•val-kin•

Before there were what we know as the “living dead” there were species known as Val-kin, or in other terms “True-Blood Vampires”. Though they are not completely based on what the myth and legend has today, they are the predecessors of various forms of vampires. It was the Val-kin who originated the ability to turn beings into vampires by draining their blood until near death, then having their victim drink from their own blood to become what one knows as “the Undead”. Val-kin, unlike the Undead, have the ability to walk in the daytime, eat food and drink beverages other then blood. However, because of their breed, they must have a certain intake of blood to keep them stable. They also feed from other things such as certain emotions, and even elements. Despite the many lines or species of Val-kin, there is not a large population. They are very rare and prefer to keep to themselves. Val-kin are highly mistaken for humans at times, if not other beings, but they are indeed what they are.

•race Val-kin also known as the True-Bloods

•history Unlike “turned” vampires, Val-kin are created when a Demon from the underworld mates and conceives a child with a human virgin woman. The first Val-kin had been created when the Demon Valois created the first half demon, half human offspring also known as the first conceived vampire. Valois, like quite a few demons at that time, was instead one of those who were last of their kind because of violent wars that were held in Hell. In attempt to repopulate his species, Valois mated with a human priestess in the world of the living by the name of Sheridan. To follow suit to this cure of the damned, other demons also found human females to breed with. Unfortunately, when the Crowned of Hell found this scheme, they took the offending demons and cursed them to be bound by chain and torment within the pits of Hell itself. Never again to continue population of these cross-breeds. This had been the beginning of Val-kin or the “true-blood vampires”.

There were seventy-five Demons were who fathered these new breeds into the world of the living other then Valois himself. They were given the name the Serpent Heads. Broken down in certain respects, the demons were given numbers to which who formed a line first. Naturally Valois being number one. Nine others formed council with him causing themselves to be the top ten eldest lines, and the most formidable in power. Below the ten other numbers were given, and each of these Demons held special abilities that were passed on along their lines. Those of the top ten were known to be a lot more feral and elemental in nature. It was Valois himself who was able to wield all of the elements equally to his liking. The other nine consisted of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Electricity, Stone, Ice, Metal and Lunar.

To keep the power of the Serpent Heads running strong within the many made lines, certain trinkets had been created but the Serpent Heads themselves and passed on to the mothers who gave birth to them. The soul purpose for these little items had been to absorb power for the need of future situations. In most cases, they were not used. However, if placed into the wrong hands, then mayhem would consume the world of the living and all that dwelled within it.

However, the population of Val-Kin was not over. Not in the least. Because there was such desperation to keep their lines alive, the Serpent Heads gathered other Demons who were last of the line and made binding agreements for them so that when if ever a female of the line was born, those that are Forsaken ( last of their kind), had the right to breed with said female and life mate her for future offspring.

•life spanVal-kin can live for a long number of years. From a thousand to a Millions. It all depends on how well they are able to maintain their power.

•social habits

• Lines: Val-kin are family oriented only to their turned and conceived offspring within that particular line. However, they have a distinct repute for note meddling into the business of other lines of any sort. While they may ally with eachother in a particular serious event, or even join in formal celebrations, they do best not to mind the business of one another. This respect has gone on for decades and has become rather helpful on either end.

• A Quarter has been designated as a group of Val-kin that still have their line leader, a Grand Master, alive and well off. There can be from fifty to one hundred or more in a Quarter. They are well organized by a particular Grand Master and consist of both Turned and bred Val-kin of that line. They are very close knit and recognize each other as brethren. However, many that are Turned do not have Quarters and because of this, they roam alone, and have been named Loners. Loners are not normally taken into a Quarter unless the Grand Master sees them fit for some reason. Otherwise it is strictly out of the question. Normally there is only one Quarter per state, this giving space for particular lines. However, because it is rare for Val-kin lines to exist, and hard to note if there is one there, these Quarters make go one every ten states or countries.

