» species guide

The Vampires here, on Show Me Your Teeth, are extremely different then any Vampires you may have seen before--wielding special abilities, called Affinities, and able to bite without changing a human into one of their own kind, they are certainly different then your stereotypical Dracula. It is very important that you understand these new breeds of Vampires, as they're a crucial part into the making of the site.

» becoming a vampire. Unlike in common folklore or mythology, Vampires do not change humans into one of their own kind from a bite--in fact, it's quite different.

It is, instead, am airborne virus of which makes young humans, during their early teenage years, change into a Vampire. The body is already changing with puberty, so it accepts this change along with it more easily. This is quite simply called being Marked, because that's when the first Mark appears for those not born vampire. Most humans have to be healthy in order for them to survive the change the full years that they are changing and in in between states. They have to be in their teen years for the virus to catch, stick, and make them vampire.

Now, there is a far more fool-proof way to infect someone, and this is with blood-to-blood contact. No matter how strong, this will ensure that said human gets infected. Again, this has to happen during the teenage years when the body is still in transition and can take the infection in stride.

The only other way a Vampire can be created is through the birth of two Vampires of any species (as in, a Crimson and an Azure can have a baby as easily as two Onyx Vampires). Even if a child is born of two Crimsons or two Onyxs however, they child will always be born Azure, as that is the starting point for all vampires.

» aging. Vampires are immortal, and thus cannot be killed. All wounds they adorn heal with astonishing speed, though scars can still certainly mar their flesh. A Vampire will mature, just like that of a human, until approximately age thirty, where it's body will then freeze, to keep the Vampire in it's prime.

Those that are born as vampires will age as a normal human. The biggest advantage to being born is being around those who know what you're going through and can explain what will happen, know they need to get you to the Academy, and often do not reject their children for being changed. Growing up until the Change happens they are mostly like normal human children except they exhibit some signs of their coming change, such as their first Mark and being stronger and faster (minorly) than humans their age. They age at the same rate as a human child/teenager would.

» bites. As you just learned, bites no longer change humans into vampires--so, what else do they do aside from allowing a vampire to feed? Well, a bite has the ability to invoke immediate, intense pleasure or pain, based on the situation at hand. Should both parties involved be content, the bite mutually enjoyed, then it will be a very sensual experience, for both the biter and the bitee. It causes intense feelings of pleasure and lust. But, should someone be bitten involuntarily, then it will cause extreme agony, though only to the person of whom is being bitten. This comes in handy when hunting, though can be tricky to work with when fooling around with someone you care about.

Using their saliva, vampires can also heal the wounds they inflict, if they so chose, closing up the marks left by their fangs.

» fangs. Yes, the vampires here do have fangs--they're pretty much your typical, descending-when-hungry fangs that disguise themselves as regular teeth, when not present. Unless controlled, a vampires fangs will often descend when overcome with very strong emotion, from anger to lust, which could be dangerous, but is otherwise nothing more then instinct.

» sleep. A vampire does indeed need to sleep, like any other human. It's no deeper than any other sort of sleep unless a vampire is a Crimson, in which case most (but not all) tend to "sleep like the dead."

» affinities. Along with moderately enhanced senses and strength, each vampire has an affinity, or unique ability, of their own, that's entirely unique from one another. From mind reading to levitating, each Vampire, species aside, has an ability of which they wield, though most are rather mild, and unable of causing too much havoc. Elemental affinities (being able to control water, fire, earth, or air) are not allowed. They are too powerful.

» imprints. Now, don't think that Vampires can go about biting whom they want, when they want--it's hardly that risk-free. Should a Vampire bite someone they care for, even just on a friendly level, they risk the chance of forming what is called an imprint between the two. But, what is an imprint? Basically, it's a very in-depth bond between two people. A basic imprint involves each individual being able to feel one another's emotions, but the closer the two get, the more intense said bond gets, to the point where, should one focus, they could get a mental image of what their imprinted partner is doing, at that point in time and where they are. Now, Imprints can only be broken by either being separated from your imprinted partner for a long period of time by a large amount of distance, or someone else imprinting on your partner. Should this happen, the imprint will break, and let me tell you, it's painful as hell, both emotionally and physically. When an imprint breaks, it's tearing a part away from you--thus, the pain.

