Vampire

Image of modern Native American vampires.

Vampires, supernatural beings of the night, have been a part of human folklore for centuries, their stories whispered in hushed tones around the globe. These creatures, known for their pale skin and fangs, are said to sustain their immortality by feeding on the life essence, typically in the form of blood, of the living. Vampires are either humans transformed by the VX Virus or offspring of two vampires. Those turned retain much of their human personality for several decades after transformation, but over time, they often develop peculiarities and become more pragmatic. Vampires possess superior physical abilities and can use either magical or psionic energy, powered by blood consumption. They are not affected by holy symbols, and can only be killed by burning or decapitation. Their bodies become stronger and more resilient after transformation, and they no longer need food, instead being sustained by blood. The process of turning a human into a vampire is complex and often brutal, and the newly turned vampire forms a strong bond with their creator. Vampires can mate and produce offspring, but the process is difficult and requires a lot of blood. Vampire society is hierarchical and complex, with older vampires holding significant influence. They often form groups known as clans or covens for protection and community, and they have their own set of laws and customs.

Personality

Vampires retain much of their human personality for the first several decades (about 30-50 years) after being turned. Over time, they tend to become more pragmatic and develop peculiarities, often manifesting as forms of insanity. The older a vampire, the more peculiar they can become, usually displaying neurotic, paranoid behaviors or developing odd obsessions. However, they are fundamentally pragmatic, with status being measured by the wealth, power, and comfort they can amass. They enjoy power most of all, particularly the power to compel humans to do their bidding of their own free will. Vampires are manipulative and patient, willing to wait for the right time, even if it takes decades or centuries. This does not prevent some vampires from becoming bored with the waiting game and thus willing to create the situation they require.

Abilities

All vampires possess superior strength, dexterity, speed, and durability. These abilities increase with age, and all vampires have one ability that increases faster than others, which is considered their specialty. They can also use either magical energy or psionic energy, but never both. These abilities are powered by blood, meaning vampires need to feed more often the more they use their abilities. A vampire's specialty uses less blood than a non-specialty. While it is referred to as if it is some kind of fuel, it should be noted that the blood needs to be consumed and digested to restore abilities or restore a vampire. This process happens quickly, but the body does not store excess blood; it simply consumes blood until it is full.

Weaknesses

Contrary to popular belief and religious rhetoric, holy water, crosses, or other symbols of faith have no impact on a vampire. The only known ways to kill a vampire are through burning and decapitation. Modern scientific methods, such as anti-viral treatments, have been tested but have proven to be completely unsuccessful. This is likely due to the supernatural component of the VX Virus that infects vampires. The virus itself is preternatural, existing outside of our current understanding of natural biology.

Attempts to medically restore a vampire to its human state or reduce its reliance on blood have all ended in failure, often resulting in a significant loss of human life. Even when the vampire is willing to undergo these procedures, which is rare, the outcomes are not successful. This suggests that the transformation into a vampire is not merely a physical ailment that can be cured or managed. Instead, it's akin to a metamorphosis, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, a process that cannot be reversed.

Strengths

When turned by the VX Virus, vampires no longer need food to sustain themselves. They have trouble digesting food and gain very little, if anything, from it. However, they can consume especially bloody steak for some nutrition. This also means they cannot be poisoned; even if someone has them eat pure arsenic, it won't affect them.

During the viral transformation, muscles become stronger, bones become able to bear more weight, and connective tissues become able to withstand more pressure. As such, a vampire's body becomes vastly stronger than a human's from day one. In addition to this, the nerve fibers are altered in significant ways, and reflexes become quicker. This is a slower process, though, and it takes time for a young vampire to understand and use their newfound strength effectively. Skin becomes thicker and has greater elasticity, allowing it to better resist being punctured or cut, though it becomes more flammable.

Vampires begin to gain patience as they age. Whether this is from being around so long, a new outlook on being ageless, or a change in the brain is unknown.

Sustenance

A vampire is sustained by blood. The vampire's body requires whole blood to properly sustain itself, and the entire digestive system adapts to this cause. Food can taste good, and memories of favorite foods can inspire old tastes when it is eaten, but after transformation, there is a quality to the food that is no longer the highlight it was, and the taste is dulled all around. After transformation, most vampires seek pungent and incredibly strong flavors to enjoy foods they once liked.

