Dhampirism

Dhampirism, also known as Pugnosis, is a transferable magical condition that semi-temporarily overwrites one's skills with knowledge of martial arts.
The condition's granted powers are similar to the magical "monk" abilities of the Way of the Open Palm that can be learned in Garadel, Ibith , and Ekraht - only these abilities are slightly tinged with death. This becomes more evident the more skilled a user becomes - advanced users can heal wounds through killing, terrify the living, and even return from the brink of death.
Dhampires are semi-parasites that require combat to feed. Only by striking living creatures can they gain sustenance. Starved dhampires can become feral, entering into horrifying rages of violence.

Transmission & Vectors

Receiving a gut punch containing the power of the Dhampire will infect the victim with Dhampirism. This is often unintentional, though careful Dhampires can easily control when they transfer their condition

Causes

Dhampirism is a curse-and-blessing; it can prolong life and give fighting prowess to those who had none. Over the course of several days after the transmission, there is a sense of fatigue, headaches, hallucinations, and aching pains. The host falls into a deep slumber for around 12 hours and then awakens with the process complete.

Symptoms

Dhampires can dodge and strike with supernatural precision, and as they challenge themselves they grow more powerful. All dhampires have the potential to access their starving rage. It is said that the most powerful dhampires can even transform into Blink Gliders (sugar gliders with teleportation ability)

Treatment

If a dhampire is struck too many times by punching or kicking, the condition is broken.

Prevention

Creatures that practice the Way of the Open Palm school are immune to dhampirism.

History

The first Dhampire was Naram the Traveler- a human who ventured from Samvara to Ibith in search of a cure for Gem Plague. After being abandoned by his comrade and killed by the healing tree's guardian, he was resurrected as a dhampire by Halcyon to set things right and see his family again. Dhampirism itself was a collaborative project among the Architects.
The greatest of Dhampires was Moxima Sutia  the Blessed One, a Dryad whose works would later inspire the religion of Sumoxa (they were born 505 ME in Sumaren, Avetem).

Cultural Reception

In many places, dhampires are somewhat feared for their violent forms of feeding and are often conscripted into specific regiments. Other regions have specific monasteries where dhampires are taken to for training and control.

Type

Supernatural

Origin

Divine

Rarity

Rare