Vampires

**Vampires**, amidst the many races of Ygdren, are amongst the most unique, amongst the most rare, and certainly amongst the most deadly to cross. Their general classification as a form of undead is a tenuous one, and if it weren't for the fact that their hearts do not always beat and they do not need to breathe, one could almost be mistaken for thinking them to be human, albeit potently magical ones. In fact, divination and other common means to detect undead have no effect on them. Unlike most other undead, they are born, not transformed or made.

## Description

Though there exist various bloodlines of vampires, they share many features and properties. In general, they are immortal, only appearing to age very slowly once they reach adulthood. They have two forms which they can switch between at will: one which is humanoid in nature and appearance, and the other which is bestial and warped. These two forms share various physical characteristics. For example, vampires do not need to breathe (though many will practice doing so subconsciously so as to blend in).

More prominently, vampires have two hearts arranged in a binary vascular system. In their humanoid forms, these hearts beat extraordinarily slowly, giving them pale complexions and skin that is cold to the touch. When they enter their vampiric form however, the heartbeats accelerate to extremely rapid rates, just out of sync with each other, giving the vampire heightened senses, speed, strength, reflexes, stamina, regenerative capabilities, and so on. If a vampire is angered or put under duress, their heartbeats can begin to accelerate against their will, forcing them into their vampiric form. As such, most vampires try to keep a cool head, practice self-control, and are composed to the point of fault.

Another important characteristic is vampires' affinity to blood. Contrary to popular belief, vampires aren't forced to only subsist on blood. They are more than capable of eating and drinking normal substances and in fact need them to survive, though alcohol and drugs specifically have little effect on them even in humanoid form. Blood however, is intoxicating to a vampire, like a drug in its own right. Drinking fresh blood from a living creature fills the vampire with ecstasy, and heightens their physical and magical potencies. The older the blood, the finer it tastes to a vampire, and the more addicting it can become. In their vampiric forms, the scent or taste of blood is near impossible for a vampire to resist, and can drive even the most composed vampire into a blood-crazed frenzy. In their humanoid forms, the compulsion is lessened, but overexposure can still force a transformation and subsequent frenzy.

Vampires in their humanoid form generally appear akin to humans, though some bloodlines have features that resemble shifters more, with hairier skin, larger eyes, and pointed ears. While in this form, they behave very similarly to other humanoid creatures, albeit with particular potencies they gain from their bloodline. They can still regenerate wounds, move more quickly than normal, and have more acute senses, though these characteristics pale in comparison to their vampiric forms and they have no fangs or claws, but are still able to drink and digest blood if needed. Though direct sunlight in this form makes them uncomfortable, they are able to withstand it as normal but are unable to change form within. Typically, they prefer not to dwell in the sun, and will favour shaded or dark areas whenever possible.

The true nature of a vampire is however revealed when they take their vampiric form. The appearance of this form differs from bloodline to bloodline, but in all cases it is somewhat bestial in nature and demeanour, and always a more savage counterpart to their humanoid forms. Massive fangs are a staple, able to tear flesh with a single bite and draw out blood. All their physical properties are massively heightened when in this form, and they become creatures of instinct that cannot be reasoned with. While in this form, direct sunlight brings them pain and can even render some of them blind.

Vampires are nigh unkillable through conventional means, in either form. Only divine magic can truly hurt them, and even then, a vampire can only truly meet final death if their entire form is destroyed in holy fire. If destroyed by other means, a vampire will reform over a long period of time: first as arcane mist, then slowly taking corporeal form, before finally re-awakening. This immortality in no way means that normal death is pleasant for them. In fact, it is incredible traumatic, and will over time destroy their thoughts and memories, driving them to insanity.

An alternative means of dealing with vampires is to drain them entirely of blood. This reduces them to a state of torpor, where they are still semi-conscious but cannot move or take any form of action until blood is restored to them. This act is seen as particularly heinous by vampire kind, and is strictly forbidden. Any mortals found to be engaging in such a practice are generally hunted down and made an example of.

