What is VAMPIRICUS? (a memoire)
By: T.J."Pandora" Teer

Once upon a time , in a magical far away shire called Long Beach - was a haunted castle where dwelled monsters: werewolves, vampires, fairy folk and a variety of withches and warlocks. Some of the normal villagers of Long Beach were afraid of the monsters-- but these were nice, friendly monsters. After quite some time the castle had a nickname on behalf of those who lived there the most: VAMPIRICUS.

Blade was the head of the castle, the father of the house, who would be there to find enertainment for the masses of nightlife that would travel in their chariots and horses from far and wide just the see the wonder of Blade's castle. Some envied the Castle Vampiricus and tried to duplicate , but it never was exactly the same. Castle Vampiricus had large magnificent pieces of artwork and fine array, Velvet booths, displays of fashion and Commedia del arte. The cellar where the minstrels played their nocturnal music from late at night until the wee hours of the morning. Vampires of noble birth would dress in their ceremonial garb to attend the weekly functions at the castle. Noble Lords and Ladies alike would dance to their ritualistic music as if under a melodious spell or incantation. The dancing girls were particularly fantastic wearing chandeliers or swords on their heads whilst gyrating in unison to the time of the music. Tribal Indians from across the continent would perform acts of fire or manipulations of the flesh...albeit these acts were somewhat shocking to the normal human eye...but not to those who dwell in the darkness. A variety of items suited for the palate ranging from various wines or ales from the world over would be submitted for the approval of the attendees of the castle. Performing travelling shows with soothsayers, fortune tellers, poets , artists and actors would attend en masse in gypsy caravans just to perform for those within the castle. Some would come from the city of Angels just for even a peek to see. To know what went on behind closed doors.

Does this sound like a fairy tale to you?

Well, it is! Vampiricus to some, was an undead haven if you wish to call it that. Others have been known to call it a friendly atmosphere that had that "certain something", a certain ambiance. A family member once said to me that Vampricus reminded him of : " 'Cheers' meets the Anne Rice Chronicles" I have heard it mentioned that Vampiricus was a 'Club Med' for the damned. Certain friends thought Vampiricus was full of family, surprisingly enough full of happiness and joy.

To me?

Vampiricus is a place to belong.

Vampiricus to me was my home.

Which no matter where I go , I will always remember that.