Season 7 of "The Vampire Diaries" will begin with the introduction of some new characters called the Heretics — Lily's (Annie Wersching) motley crew of troublemakers who are set to cause mayhem in Mystic Falls and who will complicate her relationship with her sons Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley). 

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, executive producer Caroline Dries said that there will be six Heretics — three men and three women — and that five of them will be introduced in the season 7 premiere. Dries described the three women as a "little posse of bad girls" and they are made up of Valerie, a person who experienced a lot of pain in the past which changed her into the person she is today; and Nora and Mary Louise, who both "just got out of prison." While Nora is said to be eager to explore the world, Mary Louise is more cautious and is insecure about being left alone. 

The male Heretics are composed of Beau, who is Lily's right-hand man, and Malcolm, Lily's pet. Beau is described as being very frightening, mysterious and loyal, while Malcolm will do anything to gain Lily's favor. The last heretic is named Oscar, who is mentioned but not seen in the premiere. 

"He's a real trip when you meet him," Dries said about Oscar. 

TVGuide released pictures offering fans a first look at the new season, and it's clear that the Heretics will be up to no good as they leave a trail of blood throughout Mystic Falls. One photo shows the town in shambles, and dead bodies are seen all over the place. Another photo shows Lily, elegantly dressed with three of the Heretics behind her. Another shot shows Damon, seemingly unaffected by all the chaos, drowning his sorrows in whiskey.

"The Vampire Diaries" season 7 premieres on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 8/7c on The CW.