Dhampire
The extremely rare hybrid of Humans and Vampires, Dhampirs are sullen and reserved people that live on the edges of civilization, struggling with their heritage. Many end up becoming adventurers to avoid persecution, and will travel alone so potential companions aren't targeted or become victims to their bloodlust. A few pursue necromancy, assassination, and other 'undesirable' professions. They are considered fast, graceful, and seductive.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dhampirs are an equal blend of their parents characteristics, similar to Half Elves. They tend to be tall and slender in build, but muscular at the same time. Unlike their Vampire parent, Dhampirs don't have true fangs. Instead they have elongated incisors, and even though they aren't as sharp as fangs, they are still capable of drawing blood. Some individuals can pass for either of their parent races at first glance.
Biological Traits
Dhampirs have a lifespan similar to Half Elves, living longer than their Human mother, but shorter than their Vampire father. Their vampire heritage also means that their are more resistant to disease.
Genetics and Reproduction
The birth of a Dhampir is an rare event and often shrouded in rumors and whispers. Many believe that they only come about when a pregnant Human is bitten by a Vampire, and that their birth will kill their mother. In reality Dhampirs are the result when a female Human mates with a male Vampire. Due to their parentage their births are often kept a secret and they are often abandoned out in the wilds or at an orphanage.
Growth Rate & Stages
Many have a rough childhood, and few reach adulthood.
Ecology and Habitats
Highly adaptable, Dhampires can be found anywhere that Humans and Vampires can live in.
Dietary Needs and Habits
While they aren't reliant solely on blood for substance, they still have a desire to drink blood that gets stronger and stronger the longer they go without it. Due to their blunt fangs and lack of venom however, getting blood can be a tricky endeavor. Unlike their Vampire parent they can't just bite, inject venom and feed, their fangs will cause too big of a wound and they can't subdue their prey with venom. This means they either have to alternate source of blood, physically over power and injure another person to feed, or find a willing donor.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Due to their parentage Dhampirs tend to rarely have companions due to both their fear of betrayal and losing control of their desire for blood.
Facial characteristics
Hair, eye, and skin color is a mix of parents. They are said to have a piercing gaze.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Similar to their appearances, their senses tend to be an even mix of their parent's. A Dhampir's low light and dark vision tends to be excellent, and while they do better in extremely bright lights compared to their Vampire parent, they are still somewhat sensitive to them. As a result some Dhampirs will wear Dwarven Googles to protect their eyes.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Names tend to be diverse, and Human in origin.
Major Organizations
Because there are so few they do not have their own communities and organizations.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
They tend to speak any combination of Merchant's Tongue, and local human tongue.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Because there is so few of them Dhampirs don't have their own culture. Instead their beliefs often reflect the culture they were born in and they will adopt social behaviors to try and avoid detection.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The campaign against Vampires has unfortunately claimed Dhampirs as victims as well. While most can pass as a Half Elf if they are careful, they are faced with fear, terror, mistrust and prejudice if their heritage is found out. Because of this most are killed off while they are still young children. Those that survive to adulthood tend to become frustrated by their heritage, and jealous of other races. They may lash out due to this and either strike out at their tormentors, or hunt down Vampires as revenge for their heritage.
When it comes to each of the races, few have favorable views towards Dhampirs. Tieflings and Half Orcs are most likely to accept them, while Dwarves and Halflings tend to shun them. Humans fear them while Elves hate them for their Vampire heritage.
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