About Vampire Role Playing

Legends of vampires have been part of our culture for years, so it's not hard to imagine a segment of the population who enjoys vampire role playing. With the recent popularity of the Twilight saga, vampires are more a part of our pop culture than ever before. The most recent book in the series, Breaking Dawn, sold more than 250,000 copies on the first day, according to USA Today, and Twilight, the movie, was number one at the box office its opening weekend. Online chat rooms and forums dedicated to vampire games and books written specifically for those who like to role play these dark characters are easily found. The world of fantasy is alive and well with vampires as central characters.

Identification

Role playing combines improvisational acting with opportunities to interact with others in social settings. Role playing games are played online and in person.

History

Vampire the Masquerade---created in 1991 by White Wolf---took the art of role playing to a new level. Evocative settings that focused on character background and ethical dilemmas gave players the option to develop story lines for their characters like never before. The evolution to today's complicated gaming scenarios was elevated through the storytelling features of this gaming pioneer.

Types

RPG, or role playing games are designed to allow individuals to step into an existing game world and assume a character, establishing their own background and personality for the purpose of reacting to situations in the game. RavenBlack Roleplay claims to have the most active vampire role playing forum in the world and is only one of many forums and chat rooms designed for vampire role play.
Live action play is another avenue for gamers. All over the world, meetings are routinely held for gamers to bring their characters to life.

Function

Vampire role playing as a hobby serves as an escape from reality while allowing the player to portray one or more powerful, immortal beings. Online forums have strict rules regarding staying in character as well as the types of powers your chosen vampire may exhibit. Regardless of the format, role playing games can help develop social skills through social interaction, albeit in a fantasy world.

Considerations

Being part of an active fantasy world while being involved socially helps develop imagination and can address ethical issues through rules and behaviors.
Eroticism, violence, and other adult situations are prevalent in vampire role playing, and parents should monitor their children's role playing choices for age-appropriate activities.
For an introduction into the world of vampire role playing, Vampire the Masquerade, VtM, is a popular game choice. VtM books and games are sold at Amazon and other online retailers.

Resources

• Comprehensive List of Vampire Role Playing Forums and Activities