Vampire

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For those in sorcerer society who've dedicated themselves to the study of Dust, the title of Vampire is an honorable goal to attain. It is a title given only to the those with the finest control of Dust, most often of noble rank.

Initiation

There are two ways to attain the title of Vampire. The first is a technical mastery. One who gains powerful mastery of the arts granted by Dust, or who has made a significant discovery in the use of it can be promoted to the position by the Vampiric Council. This is a much rarer occurence than the second method of initiation, which is the Vampiric Duel. One who wishes to be promoted to the title of Vampire can challenge a current Vampire to the Duel, and if accepted, will battle them to the death. Whomever wins the victory, assuming that both parties do not perish in the fight, gets to keep the title. These Duels are quite bloody, both from the attacks given by both parties and from the massive amount of Dust used.

Vampiric Status

The benefits that come with the status of Vampire are more than just titular. Along with the many elite connections available to Vampires, they also have access to many exclusive facilities and technologies. Among the many Vampires of history have been those with the keenest minds, the finest control, and the most unyeilding resolve. Hidden in Vampiric halls lie many great devices through which a sorcerer can manipulate Dust in unique and complex ways, including both the oldest and most cutting edge automatons. The annals of the Vampiric libraries contain many documents and manuscripts unfound elsewhere. Among these have even been rumored to be histories from past eras, although even most among the Vampires have not seen them.

The Vampiric Council

The Vampiric Council rules over all Vampiric affairs, along with many of those beyond. Nearly all sorcerous domains are ruled by one who is a Vampire, or who submits to their will. The Vampiric Council is composed of ten Vampires, each a leading figure in skill or technology for one of the nine varieties of Dust, with the Head Vampire presiding over the rest. At times the Head Vampire has also held the thrones of powerful lands, by lineage or by force, and has lead a more united sorcerous world against their opponents, such as the famed Lord Draghus of Ulak, who led the first united sorcerer coalition against the opposers to magic; the infamous Scarlet Vampire, who deposed three entire monarchies in one night through her ruthless mastery of anatomical contortion, and within a week was battling the remaining kingdoms in the Eighteen Day War; and the peasant Lord Miilinbruk, who could implant thoughts and emotions so subtly that he convinced the entire Vampiric Council to shackle themselves next to his former king in the dungeon he had stolen from him.

The Last Dance of the Vampire

Upon the death of a Vampire, a special funeral ceremony is held for them, known as the Last Dance of the Vampire. Close family and colleagues compile a story of the Vampire's life, then compose a performance for it. As an alternative to having their fellows create the performance, some Vampires prefer to compose it themselves before their passing. At the ceremony, the Vampire's body is animated through the use of silver Dust, and performs the symbollic representation of their life, traditionally ending with a graceful dance down into the crypt where they will be buried. Many Vampires are buried in special cemeteries on Vampiric grounds, while others prefer the traditional mausoleums of their own families.

Type

Magical, Professional

Status

Active

Form of Address

Lord/Lady

Alternative Naming

Scarletmouth (derogatory, by anti-magical society)

Source of Authority

The Vampiric Council

Length of Term

Lifetime