Vampire: Myths & Legends

ARE VAMPIRES IMMORTAL?

While it is possible to kill a vampire, she will not age or die of natural causes. She does not need water, food, or air. For all intents and purposes, a vampire is a corpse, albeit one revived through the magic inherent in the blood.

DO VAMPIRES REQUIRE THE BLOOD OF THE LIVING TO SURVIVE?

While vampires are corpses, they still require nourishment to sustain themselves, and as in the myths, they feast on blood. Not only does blood preserve their undead bodies, it allows vampires to perform amazing and supernatural feats of healing, strength,or speed.Most vampires seek human blood, although some force themselves to drink animal blood (which tastes foul and unsatisfying to a vampire). A vampire need not kill her prey; some take only a little blood and hide the evidence of their feeding. A vampire can repair surface wounds caused by her bite simply by licking them.

ARE VAMPIRES BURNED BY SUNLIGHT?

Yes. Vampires must avoid sunlight or risk death. Vampires are nocturnal creatures, and most find it difficult to stay awake during the day, even if they are well-hidden from the sunlight.

IS IT TRUE THAT VAMPIRES ARE REPELLED BY GARLIC, CAN’T CROSS RUNNING WATER, AND HAVE NO REFLECTIONS?

These myths are partially true. Some vampires, notably those of a particular clan, cast no reflection. However, vampires are creatures of superstition, and some may avoid these things out of a psychological compulsion.

CAN A HOLY SYMBOL (LIKE A CROSS) REPEL A VAMPIRE?

Generally untrue. The symbol itself has little power. Instead, vampires fear the faith of the person wielding the symbol— and genuine faith is rare.

WILL VAMPIRES DIE FROM A STAKE THROUGH THE HEART?

While they cannot die from such wounds, vampires are immobilized by wooden stakes, arrows, crossbow bolts, and similar items that pierce the heart. Once the item is removed, the vampire’s mobility is restored.

WILL EVERYONE WHO DIES FROM A VAMPIRE BITE BECOME A VAMPIRE?

If this were true, the world would be overrun with vampires! Instead, those bitten and drained by vampires in the course of feeding simply die. It takes a very special and purposeful process, known as the Embrace, to create a new vampire.