Vampyre

'Artist: https://www.deviantart.com/werlioka'

Vampyres are often call different names depending on the reign they are in. Names are recorded as the following:

* l Hyborian Kingdoms: Irae or Wraith, Ravenant’s (Vampire lords/lady’s)
* l Black Kingdoms: Romwa or Rumwa
* l Hyperborea, Border Kingdom: Duriges or Durgei
* l Nordheim: Igle ‘Leech’
* l Turan and Iranistan: Alrab or Ghurab Aldam‘Blood Raven’
* l Chimmeria: Lealt or Leaolat
* l Zamora: Sagmori or Sanguis
* l Picts: Gagii-di ‘blood crow’
* l Zingara: Morsanga
* l Khitai: Bianeyi
* l Yamatai: Saneyi
* l Vandhya: Baitan
* l Stygia, Shem: Kimmias

Vampyres not only have different names depending on the reign they are in but different clans and Covens that are connected to certain bloodlines whom are dominate in different regions throughout the known world. It should be noted though that Vampyres can be encountered in every part of the world.

Clans and regions they control:

* … ---------- --------- :Black Kingdoms
* ... 1##### : Khitai, Yamatai, Kambujah, Vendhya
* ... 2#####: party Hyperborea, mainly Border Kingdom
* ... 3#####: Zingara, heavily present in Aquilonia, Nemedia, Argos, Ophir, on Barachan Isles
* ... 4####: Stygia, partially Kush
* ... 5####: Zamora, Khauran, Hyperbora

Influence is contested in these regions:

Border Kingdom, Brythunia, Corinthia, Koth, Khoraja, Turan, Iranistan, Hyrkania.

Regions where vampires are very rare:

Cimmeria, Vanaheim, Asgard, Antilian Isles

## **Origin**

The Origin of the Vampyre affliction itself is shrouded in mystery to even Vampyres themselves. Human ideas about it are normally fictional and false, the few correct details twisted and lost among superstitions. If the one who created a new Vampyre was generous enough to explain something to their blood-kin, they would tell them about the afflictions effects and the need for blood.

From what little is known about their origins, it is said that Vampyres are sub-species of immortals. They are living creatures infected with a virus granting immortality, superhuman physical abilities, enhanced resilience and healing but causing severe weakness to direct sunlight and reliance on regular blood consumption.

This means Vampyres are biologically immortal Transgenics, as opposed to supernaturally immortal being. Even if the way some bloodline where formed came from magic rituals. However, Vampyres are also hemovores, meaning that they feed on blood. While they primarily consume human blood, Vampyres can also consume flesh and sold foods though this is not necessary. They can also feed on other Vampyres, which means they can be satiated by the blood of other immortals.

## Transformation and Reproduction

In rare cases, Vampyres are able to sexually reproduce with other Vampyres or even human, creating a Pureblood Vampyre who inherits some of both parents stains of Vampyer affliction, or just the one strain if mortals are involved. This presumably makes them more ‘pure’ and respected than others of their species.

Non pureblooded Vampyres are former humans that survived being directly bitten by a Vampyre or even directly consuming blood of a Vampyre. This can be done by choice or by accident, as the genetic material given though a bite can cause fatal infection or damage. A bite will always leave permanent marks or scars.

The essential part of transformation into a Vampyre includes becoming infected with the Vampyic affliction which includes the strong side effects certain strains from certain bloodlines leave, though this can change depending on what strain one is infected with the common side-effect is known as ‘the hunger’ which often is instinctual and can be very difficult for new bloods to control when first turned.. But, all Vampyres attend to both adore and hate ‘the hunger’, some trying to master control over the strong instinctual presence, some indulging its urges and ultimately turning into blood craving beasts, know as ‘ferals’. Different Vampyres can present it in different ways, depending on their personal beliefs and delusions, their background, and circumstances of their own transformation.

Weather viewing it as a blessing or a curse the act of transforming takes over and damages one’s body and mind changing the host genetics and casing them to consonantly crave sustenance by blood of other living creatures. It does grant them immortality, heightened senses and supernatural powers. In return, vampyres lose part of their human nature and suffer penalties in broad daylight — while the sun does not damage vampires, only causing minor annoyance, none of their blood powers can be used in sunlight. The greatest challenge is restraining the Hunger.

