Vampire
In days of yore, there was the Kingdom of Borith. Legends tell of how Borith's rulers made pacts with dark and evil gods. This ushered the kingdom's downfall and turned it into the Northern Wastes. Out of the ashes rose an individual. No one knows who he was or where he came from, but the world would forever remember him as Nosferatu, Laurentia's first vampire. Nosferatu's influence spread throughout the continent. There were certain persons that Nosferatu took a liking to and made them his personal underlings. They became Vampire Lords and started the Vampiric Aristocracy. They established bloodlines and clans by bringing others under their sway. Most notable were the Draculs, Orloks, von Kirchensteins, Bathorys, Schwartzenbachs, von Halters, and Holzhausens. One day, an orphaned boy came to the von Halter castle of Halterstadt. The von Halter patriarch, Dagfinn, found him and bit him, turning him into one of their own. Under Dagfinn's tutelage, the boy rose to become Conrad von Halter. Centuries passed and Conrad's power grew so much that Nosferatu himself began to notice. Dagfinn was eventually murdered by the rival Bathory bloodline. Conrad demanded vengeance, but Nosferatu denied it saying that there wasn't enough proof. Soon after, Nosferatu himself was murdered. Jorg Bathory was poised to become the new Vampire Lord, but Conrad opposed him. Conrad demanded vengeance for Dagfinn and accused the Bathorys of murdering Nosferatu to gain power. Conrad and the von Halters were backed by the von Kirchensteins, Orloks, and the Draculs. Conrad killed Jorg and the Vampiric Civil War erupted. It was a long and bloody struggle that lasted for four centuries. Most of the Vampiric bloodlines were wiped out, but Conrad von Halter rose from the ashes of war as the new Nosferatu, the new Vampire Lord. Conrad's power grew to become legend and even surpass Nosferatu himself. A paladin journeyed north to slay von Halter, but he never returned. Word was, was that von Halter had just vanished. Neither he nor the paladin had been seen or heard from, and as for what happened, no one knows. Vampires are still a presence, but they are few in number and without a Nosferatu.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Vampire's share the same anatomy of whatever race they were before their transformation. There are exceptions such as the vampire's fangs that elongate when they become more aggressive or hostile--and to suck blood. As a vampire's powers grow they can alter their bodies in certain ways. Such as growing a pair of wings to take flight. Depending on the subspecies of vampire, some have a more animalistic appearance, or have a more monstrous form.
Biological Traits
Vampires are a race of immortal beings. None of them can die naturally, and can only be killed through special means. The more humanoid vampires can range anywhere from 5 to 7 ft. tall, weighing anywhere from 140 to nearly 500 pounds. This all depends on what race the vampire was before their transformation. The more monstrous vampires are typically 7-12 ft. tall, and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds or more.
Genetics and Reproduction
All species of known vampire reproduce sexually. They are able to have children with other humanoid species, as well as between themselves. Even though vampires can have children with each other, it can take a lot longer for them to get pregnant since they are technically among the undead.
Growth Rate & Stages
Vampires are eternal and remain the same age from the time in life that they became undead. A vampire or dhampir child from vampire parents grows at the same rate of other humanoid species, but stop aging once they reach their twenties or thirties--depending on the racial origins that their parents had in life.
Ecology and Habitats
Vampires and their subspecies can survive anywhere. Depending on how powerful the vampire is, some are able to survive in direct sunlight, while others only thrive in constant darkness.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Blood. Vampire's main consumption is the drinking of blood from any humanoid species. They'll drink the blood of animals as well, but they don't find it as nutritious. It is more of a substitute. Higher Vampires are able to eat regular food as well if they are hungry, but it doesn't have the same nutritional value for them like blood.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Vampires organize themselves into a strict hierarchy or caste (depending on how one looks at it). All of this is based on what subspecies the vampire is.
- Nosferatu: Undisputed leader of vampiric society. The title is taken from the original Nosferatu. The Nosferatu is typically a higher vampire from a great and powerful bloodline.
- Vampire Elder: A small collection of higher vampires that oversee the laws and customs of all vampires. Their word is law and no one escapes their judgement. All must answer their summons including the Nosferatu.
