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<noinclude>{{Lore Bestiary Trail}}[[Category:Lore-All Terms]][[File:SR-npc-Master Vampire 02.jpg|thumb|right|Master Vampire (Skyrim)]][[File:SR-npc-Vampire Feeding on Sigrid.jpg|thumb|right|Vampire feeding on a sleeping woman (Skyrim)]][[File:MW-quest-Molag Bal's Quest.jpg|thumb|right|Shrine of Molag Bal (Morrowind)]]</noinclude>
A {{Lore Link|vampire}} is a preternatural being, commonly believed to be a reanimated corpse, which consumes the blood of sleeping persons at night, thralls, and other victims. The vampires of {{Lore Link|Tamriel}} are undead, diseased persons who are hated, hunted, and misunderstood by the living.{{ref|name=VOTIB|{{Cite book|Vampires of the Iliac Bay}}}} Whether they consider themselves cursed or blessed, or whether they have given into their animalistic instincts or have sought to rid the world of the disease, vampires are nonetheless considered abominations.{{ref|name=VOTIB}}{{ref|name=VOV|{{Cite book|Vampires of Vvardenfell}}}} Though it's possible for a vampire to find a cure, knowledge of how to do so has been suppressed in many places due to the fear that it would encourage people to deliberately infect themselves.{{ref|name=VOV}}
The vampire is one of the most powerful and feared of all the undead. While they are typically incredibly fast, gifted mages, and unnaturally strong, fear of vampires is abnormally great due to their ability to infect others, a fate often described as worse than death.{{ref|name=VOTIB}} Distrust and chaos can potentially bring down entire settlements should just one vampire infiltrate the populace.{{ref|name=TOAC|{{Cite book|Treatise on Ayleidic Cities}}}} Vampires spread by giving mortals diseases such as {{Lore Link|Porphyric Hemophilia}}, {{Lore Link|Sanguinare Vampiris}}, and [[Lore:Noxiphilic Sanguivoria (disease)|Noxiphilic Sanguivoria]]. Vampires tend to be organized into many different clans; in fact, there are over a hundred distinct kinds of vampire in Tamriel.{{ref|name=VOTIB}}<noinclude>
==Characteristics==
Vampires look distinctly different from unaffected persons;{{ref|name=VOTIB}} their faces, which cover their fangs, are unusually pale, and the eyes of some breeds of hungry vampires turn blood-red until their thirst is sated.{{ref|name=IB|{{Cite book|Immortal Blood}}}} Vampires are unable to age and are immune to disease;{{ref|name=DOSJ|{{Cite book|Diary of Springheel Jak}}}} while not impervious to death, a vampire may be killed only by meeting a violent end. "Ancients" are the oldest vampires (they may be hundreds or even thousands of years old).{{ref|name=TLR|{{Cite book|The Locked Room}}}} A vampire's skin is extremely susceptible to sunlight and flame, so much so that contact with it burns the skin.{{ref|name=VOTIB2|{{Cite book|Vampires of the Iliac Bay, Chapter II}}}} When they die, their dust can be collected and used as an alchemical ingredient.{{ref|name=DRD|{{Cite book|De Rerum Dirennis}}}} Documents describe vampires being turned to dust even without being slain by flame.{{ref|name=GJ|{{Cite book|Greywyn's Journal}}}} Rumors hold that entering places of worship may cause a vampire pain.{{ref|name=VOTIB}} Exact abilities are determined by the type of vampire.
The most defining characteristic of vampires is their unnatural, insatiable need for blood. A hybridization of a plant and vampiric blood led to plants with a similar, voracious hunger for blood, among other things.{{ref|name=AAD|{{Cite book|Amantius Allectus' Diary}}}} Blood may not be needed to stay "alive", but doing without it can cause a vampire to become extremely weak and rabid, though some types of vampires will instead become stronger and more vampiric. However, they will still become rabid after too long without blood.{{ref|name=VOTIB2}}{{ref|name=JOTLL|{{Cite book|Journal of the Lord Lovidicus}}}} Consuming blood also allows some to maintain a more inconspicuous appearance, dulling their vampiric qualities. If a vampire's bite leaves its victim alive after a feeding, the disease can infect the victim. Blood itself may not be needed to keep a vampire healthy; it is suggested that vampires are able to drain a warmblooded creature's "life force" to replenish their own.
==Origins==
:''"The first vampire came from Molag Bal. She... was not a willing subject. But she was still the first." — {{Lore Link|Serana}}, Vampire Lord of the {{Lore Link|Volkihar}} clan''
The ''{{Lore Link|Opusculus Lamae Bal ta Mezzamortie}}'' tells of how the curse of vampirism came about, owing its creation to the {{Lore Link|Daedric Prince}} {{Lore Link|Molag Bal}}. The tale goes that Molag Bal disliked [[Lore:Arkay|Arkay]], an {{Lore Link|Aedra}} who showed great pride in his sphere (the cycle of life and death). So Molag Bal traveled to Tamriel (still newly-formed at the time), where he savagely raped the [[Lore:Nedic|Nedic]] woman {{Lore Link|Lamae Beolfag}} and departed {{Lore Link|Nirn}}. Lamae was found and nursed by nomads, but death eventually overtook her. On the night of her cremation, she rose again, and brutally murdered the nomads. Dubbed a [[Lore:Daughters of Coldharbour|Daughter of Coldharbour]], she then created more vampires, spreading the curse across Tamriel and making a mockery of Arkay's cycles.
In actuality, Lamae did not die at all but was rapidly healing from her wounds which frightened the local nedes, and in fear of the disease that was spreading through Lamae, they tried to cremate her but she awoke and slaughtered them all, after having coming to her senses and being horrified of which she did and what she became, she beseeched Arkay only for him to apparently forsake her, in retaliation, she began spreading vampirism to the followers of Arkay. Since then, many mortals have made pacts with Molog Bal to become vampires, given rise to new bloodlines of vampires, each with their unique gifts but sharing some. Harkon and his family being such a case as they are responsible for the Volkihar bloodline, a bloodline nearly as old as Lamae's.
