VAMPIRES

Like all races in the Unnatural Universe, the true origin of Vampires is unknown. Vampires are considered "undead" and feed off the blood of other living beings. Every culture has its own myths and legends about Vampires, but none have been confirmed. For instance, some believe Vampires originated from ancient curses, like the story of Lilith, Adam's first wife, who became a blood-drinking demon. Others think Vampires stem from Vlad the Impaler, a brutal ruler who inspired the Dracula legend. Your character can believe any origin myth or legend that suits them culturally or fits your out-of-character preference, but it doesn't make it true.  

Unlike some of the other Supernaturals in the Unnatural Universe, Vampires do not shift into another form.  

They appear completely Human, save for a bit paler or ashen skin as they don’t spend much time in the sun.  Feeding warms their bodies for a short while and brings some color to their cheeks and lips, and they can retract their fangs. 

If Vampires go too long without feeding, their skin may become ashen or sickly-looking, and they may appear thinner or malnourished, with sunken eyes and cheeks.

When experiencing Bloodlust, Vampires may take on a more monstrous appearance, with ashen skin, protruding veins, glowing red eyes, and other physical changes. Players are encouraged to be creative with these transformations.

In the Unnatural Universe, Vampires defy many common myths. They don't fly, holy water and crucifixes have no effect on them, and they might even enjoy a hint of garlic in their meals. Vampires also have reflections.

• Strength and Speed: Vampires are stronger and faster than average Humans. While they excel in swiftness and dexterity, these abilities must be trained and refined over time.

• Heartbeat and Breathing: Vampires have no heartbeat and don't need to breathe. However, some practice the motions of breathing out of habit or to blend in, even going as far as smoking.

• Body Temperature: Their body temperature is cool, often closer to room temperature or colder, making their touch noticeably cooler than that of a Human.  Vampires are not affected by weather temperatures because their bodies do not regulate temperature in the same way as humans. Their cool body temperature remains consistent regardless of external weather conditions.

• Eyesight: Vampires possess exceptionally keen eyesight, especially in low-light conditions, giving them superior night vision.

• Healing: They heal quickly. Minor wounds close instantly, returning to the state they were in when they were first turned. More severe injuries heal faster than they would in Humans, though the process can take hours or days, even with regenerating sleep, depending on the severity. Their healing ability diminishes if they haven't fed recently.

• Regeneration: Vampires must rest daily to regenerate, returning to their original physical state when turned, including hair and nails. Tattoos remain but fade faster than they do on Humans.

• Immortality: Vampires are immortal unless subjected to certain vulnerabilities (see VULNERABILITIES below).

ABILITIES:

Vampires possess certain abilities that set them apart from other races in Unnatural:

–They can detect heartbeats from other life forms in their vicinity (20m range).  With knowledge and experience, they may be able to discern different races based on their heart rate.

–They can “Glamour” or  "Compell" victims to make them do their bidding or alter their memories. (See below Glamouring/Compelling)

-Because of their longevity, Vampires tend to be patient and disciplined.  Many have mastered things like martial arts, sword fighting, multiple languages, etc

GLAMOURING/COMPELLING:

Vampires can use Glamouring and Compelling to control others' actions, thoughts, and memories, similar to hypnosis. All Vampires have this ability, but they need to learn and practice it. A 300-year-old Vampire who practices regularly will be better at it than a 600-year-old who doesn't.

For a Vampire to glamour or compel someone, they must have the victim's full attention and eye contact. Once eye contact is made, the victim enters a trance-like state and becomes susceptible to verbal suggestions, commands, or memory alteration.

All races, except Incarnates, are susceptible to glamouring but may resist if they know about the ability. Phrals can create charms to prevent glamour or compelling. See the Phral page for more details.

Consent is crucial for any ability affecting other players. Discuss and agree on the terms out-of-character beforehand. Victims can avoid glamouring by avoiding eye contact, quickly looking away, or being distracted. Excessive glamour can cause mental instability, paranoia, and panic. The effectiveness and duration of glamouring are up to the player's discretion.

Glamouring:  

Glamouring alters a victim’s memories but isn’t foolproof.

- Memories can't be fully erased, only altered or covered up. For example, patrons leaving Lazarus might be glamoured to forget Vampire activity and instead remember a night of drinking, partying, and fetish play.