The Vampyre affliction is not part of mortal plane and originates from the Void or Outer Dark. Vampyres believe the first mortal afflicted with the Vampiric virus had a small amount of essence from [[Uvhashi]], The Blood-Mod God of the void, and could have been a sorcerer of some kind toying with the void. Though contacting the void and summoning Uvhashi directly poses immense risk and fool who seek immorality often end up being consumed by Uvhash or other Void gods in the progress. For this reason very few are direct children of the void and often they are leaders of bloodlines holding a slightly difference strain of the Vampyric affliction. These Grand Elders often old and powerful from getting the affliction from its creator, in turn create Elders directly. Then it is up to the elders to create and select new blood.

## **Transformation**

All none- Pureblooded Vampyres go though Transformation. Transformation happens when a mortal is directly bitten by a Vampyre, directly consuming the blood of a Vampyre or though a ritual of some kind. This can be done by choice or by accident, as the Vampyric strain and genetic material given though a bite or even though consuming Vampyre blood can cause fatal infection or damage. It is noted that a bite will always leave permanent marks or scars. Transformation can only occur on regular mortals, never on other supernatural beings.

The transformation progress can be quickened slightly if the victim, willing or unwillingly is bled nearly dry by any means available, but feeding is most commonly used. Once the candidate is nearly drained of blood, the sire can give the candidate a small amount of their own blood. This progress will not instantly transform the candidate but it will speed the progress and time the affliction needs to infect its host more successfully. This way it can take roughly a few days if successful for the candidate to turn into a new blood-kin. Where with a bite alone it can take nearly a week.

The effects of Transformation slowly occur as the transformation takes place and the appearance of the newly turned Vampyre will change according to the Vampyric strain they are given. After transformation most newly turned Vampyres will be overcome with Hunger and will do everything possible to feed at the first sight of blood.

All newly turned Vampyres have very strong connection to their creator. They might hate their sire, they might warship them, yet in any case, they keep freedom of their own mind and conscience. However, the sire feels like the most closely related person in the world to them, as if the usual feeling towards parents and a small child was made multiplied and incredibly strong. The only exemption is (Bloodline 5) Bloodline, whom perfected mastery over blood magic and can artificially control the emotions of their new blood-kin. As long as the newly turned has drank from the (Bloodline 5) vampyre themself. So a vampyre lover can be forced to feel all-consuming desire for its sire, just as a guard can be Blood-tied for loyalty. This guarantees the stability within (Bloodline 5) Elders.

This close connection between vampyres and their sire also mean that if the sire dies, those turned by the sire will instinctively know it, however other then this and perhaps some confusion this wouldn’t effect them physically. With time however, after months and moths of existence, the connection weakens, until the newly turned is no longer bound to the sire and, if they survive long enough, even acquire the ability to turn other mortals into vampyres

The low survival rate of those mortals infected with the Vampyric affliction, mixed with the lack of control some Newly turns have when it comes to controlling their hunger do not allow the numbers of Vampyres in the known world to really grow, at best maintaining those at some balance.

There can be different reasons for creating new vampyres, some examples are:

* l To pass on Bloodline legacy when there are no Pure-bloods left to do so.
* l To increase the numbers in a Clan or Coven.
* l To find worthy members for an Elder Court, making sure the bloodline stays strong.
* l Because of uniqueness, weather in beauty or in talent one might be turned.
* l Because of love or lust.
* l Because of hatred and twisted humor.

## **Appearance**

Vampyres appearance varies greatly depending on their Bloodline — Otherwise most vampires appear just as they did in life, only their gaze may seem a little too cold, steady and wide-eyed to be entirely human. The only means of identifying a vampire are by magic or by allowing it to bite you, making them a deadly enemy to have. Some Bloodlines, however, have more inhuman and outright monstrous appearance.

Vampyres are also capable of transforming their physical appearance when agitated, however this is relegated to their eyes and teeth. In their normal relaxed state, Vampyres appearance remains very close to that of a human, though this also depends on the type of Vampyric strain or Bloodline they come from. When angered, their canines elongate and their eyes often glow dimly. Vampyres are also cold-blooded and have a very low body temperature, their retractable canine teeth are also on their lower jaws. All vampyre, display dimly glowing eyes and show fangs in view of fresh blood if they did not feed for a long time.