This account has variations in Temple doctrine, with Molag Bal spawning the first vampire from a defeated foe, such as a Daedra Lord, a Temple Saint, or a "powerful beast creature".{{ref|name=VOV}} Indeed, multiple origin stories may have truth to them, as in the case of the Volkihar vampires of Skyrim, who descend from a single family that were given their abilities from Molag Bal directly. These multiple 'first' vampires may be the source of the different bloodlines of vampire clans, which have unique abilities and characteristics.{{ref|name=IB}}
The association of vampirism with Molag Bal may be one reason the {{Lore Link|Mace of Molag Mal}}, which allows the bearer to absorb an enemy's magicka, is also called the Vampire's Mace.{{ref|name=TL|{{Cite book|Tamrielic Lore}}}} Of course, anything which absorbs power from a victim is often associated with vampires, such as the strength-sapping Vampiric Cloud spell, the {{Lore Link|Ebony Blade}} (also called the Vampire), and the {{Lore Link|Vampiric Ring}}.{{ref|name=TL}}{{ref|name=RTBS|{{Cite book|Response to Bero's Speech}}}}
==Vampirism==
Vampirism is contracted through any sort of wound inflicted by a vampire;{{ref|name=VOTIB}} however, since few survive attacks from a vampire, the actual contraction process is not understood well. The newly-infected will exhibit no symptoms for the first 72 hours (except perhaps nightmares and insomnia), and they can be cured of the disease like any other ailment. After that time, however, the disease is said to be "incurable": the disease causes one to "die", making a vampire literally undead.{{ref|name=VOTIB}} Despite this, there are many documented cases of individuals who found the means to cure themselves, as discussed further below.
Although a vampire spreading its disease to another can be seen as a form of reproduction, at least one male vampire has been documented to have fathered a child with a living partner. The ''{{Lore Link|Journal of the Lord Lovidicus}}'' recounts how an {{Lore Link|Imperial}} impregnated an {{Lore Link|Orc}} woman, resulting in a male Orc child, but it is unknown if the child inherited the disease or any part of it.
Vampires have been known to spread vampirism via bites, scratches or by using a vampiric drain spell, the mechanics depend on the bloodline of the vampires as some vampires, such as those of Lamae Beolfag's bloodline, are required to give their victims their own blood after draining their victim of some blood.
===Cures===
The disease is thought to be incurable by the [[Lore:Dunmer|Dunmer]] of [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]].{{ref|name=VOV}} However, a Buoyant Armiger named Galur Rithari claimed that he was cured of the disease. In his papers, the Armiger states that while he was a vampire, he undertook a task from Molag Bal at a shrine, and after the completion of the quest, he was cured of vampirism.{{ref|name=GRP|{{Cite book|Galur Rithari's Papers}}}} Rithari later disavowed his claim due to coercion from the {{Lore Link|Tribunal Temple}}.{{ref|name=VOV}} At least one other has successfully sought a cure from Molag Bal, though the Daedric Prince actually acquired the cure from [[Lore:Vaermina|Vaermina]].{{ref|name=Morrowind|Events of [[Morrowind:Morrowind|Morrowind]]}} This suggests that Vaermina is somehow connected with vampirism, also, which is somewhat compatible with her sphere of evil omens.
It's said that at least some forms of vampirism can be cured by eliminating the bloodfather of the applicable bloodline. Finding and eliminating a bloodfather is very difficult, but by doing this, the whole clan of vampires will also be cured (some of them may die instantly as a result of old age).{{ref|name=Daggerfall|Events of [[Daggerfall:Daggerfall|Daggerfall]]}} Another report from a supposedly cured vampire also suggests that curing the disease is possible, although it gives no clues as to how.{{ref|name=VOTIB2}} One method to cure the disease involves bathing in water containing a mysterious ingredient known as Purgeblood Salts.{{ref|name=GJ}}
The witches of the {{Lore Link|Iliac Bay}} caught the attention of the [[Lore:Mages Guild|Mages Guild]] by apparently curing the disease. The cure is a potion, consisting of six cloves of [[Lore:Garlic|garlic]], two shoots of [[Lore:Bloodgrass|bloodgrass]], five leaves of [[Lore:Nightshade|nightshade]], the blood of an [[Lore:Argonian|Argonian]], and the ashes of a powerful vampire; these same ingredients were used to cure {{Lore Link|Janus Hassildor|Count Skingrad}}'s comatose wife, {{Lore Link|Rona Hassildor}}, of her vampirism.{{ref|name=Oblivion|Events of [[Oblivion:Oblivion|Oblivion]]}} One method for combating the spread of vampirism, which is now lost to history, was a potion which turned the drinker's blood into a powerful poison capable of killing a vampire which attempted to feast.{{ref|name=DRD|{{Cite book|De Rerum Dirennis}}}} There are tales, the veracity of which can't be determined, that there are other, mystical ways of curing vampirism.{{ref|name=Withershins|{{Cite book|Withershins}}}}{{ref|name=Skyrim|Events of [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}}
Falion, a wizard of Morthal in the Fourth Era, is able to cure vampirism with a ritual involving a filled black soul gem (and hence a human soul) and an incantation invoking some power in Oblivion. Little else is known of the ritual.
==Patrons==
Molag Bal is the Daedric Prince who created vampires, and is sometimes worshiped for that reason. However, other Daedric Princes have contributed to the species as well; the Cyrodiilic bloodline honors Clavicus Vile for giving them the ability to blend in with mortals. The book written about Lamae's bloodline and their unique vampirism theorizes that Hircine is responsible for their ability to withstand the sun, though the author considered it a wild theory.
