In many ways, Vampires are mankind’s perfect predator. They feed off life essence by draining the blood of other creatures, mainly humans. Smart, fast, strong and hauntingly seductive, most Vampires are able to blend in quite easily with human society and keep their feeding habits secret from prying eyes. This has enabled Vampires able to weather any conflict between themselves and mankind by simply disappearing into the endless hordes of humanity.
Like the other races, Vampire's history begins in pre-historic times. The Vampires of this age were much more animalistic, hunting early humans with fang and claw. However, as mankind evolved, so too did their hunters. Over the years, Vampires took on a more human form in order to make the hunt easier, but also for protection, finding it safer to hide in plain sight.
Over the years, many historical figures have been revealed to be, in fact, Vampires. Vlad the Impaler, Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed and Rasputin are some of the more famous historical names linked with Vampirism, and are often seen as heroes amongst their own kind, but also as warnings to ambitious Vampires seeking to rule over humanity.
In the Guild, Vampires are utilised in many roles. Spies, assassins, soldiers and medics, a Vampire’s natural adaptability is well suited for Guild work. In turn, the Guild supplies all the things to make the Vampires life as comfortable as possible, which inevitably includes a lot of blood…
Despite the belief of most Humans, Vampires are a product of evolution instead of the supernatural, although it may have played a part early in their evolutionary track. It has certainly never been observed for Werewolves and Vampires to ‘turn’ Humans through biting or other means, nor are they subject to other superstitious laws. Instead they are born like any other living being, and have families they often deeply care for.
Impalers
Impalers are the aristocracy of the Vampire race. They take their name from Vlad the Impaler, also known to be Dracula, and revere him as a messiah like figure. Impalers are great warriors and leaders, charismatic and charming whilst also dangerously ruthless and cunning. They believe themselves as the pinnacle of the Vampire race, and often look down at their less cultured kin.
Draugr
If Impalers are the nobility of the Vampire bloodline, the Draugr are the peasants. Historically, they are the ones who serve Impalers as bodyguards, groundskeepers, servants and maids. Nowadays however, Draugr have more freedom than ever, and have spread fast across the human world. This is seen as alarming for Impalers, who still see them as subservient to themselves, but most Draugr ignore the pre-existing stereotype of their race, and instead strive to live life to the fullest.
Strigoi
Strigoi are akin to what Vampires were in primordial times: large monstrous predators. They should however never be thought of as primitive. Strigoi tend to be very sophisticated and cunning creatures despite their appearance, and think of themselves as the true lords of the night. They shun modern society and like to occupy dark, dingy places where they can brood and scheme away from prying eyes. That is, until the sun goes down and they can hunt in the open once more.
Biology
Vampires have evolved to survive purely on oxygenated blood. They can absorb the haemoglobin of other creatures through a specialist cell in their own body, called a Sanguinist Cell. This cell strips foreign blood cells of their oxygen and feeds it to the Vampire's own red blood cells. Their muscles become oxygen rich, growing stronger than any normal Human over a period of years. This hyper oxidation also increase the rate in which their cells replenish, leading to an increased lifespan of up to 500+ years.
Vampire’s saliva contains several compounds that prolong bleeding, such as anticoagulants that inhibit blood clotting, and compounds that prevent the constriction of blood vessels around wounds when drinking. The stomach lining can rapidly absorbs the blood plasma, which is transported a specialist organ called the ‘Sanguinem Cordis’, or the ‘Blood Heart’. This organ has two chambers on either side of the chest, contacted by large arteries, and functions as both a kidney and a heart. The first chamber removes toxins and other waste products from the blood, which then moves into the second chamber via the arteries. This camber produces Sanguinist Cells that attack the purified blood cells and removes the haemoglobin, along with other nutrients the body needs. They then leave the heart and travel to the Vampire’s own blood stream to fuel its body. This has also given rise to belief that you need to stake a Vampire in it's heart to destroy it.
To aid with oxidation, the skin membrane contains tiny capillaries that pass oxygen from the air into the blood stream. However, this method is not as efficient as drinking and provides none of the extra nutrients found in blood. They are also very sensitive to UV light, which has led Vampires to becoming nocturnal hunters.
Costume Requirements
All Vampires are required to wear a pair of fangs.
Special Rules
Weakened by Sunlight - Although not as extreme as popular culture would have people believe, Vampires do have a natural aversion to UV rays. It generally makes them slightly weaker and less resilient than normal. While Bleeding, Vampires will bleed out in half the normal time between the hours of 10am and 6pm.
Strengthened by Blood - Vampires feed off the blood of living creatures, and in doing so, rejuvenate themselves. To consume the blood of another character or monster, the victim must be willing, unconscious, or Bleeding. The Vampire must Concentrate whilst roleplaying drinking their blood. Remember to take care not to touch anyone inappropriately whilst performing this action and never physically bite another player or crew member. Once this is action is completed, the Vampire can heal one LH on every location. If the location is already at full LH, they may then heal any Natural Armour on that Location. Victims then take one point of damage to every location at the end of this effect, ignoring armour.