What truly provides the experience of being both sustained and satisfied, however, is now blood. Blood plasma will sustain a vampire for extended periods of time, the same way a human can get by for a long time on vitamins and energy bars. It isn't very good for anyone and doesn't give any sense of satisfaction or fullness. Vampires all have particular tastes of what blood types taste good. Many use blood as a sauce with human food to glut themselves on both.

Starvation

A vampire cannot starve to death. When they are without blood for long enough, they lose their abilities and begin to age rapidly. Eventually, their body becomes unable to stay conscious, and they fall unconscious until they can sense a blood source nearby.

Normalcy

Upon reaching a state of full satiation, a vampire becomes virtually indistinguishable from a human, with the exception of their skin color. In the case of vampires who were originally of European descent or other naturally pale-skinned ethnicities, their skin maintains a constant spectral pallor. For vampires with naturally darker skin, their melanin adopts a slightly reddish hue when they are fully fed, while their skin takes on a grey undertone when they are hungry. This is akin to the way lighter-skinned vampires exhibit a pallid or even cadaverous complexion, which turns into a creamy grey. Regardless of their use of magic or psionics to venture out in daylight, they do not tan. However, when they are fully fed, vampires are capable of behaving just like normal humans.

Turning

The process of a vampire turning a human into one of their own is a complex and often brutal affair, steeped in tradition and mystique. This transformation is typically initiated through an infection, which can occur in various ways, such as blood-to-blood contact or ingestion. The most common method involves the human drinking the vampire's blood, thus becoming infected.

Once infected, the human's fate is uncertain. Some vampires abandon their victims, leaving them to either die or undergo the painful transformation into a vampire alone. Others, albeit less common, choose to stay and care for the human throughout this process. The older the vampire, the more likely they are to adhere to ancient traditions. One such tradition involves feeding the human their blood, burying them in a grave, and waiting for them to rise again as a vampire. This traumatic experience often triggers a psychotic break in the once-human, which may contribute to the widespread belief that vampires are inherently evil.

Regardless of the method, the newly turned vampire becomes the responsibility of their creator. In the early stages of their new existence, the young vampire forms a strong bond with their creator, often referred to as their Master or Mistress, while they are known as the Child. As the vampire ages, this connection weakens unless efforts are made to maintain it. This bond, whether strong or weak, forms an integral part of the vampire's new existence and their place within vampire society.

Mating / Pregnancy

The act of mating, with a human or a vampire, requires that they be completely fed for an extended period of time to be effective. Mating between two fully fed vampires can result in a vampiric pregnancy, which is incredibly painful for a female vampire to carry to term and requires her to consume incredible amounts of blood to maintain body functions and feed the developing child. The child's existence is tenuous at best, and even a lack of sufficient blood for a day or two can result in a stillbirth.

Human / Vampire Mating

Mating between a human and a vampire can result in a child. This only happens when a male vampire impregnates a human female, creating a Vampiri. It is very difficult to do this, however, and requires the vampire to be completely fed throughout the encounter. This means they cannot use magic, psionics, or physical abilities.

More commonly, the act of sex with a vampire creates a bond between the human and the vampire during climax. The VX Virus is not passed on, but some yet unknown component is passed from the vampire to the human during climax, which bonds that human to the vampire. This bond begins small and grows rapidly with each repeated encounter. Eventually, a Vampiric Servant is created who is completely and totally loyal to the vampire who made them.

Society

Vampire society, while diverse across cultures and regions, is bound by a common set of laws known as the Leges Nocturnae. These laws, enforced by the nobility of vampire society, establish a clear hierarchy, with the oldest and most powerful vampires, known as 'Elders' or 'Masters', at the top. Each territory is overseen by a noble, who is responsible for enforcing the laws within their domain. If a violation occurs, the noble of that territory has the first opportunity to administer punishment. However, if the violation occurs within their own territory, the case is escalated up the hierarchy.

The Leges Nocturnae are not just a set of rules; they are a system of governance that shapes every aspect of vampire society. They dictate the relationship between a sire and their child, the formation and operation of clans or covens, and even the rites for turning a human into a vampire. Violation of these laws is considered a grave offense, with the ultimate punishment being death, administered at the discretion of the nobles. This strict enforcement ensures that the laws are respected and followed, maintaining order and secrecy within vampire society.

