Vampire

**Vampires** are a type of being that can be found in the Shadow Realm that are created from humans when the human and a vampire drink each other's blood.

Vampires are considered evil abominations, though they do have the ability to choose to be good if motivated.

## Clans

Vampires live in hierarchical clans ruled by a single, extraordinarily powerful vampire called the Bloodpatron (male) or Bloodmatron (female).

Clans will establish some sort of home, called their lair, where they will interact with each other, rest, and store human prisoners, called chattel, that they can feed on. They are usually kept somewhat small to avoid attracting the attention of humans and risk them mounting a dedicated attack against the clan. Because of this, most vampires are not permitted to turn new humans whenever they want.

Some vampire clans will align themselves with a demon, but most clans avoid demons, as, though demons will often make promises of demonic powers, vampire clans have never actually benefited from such an alliance. Additionally, it only reinforces humans' opinions that vampires are pure evil and must be eradicated at all costs.

Clans are very territorial and aggressive toward each other, and alliances are extremely rare. Internal conflicts are not uncommon and most often result in the leader killing whoever is causing issues, though sometimes the rebel may be able to overthrow the leader and take over the clan if they have enough allies. If the majority of the clan is loyal to their leader, then a rebel may try to split off and form a new clan. New clans are at high risk of being annihilated by humans or other clans if they are unable to quickly establish themselves.

### Hierarchy

The highest-ranked vampires are the Bloodlords, who include the Bloodpatron/Bloodmatron and the leader's closest and most trusted friends or lovers. These vampires are not required to even leave their lair to find their own victims or fight, but will sometimes choose to participate in these activities anyway. They can also turn new humans without needing to seek approval from anyone else.

Under the Bloodlords are the aristocrats, who are powerful vampires that have made a name for themselves within the clan and are respected by the leader. They will usually serve as commanders during battles with humans or other clans. They may feed on chattel, but are still expected to occasionally leave the lair. If there is a decree from the leader for clan growth, aristocrats may turn humans at will without specific approval.

Below the aristocrats are the soldiers, who have proven their worth to the clan and generally make up the majority of the population. They will defend the lair, fight battles for the clan, and make sure the lair has enough chattel. Soldiers are not allowed to feed on the chattel themselves, except during times of battle or celebrations. They are not allowed to turn a human without permission from at least an aristocrat during clan growth, or one of the Bloodlords during any other time.

The lowest rank lack any titles, but may pejoratively be referred to as peasants or parasites by the higher ranks. They are expected to perform menial labor, such as cleaning the lair and taking care of the chattel. They are expected to *always* hunt for themselves, and should never even touch the chattel aside from what is necessary to care for them. Vampires of this rank are never supposed to turn a human.

## Vampire Traits

Vampires possess several innate powers, but have several weaknesses as well.

### Powers

* Strength — Vampires are physically stronger than humans.
* Regeneration — Vampires can quickly heal from damage. The stronger the vampire, the faster they can regenerate.
* Shapeshift — Most vampires learn how to shapeshift. The most common form is a bat, but they can learn other forms as well.
* Concealment — Vampires can cause a fog to form around them to hide themselves, or if they are powerful enough, even become invisible.
* Mind Control — They can bend the will of lower lifeforms to serve them, from insects to humans. The less intelligent the creature, the more power the vampire has over them.
* Immunity to Disease — Vampires cannot get sick with diseases.
* Resistance to Darkness — Magic that is of a dark nature has less effect against vampires.
* Immortality — Vampires do not age and can survive indefinitely without needing to eat or breathe.

### Weaknesses

* Fire — Vampires burn much more easily than ordinary humans, making fire the most efficient weapon humans can use against them.
* Holy Powers — Vampires are repulsed by Holy artifacts and will take more damage from powers that counter evil.
* Sunlight — Exposure to the sun weakens vampires. They can wear large hoods to avoid sunlight, but prefer to sleep during the day.
* Thirst — Although a vampire does not need to eat to live, they will become weak without a regular supply of fresh human blood.

## Known Vampires

* Wolwood
* Amrit
* Chanda
* Trishna