Vampire

Vampires were an undead type of creature found in Naneth and the surrounding planes, most notably The Void. When present on Naneth, vampire can choose to inhabit all types of settings, from the deep forest to busy city streets. Typically, the more powerful higher vampire could be found in towns and cities, their magic allowing them to better blend in. Of all the undead present on Naneth, vampires were considered some of the most deadly, with most of them preferring to hunt and consume other intelligent races. Many lesser vampires could be found hunting a territory in the wilderness, sometimes tormenting villages and towns until a professional could be hired to deal with the situation. Unlike these lower creatures, higher vampires tend to have much better control over their blood lust, allowing them to be much more discreet in the hunt.
Because of their undead nature, vampires themselves are actually native to The Void, as are most unnatural beasts. Lost adventurers or poor souls that become lost in The Void often become the prey of the native vampires, allowing the beasts to easily pass on the curse of vampirism. Because of The Void's parallel position to the The Mortal Plane, it becomes quite easy for vampires to cross through into Naneth, either by way of accident or ritual summons. Considered a blight by Kelemvor, vampires are often expelled from his realm by the hand of the Eres himself. Though The Void is quite expansive, leading many to operate away from the view of The Great Judge.
Vampires themselves often stay quite close in appearance to their physical appearance before infection. Though they may appear much more pale, with dark circles surrounding a pair of hungry eyes. Additionally, vampires would grow fangs in the top of their jaw, allowing them to suck blood, and also inject necrotic energy. From their hands, long claws would emerge, often from the beds of the fingernails, allowing them to quickly tear through flesh and bone. Most lesser vampire would not be able to hide these physical abnormalities, while higher vampires are quite adapt at keeping this true beastial form under the disguise of normality.

Classification

Higher Vampires

Higher Vampires are the individuals afflicted with the curse of vampirism from the demon Vampyr itself. The power of a higher vampire can be passed down by each afflicted individual if they so choose, though many decide to instead to turn their prey into spawn; a type of lesser vampire. Because this power was granted by Vampyr, a higher's power varies greatly from it's lesser cousins, including magical abilities like invisibility, shapeshifting, and immense prowess in physical combat. Higher vampires can be found as functioning members of society, and often rise to positions of power due to their unnatural abilities giving them advantages in life over regular mortals. By far, these vampire are the most dangerous, sometimes living hundreds of years before their true identities are revealed.

Lesser Vampires

Lesser Vampires are often the type found wandering The Void or the wilds of Naneth. While they still possess most of their mental capabilities, the lust for blood is often too great, turning even the most level-headed spawn into a bloodthirsty monster when starving for a meal. This is often why vampire spawn can be found terrorizing small villages for weeks of months at a time, as the temptation for food is too great a prospect to leave behind. Some lesser vampires can also be found in the servitude of higher vampires. If this is the case, it means the higher vampire has bitten and transformed a target into a spawn. Transformation in this way permanently links the lesser vampire's mind to the power of the higher vampire, essentially making them a slave. The greatest example of this would certainly be Strahd Von Zarovich, who had several hundred spawn under his control at the height of his power.

Notable Vampires

• Strahd Von Zarovich: Known as Naneth's very first vampire, Strahd would acquire this curse and power from the demon Vampyr itself. Strahd would wield his immortality and power to great effect, eventually even capturing the attention of Kelemvor. Offended by this undead blight, Kelemvor locked Strahd in a plane of dread, a demi-plane within The Void. Here, Strahd would rule over the poor souls of Barovia, becoming the uncontested master of the land.

• Spawn of Weathersby: A vampire spawn that had begun to hunt the forests of the Ironwood, specifically around the settlement of Weathersby. This beast had been prowling for more than few weeks time, before being discovered and eventually killed by Kezro the Curious. This was notable as the first of many great deeds performed by Kezro, as he rose through the ranks of Veth Monra.

Basic Information

Type: Humanoid, Undead
Size: Medium
Climate: Any
Terrain: Any
Diet: Blood
Average Lifespan: Immortal

Appearance

Average Height: Varies by Race
Average Weight: Varies by Race
Distinctions: Pale Skin, Dark Eyes, Fangs and Claws