Gyllo

Gylla (singular Gyllo) were a very rare variety of Higher Vampire. Unlike other forms of Higher Vampire, they had little control over their form. Nonetheless, they were also considered one of the most dangerous vampire species. Most notable among their traits was their insatiable bloodlust, which eclipsed that of all other vampires (except perhaps Vampire Spawn, even more slave to their desires). Gylla were disdained by even other vampires as violent monsters. In fact, other vampires would often hunt down and kill a Gyllo should they come across evidence of one.

## Description

Gylla were a combination of beauty and monstrosity, woman and beast. They looked like pale women of their race, with massive talons on their hands and malformed, bat-like ears and noses, with razor-sharp canines. Gylla possessed superhuman speed and strength, with a particular amount of that going into powerful legs that allowed them to leap long distances and massive heights. Their appearance made it impossible for them to blend in with society, making most Gylla recluses by nature.

Gylla gained their horrible reputation from their bloodthirst. In particular, Gylla were known to prey upon children. Whether through luring away the unattended or unwary, or sneaking into homes by night to snatch them from their beds, Gylla preferred their prey young. This, to most vampires, was an unacceptable appetite, leading to the antagonism.

## Creation

Gylla were, like most vampires, created by the bite of another vampire. However, unlike other Higher Vampires, they were not created by the bite of an Elder Vampire. Gylla were exclusively created by the ascension of the Lesser Vampire (a Bruxa, normally). Exactly why the transformation was flawed and resulted in a Gyllo as opposed to a Striga was unknown.

## Strengths and Abilities

Gylla were a very powerful vampire type, despite their shortcomings. Their strengths paralleled those of Striga, but Gylla leaned towards direct attack as opposed to stealth and subterfuge.

* Superhuman Speed and Strength- Gylla were immensely fast and strong, capable of ripping a man to shreds with their talons nearly instantly. They were one of the most physically strong varieties of vampire, far more so than Striga or Vampyrs. They also possessed the ability to leap massive distances and heights.
* Unnatural Durability- Gylla were immensely hard to kill, possessing resistance to nonmagical weapons as well as an immense tolerance for injury.
* Regeneration- Gylla had even stronger regenerative abilities than other vampires, making them able to shrug off even dismemberment. This made them become known as "vampire trolls," as their ability to survive and regenerate from mortal wounds was very similar.
* Spellcasting- Gylla could, given their immortality, learn and hone magical abilities over their infinite lifespan, making them even more dangerous foes in combat.
* Invisibility- Gylla possessed a form of invisibility similar to that of Striga, though much less effective.
* Sunlight Resistance- While not immune to the effects of sunlight, Gylla could endure sunlight with only mild irritation.

## Weaknesses

* Lack of True Immortality- Unlike Vampyrs, Gylla were not capable of cheating destruction. A Gyllo could be mortally wounded and slain by impaling them through the heart with a stake, decapitating them, or burning them to death.
* Running Water- Gylla, like other forms of vampire, were harmed by running water like acid, and as such could not cross running rivers or other obstacles.
* Forbiddance- Gylla could not enter a dwelling without invitation by one of its occupants.
* Appearance- Gylla were very obviously not human, and were incapable of shapeshifting, making them vulnerable to discovery. Most Gylla would either live a reclusive lifestyle and hunt by night, or use magic to conceal their true identity.