Paramedic
A paramedic is a healthcare professional that works in emergency medical situations. Paramedics provide advanced levels of care for medical emergencies and trauma. The majority of paramedics are based in the field in ambulances, emergency response vehicles, or in specialist mobile units such as cycle response. Paramedics can perform as field doctors, providing extensive out-of-hospital treatment and diagnostic services, although some may undertake hospital-based roles, such as in the treatment of minor injuries.
(See Also: EMT)
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Paranormal
Paranormal is a term that refers to circumstances that cannot be readily explained through scientific processes. It relates to phenomenon that operates outside of normal human perception or accepted observable standards. Put simply... it means things that happen that most people think are total bullcrap. Evidence of the paranormal, though never empirical, has existed since the dawn of time. In horror fiction and other elements of popular culture, paranormal phenomena is illustrative of an individual's beliefs in ghosts, possession, psychic phenomena, aliens from outer space, the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, the Chupacabra and the G-spot.
(See Also: Paranormal)
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Parasitism
Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives on or inside another organism, the host, causing it some harm, and is adapted structurally to this way of life. In the Aliens film series, a Xenomorph face-hugger is birthed from an egg and attached itself to the face of a human host. It secretes an embryo through the host's mouth, which forms a temporary parasitic bond with the host, using them as a living incubator. Within hours, the embryo reaches a developmental stage wherein it can function independently of the host, and violently hatches itself through the victim's chest. In the Spawn multimedia franchise, there are a sub-race of neural parasites that bond with the spirit of a deceased person taking on the outer appearance of a costume, which bonds with a new physical host form comprised of Necroplasm.
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Pentagram
A pentagram is the shape of a five-pointed star drawn with five straight strokes. Pentagrams were used symbolically in ancient Greece and Babylonia, and are used today as a symbol of faith by many Wiccans, akin to the use of the cross by Christians and the Star of David by Jews. The pentagram has magical associations, and many people who practice Neopagan faiths wear jewelry incorporating the symbol. It has also been referenced in various demonic sects and cults. Sometimes referred to as a pentacle or a pentangle.
(See Also: Pentagram)
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Phoenix
A phoenix is a mythological creature whose origins date back to Persian culture. Legend has it, that a Phoenix will build itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. In some instances, a Phoenix may take human form. In the continuity of the Dark Shadows television series, a woman named Laura Collins embodied the power of a phoenix.
Another Phoenix of note was a character named Bianca, who appeared in episode 6x10 of the TV series Charmed entitled "Chris-Crossed". In the episode, Bianca tried to steal power from the Whitelighter, Chris Halliwell.
(See Also: Phoenix, Arizona)
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Police officer
A police officer (also known as a policeman or policewoman, and constable in some forces, particularly in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations) is a warranted employee of a police force. In the United States "officer" is the formal name of the lowest police rank; in many other countries "officer" is a generic term not specifying a particular rank, and the lowest rank is often "constable". Police officers are generally charged with the apprehension of criminals and the prevention and detection of crime, and the maintenance of public order. Police officers may be sworn to an oath, and have the power to arrest people and detain them for a limited time, along with other duties and powers.
(See Also: Law Enforcement; Police officer)
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Possession
Possession is the phenomenon in which an invading spirit takes root in the body of a mortal, often supplanting or outright excising the existing spirit or soul. Creatures capable of possession include ghosts and demons, though some magic uses like witches and warlocks may possess this ability as well. Forcing a spirit to leave a body usually requires someone with acute knowledge of the occult, a strong will and, if necessary, a strong standing with the Catholic Church. If the victim is possessed by a powerful demon, it is usually best to have an old priest and a young priest on hand redy to administer the Rites of Exorcism.
(See Also: Possession; Exorcism)
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Precognition
Precognition refers to perception that involves the acquisition of future information that cannot be deduced from presently available and normally acquired sense-based information. The related terms, premonition and presentiment refer to information about future events that is perceived as emotions. The terms are usually used to denote a seemingly parapsychological or extrasensory process of perception, including clairvoyance. Psychological processes have also explained the phenomena.
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President
President is a title that reflects the highest form of authority in an organization. This may include the president of a country, the president of a corporation, or the president of a social club. As an example, Josh Blaylock is the President of Devil's Due Publishing, which is a comic book publishing company. Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth President of the United States (and a darn fine vampire killer ta'boot!)
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Priest
A priest or priestess is a person having the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities. Their office or position is the priesthood, a term which may also apply to such persons collectively. Catholic priests are known to be scholars in the ways of the occult and the supernatural. 19th century priests were particuarlily aware of the threat posed by vampires and could be trusted to guard themselves against the undead or administer last rites to a vampire victim, insuring that they be buried in consecrated ground. Priest vampire hunters often arm themselves with crucifixes, holy water and the holy sacrament. In the modern era, some priests are schooled in the Rites of Exorcism and may be called upon to perform an exorcist if one is suspected of being possessed by a malevolent spirit of a demon.
(See Also: Exorcist; Vicar)
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Primogen
Primogen is a term used in the Vampire: The Masquerade roleplaying game. It refers to a group of vampires who are the elder representatives of their respective clans and part of the authoritative body known as the Camarilla. The Primogen members are all subservient to the rule of the city's Prince, who in turn, is also the Primogen for his or her clan. Usually, one member of each of the seven clans of the Camarilla holds the position of Clan Primogen, but in cities with a high vampire population, it is not uncommon for multiple members of a clan to hold the title.
(See Also: Kindred: The Embraced)
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Prophecy
A prophecy is a sign, a vision, or message divined by an individual, who then interprets it into various forms, be it verbal or written. Such individuals are called prophets, and receive this insight from some form of a higher power. Prophecies may come about through the capriciousness of some deity, a cosmic entity, or even a malevolent spirit. The message of a prophecy usually foretells coming events, such as the age of a great battle, the rise of an epic hero, or even the end of the world.
Appearances
(See Also: The Prophecy; Precognition)
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Psychopathy
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy combined with strongly amoral conduct, masked by an ability to appear outwardly normal. Neither psychopathy, nor the similar concept of sociopathy, are nowadays defined in international diagnostic manuals, which instead describe a category of antisocial/dissocial personality disorder.
(See Also: Psychopaths/Appearances; Serial Killers)
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Pumpkin
A pumpkin is a large orange fruit of the gourd family. They are excellent for making pumpkin pies and can also be used for sport, such as pumpkin-chucking. During Halloween, it is tradition for children to carve faces into pumpkins, turning them into Jack-o'-lanterns.
(See Also: Pumpkin)
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