==Bloodlines and Clans==
[[File:SR-quest-Kill the Vampire 03.jpg|thumb|right]]
The vampires of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]] are commonly grouped by their territory and "bloodline". A vampire's bloodline is determined by the vampire who infected it, which in turn affects its abilities. Some vampires have created clans according to bloodline and territory. These clans normally consist of vampires of the same bloodline, or who share the same feeding grounds. Some clans are powerful enough to have established strongholds and regularly feed off captured "cattle": prisoners, or thralls, who they feed off of regularly without turning them into vampires.{{ref|name=Trap|{{Cite book|Trap}}}}
===Lamae's Bloodline===
[[Lore:Lamae Beolfag|Lamae Beolfag]] was the first of her kind, but like her successors she created a bloodline. Vampires of this particular bloodline have [[Lore:Noxiphilic Sanguivoria (disease)|Noxiphilic Sanguivoria]] rather than Porphyric Hemophilia or Sanguinare Vampiris, and as a consequence these Vampires do not burn or weaken in the sun but rather become more powerful once night falls. They have their own set of abilities as well; some, such as invisibility, they share with other bloodlines. One particular way of acquiring this strand of vampirism is through the Rite of the Scion, in which a mortal's blood is fully replaced by that of Lamae Bal herself. This rite turns mortals into Scions, a more powerful variety of vampire. It is also the only way for a [[Lore:Soul Shriven|soul shriven]] to be infected with this strand of vampirism. The exact name of this bloodline is unknown, but it was extremely common in the {{Lore Link|Second Era}} and could be encountered nearly all over Tamriel. Members of Lamae's bloodline are taught to despise both {{Lore Link|Molag Bal}} and {{Lore Link|Arkay}}, in accordance with Lamae's own disdain for said deities; the Rite of the Scion involves profaning their symbols.
Lamae is seemingly responsible for the creation of several other bloodlines aside from her own.
===Black Marsh===
The Whet-Fang vampires of [[Lore:Black Marsh|Black Marsh]] are known to capture victims alive and keep them in a magicka-induced coma, allowing the vampires to extract blood at their own leisure. The Order vampires of Cyrodiil believe the Whet-Fang vampires to show "signs of enlightenments", regarding them as more intelligent than the other "barbaric" tribes. For this reason, the Order considers them a possible threat to their dominance in Cyrodiil.{{ref|name=MCV|{{Cite book|Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum}}}}
===Cyrodiil===
Only one known tribe exists in [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]]; they are experts of concealment, and their true name has been lost to history. Much like the [[Lore:Imperial|Imperials]], they ousted their competition. Indistinguishable from the living if well-fed, these Cyrodiilic Vampires are cultured and more civilized than vampires of other provinces, using their stealthy abilities to feed on the sleeping and unaware.{{ref|name=IB}} Calling themselves the [[Lore:Cyrodiil Vampyrum Order|Order]], these vampires follow the Daedric Prince "Kin-father" Molag Bal, like many other vampires, but they also consider [[Lore:Clavicus Vile|Clavicus Vile]] their patron. Members are bound never to reveal themselves or the Order, and to procure power, stature, and wealth whenever possible.{{ref|name=MCV}}
===Iliac Bay===
The [[Lore:Iliac Bay|Iliac Bay]] region hosts nine bloodlines of vampires, each with their own special abilities: the [[Lore:Anthotis|Anthotis]], [[Lore:Garlythi|Garlythi]], [[Lore:Haarvenu|Haarvenu]], [[Lore:Khulari|Khulari]], [[Lore:Lyrezi|Lyrezi]], [[Lore:Montalion|Montalion]], [[Lore:Selenu|Selenu]], [[Lore:Thrafey|Thrafey]], and [[Lore:Vraseth|Vraseth]].{{ref|name=VOTIB}} The clans inhabit their own regions, and a strong sense of rivalry is present. At least some vampires, however, became soldiers in an army of undead which ruled over the [[Lore:Dwynnen|Barony of Dwynnen]] around {{Year|3E 253}}.{{ref|name=TFOTU|{{Cite book|The Fall of the Usurper}}}} The Lyrezi, Selenu and Vrasath bloodlines were seemingly created by Nedes who were turned by Lamae Beolfag after she rose from her pyre.{{ref|name=ESO|Events of [[ON:Online|ESO]]}}
The Glenmoril Wyrd vampires live in the Breton cities of [[Lore:High Rock|High Rock]], though no information about their abilities or feeding habits is known. It is known, however, that they are one of the tribes considered more intelligent (and threatening) by the Order vampires of Cyrodiil; possibly implying that, like the Order, they live disguised among the normal population as stealthy manipulators.{{ref|name=MCV}}
===Morrowind===
The {{Lore Link|Dunmer}} are strongly opposed to any form of {{Lore Link|necromancy}}, thus vampires are largely unknown in their land of [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]].{{ref|name=VOV}}{{ref|name=BR|{{Cite book|Blasphemous Revenants}}}}{{ref|name=LOTD|{{Cite book|Legions of the Dead}}}} The Tribunal Temple has some control over the public knowledge of vampires, but cannot keep it completely unknown. In the past, Ordinators and Buoyant Armigers were in charge of eradicating vampires, leading to their supposed extinction.{{ref|name=LOTD}} Thus, the hunting orders that exist in the western Tamriel are unknown.{{ref|name=VOV}}
The vampires of Morrowind are typically in one of three bloodlines, which differ in accordance to their "approach to prey". The [[Lore:Quarra Clan|Quarra]] are aggressive and fierce when it comes to hunting, while the [[Lore:Berne Clan|Berne]] clan prefer a stealthier approach. The [[Lore:Aundae Clan|Aundae]] bloodline consist of vampiric mages, who use the dark powers associated with vampirism to entrap prey. These vampires not only have their own strongholds, but are also dispersed amongst the Daedric shrines and abandoned Dunmer and [[Lore:Dwemer|Dwemer]] strongholds.{{ref|name=BR}} Ironically, these clans show great hostility to new-born vampires, considering them abominations as their living counterparts do.