#### Known strains and their appearances

* Bloodline 1: The (Bloodline 1) have pale-gray, gray or black skin and glowing eyes no matter the state of hunger or agitation, close to no hair, long ears and filed teeth with none retractable fangs that are long. (Bloodline 1)’s Vampyric strain makes it difficult for them to blend with humans without the use of heavy sorcery. (Bloodline 1) usually don’t care for human cloths apart from few bone trinkets and large shaman/witch doctor masks often covered in painted human skin. Though this doesn’t mask their appearance completely, at best they are mistake as human from a distance.
* Bloodline 2
* Bloodline 3
* The (Bloodline 3)’s appearance after transformation is slightly random. It ranges from nearly normal with pale skin to horrifying with long fingers, claws, cold or rotting flesh, greyish-white skin resembling fungus or mould that grows on corpses. (Bloodline 3) normal can be seen with long white or dark hair. They often will wear demon masks and long silken outfits. (Bloodline 3) can shapeshift into animals for a short time, normally having two or three preferred forms of choice. They use their animal form for spying and trickery, not combat. A (Bloodline 3) is forced to turn into the animal they prefer to shapeshift to every night. Once the sun starts to rise they can shift back into their humaniod form if they wish.
* Bloodline 4
* Bloodline 5\* :The (Bloodline 5) inherit the curse experienced by their twin founders - Sisters -,-,- became even more beautiful, true alabaster goddesses. Often, this un-earthly appearance hints off at their true nature making it difficult to go unnoticed. Both genders start as unusually pale captivating beauties, with white hair and red eyes. However their gift of Fleshcraft, allows them to have no equals in using disguise, body modifications and cosmetics when it comes to blending in or changing their appearance. They love masks and extravagant outfits. Using their innate ability of Fleshcraft, they can purposely disfigure or change their appearance often can pose as circus freak, jesters, beggars and lepers. Female (Bloodline 2)’s easily pass for noble women or very expensive courtesans. Many of (Bloodline 2)’s Elders use their Flesh crafting abilities to permanently change their appearance, some not bothered to look like humans any more. In other cases, they alter their appearance to the point of something truly unhuman, perfect in its own way, but also fear inducing.

## **Feeding**

All Vampyres need to feed at lest once every two weeks to sustain themselves. Newly turned Vampyre will likely have to feed twice to once a week until they learn to control their hunger. When staved, they do not lose their powers, but cannot hide their inhuman nature any longer, showing dimly glowing eyes and fangs. A starving Vampyre will have trouble controlling their Hunger and might lash out at fresh blood despite all risks, especially if they are newly turned and not fully used to their vampyric condition.

Humans are often the best source of blood for feeding. Animal blood does not offer enough sustenance. Fedding on another vampyre is possible, if one vampyre somehow manages to convince or overpower other blood-kin. Most importantly, old vampire with time get [[Blood Transfer]] ability. This allows for a vampyre to briefly use power of other Bloodlines if they drink blood of a Vampyre outside their own Bloodline.

Fully draining a vampyre of blood is called [[Diablerie]], this is frowned upon and considered a grave transgression if performed against a vampire of their own Bloodline. If a vampyre possesses the [[Blood Transfer]] ability and Diablerises a vampyre from another Bloodline, they can acquire their Bloodline ability permanently.

Despite many beliefs, vampyre do not need to bite their victims to feed and do not always target their neck, though this is a common method. They can use any way of opening veins and gathering blood, the important bit is it being fresh and taken from a living target. Some vampyres mix it with alcohol or put water skins of blood on ice, but if kept long enough it won’t work as a full sustenance.

(Bloodline 3) are a bit different from other vampires, because they feed on humans to absorb not only their blood, but their life force. Their Elder started as a drained vessel of life and they long for the life energy needed to maintain both their existence and their magical force. If they drink to greedily, they can make their victim age in minutes and die not just from blood loss, but also from being literally drained of life.

Some vampyres do not just consume blood, but also feast on raw flesh of their victims, but that is a matter of personal preferences.

## **Religion**

Vampyres do not normally follow any religion and often times turned Vampyres will abandon their previous religion after transforming. They might however, pretend to be priests and exist within religious institution, but often they end up being outlasted even from such cults as the religion of Set for unscrupulous desire for power and absolute lack of piety.