- If a memory isn’t replaced with something else, it can leave gaps or blackouts. These gaps might prompt the person to investigate, triggering the true memory. Talking to witnesses with different memories can also cause the real memory to resurface.

“I thought we went to the diner when we left Lazarus.”

“No. Think harder. We took you home because you passed out after making out with some guy.”

“I distinctly remember having pancakes...”

“Do you remember leaving the diner? You woke up on your sofa. Do you even have a receipt from the diner? Check your bank account.”

Compelling:

Compelling is a Vampire’s power to control someone's actions with a suggestion or command.  In addition to particular victims, they may also Compell their progeny, though not other Vampires

- The victim might not be able to resist, might not be aware of their actions (player discretion), and may not remember what they did. Glamouring afterward is recommended. Example: "You will eat this bowl of earthworms but remember eating spaghetti."

- It's difficult to Compel someone to act against their nature or to harm themselves. Only very skilled Vampires might succeed in this.

- The effects of Compelling fade over time or once the action is done. For example, if a Vampire Compels someone to visit Lazarus every Friday night, they might need ‘refreshing’ after a few times.

**NOTE: We understand some may want more permanent effects, feeling it shows greater power. However, keeping these abilities less permanent and more flexible encourages player consent. It’s similar to why just biting/feeding doesn’t turn or kill a person.

• Vampires are immortal, unless decapitated, burned, a stake through the heart, long periods without feeding, prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV rays, untreated silver poisoning, or an untreated Werewolf or Waterborn bite.

• Silver contact with the skin will cause irritation, prolonged contact will cause severe chemical burns.  Breaking the skin, such as stabbing with a silver weapon will cause weakness and take longer to heal, and possibly death.  Silver embedded in the body, such as silver bullets, will cause silver poisoning and possible death.  This will require a Phral Drabarni healer to prepare a silver poison antidote to heal.

• Werewolf bites made to harm a Vampire may cause illness, infection, and necrosis.  Serious bites need to be treated by a Phral Drabarni or risk death, serious illness, or suppression of their Vampire abilities.

• Vampires can develop an addiction to specific types of blood, such as Werewolf or Phral blood, and are quicker to Bloodlust when deprived.

• Vampires can be affected by Incarnate illusions, Waterborn's Siren Song, and Phral magic .

• Vampires may not enter a private residence without invitation.  Invitations may be rescinded, after which the Vampire will automatically, and even unwillingly, back out through the nearest exit. 

• Skills and learned abilities, such as martial arts, languages, etc may be forgotten when used sparingly.

• Longevity also has its drawbacks as Nebunia (Vampire Madness) begins setting in at about 1500 years.  Vampires of this age may suffer delusions, memory loss, and forget to feed, among other things, which could lead to death.

In the Unnatural Universe, Vampires' enduring lifespans afford them a refined demeanor and extensive knowledge. They often accumulate wealth through centuries, indulging in luxury and embracing modern technology. While some cling to tradition, most prefer contemporary comforts and pursue careers in white-collar professions like banking or club ownership. Aware that humans frequent affluent circles, they cultivate glamorous lifestyles to attract prey.

Vampires form nests, but some prefer solitude or small groups to maintain their resources and independence. While larger nests exist, they are uncommon.

However, Vampires face challenges. Skills and knowledge fade if not regularly practiced, and they succumb to Nebunia, a form of dementia, around 1500 years old. Some cultures have ritualistic executions to handle such cases within nests.

FEEDING:

• Vampires can only consume blood and cannot digest other foods, drugs, or alcohol.  Consuming other foods will cause them to vomit violently within a few hours. Vampires may feed on someone intoxicated to feel the effects of the alcohol or drugs, though the effect is diluted and may require more than the average human.  Some may purposely give their victim drugs or alcohol before feeding if they want to get high.

• Vampires require live blood from a human or large animal for proper feeding.  Packed or bottled blood (such as served at Lazarus), or smaller live animals do not possess all the proper nutrients needed for sustenance, and may only stave off Bloodlust for an additional 2 days (1 for young vampires/addicts)

• Consuming blood from the dead will trigger immediate Bloodlust, too much will cause violent vomiting and generalized ill sensations.  Most Vampires know to stop feeding before their victim dies!

