LEXICON - O THOUGH R

Ohorelia
The committee or other ruling body of a group that includes it's members in the decision-making process. Thus a House ruled by a single person or triad of people elevated to this level would NOT be called by this name. Only a House or Order that is a direct and true democracy is given this title and the respect it implies. Even an indirect republic such as the governing of the United States would not count in the strict sense of the word. The term comes from the Enochian word for "Group that Makes its Rules". It is comparable with the OSV word "Jhatyet" in general but not specifically.

Of the Blood
1. (Sanguinarius)A term sometimes used to refer to someone as being a vampire. Also used in stating one's lineage or House, for example, "Vicutus, of the Blood of House Sekhemu".
2. (Illuminatti) The bond that joins all vampires in the Illuminatti system. We are called by The Blood.

Old fruit
 (alt.fan.dragons only) A person who wrote in alt.fan.dragons for at least a year earned the title “fruit” or “old fruit,” as opposed to a “young nut” who more recently arrived. On the other hand, some regulars were considered “fruits” after less time, because they “seem to fit in as if they’ve always been Here [in alt.fan.dragons].” Some people who were once regulars in alt.fan.dragons still call themselves old fruits. Also olde fruite. Also fruit, fruite, olde fruit, ol’frute. Compare greymuzzle. See also fruiting day.

Omnivore 
Derived from the Latin omnis (all), and vora, from vorare, (to eat or devour). 
A term better suited to describe a vampire who is capable of feeding on both blood as well as psi energy.

Ordeal
Within the OSV system, these are a system of initiations and advancements that incorporate rites of passage within a regimented system of of learning via a mentorship program. The Outer Circle of this system's Ordeals include the levels of Jahira, Bellah, Calmae and Magister. The Inner Ordeals of this system include Kharrus, Nomaj, Dominaus and Azra. The actual contents of these Ordeals are not revealed to outsiders, which leads many to wonder and speculate about what might actually be involved in them.

Order
This term is used by the Sanguinarium to describe Households in their Second Age. Other groups use this term to describe larger Houses or belief systems that have spawned smaller groups.

Order of the Dragon
1. (Christian, House Eclipse Researched) A very hotly debated term that is used by the Sanguinarium to mean something vastly the opposite of its original meaning. Originally this was an order of Christian Knights dedicated to fighting Satanic influence and manifestation. Many nobles in Eastern Europe were a part of this group. It would have considered vampires irredeemably evil and fought against them due to the Church's teaching that vampirism is an Infernal taint upon a dead body. Thus many are horrified at its use by the OSV in the following way.
2. (OSV and Sanguinarium) This term is used by the OSV to refer to a system of belief started by the Temple of the Vampire and adopted later by many of their members. It is used to refer to a sect of the vampire community that believes in vampiric supremacy. This is, of course, a dangerous path to follow, see my Vampire's Guidebook for the reasons why. The beliefs of the so-called Order of the Dragon are complex, but in general are said to include ties to the bloodline of the Holy Grail, the Merovingian Kings of France (which probably comes as a surprise to House Quinotaur), and an older "tradition of supremacy" which the OSV says some claim to predate the ancient Akkadians (spelling corrected from "V"). This Order of the Dragon is said to see vampirism as both a genetically inherited condition as well as a condition of the soul, so that various incarnations of the soul seek out a genetically "pure" body for maximum realization of vampiric potential. Followers of t his Order are said to feed on both blood and energy. To some, this strikes uncomfortable parallels with the so-called "Racial Cleansings" in world war two and Serbia in the more modern day. I have researched this group and found nothing online other than a strange vampiric Order that believes in and quotes from the paperback Necronomicon sold in bookstores as it's supposed grimoire of revelations. If this order truly exists outside the aforementioned group, it is too deeply underground for me to find or is NOT calling itself by this name.

Ordo Strigoi Vii (OSV) (AKA The Sanguinarium)
An international initiatory fraternal esoteric order which is apart of The Sanguinarium movement and the Vampire SubCulture. Founded in the late 1990's by Father Sebastian Todd. The Symbols of the OSV include the Vampyre Legacy Ouroborous and for the Inner Order the Vampyre Legacy Ankh for the Outer membership of the The Sanguinarium which is based on a bladed ankh.

Otherkind
Less common or obsolete variant spelling of otherkin.