When not satiating their hunger, they are searching for secrets in sorcery or anything that can help them establish a rule over others.

There are however, vampyric paths who take on a religious role to Vampyres. Often these paths can be disguised as other religions as well.

#### These paths are as followed:

Path of Kings: Those who follow the path of kings control their hunger by ruling over others. They also take the responsibility towards their vessels very seriously. Being honorable and justly. Followers of this path also take oaths just as seriously rarely going back on their word; mortals are inferior, promises will be fulfilled, power is everything.

Branches

* l [[The Tyrant]]
* l [[Mithras]]
* l [[The Vizier]]

Laibon: Laibon are not a race, but the Laibon are in many ways quite different from ‘regular’ vampyres. They ascribe their origins to African Gods and legends.

Path of the Beast: Followers of the path of the Beast control their hunger through the primal concepts of survival, strength, and individuality. Many members of the Path of the Best choose a simple, animalistic existence.

Branches

* l [[The Nomad]]
* l [[The Savage]]
* l [[The Hunter]]

Path of Tantabus: Followers of the all powerful Baba Yaga, the hag of Russia. The only- to have challenged their monstrous Grand Elder, the grandmother is both admired and reviled in equal measure in her Clan.

Path of Blood: Followers of the path of blood walks a road of destruction and purification by [[Diablerie]]. Each kill is considered a temporary respite from an unending hunger.

Branches

* l [[Blood]]
* l [[Metamorphosis]]
* l [[Righteousness]]

Raktasadhus: The Vampyres of india mainly follow this path.

Branches

* l [[Path of Devaraja]]
* l [[Path of Paradox]]

Path of Set: The path of set is a cult-like organization, worshiping their god as the liberator of all mankind. In turn they closely follow the Setite Faith.

The true Blackhand: The true Blackhand is an ancient organization formed by the unlikely Alliance between -Mages and seven clans.

### **Common Behaviour**

* l Despite some beliefs, vampyres can consume human food and even get some pleasure from doing so. However, this depends on their Bloodline. One who fully embraces their inhuman side, can’t savour the taste of usual food at all, feeling nothing. In any case, human food can never satiate a vampyre and can never be compared to the delicious taste of blood, instead usually making them even hungrier.
* l Vampyres are mostly nocturnal beings. Though the sun is not harmful for a vampyre, it makes them uncomfortable. Most of the things that legends claim to be dangerous for vampyres, in fact, does not do them any harm or frighten them, like garlic or mirrors. Vampyres can be effectively destroyed by fire and high quality weapons.
* l Preferences and abilities are dependant on Bloodline. Most Vampyres use armor and weapons just like human and excel in sorcery and necromancy, except for (Bloodline 1) who avoid using human weapons and cloths expect for shaman masks and are immune to magic.

## **Vampyres and Humans**

The Hyborian world has its share of monsters and dark creatures, but not all of them like to reveal themselves to the human eye, especially those not deprived of intellect and cunning. For centuries they can strive among humans without being revealed or exist openly in far and wild corners of the known world.

Very few obscure mentions in scrolls of Old Stygia and Zhemri exist of ancient manuscripts lost during the times of Acheron, speak about [[Uvhashi]], the blood-Mad God of the void. It appears as a colossal, vampiric, red mass of both tentacles and eyes or as a vampiric vaporous entity which absorbs vital forces. Whoever summons Uvhashi into mortal plane witnesses an atrocious death, after which the demonic presence is forced to leave the mortal plane again and return to the Outer Dark. It is possible that vampyres receive part of Uvhashi’s tainted essence in the form of a Vampyric strain, allowing it to keep it presence in mortal plane though their existence and keeping the vampyres alive.

This knowledge is considered forbidden in any country, especially a Mitran one, and can be available only to those who specialize in sorcery and are highly educated. This knowledge however, includes no specifications on how transformation might happen, related rituals and requirements.

