Spirits of the Earth

The Bare Basics

BAT BABIES GALORE!!! It started as "let's make a vampire character" and spun into "fruit bat vampire yessss" and now we have THIS GIANT MESS XD Welcome and please excuse the dust. Feel free to ask questions!

Essentially though what we have here are four types of vampires that all stem from the same "taxonomic line" if you will. (Basically this means there are all kinds of vampires in this setting but this is only one specific set of them). Each type have varying commonalities, biologies, weaknesses, and abilities. For more details see below!

FAQ

Q: IS THIS OFFICIAL!?
A: NERP! I was just left to my own devices and came up with this guild-species-thing of sorts. ^-^

Q: Where are they located?
A: ANYWHERE! They've done their best as a species to integrate into human society relatively well. There are the myths and rumours of course of their existence and while some seek to keep that a secret, others seek to exploit it.

Q: How do I make one?
A: By making a character and telling me about it! If you have any specific questions beyond what I go into in the other segments, let me know and I can go into greater detail as needed. I'm more than happy to build and grow this.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Basics, FAQ and How to Join (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26132.msg379381#msg379381)
II. Society and Culture (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26132.msg379382#msg379382)
III. Haemedeos (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26132.msg379383#msg379383)

• Biology
• Creation
• Weaknesses
• Powers

IV. Dietera (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26132.msg379384#msg379384)

• Biology
• Creation
• Weaknesses
• Powers

V. Ziniberales (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26132.msg379385#msg379385)

• Biology
• Creation
• Weaknesses
• Powers

VI. Arcaeles (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26132.msg379386#msg379386)

• Biology
• Creation
• Weaknesses
• Powers

VII. Members (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26132.msg379387#msg379387)

The Creoptera are a race of "vampires," consisting of four different types: the Haemedeos, the Dietera, the Ziniberales, and the Arcaeles. The majority of the Creoptera live either among humans or along the fringes of society depending on type and preferences. As such their cultures tend to follow in line with those of the people surrounding them. Many of the Creoptera do consider themselves to be superior than humans though and have a large hand in manipulating the affairs of humans to their own benefit.

The Haemedeos make up the majority of the populace and could easily be considered the ones in control of the other three types as they are also the most powerful. The Dietera make up the "worker bee" or soldier class as the physically strongest, while the delicate Ziniberales are more of a rare celebrity class. The Arcaeles on the other hand are considered a disgrace and effectively "duds." They are incredibly rare due to both the random chance of their creation as well as their extremely low survival rates. Most are killed off instantly once a Haemedeos has noted their existence.

Overall though, it is not readily understood WHY some Creoptera types are more common than others. Some have theorised that a beautiful person in life will have more of an affinity towards being a Ziniberales. But, then there are cases when the weakest or less conventionally attractive individual has turned and become one instead.

Biology

• The Haemedeos are the effective "rulers" of the Creoptera. They make up the majority of species and hold the most power. They also make up the rules and deal out punishment and control without measure. Some prefer to work alone while others work closely with each other to form their own types of societies.
• The Haemedeos are what could be considered as the "classical vampire." They are paler in complexion than they were in life with sunken in, tired-looking, red-irised eyes. Their hair and nails grow quickly, so many of them tend to keep both long to keep from constantly having to maintain a daily trimming routine.
• They possess a set of retractable fangs that lengthen when hungry or aggressive.
• Original host features are retained save for the above changes.
• Their diet purely consists of blood. They cannot consume regular food or drink. It makes them almost immediately ill.
• They do have shadows although there are tales around their shadows coming to "life" and not moving quite in time with the body. Hmm....
• They do not have reflections in mirrors though.
• Haemedeos are purely nocturnal. They will instantly fall asleep once the sun rises and lose complete control of their body until it sets again.
• Overall, the Haemedeos account for 80% of the Creoptera population.