Otherkin
1. ( House Eclipse) Any member of any of the recognized types of otherkin. 
2. A person who feels/believes/knows that their physical or spiritual heritage or soul essence is non-mundane, or who incorporates a nonhuman archetype into their personal belief structure.
3. A shapeshifter, Elven, Fae, Alien, Elemental, Dryadic, Tiefling, Angelic, Phoenix or Draconic soul.
4. (Sanguinarius)Someone who identifies with something other than their human side, such as a particular animal, mythological or fantastical being. He or she takes on the astral form of the animal or being when they are in the astral plane. Often, otherkin have physical attributes, mannerisms or thought-patterns identified with their particular being, such as fae having an elfin appearance, or wolfkin having a pack mentality. Types of otherkin include therians (were-beings), fae or faeries, dragons, elves, angelics, and so forth. Some consider vampires to be otherkin, while others do not.
5. Otherkin are a community of people who identify themselves as non-human in all but outward form, contending that they are, in spirit if not in body, creatures traditionally associated with mythology or folklore. Belief in otherkin is related to the changeling concept. The therian, vampire, and draconic subcultures are related to the otherkin community somewhat, and are considered part of it by most otherkin, but are culturally distinct movements of their own despite some overlap in membership. Some may claim to be able to shapeshift mentally - meaning that they may experience the sense of being in their particular form while not actually changing physically. The existence of Otherkin is variably explained as being made possible through reincarnation, having a nonhuman soul, ancestry, or symbolic metaphor. Otherkin identify with familiar creatures from mythology, folklore and religion along with various terrestrial animals: angels, demons, dragons, elves, fairies, sprites, etc. The oldest Internet resource for otherkin is the Elfinkind Digest; a mailing list started in 1990 by a student at the University of Kentucky for "elves and interested observers". Also in the early 1990s, newsgroups such as alt.horror.werewolves and alt.fan.dragons on Usenet, which were initially created for fans of these creatures in the context of fantasy and horror literature and films, also developed followings of individuals who identified as mythological beings. On 6 February 1995, a document titled the "Elven Nation Manifesto" was posted to Usenet, including the groups alt.pagan and alt.magick. On Usenet itself, the document was universally panned and considered to be either a troll or an attempt to frame an innocent party. However, enough people contacted the original author of the Elven Nation post in good faith for a planned mailing list to spin off from it. The modern otherkin subculture grew out of these elven online communities of the early-to-mid-1990s, with the earliest recorded use of the term otherkin appearing in July of 1990 and the variant otherkind being reported as early as April 1990.

6. Otherkin are real, non-fictional people who identify as other than human. Otherkin identify as creatures from myth and legend, usually elves, faeries, and dragons. This is a sincere identity, not role-play. Many otherkin identify as other than human for spiritual reasons; that is, they classify their identity as otherkin as a personal spiritual belief. Being otherkin is a very individualistic thing: each otherkin reaches his own explanation for how and why he is an otherkin. Some of their common spiritual explanations include that they are other than human in spirit, or they were other than human in past incarnations. Although spiritual belief is often involved, “otherkin” isn’t a religion. As such, each person who identifies as otherkin practices whatever religion he individually wants. It has always been the case that most of the otherkin community practices Neo-Pagan religions, and so that religious perspective shapes the common views and ideas in the otherkin community. Some otherkin don’t use spiritual explanations. Some otherkin believe that they are physically other than human, or that their ancestors were.
7. The above definition, but expanded to also include people who identify as animals (therianthropes). Less often, some people use the word “otherkin” as an even larger umbrella term to include otherkin, therianthropes, and vampires. A more appropriate umbrella term has yet to be made.
8. Starting around 2006, several novelists later appropriated (or independently coined?) the term “otherkin” to refer to fictional, physically supernatural entities. In those novels, the term “otherkin” doesn’t refer to real kinds of people who simply feel other-than-human at heart. Those authors include paranormal romance novelists Nina Bangs,Anya Bast, and Delilah Devlin.

Otherlimb
Otherkin phantom limbs. Otherkin on Tumblr came up with this alternative word for their phantom limbs, because of their concerns that the term “phantom limb” might be appropriative of the experiences of people who are disabled, and concerns that the phantom limbs of otherkin might differ from the phenomenon normally called phantom limbs. Syn. meta-limbs.

