Vampire

Basic Information

Anatomy

Vampires possess distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from other species. They have pale, snow-white skin that lacks pigmentation, giving them an ethereal appearance. Their ears are pointed, adding to their mystique. One of the most recognizable features of vampires is their retractable fangs, which they use to feed on the blood of their victims. Furthermore, vampires do not age, maintaining their youthful appearance indefinitely.

Biological Traits

Vampires possess heightened physical attributes compared to most other species. They are stronger, faster, and more agile than humans and many other creatures. Additionally, they have accelerated healing abilities, allowing them to recover from injuries more rapidly than ordinary beings.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vampires can reproduce through a process called the "Blood Exchange", where a vampire drains the blood of a living creature, leaving them on the brink of death. This activates the transition from mortal to vampire. The victim goes through an extremely painful physical metamorphosis as their body and abilities change. Once completed, they rise again as a newborn vampire, or "fledglings".

Growth Rate & Stages

• Fledgling: Newly transitioned vampires. Due to their heightened senses and emotions, they are usually completely unstable and have little control over their powers.
• Greenhorn: Junior vampire who has survived their first year. They learn to control their bloodlust and feed only when necessary. Upon death, they are reduced to a charred corpse. Exposure to sunlight at this stage causes them to burst into flames and turn to ashes.
• Ascendant: Mature vampire, the most common type in societies. Upon death, they burn up completely and are reduced to ash and bones.
• Elder: The second most powerful type of vampire, usually found leading vampire clans. They are much harder to kill, burning slower than Ascendants in sunlight. Elders are also much stronger and quicker than younger vampires.
• Ancient: The oldest and most powerful of all vampires. Few survive to this advanced stage.

Ecology and Habitats

Vampires inhabit most regions and climates worldwide. They live secretly among human and demihuman societies. Some more reclusive or ancient vampires dwell in abandoned or rigged places like castles, crypts, or underground complexes.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Vampires sustain themselves entirely on blood, requiring it at least once every few days. They develop a preference over time for certain blood types of humanoids. Most control their thirst and feed discretely.

Biological Cycle

Vampires enter a death-like torpor or trance during daylight hours, becoming inert. They regenerate and gain energy from this state to fuel their nocturnal activities.

Behaviour

Vampires exhibit a wide range of behaviors influenced by their personalities, experiences, and moral compasses. Some vampires may maintain a veneer of civility, blending into human society and exercising discretion in their feeding habits. Others may succumb to their darker instincts, embracing a predatory nature and reveling in the power they possess. Vampiric society can be complex, with hierarchical structures and power struggles among clans and individuals.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Vampires possess sharp and defined facial features. They often have high cheekbones, angular jawlines, and piercing eyes that can range in color from vibrant blue to deep crimson. Their skin is smooth and flawless, lacking imperfections such as blemishes or wrinkles. Some vampires may also have subtle markings or tattoos on their bodies, symbolizing their clan affiliation or personal history.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vampires possess exceptional senses, surpassing those of most other creatures. They have acute night vision, enabling them to navigate in complete darkness. Their hearing is also incredibly sharp, allowing them to detect even the faintest sounds. Vampires can pick up on subtle changes in body temperature, scent, and heartbeat, making it difficult for prey to hide from them. Additionally, they have an enhanced sense of smell, particularly for blood, which they can detect from a considerable distance.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

• Werewolves: Vampires and werewolves have a historically antagonistic relationship. The two species often clash due to their fundamental differences and territorial disputes. Werewolves possess an inherent resistance to vampiric abilities, making them formidable adversaries. However, individual vampires and werewolves can form alliances or find common ground in certain situations.
• Drow: Drow, being a subterranean race, occasionally intersects with vampires in the dark corners of the world. Vampires and drow tend to maintain a cautious relationship, sometimes forging alliances based on mutual benefit. However, their inherent differences in nature and goals make trust between the two species difficult to establish.
• Humans: Vampires have a complicated relationship with humans. While some vampires view humans solely as a source of sustenance, others form emotional connections and relationships with them. Human societies often fear and hunt vampires, considering them to be creatures of darkness and evil. However, there are instances where humans and vampires find common ground and work together, especially when faced with mutual threats.
• Elves: Elves typically regard vampires with caution and suspicion due to their predatory nature and association with darkness. Elves, being creatures associated with light and nature, find it challenging to trust vampires. However, individual vampires and elves may form alliances in exceptional circumstances, driven by shared goals or a common enemy.
• Goblins: Vampires and goblins generally avoid each other, as their interests and habitats rarely overlap. Goblins, being opportunistic and often focused on their survival, may occasionally attempt to strike deals or form alliances with vampires if it serves their purposes.
• Dwarves: Dwarves and vampires have limited interaction due to their differing lifestyles and habitats. Dwarves, being mountain dwellers, are rarely encountered by vampires. However, the occasional vampire may seek out dwarven communities for their expertise in forging weapons and artifacts that can aid the immortal creatures.
• Orcs: Orcs and vampires share a complex relationship. While some orc tribes may view vampires as powerful allies in their conquests, others see them as a threat to their dominance. Vampires, on the other hand, may choose to manipulate or utilize orc tribes for their purposes.

Genetic Descendants

• Dhampyr

Average Height

5'7" to 6'2" (170 cm to 188 cm)

Average Weight

130 lbs to 180 lbs (59 kg to 82 kg)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Vampires have a distinct lack of pigmentation in their skin, giving them a pale, almost translucent appearance. Their hair color can vary widely, including shades of black, blonde, brown, and even vibrant red. While most vampires have naturally occurring hair colors, some individuals may choose to dye their hair to further set themselves apart. Additionally, some vampires may bear unique markings on their bodies, such as intricate tattoos or scarification, which hold personal or symbolic significance.