## Culture & Society

There are many inaccurate myths and beliefs about vampires that have historically caused them to hide their natures. In most cases, a vampire is not a sadistic, soulless, unthinking monster (or at the very least, no more so than other creatures). Due to their immortality, they typically seek out positions of power, and many will use magical prowess or manipulation to get their way, but this in itself is no different than any other race. Many vampires also have a distaste for their vampiric forms, preferring to shy away from its more animalistic nature as much as possible and avoid the trouble it causes. Very few actively hunt mortals for blood, and these are often shunned by other vampires, who see blood as an indulgence more than a staple of life.

Amongst common folk, many falsehoods about vampires abound. They do not burn to ash in sunlight, and have no particular aversion to fire unless it is of divine nature. Rushing water does not impede them, and neither do crucifixes, holy water, or garlic. Partial damage to their body (such as stakes through the heart or removal of limbs) is barely an inconvenience, and easily regenerated. A vampire's bite does not turn a mortal into a vampire, it is simply a bite like any other (albeit potentially more deadly).

Some facts that are widespread knowledge however are true. Vampires cannot be seen in mirrors or reflective surfaces backed with silver. They can turn mortals into thralls, though this is done by feeding the mortal some of their own blood rather than the reverse. They are immortal, but can be killed by holy flame. They drink and thrive on blood, but do not need it to survive.

## Subraces

### Vahrblud

Vahrblud (*Radenian:* "Pure-bloods") are the most distinctly powerful of vampire kin, and the rarest. In humanoid form, they appear human, often with pale skin and near supernaturally attractive features. They are often potent in arcane practice of many forms, and retain many of their physical capabilities even in humanoid form. In their vampiric shape, they still appear largely humanoid, though their limbs grow longer, their spines hunch, they shed all body hair, and they grow hooked fangs and long, sharp claws that can tear flesh and steel apart like paper. They are said to retain much of their conscious self even in vampiric form, being more resistant to their bestial nature than most, and some can even continue to cast spells when in this form. No matter what form they take, they are some of the most dangerous foes to face head-to-head: cunning, resilient, fast, and strong beyond any mortal capability, and even the capability of many others of their vampiric kin.

### Alpr

Alpr (*Sceída:* derived from "Mist") are elegant predators, known for their celerity, litheness, and agility. Though not as outwardly attractive as Bruxae or Vahrblud, there is certainly an allure in their predatory grace that has captivated the hearts of many. In humanoid form, they are often sleek, slender, and move with careful poise and balance that is difficult to disguise. They largely appear human, but have some distinct shifter-like features: pointed ears, large angled eyes, and sharp instincts. In their vampiric form, their shape becomes more feline in nature, patches of sleek fur, a bristling mane running down the top of their spine, powerful coiled hind legs that let them spring and sprint at incredible speeds, a barbed tail that lets them keep balance in the most impossible situations, and long fangs that can crush a skull like it were made of brittle wood. It is generally said that trying to outpace an Alpr is much like trying to outpace the wind.

### Bruxae

Bruxae (*Radenian:* "Bewitched") are a dangerously charming breed of vampire kin, that have complete mastery over beguiling, manipulating, and seducing mortals. In humanoid form, they are all beautiful and often vain to a fault, appearing mostly human, though with looks that would put any mortal to shame. They are experts at blending in perfectly among mortals, surrounding themselves with servants, bodyguards, and lovers, both mortal and vampire kin. They can enthral with a gaze as much as a kiss, and are often obediently served by an entire court of suitors and sycophants, tending to their every need. In their vampiric shape, they retain much of their beauty, though it is marred by subtle changes that would terrify most. Their skin grows ghostly white, glittering and reflecting like glass in moonlight. Their eyes grow pupil less and black, and the tips of their fingers turn into talons. Even in this form, they rely on guile over brute force: paralysing with their gaze, whispering secrets that drive mortals mad, shattering thought and mind alike.

### Hexenwald

Hexenwald (*Aldwyran:* "Hex-made") are unique amidst vampire kin in that they are likely deadlier in their humanoid form than their vampiric one. They appear no different than a human, no more graceful or outwardly beautiful than average, but to the practiced eye their blood buzzes with arcane energy. They are innately capable of a form of blood sorcery that grants them potent capabilities, often beyond those of an average sorcerer. In their vampiric form, their skin withers and seems to decay, and they look more like fanged mummified corpses than vampires. Though their magical abilities in this form are less potent, they grow strangely resistant to magic directed against them, and are said to be able to shrug off or ignore spells entirely.

