blood
"Blood is the currency of the soul."- the vampire Alucard
Blood is a body fluid in humans and other animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells. Vampires are required to consume blood to sustain themselves. The blood of different species, and even different individuals, effects vampires in different ways, and are nutritionally different, despite being chemically near-identical. This is due to its connection with the soul of the creature.
Creatures with simpler, less substantial souls, such as animals, lack essential nutrients for vampire brain function. Relying on animal blood to sustain oneself can result in Blood Retardation. High undead creatures lack nutrients vampires need to heal themselves, but may offer a boost in over power. Lower undead lack souls, so their blood is worthless. Weres have souls that are a seemingly random mix of animal and human, making their blood remarkably unique. Fae, having no relation to earthly beings, have rather mind-bending blood which may also have effects on the body.
A better understanding of the creature lends their blood a richer, deeper flavor. A creature's personality also affects flavor; repulsive personalities mean repulsive blood.
Blood also has use in several rituals; it's connection to the soul makes it a very precious thing. If a magician has blood and knowledge of how to use it, they can gain power over that being. This can be used to send them visions, augment their feelings towards things, track them, impact their health, etc.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Blood is a deep red, viscous fluid found inside the veins of many animals. It is composed of blood cells, including red blood cells and white blood cells, and plasma. Red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and white blood cells combat disease. Plasma is yellow fluid that's mostly water, but also contains clotting proteins, electrolytes and antibodies.
History & Usage
Everyday use
All living creatures use blood to carry oxygen and nutrients through their body. Vampires drink blood to sustain themselves. A vampire with more blood in them will be stronger, both in physical and mystical ability. They'll also have better control over their baser instincts, and some color to their skin, helping them to blend in. Blood of powerful creatures will impart some of that power to the vampire, but not any abilities.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Blood is sacred to all creatures, especially those with supernatural capabilities. Even the dullest humans have the odd instinct to protect their blood, not only by covering bleeding wounds, but also cleansing or destroying anything their blood touches.
Industrial Use
Numerous rituals utilize blood, including rituals of healing, rituals of fertility, rituals of influence, rituals of tracking, rituals of disease, and rituals of power.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Blood or blood "donors" are commonly sold in underground vampire markets. Humans and vampires also conduct blood drives, although often to limited success.
Storage
Blood is stored in bags with sodium citrate (an anticoagulant) and refrigerated at 1.0 to 6.0 °C. Stored blood is odd-tasting and not nearly as potent as blood straight from the artery.
Law & Regulation
The regulations of blood vary from night court to night court, but most night courts have minimal regulation for non-vampire blood. Vampire blood is heavily regulated; sale of it is typically prohibited, as is any method of obtaining or using it without the owner's consent.
Scientific values
1 blood point is equal to .25 liters of human blood. It contains 2405.898 joules of mana and chemical energy. It is of the element spirit.
Type
Biomaterial
Value
1 liter of human blood is worth $5.
Rarity
common
Taste
Vampires can taste the soul of a creature through their blood. For most creatures, the taste is quite coppery.
Color
red
Density
1060 kg/m3
Common State
liquid
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