Vampires

Classification

Undead • Children of Denday • Sapient

Overview

Vampires are undead beings bound to Denday, created in the aftermath of Quintra’s banishment. They are not a race, but an altered state that may be bestowed upon individuals of any origin.

Contrary to common belief, vampires are not servants of Ghor. This misconception persists due to the actions of the Dag’da, whose atrocities were long attributed to vampirism as a whole.

Vampires exist in a prolonged life-like state, sustained solely by fresh blood. As long as they continue to feed, their bodies remain preserved exactly as they were at the moment of death.

Origin

Legend attributes the creation of the first vampires to the ritual that banished Quintra from Eonil. Eight followers of Denday were believed slain during the rite and buried, only to rise again when Denday ascended the following day.

They emerged neither living nor truly dead, bound to blood and shadow, their former mortal needs replaced by an unending hunger.

Physical Traits & Abilities

Vampires possess a range of supernatural enhancements, including:

• Greatly increased strength and speed
• Heightened senses, most commonly smell, though sight and hearing are not uncommon
• Powerful charisma capable of charming mortals or altering memories
• Accelerated regeneration, particularly when feeding

Exposure to direct sunlight does not immediately destroy a vampire, but renders them severely weakened and vulnerable.

Blood & Transformation

Blood is both sustenance and catalyst.

• Feeding heals wounds that would otherwise be fatal
• Vampire blood may heal others, though this practice is forbidden
• If a mortal dies with vampire blood in their system, they will rise as a vampire when Denday next ascends

Destruction

Vampires cannot be killed by a stake through the heart.

Their only true vulnerability is fire.

A slain vampire must be burned completely. If their remains come into contact with blood before destruction, regeneration will begin, restoring the vampire to the state it was in at the time of death.

Society & Secrecy

Vampires organize themselves into ancient families bound by bloodline and loyalty. Betrayal of one’s own family is considered the gravest of crimes.

Their existence is hidden from the mortal world. Discovery by non-vampires results in either forced turning, enslavement, or death.