Data compiled by Mira and James Parker, Themis Researcher
Since the release of Bram Stoker’s popular novel, the “myth” of the nightwalker has titillated Western civilization. Humanity has been fascinated with ways of preserving youth and vitality. What’s more, mankind is always searching for a way to effectively cheat death. As we progressed through time to the late 20th century, the so-called vampire mystique changed with the younger generations. Our species provided them with an outlet to seek power and to further separate themselves from that which they were rebelling against.
Yet, with the resurgence of the naturi back into this world, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads. The in-roads we have worked to hard to cultivate with the humans are being threatened, as the naturi could very easily present themselves as a kinder and gentler alternative in the war that is brewing.
Much of the darker mythology that appeared within humanity’s past has been quickly forgotten to be replaced with mindless tripe such as Disney’s 3 good fairies, the rosy-cheeked fairy godmother, icon, and Peter Pan’s diminutive pixie. Even mainstream movies, such as the Lord of the Rings series, have created an image of the amiable elf working to help mankind. Unfortunately, this is the kind of misinformation humans will rely upon when it comes to choosing sides and the naturi will seek to take advantage of.
Overall, should the naturi decide to step forward, they will be able to (with relative ease) portray themselves as the passive protectors of the earth forced into defending themselves from the evil vampires. By human standards, the naturi are seen as attractive, with their beauty enhanced by spells and glamour. Their appeal will be sharpened by their innate longevity. It will not be difficult to lose ground to the naturi if steps are not quickly taken to make adjustments to our image.
Potential Steps to be Taken to Cultivate Positive Relations with Humans
- Vampirism as a Disease. Vampirism should be perceived by humans as a limiting and even debilitating disease. We need to stress our weaknesses such as our inability to walk in the daylight and eat solid foods, as well as our dependence upon blood for our survival. Many similarities can be drawn to the common disease of diabetes among humans, where a person is limited in the types of food they can intake and are frequently dependent on the injection of insulin into their bodies. By stressing these weaknesses and reiterating the idea of vampirism as a disease, we are creating a well of sympathy among mankind, giving them a tie that can link them to us. It reduces the fear and gives humanity something they can understand as every life is in some way touched by weakness, illness, and disease.
- Stress Ties to Our Common Human Past. When in the company of humans, we must continuously speak of the human life that we once lived. We must speak of past relatives, homes, and general memories of our years spent has humans. This again will reiterate that common link that we have with the humans despite the changes that we have undergone and the centuries we have lived under the cover of night. When speaking of the past, the memories must be happy and the tone maintained must be of wistfulness, longing, weary sadness, or happiness. Emotions such as anger, hatred, bitterness, and jealousy must be limited at all times unless there is a chance of invoking sympathy from the human audience.
- Limit Use of Powers. When in the view of humans, powers must be used sparingly. They should not see you fly, move inanimate objects with your thoughts, move with extreme speed, or use any other inhuman abilities whenever possible. The use of these powers can be seen as a threat and create fear.
- Reasons for Becoming a Vampire. We should be careful in explaining the choice to become a vampire. The most common reason given should be “for love.” The idea is both romantic and idealistic, even though it is a lie in most cases. Poor decisions made in the name of love are easily forgiven and understood by mankind since most humans can related to a series of exceedingly bad decisions in their own past related to the idea of love.
A second reason that can be given, though sparingly, is to escape a painful disease, but not the idea of pursuing immortality. The escape from pain without committing suicide is also a way of creating sympathy. However, this reason must be used with caution or we may find ourselves flooded with requests from the dying wanting to be reborn.
Under no circumstances should a vampire claim to have chosen to be reborn due to a desire for power or immortality. We should not paint vampirism as superior to being human, regardless of personal beliefs.
Potential Problems
- Religion. The hard-nosed religious groups are likely to cling to the idea that we are evil creatures, spawned from Hell and the devil. We will be frequently called the undead and accused of having no soul. Efforts must be made to research old texts and mythology to prove that we have in fact retained our souls. We must also make an effort to de-bunk the idea that we died in the process of changing to a nightwalker. This process will begin with finally defining the threshold of death. However, regardless of any proof presented, it is unlikely they will be swayed from their stance. At all time, we must avoid any provocation with this group. Leave any and all confrontations to the lawyers, politicians, and agreed upon spokespersons for nightwalkers.
- The Daylight Coalition. This is another group that has spent much of the past two centuries hunting our kind for their own reasons. They will not be swayed from their task. Our only hope is to keep their ranks from swelling and slowly eliminate their existing ranks through subversive means.
Basic Rules
- No marking. No marks should be left behind after feeding, regardless of their location on the body. Considering that we can all scent someone else’s pet, territorial marks are unnecessary and dangerous.
- Memories must be wiped clean after feeding. This rule excludes only established pets, and even then the memories should be blurred to little more than a sexual encounter.
- No one speaks of history. Under no circumstances should anyone speak of the true beginnings of vampires. No one is allowed to speak of our ties to the bori and any mention of such a past must be denied.
- No one speaks of social structure. No insight is allowed to be given into our social structure. No one is to speak of The Coven or Our Liege. Information regarding the establishment or maintenance of our families, or of the existence of Keepers for specific domains is to be released sparingly. The often brutal nature of our existence would not enhance feelings of warmth and friendship with humans.
Summary
The resurgence of the naturi has changed the time table of the Great Awakening. As we step across this threshold, our existence as nightwalkers has taken on a new layer of complexity. When the day comes when we will move among the humans in the open, we must be perceived as little more than human ourselves, with our own unique abilities and limitations. In a word, we must be vulnerable. However, this will be a delicate balancing act, as we stress to humanity our desire for co-existence, which we have maintained in silence since time in memoriam. At the same time, our will to survive and live as a people will not be put aside to satisfy humanity’s fears or curiosity.
Furthermore, we should not attempt to disillusion the youths, whose concept and understanding of our abilities are closer to the truth. They are enamored of us now and that will only help us as they grow into the controlling generation in seats of power.
While we will be forced to adjust our behavior while in the eye of the human public, we have existed in the shadows for hundreds of years and our society has flourished within those shadows. The core of who we are will not have to change regardless of the tales we may be forced to tell for a limited time. The hunt will go on.
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