The laws also address the distinction between 'natural' or 'pure' vampires and those who are turned. 'Natural' vampires, born through pregnancy, are under the responsibility of their parents until they are deemed capable of living independently. Turned vampires, on the other hand, are often viewed as property by older or more traditional vampires, regardless of their age or capabilities. This distinction further reinforces the hierarchy within vampire society.

The Leges Nocturnae also govern interactions with the human world. Vampires are required to maintain secrecy, hiding their existence from humans to avoid persecution or destruction. This includes rules about feeding and leaving no trace of their activities. The laws also discourage vampires from seeking love with humans, as it can lead to complications and potential exposure.

In summary, the Leges Nocturnae serve as the backbone of vampire society, shaping its structure, relationships, and interactions with the human world. They ensure order, respect for hierarchy, and the survival of the vampire race.

Leges Nocturnae - Law of the Night

In 150 AD, a revered vampire seer, Enlil-Ninlil, foresaw a chilling future where vampires were hunted, killed, and enslaved by human armies. Disturbed by this prophecy, Enlil-Ninlil recognized the need for their kind to remain hidden and maintain order to prevent such atrocities. Inspired by the legal system of the Roman Empire, Enlil-Ninlil proposed a set of laws, the "Leges Nocturnae", designed to ensure the secrecy and survival of the vampire race. These laws were swiftly adopted, marking a pivotal moment in vampire history that would shape their existence for centuries to come.

The Edict of Shadows: To prevent our discovery and ensure our survival, let not the true nature of our kind be known to the children of the day. We shall walk among them unseen, unheard, unknown.
The Obedience to the Night's Monarch: To maintain order and unity, the Night's Monarch reigns supreme, their word is law. To disobey is to invite the wrath of the ancients.
The Final Decree of Eternal Judgement: The punishment for breaking these sacred laws, at the will of the Night's Monarch, shall be death by dismemberment. The purity of flames shall cleanse the world of such disobedience, ensuring the continued sanctity and order of our kind.
The Respect of Eternity: To honor the wisdom of our elders, those who have seen the passing of centuries shall be revered. Age bestows wisdom, and wisdom is power.
The Blood Pact: To sustain our immortal lives without causing unnecessary death, we shall partake of the life essence, yet not unto death. The willing, the wicked, these shall be our sustenance.
The Rite of the Final Rest: To avoid detection and maintain our secrecy, leave no trace of the feast, let not the children of the day see the remnants of our sustenance.
The Law of the Nightlands: To prevent conflict and ensure each has their domain, each of our kind shall claim their dominion, their nightlands. None shall encroach upon another's realm, upon pain of retribution.
The Covenant of the Undying: To preserve our kind and prevent internal strife, to spill the lifeblood of our own kind is the gravest of sins. Those who break this covenant shall face eternal torment.
The Shield of the Clan: To protect our collective strength and ensure our survival, the clan is our sanctuary, our fortress against the dawn. Betray it not, protect it with your immortal life.
The Turning Rite: To control our numbers and maintain the sanctity of our existence, to bestow the dark gift upon the children of the day, seek the counsel of the elders. None shall be turned lightly, for this is our most sacred rite.
The Heart's Restraint: To avoid complications and potential exposure, seek not the love of the children of the day, for it brings naught but peril and the risk of exposure.

Social Hierarchy of Vampire Society Before World War III

The vampire society, prior to the cataclysm of World War III, was organized in a way that closely mirrored the system of peerage. Each stratum of this society was overseen by an authoritative figure, ensuring a sense of order and governance within the vampire community. Each rank was endowed with its own set of duties and privileges, providing a clear structure and hierarchy. The Leges Nocturnae, a comprehensive set of laws, governed this society, aimed at preserving the secrecy and ensuring the survival of the vampire race.

The nobility within this society was bound by the power granted to them by the reigning King and Queen, creating a complex system of laws, specific punishments, and intricate interpretations of language to form a legal system. This system, which originated in the 2nd century AD, has been evolving ever since. The edicts of past monarchs, and by extension, all those beneath them, are typically preserved and honored from one reign to the next, as mandated by the inaugural King and Queen who ascended to power in Rome in 105 AD. Unless an edict is annulled by an individual of equal or superior power, it remains in effect, with the enforcement of these edicts resting on the shoulders of the presiding noble.

