Kudlak (Vampirism)

The curse of Vampirism alters a creature, turning them undead and compelling them to drink the blood of the living. Those with the condition are referred to as "Kudlak", and become more striking in their appearance, often beautiful but with a feral hardness that can be offputting to the living.

Symptoms

Kudlak develop a deep desire for drinking the blood of the living, and many experience withdrawal symptoms if they go too long without quenching their addiction. On the flipside, drinking an intelligent creature's blood results in a euphoric rush, filling the Kudlak with a sense of power, domination and focus.
Kudlak are sensitive to sunlight, and are harmed by running water. Kudlak cannot tolerate the strong odor of Chesnok (garlic) and will not enter an area laced with it. Similarly, they recoil from mirrors or strongly presented holy symbols. These things don’t harm the Kudlak; they merely keep it at bay (which is important if they are trying to drink a victim's blood). In addition, Kudlak are unable to enter homes uninvited or tresspass on hallowed ground.

Treatment

There is no known cure for the vampirism, so the safest way to avoid harm coming to others is to kill the Kudlak. Driving a wooden stake through a Kudlak's heart will kill it, however, the Kudlak will return to life if the stake is removed unless the head is chopped off and anointed with holy water. If a Kudlak is set on fire, it will errupt into swarms of bugs, snakes and bats, which will try to escape the flames. If a single creature escapes, the Kudlak will fully heal and rise again the next night.

Type

Supernatural

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Uncommon