In the {{Lore Link|Red Mountain}}, the {{Lore Link|Ash Vampire}} was an immortal magical being of vast power. They were close kin and loyal lieutenants of {{Lore Link|Dagoth Ur}},{{ref|name=PTDDU|{{Cite book|Plan to Defeat Dagoth Ur}}}} and thus partook of his supernatural vitality, but they were not related to true vampires - in fact, they are not even undead.{{ref|name=VOV}}{{ref|name=LOTD}} Near the end of the Third Era, the number of vampires began to rise in Morrowind, leading to renewed calls to exterminate them.{{ref|name=BR}}{{ref|name=LOTD}}
===Skyrim===
[[File:SR-quest-Bloodline 02.jpg|thumb|right|Main hall of Castle Volkihar (Skyrim)]]
The {{Lore Link|Volkihar}} vampires of eastern [[Lore:Skyrim|Skyrim]] live under haunted, frozen lakes and only leave their dens to feed. They have the power to freeze their victims with icy breath, and can reach through the ice of their frozen lake dens without breaking it.{{ref|name=IB}} They are the earliest known vampire coven in Tamriel. The Volkihar vampires are relatively similar in appearance to those of Cyrodiil and they share some similar powers such as night vision, the ability to turn invisible and the ability to seduce others. Certain Volkihar vampires however appear more monstrous than their Cyrodiilic counterparts- some of them have large brow ridges, slits running through their lips, and bat-like noses, and they have powers which aren't shared by the vampires of Cyrodiil—they can reanimate dead bodies and do not burn when in sunlight (although they are weakened by it). The Volkihar have been known to employ {{Lore Link|Death Hound}}s as guardians.{{ref|name=SRLoading|[[Skyrim:Loading Screens|Loading screens]] in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}}
Some of the more ancient Volkihar vampires such as those of the court at Castle Volkihar are pure-blooded and can even transform themselves into a more monstrous form: the large, winged [[Lore:Vampire Lord|Vampire Lords]] which were blessed by Molag Bal himself. This gift grants further powers such as the ability to summon [[Lore:Gargoyle|gargoyles]].{{ref|name=Skyrim}} It is said that {{Lore Link|Potema}}, the Wolf Queen, relied upon vampiric generals in the latter days of the {{Lore Link|War of the Red Diamond}}.{{ref|name=BOTWQ|{{Cite book|Biography of the Wolf Queen}}}}
===[[Lore:Tsaesci (place)|Tsaesci]]===
The [[Lore:Tsaesci (race)|Tsaesci]] are the "vampiric Serpent Folk" native to {{Lore Link|Akavir}} who, according to legend, long ago ate all the men of that land. It is unknown if their reputation as "vampire snakes" is literal or metaphorical, though like conventional vampires, they are purportedly immortal.{{ref|name=MA|{{Cite book|Mysterious Akavir}}}}{{ref|name=Remanada|{{Cite book|Remanada}}}}
===Valenwood===
In northern [[Lore:Valenwood|Valenwood]], there are the Bonsamu vampires which are indistinguishable from normal [[Lore:Bosmer|Bosmer]] unless seen by candlelight, the {{Lore Link|Keerilth}} who can disintegrate into mist, the Yekef who swallow men whole, and the Telboth who prey on children, take their place in the family, and eventually murder all of the family members.{{ref|name=IB}}
==Important Vampires==
*'''[[Lore:Harkon|Lord Harkon]]''' - A Vampire Lord who plotted to blot out the sun.
*'''[[Lore:Jakben|Jakben, Earl of Imbel]]''' - A Third Era Imperial nobleman and master thief who became a vampire.
*'''[[Lore:Janus Hassildor|Count Janus Hassildor]]''' - A count of {{Lore Link|Skingrad}}.
*'''{{Lore Link|Lamae Beolfag}}''' - The first vampire.
*'''{{Lore Link|Lord Lovidicus}}''' - An Imperial nobleman from {{Lore Link|County Anvil}}, father of an Arena Grand Champion.
*'''{{Lore Link|Movarth Piquine}}''' - A lowly vampire made famous due to his role in ''{{Lore Link|Immortal Blood}}''.
*'''[[Lore:Serana|Serana]]''' - The daughter of Harkon and Valerica.
*'''{{Lore Link|Valerica}}''' - The wife of Harkon and one of the most accomplished conjurers of all time. She worked to forestall Harkon's plans for millennia.
*'''{{Lore Link|Verandis Ravenwatch|Count Verandis Ravenwatch}}''' - An {{Lore Link|Altmer}} count of {{Lore Link|Rivenspire}}.
*'''[[Lore:Vyrthur|Arch-Curate Vyrthur]]''' - One of the last surviving [[Lore:Snow Elf|Snow Elves]], he spent millennia seeking vengeance on {{Lore Link|Auri-El}} for allowing him to be infected.
*'''{{Lore Link|Wylon Montclair|Baron Wylon Montclair}}''' - A Breton nobleman who attempted to curse the whole of {{Lore Link|Rivenspire}} with vampirism.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:ArenaVampire.gif|Vampire ([[Arena:Arena|Arena]])
File:DF-NPC Vampire.png|Vampire ([[Daggerfall:Daggerfall|Daggerfall]])
File:MW-npc-Raxle Berne.jpg|[[Morrowind:Raxle Berne|Raxle Berne]], the leader of the [[Morrowind:Berne Clan|Berne Clan]] in Morrowind
File:OB-npc-Vicente Valtieri_02.jpg|[[Oblivion:Vampire|Vampire]] Vicente Valtieri in Oblivion
File:SR-npc-Vampire Mistwalker.jpg|A female vampire ([[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]])
File:SR-npc-Nightmaster Vampire.jpg|A male vampire (Dawnguard)
File:ON-npc-Gwendis.jpg|A female vampire (ESO)
File:OB-Vampire Feeding.jpg|[[Oblivion:Vampire|Vampire]] Feeding on sleeping woman in [[Oblivion:Oblivion|Oblivion]]
File:SR-npc-Lord Harkon 10.jpg|Lord Harkon as a Vampire Lord (Dawnguard)
File:SR-skill-Vampire Lord (Female).jpg|Female Vampire Lord (Dawnguard)
File:SR-creature-Bats 02.jpg|A Vampire Lord as a swarm of bats (Dawnguard)
File:ON-creature-Bloodfiend.jpg|Bloodfiend
File:SR-creature-Frozen Vampire Falmer.jpg|Frozen vampire {{Lore Link|Falmer}}
</gallery>
==See Also==
* For game-specific vampire and vampirism information, see the [[Arena:Vampire|Arena]], [[Daggerfall:Vampirism|Daggerfall]], [[Morrowind:Vampires|Morrowind]], [[Oblivion:Vampirism|Oblivion]], [[Skyrim:Vampirism|Skyrim]] and [[Online:Vampirism|ESO]] articles.
