Vampires

Hūmānitātem Vēnator

Vampires were created to be Human's natural predator, and they have the capabilities to do so. They are stronger, faster, and have more acute senses than Humans. They're more skilled in combat magics, but less so in others. They must drink blood in order to survive, which they're able to do thanks to a pair of retractable fangs and particularly potent venom. This is a rather controversial topic, but thanks to donations, willing participants, and developing research in synthetic blood, they can live without causing harm to anyone. Physically, Vampires are similar enough to Humans to pass as one, but they can be noticed by their pale skin, red eyes (which fade to a more yellow hue if they go without drinking for too long) and if visible, their fangs.

Physical Attributes and Appearance

Vampires are quite similar to Humans, if Humans had spent another few dozen millennia perfecting their physical bodies. They are significantly stronger, faster, and more durable than Humans. These traits fade when under direct sunlight, though, and they are then a bit weaker than they'd be if they were a similarly made Human. The function that causes this change was ingrained into their nature by the gods, and has no known physical cause. Their most notable visual distinctions from Humans are their red eyes -which fade to a more orange or yellow hue if they haven't drank blood for a long period of time- their fangs, and their pale skin. Vampires are unable to survive without consuming Human -or Divided, rather- blood. It's speculated that they originally had to consume flesh and blood to live, but this has either changed or been changed over the ages since their creation. Vampires' fangs produce a venom that was meant to keep their prey sedated while they fed. However it is now more often used to make the process of draining blood from a willing volunteer less painful- or to some, even enjoyable.

Magical Attributes and Skill

Vampires are a bit below average at Transfiguration, Summoning, about half of the forms of Elementalism, and Transformative magics. Other than that, they are average or slightly better at most forms of magic.  Their spiritual reserves are a bit above average, their regeneration average, their control of magic slightly below average, and they are a bit vulnerable to magic as well.

Senses and Perception

Vampires are able to see far better than normal in darkness, and have a particularly keen sense of smell. However, they are slightly blinded by bright lights. They require a simple spell to perceive invisible magics.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vampires reproduce normally.  Hybrid children of Vampires and any other Divided are able to survive on normal food as well as blood, though disregarding either is detrimental to their overall health.

Growth and Lifespan

Vampires mature a bit more quickly than Humans, reaching puberty by around 10 to 12 years old, full physical maturity at around 16 to 19, and mental maturity at around the same time. Notably, Vampires who don't sustain a healthy diet tend to develop poorly, and often retain the appearance they had early in life. Vampires tend to live about for 160 to 200 years.

Naming Traditions

Aside from some Vampires who have chosen to intentionally stand out by making their names as outlandishly 'dark' as possible, most simply have typical Human names.

Culture and Customs

Vampires' feeding practices vary between individuals, with some finding it to be nothing more than a necessity, but some considering it an extremely personal and intimate act. Some are even only willing to drink the blood of their significant other.  

Dietary Needs

Vampires require a steady supply of blood -Around 800 ml per day, though consuming more doesn't tend to cause significant weight gain- rather than food to stay healthy.  Interestingly, different Divided races have different tastes and nutritional value to them. Typically, more magical races are more potent and delicious, but somewhat less nutritious. "

Etiquette Tips

Touching a Vampire's fangs is a bit more invasive than just sticking your fingers into someone's mouth, given that they're fairly sensitive. Vampires drinking blood in public is typically seen as an awkward but acceptable thing, but applying too much venom before doing so turns a regular act of eating into one much more private in nature.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans

General Opinion

While some people distrust Vampires, or outright fear them, the majority opinion is that they're mostly just unlucky to have to deal with their difficult diet. Some develop an unusual attraction to them due to the effect their bite can have.

Fun Vampire Fact!

Vampires' venom was once an extremely effective tool in their hunting of Humans, and its workings are quite interesting.  A Vampire's venom kicks in within one or two seconds of biting someone, and erases the pain that comes from being, you know, bitten. Just a few seconds later, it causes a sense of comfort and calm, originally meant to make their prey less likely to fight back. Then, according to certain individuals, it causes the act of having their blood drunk to actually feel very nice. This effect intensifies over about 45 seconds, until its last effect kicks in, causing the 'victim' to feel an increasing need to let the Vampire drink their blood. On occasions when original Vampires couldn't hunt for extended periods, this would allow them to keep one Human as a food source, more or less willingly. Now, it's only really used to be mean.