S - Vampires

== Vampires of Sethrophos ==
Sethrophos, a world teeming with diverse cultures and mystical forces, has seen the rise and evolution of many enigmatic species. Among these, vampires stand out as particularly compelling and fearsome beings. The vampires of Sethrophos, with their varied origins and regional distinctions, form a complex and intriguing part of the world's mystical tapestry. From the isolated valleys of Vescait to the ritualistic societies of Chogha Zanbil, the decadent metropolises of Meridian, and the fearsome jungles of Vervanna, these creatures of the night continue to evolve and adapt, leaving an indelible mark on the history and culture of Sethrophos. The kingdom of Thalassia on Osea, known for its early unification of various tribes under a common banner of magic, played a significant role in the emergence of vampirism. Thalassia's inhabitants were adept at reading the stars, a skill that granted them substantial tactical advantages in military operations, oceanic spell reserves, and remote viewing capabilities. This stellar reading, akin to the abilities of sphinxes, came with a hefty time cost. To optimize their star readings, Thalassian leaders developed a method to block out the sun for a week at a time. This practice, while granting them the necessary time to read the stars, inadvertently facilitated the rise of vampire populations, posing a significant threat to the inhabitants of all kingdoms.
Thousands of years ago, before there were vampires on Sethrophos, an alchemist named Edgar McDonald sought a solution to a devastating famine sweeping the land. The answer was brutal: a blood ritual that transformed some people into blood-feeding beings, thereby reducing the overall population and the number of hungry mouths to feed. Thus, vampires were born. Unlike many other undead creatures, vampires on Sethrophos are not truly undead. They possess agelessness, skin cold to the touch, and refer to their condition as a "condition of the blood." Sethrophos' vampires are distinguished by their black sclera and gold, silver, or red irises, and they possess a particular weakness against weapons cut from living wood. They are unable to cross streams that show the reflection of the moon, and water blessed by gods or archangels burns them like acid.
=== Regional Variations of Vampires on Sethrophos ===
==== Vescait ====
The vampiric bloodlines governing the Osean nation of Vescait, east of Thalassia, reap the benefits of the region's isolation. The chain of mountains called Geier Reach, which dominates the province, separates the landmass and makes them easier to monitor and control. The suffering humans of Vescait, trapped in narrow mountain passes, display an irrational loyalty to their oppressive home, attached to their customs and lives of herding and gathering. Vescait vampires, originating from the McDonald progenitor, possess unique traits and weaknesses. Their eyes have black sclera and vivid irises, and they must consume five liters of human blood every moon cycle to avoid shriveling to dust. Life in Vescait is marked by the influence of the single moon that drives the seasons and the hunting patterns of monsters. Human society is steeped in fear, with citizens regularly falling prey to zombies, werewolves, and ghosts.
==== Chogha Zanbil ====
The vampires of Chogha Zanbil are unique in their characteristics and beliefs. Part of the Legion of Dusk, these vampires live heavily clad in ritual and taboo, viewed as holy by the population of their homeland. They believe in a perpetual balance, where gain is impossible without loss and sustenance without death. This belief is reflected in their Blood Fast, a ritual where they starve themselves before entering a rapturous state, attacking anything in sight. Chogha Zanbil vampires feed only on the blood of the guilty—heretics, criminals, and rebels against the state. However, other vampires in the region may define guilt more liberally to suit their needs. Interestingly, the discovery of cosmium provided a substitute for their need for blood. Unlike their Thalassian counterparts, Chogha Zanbil vampires are unharmed by the sun and have pallid gray skin, gray eyes lit with silver light, and bat-like ears. Some can transform the lower half of their body into black smoke to achieve flight, known as the Exaltation. Vampires blessed by Aclazotz, a demonic entity, gain enhanced senses and power, with their blood replaced by black ichor, their ears and fangs growing, and large wings sprouting from their backs. The monster culture in Chogha Zanbil is deeply religious, with vampires seen as blessed beings. The society revolves around strict adherence to rituals and taboos, with an emphasis on balance and sacrifice. Vampires here are also known for their strategic cunning, often engaging in elaborate schemes and power plays to maintain their dominance.
==== Meridian ====
In the bustling metropolises of Meridian, vampires are often part of Maestros crime families. While vampirism is not a requirement for joining the Maestros, many human members receive the gift of vampirism. These vampires, hiding their illegal activities behind an interest in preserving art and relics of Argia, possess sharp senses and are ageless with some resistance to injury. However, they are not invulnerable and can suffer lasting injuries. Meridian vampires are not bothered by sunlight and do not appear in mirrors. This has led to the employment of artistic skills to create accurate depictions of themselves. The origins of vampirism in Meridian trace back to the founding of the city, with Xander, the founder of the Maestros, being the first vampire. His progeny, including Evelyn and Anhelo, are among the oldest vampires in the city. The culture in Meridian is characterized by luxury and decadence. Vampires here are known for their addiction to opulence and their involvement in the criminal underworld. The city's artistic community also plays a significant role, with vampires often commissioning elaborate works of art to showcase their wealth and status.
==== Vervanna ====
Vervanna, a land shrouded in mystery and danger, is home to vampires associated with black mana. These vampires feed on the energies in the blood of living creatures, particularly those in times of terror and pain. Philosophically, they believe in the strong taking what they need from the weak, living a life of decadent corruption. They are known for hunting their prey like beasts through the jungle or reclining on thrones made of skulls in their moss-draped cities. The Bloodchiefs, a few cultists transformed by Zopheros, differ significantly from typical vampires. With a lifespan of approximately 2,000 years, they feed on blood but not necessarily from sentient beings. These vampires have hook-like horns, a physical symbol of their heritage of enslavement to the dark god. The culture in Vervanna is marked by a lack of moral constraints and a focus on strength and survival. The vampires here are seen as fearsome predators, often engaging in blood rituals and curse magic to enhance their power and maintain their control over their territories.
==== Jormungand ====
Little is known of the rare vampires were exclusively found on the continent of Epon, in the nation of Jormungand, where they feed on zombies. Eponese vampires range in their strength from the amount of viscera they have consumed. Those who only manage to wring lifeforce from corpses are skeletal and mad with hunger, often lacking the ability to fly. Those who managed to taste "vis" from the still-living soar in the skies, commanding hordes of bats and other vermin. Blood-sated vampires have an almost irresistible aura of power.