The Origins of Vampires

Vampirism began as a genetic mutation caused by Mother Trees radiation that predominantly affected women and was initially seen as a gift from the Gods due to their nocturnal powers. They protected camps, hunted at night and warded off predators, in exchange for willing people to feed on, until societies progressed into sedentary practices. Now forging their own weapons and fortifying their settlements, ancient societies had little use for Vampires. Initially, they attempted to live amongst the people they had strived to protect, but when commonplace practices became legends, Vampires entered the array of mythical beasts being trophy hunted.

As a result, they fled cities, hiding in caves, abandoned ruins and amidst the woods. Vampires began to discover they weren't alone, finding others and forming the first colonies, naming the most experienced of them as Baronesses or Barons. From there, they constructed complex social hierarchies based on strength, abilities and age, favouring older, experienced vampires over newer kin, and treating the youngest like children requiring mentors. Older vampires would take newly turned vampires into their care, instructing them in proper etiquette. As vampire society progressed, their dwellings were reconstructed into interconnected cities based around community and the sharing of space, as they often lacked the ability to expand their space. They slept together, ate together and bathed together, fostering a complex web of relationships that could be perilous for any new vampire entering the coven.

As vampires further separated themselves from modernizing societies, they created a distinct division in technology as they relied on their own skills rather than the adoption of others' inventions (such as the M-B Network). Instead, they rely on more physical means, as one's connection to magic weakens when becoming a vampire. They sew their own clothing, write books and letters, cure wounds with natural remedies and travel on foot to visit neighbouring colonies.

Some covens maintained the old ways, only feasting on willing victims. Others captured unwilling victims, releasing or killing them after feasting.