===Books===
* {{Book Link|Galur Rithari's Papers}}
* {{Book Link|Immortal Blood}}
* {{Book Link|Journal of the Lord Lovidicus}}
* {{Book Link|Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum}}
* {{Book Link|Opusculus Lamae Bal ta Mezzamortie}}
* {{Book Link|Trap}}
* {{Book Link|Vampires of the Iliac Bay}}
* {{Book Link|Vampires of Vvardenfell}}
==References==
<references/></noinclude>
A {{Lore Link|vampire}} is a preternatural being, commonly believed to be a reanimated corpse, which consumes the blood of sleeping persons at night, thralls, and other victims. The vampires of {{Lore Link|Tamriel}} are undead, diseased persons who are hated, hunted, and misunderstood by the living.{{ref|name=VOTIB|{{Cite book|Vampires of the Iliac Bay}}}} Whether they consider themselves cursed or blessed, or whether they have given into their animalistic instincts or have sought to rid the world of the disease, vampires are nonetheless considered abominations.{{ref|name=VOTIB}}{{ref|name=VOV|{{Cite book|Vampires of Vvardenfell}}}} Though it's possible for a vampire to find a cure, knowledge of how to do so has been suppressed in many places due to the fear that it would encourage people to deliberately infect themselves.{{ref|name=VOV}}
The vampire is one of the most powerful and feared of all the undead. While they are typically incredibly fast, gifted mages, and unnaturally strong, fear of vampires is abnormally great due to their ability to infect others, a fate often described as worse than death.{{ref|name=VOTIB}} Distrust and chaos can potentially bring down entire settlements should just one vampire infiltrate the populace.{{ref|name=TOAC|{{Cite book|Treatise on Ayleidic Cities}}}} Vampires spread by giving mortals diseases such as {{Lore Link|Porphyric Hemophilia}}, {{Lore Link|Sanguinare Vampiris}}, and [[Lore:Noxiphilic Sanguivoria (disease)|Noxiphilic Sanguivoria]]. Vampires tend to be organized into many different clans; in fact, there are over a hundred distinct kinds of vampire in Tamriel.{{ref|name=VOTIB}}<noinclude>
==Characteristics==
Vampires look distinctly different from unaffected persons;{{ref|name=VOTIB}} their faces, which cover their fangs, are unusually pale, and the eyes of some breeds of hungry vampires turn blood-red until their thirst is sated.{{ref|name=IB|{{Cite book|Immortal Blood}}}} Vampires are unable to age and are immune to disease;{{ref|name=DOSJ|{{Cite book|Diary of Springheel Jak}}}} while not impervious to death, a vampire may be killed only by meeting a violent end. "Ancients" are the oldest vampires (they may be hundreds or even thousands of years old).{{ref|name=TLR|{{Cite book|The Locked Room}}}} A vampire's skin is extremely susceptible to sunlight and flame, so much so that contact with it burns the skin.{{ref|name=VOTIB2|{{Cite book|Vampires of the Iliac Bay, Chapter II}}}} When they die, their dust can be collected and used as an alchemical ingredient.{{ref|name=DRD|{{Cite book|De Rerum Dirennis}}}} Documents describe vampires being turned to dust even without being slain by flame.{{ref|name=GJ|{{Cite book|Greywyn's Journal}}}} Rumors hold that entering places of worship may cause a vampire pain.{{ref|name=VOTIB}} Exact abilities are determined by the type of vampire.
The most defining characteristic of vampires is their unnatural, insatiable need for blood. A hybridization of a plant and vampiric blood led to plants with a similar, voracious hunger for blood, among other things.{{ref|name=AAD|{{Cite book|Amantius Allectus' Diary}}}} Blood may not be needed to stay "alive", but doing without it can cause a vampire to become extremely weak and rabid, though some types of vampires will instead become stronger and more vampiric. However, they will still become rabid after too long without blood.{{ref|name=VOTIB2}}{{ref|name=JOTLL|{{Cite book|Journal of the Lord Lovidicus}}}} Consuming blood also allows some to maintain a more inconspicuous appearance, dulling their vampiric qualities. If a vampire's bite leaves its victim alive after a feeding, the disease can infect the victim. Blood itself may not be needed to keep a vampire healthy; it is suggested that vampires are able to drain a warmblooded creature's "life force" to replenish their own.
==Origins==
:''"The first vampire came from Molag Bal. She... was not a willing subject. But she was still the first." — {{Lore Link|Serana}}, Vampire Lord of the {{Lore Link|Volkihar}} clan''
The ''{{Lore Link|Opusculus Lamae Bal ta Mezzamortie}}'' tells of how the curse of vampirism came about, owing its creation to the {{Lore Link|Daedric Prince}} {{Lore Link|Molag Bal}}. The tale goes that Molag Bal disliked [[Lore:Arkay|Arkay]], an {{Lore Link|Aedra}} who showed great pride in his sphere (the cycle of life and death). So Molag Bal traveled to Tamriel (still newly-formed at the time), where he savagely raped the [[Lore:Nedic|Nedic]] woman {{Lore Link|Lamae Beolfag}} and departed {{Lore Link|Nirn}}. Lamae was found and nursed by nomads, but death eventually overtook her. On the night of her cremation, she rose again, and brutally murdered the nomads. Dubbed a [[Lore:Daughters of Coldharbour|Daughter of Coldharbour]], she then created more vampires, spreading the curse across Tamriel and making a mockery of Arkay's cycles.
In actuality, Lamae did not die at all but was rapidly healing from her wounds which frightened the local nedes, and in fear of the disease that was spreading through Lamae, they tried to cremate her but she awoke and slaughtered them all, after having coming to her senses and being horrified of which she did and what she became, she beseeched Arkay only for him to apparently forsake her, in retaliation, she began spreading vampirism to the followers of Arkay. Since then, many mortals have made pacts with Molog Bal to become vampires, given rise to new bloodlines of vampires, each with their unique gifts but sharing some. Harkon and his family being such a case as they are responsible for the Volkihar bloodline, a bloodline nearly as old as Lamae's.
