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Cabal*(Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)
1. (OSV and Sanguinarium)The Cabals are a formal term for a society of true sanguine vampires with the actual vampiric condition. Cabals can include the Blood bars, Temples and other locations where vampires can be completely open about their natures. Cabals are selective in their screening process for new members and often observe a person for quite a while before approaching them. Posers, fakes, lifestylers and roleplayers are NOT welcomed here, only those who have been formally confirmed to have the vampiric condition. Often a House is the public face or Outer Circle for a Cabal. The head of a local Cabal is supposed to be an elected leader known as a Najgja. However most have never heard of such a term and simply consider this another description of a vampiric House that does not allow posers and fakes. See also Najgja, Grotto, Sanguinarium.
2. (Sanguinarius)The far-underground "shadow" community of sanguinarians in a particular geographic location. Few even believe they exist and Cabals include the Bloodbars and other unknown things. Cabals are very selective as to who even knows who is a member.
Cain:(general, biblical, Illuminatti)
The first son of Adam and Eve, made a vampire by Lilith. Cain is the progenitor of a clan line of vampires seperate from The Clan of Lilith.
Cainites (general, Sanguinarium)
An order or movement within the vampire community, which suggests that Cain was the father of vampires. This belief may strongly be influenced by Vampire: the Masquerade, which also depicts Caine as the father of vampires, although devout Cainites insist that their tradition existed first and was only borrowed by the White Wolf system. In general, the belief hinges upon the fact that Caine was the first murderer and that when God sent him out to wander in the world, and cursed him with immortality. Some Lilithian traditions link Caine with Lilith. This connection has also been accepted by White Wolf and fully explored in "Revelations of the Dark Mother." Whether this belief in Caine originated with the role-playing system or was adapted by them is nearly impossible to determine. It is true that Caine had been a dark and brooding figure in myth and fiction prior to the White Wolf system, but it is unlikely that he was ever clearly depicted as vampiric before then. Most Cainit
es are said to drink blood, although they also supplement this with life-energy.
Caninus Lupus*(formal, Sanguinarium)
Said by OSV to be the largest of the Therian tribes. This term is not used outside the OSV.Some consider this a tradition of vampirism., which is shamanistic/tribal in nature, while others look at it as something completely different from the vampiric condition. It is someone who chooses to expand upon the beast and relates many of his or her philosophies to the ecology of the wolf. Also seen as those who have both Shapeshifter and Vampiric natures combined.
Calmae*(formal, Sanguinarium)
Supposedly meaning "Quiet" or "Keeper of Secrets", It is the third OSV ordeal or initiation, in which the individual being adept in the Outer Teachings of the OSV can now become a full member of a House or Order. Also has been used to refer to a fully initiated member of a Sanguinarium household who usually has gone through the Rite of Transformation and made an Oath of Brotherhood or Sisterhood. Calmae are neither elders nor fledglings; they are those who have been properly initiated (usually through a Coven), prove themselves and mastered knowledge of the Black Veil, the Lexicon, their Beast, basic sangomancy (depending on House and Tradition) and other details of the vampiric community. They are comfortable with and have a basic understanding of their vampiric condition; many have discovered what caste they are a part of. Calmae are generally permitted to sponsor fledglings. They are also known to take on their own donors and are signified by a red stone in their si
gil. There is a somewhat similar level called Isro in the Eclipsan system.
Castes/Roads* (general, House Kheperu)
Introduced to the Sanguinarium by the Kheprian Order, the road system (known as castes in the Kheprian system) is customary for those who pass the third ordeal (Isro) commit to a road to focus on. The three roads include Kitra (councilors), Mradu (guardians/warriors) and Ramkht (deacons). The system of roads is supposed to be more detailed in the Scroll of Calmae, the third Scroll of Elorath in the Vampyre Grimoire. This triumvirate system is used by it's adherents to allow a balance and exchange of energy within families, virtually each road feeding from the other and strengthening the bond between members of a household. This system also used to help create a strong and organized household, with all members fulfilling their various roles within the community and contributing to the whole. Roads are not used in all households and those that do use them, not every member fits into one of these archetypes. Those who use it commonly initiate people into these roads only once th
ey have been formally initiated into the family. Some Houses also accept and recognize lesser subdivisions and archetypes called Paths.