- Vampire Lord: A powerful higher vampire that rules over a bloodline.
- Vampire: A regular vampire that belongs to a certain bloodline. They range in powers, abilities, and skills; and owe fealty to their vampire lord.
- Dhampir: A hybrid between a vampire and some humanoid species (mainly humans, elves, aasimar, tieflings, orcs, and goliaths). They are regarded to be on the same level as other vampires, but their standing on vampiric society depends on their bloodline and heritage.
- Dhakanavar: Feral monstrous vampires that are considered simple beasts. Slightly above the vampire spawn due to their strength.
- Vampire Spawn: Recently turned vampires who crave blood. For them blood is an addiction, and they wish to serve their "master." This master is whatever vampire transformed them. Only when they have proved themselves worthy enough--and if their master wishes so--can they ascend in becoming a fully fledged vampire.
Facial characteristics
Vampires, dhampirs, and higher vampires are known to have paler faces that can appear more gaunt if they haven't been feeding. Semi pointed ears are sometimes common too. Dhakanavar have facial features that are mixed between whatever species they used to be along with that of a wolf or bat.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Vampires can be found anywhere throughout the world.
Average Intelligence
Depending on the subspecies, some vampires are more intelligent than others. Regular vampires have can have average to above average intelligence. Dhampir's are known to be a lot smarter than a regular mortal, with Higher Vampires being the most intelligent out of all. They're known for their above average intelligence, and superior intellect. Just because higher vampires have the ability to be incredibly smart, doesn't mean they always are. The more monstrous vampires such as the dhakanavar, have more animalistic tendencies, and are considered nothing more than ferocious beasts.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Vampires are apex predators. After their transformation, they are able to gain heightened senses and abilities. They have a superior sense of smell, night vision, along with enhanced hearing. They also have an assortment of magical powers. Some have telepathic and psionic abilities, while others can fly, teleport, super speed, strength, and can transform into mist, or other animals.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Vampires tend to retain the names that they had before their transformations. Since they come from a variety of races and cultures their names heavily vary. But sometimes they take new names once they turn, these names were created by the Vampiric Aristocracy.
Male Names: Adelard, Albrecht, Anselm, Baltasar, Berhart, Conrad, Cristoff, Croglin, Dieterich, Gerhart, Gerwig, Gunter, Herman, Jorg, Ludwig, Manfred, Ruprecht, Sewastian, Sigmund, Ulrich, Wymar
Female: Agnes, Agatha, Avelina, Beatrice, Charlotte, Druetta, Elsbeth, Ermina, Hadwisa, Helena, Irmel, Jonata, Katerina, Magdalen, Oriel, Reusin, Rosamund, Sybil, Vrsula, Walpurg
Major Organizations
- Bathory Bloodline
- Dracul Bloodline
- Holzhausen Bloodbline
- Orlok Bloodline
- Schwartzenbach Bloodline
- von Halter Bloodline
- von Kirchenstein Bloodline
Common Etiquette Rules
Vampiric society is based on personal ties and relationships. They are organized into a strict hierarchical structure based on power, and subspecies. Loyalty and respect is everything. It always must be shown to one's betters no matter how one might feel about the other. At the end of the day it pays off, as vampires are required to protect and help one another. For the survival of their species is of the utmost importance to them.
Common Taboos
It is forbidden for a vampire to disobey, or go against a vampire who is above them in the aristocracy. It is also forbidden for a vampire to kill another vampire. Breaking any one of these can result in a vampire being banished from their society. They are considered beneath the lowliest of vampire spawn. They are seen as traitors, outcasts, and are no longer protected by their customs or laws; and can be killed on sight.
Historical Figures
- Nosferatu
- Conrad von Halter
- Dagfinn von Halter
- Jorg Bathory
- Charlotte Bathory
- Agnes Bathory
- Volker von Kirchenstein
- Hermann Dracul
- Gerwig Orlok
- Croglin Grange
Genetic Descendants
Origin/Ancestry
Nosferatu
Lifespan
Immortal
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Vampires are known to be paler than most. Their skin tone can range depending on what they were before their transformation. Higher Vampires can easily blend in with society, retaining an average and much healthier skin tone.
Related Organizations
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