Vampire

Vampires do not have one set appearance, as one's Vampirism exists in addition to one's preexisting heritage. A member of any other race can become a Vampire, whether they are born to Vampiric parents or become one later in their lifetime. Typically, a Vampire could blend in with other members of their original heritage, with only a handful of subtle traits setting them apart. The biggest of these differences are their teeth, with Vampires having two enlarged and modified incisors that allow for the gouging of flesh. Some other traits include noticeably paler skin, claw-like nails, and unnaturally colored eyes. These aren't reliable indicators, however, and often stem from other aspects of Vampiric lifestyle.

Vampires possess a handful of traits and abilities alongside those of their original heritage, chief among them being the need to consume blood to sustain themselves. Beyond the minimum amount of blood needed for sustenance, further consuming blood can bestow additional abilities unto an individual. These abilities include increased strength, durability, and agility, natural regeneration, and greatly extended lifespans. Those who fully gorge their Vampirism can take these abilities to the extreme, being virtually invincible and immortal. Vampires can also gain the ability to change their form, able to become an intangible cloud of mist or a bat-like monstrosity capable of flight. Once a Vampire gains these abilities, however, they must consume even more blood to maintain them.

Vampires find their origins in the field of Hemomancy: The study of Blood Magic that stems from worshipping the Laceration. An early Hemomancer named Nosferas Dampiran led a cult that worshipped the Primordial deity, basing their rituals around the consumption of blood. Nosferas' devotion to the Laceration earned him Its' favor, and he became the first Vampire. His followers soon followed suit, and the practice that this cult started has persisted in Asobria throughout the ages. In the modern era, Vampires come to be either from those following this ancient cult's methods or by being born to Vampiric parents. Throughout history, most Vampires have secretly lived among other societies, often being viewed as embodiments of evil. There has never been a major nation of Vampires, but a small community on Tualean Island has served as a place for them to live isolated from the rest of the world.

As Vampires can be born from any other race, the culture of their race can vary highly. For those who want nothing to do with their Vampirism, they view it simply as a personal affliction to rid themselves of. Those who embrace it, however, are often united in a shared reverence for the Laceration. Whether this is an unyielding faith or simple respect, this unites nearly all Vampires. Many who live in such a way do so in solitude, keeping their Vampirism a secret from the world. For others, they rely on a few trusted individuals to support them. And rarely, some form entire communities of Vampires to devote their lives to it.

Regardless of what perspective an individual may have on their Vampirism, many of them begin to take on self-centered beliefs in response to their condition. Even those who want nothing to do with their Vampirism can have their lives defined by it, working tirelessly to find a way to rid themselves of the condition. Some of those who embrace it will stop at nothing to cement their power, preying upon the weak and vulnerable to ensure they maintain their Vampiric abilities. Whether their lifestyle embraces or rejects their condition, a Vampire will often focus on themselves and their goals, too often at the cost of others.

For those who wish to shed themselves of their Vampirism, the journey to do so can come with horrendous consequences. As Vampires gain their power from the Laceration, they all possess a connection to It. It is through this connection that the Laceration is able to influence the individual, causing them to experience thoughts of violence and the sensation of hunger. For those who fully embrace their Vampirism, they almost never experience these sensations. For those who avoid their condition altogether, they can be a constant during their day. Ignoring these sensations only brings more torment, with individuals having hallucinations, hearing voices, and having horrendous nightmares as the Laceration attempts to threaten them into obedience. And when those too fail, the Vampire can lose control of their own body, being forced to simply watch as the Primordial hijacks their physical form into acts of violent gluttony. For the unwilling Vampire, their condition becomes an unbearable curse.

Throughout Asobria, across a multitude of cultures, Vampires are heavily feared. Their sinister origins and necessity to consume blood have led to many viewing them as murderous, evil beings. Unfortunately, this is true for many Vampires. The small community on Tualean Island, despite serving as a secretive haven for Vampires, is plagued with violence and injustice. Across history, figures such as the Black Jarl Grith Bludvist and Sir Nero von Strahd have served as case studies of tyranny. There is no question as to why many keep their Vampirism a secret. But, as is with any sentient race, there are individuals who are embodiments of good. While it is quite rare, there are those who utilize their Vampirism, whether they see it as a gift or a curse, to the benefit of Asobria.