07-12-2021, 09:50 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-12-2021, 09:58 AM by mat13295.
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A new book is written and published after being reviewed by the Osronan board of education and literature. It's penned by one Kali Agana.
![[Image: d82052y-547fdff5-c073-4562-a255-9e9460bd...tUl2WxQR6k]](https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/b2b13d6f-0ee1-46aa-bfa4-2c577de5a370/d82052y-547fdff5-c073-4562-a255-9e9460bd83af.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2IyYjEzZDZmLTBlZTEtNDZhYS1iZmE0LTJjNTc3ZGU1YTM3MFwvZDgyMDUyeS01NDdmZGZmNS1jMDczLTQ1NjItYTI1NS05ZTk0NjBiZDgzYWYuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.NxmFuRW1c4RGWDTpt6ajNohD0Jo6kH-nutUl2WxQR6k)
My name is Kali Agana, once head hunter of the silverlight hunters and Second Dawn Cadet. For a good portion of my life, my career was hunting down these creatures of the night and studying their habits, abilities, weaknesses and strengths. There was a time i once worked with the creatures, a sin i have been looking to rectify since i was detained and held captive by Osrona. Part of my way to redeem myself i have found is to pen this book for future generations. With knowledge gained from within Asphodel as well as my previous experiences of hunting, hopefully it will at least help save one life.
I do not expect Vampirism to ever leave the continent of Esshar, not unless a permanent ward is somehow made to prevent further ascensions. As such it is up to you, dear reader, to arm yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent the spread. That is what a vampire hunter does. Stem the flow while trying to fix the source. Whether there is a way to fix it, i'm not sure. But i won't stop working on a way to do so.
Chapter 1: The origin of the curse of Cain
There are dozens of different myths, stories and even religious doctrine that tells us of how vampirism came into this world. The most commonly held belief by both Vampire and Mortal alike is that the curse came from the current Vampiric homeland Apropriya. Centuries ago, around the first or second century of Eternian history there was a Kingdom of humans, lead by a man named Abel. During this time, the fallen Angel Azrael was beginning his first foray into the creation of immortal undead. Cain was one of his first experimentations to create them. It was deemed a failure. Cain slew his brother and seized control of the Kingdom and later found himself ruling the entire continent. Whether he is alive to this day is uncertain. Vampires either die incredibly young or live incredibly long lives. If he is alive, he would be considered the most dangerous vampire known to man. Which leads us nicely into our next chapter...
Chapter 2: Vampiric biology and sociology
The most common knowledge about vampires, from what i have gathered over the years is something now well known to Esshar. Their curse requires them to consume blood. But not just any old blood will do. "Vitae" is what they call the energy they drink from when consuming the living. This Vitae is what keeps a vampire from falling into a torpor and continues their existence as well as granting them terrible powers i will get into later.
"Vitae" is the magical energy found in all living beings with Magi in particular being incredibly potent with the stuff. Vitae differs from mana which is what is used for spells and magics. Arguably, this is a part of the spirit that inhabits living beings. Vampires feed off of the spirit and the blood of creatures. This is why even creatures such as Dullahans or skeletons can even be fed upon to sustain a vampire. Because a spirit is within those undead.
Vampires that are unable to feed for an extended period of time enter a state called "torpor". Their bodies slowly wear down and fatigue settles in while the undying hunger only grows in intensity. If a vampire cannot feed while in this state, they fall into a coma like state. This doesn't mean they're dead however, or not a threat. If a living being approaches a vampire in this state, there's a chance the curse will awaken them, long enough to try and feed. A feeding while they are in this state is all but certain to be lethal as the vampire has no control over their own hunger or body anymore until it's sated.
As much as this may be considered heresy by some, but vampires are still human deep down. The curse amplifies the worst of humanity as well as twisting the vampire's mind and senses into a primary purpose: Sustenance. This doesn't keep vampires from possessing goals, dreams and ambitions. Arguably, these are more dangerous than a simple thirst.
The emotional state of a vampire is incredibly volatile. As mentioned before, the worst parts of humanity are amplified. Rage, wrath, greed, envy...All of these are driven to an inhuman extreme in some vampires. Some will find themselves facing wild mood swings and changes depending on circumstances and stress. Engaging with talks with a vampire is always a gamble because of this. One moment they may appear coy or sly, the next they're in a frothing rage for example.
