Further to a previous note, when discussing Kanvoran (loose translation: Blood Devourers), it is almost sufficient to say one is discussing the vampire in general. The Dark Chapter uses the word Kanvoran infrequently (although this article may suggest otherwise), as it has little value to our work. It strikes me that the word represents something like the word mongrel, and is largely used among vampires, in a derogatory manner, referring to those of their kind with no particular allegiance or well-known bite lineage. That said, we have on occasion encountered groups that were considered Kanvoran, and in the destruction of those groups, have found that their number included vampires with the traits of other tribes or thrones. For instance, an Eztoros found with a nest of Kanvoran, would have all the peculiarities of its kind, but vampire society would dismiss him as a Kanvoran, purely by association.
We believe that the absence of those tribe or throne-specific traits indicates a bite lineage, albeit one not celebrated or belonging to an organised group in vampire culture. To that end, the Kanvoran, were they to organise, would become a threat to all other vampire tribes and thrones. It is likely that the other groups recognised this too and, over the centuries, destroyed Kanvoran leadership and suppressed its cultural identity. To brand the Kanvoran as a sort of wild, individual, classless, nomadic vampire, prevents a sense of pride and entitlement, and undermines a sense of belonging. It also discourages a rumoured 6,000-strong population (likely to be only 2-3,000) from staking a true claim in vampire society. If only the Kanvoran themselves knew that, when viewed from outside the vampire species, they are not only a true tribe in their own right, they appear to be the most populous of them all - they are in essence, the vampire.
Lacking a tribal mentality, the Kanvoran are easier to eliminate when and where they are located - solo, or in small numbers - we usually destroy them before they do too much damage. The greatest problems arise not from their killing, but from their turning humans into vampires either through accident or design, for each new set of fangs increases the number of human deaths exponentially, and increases the likelihood of further conversions.
When the very first vampire converts emerged among mankind, they likely shared their vampiric characteristics. It seems likely that these characteristics changed over generations, allowing tribal variations to emerge, due to factors including:
regional adaptations following schisms and diasporas.
proximity or exposure to a supreme being (for instance the fabled Blistered Prince).
variations in the Scalds (associated with the legend of The Blistered Prince) who passed on these variations through their bite or procreation (which, if true, although highly unlikely, as I shall soon explain, would suggest that variations emerged as soon as the Scalds created vampires).
traits of the humans bitten or mated, reacting with the vampire essence to produce differing results.
volume of vampire saliva/venom transferred in the bite.
volume of vampire blood consumed/absorbed into the bloodstream in relation to the bite.
volume of human or animal blood consumed in relation to the bite.
The vampire ability to procreate seems to have fallen away centuries ago, if they ever truly had been able to sire and bear offspring. It could be argued that had they ever been able to breed, it would have soon seen the end of mankind, and subsequently the extinction of all life with a circulatory system. Some theorise that the potency of the colonising agent in the vampire bite increased only after their procreation ceased. This, and that other natural limitations ensured their population could not get out of hand, much in the way that elephants do not breed in the same volume as rabbits.
The Blistered Prince and his Scalds are thought apocryphal. No religion outside vampire society mentions such creatures. That said, some of our researchers suppose that the beings some religions revere as gods are the self-same creatures despised as demons in others. All the same, it seems that most vampires, including the Emirsangil, see such worship as primitive, with very few groups holding onto those old beliefs.
No matter the true origin of the vampire, there are some universal weaknesses and methods of destruction to consider. These are best discussed here in relation to Kanvoran, as they are the classification most likely to be encountered.
Attacking the heart will stop a vampire almost as certainly as it will stop most living creatures. Wooden stakes and bent iron rods were often used in eastern Europe, to pin vampires into their graves. In a battle any sharp object of sufficient length will do the job. A bullet would work, but one must consider the damage that is required to soften a vampire’s flesh sufficiently to breach it. A single bullet would not work, and it takes a true marksman to land several bullets on the exact same spot. Similarly, arrows and crossbow bolts would work as a facet of an assault involving other methods of weakening the creature. Crush injuries, such as hammer blows, delivered with enough force to burst the heart, would also work, but these are not as effective as a puncture wound in ensuring the heart’s function is sufficiently disrupted. Note the Voivodasci are only paralysed by the puncturing of the heart, and their other susceptibilities must be instantly exploited to ensure victory over them.
Decapitation will again stop a vampire, as it inevitably leads to the death of all things. There are, however, certain circumstances in which a vampire’s neck wound can heal even as the damage is inflicted. Particularly powerful individual vampires, or those who have recently gorged on blood, must be exhausted in order to render a true decapitation.
Fire will eventually burn all vampires, but the Emirsangil are less susceptible to the flame and must be significantly weakened before they succumb to its effects.
Sunlight effects various classifications of vampires in different ways. Most vampires—and of them, all Kanvoran lineage—are impacted by the sun over time, rather than instantly, but this depends upon their condition at the time of contact with daylight. As it begins to do its work, the sunlight splits their flesh with wounds resembling lashes from a whip.
In addition to these universal methods given, those we would think of as Kanvoran lineage show signs of susceptibility to:
Silver, which, though it aids the healing of we humans, seems to burn or at least slow the healing of Kanvoran. Weapons cast or coated with silver appear to cause more damage than others.
Religious symbols and holy water, seem to cause irritation and discomfort, but will not destroy Kanvoran. Some believe this is a matter of the sensibility of the individual vampire, the religious life they led as humans, and whether or not they feel that they have turned their back on God. It is strongly advised not to rely on these methods alone.
Blood frenzy has been observed in some Kanvoran particularly after they have been starved of blood, or where they have tried to resist the urges of their transformation, unwilling to easily give over to the disgusting urge to drink blood. When they finally succumb to the thirst, or find a source of blood after starving, they are so ravenous that they lose all sense of self-preservation, becoming easier to lure into traps… but they’ll fight like mad dogs. Consider this more of an observation than a strategic option.
To aid The Dark Chapter’s efforts in preventing the emergence of Kanvoran hordes…
And of course, you are at liberty not to. But know that some agents among our number, especially Agent Morton Conner, would leave you to your fate were they to learn you had the opportunity to lend your support and refused to do so.
Drink deeply of The Victorian Vampire Chronicles here.