1. Expressions

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Subject Outline:

** Intro **

• Fang Displays
• Hissing
• Once Overs

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***Introduction***

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Vampires have tendancies to run on a wider spectral aray of appropriate expressions then their human counterparts, particularly in the United States. They are a race capable of perceiving especially subtle reactions, and so there are times when an expression or behavior that a human would not notice carries great weight among vampires, and to an extent dhampires as well (though the latter are not as perceptive). On the other hand, vampires are also capable of far more intense and complex expressions than humans, and those not of a personality or national influence that tends to emphasize repressing these can slip into more extreme behaviors. Typically these actions tend to be unruly in young, or low ranking vampires; while 'outbursts' from older, more socially aware vampires tend to be weilded with percision and are actually calculated to produce a desired effect. Typically speaking, the more surpressed a vampire tends to be when it comes to such responses the more concerned one should be when they choose to act out emotional extremes.

Vampire expressions include those we would recognize as humans, though there are a addtional things one should be aware of.

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[Zeo DiPaulo]

Fang Displays

Fang displays are usually a sign of displeasure, irritation, anger, or may be a definite threat. Baring of fangs as a controlled form of communication is common, where as inappropriately baring fangs without maintain one's control is generally frowned upon. The latter is expected to be seen when issuing challenge or in the heat of battle, not when one is in a more civilized setting. It isn't uncommon for vampires, especially those of high standing or advanced age to distinguish their intent with by the way their fangs are presented. In general the more likely and able a vampire is to present his/herself in a cold, or aloof manner to express displeasure or contempt, the more dangerous it is to disregard these more emotional behaviors.

• Flashing of fangs is usually a purely emotional response when it pertains to a negative reaction to another. This behavior can also be issued suggestively as it may indicate a desire to bite or be bitten by another vampire.
• Baring a single fang is usually a sign of mild to moderate displeasure or irritation, and is often used to communicate when another vampire is behaving inappropriately. It would be approrpiate if a vampires personal rights are being violated, or he or she is being personally disrespected. Otherwise it is a gesture issued from better to lesser and sometimes from a host to a guest if the vampries in question are equals, or in the case of vampiric children maybe a slip up due to youthful lack of control, depending on the level of the slight a parent would likely correct such behavior. It is uncooth to combine this gesture with hissing, as in a sense the message is.
• Baring of fangs both fangs being is an expression of anger or threat, typically proportional to the degree of the mouth being open (indicating the likelihood of attack, though only in the most extreme of circumstances to vampires use their fangs as weapons ).

[Zeo DiPaulo]

Hissing:

Another sign of displeasure, usually paired with the baring of fangs. The sharpness and volume is typically an indicator of how likely things are about to get physical. Hissing is never used in any other context other than an expression of displeasure.

A vampire of lower rank should not hiss at one of higher, unless the higher ranking vampire is doing something offensive toward the lower ranking vampire's superior (in a circumstance in which the lower ranking vampire represents his/her superior in some official fashion, such as if he/she has been asked to escort the higher ranking vampire through clan grounds). Other wise this is seen as disrespectful. Higher societal functions also tend to be a hissing free zone, but other than these two instances; it is considered a perfectly legitimate expression.

[Zeo DiPaulo]

"Once overs"

The process by which a vampire's gaze slips along the form of another individual. This is a fairly common gesture among vampires.

• Rank:
  Some higher ranking vampires hold lower ranking ones to the older practice that subordinate vampires were either not to look over their masters in this manner, or were to pause before returning their gaze to the higher ranking vampire's face.
• Respect vs. Suggestive:
  
  An unofficial sign of respect when done neutrally, or with subtle sexual implications (a sign of acknowledging another vampire's worth). However, overtly sexual glances are an implication of a desire for suggestion to move into something more serious. As vampires tend to be looser with their sexuality, this tends to not be offensive, except in cases where the vampire issuing suggestion is so obviously beneath the one on the receiving end of it.
• Offensive when:
  
  The most obvious case in which this is offensive is when issued at the start or during a fight/duel or in the midst of battle. The only time this is not the case would be if the vampires involved are sparring and typically engage in intimate acts, though some personalities may still take offense.
  
  The gesture may be taken as offensive when it is used to objectifying another vampire; as, despite their comfort with sex, it is offensive to imply that a vampire is only seen or useful as a sex object. This is a role suited for slaves, not for anything higher. This distinction is usually determined by other expressions and body languages using to convery whether one is being conveying intrest or is being degrading.