Cenoquodi (formal, House Eclipse)
This word designates a vampire drawn to the occult, to service to a deity or other such being and one with the natural instinct and talent for leadership. Many such vampires learn magic, divination, ritual and other arts and often serve as both spiritual and general leaders in the vampire community. Not all Cenoquodi are leaders, as some prefer solitude, study and neutrality without the burdens and demands associated with organization. There are dangers associated with this caste and personality type, as many become dependant on the reverence and energies of thier followers, descending into culthood, egotism and narcisissm. Still, if properly taught and posessed of enough self discipline, these vampries are great assests to thier individual communities and the Community as a whole. This comes from the Enochian word for "Minister" and corresponds somewhat to the Ramkht or priest caste of the Kheprian system, though a Cenoquodi may also be a warrior, politician or healer.<
br> Chi (general, Asian Religions and Sanguinarius)
Chi is the Chinese term for life-energy. It is also often referred to as pranic energy or life force. Chi is the bio-electrical energy, which runs our bodies on a subtle level. Energy vampires and many psi-vamps believe that they can manipulate chi and feed upon it to sate their hungers.It is believed by some that to a certain extent, blood vampires also feed upon chi, for a great deal of this subtle energy is believed to be concentrated into the blood. See "psychic energy".
Childe* (formal, White Wolf)
A fledgling who is apprenticed to a "sire" and taught The Black Veil and the ins-and-outs of the Vampyre scene. Once they have learned these rules, they can be presented to the Elder of their household or Court through a ceremony of recognition. Although taken originally from the role-playing system Vampire: the Masquerade, "childe" has been integrated into the common jargon of the OSV. Most other groups refuse to use it due to it's roleplaying origin.
Clutch: (general, Illuminatti)
A small coven or branch of a House; can be related. Can also be called a Coven or Pack. Usually geographically centered and has 3-13 members. Just as a group of lions is called a pride of lions, a group of vampires is called a clutch of vampires.
Clan:* (general, White Wolf, Illuminatti)
One name for a vampire extended family in the Illuminatti system. Not used often due to it's roleplaying connotations.
Clan Line:(Formal, Illuminatti)
A vampire's lineage in the Illuminatti system, traced through each sire or maker in the line. The clan line also includes descendants.
Classical Vampire (general, NightPoe)
NightPoe uses the following description of Classical vampires on her website. It is similar to the Eclipsan description of the Ageless. Essentially in her system, a Classical is a person infected with a specific vampire retrovirus that causes sever and drastic changes in the body and mind of the one infected. Infection is only done on purpose not accidentally. Classicals are tough, extremely long lived and very remote from mundane affairs. She describes them as very mentally cold, psychic and posessing the stereotypical vampire ego. This is also a term that describes the type of vampire very similar to those known from Stoker's writings. Usually a classical vampire has been turned by an older vampire. Some theories devide them into two categories: A categorie ONE vampire has a very extended life span of more than 150 years. A categorie TWO vampire has a normal lifespan like any human. They can be read about in detail on her website.
Clinical Vampirism (Medical, Sangiunarius)
A psychological condition, such as Renfield’s Syndrome, in which the afflicted person experiences a psychological urge to drink blood. This urge is often satisfied with their own blood, and sufferers of clinical vampirism typically bear slashes from razors and knives up and down their arms from where they have drawn blood from themselves. Particularly sociopath forms of clinical vampirism drive sufferers to attack and sometimes (although rarely) even kill other people in order to drink their blood. A related condition is known as SMS, or Self-Mutilation Syndrome. This newly named pathology is becoming alarmingly common in American youths. Sufferers of SMS, often known as cutters, feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disease. Most sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or emotional pain onto their bodies. *See a
lso SMS "Self-Mutilation Syndrome", and Renfield's Syndrome.