In regards to psychological stress: because vampires are more susceptible to emotions as part of the curse, a vampire's mind has one final defence against such a thing. Something i have seen with my own eyes. And it is both terrifying and pitiful in a way. A vampire, if overwhelmed with mental stress such as grief or sadness may simply...Stop feeling anything. It's much like a deep depression. They become numb to everything around them. Unfeeling and uncaring, the only feeling they have being pain from wounds and the eternal thirst.
Once this occurs, it's borderline impossible for a vampire to open themselves up again. Even seeing their own friends or family being slaughtered before them will do nothing in most cases beyond drawing their attention to a source of food. That final shred of humanity is gone. A wild, hungry animal is all that remains. And they should be dealt with and treated as such: Hunted with extreme caution
Chapter 3: Vampiric powers
We'll start with the obvious of course. Vampires are immortal and will only leave this world through a violent death or unfortunate accident. The older a vampire gets, the more powerful they become as well. They learn to both better control their new powers and abilities and learn very quickly that they require allies and servants to keep them alive. We will cover this further in chapter 4: Thralls, ghouls and ascension
Vampires possess the power of magi, combined with the curse of Cain. I have never heard or seen a non-magi being turned into a vampire. The closest is a thing called a "thinblood" which will also be covered later. As such, one must expect every vampire to possess different abilities along with the usual kit they have available to them.
Vampires possess the following powers that can be used in combat as well as beyond it:
My name is Kali Agana, once head hunter of the silverlight hunters and Second Dawn Cadet. For a good portion of my life, my career was hunting down these creatures of the night and studying their habits, abilities, weaknesses and strengths. There was a time i once worked with the creatures, a sin i have been looking to rectify since i was detained and held captive by Osrona. Part of my way to redeem myself i have found is to pen this book for future generations. With knowledge gained from within Asphodel as well as my previous experiences of hunting, hopefully it will at least help save one life.
I do not expect Vampirism to ever leave the continent of Esshar, not unless a permanent ward is somehow made to prevent further ascensions. As such it is up to you, dear reader, to arm yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent the spread. That is what a vampire hunter does. Stem the flow while trying to fix the source. Whether there is a way to fix it, i'm not sure. But i won't stop working on a way to do so.
Chapter 1: The origin of the curse of Cain
There are dozens of different myths, stories and even religious doctrine that tells us of how vampirism came into this world. The most commonly held belief by both Vampire and Mortal alike is that the curse came from the current Vampiric homeland Apropriya. Centuries ago, around the first or second century of Eternian history there was a Kingdom of humans, lead by a man named Abel. During this time, the fallen Angel Azrael was beginning his first foray into the creation of immortal undead. Cain was one of his first experimentations to create them. It was deemed a failure. Cain slew his brother and seized control of the Kingdom and later found himself ruling the entire continent. Whether he is alive to this day is uncertain. Vampires either die incredibly young or live incredibly long lives. If he is alive, he would be considered the most dangerous vampire known to man. Which leads us nicely into our next chapter...
Chapter 2: Vampiric biology and sociology
The most common knowledge about vampires, from what i have gathered over the years is something now well known to Esshar. Their curse requires them to consume blood. But not just any old blood will do. "Vitae" is what they call the energy they drink from when consuming the living. This Vitae is what keeps a vampire from falling into a torpor and continues their existence as well as granting them terrible powers i will get into later.
"Vitae" is the magical energy found in all living beings with Magi in particular being incredibly potent with the stuff. Vitae differs from mana which is what is used for spells and magics. Arguably, this is a part of the spirit that inhabits living beings. Vampires feed off of the spirit and the blood of creatures. This is why even creatures such as Dullahans or skeletons can even be fed upon to sustain a vampire. Because a spirit is within those undead.
Vampires that are unable to feed for an extended period of time enter a state called "torpor". Their bodies slowly wear down and fatigue settles in while the undying hunger only grows in intensity. If a vampire cannot feed while in this state, they fall into a coma like state. This doesn't mean they're dead however, or not a threat. If a living being approaches a vampire in this state, there's a chance the curse will awaken them, long enough to try and feed. A feeding while they are in this state is all but certain to be lethal as the vampire has no control over their own hunger or body anymore until it's sated.
