Vampires

Vampires resemble humanoids such as Elves and Humans. They are, however, differentiated from them by their deathly pale complexion, blood red eyes, slightly pointed ears, and pronounced canines. There are also a number of other traits based on which bloodline they belong to, such as enhanced muscles, sharper features, etc.

Vampires have some variations between themselves based on which bloodline they descend from.

Damahr: These Vampires are well known for their focus on authority, and often possess numerous abilities focused on forcibly dominating minds or projecting their presence. Elder Vampires of this bloodline can assume a form resembling a humanoid bat creature.
Valekar: Skilled huntsmen, these Vampires possess especially keen senses, the ability to command wild beasts in their vicinity, and can shapeshift into animals themselves. Elder Vampires of this bloodline can assume a form resembling a humanoid bat with wolf-like traits mixed in.
Kaldari: Regarded as accomplished mages, these Vampires can quickly learn new information, have exceptional memories, and can read the memories of those they feed on. Elder Vampires of this bloodline can assume a form resembling an especially wisened humanoid bat with some owl-like traits mixed in.
Vesidra: These Vampires are frequently described as being eerily beautiful, and possess a number of abilities that allow them to better hide their unnatural nature and subtly influence those around them. Some even develop the ability to turn invisible. Elder Vampires of this bloodline can assume a form resembling a humanoid bat with serpentine traits.
Basaroth: Seemingly crafted to be the absolute best warriors of their kind, standing taller than the rest of their kin and having larger muscles, as well as possessing numerous combat-focused abilities such as enhanced strength, speed, and reactions, the ability to harden their skinn, and the ability to enter a berserker state known as the "blood rage". Elder Vampires of this bloodline resemble an especially large and fiendish humanoid bat, with horns and irn-like scales across their body.
Morvath: The most monstrous breed of Vampire, with long claws. pronounced fangs, and a slightly hunched posture. They also possess strength to rival the Basarothi, the ability to command lesser monsters (particularly the fallen Vampires known as Ghouls), and the ability to temporarily copy the abilities and traits of whatever monster they've fed on. Elder Vampires of this bloodline resemble monstrous, wyvern-like bat creatures with some traits from the most recent monsters they've fed on mixed in, and all but the most strong willed are reduced to acting on primal instinct in this state.

Vampires are incapable of breeding, with their only means of reproduction being to convert other mortals into more of their kind. Additionally, newly turned Vampires inherit the abilities, and some of the traits, of their sire.

While they can be found anywhere in the world, Vampires prefer places where they can remain out of the light, and where they won't draw too much attention to themselves.

Vampires feed on the Aether of other living things, primarily through the consumption of their blood. Beyond this, they have no need to eat or drink.

When they are firsts turned, fledgeling Vampires resemble their original mortal selves, save for their fangs, and only have access to a few of the abilities available to Vampires. Once they've "matured", a Vampire will have assumed their "default" appearance, and gain access to both the full selection of abilities available to all Vampires, as well as more bloodline specific abilities. Once they've reached their Elder stage, Vampires will gain the ability to assume a more monsterous form, and will even start gaining some physical traits in their base form as they age further.

All Vampires possess a complete lack of empathy, which makes feeding on their victims much easier for them. Additionally, most Vampires are consumed by a particular desire that they'll dedicate their time and efforts towards, usually tied to their bloodline (hunting the most dangerous game, perfecting their martial prowess, creating the perfect work of art, etc.).

Vampires live in a heirarchical social structure, with every Vampire being subserviant to the one that sired them. Additionally, it's not uncommon for Vampires to organise themselves into Clans or Houses akin to noble families.

Vampires can be found throughout Taeva, though some of the most famous instances have typically appeared in Myrell and Athenor.

Vampires tend to be highly intelligent, and can become more so as they age.

Vampires have keen eyesight, hearing, and smell, and can see in darkness better than almost any other race.

While Vampires operate independently from one another, they still answer to the Sanguine Court, a council made up of the eldest and most powerful members of each bloodline, including their originators.

Vampires trace their origins back to the Great Planar incursion, the largest attempt by the Fiends to invade the Mortal Realm. It's said that the first of their kind descended from mortals who were heavily curropted by Malice, the dark lifeblood of Fiendkind, and were further shaped into their current form by Valakul, an Archfiend known as the "Lord of Terror". Since then, Vampires would spread out to the dark corners of the world to pursue their ambitions, and while groups such as the Wardens of the Radiant Shield and Grave Knights would consistently oppose them, it's said that they still continue to work in the shadows across the ages.

Vampires are universally despised by the living, only able to ally themselves woth other undead or those who practice dark magic. Additionally, Vampires and Therianthropes have an especially strong enmity for one another, due to their rivaling Fiendish and Fae origins. While they are willing to work alongside one another to ensure their survival as a whole, it's not uncommon for individual Vampires or Clans to jockey with one another for power and influence.