• Family: Normally for the most part, Val-kin are very family oriented. This in case only because it is in their nature to reproduce and train their young. However, it had been recorded that some of those that are Val-kin parents do not stick around long enough to help tend to the needs of their breed, and in the end, are likely to die.

The blood of a Val-kin as well as its genes are normally strong in the process of conception. This meaning that within breeding with something of another kind, they are likely to be more Val-kin then they are of that other kind. For Example: If a Val-kin bred with an Elf, then they would turn out to be a lot more Val-kin then they are in fact elf. Due to this genetic wonder, they will carry attributes more towards that particular parent then the other. In various cases, females have been killed upon birth, however, because of suspicion that they will not be strong enough to carry the line.

• Mating: Val-kin choose to mate with whomever they wish. However, because in many cases there are more females born then males, females are initially bargained for at conception by that according Serpent Head. She is life-mated to a particular Demon so that if in any case, she seems as if she will not breed, the Demon is dispatched to do so when the time comes to keep the line consistent. Although Val-kin males have a choice as to whom they mate with, they are also required to pass on the genetics of their line.

For the Val-kin species, mating could be either rather violent or perfectly sane. It all depends on the personality given. Females have been raped by their life-mated partners because of the choice not to become impregnated. Unfortunately they do not realize that initially these partners are not out to harm them. Only to do as they bargained, and they will forever defend their partnered female until the death.

• Birth: An older line’s pregnancy can last from 5-6 months. A later line’s pregnancy could last from 6-9 months. Those that are more recent can last from 7-10 months. No one quite knows why this is, and many believe it has to do with the powers that stem from the Serpent Heads. For the most part, these births are generally normal like that of a human’s. The only difference is that the mother is required to drink blood or eat a diet of nearly raw meat.

•political standardsLike the Serpent Heads that dwell in the pits of hell, the line leaders of the first ten lines have formed the Council of Retribution. The Line heads are named by the following according to power. First being the Highest.

1. Valosian: led by Nicolai is the first line of vampires to ever be created, and because of that pure and simple fact, Nicolai is the only of his kind as he is the eldest of the Val-kin kind, as he is the direct son of Valois. Nicolai’s powers are greatly unknown, and he is truly the wisest of his species. He as particular favorites and keeps written records of all those of the lines that exist along with the crests, family trees, and etc. He makes it a point to keep himself up to date. While Nicolai is the last Val-kin, he does have a few turned of his kind in his midst. The powers of the Valosian remain unknown but there are whispers of the potential that lies within the first “Dark Master”.

2. Gians: led by Helvetia are normally vampires that have the ability to wield certain powers over nature and all those within. They thrive from life, and in order to keep themselves looking as young as they do, they feed from constant beauty. In some cases if powerful enough, they have been known to keep things of beauty surrounding their person so that they too can remain naturally beautiful. In a matter of speaking. Gians are vain as they are arrogant to their nature. Because of their knack to manipulate the living and all that which is animate, they hold themselves higher then all else.

3. Wind Reapers: led by Tobias have the talents of managing air based themes. For the most part, the weather has a large effect from their temperament. They have been responsible for a variety of natural disasters if they are not trained correctly. Those that are high elders of this line are remarkable flyers and have a certain knack for being close to those that are birds, whether natural or supernatural. This line is utterly graceful and are sometimes mistook for levitating while walking. According to their mood, their bite can be calming or utterly violent.

4. Blazens: led by Diamonte’ are some of the most feral of the group. While their leader tends to be passive, these pyro experts tend to suck up any form of heat that they can get their hands on, even those of the living. They are also able to call, manipulate and create various types of flame. Solar energy, as well as deep underground dwelling nearest the earth’s molten core, gives the best type of dinner. They also have been known to possess the power to call dragons. One is not sure if that is myth or legend. Blazens normally have a temperament that can prove to be volatile if not trained correctly.

5. Aquains: led by Meridian are closest to water. They cannot stand much daytime, and normally have a better knack for moving at night, else they become highly dehydrated. Other then the ability to manipulate that of which is the sea, they must feed from liquid as much as they do blood. Aquain have been noted to live closest to the water’s edge and possess certain forms of sea attributes, such as webbed fingers and toes.