This account has variations in Temple doctrine, with Molag Bal spawning the first vampire from a defeated foe, such as a Daedra Lord, a Temple Saint, or a "powerful beast creature".{{ref|name=VOV}} Indeed, multiple origin stories may have truth to them, as in the case of the Volkihar vampires of Skyrim, who descend from a single family that were given their abilities from Molag Bal directly. These multiple 'first' vampires may be the source of the different bloodlines of vampire clans, which have unique abilities and characteristics.{{ref|name=IB}}
The association of vampirism with Molag Bal may be one reason the {{Lore Link|Mace of Molag Mal}}, which allows the bearer to absorb an enemy's magicka, is also called the Vampire's Mace.{{ref|name=TL|{{Cite book|Tamrielic Lore}}}} Of course, anything which absorbs power from a victim is often associated with vampires, such as the strength-sapping Vampiric Cloud spell, the {{Lore Link|Ebony Blade}} (also called the Vampire), and the {{Lore Link|Vampiric Ring}}.{{ref|name=TL}}{{ref|name=RTBS|{{Cite book|Response to Bero's Speech}}}}
==Vampirism==
Vampirism is contracted through any sort of wound inflicted by a vampire;{{ref|name=VOTIB}} however, since few survive attacks from a vampire, the actual contraction process is not understood well. The newly-infected will exhibit no symptoms for the first 72 hours (except perhaps nightmares and insomnia), and they can be cured of the disease like any other ailment. After that time, however, the disease is said to be "incurable": the disease causes one to "die", making a vampire literally undead.{{ref|name=VOTIB}} Despite this, there are many documented cases of individuals who found the means to cure themselves, as discussed further below.
Although a vampire spreading its disease to another can be seen as a form of reproduction, at least one male vampire has been documented to have fathered a child with a living partner. The ''{{Lore Link|Journal of the Lord Lovidicus}}'' recounts how an {{Lore Link|Imperial}} impregnated an {{Lore Link|Orc}} woman, resulting in a male Orc child, but it is unknown if the child inherited the disease or any part of it.
Vampires have been known to spread vampirism via bites, scratches or by using a vampiric drain spell, the mechanics depend on the bloodline of the vampires as some vampires, such as those of Lamae Beolfag's bloodline, are required to give their victims their own blood after draining their victim of some blood.
===Cures===
The disease is thought to be incurable by the [[Lore:Dunmer|Dunmer]] of [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]].{{ref|name=VOV}} However, a Buoyant Armiger named Galur Rithari claimed that he was cured of the disease. In his papers, the Armiger states that while he was a vampire, he undertook a task from Molag Bal at a shrine, and after the completion of the quest, he was cured of vampirism.{{ref|name=GRP|{{Cite book|Galur Rithari's Papers}}}} Rithari later disavowed his claim due to coercion from the {{Lore Link|Tribunal Temple}}.{{ref|name=VOV}} At least one other has successfully sought a cure from Molag Bal, though the Daedric Prince actually acquired the cure from [[Lore:Vaermina|Vaermina]].{{ref|name=Morrowind|Events of [[Morrowind:Morrowind|Morrowind]]}} This suggests that Vaermina is somehow connected with vampirism, also, which is somewhat compatible with her sphere of evil omens.
It's said that at least some forms of vampirism can be cured by eliminating the bloodfather of the applicable bloodline. Finding and eliminating a bloodfather is very difficult, but by doing this, the whole clan of vampires will also be cured (some of them may die instantly as a result of old age).{{ref|name=Daggerfall|Events of [[Daggerfall:Daggerfall|Daggerfall]]}} Another report from a supposedly cured vampire also suggests that curing the disease is possible, although it gives no clues as to how.{{ref|name=VOTIB2}} One method to cure the disease involves bathing in water containing a mysterious ingredient known as Purgeblood Salts.{{ref|name=GJ}}
The witches of the {{Lore Link|Iliac Bay}} caught the attention of the [[Lore:Mages Guild|Mages Guild]] by apparently curing the disease. The cure is a potion, consisting of six cloves of [[Lore:Garlic|garlic]], two shoots of [[Lore:Bloodgrass|bloodgrass]], five leaves of [[Lore:Nightshade|nightshade]], the blood of an [[Lore:Argonian|Argonian]], and the ashes of a powerful vampire; these same ingredients were used to cure {{Lore Link|Janus Hassildor|Count Skingrad}}'s comatose wife, {{Lore Link|Rona Hassildor}}, of her vampirism.{{ref|name=Oblivion|Events of [[Oblivion:Oblivion|Oblivion]]}} One method for combating the spread of vampirism, which is now lost to history, was a potion which turned the drinker's blood into a powerful poison capable of killing a vampire which attempted to feast.{{ref|name=DRD|{{Cite book|De Rerum Dirennis}}}} There are tales, the veracity of which can't be determined, that there are other, mystical ways of curing vampirism.{{ref|name=Withershins|{{Cite book|Withershins}}}}{{ref|name=Skyrim|Events of [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}}
Falion, a wizard of Morthal in the Fourth Era, is able to cure vampirism with a ritual involving a filled black soul gem (and hence a human soul) and an incantation invoking some power in Oblivion. Little else is known of the ritual.
==Patrons==
Molag Bal is the Daedric Prince who created vampires, and is sometimes worshiped for that reason. However, other Daedric Princes have contributed to the species as well; the Cyrodiilic bloodline honors Clavicus Vile for giving them the ability to blend in with mortals. The book written about Lamae's bloodline and their unique vampirism theorizes that Hircine is responsible for their ability to withstand the sun, though the author considered it a wild theory.
==Bloodlines and Clans==
[[File:SR-quest-Kill the Vampire 03.jpg|thumb|right]]
The vampires of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]] are commonly grouped by their territory and "bloodline". A vampire's bloodline is determined by the vampire who infected it, which in turn affects its abilities. Some vampires have created clans according to bloodline and territory. These clans normally consist of vampires of the same bloodline, or who share the same feeding grounds. Some clans are powerful enough to have established strongholds and regularly feed off captured "cattle": prisoners, or thralls, who they feed off of regularly without turning them into vampires.{{ref|name=Trap|{{Cite book|Trap}}}}
===Lamae's Bloodline===
[[Lore:Lamae Beolfag|Lamae Beolfag]] was the first of her kind, but like her successors she created a bloodline. Vampires of this particular bloodline have [[Lore:Noxiphilic Sanguivoria (disease)|Noxiphilic Sanguivoria]] rather than Porphyric Hemophilia or Sanguinare Vampiris, and as a consequence these Vampires do not burn or weaken in the sun but rather become more powerful once night falls. They have their own set of abilities as well; some, such as invisibility, they share with other bloodlines. One particular way of acquiring this strand of vampirism is through the Rite of the Scion, in which a mortal's blood is fully replaced by that of Lamae Bal herself. This rite turns mortals into Scions, a more powerful variety of vampire. It is also the only way for a [[Lore:Soul Shriven|soul shriven]] to be infected with this strand of vampirism. The exact name of this bloodline is unknown, but it was extremely common in the {{Lore Link|Second Era}} and could be encountered nearly all over Tamriel. Members of Lamae's bloodline are taught to despise both {{Lore Link|Molag Bal}} and {{Lore Link|Arkay}}, in accordance with Lamae's own disdain for said deities; the Rite of the Scion involves profaning their symbols.
