The Cyphon Parasite and Vampirism

"Humanity has begun to believe they've ascended beyond the natural order. We shall drag them back into it kicking and screaming." - Asanbosam Hunter

Written by: jester2b

Cover Art by: Rafael Sewa

"When the light abandons us, the dark's children come to claim their prize."

The Night's Children

Many cultures around Nostrina tell similar stories of men who prey on their fellow men. Monsters wearing human faces to hide their bloody appetite until the sun sets and the predator can reveal themselves. Many would wish to dismiss such tales as superstition meant to keep children in line. The truth is, fact is far more terrifying than fiction. They are called many things, Asanbosam, Blackfangs, Guaxa, etc., all vampires created from infection by the Cyphon parasite.
The Cython parasite is believed to be an ancient parasite that has spread across multiple realms. Whether or not this organism was created naturally or magically is currently unknown, with the prevailing theory being that it evolved naturally in a different world and was spread by a group of infected individuals. Whether the parasite is natural or not, the effect this organism has on its hosts is almost universal. This parasite typically prefers to infect sentient creatures like humans, but have been seen infecting animals if unable to find their preferred hosts. Infection occurs when a Cyphon egg is planted inside the blood steam of an organism by a vampire or by the parasite itself. Once the egg has hatched and acclimated to its new host's body, the Cyphon will attach itself to its digestive system and begin changing the host to suit its needs. The changes made to the host depend on the species of the Cyphon, for each species affects its host in unique ways. Many of these changes are physical, like growing fangs and claws, the host's skin becoming paler and more sensitive, and enhanced vision in the dark, all for the purpose of consuming blood for the Cyphon. Their reward for their host for fulfilling their blood tithe is eternal life and unnatural powers.
In the situation that a vampire were to fail to meet their Cyphon's blood requirement, the parasite would first push them into a state of frenzy in an attempt to force their host to feed. If this fails, some species will drain their own host of blood and leave their body, while others will hijack their host's nervous system and take control of their body. Cyphons that have left their host's body grow into worm-like creatures which can reproduce asexually and create new vampires by injecting their eggs into a host or by chewing their way into their body.

Cyphon Species

Numerous different species of Cyphon have been found on Nostrina, each changing their hosts in their own unique ways to suit their needs.

Common

The vast majority of vampires are hosts to the common Cyphon, which can be found all across the world. Common vampires are recognized for their sharp fangs, pale skin which is sensitive to sunlight, and blood-red eyes which can see in the dark. Many vampires consider common vampires to be the weakest of their kind.

Blackfang

Preferring to live in humid climates like jungles and rainforests, vampires infected with this species of Cyphon are known for their namesake black fangs. Blackfang vampires share many of the same traits as common vampires, save for their signature black fangs. These fangs are capable of injecting their victims with paralyzing venom, allowing them to feed with ease. In some cases, a large quantity of the venom can put a human into a long-lasting coma, which some Blackfang vampires use to keep a supply of fresh, long-lasting prey.

Curseblood

This mutated species of Curseblood Cyphons has created monstrous vampires which have been terrorizing Stelwen for centuries. Hosts of this species grow curved horns on their heads, their skin becomes a dark grey color, and their teeth become lined with wild fangs. This species has a particular weakness to sunlight, as they will actively burst into flames while in contact with sunlight. Fire has also been proven to be quite effective against them. Due to their unnatural origins, Curseblood Vampires are only created by a natural vampire being cursed by a Curseblood, mutating their Cyphon and transforming their host. Older vampires of this species become more monstrous over time, becoming something more akin to an unholy demon than an ordinary vampire.

Guaxa

The unseen scourge of Cedillia and San Cardel, Guaxa vampires have blended into the civilized world in to hunt unseen. These vampires are unique for their ability to perfectly mask their vampiric nature from others, making them unrecognizable to their prey. When on the hunt, Guaxa are capable of bending the minds of their victims, allowing them to feed in peace. These vampires are unaffected by the sun like other species of vampires, allowing them to worm their way into Cardinal Elven society and make their way into Barbaross and beyond.

Asanbosam

An infamous species native to western Imbelek, Asanbosam vampires are often described as shapeshifters capable of turning into any animal to stalk their prey. Vampires of this species are able to turn into bats, wild dogs, and massive snakes to lurk in the woods, searching for an unfortunate wanderer. In their humanoid form, they appear as a mixture of human and animal features, including snake eyes, lion claws, and bat-like ears, with some even having reptilian tails. The best way to tell if an animal is an Asanbosam is by lighting a fire near it or focusing intense light on it, as this will force them out of its animal form.

Bloodlicker

Mostly found in Glakora, Bloodlicker Cyphons have given birth to a variety of different vampires all tied together by their common traits. This species of Cyphon is known for their two distinct traits; extraordinarily long tongues which acts as a proboscis, and the way sunlight transforms the species. When night falls, the Bloodlickers' true form emerges, a pale creature with two tusks emerging from its face, a long whip-like tongue, and long curved claws. These vampires will prey on any creature unlucky enough to cross its path, killing them and sucking them dry with their tongue. Once the sun rises once again, the vampire will be transformed back to their original form, with no memory of the night prior. They are often tormented individuals exiled from society, though some have chosen to embrace their life as a monster.

Amaranth

The vampire hunter's greatest ally is in fact, another vampire, more specifically, an Amaranth. A rare and exceptionally powerful type of vampire known as Amaranths hunt other vampires, feeding off of their blood and consuming their victims' Cyphon. Possessing incredible strength and agility, along with long steel claws, Amaranths are deadly opponents who are feared by all vampires. Amaranths have no weakness to the sun like other vampires and are able to regenerate lost limbs. Some have even been able to grow bat-like wings and have steel fangs able to deliver venom similar to Black-Fang vampires.

Type

Parasitic

Rarity

Rare