6. Light Bearers: led by Maxwell have been some of the most eventful of the lines. Also given the name “power bugs” their natures are highly sporadic and hyperactive. They feed and pull energy from that of the living and normally even power plants. However, as much as they feed energy, they are able to also give off energy in the form of physical need and electrical tendencies.

7. Golems: led by Ignatius are known for their hard skin. It takes time to penetrate through a Golem Val-kin because it is not simple to break. However, with a lack of blood, their skin does not harden. In fact, when they sleep, they are most vulnerable. Otherwise, they are supermen in the form of a vampire. They are stronger then an average vampire or Val-kin, and also are a lot heavier, making them less graceful for flight and on their feet. Their bite works like that of normal vampiric bites.

8. Frost Biters: led by Lusiva needs cold climates in order to survive. If they do not have it, they are likely to die almost instantly. This is why they prefer places such as Antarctica or Alaska. While they have the ability to travel outside of such climates, they must be kept at a certain temperature. Normally, Frost Biters have special coffins that work the way a freezer may for food when traveling long distances. They have their name because their bite has been known to temporarily paralyze their victims with cold or chills. This particular line initially always has the power to freeze various forms of flowing liquid.

9. Gnashers: led by Fidel are ground vampires…literally. They spend most of their time in dark areas and have nearly transparent skin and brightly colored eyes. However their hair is normally rather dark. They have become well at molding metal to their will and also tend to magnetize other various forms of metallic basis.

10. Lunein: led by Dorian are also referred to as Moonies. These vampires are the closest to what many classify as “undead”. They are rarely seen in the day, despite that they can walk in it just fine. However, their skin tone is utterly pale and normally have red/pink colored eyes and blonde hair. Most of their power is based from lunar essence, or basically the light or the moon. However, their power is lessened with the moon’s ever changing ways. Ie: a Full Moon gives them full strength, while a half moon gives them only half. Normally they are cool in temperature, and have a talent for being closely knit to astrological signs.

•terms of reference There are four references that can easily determine the differences in the Val-kin standards. Turned, Val-kin, Masters, High Masters, and Grand Masters.

• Serpent Head: This is the name of a demon [usually a devil] that has fathered a particular line of Val-kin through conception with a virgin human female. Notably there are seventy-five of these demon and have been chained as punishment for their traitorous attempts at the lowest pit of hell. They are able to contact members of their line through dreams and telepathy by choice. Broken down in certain respects, the demons were given numbers to which who formed a line first. Naturally Valois being number one. Nine others formed council with him causing themselves to be the top ten eldest lines, and the most formidable in power. Below the ten other numbers were given, and each of these devils held special abilities that were passed on along their lines. Those of the top ten were known to be a lot more feral and elemental in nature. Unable to ever leave their binds, these powerful creatures always wish to ensure the safety and prosperity of their lines by all means necessary. Sometimes they will work as guides to members of their line, trying to reach them if possible. They are older then Grand Masters of course, and rather wise. One could consider them the "Founding Fathers" or "Grand Fathers" to that which is vampire.

• Grand Master: Literally the big daddies of the lines. Grand Masters normally are the line heads in the world of the living. Some are second or third generation to that of their line and have become Grand Master by birthright. Others, which tend to be a bit rare, are literally the offspring to that of a Serpent Head. Val-kin such as that are nearly millions of years old and hold vast amount of power that are seen and unseen. Grand Masters tend to prefer to go undetected and can be mistaken initially as a human being. Many choose to stick to the old ways, and others allow themselves to think outside the box. They should not be underestimated in the least else they are likely to prove one very wrong… It takes years to become a Grand Master, and a certain level of esteemed physical and metaphysical power to go behind it. Grand Master Val-kin only needs to consume blood if they are drained of power or within a ten month time period.

