood letting, hint at a fear of disease transmission during a time when incurable syphilitics--whose pale and blistered appearance and awkward, stumbling posture are certainly vampire-esque--were a common sight.

With this in mind, it might be interesting to play a vampire as a victim of a disease--and not a "Now I'm Hot and Live Forever, but, Woe, I Must Drink the Blood of the Living" disease--rather than as a superhuman entity. Or, in other words, you could play up the weakness and suffering that comes with vapirism and play down the sex appeal and the charm and the superpowers. Vampires are a memento mori, a reminder of our mortality, not an outlet for our fantasies of immortality.

 

[NicholausDennoncourt]

Originally Posted by Willow_Calypso

That all depends on which gaming system you use. V:TM has Dhampirs. They're created by the lower vampires who have a very diminished bloodline.

Yes and no.. When you refer to lower generation your talking about 4th 5th 6th Generation, when you refer to higher generation your referring to 10th 11th 12th and so on, just to clarify.

A Dhampir is a Kindred of the East variant (in the fact the originally were seen in the Kindred of the East due to the very high generations present.) and they are related to the Masquerades Revenant. The notable difference is that Revanants are breed from other ghouls that have found their independence from their Vampire masters. A Dhampir is the product of what you might consider a 'Blade' origin, this is possible because in the times of the Thin-Blooded more specifically 14th and 15th Generations.

Dhampir are more powerful than Ghouls, but they are no match for a lower generation Kindred or Cainite, they cannot use blood to create blood bonds, ghouls or even make other Dhampir. (This would make a very cool and very interesting rp in the TMP because they would be highly likely to be around in that time.) This is true because they lack the potent blood of Caine, so they have limited reproductive capabilities, so when a Thin-blood mates with a human, they can produce a Dhampir.

This isn't possible with lower generation Kindred or Cainites because of the Blood of Cain is far, far more potent. To add to it, this only a Final Nights creation, Dhampir are rare in the Modern Nights as the Thin-Blooded have only been around for about 20 years, and almost impossible for one to exist in the Dark Ages.

And mind you, these rules that are not part of that disaster they are calling Requiem. As far as I'm concerned Requiem is flawed system and White Wolf failed is most loyal customers.

 

[Infernal Scribe]

and now for something completely different, it relates to vampires but i thought ya guys might enjoy it: Life Sucks

 

[Warbridge]

and now for something completely different, it relates to vampires but i thought ya guys might enjoy it: Life Sucks

Congratulations! You just started a new vampire trend. Anyone know if there is anyone actively playing the average dork who is secretly a vampire? Simple genius in there. The only drawback is that once someone finds out the secret then the jig is up.

 

[Velaria]

Meh, when has there ever *not* been vampires in the tavern setting?

No vampires here nope not me.... well..

*shifty eyes*

Okay yes, Velaria became a vampire thanks to Valreus Rohaun long ago.. what.. 7 years ago or so? However through great will she turned her need from blood to that of feeding off of extreme emotions that so often flew around the rp rooms. Yet, despite all my efforts to prove that blood was not her chosen form of food, everyone always knew that she was a vamp though I never flashed fangs, or acted such, Simply because my profile said Velaria Starmantle Rohaun, and at that time leader of the Rohaun family.

I followed the rules, that when she was in the old emporium, she was never fully there, appearing simply as a shimmering figure, and mostly effected things only through voice and thoughts. So many times I have seen the power player and the like, and often times I was called such. Perhaps back then I was, but then it was the way my character was.

When she ascended (retired her) she was cast out of the heavens because she chose to meddle in mortal affairs to much, (people insisted I come back) when she was, she came back as a normal elven woman, though still holding her wisdom and knowledge within behind locked doors, that slowly trickles out as she meets with those she once knew. Immortal, no, hard to kill, yes, and have and will fight like mad with Vel but she has been messed up and sent into month long recuperations or more on several occasions.

I guess what my rambling is pointing at is this, not everyone falls under the categories that is being spoken of, not everyone falls under the preconceived notions of what they were before I stopped playing because it was sickening to come into the room, and those that I had helped before ic sneered and acted disgusted with me because even though I was always a vamp from the first few weeks of my rp back in TSR, they now knew it to be true and immediately called me scum.

So just think about that the next time an excellent rper comes in, and is playing a vamp with some variations on the "rules" that being condescending to them does not necessarily help them, but could very well chase them away. Instead, try coaching them, showing them where they can play better, and explain what not everyone may know.. the flavor of the month is not always received well.
Ehh just my 2 cents which is still not worth much at all.

Velaria

 

[valerus]

No vampires here nope not me.... well..

*shifty eyes*

Okay yes, Velaria became a vampire thanks to Valreus Rohaun long ago.. what.. 7 years ago or so? However through great will she turned her need from blood to that of feeding off of extreme emotions that so often flew around the rp rooms. Yet, despite all my efforts to prove that blood was not her chosen form of food, everyone always knew that she was a vamp though I never flashed fangs, or acted such, Simply because my profile said Velaria Starmantle Rohaun, and at that time leader of the Rohaun family.