## **How cultures view Vampyres**

**In Hyborian Kingdoms with Mitran culture with include:**

* Aquilonia
* Nemedis
* Brythunia
* Corinthia
* Argos
* Ophir
* Zingara

In tales and common beliefs within the Hyborian Kingdoms vampyres are the evil undead who might have risen from their grave for a number or reasons:

* l Desecrating holy Mitrean temple during life.
* l Committing a great crime during life.
* l Having a black cat jump across one’s grave
* l Eating meat from a sheep killed by a rabid wolf
* l Being cursed

Vampyres however, are usually thought to be mostly indistinguishable from living people appearance wise. It is said they cannot cross running water, have no reflection and do not cast any shadow. They can turn a living man into one of them if they have enough time to drain the victims body of every last drop of blood.

Priest of [[Mitra]] do not make distinction between vampyres and those possessed by demons. They claim both in public sermons and in their writings that no demon can enter the holy Temple, because the glory and light of Mitra will chase it away. Honey, as one of the sacred symbols of Mitraen faith, is insupportable for Vampyres who can not stand both its smell and taste. Blessed honey and water from Temples are used as wards in different places.

Nemedian commoners believe that the forest that extend along the east of Nemedia are full of Vampyres, which are demonic, bronze-footed creatures. They feast on blood of travelers by transforming into a young woman and seduce men before drinking their blood. They also are said to prey on young children in their beds at night. To prevent vampyres from rising from the dead, their hearts are pierced with iron nails while resting in their graves, or their bodies burned and the ashes scattered. Though due to the priests oppose to burning deceased Mitrans, cremation is considered a last resort.

In Zingara tales say that vampyres are ugly hags and witches who stick their single tooth and suck the blood of their victims. Zingaran Inquistion refuses to accept and rumors of Vampiric activity and instead puts under trial those who spread such rumors, accusing them of false testimony.

#### **Border Kingdom and Brythunia**

The Border Kingdom believe any corpse that has been jumped over by a black cat can become an undead blood-craving creature. A person born with an extra tipple, a tail or extra hair is doomed to become a vampire, unless they become a werewolf. Holes appear in the earth over a grave are clear signs of vampyrism. Many rituals are used to identity a vampyre. In [[Brythunia]] one method involves leading a virgin boy through a graveyard on a black virgin stallion, the horse will balk at the grave in question. Corps thought to be vampyres are plump and showing little or no signs of decomposition, sometimes even having fresh blood from a victim all over its face and hands.

The Border Kingdom experience frequent raids for human livestock often performed by the servant of the (Bloodline 2) Ravenants, but they do not know much about the internal life of Ravenants apart from rumors about impaled bodies lining their borders. In a mountainous region of the Border Kingdom there is a remote village named [[Lucerthan]], while no one outside Lucerthan knows for sure what is happening there, its inhabitants are pawns to [[Alkarion]], and (Bloodline 2) vampyre who established his own Ravenants.

#### **Hyperborea**

Hyperboreans know all to well what Vampyres are, even though for them there is only one kind of vampyre, The (Bloodline 5). Thousands of years ago the Grand Elders of the (Bloodline 5) Bloodline chose only the fiercest and most talented sorcerers to turn them into Elders of their Bloodline. Known as (Bloodline 5) Ravenants, they claimed vast territories on the eastern borders of Hyperborea, openly practising the art of Fleshcrafting. The Raveants of (Bloodline 5) still remain a zone fully dominated by (Bloodline 5), anyone entering those lands uninvited does it at their own risk and peril. The only reason why the Raveants do not try to expand their domains is the never-ending conflict with [[Louhi]], the immortal necromancer queen of Hyperborea and the centuries old feuds between the Ravenants themselves.

Though the (Bloodline 5) are known for inhuman sadism, it does not mean people do not live on their lands. For (Bloodline 5) humans are their flock, yet the flock demands some care and safety. Generations of peasant, hunters and Artisans exist in the shadows of dark keeps. In a way those settlements even prosper, profiting from the protection they receive. Raiders will not risk invading the cursed lands of the Ravenants and Ravenant do not forbid trade with outsiders. Laws are harsh, but as long as Ravenants receive their due tribute, the mortals can live in peace.

The Nordheimir call vampyres Igle which translate to ‘leech’, mixing them with evil undead. Unlike ghosts Igle is corporeal and roams the earth to harass the living, drive them mad or even kill them. Igle often drag mortals into their lair and turns them into more Igle. Nordheimir do not, however, associate (Bloodline 5) with Igle, thinking that they are just some kind of evil sorcerers who need blood for sacrifices.