Othil
The bonded mate or mates of a vampire in the Eclipsan system. This is usually a strong, deep and dynamic relationship involving a blood or psychic bond between mates. There is no requirement that this be a couple and can be a triad or even larger bonded group instead. Bondmates help each other deal with all the stresses, pain and difficulty vampires experience and care for one another deeply. Usually Othil are lovers or even spouses. The word is from the Enochain term meaning "Seat or Throne" to imply the support granted by such individuals to each other. An example from mythology is the Goddess Isis, Consort of Osiris. She was known as his full partner, supporting him and even ruling in his absence. A somewhat similar term in the OSV system is "Abani", as bondmates consider each other family.

Pack
A very closely knit small group of associated, Bonded or otherwise related vampires. These groups are very closely knit and often share deep physical and psychic bonds. Also called a clutch, coven or circle.

Pales
A term used by NightPoe as a colloquial descriptive of the Ageless due to their appearance as tall, gaunt, slender beings in movies, books and other media as well as modern legend. They are also referred to by her as Gaunts.

Pandemonium
Pandemonium is an OSV term for a generally unpleasant experience which includes but is not limited to an acute heightening of all of a vampire's sensitivities, a change in the person’s manner, alterations in breathing, pulse rate, and thought patterns, as their body gears up to go out and attempt to satisfy the thirst. This phenomenon is when the "beast" or "darkside" is very definitely felt as a real force within the vampyre’s psyche and the vampyre’s self-control teeters on a razor-edge. This particular phenomenon is experienced by both sanguines and psi-vamps alike, and it serves as a distinguishing factor between those who are real vampires and those who are simply blood fetishists. People outside OSV often call this by different names.

Parasite
A creature who feeds exclusively on a host to the detriment of said host. An insulting and derogatory term to refer or call a psi-vamp or emotional vampire, implying that they are honorless thieves.

Partner
A vampire's mate in the Illuminatti system. A vampire often mates for life in this system, though this can be non-monogamous due to the demands of the Hunger.

Patriarch
This term is used by the OSVonly to refer to the male head of a Household or Order. See also Matriarch.

Perception shift
A type of temporary transformation which some therians claim to experience. “A type of shift where the therian’s senses become more like their animal counterpart. This may also just be a heightened sense of awareness.” Syn. sensory shift. Compare sense shift.

Physical shift
The transformation of a human body into the physical shape of another creature. There is no scientifically satisfactory evidence of this happening or that it ever could. Many therianthropes believe that it is impossible, but there are also believers. Many therianthropes hope and yearn to physically shift. As Reemul put it, therianthropes debate “whether or not it truly exists or is some Grail meant to taunt those who pine for its wonders.” Sometimes pranksters harass the therianthrope community by making unsubstantiated claims of physical shifting. Abbrev. p-shift, PS.

Pibliar
A mentor or teacher in the Eclipsan system who has sworn to teach, protect and aid a younger vampire who is usually referred to as an Apprentice. Pibliari are responsible for teaching apprentices or Gevanma blood safety if sanguine, magical and psionic etiquette, magic, House traditions, language, courtesy, honor and anything else required by the system they use or the House they are members of. Most Pibliari are of Jaidah rank and experienced vampires with much to teach.

Pledge
Someone who is in the initiation process of joining a household, order or other group of any kind. This process varies from house to house and is usually combined with an apprentice and sponsor relationship. *See also Initiate, Gevanma or Bellah.

Polyamory
Refers to multi-person committed relationships, which are not uncommon among covens in the vampire community. Although multiple partners are involved, there is still an element of fidelity in polyamorous relationships. Generally, partners are expected not to be promiscuous but to focus their attentions on members of the already established group. A very typical polyamorous relationship to be encountered in the vampire community usually involves two vampires and a donor who is committed to them both.

Polymorph
1. (folklore and fiction) A shapeshifter. An entity who has many different forms.
2. (therian comm.) A type of real therianthrope who has one animal side, but that animal side is a mix of several kinds of animals. I don’t know of anyone in the therianthrope community who label themselves with this term in any public documents. Syn. polywere.
3. (therian comm.) Quil defines this word differently: “Anyone who shifts for recreation and is not a therianthrope or shaman.” I don’t know of anyone in the therianthrope community who label themselves with this term in any public documents.
4. (otherkin comm.) A person who doesn’t identify as a specific kind of creature, often shifting into different kinds of creatures. Examples of people who publicly label themselves with this word and this meaning include Arethinn and Willow.210 Compare poly-shifter.

