How does one protect themself in this modern world? Let's start with the easy problem, the Fae. While every classic variation has its own special rules, there is one universal weakness: cold iron. Or rather, iron. No Fae can stand the touch of it, which is why cutlery can be the perfect hint of one's true identity.
Now, as said, the classic Fae carry the weaknesses of their stories. In a place where they venture forth, it is wise to read up on them. But in a pitch, any form of iron will do. And as many can attest, a horseshoe makes for a good impromptu knuckle duster.
When it comes to modern Fae, this may very well be their only usable weakness. After all, a hard-boiled detective's main weaknesses are a lack of emotional capacity, and alimony, neither of which can serve you in a fight.
As for vampires, those are a different story altogether. It took a while to properly learn their weaknesses, which they inherited from the false vampire that created them. Quite frankly, many suspect the involvement of said Fae, atoning for their creation by giving us the means to defend ourselves.
Let's start with the main one. Daylight works. And while the original only had to worry about the real deal, actual vampires are weak to UV lights as well. Their skin blisters fast, it saps their strength to more mundane levels, and they will actually burst into flames if they do not manage to escape. This makes UV-lit halls a good defense.
On the subject of defense, they need permission to enter a home. If not properly granted, a ward of sorts will hold them back. But this protection requires the place to feel like a home, so public places carry no such protection. On the upside, permission has to come from an owner, so no tricking children. And unless a window is massive and left open, breaking and entering also will fail.
Another weakness is blessed silver. A strange one, due to being more modern in nature. Some suspect the original Elder introduces this weakness so that it would be exploited, rather than having people fall back on normal ammunition. After all, such weaponry might only injure its progeny, but could be fatal for the Elder, on account of its Fae nature.
And yes, the silver must be blessed. What constitutes a blessing can neither be measured nor be quantified. But there lies strength in the ritualistic blessing by a priest, or the fervent handiwork of a desperate mother. In the end, it can only be seen from a narrative perspective, not a scientific one. So strong did the story get, it brought the spiritual to life. Which, quite frankly, is even more terrifying.
The strong smell of garlic repels, though a vampire could push through, weakened by the act. As such, in public places entire strings are hung over doorways and windows. Unfortunately, garlic breath is less a deterrent, and even Italian blood still drinks just as easily.
Finally, an important weakness is wild roses. Another case of a magical aspect violating all common sense and scientific principles, only actual wild roses will do. And they work well. When set upon a coffin lid or body, it drains all strength, disallowing the vampire of even shaking it off.
This aspect even survives being ground to dust, serving as mace of sorts and making it an excellent hidden weapon. In the end, carrying obvious weaponry only lures out assassination. As such, hidden weaponry is the way to go. And for that, few choices beat a handful of wild rose dust, accompanied by a cold iron knuckle duster, coated with blessed silver.
— The Van Helsing Guidebook
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