The Nordheimir believe that decapitation is the only way to deal with a Igle, with the head buried between the feet. The Igle head, body, or cloths can also be spiked and pinned to the earth to prevent rising. Sometimes the body is dismembered and the pieces burned, mixed with water and administered to clan members as a cure.

#### **Cimmeria**

[[Cimmerian]]s are one of the few nations that have some vague idea about (Bloodline 5) due to their relative proximity to Hyperborea. The (Bloodline 5), Lealt or Leaolat. Even not knowing any real details about the (Bloodline 5), Cimmerians feel hate and disgust towards the Lealt as they do towards anything related to evil sorcery and Hyperborea.

Most Cimmerians claim that (Bloodline 5) are just one of the types of sorcerer-gods of Hyperborea, dabbling in blood magic. A few insist that the (Bloodline 5) are actually Undead evil tyrants who repeatedly rise from ancient graves to spread terror and drink the blood of their subjects. Cimmerians believe that an (Bloodline 5) can be killed only by someone untainted with sorcery, using a sword of yew wood and must be buried upside-down to never rise again.

Within the more southern tribes there are also tales about Lealt - being female vampyres that wander around graveyards and apply their beauty to seduce male victims. Their legs do not touch ground and they move with inhuman speed when fighting.

Considering the method recommended in Cimmerian tales, there is no wonder that any (Bloodline 5) subjected to it would likely survive and successfully rise again. The tales about the Lealt might be based on encounters with a few (Bloodline 2) renegades.

#### **Pictish Wilderness**

The Picts talk of the Gagii-di, which to them are pale skinned, skull faced spirits that steal children and drive the living mad. Only experienced shamans can detect their vicinity. Aloe is hung backwards behind or near a door often because it is thought to ward off those Vampiric beings.

#### **In Zamora**

Zamorians think of Sagmori as undead witches with two hearts and two souls, who can send out their souls at night to meet with other Sagmori and consume the blood of the living. They drive steel or iron needles into a corpses heart and place bits of steel in the mouth, over the eyes, ears and between the fingers at the time of burial if they suspect the deceased can rise as a Vampyre. A brick with protective symbols can also be forced into the mouth of a corpse.

It is often said that the Sagmori, after draining blood from a victim will return to its body in the woods and regurgitates blood. If a silver coin was to be soaked in that blood and warpped in cloth, it would become an amulet offering permanent protection from any Sagmori. Such amulet can also be placed at the entrance of human dwellings, rending and Sagmori inside unable to leave. They can then be captured and killed at the threshold as they vainly attempt to pass.

#### **In Stygia, Shem and Kush**

In the Satite pantheon [[Hathor]] in her aspect of [[Sukhmet]], the fire of [[Set]]’s eye, is considered to be a vampire killer who drinks the blood of those she vanquishes. Once unleashed, the only wat Set can keep her from slaying every man, woman and child on the planet is to provide her with buckets of blood laced with wine. She drinks the wine-blood and calms down, becoming Hathor once again. The Cult of Hathor is useful for Kimmias to distract the attention from the [[Cult of A---]], which remains un-associated with Vampyres in the public opinion.

Accoing to the Cult of A---, still powerful in Stygia and Kush, she ascended into the heavens to live as a goddess of youth. In truth, the Grand Elder of the Kimmias remains in Stygia, eventually choosing the dark crypts under the Temple of Set, in [[Khemi]], the capital of Stygia, as her residence. There she dwells in the shadows, living off priests, magicians, and virgins captured and brought to her. But that is unknown to the regular Stygain and even to most acolytes of the Cult of A---. Only servants of [[Yinepu]] are aware of it and wage a secret war against Kimmias.

In Shemite beliefs, Kimmias is a female demon, malevolent daughter of the god Anu. She kidnaps children to gnaw on their bones and suck their blood, as well as performing a number of other evil deeds. Kimmias is said to have hairy body, a lioness head with donkey's teeth and ears, long fingers and fingernails, and the feet of a bird with sharp talons — which might be Shemitic interpretation of Stygian Sukhmet.

#### **In The Black Kingdoms**

Within Kush commoners often believe that Vampyres drink the blood and eat the nails of nobles. In Zembabwei people say that Vampyres can take the form of a firefly. In Keshan Vampyres are believed to be able to shape-shift into large bats.