• Older Vampires can go up to 72 hours without proper feeding (proper- as in actual live blood from a human victim or large animal, such as a cow, deer, horse, etc) before Bloodlust sets in

• Young Vampires, or Vampires that are addicted to particular supernatural blood, lack control, tend to get anxious or angry and will be affected by Bloodlust at about 24 hours.

• Vampire blood is not a source of sustenance (Vampire feeding on Vampire) as Vampire blood would have been depleted of the necessary nutrients, and is even less satiating the packaged blood.   

Bloodlust:  

While Bloodlust enhances a Vampire’s abilities/speed/strength, it mentally impairs them with loss of control, and some may experience delusions or paranoia.   Bloodlust also gives them a monstrous appearance with ashen skin, protruding veins, and red eyes, among other things (Players can be creative here), and the severity of the effects is dependent on age, experience, training, etc,  Bloodlust drives up hunger, and some may lose control, especially younger Vampires.  They may feed indiscriminately and recklessly until they’ve regained control.  They may or may not remember/be aware of the Bloodlust state

Bloodlust may be brought on by long periods without feeding, the scent of blood, especially if hungry, the Full Moon, and in some cases, feeding off of other Supernaturals.   Many Vampires gorge themselves before the Full Moon to diminish the symptoms.

​The Taste of Blood

Vampire tastes vary widely, just like in the real world. Some have specific preferences, requiring Blood Dolls to consume certain foods or drinks like garlic, pineapple juice, curry powder, or sugary treats to flavor their blood. Additionally, Vampires may favor individuals from different ethnic backgrounds for their unique seasoning preferences.  

Supernatural Blood has unique tastes also, with Werewolves and Shifters tasting gamey, with a hint of the wilderness.  Waterborn, depending on whether they live in fresh or salt water will taste accordingly, some more muddy, some more seafood-like.   Phral blood is Ambrosia to Vampires, and the most addictive and desireable.

Supernatural Blood

Supernatural blood offers Vampires a unique and potentially addictive satisfaction, with each type carrying distinct flavors. Incarnates' blood resembles human blood, while Waterborn may taste slightly fishy or salty, depending on their habitat. Shifters and Werewolves offer a more gamey flavor, while Phral blood is particularly sweet and appealing to Vampires.

Vampires consuming Werewolf blood experience heightened susceptibility to Bloodlust. Even if they resist full Bloodlust, they may become paranoid and short-tempered until the Werewolf blood leaves their system.

Vampires find Phral blood irresistible, considering it top-tier. Its consumption often leads to a brief euphoric state, enticing some Vampires to seek out Phral for feeding and potential enslavement.

Other than flavor and a deep, lasting sense of satiation, the blood of Waterborn, Shifters, and Incarnates has no other effect on Vampires.  

The Full Moon

During the Full Moon in the Unnatural Universe, Vampires experience Bloodlust, losing control and engaging in violent feedings. While feeding or being sated beforehand may mitigate the effects, it does not entirely suppress Bloodlust.  Note  that while Unnatural observes the Full Moon OOC for an entire weekend, it is not necessary to roleplay Bloodlust for the duration.  Additionally, Bloodlust does fade with proper feeding.

Victims:

When a Vampire feeds it's a complex experience for the victim. While there's typically initial pain from the bite, and even panic for some, it's often overshadowed by sensations of pleasure, heightened libido, and euphoria. Victims may enter a dream-like state, experiencing a floaty sensation. For some, these sensations become addictive. Depending on the extent of feeding, victims may pass out afterward, needing hours to recover from the intense physical and emotional experience.

**NOTE:  Not all players/victims will have read the Vampire page, so a quick OOC reminder of the effects is sometimes welcomed and appreciated.

Vampires are created by other Vampires, not born. A Vampire must feed off their victim until they are drained and almost dead, then feed them their own blood, after which the victim will enter a sleep-like state (some might think them dead) for 24 hours and wake up hungry. A responsible Sire would protect their progeny and make sure they are there when they wake so they can see to their needs. If a new Vampire wakes up alone they may not understand what is happening.  Bloodlust will rule their actions, and some might go on a feeding frenzy that might leave a few dead Humans and might permanently damage their psyche.  

**Note:  Only Humans or Phral can be turned.  Other races will either develop an infection from the bite that could result in death or will die when drained.

It is not uncommon for a Vampire to develop a relationship with Humans or other beings that they keep around mostly for feeding (We are not going to ask about your kinks :P).  Keep in mind though that blood slaves must eat a lot to replace blood loss, take vitamins and other supplements, and keep in good health or they will die.   