Poly-shifter
A type of person who claims to shift into any kind of animal, and has no particular species of animal side. “There are some therians that claim they have no specific phenotype [animal type], and that they could shift to any animal should the occasion arise. Often though, they have ‘favorite’ animals which they shift to most often.” I don’t know of anyone in the therianthrope community who call themselves by this term in any public documents, but I think they’re probably around somewhere. Compare cameo shift, polytherian, polywere, shamanic shift.

Polytherian
A type of real therianthrope who has two or more different animal sides. Syn. polywere. 

Polywere
Based on the misconception that "were" means animal or shifter, when actually were is Old English for “man.”
1. A type of real therianthrope who has one animal side, but that animal is a mix of several kinds of animals. I don’t know of anyone in the therianthrope community who label themselves with this word in any public documents, but I think they’re probably around somewhere. Syn. polymorph.
2. A type of real therianthrope who has several specific animal sides, which are distinct from one another. People within the therianthrope community who have labeled themselves as “polyweres,” with this meaning, include Random Shifts, Shadow Flash, and Tygerwulfe. Syn. polytherian.

Porphyria
1. (Sanguinarius) An acute medical condition which has been postulated by some scholars to have inspired the vampire myths of the past. Sufferers of porphyria have pale, flaky skin and are very sensitive to sunlight. Their gums often recede excessively, giving their teeth an elongated and possibly fang-like appearance. Porphyria is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme which helps produce heme, a constituent of the blood which helps carry oxygen through the body. Dr. David Dolphin was the first to suggest that porphyria was the inspiration for at least some of the Mediaeval vampire myths, contending that some of the sufferers may have been driven to drinking blood in order to relieve their symptoms. As a result, the condition has come to be known in modern times as "the Vampire Disease". This appellation is very misleading, however, as porphyria only superficially resembles the vampirism of folklore and there is no supporting evidence to Dr. Dolphin's assertion that porphyria sufferers have been driven to drinking blood by their disease.
2. (Illuminatti) The medical condition whose side effects can include sensitivity to light, yellowing of the skin, excessive body hair, and withdrawal of the gums (making the canine teeth appear longer). The science student David Dolphin theorized that some of the symptoms could be alleviated with Heme (the red pigment in red blood cells) but this is now known to be incorrect, outdated and harmful.

Poser
1. (House Eclipse) Someone who pretends to be a vampire. A poser usually makes outrageous claims about their powers, age, and lifespan for the purposes of feeling self-important, or with the intent of being deceitful to others, for their own selfish reasons. Most posers draw all of their fictional vampiric abilities directly from sources such as Anne Rice, White Wolf, and so on, and for this reason, are immediately recognizable for the frauds that they are. Posers are not welcome within most vampiric Houses and Havens.
2. (Sanguinarius) Someone pretending or claiming to be a vampire who is not, with the intent of deceiving others, by making false claims as to their powers, abilities, lifespan, etc.

Potential
A potential vampire. Essentially, someone whose vampirism is latent and unrealized, but who, with a little guidance from another, could realize they have the vampiric condition. See also Latent vampire, Ananiel or Klavasi.

Prana/ Prana Energy
Like Chi, Prana is life energy. Prana is a Hindu term, and it is strongly associated with the breath as well as the life. See "chi", "psychic energy".

Pranic
A vampire who feeds from "Pranic" life energy. AKA Psi vamp. An OSV word for an individual who feeds from prana, psychic or life energy, not to be confused with Tantric Vampirism, which is only one type of prana. Pranic vampires fall into different categories depending on the type of feeding they may practice, and these include: Emotional (Those who feed from emotional surges), Tantric (those who feed from sexual energy), Conventional (eternal or from chakras) and Astral (those who feed off the Astral Plane, Dreamlands or the manifestations of the subconscious in these realms). This system believes that Sanguine vampires also feed on Prana to a degree as blood contains high levels of this type of energy. This term and it's subcategories are rarely used outside the OSV and it's related Houses and Orders.

Predator
A vampire on the hunt for food in the Illuminatti system. The opposite is known as prey. Can be used to refer to the hunting instinct of the Beast or Khaibit as well as the act itself

Prey
The opposite of predator in the Illuminatti system. A mundane or another vampire that the Beast, Khaibit or Hunger regards as food. The target of a vampire's Hunting instincts.