(Bloodline one) are well known to the inhabitants of jungles and swamps of Darfar, Zembabwei and other Black Kingdoms. They normally are described as a quasi-human form with a hunchback, glowing eyes, sharp teeth and talons, long Grey tails and pale grey skin. (Bloodline one)’s habit to move through forest concealed by leaves, hopping from branch to branch, gave origin to tales claiming that those creatures have hooks instead of feet and us them to swing down from trees and grab people walking through the forest.

People of the Black Kingdoms often also think that witches leave their homes at night to hold secret meetings with (Bloodline one) and plot to kill their fellow village members. Some legends claim that the witches and (Bloodline one) can become willing lovers. Through that liaison a witch is able to turn vampyres into her servanr, so-called ‘Impundulu’. The witch that controls the Impundulu Vampyre makes sure that the creature is always fed well in order to avoid the creature turning on her. If the witch doesn’t allow her Impundulu to feed, it will cause the witches death, so the witch always makes sure her Vampyre servant is well fed. The Vampyre is usually owned by a female and is later passed to the witch’s daughter. If the Impundulu wasn’t handed down, it becomes an ownerless monster again.

#### **In Khitai and Yamatai**

Khitans believe that the (Bloodline 3) are reanimated corpses that hop around, killing living creatures to absorb life essence, from their victims. According to Khitan legends, Jiangshi have greenish-white furry skin and are usually represented as mindless creatures with no independant though, simply craving blood.

Despite the (Bloodline 3)’s love for secrecy, their existence would be impossible to hide in the land of powerful sorcerers and great scholars. Understanding that, (Bloodline 3) Elders did everything possible to confuse mortals and create false legends, Khitans believe that you can trick (Bloodline 3) by holding your breath and that dropping a bag of coins can cause the (Bloodline 3) to count coins. (Bloodline 3) are said to be terrified of their own reflections. Khitan scholars mention multiple objects and events that can scare (Bloodline 3), mirrors, items made of wood from a peach tree, a rooster’s call, Jujube seeds nailed to a (Bloodline 3)’s body, fire, hooves of a black donkey, vinegar, beans, handbell, thread stained with a concoction of black ink, chicken blood and burnt talisman, blood of a black dog, stonemason’s awl, axe, broom. Needless to say, only axe and fire from that list might have some effect on a Vampyre.

The fox spirits, known as Huli jing or jiuweihu in Khitai and kitsune in Yamatai, are usually females and appear as young, beautiful women. In one legend, a fox spirit married an heir to the throne and turned him into a tyrant, inventing many devices of torture, such as forcing righteous officials to hug red-hot metal pillars. Fox spirits are usually seen as mischievous and dangerous, but some of the Khitan books are love stories between a fox appearing as a beautiful girl and a young human male.

#### **In Hyrkania and Turan**

Hyrkanians have some vague legends about evil bat-gods of the far North who they call----. Turanians tell tales about the ---\_\_ Revenats associated with nightmares and death. They are invulnerable and may only be strangled with a noose made of vine.

#### **In Vendhya, himelian Mountains and Kambuja**

Vendhyans have a lot of tales about vetalas, ghoul-like beings that inhabit corpses of dead people. The Vetala is described as an undead creature with cold decaying body, who hangs upside down on trees found on cremation grounds and cemeteries. There is a huge range of amulets and sacred signs meant to protect from those evil beings. On of the most popular tales describes failed attempts of a Vendhyan king to capture an elusive Vampyre. In Kambuja the beautiful female Yakshini are rumored to feed on lone traveller who they seduce.

## **Abilities (WIP)**

Vampyre virus causes biological changes in the hosts that endow them with heightened senses and greatly-increased physical abilities. Vampyres possess superhuman physical powers, including strength, speed, agility, reflexes, endurance, durability and accelerated healing. Their physical abilities increases with age as well.

Certain Vampyres also display the ability to obtain memories through blood ingestion, possibly through the virus affecting their brain and nerves and making their other tissues and fluids capable of obtaining bio-organic signals and information, which could explain their healing abilities. It can be assumed that all Vampyres possess various degrees of these abilities, depending on their age and experience. Their heightened senses manifest in acutely increased depth perception, sense of smell, hearing, and night vision which manifests as electric blue, yellow, or purple eyes.