Coming Out of the Coffin*(general, Sanguinarius and Sanguinarium)
1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) Similar to the term used for Gays (except they "come out of the closet"). Coming Out of the Coffin involves being open or frank with people about being a vampire, drinking blood, feeding upon energy, etc. Those who have Come Out in this way do not hide their lifestyle at all, not even in their daily lives. Many people in the vampire scene choose to be "in the coffin" and are not public about their nature outside of the community or scene. Coming out can be quite dangerous and damaging for those whose friends and family are unprepared, and is not generally recommended.
2. (Sanguinarius) He-he...couldn't resist. This means the same thing that it means for Gays (except they come out of the closet...). Involves being open or frank with people about being a vampire, drinking blood, feeding upon energy, etc. Those who have come out in this way do not hide their lifestyle at all, not even in their daily lives. Many people in the vampiric community choose to be "in the coffin" and are not public about their lifestyle outside of the community or scene.
Communion Feeding* (formal, House Sahjaza)
Often referred to simply as feeding by vampires outside OSV and House Sahjaza, this is a term coined by House Sahjaza to refer to one of many types of consensual or honorable and "karmatically balanced" feeding, ranging from pure energy draws (pranic) to emotional, to sexual (tantric and of course the most classical through blood (Sanguinarian). Communion is only used when feeding is done with ethics and on a consensual basis. It also should only be used to describe feeding from screened and tested vampires and donors. Communion is said to take place in several forms, such as unconscious, ambient, sympathetic, astral, tactile, visual, temporal and sanguine. Many vampires consider this a rude or blasphemous perversion of the word used in the Christian religion and thus will not use it.
Companion (General, House Eclipse)
A mundane or vampiric ally, aide, friend or supporter of a vampire who accepts their choices and life as a vampire or member of another House than theirs in the Eclipsan system. These can be lovers, donors, business partners, allies, advisers, relatives or friends. Formally termed Kithan, in the Eclipsan tradition, they are full House members if they should wish it with a vote for those who have been with the House for a while or a voice at meetings for newcomers. Companions are cherished and revered for the gift of life they give vampires and no decent vampire would ever harm or threaten a Companion. They are the supports that keep us on our feet in rough times.
Concubine/ Kitra*(House Kheperu)
In the vampiric caste system, started by the Kheprian Order, Concubines are vampires whose primary function is to facilitate the work of others. Concubines, also known as Counselors, are generally paired with members of the Priestly caste. In the Concubine-Priest pair, the Concubine is the less public partner who serves as donor, advisor and magical partner. Concubines are trained to meet the greater needs of the Priestly caste as well as to offer partnership and emotional support. Ritual work is often done with the Priest leading the ritual while the Concubine serves as the center or focus of power, sometimes referred to as the altar. See also, Councilor, Kitra. On rare occasions, Concubines or Counselors can be non-vampires.
Consort (general, House Eclipse)
The closest thing many vampires get to marriage, as many vampires are not monogamous by nature. A consort is a Mundane or Otherkin lover (A vampiric Consort is usually termed a Co-Consort) who is many things to the vampire. Consorts are usually blood bonded to the vampire and often to their Pack or Circle as well They may vote in the vampire's absence, though this differs from bonding to bonding. Consorts usually are donors and are tested regularly. They are treated as being of the same rank as their bond mate, whether they are Mundane, Otherkin or vampiric. If the vampire rises in rank, so does the consort. If the vampire blunders, respect for the Consort is lost as well. Should the Consort behave foolishly, the vampire will suffer too. Consorts are often business partners, amateur psychologists, councilors, sparring partners, political allies or magical partners, and, of course, friends.