Creation

• Haemedeos can only be created from being bitten by another Haemedeos. They cannot be born.
• Full effects of their physical changes do not take very long to take effect. Victims usually fall unconscious and are out of it for anywhere from hours to a day before they awake again.
• There is a 70% chance of a Haemedeos being created when bitten and turned by another Haemedeos.
• They are infertile and completely incapable of reproducing how their original body would have. They are however capable of intercourse as is normal of their original host species.
• Effects of being bitten by a Haemedeos include excruciating pain, and if sufficient blood loss has occurred turning or even death.
• A victim will not turn and will instead die if too much blood loss has occurred i.e. all of it. It is also possible that if a victim's body is too weak that they will die during the turning process anyway
• Example: a victim that has been kept as food for a long period of time with repeated usage without time to recuperate would likely not survive.

Weaknesses

• When killed, Haemedeos turn to ash.
• Being staked through the heart is fatal.
• Sunlight is instantly fatal.
• Decapitation can subdue a Haemedeos, however if the head is reunited with the body and nothing else damaging has occurred they can regenerate and heal.
• A full submersion or drowning in water can subdue them. However, once they are removed from a water source they will be fine again. It places them in a form of catatonic state.
• Fire has no effect on them.
• Silver burns.
• Garlic repels. But so do other strong, foul odours for that matter.
• Holy symbols are damaging and can sap the strength and energy from a Haemedeous. These are any symbols in the presence of a true believer.
• Example: the marks of Ansgar are JUST as debilitating of those of Hakeshna.
• They cannot cross running water.
• They require invitation to enter a private place.
• Arithmomania, or the compulsion to count the uncountable does plague them. It is said carrying a bag of sand to toss into their path while under pursuit has the potential to stop them in their tracks. Does it really work? Well, it might be worth a try...

Powers

• Haemedeos are immortal outside of the factors listed above that can kill them.
• They have enhanced strength.
• They have enhanced senses.
• They have enhanced speed.
• They have the ability to heal and regenerate through unnatural means after feeding. Otherwise they heal at a normal rate for their original species.
• They are capable of flight without wings.
• They are capable of shapeshifting into a white mist or fog.
• They do possess psychic powers including telepathy.
• They do possess psychokinesis.
• They do possess pyrokinesis.
• They do possess haemokinesis.
• They do possess umbrakinesis.

Biology

• The Dietera are what could be considered as the "workers" of the Creoptera society. While intelligent, they have more instinct-based impulses that can overrule humanoid logic. They are physically the strongest and therefore tend to be used as the muscle for protecting and following orders from the Haemedeos.
• The Dietera have a rather animal-like appearance. They are more greyish in complexion with black sclera and pupils that are in a range of cool-tone colours (purples, blues, greens). Their pupils are also the same colour as their irises giving them an unnerving stare. Their hair tends to be very thick and soft. They also have long bat ears, squashed noses, and a full mouth of pointed teeth.
• They also have wings which fold flat against their backs. These wings attach behind their shoulder blades and down to the base of their spine. A form of "tail" also folds up along their spine and under the wings when folded. When extended though, the tail forms as an attachment for the leathery membrane of their wings much how a real bat's wings attach to their feet. The wings are functional for flight, however they cannot fly from the ground. They must move to a higher vantage point to effectively drop and then glide themselves into flight.
• Their diet purely consists of protein in the form of raw meat and mostly insects. They can consume regular food or drink. However, they are very sensitive to tastes and smells and many things will still make them feel quite ill.
• They do have regular shadows.
• They do not have reflections in mirrors though.
• Dietera are predominantly nocturnal. They can be awake during the daylight hours but they are INCREDIBLY grumpy about it and generally lethargic. They also cannot be made to go out in the sun. Even if they wanted to their instincts compel them to stay put.
• Overall, the Dietera account for 5% of the Creoptera population. This is largely due to their expendability as pawns to the Haemedeos.