As much as this may be considered heresy by some, but vampires are still human deep down. The curse amplifies the worst of humanity as well as twisting the vampire's mind and senses into a primary purpose: Sustenance. This doesn't keep vampires from possessing goals, dreams and ambitions. Arguably, these are more dangerous than a simple thirst.
The emotional state of a vampire is incredibly volatile. As mentioned before, the worst parts of humanity are amplified. Rage, wrath, greed, envy...All of these are driven to an inhuman extreme in some vampires. Some will find themselves facing wild mood swings and changes depending on circumstances and stress. Engaging with talks with a vampire is always a gamble because of this. One moment they may appear coy or sly, the next they're in a frothing rage for example.
In regards to psychological stress: because vampires are more susceptible to emotions as part of the curse, a vampire's mind has one final defence against such a thing. Something i have seen with my own eyes. And it is both terrifying and pitiful in a way. A vampire, if overwhelmed with mental stress such as grief or sadness may simply...Stop feeling anything. It's much like a deep depression. They become numb to everything around them. Unfeeling and uncaring, the only feeling they have being pain from wounds and the eternal thirst.
Once this occurs, it's borderline impossible for a vampire to open themselves up again. Even seeing their own friends or family being slaughtered before them will do nothing in most cases beyond drawing their attention to a source of food. That final shred of humanity is gone. A wild, hungry animal is all that remains. And they should be dealt with and treated as such: Hunted with extreme caution
Chapter 3: Vampiric powers
We'll start with the obvious of course. Vampires are immortal and will only leave this world through a violent death or unfortunate accident. The older a vampire gets, the more powerful they become as well. They learn to both better control their new powers and abilities and learn very quickly that they require allies and servants to keep them alive. We will cover this further in chapter 4: Thralls, ghouls and ascension
Vampires possess the power of magi, combined with the curse of Cain. I have never heard or seen a non-magi being turned into a vampire. The closest is a thing called a "thinblood" which will also be covered later. As such, one must expect every vampire to possess different abilities along with the usual kit they have available to them.
Vampires possess the following powers that can be used in combat as well as beyond it:
- Powerful regenerative abilities, able to even come back from having their head severed from the neck down in some cases
- Inhuman strength and speed
- Night vision
- Hypnosis
- Minor shapeshifting and illusions to blend into modern society
- The ability to sire ghouls and create new vampires
- Ability to transfer collected vitae to other vampires
All of these abilities they possess makes them the prime hunter of mortal creatures. That's not to say they aren't killable however. in fact, there's a few ways to do so. This will be covered in the final chapters of this book. Right now, they don't possess any obvious weaknesses. However, it doesn't mean one doesn't exist. There may be a way to better harm them, and perhaps it will be you to discover it if I don't find it in my lifetime.
Chapter 4: Thralls, ghouls and ascension
As the last chapter reads, vampires possess the ability to sire other mortals into becoming vampires. Not every thrall and ghoul will become a vampire. Many end up being lured in with the promises of power and immortality only to be lead along like a rabbit with a carrot stick. These servants of vampires are usually considered family, however. Bound by blood through the process. There are many longstanding names in vampire society that have survived for centuries through the ascension process.A thrall is the first step and usually, the final step for quite a few would be vampires. They don't possess any unique abilities beyond what they have learnt or gained in life. Thralls are made when a vampire feeds a willing servant their own blood. The vitae they have collected creates a link between vampire and child. The thrall, over multiple feedings, will become addicted to this blood. This is how vampires manage to keep a hold on their servants and ensure loyalty.
Withdrawal is a painful syndrome. It starts much like any addict does when denied access to the stimulus they crave. Shaking hands, heart palpitations and general fatigue. The longer they go without however, is when the more unique side of their addiction shows. Their health starts to crumble, they appear starved and lethargic, their mind slowly breaking down until the only thing they wish for is the next feed. Sometimes this state is used as a punishment for unruly thralls and ghouls. Other times it's simply because the vampire is struggling to make ends meet with their own supply, let alone the sustenance for two.
