Can they rush in after the first two words, before you say “not”? Can they enter if they stuff their ears before they hear the final word?
the preferred nomenclature is “come back with a warrant”.
Don’t give them ideas!
No. It is magic so they would not be able to enter partway through an answer as doing so would make it clear that the vampire knew it was really a no.
They don’t know until the third word, they only hypothesize it’s a no.
If they are magically forbidden to enter without permission, but also don’t know every language or phrasing of ‘come on in’, then there is a magical way to know intent without needing to hear all the words.
Otherwise they wouldn’t be able to work with nods and hand motions from people who cannot speak, shrugs and grunts from drunk college students, etc.
Hmm, this was debated already and in this comment they provided a peer reviewed journal article about intent vs language and understanding. It sums things up better than I could. They clearly cared a lot more than me about this.
The thing with sources is that sometimes it is hard to know how reliable they are, and sometimes they do let you down.
sometimes they do let you down.
Some readers might assume a lie, and dissert you.
This inspired me to keep a handheld mirror near my front door, for when someone inevitably asks if they can come in, I can grab it and do a very obvious vampire check
I hope your can find a mirror made with silver, most modern ones aren’t, and that’s why vampires didn’t show up in them
Dude. Thank you. I would’ve let so many vampires in.
As much as I appreciate it though, we’re poor as fuck, vampires still welcome.
You can use an old silver spoon or knife as a mirror
Or stab a stake in their heart! If they are a vampire, they will either instantly turn to dust or at least be paralysed, so you can easily dispose of them.
Otherwise it’s going to be just ordinary murder.
Splash them with holy water
Will be appreciated by non vampire guests on hot days
Dammit, time to hit the antique store.
The requirement isn’t that vampires need to hear you say “You can come in,” it’s that you need to extend them a formal invitation and lower the barrier that protects your home. Theoretically, you could lie to the vampire, but they’d probably notice your barrier and wouldn’t get fooled.
…you do have a barrier right? You properly consecrated the ground before moving, drew the sigils, and cleansed all existing evil spirits? 'Cuz otherwise, any old spooky creature will probably skip the pleasantries and just get you.
any old spooky creature will probably skip the pleasantries and just get you.
If they ain’t paying rent I can surely make them uncomfortable enough to leave by just being myself.
I can surely make them uncomfortable enough to leave by just being myself.
BE AFRAID, CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
I etched the protection runes on the studs while my home was being built. Saves so much time!
No, vampires usually leave that sort of “exact words” trickery to faeries and genies.
And in their case I think they’d let you finish speaking because they relish the challenge more than they want to simply squish you.
“You mayn’t.”
this is why you start the sentence with “no, you may not”.
a lot of humans do that, too. cut you off early and pretend they didn’t hear the second part, stuff like that. happened to me a lot. caused me to rearrange word-order a lot.
I think it’s safe to say that intent is what matters, not the technicality of communicating that intent. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intention
Imagining a vampire showing up to Wayne and Garth’s studio.
“You may come in… NOT!”
Borat’s House:
“You may… NOT come in.”
I just realized that I’d be pretty safe from vampire infestations. I hate having visitors, and will make (up) any excuse to avoid them. “Sure, but I was about to leave to deal with a work-related emergency. I don’t know when I’ll be home.”
…and then they can sit there alone until I see them leaving on my door camera.I don’t mind visiting others, because then I can leave when I’m spent. At home, however, it’s where I expect to be left alone.
You said “sure”, you’re done!
Usually, they only need permission once, then they can enter at will
With those implications, they’d never be allowed in.
Assuming that vampires can be seen on camera
Assuming someone knocking on my door without being visible on my camera would get a response to begin with.
They don’t need to they just evict you instead.
Depends, is this vampire known as Brock Turner?
You mean Brock Turner the rapist?
The statement is more of a ritual appliance. I think the intent is key.
I’m sure it varies by setting but my head canon is it’s about intent. They don’t need to be granted permission explicitly, they just need you to explicitly want them to enter.
Just say no.
That’s quite impolite, isn’t it?
“Vell, you didn’t have to be rude about it.”
Let’s not victim blame the vampire prey now. They do not owe a blood-sucking villain their time nor respect.