Primogenitor
In the Illuminatti tradition and some others, the first vampiric parent, Lilith.

Primus
1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) The founder, organizer and creator of any House, Order or other organization of vampires in the OSV system. Often used to refer to leaders of groups of different otherkin types as well.
2. (Sanguinarius) A vampire, almost always an elder, who founded or is the leader of a large family or coven of vampires.

Primii
The leaders of a household, often one of a triumvirate who run the household's affairs in the OSV system. Primii should have past the Mor-Roi Ordeal or Tabaan level and the Dominus Ordeal or Jaidah level. Also called the Council, Ohorelia or Jhatyet in some traditions.

Procreate
To give the vampire's blood to a nonvampire to produce a dhampir or progeny through Awakening dormant potential in some views or transformation in others in the Illuminatti system. (see also Dhampir)

Progenitor
A vampiric parent who has procreated, also called a sire, mentor or Maker in the Illuminatti system.

Progeny
The product of procreation, also known as a dhampir in the Illuminatti system. This term is not used often today due to its roleplaying associations.

Prospectus/Book of Laws
A scroll, book, CD or other recording device which sets the traditions, organization, philosophy and creed of a household, court, guild or council in the OSV system. A copy is often given to new members.

Prospectii
The OSV term for a seeker who is interested in that group but has not completed any of the Order's Ordeals or accomplished any of their formalized training.

PS
Abbreviation for physical shift.

PSer
Abbreviation of physical shifter. Variant spelling: pser.

P-shift
Abbreviation of physical shift. I observe that this abbreviation is commonly used and widely known throughout the therianthrope community.

Psi
A general term for the life-energy which is found within and throughout all living things. Also called prana, chi, pranic energy, psychic energy, etc. The life-force that surrounds and is contained in living things. This is the life-force that energy and psychic vampires feed upon. This energy is also contained in the blood and is believed by some to be an integral part of the transfer which occurs between a donor and a sanguinarian. See also "chi" and "pranic energy".

Psychic Attack
Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim. Spells, rituals and charms which the target is not aware of or has not agreed to are a form of psychic attack.

Psychic Energy
A general term for the life energy, which is found within and throughout all living things. Also referred to as prana, chi, pranic energy or psi-energy, this is the life force that energy and psychic vampires feed upon. This energy is also contained in the blood and is an integral part of the exchange, which occurs between a donor and a sanguine vampire. *See also Chi and Prana.

Psychic Vampire
1) Also psi-vamp. A psychic vampire, in general, is a person who drains, knowingly or unconsciously, the psychic energy from those around them. Unconscious psychic vampires can be somewhat of an annoyance, as they don’t realize what they are doing and make no effort to control their feeding. Conscious psychic vampires, or energy vampires, are individuals who have full knowledge and control of their abilities. Some psychic vampires may integrate blood drinking into their feeding habits, although, unlike the sanguines, they are not limited to blood alone. The definite need for actual, physical blood seems to be the only real factor, which distinguishes sanguine vampires from psychic vampires, as both experience light sensitivity, heightened awareness, nocturnal cycles, and the Thirst. 2.) Someone who drains emotional energy without giving anything back, and can make the other person very tired, depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse, if too much is drained, an emotional vampire. Psychoanalyst and occultist, Dion Fortune, recognizes this form of vampirism in her classic occult work, Psychic Self-Defense. Katharine Ramsland discusses this in depth in her book, Piercing the Darkness, (Harper Prism, 1998), pp. 190-196, referred to as a "covert vampire"; Anton LaVey was referring to this type of person when he spoke of "psychic vampires". *See also Emotional Vampire. Often considered derogatory, and many Houses shun the term as insulting and misleading.
(Sanguinarius) 1.) Someone who "drains" life-energy (prana, chi, life-force, whatever) rather than blood from others. Psi-vampires may or may not consume blood as a means of extracting pranic energy. Though the two terms refer to the same being, they do so with different meanings in mind. Some insist on calling psychic vampires "psi-vampires", and insist that "psychic vampire" is incorrect, and then proceed to "prove it" by splitting etymological hairs. I disagree. There is a distinction which needs to be made between the two terms. "Psychic vampires" are called such because they feed psychically, as opposed to physically. However, it could be argued that psi is the auric or life-energy whereas "psychic" is actually now thought to be shared thought waves from a collective consciousness. So "psi-vampire" refers to what they feed upon, whereas "psychic vampire" refers to how they feed. Not infrequently, psi-vamps may also experience the Thirst in varying degrees of intensity, and in fact, there are many similarities in condition between the psi-vamps and the sanguinarians, with the main difference being, so far as I can see, the psi-vamps' need to drain pranic energy, and ability to do so.
2.) A psychic vampire, in psychiatric terms, is someone who drains emotional energy without giving anything back, and can make the other person very tired, depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse, if too much is drained; an emotional vampire. Katharine Ramsland discusses this in depth in her book, Piercing the Darkness, (Harper Prism, 1998), pp. 190-196, referred to as "covert vampire". See also "psychological vampirism".