Creation

• Dietera are predominately created from being bitten by a Haemedeos.
• Full effects of their physical changes can take a very long time (even days or weeks) depending on how much must be altered. They are fully conscious for all of this and feel every ounce of pain the change creates. Many do not survive this process because of it.
• There is a 25% chance of a Dietera being created when bitten and turned by a Haemedeos.
• Effects of being bitten by a Dietera include excruciating pain and in many cases death. While not blood-feeders, Dietera struggle with their impulse and bite control and so have a hard time letting go once they clamp onto prey.
• In rare cases when a Dietera manages to turn someone they too would be a Dietera.
• In even rarer cases Dietera can fall pregnant and give birth although most babies are stillborn. They can only reproduce with other species and not with the Creoptera. These half-breeds are considered to be abominations though and are usually (but not always) destroyed like the Arcaeles.

Weaknesses

• When killed, Dietera turn to a pile of maggots.
• Being staked through the heart has no effect on them.
• Sunlight causes them no harm. However, they absolutely despise it and have a compulsion to bolt away from it.
• Decapitation can subdue a Dietera, however if the head is reunited with the body and nothing else damaging has occurred they can regenerate and heal.
• Drowning is fatal. They have a compulsion to avoid large bodies of water. Some even avoid bathtubs.
• Fire has no effect on them.
• Silver burns.
• Garlic repels them.
• Holy symbols have no effect on them.
• They cannot cross running water.
• They do not require invitation to enter a private place.
• Arithmomania, or the compulsion to count the uncountable does plague them. It is said carrying a bag of sand to toss into their path while under pursuit has the potential to stop them in their tracks. Does it really work? Well, it might be worth a try...
• Dietera also have the capability of overworking themselves to literal death or as they age to lose their minds altogether to their more base instincts and tendencies. It is not uncommon for them to be culled should this happen in order to protect the society.

Powers

• Dietera are immortal outside of the factors listed above that can kill them.
• They have enhanced strength, and are the strongest of the four types.
• They have enhanced senses.
• They have enhanced speed.
• They have the ability to heal and regenerate through unnatural means when fully buried. Otherwise they heal at a normal rate for their original species.
• They are capable of flight wings.
• They are capable of shapeshifting into a swarm of bugs. The bugs must all be the same type but could be anything.
• They do not possess psychic powers.
• They do not possess psychokinesis.
• They do not possess pyrokinesis.
• They do possess entomopathy.

Biology

• The Ziniberales are what could be considered as the "celebrities" of the Creoptera society. They are the Venus Flytrap heartbreakers of the species as it were with their ethereal beauty, poise, and grace. They maintain their natural features albeit with more enhanced beauty that reflects what is considered to be the prime example of attractive for their host species.
• They possess a set of fangs that are sharper and a bit larger than the average humanoid.
• Their diet predominantly of living heat energy. Intimacy and physical contact with others allows them to feed which is quite pleasurable for the victims. They can consume regular food or drink. In fact they have a strong preference for nectars, flowers, teas, and wines which of all foods are the most satisfying. It is however, not a long-term life-sustaining option and they are required to feed properly to survive.
• They do no have shadows as if all light is being absorbed into their very being.
• They do have reflections in mirrors though.
• Ziniberales have a normal humanoid sleep schedule.
• Overall, the Ziniberales account for less than 15% of the Creoptera population.

Creation

• Ziniberales can only be created from being bitten by another Haemedeos or from being born to a pair of Ziniberales.
• Full effects of their physical changes can take anywhere from three days to a week. They are unconscious for all of this.
• There is a less than 5% chance of a Ziniberales being created when bitten and turned by another Haemedeos.
• They are fertile and completely capable of reproducing how their original body would have. Their offspring are very beautiful albeit completely sterile if Pureblooded. If the offspring is a half-breed then the Creoptera genes are recessive and the child will retain the characteristics of their non-Creoptera parent.
• Effects of being bitten by a Ziniberales include intense pleasure, an addictive high, and even sometimes hallucinations.
• Victims cannot be turned when bitten by a Ziniberales.

Weaknesses

• When killed, Ziniberalas turn to petals.
• Being staked through the heart has no effect on them.
• Sunlight causes them to sneeze. They can be in it with no effect except for their eyes. Their eyes MUST be protected from the sunlight or will hurt, burn, and eventually lead to blindness.
• Decapitation is fatal.
• Drowning or submersion has no effect on them.
• Fire is fatal.
• Silver has no effect on them.
• Garlic has no effect on them.
• Holy symbols have no effect on them.
  
