BLOODLINES

© Dave Hinett 2001

CHAPTER 1

You probably think you know a lot about Vampyrs. You watch Buffy, and Angel, you've seen Blade, and Interview with the Vampire, and probably even Bram Stokers Dracula.

You know nothing of us.

You know nothing because, even though you may suspect we exist, and you know the mythology of our race, not one single living Vampyr has ever stepped forward to confirm our existence. Oh sure there are books written about us all the time, and you would be amazed how close Anne Rice gets to the truth, and you may well think that I am just another author with Dark Prince envy. You are welcome to think that. I neither confirm nor deny.

So, the fact versus the fiction.. Let us discuss what you think you know against the truth.

Vampyrs are killed by sunlight. Actually this is true. But we do not burst into flames. Our skins, due to the infection of our symbiotic parasite, lack sufficient protection against ultraviolet light, similar to albino Humans. We lack melanin in our skins, which gives us our pale appearance, so strong sunlight can burn us so badly that we die from shock. However we do not lack the pigmentation in our hair and eyes which indicates albinism. Vampyrs are very susceptible to melanoma. Of course we can stand exposure to the sun if we cover all exposed areas of skin with SPF50 or above.

Vampyrs are immortal. This is not true. The symbiote which attaches to our brainstem boosts production of certain enzymes and hormones which promote incredibly rapid healing, and slows the aging process down to 25% of the normal human rate. However, it does render us sterile. Survival of the individual is its purpose, not survival of the species.

Vampyrs do not cast a reflection. We do of course have reflections. We are not invisible. However we can alter Humans perceptions so that they do not see us.

Vampyrs control Human minds. This is true. See above. We have certain psychic powers, as all Humans once had, caused by our symbiote unlocking the blocked off areas of our Human brains. So telepathy and telekinesis are skills we all possess. For example, we can fly and we can move faster than the human eye can follow.

Vampyrs can change form. This is untrue. However we can use our psychic skills to alter Humans perceptions of us. We can make you think we are whatever we want.

Vampyrs feed on blood. This is true. Our symbiote needs four pints of blood each and every day to survive. And obviously it cannot drain our own blood because that would kill us. However if a Vampyr does not feed, then the symbiote has no choice but to drain the host, which of course then leads to the death of the symbiote itself. A symbiote can not survive outside of a host. We do not actually drink blood, otherwise it would be destroyed by our stomach acids. In order to feed we puncture a major artery with our lengthened canines, a physiological change caused by our symbiote, and the symbiote itself extrudes fine tendrils from the back of our throats into the open artery which exsanguinate the victim. I do not know where the blood is stored.

Vampyrs can turn Humans into Vampyrs. Again true. When our symbiote is fertile, which is every 28 days, it can choose to infect a victim with its egg. This egg finds its way to the brainstem via the bloodstream and begins to extrude its tendrils up into the brain. After 60 days the symbiote is mature and is in full control of the host, and has begun making the physiological changes to the hosts body in order to survive. After 180 days it is ready to reproduce itself.

Vampyrs can only be killed in certain ways. Untrue. We can be killed in the same ways as Humans can, however a wound must be immediately fatal to kill us, as we possess immense healing powers. So if we receive a fatal wound to one of the five vital organs, or a wound to the symbiote itself, we will die. A Vampyr cannot survive the death of their symbiote, nor can a symbiote survive the death of its host.

Vampyrs are afraid of crosses. Completely untrue. Vampyrs love churches. We love the things you Humans believe to keep the dark in the night at bay. It makes our lives so much easier if you put your faith in God to protect you, rather than relying on physical means of defence.

Vampyrs sleep in coffins. This is a matter of personal choice for the individual! This particular myth was created in the mid 17th Century when a band of Vampyrs in Germany took to sleeping in coffins in a graveyard during the day. Can you think of a better place to sleep if you do not wish to be disturbed? I, however, much prefer my own bed.

I think that is quite enough dispelling of rumours. Let us proceed to the purpose of my tale, which is to tell you about the manner of my creation, my life so far, and of course my plans for the future of my Race.