Vampires

Vampirism is a magical disease that extends the life span of the afflicted, only to make them dependent on drinking the blood of innocent humans. An uncontrollable thirst, razor sharp senses, superior agility and predatory instincts come together to define the infamous vampire. A vampires sense of taste is deep enough to taste memories and past events, making them superior detectives, assassins and interrogators. However, because of their history as a blight upon the innocent, they are almost universally shunned, and a vampires surest hope of a peaceful life lies in Mora, a kingdom run by non-hostile vampires.

Vampirism was created by the Viagrim the Beast long ago, considered to be the mightiest of the gods. The afflicted develop vertical pupils, lifeless skin and lateral incisors sharp enough to easily penetrate skin and flesh. Most of them have low-level shape shifting abilities so they can temporarily disguise their vampirism, if needed.

The more a vampire feeds, the stronger and sharper mentally they become. Vampires who show no regard for innocent life and drink the blood of a human that is pure of heart, transcend and become Darklords, evil demigods with unbelievable power.

While sharing blood with Fiends is a sure sign of power, it does not exclude one from the violent competition of predators, for strong Fiends devour weak Fiends, and a mere vampire is easy game for most of them.

A well fed, normal vampire requires about 2 pints of human blood a night to sustain fairly impressive abilities. They are highly agile, can taste memories and see in the dark.

Vampire lords consume at least 5 pints a night, resulting in incredible sensory acuteness, agility, strength and intelligence. They can even transform into enormous nightmarish beasts of the night.

The way the disease is transmitted is unknown. Most accounts suggest that being fed on by a vampire coupled with prolonged contact of some sort is what causes the transmission, but others claim they became vampires simply by gazing too deeply into the eyes of a cat.

They align with 2 of the 6 elements; fire and water.

Ghouls (starved vampires) are mutants with bestial minds, but disappointing strength. They survive off less then half a pint of blood nightly, and as a result they deteriorate to barely sane bottom feeders going after birds, house cats and vermin.