In Eclipsan tradition, Consorts can be up to a foursome or on very rare occasions even more, though usually it is a pair that bonds. The relationship is not always monogamous, as long as both bond mates agree. Sometimes Co-Consorts will go out to find lovers together or enjoy BDSM activities together or as a group. Often two sets of vampires and consorts will bond together to form a Pack or Circle or even with more to form a House.
Vampires and consorts will eventually grow in different directions, and this too is accepted. A Consort may leave a vampire or vice versa as long as it is mutually agreed upon, and usually they will remain close friends. If a quarrel ensues, it is often very painful for both bond mates, and usually they will seek mediation for their difficulties. If a Consort and vampire separate, all the Consorts rank that they share with the vampire is lost, unless the Consort has gained rank on their own.
Councilor/Kitra*(House Kheperu)
Serve a multitude of functions within the community. They are lovers and donors, counselors and confidants. In ritual, they often serve as altars, acting as the fulcrum of power between a Mradu and a Ramkht when rites are performed. Most (but not all) Kitra are submissive, offering themselves in spirit and flesh to their Mradu or Ramkht. Kitra are also often skilled donors and keep their energy in top form to feed members of their household, and often are the keepers of a household's "Golden Circle" to use the Illuminatti term. They are often very sensual people, trained in the arts of lovemaking and entertainment for the pleasure of the household, thus highly sexually charged. This road is modeled from the example temple concubines, young men and women pledged to their temples, who offered service through their flesh. These concubines were highly valued and cherished by the priests and warriors they served. On rare occasions, Concubines or Counselors can be non-vampires. S
ome groups find this description demeaning and use other terms and systems for similar individuals but without the overtones of submission or outright slavery.
Court*(formal, Sanguinarium)
1. Is a chapter and gathering of the Sanguinarium, which is a geographically based cocktail party where members of various households, seekers and ronin gather for celebration, training, socialization, ritual and education. A council of elected Magisters' is usually established as the officers of the court to plan itinerary, manage the court e-list, and set the location and date.
2. A monthly social event which is much like a "town meeting" for members of the Sanguinarium in a specific geographical area. Court is usually held once a month at a local tea house,lounge or haven, and only vampires and Black Swans are welcome. This is an opportunity to socialize with others in the scene outside of havens or nightclubs. News and announcements are made, poetry is read, new households, children, Isro and Elders are introduced. Here, sanguines are generally free to escape mundane society. The host of a Court is usually a locally respected Elder or Acolyte who secures a date, time, venue and promotes the event. See also the now outdated term Moot.
Coven*(general, Sanguinarius, Sanguinarium)
1. (General) Often refers to a small group of vampires ranging from as few as three to as many as thirteen. They are often branches of a household’s family tree. * Also see clutch.
2. (OSV and Sangiunarium)Covens are groups of individuals and organizations who embellish the vampire/vampire lifestyle; who band together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and rites. Covens range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. Depending on their background, size and geographic location, Covens are referred to as Clutches and Circles for smaller groups; and Legacies, Households and Clans for larger groups. Those who belong to more than one coven are known as "Kithal". Some covens have "sub covens", which refer to a branch of the family tree. The organization and purpose of each Coven varies from fraternal (House Sabretooth), religious (Temple of the Vampire), or family (Clan of Lilith). Some of the titles given to leaders of covens include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Matriarch or Coven Master. There are no requirements for forming a Coven other than a grou
p of people getting together, choosing a sigil, name and theme. Yet, to become recognized by the scene is a challenge as a reputation, respect and name must be built and earned. Currently some of the better known Covens are: House Sabretooth, House Omallie, Maven lore, Della Noir, Blackdove, House Kheperu and Trylesta.
