Vampire

Vampires are a strange, diverse breed, composed of many lineages. These lineages each trace their origin to some founding event, where their kinds progenitor became the first vampire of their kind, granted the gift or curse to spread to others, depending on one's point of view.
Despite diverse origins and powers, a number of things unite vampires and are considered true of all of their kind. They thirst for the blood of other races and must consume it to avoid slipping into a coma. Another thing that unites them is power. Brimming with occult energies, vampires are capable of amazing feats, some racing light itself, others sundering fortresses with but a swipe of their claws.
The last thing that unite them is their weaknesses. For all their might, each lineage of vampires suffer a number of weird bans and banes, which limits their behaviour and is the key to their undoing. Despite their best efforts, knowledge of these weaknesses have spread and most vampire hunters come well prepared.
Vampires are very diverse in open conflict, depending on the exact lineage one is dealing with. The unprepared are often bowled over by the vampire's superior strength, speed and constitution, but being often quite sagacious creatures, they are also capable of more sophisticated tactics if required.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Vampire physiology depens heaily on a number of factors. Firss of which lineage, which heavily influences their form. Next, whether they are born vampires or converted. In the latter case, their old species has a heavy influence on their form.
Despite this, there is a number of commonalities between all varians. Vampires are exceedingly tough, able to take blows with ease that would fell normal humans. And what wounds they do receive quickly heal up, with them being capable of recovering from even the most gruesome injury given time. At the same time, their body is also resistant to diseases and poisons. However, all vampires also suffer from what is called banes, specific things that can harm and even permanently kill them. These vary depending on lineage.
They are also very strong. Blows from vampires can send people flying or break open the armour of a knight. They can lift heavy objects with ease and more than one vampire hunter has had their career ended by an anvil to the face.
Vampires are also skilled magicians by nature. Their bodies are filled with occult magic and using it comes naturally to them. Most are shapeshifters and can take animal forms reminescent of their own lineage.
All vampires crave blood and the vital essence in it. Most possess fangs, proboscises or similar that allow them to easily liberate the fluid from their prey once captured. Vampires can even absorb some of their prey's essence and gain some of their power, though this gift fades with the next drink. Should they fail to imbibe, however, they will greatly weaken, eventually entering a sort of death-like coma. This state lasts until something with a pulse comes close by, whereafter the vampire awakens, instincts driving them to feed to the last drop.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vampires reproduce in two distinct ways. They can reproduce sexually, although vampire fertility is low and usually requires many attempts before success. The following pregnancy depends on the vampire's lineage, with some carrying the baby to term and others, for example, laying an egg that must occasionally be moistened with fresh blood.
The other way vampires can reproduce is through convertion. After draining a taregt of blood, a vampire may offer their own to their victim. If they drink it, the blood keeps them barely alive, but begins transforming them.

Growth Rate & Stages

Naturally born vampires, or pure-blood vampires, grow relatively quickly, though it depends on their lineage. Most are fully grown by their thirteenth year.
Coverted vampires transform over the course of seven to twenty days, depending. Those of great health usually convert slower, as their body resists the transformation, though inevitably it goes through without outside help.

Ecology and Habitats

Vampires are often urban creatures, though this is not always the case. But they are never far from other species, even in the wilds.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Vampires are sanguivorous. They crave blood. They can drink it from animals, but it lacks the vital spark of a sapient creature and thus tastes comparatively dull.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Vampires often display needs for socialising and many vampires gather in various groups. These groups typically have strictly observed hierarchies and no one is in doubt who's in charge.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Vampires are semi-common and found on many spheres.

Average Intelligence

Vampires are sapient, though many have very feral personalities due to their inhrently predatory nature.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vampires have very well-developed senses. They can smell blood over long distances and can see pperfectly well with even the slightest hint of light.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Vampire names tend to vary, but usually have a sort of hint of danger to them. Converted vampires may or may not keep their old names.

Scientific Name

Dominus Noctis

Lifespan

Does not age

Average Height

Varies depending on lineage and original species

Average Weight

Varies depending on lineage and original species

Average Length

Varies depending on lineage and original species

Average Physique

Vampires are strong, healthy and agile. Each lineage of vampires usually develop one of these taits to a particularly supernatural degree.