Vampires - The History of the Vampires

Vampires like to claim they are the third race after the humans and Fae, and can be traced back even to the ancient Persians and Babylonians. When exactly their race emerged is unknown, but what is known is that it was birthed from human greed, black magic rituals, and blood sacrifices.

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Each ancient culture seemed to come up with their own version of the ritual needed, but the elements were always the same: a Fae to be sacrificed just as the full moon reached its peak, ancient spells now lost to time, and a ritualistic silver knife. Once sacrificed, the Fae's blood would then be consumed. For many, they did not survive the stolen blood magic, as it corrupted every cell in them. Those that did technically survive were thought to be dead, and were either burned or buried, depending on the customs of the era and location.

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Those that were buried during their Awakening period were the first "walking dead" to plague their kind. The thirst drove them to hunt for blood to keep their cursed bodies alive, while the sun kept them at bay during the day. Many of the first vampires did not live long, but their deaths did not discourage others from trying the rituals. This caused strained relationships between the humans and Fae, and even resulted in the first vampire hunters.

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Those that knew of the rituals were forced into hiding or exiled from their homes to die in the wilderness at the hands of what they created. The sacrificial rituals were lost to time, but it was not the end for the vampires, as they found they could awaken more souls with just their own corrupt blood. They have since spread to every corner of the earth, though have always been restricted to the shadows. Today, vampires can be found in most major cities, some living fairly normal "human" lives, with jobs that work around their restrictions. Others embrace the darkness and become the predator they were made to be, causing trouble until they are snuffed out. Many of the older vampires may cling to the customs from their human lives and find current society too much for them, while new vampires are being created every day.

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Initially, all vampires were kept out of Haven due to their sordid past, but since the early part of the eighteenth century, laws have changed allowing them to make homes within Haven's boundaries, so long as the city's laws are adhered to. This does not mean that tensions lowered, however. In the years since, there has been just as much political and racial unrest as there had been before vampires were allowed into Haven. And, with the fall of the Vampire Capital, and the influx of more vampires into the world of Haven, political unrest is rising even higher.