» marks. When turned into a vampire, a small mark, otherwise known as a tattoo, blossoms upon the skin of said individual. It is always the color of the Vampire's species, and is said to be a representation of their soul, often relating to the individual's personality or past. These starting markings are often very small and hardly noticeable, however some Vampires get more tattoos as they mature, for reasons of which are beyond our current knowledge. Acts that are a turning point in their life, or are very significant, adds on to the marks.

The marks can appear on any part of the body, and come in nearly any form--from tribal to, say, a dove to represent a tranquil person. They, however, cannot be script--for tattoo's of that nature, one would have to go to the parlor.

For those that are born vampires, they receive their first mark at birth, and they can gain other marks at any time, however this is a rare occurrence for them to gain further marks until after they hit the time of the change. Those that are Marked gain their first mark at the time of being Marked, or at the time their blood is exchanged with a vamp.

» eyes. In the direct sunlight, like if they glance at the sun, or a bright flash of light...a vampire's eyes will shine back, like a cats if a bright light shines on them. This is because, like many animals, they have a tapetum lucidum in their eyes. The tapetum lucidum contributes to their superior night vision, like it does in animals, but it causes the light to reflect back.

The middle-class and generally most common civilians, Azure Vampires are Show Your Teeth's equivalent to your present-day human, but, obviously, are far more advanced. They are your average commoners, of the world--above the Crimson Vampires but below the Onyx, as far as classing is concerned. Although not the strongest breed, they certainly have many advantages--sanity, for example.

» starting. Every Vampire that has ever lived was once an Azure Vampire--this, quite simply, is the only breed that humans can be converted into. Once turned, Fledglings or Newborns need to be within the presence of a full-grown Vampire, hence where the Academy came from, or they will reject the change, thus arises the possibility of turning into a Red. Continue reading for more information on changing.

» diet. Unlike most people's grave misconception about Vampires, specifically this breed, Azures ingest both blood and regular food and drink, hence why many restaurants and cafes are still standing. Especially when still just a Fledgling, the Vampires still need their share of balance, in order to grow and develop as they're schedule to, with the right nourishment. An odd concept to most, indeed, but these are creatures of which cannot survive upon human blood alone. Human blood has double the nutrition, but Azures can feed on other vampires as well.

» heartbeat. Azure Vampires do, indeed, have a heartbeat--in fact, every species does. However, they all vary in strength and speed; for example, Azure's heartbeats are nearly identical to that of a human. They're moderately strong, and, should one place their fingers against an Azure's throat, they would feel the pulse, just like any other living thing. Immortal they may be, but they definitely have a heart and blood just like any other organism.

» sanity. Unlike some species, Azure Vampires cannot go feral--they are generally very composed individuals, who have a lower blood-lust, and the ability to stifle it, if need be. They're not dependent on blood alone, which may have something to do with this grasp on their sanity, but they're definitely the most sane breed.

» changing. Now, humans are the only species that can be turned into Azure Vampires, while Azures can be changed into a different breed, either by "death" or if it bestowed upon them. Should an Azure begin to fail the change or not make it to the school-grounds fast enough before being changed, they will "die," thus becoming a Crimson Vampire. The honor of being changed into an Onyx Vampire can only be granted by the Monarch, if he deems one fit.

The low-class, "scum" of Aurum, these Vampires are considered one of the most unpredictable, dangerous breed there is--with wavering sanity and an extremely present, unrelenting lust for blood, they're certainly sketchy characters. But, then again, it took "death" to achieve them--so, it's only realistic that each Crimson be a wee bit off, if you know what I mean. It should also be noted that it is much harder for Crimson Vampires, or Onyx Vampires who were once Crimson, to get pregnant or get another pregnant because they were dead for a short time.

» diet. Unlike Azures, Crimson Vampires require blood and only blood to survive, though they can eat regular food, should they wish to. It is due to this fact that they are far more dependent on the substance, and in turn have a more prominent hunger, thus resulting in a lack of control when presented with a human. Human blood has double the nutrition, but Crimsons can feed on other vampires as well

» strength. Stronger then Azures but not topping the strength of the Onyx Vampires, this breed of vampire is very physically fit, no matter what their human form's fitness level was, and are capable of extreme destruction. This is a danger when feral, especially to those of which are human or Azure, but I suggest, to all of the Crimson Vampires out there, to pick your fights very carefully--an Onyx would not be fun to mess with.

