Host

A large feature of vampire culture has always been the use of living human hosts. When it was assumed that the contagion was passed through saliva, some vampires who were unwilling to risk turning their hosts began collecting blood from them through less contagious means, such as tapping a vein with medical equipment, or sometimes simply slitting one. Other vampires turned to animal blood, and sometimes would also raid blood banks. With the modern development of synthetic blood substitutes, the need for fresh blood is no longer a survival factor, but some vampires still crave the euphoria of feeding from a living victim. Today, there are more options for those who drink fresh human blood, although none of them is considered totally safe. Some vampires wear fang caps that prevent the venom injection. There has also been some research into an antivenom, but none have been proven effective enough. Most vampires simply attempt to show restraint and avoid reaching a feeding frenzy that will allow for the release of venom.

Symptoms

Hosts, if drained of enough of their blood, will themselves need to feed, and they develop small fangs for that purpose as soon as they are initially infected by the vampire using them. A bite of an unturned host is not contagious, as the host fangs are not hollow and lack the venom sacs that a true vampire posesses. Hosts' eye color changes as well, developing a crimson ring around the pupil that spreads further the more affected they are by their condition. A host who has been fed on for a long time will have nearly completely red eyes.

Treatment

Hosts become addicted to vampire saliva, so treatment for the condition involves removing them from contact with the vampire and treating them for symptoms of withdrawal, which often include a low-grade fever, cravings, and joint pain.

Cultural Reception

Long-term hosts are generally considered to have intentionally chosen the lifestyle, and are looked down on for it. They are known by various derogatory terms, such as 'blood-whore', 'feeder' or 'juice box'.

Type

Parasitic

Origin

Magical

Rarity

Common

Affected Species

• Human