• Crossing running water is no obstacle for them.
• They require invitation to enter a private place.
• Arithmomania does not affect them.

Powers

• Ziniberales are immortal outside of the factors listed above that can kill them.
• They do not have enhanced strength.
• They have enhanced senses.
• They do not have enhanced speed.
• They have the ability to heal and regenerate through unnatural means at midday. Otherwise they heal at a normal rate for their original species.
• They are incapable of flight.
• They are incapable of shapeshifting.
• They do possess psychic powers including telepathy.
• They do possess psychokinesis.
• They do not possess pyrokinesis.
• They do possess pherokinesis.
• They do possess illumnokinesis.

Biology

• The Arcaeles are the most "normal" appearing of all the Creoptera. Their physical attributes do not change except that their fangs which retain the same size, become sharper.
• Their diet is purely vegetarian. While they can eat meat it just holds little interest to them. Fruit is by all means their absolute favourite. They also have a higher tolerance to wine but can still get quite drunk like everyone else.
• They do have shadows.
• They do have reflections in mirrors.
• Arcaeles have a normal humanoid sleep schedule.
• Overall, the Arcaeles account for less than 1% of the Creoptera population.

Creation

• Arcaeles can only be created from being bitten by another Haemedeos. It is believed that they cannot be born. No two Arcaeles have ever lived long enough to try as far as the other Creoptera are aware.
• Full effects of their physical changes are slow and occur over the course of several weeks to months. During this time a newborn Arcaeles is likely unaware of their new lease on life and go about their days as they normally would provided they are not immediately killed by their creator.
• There is a less than 1% chance of an Arcaeles being created when bitten and turned by another Haemedeos.
• They are fertile and completely capable of reproducing how their original body would have. Very little is known about their reproduction given that so few survive. However, the Creoptera genes remain recessive and children will retain the characteristics of their other parent. They may possess some of the same sensitivities and weaknesses of their Arcaeles parent though.
• Effects of being bitten by an Arcaeles are the standard expectations of being bitten by anyone: pain and bleeding.
• Victims cannot be turned when bitten by an Arcaeles.

Weaknesses

• When killed, Arcaeles become a normal corpse.
• Being staked is not necessarily fatal unless the heart is removed. It is however excruciatingly painful.
• Long exposure to sunlight can prove damaging. General and quick introduction to it causes varying degrees of sunburn dependent on how long they are in it. A few minutes is fine. An hour is torture. It is best to keep covered if they're going out in it.
• Decapitation is fatal.
• Drowning or submersion has no effect on them.
• Fire is fatal.
• Silver has no effect on them.
• Garlic is a delicious seasoning.
• Holy symbols have no effect on them.
• Running water is no obstacle for them.
• They do not require invitation to enter a private place.
• Arithmomania does not affect them.

Powers

• Arcaeles are immortal outside of the factors listed above that can kill them.
• They do not enhanced strength.
• They have limited enhanced senses. They do better than humans but have nowhere near the perception the other three types have.
• They have enhanced speed, making them the fastest of the four types.
• They have the ability to heal and regenerate through unnatural means when placed in moonlight. The full moon is best for this. A new moon will do nothing. Otherwise they heal at a normal rate for their original species.
• They are incapable of flight.
• They are capable of shapeshifting into a bat. The species of bat is dependent on the specific Arcaeles and they can only turn into one bat species.
• They do not possess psychic powers.
• They do not possess psychokinesis.
• They do not possess pyrokinesis.
• It is unknown what specifically they are capable of powerwise. There have been many debates among the other branches as to whether they their potential has just never been reached or rather they really are just "duds" as is the common theory.

• Haemedeos
• Dietera
• Solanacae (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=26113.0) by GoblinFae
• Ziniberales
• Arcaeles
• Pyske Daas (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=25491.0) by GoblinFae