» sanity. As I'm sure you've already realized, these are a breed that, although can remain sane with enough focus, were nearly created to be very animalistic and feral. The scent of blood alone can drive these individuals near to wild, and when they do go feral, or revert back into a primal state of mind, they have little more then instincts on their mind. In these states they lack the logic that other species possess, but they're exceedingly dangerous, as they possess very few morals at this time.

How can you tell when a Crimson's gone feral? Just look at their eyes. When they've lost their mind, their eyes become as red as their mark. Those wavering can sometimes have a red ring around the pupil or the red may mix in with their natural eye color.

» sunlight. One of these creature's most evident weakness is the sun--although they can function when beneath it's harmful rays, they cannot do so for extended periods of time, as their skin is especially susceptible to nasty, third-degree burns, should they be in the sun for too long.

These are the elite, of Show Me Your Teeth. Faster, stronger, more efficient--these are the Vampires of which were created by the Monarch, for the Monarch. These individuals are as high-class as it gets, and it is for this reason that they are often the only breed found within the Monarch's castle walls. Taking on the characteristic of whichever breed they were before being changed, they vary in temperament, sanity, and bloodlust--but, an interesting species they are, all the same.

» creation. Unlike other breeds of it's kind, the Onyx Vampires are changed, usually willingly, by none other then the Monarch himself, unless he designates otherwise. The breed was engineered specifically to be the strongest, most powerful beings possible--and, it worked nearly flawlessly.

However, bear this in mind: a Onyx Vampire carried the traits of it's former breed. If it was a Crimson, it will still have a large chance of going feral, and needing to rely on blood more heavily. They will also be able to go out in the sun, but not as easily as Azures or once Azure Onyxs. It will still burn. If the individual was previous and Azure Vampire? Well, they'll have a better sense of self-control.

» strength. As mentioned earlier, when a Vampire of any species is changed into an Onyx, they grow immediately stronger. Size and natural strength aside, these individuals have the upper-hand over all other species, and are as close to invisible as this planet has ever seen.

Having quickly become the minority in this new-found world, humans are rarities to the eye; scare and hardly ever seen, they have all dedicated their lives to survival. Some have succumbed to the longing for safety and traded in their morals and loyalty for promised care, while others remain in hiding, doing everything in their power to remain unharmed and untouched.

» pets. These are humans that have surrendered themselves to "the good of the people." Having given their loyalty for a mark of protection, usually a piece of jewelry for females while for males it is a leather cuff of bracer, they have agreed to belong to the Vampire race. Whether they are blood-donors owned by the Monarch or they have been auctioned off or claimed by another vampire, they have no choice but to abide by most requests sent their way. This is, of course, to an extent. It is a somewhat gloomy lifestyle, but it promises two things; safety, and insurance that you will not be changed.

» claiming. As far as claiming a pet is concerned, there are a few ways to go about it; firstly, trackers have a job to collect all humans they may stumble across. Said humans will be brought to the Forsyth residence, and held there. Now, every so often, there will be an auction of said humans, should the holding cells and staff quarters be getting beyond capacity. It will take place in city square, and will sell said humans to whomever has an interest in them. However, should someone stumble across an unclaimed human, they are free to claim him or her as their own, as well.

» age. Humans that are pets, who are under the age of 16 are to stay with their parents. If they are under the age of 16 and don't have parents they stay at the Citadel until they are of age. Or, if the situation calls for it, they can go to certain Monarch approved homes to stay with vampire care givers until they reach that age. This is because until the age of 16 there is a possibility that they may turn into vampires, so they are to be treated as such.

» camp mortalis. For those who aren't in hiding in their lonesome, this is the place where most humans gather--going by the "strength in numbers" theory, they have set up a camp nestled within the forests of Aurum, completely and utterly untouched by Vampires. This camp is very secretive, and all humans are invited in, but only after grueling initiation. They're wary of pets being sent in as spies, and thus will hold people until they're sure of their alignment.