There is a simple word for those that fight fair in this rotten world. Dead. Honour doesn't get you anywhere when your enemy is fighting for their own survival. It is easier to reason with a beast than with a vampire, because the beast acts without malice and with honesty. A vampire? No such thing. They will promise you whatever it takes for you to give them an opening, then exploit it. Maybe, just maybe, not right there. But they cannot have you out there, knowing you can defeat them. So they will kill you, unless you kill them first.
But honestly, to get them on their knees is already a hard task. They are stronger, faster, more vicious. The few that feel differently, are weeded out quite quickly. Any vampire you meet will either be new and starving, or be malicious. There is only one way to take them down, and that is to strike them hard and fast, as dirty as you can. Even weakened, they are a threat and will become as desperate as a cornered, injured beast. So forget about openly brandishing your faith and weapons. All that gets you is top of their hit list.
To beat a vampire, you need to hide the fact you're coming for them. Never let them know how prepared you are. Do not show the blessed silver hiding under your collar, or the cross over your heart and back. Show none the pocketed wild rose powder. Hide the garlic from sight, so they venture through the door or window without realising they're now the trapped one. Use quick silver-plated knuckledusters and knives, rather than slow swords. Fight dirty. It's your best shot at survival.
— The Van Helsing Guidebook
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