The Curse of Vampirism

In the shadows of Thalassara, where the sun is often a stranger and ancient powers hold sway, there exists a terrifying lineage born not of bloodlust, but of divine curse. This is the truth of Vampirism, a magical virus that has spread across the seas from its original source: Vlad Drakul.

Centuries ago, Vlad was a powerful mortal who dared to challenge Baron Samedi, the god of life and death. For his hubris, the god of the crossroads did not grant him the eternal rest he sought in combat, but instead cursed him with a twisted, eternal half-life. The magical virus, known simply as Vampirism, was born, giving Vlad eternal youth but afflicting him with an unquenchable, agonizing thirst for the lifeblood of mortals.

The curse of Vampirism is not a monolith; its effect is determined by the strength of its victim. When a vampire bites a person who is not physically and mentally strong, the victim succumbs to a ravenous, violent hunger. They become a Mindless Vampire, an unthinking, uncontrollable beast driven only by its thirst. These feral creatures are the bane of every port, their savage attacks a gruesome display of the curse's raw, unbridled power.

However, when a vampire bites a person of immense physical and mental fortitude, they are gifted with a curse they can control. These individuals, like Vlad himself, become a Conscious Vampire. They retain their intellect and willpower, capable of mastering their monstrous urges while wielding the curse's formidable powers. They walk the thin line between monstrous predator and aristocratic sovereign.