Vampire

The term 'vampire' is a catchall that describes humanoid predators which consume either blood or spiritual energy ("spiritus vitae") to survive. They come in a variety of species and with wildly varying natural or physical properties.

The most commonly encountered vampire is Homo Vampiris. These are largely human in terms of their physical characteristics, though are descended from a non-human progenitor Dracula. Their affliction is genetic and transmitted through forcing humans to consume vampire blood. These vampires are very resistant to pain and physical trauma. Sunlight is unpleasant but not immediately fatal. Silver provokes a severe allergic reaction. Coagulated human blood is a powerful sedative. Vampirism makes them extremely resilient and allows them to operate at peak physical capability. The only methods of reliably killing them are decapitation or dismemberment. Extreme trauma to the cardio or central nervous system can neutralize them as well. H. Vampiris look human but have additional teeth in their mouth that aid with exsanguinating their target. H. Vampiris have subtle powers of telepathy and mental influence. Older and stronger vampires are capable of a hypnotic effect and even telepathic communication with their progeny. H. Vampiris can eat normal food but requires blood to survive.

Hominus Nocturne are a vastly more powerful cousin to H. Vampiris. Still derived from humans stock, H. Nocturne stems from a different progenitor-- Drake, and his mate, Akasha. These vampires are extremely sensitive to sunlight, silver, and garlic, with fatal results. However they are significantly faster and stronger than humans. H. Nocturne exhibit low-level telepathic abilities and influence that can grow over time. The older vampires can change their physical appearance and create distracting and confusing mental effects among humans. They are extremely resilient and can recover from major injuries and wounds if exposed to sufficient fresh blood. Regular consumption of blood is necessary or they will die. Many can affect something akin to flight, effortlessly defying gravity to scale walls. Fire, sunlight, garlic, and dismemberment are effective means of destroying them.