### Volkoslak

Volkoslak (*Radenian:* "Stone-blooded") are physically the largest of vampire kin, notorious for their particular strength and resilience. In humanoid form, they are usually large and burly, often being hairier than the average human and closer to the appearance of shifters. In their vampiric form, their skin grows grey, taking on the texture of cracked stone, and they grow larger and thicker with muscle. A ridge of stone spikes runs down their spine, and massive tasks erupt from their lower jaws that can impale creatures straight through and drain them of blood. In this form, they are resilient to most kinds of magic, can sense vibrations in the earth, and even burrow through it at high speeds.

### Sceadugen

Sceadugen (*Arlan:* "Shadow-goers") are a rare form of vampire kin, and amongst the most feared, for they prey upon the most primal of instincts: fear of the dark. In humanoid form, they are usually dark-skinned, and can vary in form more than most other types of vampires: short or tall, slender or stout. Their eyes are vertical slits, like those of cats, even though the rest of their appearance is largely human. In their vampiric form, they forego a completely corporeal shape and become part shadow and part flesh. They are able to blend in with any patch of shadow, pass through the narrowest of places, and even move between one shadow and the next instantaneously. Above all other vampires, they are masters of the night.

### Nosferat

Nosferat (*Radenian:* "Foul-skinned") are said to be a form of vampire kin cursed with a foul appearance, in both forms. In humanoid form, they appear human but usually have deformed or deeply marred features which cause them to be frequently shunned by mortals and other vampires alike. In their vampiric form, they take the form of twisted humanoid bats, growing talons and long fangs, bristly fur, leathery wings, and curling horns. Able to both fly and move quickly on all fours even across vertical surfaces, they are also invisible to most forms of magical detection, and can even camouflage their appearance at will, making them very difficult to spot. Though less physically powerful than many other kinds of vampire kin, they are extremely mobile, adapt quickly, and are overall difficult to pin down.

## Crossbreeds

### Dhampyr

Dhampyr are the result of an intermingling between a lesser vampire and a human. Though rare, the union can produce viable offspring, even if the majority of births in this manner fail or result in the infant's early death. The result is a half-blood, a creature that possesses traits from both ends of the spectrum, and not often the best ones. On the one hand, the mortality and relative fragility of man, but the versatility and adaptability that defines them. On the other hand, the vicious bestial instinct and savage addictions of vampire kin, without the benefit of immortality to learn to control it, but the potencies of their sire's bloodline to make the results just as deadly. Any of the vampiric subraces can mate with mortal races, but a dhampyr offspring are only possible when mating with humans.

## Properties

### Dhampyr

* ***Ability Score Increase.*** You gain an ability score increase from your vampiric bloodline.
* ***Size.*** Your size is Medium.
* ***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
* ***Darkvision***. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern colour in darkness, only shades of grey.
* ***Vampiric Bloodline.*** You are descended from a vampiric bloodline stretching back millennia. Choose one type of vampire from the Vampiric Bloodline table. Your vampiric form and ability score increase are determined by the type you choose, as shown in the table.
* ***Deathless Nature.*** You don't need to breathe.
* ***Vampiric Form.*** As a bonus action, you can assume a more vampiric appearance derived from your lineage. This transformation lasts for 1 minute, or until you die. While in this form you gain additional benefits determined by your vampiric bloodline, but cannot cast or concentrate on spells unless otherwise specified. You cannot willingly end this transformation unless you succeed on a Charisma saving throw against a DC of 10 + the amount of rounds left in the transformation. You have disadvantage on this saving throw if there is fresh blood within 120 feet of you or if you have used your bite weapon since the start of your previous turn. Once you transform in this way, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
* ***Bite Weapon.*** While in vampiric form, you have a fanged bite which counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. You add your Constitution modifier, instead of your Strength modifier, to the attack and damage rolls when you attack with this bite. It deals 1d4 piercing damage on a hit, and restores hit points equal to the piercing damage dealt by the bite.