Lamae is seemingly responsible for the creation of several other bloodlines aside from her own.
===Black Marsh===
The Whet-Fang vampires of [[Lore:Black Marsh|Black Marsh]] are known to capture victims alive and keep them in a magicka-induced coma, allowing the vampires to extract blood at their own leisure. The Order vampires of Cyrodiil believe the Whet-Fang vampires to show "signs of enlightenments", regarding them as more intelligent than the other "barbaric" tribes. For this reason, the Order considers them a possible threat to their dominance in Cyrodiil.{{ref|name=MCV|{{Cite book|Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum}}}}
===Cyrodiil===
Only one known tribe exists in [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]]; they are experts of concealment, and their true name has been lost to history. Much like the [[Lore:Imperial|Imperials]], they ousted their competition. Indistinguishable from the living if well-fed, these Cyrodiilic Vampires are cultured and more civilized than vampires of other provinces, using their stealthy abilities to feed on the sleeping and unaware.{{ref|name=IB}} Calling themselves the [[Lore:Cyrodiil Vampyrum Order|Order]], these vampires follow the Daedric Prince "Kin-father" Molag Bal, like many other vampires, but they also consider [[Lore:Clavicus Vile|Clavicus Vile]] their patron. Members are bound never to reveal themselves or the Order, and to procure power, stature, and wealth whenever possible.{{ref|name=MCV}}
===Iliac Bay===
The [[Lore:Iliac Bay|Iliac Bay]] region hosts nine bloodlines of vampires, each with their own special abilities: the [[Lore:Anthotis|Anthotis]], [[Lore:Garlythi|Garlythi]], [[Lore:Haarvenu|Haarvenu]], [[Lore:Khulari|Khulari]], [[Lore:Lyrezi|Lyrezi]], [[Lore:Montalion|Montalion]], [[Lore:Selenu|Selenu]], [[Lore:Thrafey|Thrafey]], and [[Lore:Vraseth|Vraseth]].{{ref|name=VOTIB}} The clans inhabit their own regions, and a strong sense of rivalry is present. At least some vampires, however, became soldiers in an army of undead which ruled over the [[Lore:Dwynnen|Barony of Dwynnen]] around {{Year|3E 253}}.{{ref|name=TFOTU|{{Cite book|The Fall of the Usurper}}}} The Lyrezi, Selenu and Vrasath bloodlines were seemingly created by Nedes who were turned by Lamae Beolfag after she rose from her pyre.{{ref|name=ESO|Events of [[ON:Online|ESO]]}}
The Glenmoril Wyrd vampires live in the Breton cities of [[Lore:High Rock|High Rock]], though no information about their abilities or feeding habits is known. It is known, however, that they are one of the tribes considered more intelligent (and threatening) by the Order vampires of Cyrodiil; possibly implying that, like the Order, they live disguised among the normal population as stealthy manipulators.{{ref|name=MCV}}
===Morrowind===
The {{Lore Link|Dunmer}} are strongly opposed to any form of {{Lore Link|necromancy}}, thus vampires are largely unknown in their land of [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]].{{ref|name=VOV}}{{ref|name=BR|{{Cite book|Blasphemous Revenants}}}}{{ref|name=LOTD|{{Cite book|Legions of the Dead}}}} The Tribunal Temple has some control over the public knowledge of vampires, but cannot keep it completely unknown. In the past, Ordinators and Buoyant Armigers were in charge of eradicating vampires, leading to their supposed extinction.{{ref|name=LOTD}} Thus, the hunting orders that exist in the western Tamriel are unknown.{{ref|name=VOV}}
The vampires of Morrowind are typically in one of three bloodlines, which differ in accordance to their "approach to prey". The [[Lore:Quarra Clan|Quarra]] are aggressive and fierce when it comes to hunting, while the [[Lore:Berne Clan|Berne]] clan prefer a stealthier approach. The [[Lore:Aundae Clan|Aundae]] bloodline consist of vampiric mages, who use the dark powers associated with vampirism to entrap prey. These vampires not only have their own strongholds, but are also dispersed amongst the Daedric shrines and abandoned Dunmer and [[Lore:Dwemer|Dwemer]] strongholds.{{ref|name=BR}} Ironically, these clans show great hostility to new-born vampires, considering them abominations as their living counterparts do.
