Vampire

Basic Information

Anatomy

Visually, one of the Akyrah Ras Mael is not too dissimilar to any normal Akyrah - in fact, there are only two differences. First, a born vampire has two sets of wings instead of one (a turned vampire will still only have one pair). Second, a vampire has four needle-like teeth protruding from the top jaw, two on either side of the incisors in place of normal canines. However, there are differences that go beneath the skin, and this is where the vampire is noticeably different from its ancestors. Vampires, for whatever reasons, developed exceedingly powerful bodies as they multiplied in their caves. Their bones are denser and their muscles are tighter and stronger, including their flight muscles (despite having extras).

Biological Traits

Like many creatures, males of the species are typically physically larger and stronger than their female counterparts, who are generally more lithe and agile. There is no noticeable difference in life expectancy between genders. Females also have a greater affinity for magic, and for whatever reason, also have a greater risk of passing the curse onto a bitten victim.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vampires procreate in the same manner as all Akyrah, with a slightly longer gestation period of around a year and a half.

Growth Rate & Stages

The physical growth of a vampire is slightly slower than that of their ancestors, mostly because of their greatly expanded lifespan. Like Akyrah, they are born with wing buds. These buds break free of the vampire’s upper back around late childhood (usually between 10 and 13 years of age), allowing the wings to begin growing. Fangs begin growing at a far younger age. A vampire typically needs to feed on the blood of living beings as soon as its fangs have formed enough for it to do so - often before it can even speak. For the first while, a youngling may need to feed as often as three times a week. However, this doesn't last long - usually a month - after which feeding slows down and is only required once every few weeks to a month or two.

Ecology and Habitats

The Akyrah Ras Mael can be found, if one really desires, in a cave network north of a small mining town called Esper, where they have used powerful magics to create a replica of their old island home.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Vampires subsist solely on the blood of other living creatures. In a pinch, they can survive on the blood of other vampires, though this is more of an "if absolutely necessary" case. For simplicity and safety's sake, the Akyrah Ras Mael made an agreement centuries ago with the people of Esper. In exchange for protection, the villagers would provide a set amount of donors each month. These donors would be neither slain nor cursed, though they do go home feeling considerably worse for wear, given the amount of blood lost. On top of this, the villagers also protect their unholy patrons from by keeping adventurers and wanderers away from the area - a service that also protects these stray innocents. This agreement also serves to prevent the vampire clan from accidentally overfeeding and wiping out settlements - something that they had previously done in their insatiable hunger.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The Akyrah Ras Mael maintain a simplistic form the original caste structure that they followed before the curse. That is, a ruling caste of elders (who are really just the most powerful of the clan), followed by a warrior caste charged with the protection of the elders, followed by the wider collection of everyone else.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vampires are magically gifted, but otherwise do not possess any special abilities or capabilities.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Like the people of their homeland, the Akyrah Ras Mael do not use surnames, rather, they use their clan names of Vaex Vai and Faymere.

History

Before the end of the Age of Enlightenment, there were three ruling clans in Skyfall: The Cer'el, Vaex Vai and the Faymere. Of these, the Cer'el held the most power. They commanded the sharpest minds and the keenest warriors of the clans. Since time immemorial the Cer'el had ruled the Skyfall Islands in peace, until the jealousy of the Vaex Vai became too great. Where the Cer'el were great scholars and warriors, the Vaex Vai were powerful spellcasters, and it was perhaps because of this that they became greedy, always seeking more power. One day, they rose up against the Cer'el - the Faymere at their side. Wielding powerful blood magic, the two clans slew hundreds of their kinsmen. For weeks, war raged on across the isles until the shores were stained with blood. The fighting became so intense that even the creatures of the air and sea feared to travel near Skyfall for fear of their own lives. The Cer'el were desperate. Turning to the shamans of the other clans, they sought a solution - anything to help end the fighting. For three days the shamans toiled, but to no avail. Their spells fell harmlessly from the raging Vaex Vai. On the morning of the fourth day, help finally arrived, but it was not what the clans were expecting. The goddess Eliil descended amid the chaos, unleashing her wrath upon the Vaex Vai and their followers. She laid on them a lasting curse before banishing the rogue clans from the realm: They, and their descendants, were to walk the night forever, never to view the sun again under pain of agonising death. They would hunger eternally, never dying and unable to sate their hunger or slake their thirst. They would be forever cursed to survive on the blood of others. In a few short moments, the war was over. The Vaex Vai and Faymere fled the burning light of sun as fast as they could, but for many it was too late. They fell from the air, their flesh turning to ash as the curse took its toll.

Origin/Ancestry

Akyrah

Lifespan

Immortal

Conservation Status

Not protected in any way - rather, vampires, for those who are aware of them, are creatures that should be killed on sight.

Average Height

5'10"

Average Weight

50-70 kg

Pronunciations
Ras Mael - Russ Mile
Vaex Vai - Vay Vai
Faymere - Fay-meer