Vampires

## Mortality and Weaknesses

Vampires are generally considered immortal. In reality, this is a limited form of immortality, as it is possible for them to be killed or die through misadventure. The condition and supernatural powers that define this species brings with it enhanced cellular regeneration and prevention of degeneration, which results in longevity, maintenance of age, greater health, faster and improved recovery from injury and generally stronger immune systems.

The two most typical and consistent means of killing a vampire are a stake through the heart and decapitation - which of course tend to be quite fatal to humans and other species too. Fire is also typically lethal to most species - vampires included if they are unable to escape and recover. In essence, destruction of the heart beyond repair and/or the severing of the connection between head and body prevent the life force and physical form from being sustained.

It should be noted that stakes are used on account of their surface area and impact affecting the majority if not the entirety of the heart. Limited partial damage may be survived as the body is in a fit enough state to implement repairs.

### The Significance of Silver

As with many things in folklore and the magical world, silver can work on multiple levels. As a key and basic material with light reflective qualities, it might be associated with purity, and in the view of some, deviations in the Human species might be seen as corruptions with which such a magical and symbolic substance might interact. On a physical level, this might manifest in Vampires as an allergic reaction or burning sensation, if prolonged with the potential for burns and flames. It's rarely fatal and exposure is often limited with little impact.

The symbolic and magical essence of silver rejecting supernatural variations in species might also explain the lack of reflection associated with vampires: since ancient times, silver has been used in creating mirrors. This does, however, leave the potential for mirrors made with other materials (such as tin, brass and bronze) and other reflective surfaces to offer reflections.

While not relevant in this era, the advent of photography saw the use of Silver Nitrate in the development process of images. This might be another example of where silver might explain the apparent inability of vampires images to be captured.

## Creation and Reproduction

While this and the means involved can vary depending on the different strains of vampirism, Vampires are generally made, rather than born.

A bite alone is often not enough to turn a human. Fangs act as a means to puncture and draw out blood, rather than carry some "venom" and saliva is not associated with transferring the state to another being - else practically any bitten or kissed by vampires might become one themselves.

A typical method of turning involves the vampire feeding their blood to another.

While fertility is generally low, it is possible for normal sexual reproduction to take place. This is generally with a member of a species not their own - typically humans - rendering offspring hybrids. The child of a vampire and human is known in some countries as a Dhampir.

## Relationships and Society

> See Also: Vampire Society
>
>

## References and Links

* https://www.deviantart.com/mistresskillerqueen/journal/List-of-Vampire-Powers-and-Abilities-in-Fiction-714069474
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_vampire\_traits\_in\_folklore\_and\_fiction