Vampires

General Overview

Vampir, Vampyre, or Vampire, few can agree on the spelling or origins, though some claim that the first was spawned from a magick ritual invoked to save a small child who was found near death, bleeding out. It was believed that he was attacked by a demon. His family, desperate to save him, used black magick to heal him. The ritual called for combining the blood of a bat and the blood of a pig. Blood magick was forbidden magick because it tapped directly into the source energy that runs through all beings.

The child recovered, but he was no longer himself. It could have been the demon, it could have been the magick, it could have been a combination. He could only survive from the consumption of blood, either human or animal. But what emerged from that series of events was a monster that killed its own family and fled into the world. At some point, he discovered that if he did not kill his human prey, he could create more of his kind. Over the centuries, legends of this creature spread around the world, each culture with its own stories. The only clue of its whereabouts was the trail of death that it left in its wake, spreading the magick like a virus.

It is believed that the first vampires came to New Orleans in 1728 when casquette girls were shipped over from France to marry and help settle the colony.

Physical Description

Vampires can be of any age, sex, or race. When they are about to eat, their eyes turn blood red, and their fang protrudes. Their skin becomes dull and sickly, almost inhuman, when they have gone too long between feedings. Vampires need to feed at least once per week. Human blood is best, but animal blood will tide them over. Regular food does nothing for them but does not harm them. Once fed, their skin returns to its normal color.

Abilities

Flight - Vampires have the ability of flight without the use of wings, kind of like juiced up levitation able to manipulate air currents to maneuver through the air.
Enthralls - The ability to enslave and control the minds of those they feed on also used to create servants completely dedicated to their protection (familiars ie Renfield).
Ageless/Immortals
Charm for short periods - an off-shoot of the enthrall ability. To use this, the vampire must be in close proximity.
Regeneration at night - Vampires belong to the night and it is when they heal, regenerate, and are at their strongest.
Natural Allure - It is a trap. They appear beautiful and charming to draw in mortals. Many ultimate predators have a lure.

Strengths

Physical Strength - Increased physical strength.
Speed - They can move so quickly they seem to disappear and reappear at will.
Ability to survive off only blood
Increased five senses
- Sight: Vampires can see long distances and better in the dark than they do during the day.
- Hearing: Like for any predator, hearing is an important tool. They can hear whispers through walls, so be careful where you have those important conversations.
- Scent: They are able to track prey through scent and can differentiate beings through their individual scents.
- Taste: They are able to tell the differences in blood the same way that humans can with wine. Able to gauge health, age, gender of the donor through the flavor.
- Touch: Increased strength, requiring the vampire to be careful in how they handle objects and other beings.

Weaknesses

Silver - Dampens a vampire’s abilities and causes a burning sensation. Weakening them enough that their immortal forms are vulnerable to serious damage.
Wooden Stake - A wooden stake through the heart is bound to cause damage.
Decapitation - Not many beings will survive without a head.
Sun - Contrary to common legend, sunlight does not destroy Vampires, it does however affect their powers and abilities. It mutes their senses, making them nearly mortal during daylight hours.

Families

House of Vasilescu. The Vasilescu are one of the first vampire families that came into existence in around 679 BC. For a long time, the family lived in hiding. They feed off the blood of mortals and move around a lot to avoid getting caught. In 1878, they traveled to the new land and made their home there with the other Vampire family. Their head is Luther Vasilescu.
House of Matea. The Matea family were turned into Vampires in 198 BCE by the Vasilescu family. They spent most of their time in Greece alongside them until 1702. The family followed the Vasilescu to New Orleans and settled with them there. They created a hidden castle in the swamps of New Orleans, away from where the mortals are currently located now. The castle is home to the family and the other vampires who have pledged allegiance to the family. Their head is Yvonne Matea.