Vampirism

Vampirism is a type of affliction that induces longevity, superhuman capabilities, and amplified magical potential, but at the cost of aversion to sunlight and a thirst for blood as a source of nourishment. Vampires are considered by The Martyrdom as undead, diseased persons who are hated, hunted, and misunderstood by most of the living, and many have vowed to cleanse the world of vampirism. Whether they consider themselves cursed or blessed, or whether they have given into their animalistic instincts or have sought to rid the world of the disease, vampires are nonetheless considered aberrations even in the world of Magi.

## **Origins**

The genesis of the Vampire race is one shrouded in mystery to all but the oldest beings in the world. However, scriptures held by the most ancient Vampires in society depict a tale of wise and powerful wielders of magic whose quest for eternal life inevitably bore blood soaked fruit. Legends tell of the origins coming from deep in the subterranean caverns of Europe, during which a group ancient magi discovered an Entity whose very description has been scoured from any record. What remains are the rough accounts of how the Magi experimented upon the Entity. Whilst visceral in nature, the experiments with the Entity led to the conclusion that its very blood was the catalyst needed to enact the final step in their journey to eternity.

Most writings on these events end here with the birth of the vampire race being the assumed outcome. Though, rumors amongst those familiar with the tale would suggest a deeper mystery still lost to time. Amongst these rumors, one question is the most prevalent. Whatever happened to the Progenitors and the bountiful being whose blood yet flows through the creatures of the night? This is a mystery that many claimed have answered, but no one could truly agree if that was the case.

## Modern Vampiric Society

In the modern era, Vampires are spread quite liberally across the globe with most preferring a solitary existence so as to avoid attracting too much attention.

Larger communities, especially those in the ancestral home of the race, do exist. Though, they are ruled with absolute authority by The Families. The Families are groups of particularly old and powerful Vampires whom claim some form of direct bloodline relation to the Progenitors. As such, many individuals in these communities have sworn undying allegiance to these influential beings.

Unfortunately, as a result of this feudal system and the claims on which they base their authority, conflict amongst them was common in the past. Though with the rise in human awareness of vampiric traits as a result of various modern media, aggressive and otherwise crude behavior that would attract further attention has become somewhat of a Taboo. Despite this, covert attempts to undermine power is still rather rampant amongst the more ambitious members of The Families.

Some Vampires were able to integrate themselves into organizations who are either pragmatic or do not care about having vampires in their ranks, be it mercenary-leaning groups like the Snake Tong, Pragmatic magi societies like the Balete, or even certain Arcane Order Covenants. Meanwhile, religious groups such as the Martyrdom are extremely hostile to them.

## Characteristics

Vampires bear many of the traditional traits found in their depictions amongst humanity's tales and legends. The most prevalent of these being an aversion to sunlight, eternal life and otherworldly abilities.

In regards to physical strength, endurance and speed, Vampires completely outmatch humanity. Dodging bullets and rending steel are just some of the easier feats for a member of the blood sucking race to achieve. Furthermore, their ability to completely restore as well as reinforce their bodies via the consumption of blood renders them virtually impervious to conventional weaponry. In addition to this, Vampires are naturally gifted in various magical arts that pertain to the utilization of blood as a catalyst.

Amongst Vampires, importance is placed upon the concentration of Progenitor Blood in their veins. Whilst all Vampires possess a fraction of this blood, higher concentrations lead to the emergence of extraordinary abilities tied to the mysterious Entity whom allegedly sired their race. The very nature of this tainted blood is such that the older a Vampire becomes, the more this blood will mutate. Whilst capable of granting further power to their bearer, this process also results in extreme bodily mutations.

The weaknesses of a Vampire are a few and far between, often ranging in effectiveness from momentarily stunning them to causing the blood in their veins to boil away. Sunlight and artifacts that bear the concept of purity are the strongest weapons a hunter may bring against one of these creatures of the night. Although, weapons made of silver and water blessed by an individual of extraordinarily high moral standing will also harm them. It should be noted, the endurance of Vampires, especially those whom have lived for millennia, is extremely high. Thus, even with their weaknesses exploited, the chances of permanently killing a Vampire is very low.

### The Stages of Vampirism

Vampires are incapable of birthing progeny and thus are forced to sire new Vampires via the transfusion of their blood into other beings. The effectiveness of this transfusion varies from race to race with some even outright rejecting the tainted blood altogether. The following are the stages of Vampirism as they would develop:

#### The Tainted

The base stage of Vampirism post-transfusion. In this state, one is wholly incapable of individual thought and simply acts based upon their sire's instructions. Aside from a seeming lack of conscious thought, no other characteristics of a Vampire have yet developed. Humans exist in this state for around a year before regaining their sense of self.

#### Familiar

The first true stage in an individuals transition into becoming a Vampire. In this state, a small aversion to sunlight and slightly increased strength can be observed. Whilst they are no longer wholly subservient to their sire, the compulsion to follow their instructions is still very high. Oddly, this stage has a much more drastic effect on animals whom never mutate further, instead becoming far more monstrous in appearance and capable of being incorporated into the bodies of their sire. Humans will remain at this stage from anywhere between 80 to 100 years.

#### Vampire

The most common and widespread stage of Vampirism in the world. In this state, the transformation into a creature of the night has been completed, along with all the strengths and weaknesses that accompany such a bloody fate. Vampires often leave the service of their sire at this stage and go out into the world to carve out their own legacy. However, some whom feel a particular attachment or desire to support their sire may choose to remain in service.

#### The Barons/Baronesses

After a millennium has passed, the Progenitor Blood in a Vampire's veins will start to mutate further. In this state, their body starts to become emaciated and the emergence of new abilities is quite common. Furthermore, the development of bat-like features such as elongated ears is apparent in some, an omen of the final evolution in the vampiric life cycle. Many high ranking members of The Families have reached this stage, a testament to the power they wield.

#### The Sanguine

Potentially the final stage of Vampirism attained by only the most ancient and powerful of all vampires. In this state, the mutation of Progenitor Blood in their veins has resulted in a truly monstrous transformation. Of the few whom exist in the world, all seem partially bat-like in appearance with variations based upon the abilities they developed over the course of their long lives. The Sanguine are often revered as the living embodiment of the Progenitors' will in the modern era and so many of The Families formed around such individuals.

#### The Progenitors

The individuals whom are responsible for the creation of the Vampire race. It is said in legends passed down amongst Vampires that their power was comparable to living gods. However, their absence has led to much speculation as to their true nature. Some amongst The Sanguine claim to have met or even been sired by The Progenitors while others prefer to remain tight-lipped about their connections to these mythical beings so as to preserve their memory or perhaps for far darker reasons.