The Hunt
For a vampire, the Hunt is everything. It is the nightly ritual that silences the gnawing of the Beast and reaffirms their nature as a predator. It is a dance of seduction, intimidation, and violence that separates them from the mortal flock. How a @Kindred hunts defines who they are, and the blood they choose to drink can grant them power far beyond simple sustenance.
The Act of Feeding: The Kiss
A vampire's bite is not a simple act of violence; it is a supernatural experience. Mortals who are fed upon experience The Kiss, an overwhelming wave of pleasure and ecstasy that pacifies them and makes them compliant. This trance-like state is what allows Kindred to feed in plain sight, with their victim often remembering the encounter as a hazy, dream-like romantic experience.
However, the Kiss is a delicate balance. Taking too little blood may leave a mortal confused and terrified, a potential breach of the Masquerade. Taking too much will kill them, an act that stains the soul and risks the wrath of the Prince.
The Flavor of Blood: Resonance
Not all blood is the same. The emotional state of a mortal vessel infuses their vitae with a distinct flavor, or Resonance. A skilled predator can learn to "smell" or sense the emotional aura of a crowd, picking out the precise flavor they crave. The primary Resonances, known as the Humors, are:
Choleric (Rage): Found in angry, passionate, or violent individuals. Brawlers, protesters, drill sergeants, spurned lovers. The blood tastes hot, spicy, and sharp.
Melancholy (Sadness): Found in the grieving, the depressed, and the lonely. Mourners at a funeral, heartbroken artists, terminally ill patients. The blood tastes cold, salty, and still.
Phlegmatic (Serenity): Found in the calm, the lazy, and the serene. Meditators, stoners, relaxed bureaucrats, sleeping mortals. The blood tastes cool, watery, and smooth.
Sanguine (Joy/Excitement): Found in the joyful, the excited, and the aroused. Dancers at a club, fans at a concert, couples on a first date. The blood tastes warm, sweet, and effervescent.
The Lingering Taste: Dyscrasias
Feeding on a mortal with a strong Resonance can grant a vampire a temporary, supernatural benefit known as a Dyscrasia. It is a fleeting echo of the vessel's potent emotional state. For example, regularly feeding on Sanguine blood might grant a vampire a temporary bonus to their charm and charisma, while Choleric blood might give them a brief surge of physical power. This makes hunting not just a necessity, but a strategic choice to gain a temporary edge.