"This world is older than any of you know, and contrary to popular mythology, it did not begin as a paradise. For untold eons, Demons walked the earth; made it their home -- their Hell. In time they (the demons) lost their purchase on this reality, and the way was made for the mortal animals. For Man. What remains of the Old Ones are vestiges: Certain magicks, certain creatures.

And Vampires." ---Rupert Giles.

What exactly is a Hellmouth? Well, a Hellmouth is a source of mystical energy coming from a certain hot-spot. Well the 'hot-spot' is Sunnydale California. Don't let the name 'Sunnydale' fool you, sure it sounds sunny, and calm, and peaceful, and a good place to raise your children, and grandchildren. Unfortunately, it is on the Hellmouth. So, if you don't mind your children becoming a Vampire, or a werewolf. And you don't mind getting attacked by some puppet with a curse, or when you surf the net and find a demon in there, and if you don't mind being sucked into hell. Well then Sunnydale is just the place for you! A very long time ago, let's just say 60 years ago. A very powerful, Spanish Vampire came to Sunnydale, but not just to feed. When the Spanish settlers first arrived and settled in, and they named it, 'Boca Del Infiernio'. Meaning, Hellmouth. A sort of portal from this reality to the next. The Master Vampire hoped to open the portal and bring forth armageddon, and to destroy the world! But, he blew it. What do you expect from a Vampire? Oooooh, speaking of Vampires, there's one now!

Anyways, the reason why the Master ruined it was because, there was a huge earthquake that swallowed half of the town and him too! Opening dimensional portals are very tricky, he probably got himself stuck in it. Good job, Sherlock! Anyways, Once in a century comes the Harvest: A night when a Master Vampire, can draw enough power from one of his minions while it feeds, if he draws the right amount of power he can break free and open the portal. The minion is called the 'Vessel' and he bears a three-pointed start symbol. So, there you have it, the history of the Hellmouth!

Hellmouth: Center of a mystical energy.

Vampire: Demonic creatures, who live off the blood of humans. The Vampire appears to be human until they feed. Once they feed there true, demonic face is revealed.

Slayer: A girl born once every generation with the ability, stamina, and strength to slay Vampires. And to stop the other forces of Darkness.

Watcher: A person who finds, watches, and guides the Slayer to fulfill her duties. It is the Watcher's destiny to watch, and protect the Slayer.

Sire: The Vampire who made that other Vampire. Example. Angel made Drucilla. So Drucilla's Sire is Angel. Darla made Angel, and Angel's Sire is Darla.

Master: The most powerful Vampire in the world. He has the power and ability to destroy the world.

Minion: A follower of the Master.

Host: The person off whom the Vampire feeds on.

Feeding: When a Vampire drinks blood from the host. This is the only means of a Vampire's survival.

Harvest: A night once in a century when the Master can draw power form one of his Minions while it feeds.