Vampires
Perhaps the second most well known cursed being is the Vampire. Despite their growing numbers among newly dubbed witches, those that take on the curse are normally very reclusive. As such, not much is known about them and their abilities. However, thanks to my own deep  research and testimonies from those of vampire-witch ruled towns, I have managed to collect a great sum of information on these monsters of magic and blood.

The Original Coven

The roots of Vampirism lies within some of the first bits of history of this land. After Auria first created the world and the living things that bounce around within it, Cainen's evil was not far behind. The first sins of the world splashed crimson blood upon spotless creation, and soon there were those who wished to feast upon it.

It is said in legend that the first vampires arose from pools of gore and ash left in the Dividing War's wake. In truth, the cursed beings were used as tools of the war by the Shifter army. Though much of the battles were won by Shifters due to their transforming nature and natural magical proficiency, dark forces were spreading among their ranks, and those who did not agree with Auria's ideals yet still desired to win the war began to congregate. It was these people who formed the first Witches' Coven, and it was they who created the vampires. Infiltrators and scouts, these cursed Shifters would blend in with the aristocracy of the opposing sides, eventually seducing and killing top generals and royalties.

No war is ever fought with righteousness alone. Evil and hatred is always at the heart of the conflicts of man. This was especially true of the morally grey Dividing War, which will be covered to a greater extent in the future, likely in a separate history-centric book.

When the Shifter army finally achieved victory, the Feltaurs, Harpies, Orcs, Dwarves, and Minotaurs were driven away across the oceans, leaving Eveanor to the Shifters and their allies (Centaurs, Fairies, Satyrs, and Sphinxes). Ocean dwelling peoples such as Merfolk and Sea Nymphs, as well as the land dwelling Tree Nymphs, Pegasi, Unicorns, Hypogriffs, and Gryffons, were all relatively neutral. Thus, the Shifter rulers were able to negotiate peace treaties with them, and thus the land and seas were divided between them.

The Witches' Coven retreated into the darkness amidst the political goings-on, determined to grow in magical prowess. For many years afterwards their shadowy agents influenced political matters and kidnapped young children to indoctrinate into their cult or use as blood-slaves. The original vampire-witches from the Dividing War remained living for over a hundred years due to their curse, leading and training these new witches and wizards.

However, soon their coven began to grow too powerful. While once secerative, they were now noticed, their exploits rumoured about in hushed whispers across Eveanor. Tales of children whisked away into the night, of powerful women with blood-less skin and golden-red eyes, of those who worshipped a dark master in the form of a bear.

Eventually, so much evidence built up about these twisted monsters, that the ruler at the time, Queen Marona the Secret Keeper, took notice. Marona was famous for her network of spies across the land, though of course not much was really known about them, only that they existed. According to some of the remaining remnants of Marona's personal journals, she started to become obsessed with hunting down the witches. It took over her time to such an extent that she had her husband, King Derot the Earnest, take over her main duties while she remained buried within her spying network.

After years of searching and chasing after the fleeing witches, the Coven was finally found. However, at first it seemed like all of the intrigue and mystery had been for naught, as the witches slaughtered almost the entire army Marona had brought with her, leaving the queen almost fatally injured. The Coven had been greatly underestimated.

It was only after years more of work that Queen Marona rediscovered and once again fought the witches. This time, she felt prepared for their trickery and strength, bringing with her over a thousand specially trained warriors. Tragically, Marona was killed in the battle, but not in vain, as her army was able to capture a great number of the witches who had not been killed. Many of the newly abducted children were rescued as well.

King Derot became utterly grief-stricken at the news of his wife's passing. So enraged and sorrowful was he that as soon as the surviving witches had been interrogated, he ordered their immediate execution. They were burned at the stake for heresy before a crowd of thousands soon after. The hundreds of books about the dark arts and the nature of vampirism the witches had written were used as the kindling. As far as is known, none of the books survived.

Modern Vampires

It was only in relatively recent history, when Liriel rose to power, that Vampirism was brought back into use. Surprisingly, while there are many new witches around the land, less than half have taken up the vampiric curse. In fact, it is usually when a witch grows old and is on the verge of death that she decides to become a Vampire (this is not always the case, however). It is assumed that the reason for this delay is because of the innate disadvantages that go hand in hand with the incredible advantages the curse provides. James will go into more detail with this.

Since vampire witches use the blood of sentient creatures for their magic, each has several "blood-slaves" from which to draw upon. These are usually Werewolves. Our very own Shev Moreno used to be one of these. Though he was understandably sparse with the details about this experience, he did reveal to me that when vampiric witches need extra energy for a spell, they drink from their blood-slaves. This usually leaves the slave extremely weak, and they are permitted food and rest for a couple of days before being drawn from again. However, at times when a witch is in battle or needs an even larger amount of energy, she may draw so much blood from the host that they die soon after.

Vampire Biology

It's James again. I hate Vampires. Just talking about them makes me want to crawl into my bed and lie in a fetal position for the rest of the day while drinking a nice mug of blueberry tea and repeating comforting phrases to myself. In this case, though, I guess I have to suck it up. Ha ha. I know Jane would love a pun like that.

While witches have yellow-gold eyes, vampire witches also have bits of red mixed in, the iris almost looking like a pool of blood with flecks of gold leaf floating on the surface (imagery is fun to write). Their eyes also have the tendency to glow in the dark. Ugh.

As a general rule, getting into a fight with one of these lady-beasts is a terrible idea. They are incredibly resistant to damage, and can heal unnaturally quickly. Some biologists actually consider them to be a form of "undead," but I haven't really gotten enough information to be sure. The only sure way to kill them is to stab them directly through the heart or burn them to a crisp. Fire mages would have a field day.

The best time to engage them would have to be during the day. Their absurdly pale skin is vulnerable to sunlight and can even be severely burned if in direct contact with it. That's why they constantly wear robes and hoods that make them look even more dark and evil. I have also heard that Auira-blessed water weakens them as well. Water mages, your time has come.

The most prominent part of Vampires is their teeth. They have a set of long, bat like fangs that are able to draw blood from an unfortunate victim. Prime biting spots are the Carotid artery in the neck and the Radial artery in the wrist and hand. Now, just like with Werewolves it is said that their bites spread the vampiric curse, and this is likely how a witch gains the curse. However, it seems like they are able to control whether they pass on the curse to their victim or not, as blood-slaves are definitely not vampires...unless there's something Shev's not telling us. Either that, or Werewolves can't also be vampires. Thank Auria for that. Can you imagine a Werewolf-Vampire? That's probably the most terrifying thing I have ever thought up. Excuse me while I take a break to scream into my pillow.

I've been told recently that many villagers think vampires can turn into bats. Now, this is impossible since witches cannot transform into other creatures due to their soul ties to Cainen. Apparently this rumor started because a particular witch really loves to collect bats. Charming.

The last major thing to cover is their age. Vampire witches can live a long time. That's all. It's pretty much as simple as that.

Anyway, I'm glad to be done writing this. Time to try to bleach my brain of this horrible knowledge. I entrust you, reader, to do so as well. Why you'd want to know about vampires is beyond me.

Next Section: Uncommon Curses/Famously Cursed Beings