Ghouls are the next step in a potential vampire's life. After several years of regular blood feasts, the curse of Cain starts to manifest itself in a mortal's body. A ghoul gains a fraction of a vampire's typical strength and speed and can even use the gifted Vitae they have to, for a time, manifest the full inhuman power of a vampire's strength when in a fight. Because of this, ghouls tend to be the right hand of their sire. Working as blood collectors, warriors, bodyguards or whatever else a vampire requires of their skills.
A smart vampire tends to use these ghouls to hunt in their steads instead of potentially exhausting their own vitae in a failed hunt.
The final stage. Ascension. I have witnessed this twice in my life. Once after failing to subdue a ghoul and being used to fuel their ascension and witnessing the rise of another in Asphodel itself. This is of course when a vampire is born into the world. The process is incredibly risky and is reserved only for the most loyal of ghouls. When a sire has completely gorged themselves on vitae and the ghoul has been well fed with excess vitae gifted to them through a feeding, the sire begins the process of ascencion.
It's considered by many vampires as a right of passage. If the ghoul doesn't turn or dies during the ascension, they are simply considered unworthy of the gift and taken away to be disposed of.
The Ascencion differs from vampire to vampire and potentially from culture to culture. What i have witnessed of the vampires of Asphodel that came from the capitol of Apropriya is this:
The ghoul and vampire seek permission from the King or Queen of the vampire Kingdom. if they are granted permission, the process tends to be completed either as a public display and celebration or in the privacy of a vampire's den. If the ascension is completed without permission, they are to be executed under Crown law.
Once the Ghoul is provided with the last bit of Vitae needed and a (usually unwilling) victim is drained of blood, a sword or dagger is used to stab the ghoul through the chest or stomach with the intent to kill. While they are bled to death, the vampire begins channelling their own vitae into the ghoul, usually through one final feeding. As the Ghoul's life begins to end, all is left up to the curse of Cain. This ritual tends to take either a few seconds to a couple of minutes to tell if it has worked or failed.
If the curse takes, a web of red forms over the new vampire's dying body, where veins and arteries are normally found. Eventually, this web begins to soften and fade away as the freshly sired vampire's eyes open up for the first time in their undead life. If the curse fails to take? The same web of red shows but instead of fading away, it only grows brighter in intensity before the entire body rapidly decays into a rotting corpse.
There have been attempts to resuscitate and reanimate those that have died through the arts of necromancy or white magic. It has only worked in very few cases. As one vampire in Asphodel once told me. "Once a soul escapes the stars, it will never escape a second time." Failed vampires technically lived their unlife while changing.
There is of course one final being. A "thinblood". i have never seen one but from what i've been told you can't even really call them vampires. Blood drinking zombies is more apt. Thinbloods are those that a vampire has completely drained and killed in the process and has managed to take on a weakened form of the curse. This only occurs among magi and it is an incredibly rare phenomenon. They maintain most of a regular vampire's abilities, bar the ability to sire servants or vampires of their own, nor use more subterfuge measures such as shapeshifting. They also have a much more extreme hunger. They resemble a bloated corpse as well. Like i've written: Zombies that feast on blood.
Chapter 5: Weaknesses and myths
Because of how recent of a thing vampires are in Esshar, there are many myths and falsified knowledge passed around. I think before i move on to documented weaknesses I have found that it's best to clear up common misconceptions.
Because of how recent of a thing vampires are in Esshar, there are many myths and falsified knowledge passed around. I think before i move on to documented weaknesses I have found that it's best to clear up common misconceptions.
- Garlic does absolutely nothing. DO NOT CARRY THIS STUFF, IT SMELLS AWFUL
- The Book and cross of Kraus can prevent a vampire attack: This is false, objects of faith, unless touched directly by a diety that hates vampires and undead, will do nothing.
- Vampires cannot cross moving water: I...Don't even know where this came from. Most vampires simply fly with true flight or gravity magic. They can cross water fine.
- Holy magic is the best defence against vampires: It's a solid magic against vampires, but any school of magic is equally effective. They do hate the stuff, however.
- If you're bitten you'll become a vampire: False: See above about thralldom
- Poisoned blood can affect vampires: False, it simply tastes terrible. Might be enough to get a vampire off of you, but it's not worth self poisoning.