• High Master: High Masters tend to be what Grand Masters are prior to hitting their peek. This is where they are weeded out on if they will become Grand Master or not with the getting of their wings. Not every Master becomes a Grand. Normally in their thousands of some kind, High Masters are highly trained and notable in their lineage. They also appear normal in any case of the word, and tend to resemble humans. High Masters also only need to consume blood if they are drained of power or within a five month time period. High Masters have a number of tricks and normally a high rate of damage consumption if trained well enough. Not many make it through the changes of becoming a High Master, and those that do are respected.

• Master: A simple Master in a Val-Kin line is not nearly as rare as a High Master or a Grand Master. However, it means they have the potential to move up into the powers if indeed their power allows them to do so. Normally Val-kin Masters are at least in their later hundreds and must consume blood at least once every month. While they have the ability to pass for human, it still shows that in some manner they are not human at all. While all Val-kin can walk in the daytime, Master Val-kin are still slightly skin sensitive to a large amount of sun time. A notable exception would be that of Blazen.

• Lesser: Val-kin who are in their low hundreds or who have not reached their hundreds at all are normally referred to as lessers. While some have the potential to be masters, other do not. These are normally children who have not quite awakened to their powers and can only wield the basics of their line.

• The Turned: Those that are converted to being the Undead are the Vampires of which the modern world is already quite familiar with. Val-kin refer to them as the turned. Turned Vampires can only reach the peek of a Master and no further then that because they are confined by being undead. However, some have the ability to grow into the very slight peeks of High Master…but no more then that. These are the more powerful of the turned species. Turned still have the classic basis of not being able to walk in the daytime, needing to feed daily, pale skin, and etc. Many Turned think of Val-kin as mere myths and legends. In fact, as far as they are concerned, the do not exist any longer.

•physical attributesNormally, Val-kin could truly pass for human except for a few listed traits. Two of which are longer and sharper nails as well as pointed ears that could almost past for being Elvin.

• Fangs: Some Val-kin have one the one set of fangs. Some are a double set at the upper row of teeth; others could be a second set at the bottom. For the most part, they are elongated then normal when fully bared. Most elders, normally Grand and High Masters, leave their fangs to be seen slightly overlapping the bottom lip. It is a way of telling their age.

• Arm Blades: Once Val-kin hit Master, their bones grow in a manner in which they have the ability to extend a row of sharp bladed plated guards at the forearms. This normally works when the hand is squeezed into a fist. In early usages of this, it proves to be rather painful. When in elder years, it becomes rather tolerable.

• Wings: To gain wings are an important factor in the life of a High Master. It determines whether their power stops there or, if in fact they are destined to become a Grand Master. When one is a few notches from actually making it to Grand Master, Val-kin acquire wings that are able to retract from the back and allow for flight on high altitudes. These wings are rather powerful, useful and luckily are made to blend within the flesh of the back until needed. A minimal wingspan would be up to 15ft. They take different colors and forms. Some are leathery, while others are scaled or feathered. If for some reason a High Master does not get their wings at required age, then it is likely they will not make Grand Master.

• Second Form: Just because they can seemingly past for human does not rule out the point that they are still in fact, part Demon. It is because of this that when one actually makes it to Grand Master form they are able to hold a second form. A “true” form that makes them Val-Kin. These forms range into a variety of different ways. For the most part, it could be called a “demonic” or a “gargoyle” type of stature. It is not used for random events, but called upon if a Grand Master is using the peek of his/her power.

•special markingsTo identify who has originated from what line, those that are Val-kin are normally born with the a crest somewhere along their body to show which line is it they came from. ( ie: the Blazen’s have a dragon that coils around a sword). The mark made on the body would normally have the Latin form of the Serpent Head’s name as to mark which line they come from officially. These crests are formulated into rings, necklaces and etc. Those that are Turned tend to be branded with this crest. However, because there have become a larger amount of Turned then Val-kin, many have lost sight of where they originated from because of the lack of a brand. In essence, it has become something they cared lesser about.

