More recently, the Twilight saga put vampires in vogue anew and prompted a worldwide phenomenon when it was translated to the big screen. As a true reflection of the real world, Second Life couldn’t remain impervious to this phenomenon, and,thus, we can find every kind of vampire here. Maybe too many kinds. “Vampires are banned from this sim because they became a nuisance, especially for newbies,” said a helper in a learning center who wasn’t sure he wanted to be identified by name or location. “Unlike their RL counterparts, though, SL vampires can roam freely day and night, and there’s no way to protect oneself from them; well, the only way is banning them.” SL vampires who want to suck blood from their fellow residents usually send an animation invitation to their target. Since the invitation is clearly labeled as one to being bitten, seasoned avatars hardly fall for it, hence the preference among vampires to roam learning centers where newbies are more likely to be found. “Exactly,” intervenes Val Alucard, chief and founder of Vamps on Wheels, a club for bikers who also roleplay as vampires. “We’ve been unfairly stereotyped as blood-thirsty, fearmongers, newbiechasers… but nothing could be farther from the truth. Yes, I admit there have been some rotten apples in our midst, but that doesn’t mean we all are like that.” “Being a vampire is a lifestyle just as respectable as any other, you know? We provide people with a community, a sense of belonging, a purpose, a mission… They find a family here, they make friends, and of course, many of them find a life partner or, at least, a significant other. They go out on heroic quests and adventures. How dare they say we are a nuisance or a pest?”
T H E P O W E R O F T H E VA M P I R E
He’s right. Vampirism has evolved and left behind the days when its sole purpose was biting, sucking blood, and acquiring souls. If you’d like to experience what is like being a creature of the shadows, then dive into a centuries-old tradition of folklore and mythology and share the lifestyle of hundreds of fellow enthusiasts of the occult. You may want to visit Bloodlines’ point of entry and begin exploring what could well become your next passion. You may also visit Bloodlines’ website if you’d like more information.
