Chapter Text
DISCLAIMER: This entire first “chapter” will be all lore dump / worldbuilding. If you want to learn about the story through actually reading it and not through blatant exposition like this, go immediately to chapter 2! :)
When a human is turned into a vampire, they lose all memories of their past life. They become a “Newborn”, and an entirely new life starts.
A Newborn vampire is a vampire who has not yet fed on blood. This stage typically doesn’t last long– Newborns are disoriented, unstable, hungry, and desperate. They are weak, but still potentially dangerous if left unsupervised.
A Newborn is not yet considered a “real” vampire. Killing one, especially a dangerous one, is technically tolerated if they aren’t under an Elder’s protection.
Danger rating: Potentially dangerous to a human. Extremely easy to kill.
Social status: Non-person - (Not a human, not yet a vampire)
Powers: None
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Once a Newborn has fed, they become a “Fledgling”. Fledglings are vampires that are in very early development. They are young and inexperienced, and are learning how to navigate their new lives. An Elder who turns a human into a Fledgling is responsible for them for the next 10 years– physically, and socially.
Fledglings live under an Elder’s rule and protection, and are often seen as an extension of that Elder. A Fledgling’s behaviour, appearance, and obedience all reflect on their Elder. They are expected to obey all older vampires, not just their Elder. Physical corrections or punishments may be given with no social consequences, but to severely injure an Elder’s Fledgling is an offense.
Fledglings typically live in “Nests” – A location or multiple locations under an Elder’s watch.
It is not common for them to live in a “Den” – A Revenant’s home.
It is even less common, but not unheard of, for a Fledgling to live in a “Lair” – An Elder’s private residence.
Role: Learn, serve, survive.
Danger rating: Stronger and more resilient than a human, but not hard to kill, especially if they do not have control over their reflexes.
Social status: Minor
Powers: Sharpened senses, no abilities.
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A “Revenant” is a fully realized, or a ‘standard adult’ vampire. They have survived the first 10 years, long enough to learn the ropes of vampire lifestyle and society, and have gained full autonomy – (still expected to defer to Elders)
They may move out of their Nest or Lair and build/obtain a Den of their own, and officially ‘start’ their immortal life. There are many reputable and well-known Revenants who run businesses for modern vampire life.
Revenants, over time, typically start to develop an “image” – a type of personal brand or signature look that differentiates them from other vampires, becoming more refined/recognizable the older the vampire is. It can be a favourite colour, a type of flair (pins, rings, accessories), a specific clothing cut, etc. Nothing too loud or embellished- an extravagant appearance is for high-ranking vampires only.
Danger rating: Hard to kill, especially without preparation.
Social status: Citizen
Powers: Enhanced strength, speed, and senses. Enhanced regeneration. Limited mind manipulation (influence, suggestion, emotional pressure – not puppeteering)
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An “Elder” is a vampire that has lived over 100 years. This is called a “Turning Point”, and is usually celebrated on the day they were turned, 100 years later. It is common for Elders to host “Turning Point” parties every time one passes.
Elders are the second highest class of vampire, but due to the rarity of Syres an Elder is likely the highest ranking vampire you will meet. Elders are aged, powerful vampires, and may choose to turn humans or ‘create Fledglings’ of their own. This is a major responsibility and not typically done lightly, as each Fledgling will be dependent on that Elder for feeding, clothing, shelter, and living experience for 10 years. It is not illegal, but it is extremely socially frowned upon to abandon or neglect a Fledgling – it tarnishes your image, and your social reputation.
Elders may adopt abandoned Fledglings, but it is not common, as most Elders see them as liabilities, abandoned projects, someone else’s problem, or simply not worth the effort if they lack any kind of training at all.
Some Elders treat their Fledglings like aspiring vampires, and give them reasonable independence. Some treat them like obedient dogs, and order them around like servants.
Danger rating: Nearly impossible to kill – potentially extremely dangerous.
Social status: Authority. May hold political power.
Powers: All Revenant abilities, amplified – (supernatural regeneration, full mind control)
Elders may also develop/unlock extra abilities as they age- shapeshifting, mistform, mirror gates, etc.
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A “Syre” is an ancient, mythic vampire, tied to the origin of vampirism. They are incredibly rare, and do not make public appearances. If you ever meet one, pray they don’t want you dead.
Danger rating: Absolute
Social status: Living Legend / Royalty / Godlike
Powers: Unimaginable
All vampires are instinctively aware of this hierarchy – it is felt immediately and involuntarily. It is described as a physical sensation, like an “oppressive aura” that emanates from them. Vampires are programmed to defer to any vampire who is older than them. Eye contact is physically difficult to maintain, close proximity is intimidating, and any command received by an older vampire is obeyed instinctively. The body knows naturally – Age = Authority.
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Most humans do not know that vampires exist. Some do, but these are typically rare and monitored cases. The rest is filed away as superstition.
Most vampires do not associate with humans much – human attention brings Hunters.
While there is no official legal organization for ‘vampire hunting’, vigilante groups have remained steady over the course of human history. Their objective is well-intentioned – they wish to rid their world of supernatural evil, but their methods are rarely noble.
Hunters are combat-efficient, and some boast openly about their headcount. Some humans become hunters because they want to protect other humans. Some become hunters because they want revenge. Some become hunters because they want the chance to kill something without backlash.
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Feeding:
Blood is necessary for a vampire to survive, and is one of the only things they can safely ingest. A healthy vampire feeds ~2 times a week, depending on how fresh the source is. Old or bottled/bagged blood may require more frequent feedings.
When a vampire bites a human, their body triggers a chemical reaction that produces a strong coagulant in their saliva, so they can seal the wound when they are done. This is to prevent humans from immediately bleeding out once the vampire removes their fangs. This is not instinctively known about– it must be taught.
Prolonged deprivation from blood will induce starvation, which manifests in different forms as it worsens over time. It may take weeks/months to kill a vampire using this method– starving one is dangerous and cruel.
A starving vampire has:
-Weakened powers
-Weakened body / senses
-A lack of control
-Increased desperation
They can be dangerous because a sudden presence of blood triggers an animalistic override, and a loss of any rational control. They will be taken over by the desire to consume.
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This story will follow Eli, an unfortunate Fledgling who gets rescued and taken in by a powerful and respected Elder. Here’s some scribbles I made of him at like 4 in the morning. There will be more art / a few story panels too!