•special abilities

 Bespell with their eyes

 Levitate

 Extreme Night Vision

 Heightened Senses (Sight, Scent, Hearing, Touch, Taste)

 Eye tricks which normally deal with disappearing and reappearing

 Unnatural Agility and Strength



• Daylight: Daylight is not a weakness to Val-kin initially. They will not burn to ash if they meet with the sun. However, as a race, their eyes have become somewhat weakened in the daytime and they must either equip contact lenses or sunglasses of some kind. It is because of this, they have found a way to revert themselves into using other senses rather then sight.

• The Living: Val-kin are different from Turned because they are in fact, the living. They live, breathe, eat, and sleep. However, they live up to very long ages without quite aging. Depending on power level, they can stop aging at different ages. Some stop at six, others stop at their twenties and so on and so forth. They are able to give birth, and nurse their young. However, blood is still a sole dependent to their diet, and must feed periodically to keep themselves up on their feet. In many cases, they will drink blood like any other beverage.

• Creation: To make Turned beings it takes one to at least be a Master in a Val-kin line. However, because many lines have not quite survived through the years, there are many Turned running about. Still, after the status of Master, then a Val-kin is able to create turned beings. The process is the same, by drinking the blood of the creator after being drained near death.

• Moon Lupine: These beasts are shape shifting wolves that have been called “Hell Hounds” or “Young of Cerberus”, the guard dog of hell. Their name proceeds them indefinitely. However, Val-kin that are born have unique ties to these creatures and can call them at will whenever they need assistance. Yes, some lines have designated beasts such as Blazens with Dragons or Wind Reapers with Birds. However, Moon Lupine has become the designated pets to Val-kin. It is because of this that various packs have devoted themselves to either a High or Grand Master, nothing less of that. Those Val-kin that have no family ties are normally accompanied with at least one Lupine.

• Demons: Those that are elders of this line have the capability to call demons and ask for reference, but with proper training. This is often left to Grand Masters or those that will soon be a Grand Master. This ability is not always the best, with risk that the demon could go AWOL at any time. Still, Val-kin elders have the ability to call, manipulate, and maintain a demon minion for a certain amount of time if need be.

• Telepathy: Naturally the ability to speak through minds has always been an old trait for vampires. However there is also something called an Open Eye. This is normally when a Val-kin can leave themselves linked with one of their particular line kind and share information of how they see things through their eyes. Grand Masters tend to utilize this often through their others as to receive information from them. This also can be preformed through Moon Lupine.

• Blood Burn: One of the most unique techniques Val-kin have is to manipulate blood while it is in a human being. They can drain, increase or literally burn the blood from another living being from a distance. Normally this talent is rather fatal.

• Binding: Val-kin have the unique ability to bind others to them so that they can live about the same age as they can. However, they can also break the tie when/if the Val-kin dies so that those bound to them do not also die along with them. Otherwise, when such is bound, they gain the attributes of the High/Grand Master who bound them. Physical strength and some other properties.

•personalityVal-kin, or those that were turned by a Val-kin and raised in a Quarter normally tend to be very neutral to many things. At the same time, they have a variety of temperaments according to their own particular personality or line. Those that are true Val-kin have a knack for being generally laid back or high quality.

•dietVal-kin can initially eat what they want to, unlike the undead. However, blood still remains a very essential part of their diet. They have cravings, some more then others. They also need to feed as much as their power give them that need to. In other words, blood takes the place of water for Val-kin. There is such a thing as Val-kin becoming dehydrated from blood, and the effects of this could cause them to go mad with hunger or essentially, die. If one were to have an intake of plain water, they will most likely have indigestion or grow feverishly sick.

•selected environmentThat all depends on the line itself. Those that are apart of a Quarter follow what the Grand Master decides is best for them to station themselves. Those that are not are able to dwell wherever they seem rightly able to do so, as long as they are able to survive accordingly.

•strengths

• Shadows: With ability to blend into the shadows, they have become easier to escape tight situations. While they cannot quite manipulate all of shadow like some demons can, they can use it to their advantage.