Psychic Vampire Attack
An uninvited and unwelcome draining of one’s vital energy, or chi / pranic energy (see "psychic energy"). A psychic vampire attack occurs when a psi-vamp targets someone and feeds or attempts to feed. This can be done from casual contact, from across a room, or even through dreams. Attacks of this nature can range from mild to very severe, sometimes leaving the victim despondent or even physically sick from being drained so. It’s debated whether one can become a psychic vampire from repeated severe psi-vampire attacks. In general, though, this seems only to produce a condition known as sympathetic vampirism. 2. (Sanguinarius) Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm or disruption to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim.(See also "sympathetic vampirism".)

Psychological Vampirism/Emotional Vampires
These individuals often have a histrionic or narcissistic personality disorder, constantly drawing attention to themselves. They usually create dramatic situations and then demand emotional support from those around them. These individuals are emotional vampires. There is nothing metaphysical or spiritual in their condition, it is a simple psychological disorder. Yet it leaves the victims of these clingy, whiny people emotionally and mentally drained after dealing with them. These individuals are not to be confused with psychic, psi or energy vampires. (See also "psychic vampire", sense 2.) .

Puppy
A somewhat derogatory term for one who has developed an undue fascination, obsession or bond with a vampire and follows him or her around, trying to gain the vampire's attention or approval, and fawning over him or her, in a manner not unlike a puppy dog follows his or her master around. (See also "blood bond".)

Quinotaur
A type of sea beast referred to in the Quinotarii system. Legend has it this beast, or one similar to it impregnated Merovech's mother after she was already with child.

Quinotauri
A member of House Quinotaur (singular). We use the term Quinotauri to differentiate ourselves from those who refer to themselves as vampires. Many years ago the vampire community believed sanguinarian vampires and psi vampires were totally different. Today, most of the community understands they are one and the same. Quinotaurii have come to a further understanding. We have a fundamental need to exchange energy not to take it. As such, the term vampire is not wholly accurate. Quinotaurii have the understanding we are something else, not parasites, not predators but people who exist in a symbiotic relationship with those not like us.

Quinotaurii
The plural form of Quinotauri. Members of House Quinotaur

Rabishu
Sumerian word, meaning “evil fiend”. Used to represent those non-Vampyres who are aware of Vampyre-kind, but who hate or work against them. Synonym “white swan”.

Raja
This is taken and adapted from the Indian word for the prince or ruler of a specific district who had little power outside of that area. In the OSV system, it refers to the Dominant partner in a Dom/Sub relationship which is called a Korvan or Korval (two separate spellings are included in "V") Pakt (pact). As in any relationship of this type, the exchange of power is consensual and can be retracted at will.

Ramkht
A formal term for the caste/road which are the deacons (priests in the Kheprian system). They form the intent in rituals and guide the energy to the Mradu. Also a respectful title to call the same. Within the OSV and Kheprian system, this is the formal term for community organizers, catalysts and ritualists or magicians. They are responsible for teaching, leading, learning about and guiding a specific group within the community as wisely as they can. They are the most prone to egotism, narcissism and instability of these castes, and are reputed to rely on the Kitra to care for them and the Mradu to keep them safe. However, many systems also see crossovers between the castes, including Ramkht who show aspects of other castes, but still need to be grounded in reality and cared for when they get too wrapped up in their work.