• Blood Dolls/Slaves may belong to an individual Vampire, a nest, or other groups.  

• Blood Dolls/Slaves are sometimes marked with tattoos, jewelry, branding, etc.

• Blood Dolls/Slaves may be kept willingly or not, glamoured, or even by way of addiction (some are addicted to the bite or Vampire Blood.  

• A Vampire may develop a bond with its Blood Doll/Slave and the Vampire may recognize the flavor and scent of his slave’s blood and be able to track them up to 100 SL meters in distance.  The closer they are, the stronger the scent. (CONSENT, CONSENT, CONSENT).  

Vampire Blood

Vampire Blood has been known to be an “upper”, such as cocaine, or a really powerful metabolism enhancer.  Those who consume it have reported increased energy, mental clarity, enhanced libido, and decreased appetite, among other things.  Vampire Blood is highly addictive, both physically and mentally.   

Werewolves, Shifters, Waterborn, and Incarnates that consume Vampire Blood may experience euphoria, excitability, and nervousness, and may involuntarily shift immediately after consuming.  Some may have developed tolerance or practice in controlling this.

Vampire Blood may also be used in some Phral potions or rituals(see Phral page for details).  

Nests are family groups/clans formed by Vampires, for various reasons, like companionship or business, since they aren’t necessarily “pack’ driven creatures.  The politics, rules, etc are individual to each nest.  There is no officially established nest in Ashmore, but Vampires may start their own or become members of Club Lazarus should they choose.

Poconos Region Order of Vampires

​Motto: "Tenetur in sempiternum a sanguine protecti ab tenebris obumbratio" 

Translated: Forever bound by blood, protected by the darkness of the shadows.

The hierarchy of vampires’ organization, government, and culture differs from lore to lore. In the Unnatural Universe it is divided into different districts/parishes/regions, with each region having an appointed Doyen/Doyenne, who ultimately answers to NPC leaders above them all over the world.  In most cases it is divided as such:   Region>State>Country>Continent, but in places with a high-density Vampire population there might be smaller districts or territories within a Region.   In Ashmore, The Poconos Region Order of Vampires (PROV) rules over Vampire affairs in the North East region of Pennsylvania and houses its headquarters in the City of Ashmore, specifically at Club Lazarus. They are not a Nest. They oversee law and order for vampires in the region.

The Order ensures that all Vampires who enter the region keep the veil intact and hand out discipline to Vampires who break it. They can and will intervene with Vampire affairs that put the region at risk of exposure. Consequences can include physical punishment, fines, imprisonment, or handed over to the Veiled Council for more extreme punishment.

If your character is new to Ashmore they would more than likely have belonged to a different region Order or been under their rule, and it would be customary for Vampires to present themselves to The Order when they arrive.  

CLUB LAZARUS

Club Lazarus is the Vampire gathering hub in Ashmore and possibly the only of its kind in the tri-state area!  It is advertised as a lounge to the public, offering live entertainment and fine spirits--but that is no more than a lure for victims/snacks!  It is owned by Rosemary Broussard and her partner Vincent Weirman.  It is very possible that your Vampire character has heard of either of them or may have knowledge of the club.  

Feeding is allowed in the alcoves (semi-private) and the VIP room, but open feeding is discouraged on the main floor. Lazarus provides a drink known as the 'House Red', a bottled blood, offered to Vampires. 

Vampires may become members and pay yearly dues (RP only, assumed transactions), or remain as guests.  Lazarus also has long-term rooms for rent, offering maximum security and not a single window in sight for members.  Any Vampire bringing a non-Vampire guest to Lazarus is responsible and liable for their behavior.

**OOC the rental rooms are weekly rentals, not hourly, and are a housing alternative for Vampires since they do not need kitchens or bathrooms!

VIP members also have access to the VIP Playrooms, for more privacy, and secure rooms for siring.  Ask management!

Non-vampire guests or unknowing humans who witness Vampire activity at Lazarus may be glamoured to re-imagine the events they witnessed. They may remember the people they meet, the dancing, partying, and drinking, but not any supernatural activity.

 Punishment for breaking rules or the veil at Lazarus can be harsh and may elicit a visit to the Poconos Region Order of Vampires