In the {{Lore Link|Red Mountain}}, the {{Lore Link|Ash Vampire}} was an immortal magical being of vast power. They were close kin and loyal lieutenants of {{Lore Link|Dagoth Ur}},{{ref|name=PTDDU|{{Cite book|Plan to Defeat Dagoth Ur}}}} and thus partook of his supernatural vitality, but they were not related to true vampires - in fact, they are not even undead.{{ref|name=VOV}}{{ref|name=LOTD}} Near the end of the Third Era, the number of vampires began to rise in Morrowind, leading to renewed calls to exterminate them.{{ref|name=BR}}{{ref|name=LOTD}}
===Skyrim===
[[File:SR-quest-Bloodline 02.jpg|thumb|right|Main hall of Castle Volkihar (Skyrim)]]
The {{Lore Link|Volkihar}} vampires of eastern [[Lore:Skyrim|Skyrim]] live under haunted, frozen lakes and only leave their dens to feed. They have the power to freeze their victims with icy breath, and can reach through the ice of their frozen lake dens without breaking it.{{ref|name=IB}} They are the earliest known vampire coven in Tamriel. The Volkihar vampires are relatively similar in appearance to those of Cyrodiil and they share some similar powers such as night vision, the ability to turn invisible and the ability to seduce others. Certain Volkihar vampires however appear more monstrous than their Cyrodiilic counterparts- some of them have large brow ridges, slits running through their lips, and bat-like noses, and they have powers which aren't shared by the vampires of Cyrodiil—they can reanimate dead bodies and do not burn when in sunlight (although they are weakened by it). The Volkihar have been known to employ {{Lore Link|Death Hound}}s as guardians.{{ref|name=SRLoading|[[Skyrim:Loading Screens|Loading screens]] in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}}
Some of the more ancient Volkihar vampires such as those of the court at Castle Volkihar are pure-blooded and can even transform themselves into a more monstrous form: the large, winged [[Lore:Vampire Lord|Vampire Lords]] which were blessed by Molag Bal himself. This gift grants further powers such as the ability to summon [[Lore:Gargoyle|gargoyles]].{{ref|name=Skyrim}} It is said that {{Lore Link|Potema}}, the Wolf Queen, relied upon vampiric generals in the latter days of the {{Lore Link|War of the Red Diamond}}.{{ref|name=BOTWQ|{{Cite book|Biography of the Wolf Queen}}}}
===[[Lore:Tsaesci (place)|Tsaesci]]===
The [[Lore:Tsaesci (race)|Tsaesci]] are the "vampiric Serpent Folk" native to {{Lore Link|Akavir}} who, according to legend, long ago ate all the men of that land. It is unknown if their reputation as "vampire snakes" is literal or metaphorical, though like conventional vampires, they are purportedly immortal.{{ref|name=MA|{{Cite book|Mysterious Akavir}}}}{{ref|name=Remanada|{{Cite book|Remanada}}}}
===Valenwood===
In northern [[Lore:Valenwood|Valenwood]], there are the Bonsamu vampires which are indistinguishable from normal [[Lore:Bosmer|Bosmer]] unless seen by candlelight, the {{Lore Link|Keerilth}} who can disintegrate into mist, the Yekef who swallow men whole, and the Telboth who prey on children, take their place in the family, and eventually murder all of the family members.{{ref|name=IB}}
==Important Vampires==
*'''[[Lore:Harkon|Lord Harkon]]''' - A Vampire Lord who plotted to blot out the sun.
*'''[[Lore:Jakben|Jakben, Earl of Imbel]]''' - A Third Era Imperial nobleman and master thief who became a vampire.
*'''[[Lore:Janus Hassildor|Count Janus Hassildor]]''' - A count of {{Lore Link|Skingrad}}.
*'''{{Lore Link|Lamae Beolfag}}''' - The first vampire.
*'''{{Lore Link|Lord Lovidicus}}''' - An Imperial nobleman from {{Lore Link|County Anvil}}, father of an Arena Grand Champion.
*'''{{Lore Link|Movarth Piquine}}''' - A lowly vampire made famous due to his role in ''{{Lore Link|Immortal Blood}}''.
*'''[[Lore:Serana|Serana]]''' - The daughter of Harkon and Valerica.
*'''{{Lore Link|Valerica}}''' - The wife of Harkon and one of the most accomplished conjurers of all time. She worked to forestall Harkon's plans for millennia.
*'''{{Lore Link|Verandis Ravenwatch|Count Verandis Ravenwatch}}''' - An {{Lore Link|Altmer}} count of {{Lore Link|Rivenspire}}.
*'''[[Lore:Vyrthur|Arch-Curate Vyrthur]]''' - One of the last surviving [[Lore:Snow Elf|Snow Elves]], he spent millennia seeking vengeance on {{Lore Link|Auri-El}} for allowing him to be infected.
*'''{{Lore Link|Wylon Montclair|Baron Wylon Montclair}}''' - A Breton nobleman who attempted to curse the whole of {{Lore Link|Rivenspire}} with vampirism.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:ArenaVampire.gif|Vampire ([[Arena:Arena|Arena]])
File:DF-NPC Vampire.png|Vampire ([[Daggerfall:Daggerfall|Daggerfall]])
File:MW-npc-Raxle Berne.jpg|[[Morrowind:Raxle Berne|Raxle Berne]], the leader of the [[Morrowind:Berne Clan|Berne Clan]] in Morrowind
File:OB-npc-Vicente Valtieri_02.jpg|[[Oblivion:Vampire|Vampire]] Vicente Valtieri in Oblivion
File:SR-npc-Vampire Mistwalker.jpg|A female vampire ([[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]])
File:SR-npc-Nightmaster Vampire.jpg|A male vampire (Dawnguard)
File:ON-npc-Gwendis.jpg|A female vampire (ESO)
File:OB-Vampire Feeding.jpg|[[Oblivion:Vampire|Vampire]] Feeding on sleeping woman in [[Oblivion:Oblivion|Oblivion]]
File:SR-npc-Lord Harkon 10.jpg|Lord Harkon as a Vampire Lord (Dawnguard)
File:SR-skill-Vampire Lord (Female).jpg|Female Vampire Lord (Dawnguard)
File:SR-creature-Bats 02.jpg|A Vampire Lord as a swarm of bats (Dawnguard)
File:ON-creature-Bloodfiend.jpg|Bloodfiend
File:SR-creature-Frozen Vampire Falmer.jpg|Frozen vampire {{Lore Link|Falmer}}
</gallery>
==See Also==
* For game-specific vampire and vampirism information, see the [[Arena:Vampire|Arena]], [[Daggerfall:Vampirism|Daggerfall]], [[Morrowind:Vampires|Morrowind]], [[Oblivion:Vampirism|Oblivion]], [[Skyrim:Vampirism|Skyrim]] and [[Online:Vampirism|ESO]] articles.
===Books===
* {{Book Link|Galur Rithari's Papers}}
* {{Book Link|Immortal Blood}}
* {{Book Link|Journal of the Lord Lovidicus}}
* {{Book Link|Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum}}
* {{Book Link|Opusculus Lamae Bal ta Mezzamortie}}
* {{Book Link|Trap}}
* {{Book Link|Vampires of the Iliac Bay}}
* {{Book Link|Vampires of Vvardenfell}}
==References==
<references/></noinclude>