King/Queen of Vampires: The supreme ruler of the vampire community worldwide, holding the highest authority and responsible for the overall governance of the vampire society. They are the ultimate enforcer of the Leges Nocturnae, and to defy them is to willingly sign your own death warrant.

Princes/Princesses: Vampiric rulers presiding over individual countries, responsible for the governance of vampires within their respective countries and reporting directly to the King/Queen. They are responsible for enforcing the Leges Nocturnae within their domains.

Dukes/Duchesses: Vampiric leaders governing over states, city-states, or provinces, responsible for the administration of these regions and reporting to their respective Princes/Princesses. They ensure the Leges Nocturnae are upheld within their jurisdictions.

Lords/Ladies: Vampiric rulers governing counties, responsible for the administration of these smaller regions, maintaining order within their counties, and reporting to their respective Dukes. They are tasked with enforcing the Leges Nocturnae within their counties.

Barons/Baronesses: Vampires appointed by the Dukes or Lords (with the Duke's permission) to oversee smaller areas. Despite being at the bottom of the hierarchy, Barons play a crucial role in the administration of the vampire society, ensuring that the Leges Nocturnae are upheld at the grassroots level.

Masters/Mistresses: Vampiric leaders in charge of cities, responsible for the governance of the vampires within their respective cities, maintaining order within their cities, and reporting to their respective Lords. They are responsible for enforcing the Leges Nocturnae within their cities.

The Leges Nocturnae, or the Law of the Night, serve as the bedrock of vampire society, shaping its hierarchical structure and defining the roles and responsibilities of each rank. Enforcement of these laws is a duty that falls primarily to the lowest noble overseeing the territory in question. From Barons and Baronesses operating at the grassroots level to Masters and Mistresses governing cities, each rank plays a crucial role in upholding the laws within their jurisdiction. In cases where the territory of a noble is in question, the responsibility of law enforcement ascends up the hierarchy, ensuring that order is maintained and the laws are upheld.

The severity of the Leges Nocturnae is underscored by the Final Decree of Eternal Judgement, which mandates death as the punishment for any violation of these laws. This harsh penalty serves as a powerful deterrent, reinforcing the importance of the laws and the dire consequences of transgression. The decision to enact this ultimate punishment rests with the nobles, adding a grave responsibility to their roles. Thus, the Leges Nocturnae not only govern the behavior of individuals within the vampire society but also enforce the societal structure itself, maintaining order and ensuring the survival of the vampire community.

Social Hierarchy in the Post-War Era

The vampire society underwent significant changes in the aftermath of World War III and the Post-Atomic Horror. As the vampire population dwindled and they fled Earth for the stars, the societal structure had to adapt to these new circumstances. The traditional hierarchy was reshaped to fit the new reality of the vampire population spread across the galaxy.

King/Queen of Vampires: The supreme ruler of the vampire community, holding the highest authority and responsible for the overall governance of the vampire society. Their rule extends from Earth to the farthest reaches of the galaxy where vampires reside.

Princes/Princesses: These vampires preside over a sector or region of space within a sector. They are responsible for the governance of vampires within their respective sectors and report directly to the King/Queen.

Dukes/Duchesses: Vampiric leaders governing over star systems, responsible for the administration of these regions and reporting to their respective Princes/Princesses.

Lords/Ladies: Vampiric rulers governing planets, responsible for the administration of these celestial bodies, maintaining order within their dominions, and reporting to their respective Dukes.

Barons/Baronesses: Vampires appointed by the Dukes or Lords (with the Duke's permission) to oversee specific areas. Despite being at the bottom of the hierarchy, Barons play a crucial role in the administration of the vampire society, ensuring that the laws and norms of the society are upheld at the grassroots level.

Masters/Mistresses: Vampiric leaders in charge of cities on planets, responsible for the governance of the vampires within their respective cities, maintaining order within their cities, and reporting to their respective Lords.

Knights: A new rank introduced in the post-World War III era. Knights are usually in a position of authority on space stations or outposts where vampires congregate with a transient population. They are responsible for maintaining order and upholding the laws within their jurisdiction.

The enforcement of the Leges Nocturnae continues to be a crucial part of vampire society, ensuring order and adherence to the societal norms. The noble presiding over the territory in question is responsible for enforcing the laws and meting out punishments, unless it is their territory, in which case the responsibility moves up the hierarchy. The punishment for violating the laws remains death, carried out at the behest of the nobles. This strict enforcement of the laws helps maintain the structure and order of the vampire society, even as it evolves and adapts to its new interstellar reality.

