The Masquerade
Yes I am making a reference to the game Vampire: The Masquerade. This RPG (Role Play Game) makes several good points that I'd like to highlight. The Masquerade is a necessary part of life for any Vampyre. As a Vampyre you realize you are not like other people, you think differently and often feel like no one seems to understand you. The Masquerade is all about pretending you are normal like everyone else. Granted this may not be an appealing thought, but is necessary to your safety. Now I'm not saying that you should rush out and buy Abercrombie & Fitch clothing or anything. You can still be yourself (mostly) with out revealing that you are Vampyre. There are certain behaviors, certain words and conversations to avoid to maintain the Masquerade. In the game V:TM part of the character sheet has two spaces labeled Nature and Demeanor. Just like in the game Nature is your true character, your Vampyre self, so to speak. Demeanor is the human personality that you present to the world. It is important to not reveal your Nature to people on the street, only to the people you trust with your life. The key is stealth, secrecy and silence. In another words, act with stealth, keep ourselves hidden and don't tell others that you don't trust with your life about our existence.
Your state of mind should always be that of deception. What I
mean by this is that you never want people you don't know or
trust to ever find out what you are. There are certain phrases
such as, I like the fall, I like the taste of blood, and I love
the night. To most people these words mean nothing but to some
one who hates Vampyres, is a Hunter, is Christian or otherwise
these are terms that suggest that one is Vampyre. Granted, there
are a lot of people who are naive about anything supernatural,
but there are just as many who know volumes. You never know who
is listening. No true Vampyre, (or smart one for that matter)
speaks to writers, tv show hosts, movie producers, etc about what
they are, their lifestyle, the Community or anything else
Vampiric in nature. To do so would be to broadcast what you are
and to put yourself as well as other Vampyres in danger. Enemies
lurk at every corner, your guard must always be up. Defending
yourself should be your top priority, always be aware of your
surroundings, know what and who is there. DO NOT allow yourself
to be unprotected and unguarded in unfamiliar territories.
Vampyres may be the top of the food chain but we are not all
powerful, there are things that can take us down. Life as a
Vampyre is so much more than a game, you cannot take it lightly.
Even other Vampyres can pose a threat. Newly awakened Vampyres,
to you I suggest that you try to find a teacher, or learn as much
as you can on your own. And remember, there is always something
stronger than you. Never be naive and just think 'I can kick every-
things ass that comes my way'. Just remember to 'play the game' and
mask your identity. DO NOT tell people that you don't trust WITH
YOUR LIFE. To do so is to reveal what you are to everyone. Why only
those you trust with your life? By telling them what you are you
are placing your life in their hands by trusting that they won't
reveal what you are to hunters, christians, etc. Don't call
yourself a Vampyre in public! (Well DUH!) Not ever, not at all.
You have a human form for a reason. Think of it as excellent form
of camouflage. When you want to talk about the feelings, necessities
and problems related to Vampyres, do so in a nice quiet forum under
a nickname that would be hard or impossible to track back to your
real name and personal data. If anyone asks you about it who is not
otherkin, a Vampyre, etc, tell them it's an RPG, tell people you're
writing a novel, or explain it away as a variant of goth lifestyle.
For all that RPG's are looked down upon (often because they tend to
spawn wannabes, lifestylers, etc), they can serve as excellent cover
for your researches, interests and way of life.
Authors: Razor The Tormented & Gabriel the Fallen
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