Vampire

Vampires are a type of Undead creature. They are primarily in ASCOMYCOTA. Vampires are humans who reach relative immortality either by their own means or by being revived by someone else. In exchange for immortality, the Vampires gain several weaknesses and must sort out their needs in a world of people who die much faster than they do. Vampires can be from any Story, and most are drawn to Hallow Haven.
Like the other Undeads, they are technically ruled by Rune and Cycles.
The most prominent Vampire character is Leon Mildew.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Like all other Undeads, Vampires are technically immortal. They age, yes, but at a much slower rate than humans, and the process slows down even further with age. Vampires are harmed by direct sunlight because they burn up incredibly easily; all Vampires are ectotherms who do not need much heat to function, so sunlight (and extreme heat, such as by fireplaces or bonfires) can easily distress their systems. Vampires can only be killed if they are entirely ignored and prevented from getting blood for extended periods of time (while in Stage 5). Physical damage to their body decreases the ability for a Vampire to get blood or interact with others.

Genetics and Reproduction

Unlike Ghosts and Zombies, Vampires can reproduce, but their children will not be Vampires. They will be normal humans (even if their partner is also a Vampire).
Vampires can turn humans into Vampires by exchanging blood, usually through a bite. However, not every bite will lead to a Vampire, and Vampires don't bite nearly as much as most stories say they do. Like Zombies, they will only bite if the situation gets extremely dire.
Blood!

In the case of a bite for blood transfer, the bite needs to draw blood and connect with the blood of the Vampire in question. Vampire teeth are sharp enough to draw blood if they chomp down hard enough (though the threshold is much lower for Vampires than it is for normal humans).

Growth Rate & Stages

Like the other Undeads, Vampires have five loose stages that they flip between based on their needs (see dietary needs and habits).

• Stage 1 - The Vampire looks like a human with some traits related to a blood-sucking animal. Despite this, they do not need to drink blood yet. They may not be super social in this stage--at least, their social needs are not as dire and can be maintained with a normal routine.

• Stage 2 - The Vampire seems fidgety or uncomfortable, perhaps clingy. They try to seek out friends and family who will support them. Physically, they don't look very different but may begin bearing more animal-like traits, such as sharper teeth, cravings, and more functional wings / tail / etc.

• Stage 3 - The Vampire begins becoming desperate and may cling to memories or start talking to themself or inanimate objects to self soothe. More animal-like traits continue, as well as the unintentional use of some magical abilities. Many Vampires become very self-conscious and afraid of judgement in this Stage with these factors in mind.

• Stage 4 - Unfortunately, Vampires stay relatively conscious throughout most of this Stage (and a bit of Stage 5), unlike Ghosts and Zombies. They may act on gut instincts as they warp, but they knew if something doesn't align with their values, even if they are unable to stop themselves. Some try to drink blood, attack, grapple other people, or perform destructive tendencies in order to get someone to interact with them. At the same time, they may be afraid to reveal their current state (which is noticeably not humanoid) to other people.

• Stage 5 - Vampires mourn their current state and are extremely desperate for someone to speak to them (preferably calmly in most cases). They become delirious from a lack of blood and may not be able to see or hear people calling out to them, instead focusing on their echoes, shadows, and nonhuman (and usually inanimate) things they enjoy talking to. Talking is a loose term; many Vampires lose the ability to speak coherently, but they believe they're speaking well and that nothing is wrong in the deeper end of this Stage.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Vampires feed on social interaction and livelihoods. This is distinguished from Ghosts, who need memory and attention; Vampires do not need to fully partake in the social interaction to feed. Simply being around others, even if not in the center of attention, will fill their needs. In addition, Vampires thrive under acceptance (whether from themselves or from others). This is especially prominent because Vampires value being authentic, usually resulting in them revealing their status as a Vampire and some engaging with behaviors associated with bats, mosquitos, or other blood-suckers.
Vampires do not need to eat food, but they can if they desire. Many do enjoy eating or at least attending social gatherings involving food (the exact preference depends on the individual). Additionally, Vampires only need to drink blood in Stages 4 and 5, and this action is associated with strong reactions and acknowledgement, thus feeding the Vampire's social needs. I mean, if you're tearing into someone to get their blood, that's bound to have someone react.

Behaviour

Vampires can resemble a variety of blood-sucking animals. Vampire bats are the most common (or at least the animal that comes to mind the most), but other examples include leeches, mosquitos, fleas, ticks, lampreys, and vampire ground finches. In Stage 1 (as described in Growth Rates and Stages), Vampires have some attributes of the animal. For example, Leon has bat-like ears, fur, and small wings. Depending on the Vampire, some can turn into the animal they resemble. This is not to be confused with the Stage system; needs are still met, the Vampire is not harmed, and they are still sentient and can turn back with ease.
Most Vampires like to engage with their animal side, though the exact culmination varies based on Vampire and animal. Some may enjoy being petted, swimming, flying, or exploring the world as their animal form. This can lead to some irresponsibility or avoidance on the part of the Vampire, but this desire can be curated into a positive experience.
In the later stages, the Vampire's animal form is more monstrous and distinguished from normal animals of the same species.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vampires are generally more adept when it comes to magic and supernatural matters, such as communicating with Ghosts and traversing Stories.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Vampires pair well with Ghosts due to their slightly similar needs, as Vampires need social interaction and Ghosts need attention. Curiously, some Zombies form relationships with Vampires by offering their blood to them, as Vampires are unaffected by the bacteria Zombies may carry in their blood and Zombies easily regrow limbs and such.