The Eugenics Wars, World War III, and the Second Civil War

The period from 1992 to 2053 was marked by a series of conflicts that had a profound impact on the world, including the supernatural community. The Eugenics Wars, a series of cold wars that took place from 1992 to 1996, were a time of political and social unrest. The rise of leaders such as Kim Jong Un in North Korea in 2011, Xi Jinping of China in 2013, Vladimir Putin of Russia in 1999, Bashar al-Assad of Syria in 2000, and Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua in 2007, as well as events like the Arab Spring from 2010 to 2012, the Ukraine War circa 2023, the Second Congo War (1998-2003), the Syrian Civil War circa 2011, the Afghanistan War (2001-2021), the Iraq War (2003-2011), and the Darfur conflict circa 2003, were all part of this complex web of conflicts.

The Eugenics Wars were not recognized as a single conflict until much later, and records from this period are spotty at best. This is why so much of the history of the war remains unknown, including the revelation of supernaturals. The Eugenics Wars were followed by the Second Civil War circa 2026, which eventually escalated into World War III, a conflict that lasted from 2026 to 2053.

During these conflicts, the supernatural community, including vampires, were forced into the open, leading to a devastating loss in their numbers. The Contingency Plan, a covert operation, exploited supernatural entities for warfare, further escalating the conflict. However, by the 22nd century, the supernatural community had retreated into deep secrecy, their existence erased from many history books. The Contingency Plan faded into obscurity, and the remaining supernatural entities, including vampires, spread beyond Earth, seeking solitude among the stars.

Vampires in the Shadow of War

The onset of these conflicts marked a turning point in the history of supernatural creatures, particularly vampires. As the world plunged into chaos, governments revealed their clandestine experiments with the supernatural. Inspired by ancient mythologies and legends, a covert operation known as The Contingency Plan had been researching and experimenting with supernormal artifacts and entities, including vampires. Their goal was to understand, prevent, and counteract the potential threats these entities posed.

The Contingency Plan, enacted during the cold war, had been operating throughout various parts of Homeland Security and the military complex. Their research led to the development of genetic technology that was used to create the first Augments, such as Khan Noonien Singh. This technology was also used to augment soldiers with DNA from supernatural creatures, creating a new breed of warriors for the impending World War III. As the war escalated, supernatural creatures across the globe revealed themselves, choosing sides in the conflict in an attempt to bring peace and halt the slaughter. Vampires and werewolves were among those who took the hardest hits, their populations decimated in the ensuing bloodbath.

From Earth to the Stars

By the 22nd century, the supernatural community had become a mere whisper in the annals of history. Vampires, werewolves, and other creatures of legend were unheard of, their existence erased from many history books. This was no accident but a deliberate act of self-preservation. The supernatural community that survived the horrors of the Eugenics Wars, the Second Civil War, and World War III chose to retreat into the deepest shadows, their existence becoming a secret once more.

The Contingency Plan, the organization that had once sought to control and exploit the supernatural, faded into obscurity. Its operations were dismantled, its research lost, and its existence forgotten in the tumultuous history of the 21st century. The remnants of the supernatural community were left to their own devices, free from the scrutiny and manipulation of The Contingency Plan.

In the centuries that followed, the supernatural community spread beyond the confines of Earth. Vampires, in particular, sought the solitude and anonymity of the stars. They ventured into the vast expanse of space, seeking new worlds and opportunities far from the memories of their turbulent past.

During this time, a significant event occurred that shaped the course of vampire history. Between 2371 and 2373, a forced Vampire Colony called Kiratu emerged on a small human agricultural colony. The Kiratu Incident report recounts the transformation of Kiratu into an unexpected sanctuary for vampires following an aggressive attack by a rogue faction. It explores the rise of Kiratu as a haven for vampires seeking refuge, the delicate balance of coexistence between vampires and Solas Tempus through a treaty of non-aggression, and the unraveling of peace as the vampire population grew and resorted to raiding nearby regions for sustenance. The report also highlights the internal conflict within Solas Tempus, the governing organization, between Admiral Lance Thomas and Admiral Candy Poole, whose differing ideologies hindered effective decision-making. The sudden disappearance of Kiratu remains an enigma, suggesting the possible intervention of powerful vampire figures to prevent further conflict.