Upyr (disambiguation)

## Appearance

Upyr look as they did when they were human, for the most part, and thus are very diverse in appearance on the surface. However, there are some defining traits all upyr possess.

#### Fangs

Upyr's teeth are one of their most unique, and deadly, weapons. Their teeth are generally understood to have three states. The first is concealed, wherein a upyr's mouth is visually indistinguishable from a human's. Maintaining this state requires some level of concentration on the upyr's part, though the skill can improved with practice and doing so is often a matter of survival. The second state is colloquially referred to as "resting fangs." In this state, upyr teeth are noticeably unnatural, with large, sharp canines and lateral incisors. When not feeding, this is the most natural and comfortable condition to maintain. However, given the cultural influence of the pop-culture vampire, unconcealed fangs pose a major threat to stealth and social acceptance. Additionally, where upyr fangs begin to take on a metallic make-up at this stage, they have been known to trip metal detectors on rare occasions. The last state is for active feeding. In this state, all anterior teeth become enlarged and sharpened. A majority of the jaw and skull is converted to a lightweight metal nanocomposite, approximately 14 percent silicon carbide nanoparticles and 86 percent magnesium. This state is typically triggered by increased adrenaline and emotion, and can be induced voluntarily with practice.

#### Eyes

Much like their fangs, upyr can conceal the supernatural appearance of their eyes. When doing so, their eyes will appear as they did when the upyr was human. However, when relaxed or feeding, a upyr's eyes will shine an orange-yellow, and the presence of a *tapetum lucidum* causes their eyes to reflect light, and allows the upyr to see in the dark.

#### Claws

Upyr have protractile claws for use in hunting and self-defense. At rest, a upyr's hand appears to have natural fingernails (although upyr fingernails do tend to be thicker and pointier than humans' do), but at will, or when adrenaline is triggered, a upyr's nails will grow into a several-inch, deadly weapon.

#### Complexion

While upyr are not technically deceased, their massively decreased circulation and constantly fluctuating state of hunger often leave upyr appearing pallid and sickly, with skin cold to the touch. It is not uncommon for upyr to look tired or malnourished, especially those not well-off enough to have food security.

## Abilities

Upyr abilities vary in degree amongst individuals, but most upyr share the same supernatural skills. Among the most basic are heightened reflexes, night vision, physical transformation (as detailed in Appearance), and slight supernatural strength. Upyr also have a formidable sense of smell, especially when blood is involved. A upyr's natural lifespan is four to five times that of a human's, though they are mortal, but it is rare for upyr to die of old age.

More innately, upyr are able to regenerate and heal very quickly, though, like most of their abilities, doing so leaves them drained and hungry. They are immune to illnesses and diseases, as their bodily systems are completely inhospitable to pathogens. Upon experiencing debilitating injury, a upyr may appear dead, but will recover as allowed by their energy reserves before being sent into a starved frenzy until they are able to feed. As such, it is possible to "kill" a upyr with starvation, although that is far from the most reliable method of disposing of one.

Upyr feed on the energy of mortals' souls, which is tied very closely with their blood. A upyr can feed on a mortal repeatedly with no consequence provided said mortal is allowed time between meals to fully recover. Upyr saliva contains a powerful local anesthesia, and promotes the supernatural recovery of wounds exposed to it. The act of feeding carries an emotional weight as well, although upyr are not forthcoming with details in that regard, and it is considered a very intimate experience by many.

The most commonly known means of killing upyr is a complicated process. A upyr must be encircled completely by a holy lifeline, a blessed red rope or string being the most convenient manifestation of such, and then set ablaze. The significance of these events and their outcome is not understood. Upyr are known to susceptible to holy water and other blessed materials, a trait which they share with many other supernatural species.

## Behaviour

Upyr tend to be very solitary, with the occasional exception of their brood. A upyr might maintain an admonitory relationship with a upyr they sired, that is, a upyr they created/turned. A group of upyr sired by the same person is that upyr's brood, and given the vastly-extended lifespan of upyr, a brood can form a consistent support network when mortal connections come and go. However, connection's with one's sire and broodmates are usually kept discreet, especially by upyr hoping to maintain a healthy, independent position in society.

Upyr on the streets or in bad areas might forgo the solitude preferred by their middle and upper class counterparts, and instead elect for living and hunting in small groups to increase their odds of survival. Mortal police, other upyr gangs, territorial wolves, and criminals of any persuasion all threaten the well being of upyr forced to acquire prey through violent means.

Broadly, upyr prefer to feed on unsuspecting, or even willing, mortals. Most would rather seduce, bribe, or pay for their meals than abduct passersby. A voluntary or unaware meal might be left alive and thus mitigate clean-up, where launching an attack on a civilian forces a upyr to kill their prey and then deal with the disposal of a corpse. Upyr, especially those who consider themselves in possession of a refined palate, can feed on humans, fey, and magic-users, but are typically repulsed by the blood of animals, werewolves, and other upyr.

Turning mortals is an act typically reserved for lovers and close friends, although a upyr might offer their services in this vein in the name of business or favors. Siring a upyr without their direct consent is extremely taboo, and unthinkable for even the most cruel and violent upyr on the streets.

## Characters of Note

* Pax Furyk
* Nyx Fletcher
* Monday Hackett
* Tuesday Hackett
* Callum Eldridge
* Valencia Gray
* Cliff Devereaux
* Hattie Cline
* Freya Sane
* Stone Dominguez