I followed the rules, that when she was in the old emporium, she was never fully there, appearing simply as a shimmering figure, and mostly effected things only through voice and thoughts. So many times I have seen the power player and the like, and often times I was called such. Perhaps back then I was, but then it was the way my character was.

When she ascended (retired her) she was cast out of the heavens because she chose to meddle in mortal affairs to much, (people insisted I come back) when she was, she came back as a normal elven woman, though still holding her wisdom and knowledge within behind locked doors, that slowly trickles out as she meets with those she once knew. Immortal, no, hard to kill, yes, and have and will fight like mad with Vel but she has been messed up and sent into month long recuperations or more on several occasions.

I guess what my rambling is pointing at is this, not everyone falls under the categories that is being spoken of, not everyone falls under the preconceived notions of what they were before I stopped playing because it was sickening to come into the room, and those that I had helped before ic sneered and acted disgusted with me because even though I was always a vamp from the first few weeks of my rp back in TSR, they now knew it to be true and immediately called me scum.

So just think about that the next time an excellent rper comes in, and is playing a vamp with some variations on the "rules" that being condescending to them does not necessarily help them, but could very well chase them away. Instead, try coaching them, showing them where they can play better, and explain what not everyone may know.. the flavor of the month is not always received well.
Ehh just my 2 cents which is still not worth much at all.

Velaria

That was beautiful my dear......

LVR aka The Old Geezer....

 

[Willow_Calypso]

Good post, Velaria!

 

[Kinetti]

I find myself compelled to play devil's advocate here, with all due respect and wuv to Velaria, of course. hi Vel!

To begin: "excellent RPer" is a purely subjective opinion. Rules or no rules, not everyone wants to see everything. Just as everyone has different opinions on what constitutes "are there too many vampires?" everyone has different opinions on what should or not should be done with vampires. Everyone will make their own opinions on what constitutes a good or excellent RPer. One would have to sit and watch that RPer to be able to adjudicate such, but people have their own factors they look for, and if your style of RP/Game, and of character persona grates on them, it hardly matters what rules you use, or what style you use. If it's not fun for them to interact with you, they're not going to want to, no matter how "excellent" you are. You think you're excellent, that's fine. I think I'm "excellent" to, but not everyone in the Cosmos will agree with either of us, no matter what we say. heh.

Of course, I shall indeed agree that "condescending" on people is not nice, and indeed will not help. But, calling those people who might not like your char automatically "closeminded" and "stifling to my creativity, you're a bad person for not liking my ideas" is not good either. This is why, more and more, I just flat-out don't say anything, and avoid conflicts, saving my gripes for the one or two people I trust. heh.

With all that said, I'll weigh in briefly on my own gripes about vampies. Yes, Vel, one can make vampies who have variations on the rules. But... so many vampies here have those exceptions. It gets old. haha. To me, anyway. This argument is easy to counter, of course, by people saying things like "but the norm is boring! It's fun to make something different!" But so many say that, that it's almost become faddish in and of itself. Everyone's so different, to me it's now the "norm" that would be unusual to see. heh. I'm not saying y'all can't do it. But, that's thus why I come in so seldom any more, too. Also why I don't say much here either, but hey. heh. Felt the need to, for once.

Well, I think that's about 4 or 5 cents by now. Rip it up as you will. hehe.
~~ KC

 

[Magi_Apolline]

Good counter! I agree with you, KC

This argument is easy to counter, of course, by people saying things like "but the norm is boring! It's fun to make something different!" But so many say that, that it's almost become faddish in and of itself. Everyone's so different, to me it's now the "norm" that would be unusual to see.

 

[Cassiel Moonfall]

I think the biggest conflict when it comes to vampires on the ISRP is the players timezone. For me when its dark outside may be light outside or maybe mid afternoon for someone else. Naturally some peoples mind does not automatically factor in that little reminder and they go "Oh look another vampire out during the day" as outside there window is sunshine. But outside another persons window is complete moonlight and stars.

Its rather human nature to make sudden accusations with out counting all the numbers into the equation. The same could be said for say were creatures whose power relies on the phases of the moon. Where it is day to one it is night to another. Honestly i think the only way to remedy that particular issue is to instate an actual clock/calender for the whole of isrp. This would handle weather pattern problems. WHICH yes i already know there is a calender for the settings BUT instead of making it be a seperate website you have to visit just to see that its cold and windy outside or dig through months worth of posts to find the calenders. Can we not have it actually posted on the main ISRP page? Somewhere simple for people to look at so they know prior to logging on?

 

[Bari]

That's a great idea.

 

[Elf_Ariel]

I think, secretly deep down we all love KC. Some of us will just never admit it!

