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This area will soon contain the pictures and uses of the "tools of the trade". I realize that most of these are common sense accessories for the average vampire hunter, but I hope that they will be of use to some of you none the less.
NOTE: Only #'s 4, 9, and 10 have been proven in the past at 100%. Although nothing is foolproof, they are you're best bet, with#4 and #10 being truly good methods.
1. A Cross, or crucifix. this is another tool that is extremely debateable. Belief seems to be key to the effectiveness of Holy relics. And even then, it may only help in making you feel more secure, rather than stop a vampire. Still, any protection is better than nothing.
2. A wooden stake.
*......Actually this one is debateable. Not that a wooden stake should be used, but what kind of wood it should be. I have heard from some sources that it must be Ash, Hawthorne, or Rosewood to be effective. So, I will simply recommend any type of hardwood for the time being and leave it at that. Remember, the stake must penetrate the vampire's heart to be effective in stopping the beast.
3. Holy Water.
*......This sounds difficult to obtain to most, but I have found that many Catholic Churches have Holy Water dispensers open free to the public. If the Church in your area does not then ask a priest either to bless some water you bring with you, or to get you some holy water there. Although, as with crosses, the effectiveness of Holy Water may be little or none. Still, it couldn't hurt. And, if it will not work against vampires, it may well work against other things.
4. A sharp blade of some kind.
*......This can be a sword, scythe, or other long blade of some kind. The idea behind this is to decapitate the vampire.
5. Rose bushes.
*......These are used to guard the perimeter of your house. This probably works better against prowlers than vampires, but nobody likes to get poked with rose thorns.
6. Garlic.
*......The curative powers of garlic have been alluded to for thousands of years. It is widely believed that garlands of garlic will protect you from the undead. The validity of this is questionable, but it couldn't hurt.
7. Mirrors.
*......It is said that a vampire casts no reflection because it has no soul. That makes a small mirror the ideal way to identify a true vampire. This method is so questionable it makes one worry, or laugh.
8. A high beam light source.
*......I have been informed by other hunters that a true vampires eyes will glow an unholy shade of red when a light in shone in them. I have not tested this, but again, it couldn't hurt.
9. Silver.
*......Most cultures believe that weapons made of silver work much like wood in the battle against vampires. This can be a silver dagger, arrows, etc. They may be hard to find and expensive, but if they work, it's worth it.
10. Fire.
*......Immolation and a funeral pyre would kill just about anything. It is widely accepted that fire can kill vampires. This is certainly an avenue worth pursuing.
11. Millet, rope knots, poppy seeds, etc.
*......Some Slavic traditions state that these are effective vampire deterents. It is suggested that a vampire that comes across these items must correct them before continuing on their way. Seeds on the ground must be picked up, knots must be untied. I'm not sure how valid this is, personally I find it HIGHLY questionable, but it coudn't hurt to try.
12. Invitation into the Home.
*......I don't follow this at all, but legend says a vampire can not enter your home unless it is invited. Do NOT trust this as your only defense. I am 99.9% positive that it is untrue! But I mention it after many have asked. It is only a LEGEND. Much like millet and poppy, do NOT rely on that alone. I have POWERFUL wards cast on my home(I'm a Pagan) and I STILL keep vampire protection near me while I sleep. One can NEVER be too careful in this line of work.
13. Sunlight.
*......Many hunters swear by this, I do not. Some vampires are greatly affected by the sun, others can walk in it just fine. Again, DO NOT rely on one thing as your only line of defense. To do so is pure foolishness.
Once again I must stress certain things about the hunt. First, ONLY ATTACK VAMPIRES THAT PREY ON THE INNOCENT. Not all vampires are evil. Some can control themselves, and actually help keep vampires who cannot under control. Although one never knows for sure until it is too late. Next, make certain that it is undead vampires you are hunting. Humans that go too far in their fantasies are for the police to handle, not for a hunter that has gone nearly as mad as they are. I can't stress enough that it is EVIL vampires, that KILL and HARM INNOCENT humans that must be stopped. Thank you.
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