Ravass Bhavatan
A ritualized name created by the Sanguinarium and OSV for someone cast out of a particular household or the entire community in general. Also called the Sin Nomine (Latin for "without name") or Excommunicated, Ravass Bhavatan are the nameless, whose name, status, and social acceptance within the community has been formally stripped away by a group within the community. One is not made Sin Nomine lightly, usually, the ordeal occurs before the entire community to which the Ravass previously belonged. This is considered an unnecessary humiliation and usurping of governmental judicial powers by many. The name given to them by their old group is not only stripped from them, but it is also stricken from any of the community’s records and never to be uttered by members of this segment of the community again. This is the greatest punishment that can be meted out to someone in the OSV community. Once someone has merited this, the word is spread through the group's allied Houses, who may then judge for themselves if the punishment is merited or whether to grant the individual sanctuary, and the Ravass Bhavatan are not allowed to associate with their former coven or House by it's members. The actions that inspire such a rite of ostracization range from silly disputes to severely compromising another's "authority" but often are severe, and often include a complete disregard for the group's rules and other people’s safety. *See also The Black Veil, Excommunicated, or Sin Nomine.

Real Vampire / RealVamp
1. (OSV and Sanguinarium) A Sanguine or Pranic vampire. A real vampire has a particular condition, which includes but is not limited to the following characteristics: a real need for blood or life energy, heightened sensitivities, light sensitivity and are nocturnal. The need for blood or life energy is not expressed as a strictly erotic urge and often is sated outside of sexual situations. The heightened sensitivities are believed by many to include a number of psychic abilities, such as empathy, astral projection, clairvoyance, and energy abilities. The sensitivity to light and the nocturnal cycle are not so limiting that a real vampire cannot be up and out during the day. It is simply more of an effort for them to do so. They are in no danger of bursting into flames at the touch of sunlight, although many report that they burn very easily and tend to suffer sunstroke and heat stroke. The slowed aging process has not been proven, although many vampires maintain a youthful twenty-something look well into their thirties. Real vampires do not shapeshift into bats or other small furry animals. They cannot fly or rise from the dead (without perhaps the help of a defibrillator!), they do not possess phenomenally super-human strength or speed, and they are in no way physically Undead or Immortal, though they may believe their souls reincarnate.
2. (Sanguinarius)Someone who has a condition which includes but is not limited to a physical thirst or driving need for blood (which is non-erotic in nature; and in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other blood-drinkers, such as blood fetishists) or psi energy; increased physical and/or psychic sensitivities; sensitivity to light or sunlight and a nocturnal circadian rhythm; amplification and/or alteration of emotional states and feelings, etc.; and perhaps the (unsubstantiated*) potential for an indefinitely extended lifespan (which is not to be confused with "immortality"), although many vampires do maintain a youthful twenty-something look well into their thirties or even forties. It does NOT include the abilities to change shape, fly, command others' wills, heal instantaneously, accomplish superhuman feats of strength or speed, etc.
*Some vampires believe the condition does include the potential for an indefinitely long lifespan, but this belief has not been incontrovertibly proven, to the best of my knowledge.

Regnant
Similar to a Master in the BDSM scene, but a term for those in the OSV and Sanguinarium subsections of the vampiric community. Regnants are responsible for ensuring the safety of their Kijara in all scenes. See also Thrall or Kijira, Korval Pakt, Raja

Renegade / Rogue
1.) A vampire/blood-drinker’s former source who parts company on hostile terms and causes trouble;
2.) A vampire who can’t handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, posing a threat to both him/herself and others.

Renfield’s Syndrome
1. (House Eclipse) Renfield’s Syndrome is a psychological condition in which the sufferer has an affinity for drinking blood in a harmful or self-destructive way, because they cannot get a solid donor. Sufferers of Renfield’s Syndrome typically bear slashes on their hands and arms where they have withdrawn quantities of their own blood to drink. In extreme cases, they will take blood from animals, either wounding or killing the animal to get the blood. At the most extreme end of the syndrome, a Renfield’s sufferer will be satisfied with nothing less than human blood and will forcibly take it from others if given the opportunity. This can lead to violent outbreaks up to and not excluding murder. It is postulated that Renfield’s Syndrome can sometimes be traced back to a significant childhood event in which the sufferer was exposed to a quantity of blood, which he found fascinating and attractive. The sufferer then became fixated upon the taste, smell, and sight of blood and eventually learned to sate his fixation by cutting himself and drinking his own blood. Renfield’s syndrome in its earliest stages is very close in appearance to SMS, a syndrome discussed later. Renfield's Syndrome is said to only affect men according to medical literature.*See also Clinical Vampirism and SMS.
2. (Sanguinarius) "Some attention has been given to a condition named 'Renfield's Syndrome' in psychological literature, based on the fly-eating character Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Renfield's Syndrome is described as having four stages: a trauma or 'critical incident' in childhood in which the patient discovers that the taste and sight of blood is 'exciting' or attractive; 'autovampirism', the drinking of one's own blood (auto-hemophagia); 'zoophagia', or the consumption of blood from animals; and finally 'true vampirism', in which the patient must have human blood, and may resort to stealing blood from medical facilities, or serial murder." -- Vyrdolak. (Apologies to Vyrdolak, whose site is the only site I could find with any information regarding this.) So far as I know, this is not an officially recognized mental disorder.