*cackles*

I've wanted a clock...since...forever.

And for the record. I'd play a normal vamp, if there were normal hunters ;-). I get Ariel's backside handed to me as it is!

 

[Kinetti]

I think, secretly deep down we all love KC. Some of us will just never admit it!

Wuv you too, Ariel. Secretly, of course. hehe.

I've wanted a clock...since...forever.

I always thought that this ISRP was under US Pacific time, just as ye olde Wiz-based ISRP was? I could be wrong, of course. heh.

And for the record. I'd play a normal vamp, if there were normal hunters ;-). I get Ariel's backside handed to me as it is!

Mwa ha ha. Well, you know there's at least one of 'em out there, with a Bolt of Glory with Ariel's name on it! *cackles ebilly*

~~ El KC

 

[Sienna_Rose]

I always thought that this ISRP was under US Pacific time, just as ye olde Wiz-based ISRP was? I could be wrong, of course. heh.

~~ El KC

Each setting is different, I believe. I know TMP is Eastern, since it's set in New York.
I've asked about Crossroads before (and even brought it up earlier in this thread), but, never did get a clear answer. I believe it was mentioned that the time and weather was on the page. But, I'm not sure where.
I think each setting has its own page - for CRT and The Bazaar the links to them are in the setting description as you enter the room.
For me, since Pacific was the time zone used before, that's the one I continue to use.

 

[Infernal Scribe]

there's a few problems of adding a time clock.

One example would be using US Pacific Time or whatever zones is that you have to look them up and assume that all people are lazy as default. Because we all know someone or another who doesn't even read the boards, they just merely come on for the chat and skip the rest, so i doubt they're willing to go the extra mile to another site and check the time for the room they planning to rp in. Less complication, less stress.

it be nice to have a time clock, but you would essentially would have to have a time clock for each room setting which sounds more like work then needed.

Another thing is, Point of View and setting. PoV: When Char #1 enters the tavern, its high noon. While Char #2 enters the tavern, its midnight. This will always be a pit fall. This can easily be explained via rp that the region around the tavern/rotunda follows different rules, due to the influx of the portals or the moon magic from the adepts or due to everyone being too intoxicated to notice the difference. My advice is to don't worry about it and toss it up as one more odd trait, like bootezu. As for the Modern Setting, since its based as a night club, assume that the time is always night time.

with no real sun to harm them (religious, symbolic, or quasi-elemental portal to the plane of radiance), i doubt the vampires need to worry about hanging out in day light hours in Sigil. As for afflicted lycanthropes, no moon means they're pretty much safe unless they're the cursed variety that gets "changed' by a different trigger method which should fit in your storyline.

As for normal default vampires. Unfortunately, there are so many different editions of the game and other games/novels/manga/film out there that has different abilities for vampires, what is considered as normal in some PoV is not normal to other PoV. As there is no such thing as a default elf or dwarf, due to skills, talents, abilities and know how. It may be old, but everyone is different. If you want a vampire to act how a vampire should act, then create a character and role play one, and the rest is sure to follow by your example or inspiration to create likewise.

 

[Velaria]

Ahhh much wuv back at you Kinetti dear, you and I have had our go around on many occasion, however when it was ic and Ivy going at Vel, well it was called for, because she knew. I suppose using the term "excellent" rper was a bit over zealous, however anyone has the potential, yet when met with derision right from the start because someone read their description and did not do as you suggested, watch, well that is what I am getting at.

We have seen it many a time, someone entering, and coming up to one of us, or another player and knowing their name and their politics without ever having interacted with that character. It often happened to me in the later years when I had the book of a description, because I wrote the story, the other person assumed they knew everything about Vel.

Now don't get me wrong, one that enters, slinking through the shadows (cough-cough-my dark self Alora- Cough-cough), licking their fangs (not Alora) and drawing in a deep breath searching for the scent of blood, well then by al means hunters attack! But a person walking into CRT, and taking a seat by the fire in her usual fashion, does not yell Vampire. Now mind you Kinette dear, I never said anything about close-minded or stiffeling of creativity, I am sure that was not directed at me in particular, but I just want that clear here that I never thought or felt that about anyone. Not even you during our worst periods .

Heck I don't know if I am making much sense, I understand the frustration with everyone and their mother wanting to be a bloodsucker, heck even I got frustrated back in the days when Vel started patrolling the emporium and killing her own kind when they acted outside of the rules and constraints. (remembers a few wizos that allowed me to bring final death to those that were breaking the rules before they took them over the moon bridge. lol)

So many youngsters so few of us that remember the way things used to be, and by young I mean those that were there long ago when we all crowded around the grove and hung out in the large tree talking into the night. *mutters softly* Let me get out of here before I ramble more with these final words.

I wuv you all with my old vampire self, haters and supporters alike, regardless of the few that made it no longer fun, you were all an important part of Vels development and life.

With sincere respect to all,
Velaria