• Daylight: Again, daylight has no effect. They can walk in it perfectly fine, but still the eyes are at risk if not protected.

• Lead: Has literally no effect. One can shoot a led bullet and it would go right through the body.

• Temperature: Normally a Val-kin can withstand certain temps. However, yet again this has a lot to do with the line. Those such as Frost Biters must be around a certain temperature to live.

• Sickness: Perfectly immune to almost any human-made sickness such as a common cold, Influenza, Diabetes, Cancer, HIV, STDs and etc. This doesn’t mean they don’t have their own that can substitute a common and yet fatal threat.

• Spells: Elder Val-kin have the ability to utilize magical spells if they choose or wish. Many tend not to do so and choose to wait it out.

• Foresight: Grand Masters can tell the future through dreams, visions or signs. However they choose to keep this talent quiet in allowing others to have their fate once they receive it.

•weaknesses

• Holy Items: Holy and Blessed items if anything can be a nuisance unless made in the form of a weapon. Otherwise crosses, bibles and etc have little effect. The most they do is glow when near or in close range of a Val-kin. Holy Water still tends to burn like acid on the skin, unless one is a Golem.

• Silver: Silver is not as bad for Val-kin as it is for Turned. A Val-kin can recover faster, but that doesn’t mean the damage isn’t done. Immunity can be built up for silver.

• Pure Iron: Potentially rather deadly if formed into a weapon and pierces the heart or jugular in the neck. If applied to the skin it tends to burn and scar.

• Salt: Normally rather allergic to salt, it also prevents them from actually touching certain things. Otherwise, if near salt they tend to sneeze, cough, or water at the eyes.

• Sunlight to the Eyes: As mentioned before, although Val-kin are able to walk in the daylight, their eyes are very sensitive and must be covered in some way to avoid being blinded by the light or causing damage to the cornea…which eventually heals. Still, the healing process is long and painful.

• High Pitch Noise: The ears are almost about as sensitive as the eyes in certain factors. High pitch noises can bring a Val-kin to it’s knees if it isn’t powerful enough. If it is powerful enough, it just becomes irritating and someone painful. Normally their wrath in return is a healthy reaction.

• Water: Interesting enough, Aqauin and Frost Biters are the only lines that can consume water. Val-kin can drink alcoholic beverages and blood, but pure water will only call indigestion.

•other information

• Val-kin initially they feel they are too old for formal greetings. A hand to forearm suffices just fine.

• Lessers and Turned Vampires in a Quarter normally train together. However a lesser in a quarter is still noted as being a higher rank then a Turned, even if that Turned is already a Master. This only goes for being in a Quarter.

• Val-kin are normally old time warriors, and many of which have been trained to battle. At least the males. Females are taught how to be polite and kind as well as wielding their power. It is very few of them that learn battle.

• There are more male Val-kin then female because many females were killed upon running from being life mated, or killed at birth because of suspicion. Those that lived either ran away and attempted to hide what they were, or found other means of survival in their quarter.

• If a Val-kin does hard to hide their powers and abilities, they age faster and more like a human. Their powers tend to recede and will never rise to the potential they could have had.

• Val-kin mothers are highly protective over their children. They will be around upon training. This normally goes the same for fathers, however fathers tend to be much more brutal and to the point in training sessions.

• Val-kin do not cross breed with other Val-kin. While they may mate with creatures outside their species, which is not always looked well upon, it is forbidden to have offspring with another line by word of Nicolai himself.

• A Turned is more regarded as a Vampire then a Val-kin is, although they are initially associated with each other.

• Val-kin are rather rare in species. There are more Turned then there are Val-kin these days then there were in the old days. Many have been killed before they could breed. Those that definitely still exist are that of the council who are stationed in different areas and others.

• Technically, Val-kin are defensive over humans. However, they don’t care entirely for them. They are no ones guardian and won’t much give a damn if they live or die. This is because their blood has intermingled so much with a human that it pretty much takes over the humanity in them. They are certainly move Val-kin then anything else.