First, I think it best to define the essence of the vampire (fictional) before attempting to define the Essence of the Vampyre (magical). In this way, I hope to invite discussion and/or debate on the topic, and to hear from other magicians' experience with this type of magic.

February 1, 2002 (The Guardian) - A young married couple who admitted to a ritual Satanic killing were yesterday told they could spend the rest of their lives in a secure psychiatric unit after a trial which has raised the spectre of bizarre underground occult groups in Britain.

In my dream the forest shrank back into its shadows, the land faded behind me like a darkening mirage and riding on the night ocean I saw a ship of glass.

With towers and curving staircases it rose shining above the waves, driven by static winds to the midnight edge of the world.

A solver unicorn stood at the helm.
His eyes glowed amber in the moonrise, his mane blew out behind him like the threads of spun crystal.

In my dream I entered the vessel and climbed to the top of the highest tower.

Here upon the mark we stand
Moving upon a mysterious current
Weeping and laughing away the day
Until only shall we slumber

If you should stumble along the marvelous path
And claw your way across the stones
Let is not matter that your flesh rips clean
Nor the blood that shows the way

For to triumph against the tears and anguish
Whispering our names with an intake of breath
Wrapping arms around a redemptive soul
In the back of our minds to welcome us home

So take my hand and allow it to heal

*Deep within the caverns he calls his home, Deadend broods. Long has he remained enclosed in his halls, awaiting the day he felt the desire to return to the surface. As he sits in front of his fireplace he reads the journal he has kept these many long months since the Black Raven Inn closed it's doors. His thoughts turn to those he once called family. Something pulls at his consciousness, however...something very familiar. Slowly, he closes the journal and rises. He is ready...it is time. He grabs his favorite smoking jacket and walks to the entrance to his caverns.