As for actual weaknesses Vampires have? They don't have many but there may be other means we have yet to discover in Esshar. What does seem to weaken a vampire however is prolonged starvation. Withdrawal from Vitae weakens and saps a vampire's strength, making them easier to take down in combat. Magibane still affects vampires because it primarily targets the mana circuits of the body, which vampires still rely on to use their powers and magic.
Another weakness is staking a vampire in the heart. If the heart is pierced, the vampire is stunned as the body rapidly tries to reconstitute itself. This can be used to swiftly decapitate the vampire and end the battle within an instant if you're lucky and skilful enough to pull it off. A wooden stake can be used but i found i prefer the reach of a longsword to reduce the risk of being clawed apart.
The only way to make sure a vampire is dead is to destroy the brain. A vampire with its brainstem still intact CAN and WILL come back from the dead if left undisturbed. Its happened before and will continue to happen if a kill isn't properly confirmed. As such, you should always possess a means of destroying the head and the brain entirely. Such as a large rock or hammer.
The final weakness vampires fear is fire. Fire feeds off of skin and fat. if a vampire is set on fire, it reduces their ability to regenerate. Of course, once the fire is extinguished they can still regenerate most of the damage, depending on how long the fire rages. Vampiric regeneration has its limits, which is why you tend to find them taking on medics a lot to fix what they can't fully heal from.
Chapter 6: Tools of the hunt
As a vampire hunter, the first rule is preparedness. Always have a path of escape for yourself, always bring potions and poisons and always bring a friend you can trust to watch you're back. I learnt the last lesson the hard way.
You should always endeavour to carry the following on you if you've chosen the path of a vampire hunter:
Another weakness is staking a vampire in the heart. If the heart is pierced, the vampire is stunned as the body rapidly tries to reconstitute itself. This can be used to swiftly decapitate the vampire and end the battle within an instant if you're lucky and skilful enough to pull it off. A wooden stake can be used but i found i prefer the reach of a longsword to reduce the risk of being clawed apart.
The only way to make sure a vampire is dead is to destroy the brain. A vampire with its brainstem still intact CAN and WILL come back from the dead if left undisturbed. Its happened before and will continue to happen if a kill isn't properly confirmed. As such, you should always possess a means of destroying the head and the brain entirely. Such as a large rock or hammer.
The final weakness vampires fear is fire. Fire feeds off of skin and fat. if a vampire is set on fire, it reduces their ability to regenerate. Of course, once the fire is extinguished they can still regenerate most of the damage, depending on how long the fire rages. Vampiric regeneration has its limits, which is why you tend to find them taking on medics a lot to fix what they can't fully heal from.
Chapter 6: Tools of the hunt
As a vampire hunter, the first rule is preparedness. Always have a path of escape for yourself, always bring potions and poisons and always bring a friend you can trust to watch you're back. I learnt the last lesson the hard way.
You should always endeavour to carry the following on you if you've chosen the path of a vampire hunter:
- Wooden stake and mallet: Primarily used to deal with vampires found in a torpor state. Destroying the heart, if quickly applied, will prevent the vampire from awakening for you to destroy them. Can also be used in combat
- The best weapon you can wield: Self explanatory. While some wield their fists as powerfully as Arcanium, for the rest of us it's best to come equipped with the most powerful sword, staff or rifle on hand
- Dreamline potions: Vampires sometimes roam in packs. It's best to have a means to escape if cornered.
- Whetstones: A dull blade cannot hope to sever a vampire's neck. A dull blade gets a hunter killed.
- Boot knife/emergency weapon: In case of ambushes or if you're disarmed somehow.
- Blunt instrument e.g hammer: A vampire's brain must be destroyed to kill it. Crushing it into a pulp will do so perfectly.
- Combat potions: Rejuvenation potions, attunement potions or hel, even adrenaline potions. You need every edge you can get when fighting a creature that is the very peak of the food chain.
- Matches: Even after destroying the head, it's best to burn the remains. Both to make sure they're gone for good and as a means of respect. They're still human, deep down inside. You should maintain some respect for your fellow man.
- Camping supplies: Hunts can take you to the far ends of Esshar. best come prepared for a long trip and nights in the woods. Make sure to snuff out campfires and camouflage your campsite to either look abandoned or keep it completely hidden from vampires.
Chapter 7: Conclusion