3. (Sangiunarius)Groups of individual vampires or vampyre lifestylers, usually but not always located within a certain geographic area, who have banded together under a specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership requirements, hierarchy and/or rites. Covens range in size from as few as three members to as many as hundreds. The organization and purpose of each Coven varies from fraternal (House Sahjaza); religious (Church of the Vampire - not to be confused with the Vampire Church); or familial (Clan of Lilith). Some titles given to leaders of Covens include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Matriarch or Coven Master. There are no requirements for forming a Coven other than a group of people getting together, choosing a sigil, name and theme.
COVICA *(formal, Sangiunarius, Sanguinarium)
1. (OSV and Sangiunarium) A council of elders drawn from many different households and courts whose purpose is to help network the community, standardize language and terminology, and encourage cooperation, if not outright unification between the diverse aspects of the vampire scene. COVICA stands for Council of Vampiric International Community Affairs. Not everyone believes COVICA is a good idea, and many think that the group purposely refuses membership to certain people or groups for discriminatory or personal reasons.
2. (Sangiunarius)The now apparently defunct Council of Elders drawn from many different traditions whose purpose is to help network the community, standardize language and terminology, and encourage cooperation, if not outright unification between the diverse aspects of the Sanguinarium and vampire communities. COVICA stands for Council Of Vampyric International Community Affairs.
Cousin: (formal, House Quinotaur)
A member of House Quinotaur. Cousins are ranked from 1st to 9th. 9th Cousins are outer circle members and can be virtually anyone. 8th cousins and higher are open to all those with the fundamental need to exchange energy as long as they agree to follow the Veil/Black Veil/13 Rules of Community. The ranks of Cousins are:
9th Cousin:
Anyone with the fundamental need to exchange energy who officially makes themselves known to House Quinotaur. You are free to follow whatever you desire, always knowing you have a Home with us and a Family to look out for you.
8th Cousin:
Anyone with the fundamental need to exchange energy who agrees to follow the Veil and makes themselves known to House Quinotaur. Quinotaurii of this rank and higher must believe in the possibility of the Merovingian Theory and honour the Veil. Only Quinotaurii of this rank or higher may be permanently accepted into the offline community of House Quinotaur.
7th Cousin:
Any Quinotauri who abides by the description of 8th Cousin and can exchange energy on 2 different levels.
6th Cousin:
Any Quinotauri who abides by the description of 8th Cousin and can exchange energy on 3 different levels.
5th Cousin:
Any Quinotauri who abides by the description of 8th Cousin and can exchange energy on 4 different levels.
4th Cousin:
The leader of a Territory for House Quinotaur. Cousins of this rank or better should be able to drain energy on 4 levels. Leaders of Territories are formally known as Brother/Sister but may have any title the Quinotaurii of their Territory agree upon.
3rd Cousin:
The leader of a Realm for House Quinotaur. Also known as Aunt or Uncle.
2nd Cousin:
The leader of 1 of the 8 Dominions of House Quinotaur. Also known as Father/Mother.
1st Cousin:
Any Quinotauri who has proven their Lineage by tracing it back to Merovech.
Cnila Bahal (Formal, House Eclipse)
This is the strong instinctive recognition most sangs feel when encountering other sangs. It does not seem present to as great a degree in psivamps. Sang vampires can feel an instinctive recognition on a primal level of eachother, and with practice, even the level of the vamp so sensed. There are many theories behind this, ranging from mystical to simple pheremonal cues. This ability is present in all Sangs but must be trained and worked at for proficiency. Similar to the Beacon of OSV, and comes from the Enochain words for "The Loud Calling of the Blood".
Crimson Dance* (formal, Sanguinarium)
The Strigoi Vii holiday held on Valentine's Day which reflects the romance and erotica of the vamp subculture. Also a term for the seduction of a donor, including when such is done without fully explaining what is happening to said new donor, which is highly unethical.
Crimson Swan *(Formal, OSV)
The OSV term for a blood donor. Also called M'kheru in the Eclipsan system.
Crystal Swan* (Formal, OSV)
The OSV term for a Pranic donor.
Cutters (medical, Sanguinarius)
See Self-Mutilation Syndrome.
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