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Real Vampires Vs. Hollywood Vampires

The list below will show some of the similarities and differences between Real Living Vampires (RLVs), Hollywood & Folklore Vampires (H&F), and Role Players (RPGers).

Are they Immortal?

RLVs
No. They can be killed and die like anyone else. They are, after all, human.

H&F
In a sense. They can live for centuries, but are not truly immortal, because there are methods by which they can be destroyed.

RPGers
No. They can be killed and die like anyone else. They are, after all, human. Some RPGers may claim to be immortal, but they really aren’t.

Can they be killed by sunlight?

RLVs
No, unless they have Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a serious disorder whereby sever burning and even death can result from even short exposure to the sun.

H&F
It depends on the story. Usually vampires can be killed by sunlight, but in more modern tales, the sun us simply uncomfortable, but not deadly.

RPGers
No, unless they have Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a serious disorder whereby sever burning and even death can result from even short exposure to the sun. Some RPGers may pretend to have a major aversion to the sun, but it’s usually just part of the role.

Can the be killed by stakes, beheading or fire?

RLVs
Yes. These methods would kill pretty much anything, living or undead.

H&F
Yes. These methods would kill pretty much anything, living or undead.

RPGers
Yes. These methods would kill pretty much anything, living or undead.

Are they Goth?

RLVs
Some, but not all. It’s a matter of personal preference.

H&F
Some, but not all. It’s a matter of personal preference and the time in which the story is set.

RPGers
Some, but not all. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Do they dress in Old English or Victorian clothes?

RLVs
Not usually, unless it’s a special occasion or costume party.

H&F
Some, but not all. It’s a matter of personal preference and the time in which the story is set.

RPGers
Some, but not all. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Do they have “superhuman” powers?

RLVs
No. While they may have heightened senses or what seems to be abnormal strength, it’s usually just a matter of training or good genetics.

H&F
Yes. Nearly all H&F vampires are stronger, faster and smarter than humans.

RPGers
No. While they may have heightened senses or what seems to be abnormal strength, it’s usually just a matter of training or good genetics. Some RPGers may claim to have superhuman powers, but they don’t.

Can they read minds, or take energy?

RLVs
Possibly. Some people may truly have psychic abilities, be talented empaths, or have the ability to focus energy.

H&F
Usually. Vampires are often depicted as having power over the minds of “lesser beings”. Some are depicted as being able to weaken or control their victims purely by will.

RPGers
Possibly. Some people may truly have psychic abilities, be talented empaths, or have the ability to focus energy. RPGers sometimes make more of their abilities than what is real.

Do they drink blood?

RLVs
Yes, if they are Sanguinarian vampires, but there are other types of RLVs.

H&F
Yes. Nearly all H&F vampires are depicted as being blood-feeders.

RPGers
Sometimes. They may incorporate blood fetishism into their role playing.

Do they kill those they feed from?

RLVs
No, unless they are criminals, or mentally unstable. A Sanguinarian almost always acquires blood from a willing donor, and does their best to never cause harm or severe injury to their donor.

H&F
Usually. Many older stories depict vampires as killers, while newer versions may show them as having more compassion, and allowing their victims to live.

RPGers
No, unless they are criminals, or mentally unstable.

Can they “turn” someone by feeding the person their blood?

RLVs
No. RLVs do not typically believe in the concept of “turning” or “sireing”

H&F
Sometimes. Most vampires are depicted as being able to make new vampires by feeding the person their blood. Some newer versions suggest that vampirism is a virus, or transmitted by other means.

RPGers
No. While they may claim they can, they cannot.

Do they sleep in coffins?

RLVs
Sometimes, but not often. It’s a matter of personal preference.

H&F
Usually, though some stories only show a need for homeland earth, while others can rest wherever they choose.

RPGers
Sometimes, but not often. It’s a matter of personal preference, and usually done only to enhance the roll.

Do they speak in Old English or other “dead” languages?

RLVs
Not usually, though they may well be able to speak more than one language, if they’ve taken the time to learn

H&F
Often, but not always. Eloquence is common among H&F vampires, but depending on the tale and time-frame, they may talk just like any average person.

RPGers
Often, if they believe it helps accentuate their character.

Do they have long nails and fangs?

RLVs
Sometimes, it’s a matter of personal preference. Some RLVs have naturally long canines, some wear prosthetics, and some have their canines altered by a dentist.

H&F
Nearly all H&F vampires have fangs or sharp teeth, and may have long nails or claws.

RPGers
Sometimes, it’s a matter of personal preference. Some RPGers have naturally long canines, some wear prosthetics, and some have their canines altered by a dentist.

Related posts:

1. Vampires are real, but they aren’t what you think!
2. Do Vampires Really Exist?
3. How Vampires Work