Right of Sanctuary
The Right of Sanctuary is a formal agreement in the Eclipsan system to treat an outsider from an allied group as one of our own of Isro or Mor-Roi rank. This means that with this right granted, a one-time traveler or regular visitor is permitted the privileges of this rank without having to seek out an Elder every time they want to visit a Vmadea or feed within one. They are permitted to seek a Councilor's comfort, a Warrior's guardianship and protection, and a Priest's magical services without making prior arrangements. They may bring one escort with them to a Vmadea or Temple (Non-Mundane) and are to be treated with respect by House members. The Right of Sanctuary must be approved by a vote at a meeting and renewed yearly. Those that behave badly, act poorly in our Havens, insult our allies and members or otherwise prove unworthy of the honor and privilege of this gift of respect will have it immediately withdrawn and will be shunned and ignored by all. Their group will not be held responsible for their actions, though we may request an apology before this courtesy is extended to the same group again.

Rite/Rite of Passage
A ceremony performed to recognize a person’s advancement within the vampire community or a specific Order or House. Rites recognize the crossing of a threshold from one state or level of understanding to the next via Initiations, Ordeals or service offerings to both the Mundane and vampiric community. For example, a rite often accompanies the advancement of one who is Isro to the position of Tabaan, or From Calmae to Mor-Roi. The form and nature of the rite varies from tradition to tradition, and can be a public and highly ritualized event or a private and very personal transformation.

Ritual
Is a magical working or ceremony, which is aimed at achieving a specific goal. Vampiric magical traditions such as Sangomancy or VampyreCrafte have various rituals which range in form and nature according to the tradition from which they derive. Used also by nonvampiric magicians and religions to describe religious or magical ceremonies. *See also Sangomancy.

Road
A Sanguinarium term for the different paths of Kitra, Ramkht, and Mradu. This triumvirate system is used by its adherents to provide a balance and exchange of energy within a House or Order, each caste feeding from and strengthening the others, to strengthen the bond between a group's members. Castes and Roads are not used by all Houses, Orders and Covens, and not every vampire fits within one specific archetype. Those who use this system initiate members into a specific Caste only after a specific point in their development.

Rogue
1.) (Sanguinarius)A vampire or blood-drinker's former donor or source who parts company on hostile terms and causes trouble;
2.) A vampire who can't handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, posing a danger and threat to both him or herself and others.
3.) (House Eclipse)A vampire who dislikes the community or who has been hurt by or hurt many people within the community and due to having worn out their welcome, prefers to work alone and loudly decries the community to any who will listen. (see also Faboan)
4.) (Illuminatti) The existence between being Born and Made in the Illuminatti system. A time of confusion, discomfort, and learning.

Ronin
A vampire who is not a member of a coven or household. In the Japanese feudal system, ronin were Samurai who lacked allegiance to a particular house, but who were nonetheless honorable and skilled as samurai. Those described as Ronin in the OSV system or Teliob in the Eclipsan are often wise and knowledgeable, and often train apprentices, collect information and become respected and revered Elders who ally with or simply keep the company of members of many Houses or other groups.

Rosette
Mark left behind when a vampire feeds. Rosettes are often small and round in shape and range from red to purplish in color. They look somewhat like hickies, but are usually lighter in color and more consistent in shape. The rosettes left by blood vampires will typically have the small cut made in the donor’s skin located somewhere in their center. According to OSV, some traditionalist Sanguines can feed through transdermal permeation and somehow have no need to cut or pierce the skin, and thus will leave no hickies. Energy and Psi-Vamps sometimes leave these marks behind as well, although there is no obvious cut located within the mark. Again, somehow the blood essence is said to be absorbed transdermally. No other group uses this term, and nowhere else have I read of this "transdermal" feeding with no mark at all.