Dhampir

Lore:
The half-living children of vampires and human mothers, dhampirs are born into a world that rejects them. Stigma and suspicion follow them regardless of whether the truth of a dhampir child’s Nature is known. This mistrust either forces a dhampir to develop a disarming wit and charm, or to embrace bitterness and keep others at arm’s length through guile or outright Intimidation.

Few dhampirs find solace with their Undead forebears. As living creatures, even tainted ones, the reality of living with an evil, blood-sucking monster seldom appeals even as they struggle with their own urges or hungers. Dhampirs struggle to find acceptance both within society and within themselves.

Blood Ties
For most dhampirs, Family is all they have. Immediate kin might be the only source of solace for a dhampir raised by a mortal Family. Driven away by the Unconscious or superstitious derision of their peers, families containing a dhampir can easily become clannish and reclusive. They learn to keep the world at a distance to protect themselves and their loved ones. Dhampirs who grow up in this situation commonly strike out on their own after reaching maturity, both out of a need to find connection to the greater world and to spare their Family the burden of their presence.

Conversely, some dhampirs are born into bloodlines that deliberately cultivate their tainted Nature. A true Vampire patron, usually the one who originally began the line, oversees these bloodlines. Such a bloodline holds its lineage in the highest regard. There is no doubt among its Members that theirs is a superior stock and upbringing, and that greatness is their due. The majority of outright evil dhampirs arise from cultivated bloodlines. They quickly become true Monsters, seeing the fear of the living world as envy of their station.

Candles in the Dark
Dhampirs constantly struggle with their Nature. They suffer from a troubled upbringing and intrinsic corruption that gnaws at civilized thoughts and behavior. The truth of their heritage weighs on them. Many experience disturbing urges to consume blood or to control others. They shun the light and find safety and comfort in Darkness. Enticed and repulsed by mortals at the same time, this constant struggle is at the core of a dhampir’s existence.

Many dhampirs use this struggle as fuel to action. Good dhampirs are horrified by their own corrupted existence and dedicate themselves to living in opposition to it. They become Priests who venerate gods of light, or they vow to destroy all Undead who perpetuate their misery. Others are broken by their turmoil. They lash out at the world in a rage of bloodlust and Hatred. Many evil dhampirs turn to Worship of Demons and other gods of Darkness and pain, seeking to conquer and subjugate their mortal peers.