Their feeding allows them to maintain their physical abilities, especially their resistance to injury and pain, and their recovery abilities, though age strengthens these abilities further than feeding can.

*Some subjects of this do not survive, as the infection or damage caused can worsen due to the turning process.*

A Vampyre is also able to change their appearance; their skin being more pale and white, their fanged canines and lateral incisors extending and being more pronounced from the mouth, and the Vampyre's irises being either bright electric blue, purple, or yellow. This transformation can be willed by the Vampyre or brought on by intense emotions such as anger, especially when the Vampyre is in danger or combat. It is possible that this transformation can enhance a Vampyre's abilities in a similar way to a Lycan's transformation.

Powers

* 4.1. Each Vampire is able to cast his/her respective Bloodline power once during 24 RL hours  (see more in each Bloodline entry).
* 4.2. Thurian Blood perk allows to a vampire to briefly (for 4 RL hours) use power of other Bloodlines if he drinks blood of vampire from those Bloodlines. If a vampire possess Thurian Blood perk and diablerises (drains from blood as forced PD) vampire from other Bloodline, he can acquire their Bloodline ability permanently.
* 4.3. Vampire can use only one power during 24 RL hours. Even with Thurian Blood perk he has to choose only one power from all the powers he possess.
* 4.4. Vampire can use Bloodline power on any kind of humans and Supernaturals, but not other vampires and not Adze Blood Thralls. That partially influences the intensity of conflicts between vampires and the Shadow War.
* 4.5.  Adze Vampires and their Blood Thralls are immune to any kind of magic, rituals, spells, curses and innate powers.

Progression

* 2.1. There is a system of IC progression implemented for vampires. It is meant to reward the long-term characters, able to survive despite all perils:
* 1 RL month - The Child no longer dies if their Sire does, since the bond weakens.
* 2 RL months - The Vampire gains chance to resurrect once after being permakilled.
* 3 RL months - Thurian Blood perk that allows to use power of other bloodlines if vampire drinks their blood.
* 4 RL months – The Vampire can sire an additional / first Child (first for former Child).
* 6 RL months – The Vampire gains additional and last chance to resurrect after being permakilled. (edited)

## **Weaknesses(WIP)**

Despite their immortality, Vampyres can die and suffer permanent damage from severe physical trauma, including amputation, dismemberment, decapitation, mutilation and severe blood loss. Exposure to sunlight is enough to hurt their eyes if they look at it, though it cannot burn them. However, most heavy injuries will leave a Vampyre weakened until they can feed, which heals their injuries completely. Vampyres do not possess any of the other mystical weaknesses of mythological Vampyres (crosses, holy water, garlic, stakes, etc). It is also possible for Vampyres to die in childbirth (presumably from hemorrhaging).

Nightshade is highly poisonous to Vampyres - if a weaker Vampyre got nightshade into their bloodstream or ingested it, they would die, while more powerful Vampyres, are shown to suffer crippling pain and temporary paralysis from Nightshade.

Only a small percentage of the human population can be turned into Vampyres, as most humans die from infection of the Vampyre virus within an hour of being bitten by a Vampyre.

Vampyres can only possess a total immunity to sunlight when they have been fully turned and only as they age, allowing them to walk in the middle of the day without consequences.

General(WIP)

* 1.1. For both gameplay and RP reasons, players are not allowed to RP vampire Primogens or Elders (the only exception is Game Masters and Ritualists during DMed RP sessions, acting as NPCs), since those are creatures of immense power. We recommend creating characters not older than 200 years, preferably about 60-100 years.
* 1.2. There can be only 1 vampire of each Bloodline at server launch. The slot for vampire character of each respective Bloodline can reopen only if there are no characters of that Bloodline in game anymore.
* 1.3. Players can’t start as Blood Thralls, they need to be turned into them ICly in game. Each vampire can have only 2 Blood Thralls at the same time.
* 1.4. The Lamashtu Bloodline can create only female vampires, the Adze Bloodline — only male ones.
* 1.5. Blood Thralls have no gender restrictions, no matter the Bloodline.
* 1.6. If sire is permakilled, their vampiric child dies as well, unless the child exists longer than 1 RL month.(edited)