Vampires

[THE DAMNED]

GENERAL

Vampires have long existed in the world of humans. Intricately mixed into society, silently living day to day. Their numbers weren't very high, and they were masters of secrecy. For over two millenia, they remained oblivious to the humans through careful nature. When Redeemer struck, the Vampires found themselves at a loss. Much of the destruction occurring was much more lethal to the humans than the Vampires - toxic air, floods etc. Through their crafty nature and undead fortitude, they managed to survive the onslaught of natural devastation that occurred. It was only after, however, that life became difficult.

The human populations took a mighty blow and the vampires could no longer stay hidden. In order to survive, they had to expose themselves to the few colonies that remained. It wasn't long before technology was fashioned to repel and strike down Vampires, and their lives only grew in difficulty. Now, the Vampire Covens have grown desperate indeed, their attacks more brutal. They are running low on options as they food source and their race dwindle dangerously low.While Vampires aren't too much stronger than a human, their skill lies in their speed. They are incredibly reflexive, nimble, and quick. Easily able to out maneuver a human or Angel. This potency grows with age exponentially, as does their strength.

APPEARANCE
Vampires are often hard to tell apart from humans. They look much like the being they used to be, save their paler skin. The fangs are a dead giveaway though. It's not uncommon for Vampires to also gain a sort of beauty, especially in the eyes of humans, after turning as well.

Apparel wise, Vampires vary greatly. Many will prefer darker clothing to mask their appearance while stalking a victim, and help to blur them as they move. But many are too in love with fashion to part from it, even after an apocalypse.

SOCIETY
Vampire society makes the basis of each Coven, important nodes of society being the pivotal points that separate each. While many aspects are different, the very nature of Vampires reveals itself in the most basic levels of each Coven.

Vampires enjoys what they claim to be the 'finer' things in life. The usual items are always abundant; wine, chocolate, music, fashionable clothes. Sex is commonplace in the vast halls of Vampires. There are of course, many other things that Vampires enjoy to have around them, but due to the destruction of Redeemer, much is difficult to find now.

On of the biggest issues concerning Vampire society is that of human technology and what to do with it. Some are strongly against human technology and only use traditional weapons. Others though see human technology as the only way of defeating the Angels. This is only one of the issues that is widely dispute between covens and because of this, the compromises between the covens are thin. The only thing keeping the covens together are angels, the common enemy.

TRAITS
Vampires are undead and therefore have no need to breathe. They do have blood running through them and blood loss will cause nausea and dizziness much like humans. This blood also contains memories that can be passed from vampire to vampire. They have shadows and reflections. And they are sterile.

Vampires require about one cup (250ml) of blood a week, varying depending upon the size of the Vampire and their activity. They can go without for about a week until it begins weakening them, slowly. After about two, they are driven by nothing but their blood lust, confusing friend from foe until they are killed or sustained.

The sun has mostly been blocked out by the pollution but vampires are still susceptible to it. Spending a few seconds in sunlight will cause a vampire to disintegrate, artificial UV rays will still cause the same effect. A wooden stake to the heart or decapitation will kill a vampire. Vampires can heal rapidly depending on the severity of the wound.

A human is sired (turned) through a venom injected by a vampire's bite. When turned, a vampire holds a great connection to the one that sired them and ultimately one to that coven. Also a human can be turned if a vampire's blood is transfused with theirs, though this process is normally harder to survive.

Poisons and infections have little effect on vampires. Alcohol and drugs can effect a vampire, though not as strongly as they would effect a human.

Holy Water causes burns equivalent to those of acids. Items blessed by priests can cause excruciating pain, these items are usually only crosses. As rare commodity that will cause excruciating pain, enough to bring a vampire to its knees is Hawthorne plant or leaf extract.