VAMPIRES
Singular: Vampire (VAM-pyre)
Plural: Vampires (VAM-pyres)
APPEARANCE
Vampires are a unique species in that they cannot be born, only created. Thus, vampires take on many different physical attributes between individuals. What links all vampires together, though, are a set of physical "tells" all of these undead possess. Being dead in more ways than not, their skin often takes on pale or grey hues, and tell-tale signs of exhaustion like eye bags, greying hair and weathered skin are all common. All vampires also sport sharpened canines to make the drawing of blood easier, and some even gain pointed ears upon transformation.
"True" vampires, that is, vampires turned over the lengthy process of blood-sharing, as well as dhampirs, are a little easier to spot than the average sanguinic vampire, by virtue of their bright red, glow-in-the-dark eyes.
NAMING CONVENTIONS: Due to the fact that vampires can come from any species, there do not tend to be "common" vampire names or surnames. However, some sanguinic vampires choose (or are "encouraged") to take their master's last names to display their loyalty or closeness. It is a point of pride for many true vampires to display as large of a collection of sanguinic thralls as possible.
ABILITIES
Former mortal creatures turned by another, vampires rely on the blood of other living things to survive. Humanoid blood is preferred, but animal blood can be consumed, though it is often considered more unsavoury to acquire and less fulfilling to the system. In order to lure potential prey, vampires possess an unearthly charm that allows them to be extremely convincing to the average creature, sharpened claws, and trademark pointed canine teeth. However, when touched by moonlight or around the scent or taste of blood, vampires often lose control if they haven’t fed recently, reverting to a primal state and unable to do anything else but pursue prey. An old or practiced enough vampire is often able to fight off this lack of control, but this takes much energy and practice to achieve flawlessly. A vampire can be created from any species, and most species will retain their preexisting traits after being turned, but will lose most qualities that make them appear “lifelike”.
Contrary to popular belief, however, vampires are not created through a singular bite alone. The action of a single bite resulting in the death of a mortal creature results in a sanguinic vampire, or a vampire that is bound to the vampire that turned them. Sanguinic vampires are often more susceptible to their patron's charm than any other vampire’s. Sanguinic vampires still must consume blood to survive, though it is not required at as large a volume as a “true” vampire, and many still choose to consume mortal food, if mostly for the pleasure of it. “True” vampires are created through not only a bite resulting in their death, but also consuming the blood of another vampire. Vampire blood is highly coveted for its perceived medicinal qualities, and as such most vampires are unwilling to part with their already limited supply.
Vampires, by virtue of being dead, are unable to cure wounds or injuries naturally and must consume blood to heal. They are generally considered to be incapable of producing offspring, but this is not always the case. Dhampirs, children of a vampire and a member of another species, are rare but not impossible to come across. Dhampirs have a lifespan of about one hundred to five hundred years longer than their non-vampiric parental species, and are capable of living without being fuelled by blood, but can use it to strengthen their abilities (giving them intense strength, endurance, and charm for a period of time) or cure an ailment.
All vampires, whether true, sanguinic, or dhampirs, have similar weaknesses: All are weakened in direct sunlight, with enough exposure to the sun for a true vampire sometimes enough to kill them (dhampirs seem mostly immune to this, but some sunburn easily); and all will develop an unbearable craving for blood given enough time without it (though this varies depending on the type of vampire). Sanguinic vampires are linked to their patron vampire through blood, and their patrons are often able to sense their proximity to them, or sense strong emotions "radiating" off of them. Some dhampirs report a similar link to their vampire parent, but this has not been researched much.
HISTORY
Little is known about the origin of the vampire. Tales of these creatures have existed since time immemorial and all across the world, from the Michif Kaamoowachik to the Hindu Vetala. Some origin stories posit that the first vampires were wretched and greedy souls cursed by the gods, others declare them to be cannibals corrupted into inhuman forms. The oldest vampires keep their origins to themselves, only sharing the parts they consider to be perhaps the most impressive, or the parts they've embellished.
IMMORTAL.
Average lifespan
NONE.
PATRON DEITY