Vampire Regent

Field Guide Classification:  Undead (Class A)

Other Names:  Master Vampire, Vampire Liege, Vampire Lord.

Subspecies:  Nosferatu (see: Vampire)

Natural Habitat:  Crypts, tombs, underground tunnels and catacombs, caverns, old castles, old mansions.

Breeding:  See Vampire.

Longevity/Lifespan:  Immortal.

Diet:  Fresh mammalian blood; preferably human. When feeding, the vampire usually bites its victims on the neck, breast, or arm (see also: Vampire).

Legal Status:  Any, but usually one of nobility, aristocracy, wealth, or some other influence.

Group Affiliation:  Ruler of a vampiric "dominion".

History/Lore:  The Vampire Regent is an elder vampire of great power that has established a "dominion" - a set territory under the control and protection of a single vampire. A dominion can be instituted one of two ways. The Regent-to-be may challenge another Regent for control of its domain, or simply choose any "unclaimed" area and dominate those vampires inhabiting the area. There is no limit to the size of a single dominion. Vampire Regents can extend the reaches of their dominion by usurping the rule of other Vampire Regents, thereby increasing their power and influence. There are few Vampire Regents however, as the intense rivalry between Regents manages to keep their numbers low. Most Vampire Regents can trace their "blood lineage" to previous Regents. Those possessing such "royal bloodlines" are able to develop their powers beyond that of the common vampire, aiding them in achieving their primacy.

Description:  Humanoid; usually human. They are usually frail or gaunt in appearance (which belies their great strength), having pale skin and fair complexions. Male and female vampires alike are known to possess relatively long fingernails. Vampires usually appear as "normal" humans do, unless they are aroused by bloodlust or enraged. In such cases, the appearance of two, reticulating canine-like fangs may be seen; accompanied by red eyes and a rather predacious countenance. It has been said that vampires possess a foul breath, but this speculation has yet to be verified (it is very difficult to get close enough to a vampire to confirm any hypotheses).

Height/Size:  Average human size.

Weight:  Usually 1/3 lighter than they were in normal life.

Eyes:  Variable; usually dark-colored; often bright red when feeding or enraged.

Hair:  Variable; normal human hair color. Red hair is known to be common amongst female vampires.

Powers:  In all of monsterdom, none is more feared than perhaps the Vampire Regent. With centuries of experience behind them, they are the most cunning, intelligent, and elusive of all adversaries - testing the most skillful and practiced of monster and vampire hunters alike. These creatures are known to establish intricate and widespread networks comprised of numerous vampire minions and human thralls alike; making them nearly impossible to track down and destroy. Vampire Regents possess all the conventional powers and attributes of the common vampire (see: Vampire), but to a far greater extent. The strength level of Vampire Regents can be 10 - 20 times stronger than they were in their mortal lives. Vampire Regents can control the will of humans possessing lesser mental strength than theirs through a form of hypnotic control. This hypnotic control can be conveyed either verbally or telepathically from great distances. Some cases reveal Vampire Regents being able to gain telepathic control a little over a mile from the victim. Vampire Regents need only to catch the gaze of their intended victim for a few seconds, for their mesmerism to take effect. With common vampires and Vampire Regents alike, stronger minds require more time to mesmerize. Victims bitten by a Vampire Regent would fall under its immediate control; a helpless servant. Vampire Regents have exemplary control over common vampires and lesser forms of undead, such as zombies and ghouls. Vampire Regents can even summon such creatures if they are in the general vicinity (about a 5 - 10 mile radius). It should be noted that unless a common vampire is under the charge of another Vampire Regent, it cannot resist the commands of the Vampire Regent. Vampire Regents are master shape-changers, able to assume the form of a bat, rat, wolf, or mist while retaining their own intelligence. Many Vampire Regents are able to transform into a bat of human proportions as well. It is also a simple task for them to summon and control hordes of bats, rats, and wolves within a 10-mile radius. Some Vampire Regents (such as Dracula) are able to summon fog and thunderstorms of substantial furor. Although the mystical concentration is fatiguing, Vampire Regents are normally able to summon such phenomena within a mile radius. There are also recorded cases of some Vampire Regents using magic. Some Vampire Regents were evil sorcerers in their mortal life, and have been able to retain their spell-casting ability, making them even more dangerous opponents. At any rate, Vampire Regents seem naturally adept in sorcery and necromancy, and many are able to learn these Black Arts over the centuries. Vampire Regents are superb strategists, having honed their covert manipulations over the centuries into a fine-tuned system that is hard to penetrate, even by the most sophisticated and accomplished vampire hunters. A Vampire Regent may have hundreds (or possibly thousands) of vampire minions under its influence; a veritable army of undead at its disposal.

Known Weaknesses/Methods Of Destruction:  Vampire Regents possess the same weaknesses and limitations as common vampires (see: Vampire), with some exceptions. Although common vampires must rest during the daylight hours, Vampire Regents do not require such rest. They only need to avoid direct sunlight.  Over the centuries, Vampire Regents have developed a modicum of resistance from the effects of religious objects. The efficacy of such objects is contingent upon the strength of the wielder's belief. Only a great deal of belief can make religious objects cogent against Vampire Regents. Insufficient belief on the part of the wielder can turn the power of the object against the object itself (typically resulting in the spontaneous combustion or melting of that object).

See Also:  Dracula and Vampire.