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The Drakon Ka Drakon Ka loosely translates to spirit serpent or dragon. In the old days they were thought to be living ghosts brought back by Vehn, the foreign god of blood and flame. The stories are not terribly far from the truth. The Drakon Ka are vampires that Ven has turned directly. They are of his line, and therefore share more eldritch traits than typical vampires do, as well as the benefits and downsides to having a direct connection to Ven himself. They are capable of traveling freely within sunlight, and often develop powers unique to themselves that they may then pass on to their own lines. Vampires turned by Drakon Ka, however, cannot make more vampires, though they are not sterile and may have children the old fashioned way. These children are not vampires, but may have a longer lifespan than the typical examples of their species, as well as other small quirks. A Drakon Ka feeds on energy as a primary source of sustenance, though they must also take blood at least every other week. Feeding more than that is often a personal preference. Ven's connection to his Drakon Ka allows him to draw energy from them as needed, as long as they are within five miles of him. He is also capable of touching the mind or borrowing the senses of any Drakon Ka within one hundred miles, though doesn't often do this without first asking permission. Individuals turned by Ven also gain some of his distinctly inhuman nature, and may have a harder time disguising themselves socially as some other vampires might. They are not evil by nature, but their morals are often slightly eldritch, often becoming opportunistic, unpredictable, and slightly hedonistic in their lives after life. Many may not consider murder, manipulation, or boundary pushing as evil acts, as long as those acts support a greater purpose. That's not to say that a Drakon Ka can't learn to behave otherwise, only that their instincts make such things more second nature to them than before. Ven is very selective who he turns these days, but there are still plenty of Drakon Ka out there from the bad old days, either wandering or still in hibernation, just waiting to be found. |
 Biology & Creation Like many other vampires, a Drakon Ka is created when a mortal dies with the blood of a vampire in their veins, in this case, specifically Ven's blood or another Drakon Ka, though the latter is somewhat more of a complicated matter. As long as the heart and head are not removed, that individual will return to life three days later as one of Ven's own line. Drakon Ka share a few other similarities with other vampire species. Their skin is often slightly paler than while they were alive, though if they have fed recently this is barely noticeable. They have sharp canines, though structurally they are a little different than many vampires, and they feed on blood. For the most part, this is where the similarities end. A Drakon Ka's heart still beats, though sometimes very slowly if they have not fed in long enough. Their skin is still warm, and in fact, may be warmer than when they were alive, almost feverish. They need not fear the sun at all, or hibernate during the day. The sun is a worshipped thing, bringing strength and healing. It is an element connected directly to their maker. They do not need to eat mortal food, though they may if they so wish. Mortal food is little more than a distraction, however. It is also harder for a Drakon Ka to become intoxicated the traditional way-- blood is a quicker route. They do require sleep, but several hours less of it at a time than their original species. Drakon ka feed primarily on energy. They are able to wield their own ka, or life energies, to tap into those around them. Many are capable of feeding ambiently off the energy of crowds or passerbys, but more sustainable feeding must be done through direct contact. Some are not particular about where they feed or who from, while others have specific preferences as to what kinds of energies they tap into. Either way, a Drakon Ka must still also partake in blood at least once every other week. The energy feeds them, while the blood sustains their connection to Ven. If they do not, then they will become lethargic and increasingly eldritch in their mannerisms until they either feed or drop into hibernation. Waking a Drakon Ka after this point must be done very carefully, as they may not be in entire control of themselves when they rouse. Like Ven, the Drakon Ka have a unique set of fangs. Their canines appear to only be somewhat longer than usual, giving them a somewhat intimidating, but not inhuman look. Most cannot tell-- physically at least-- a well fed Drakon Ka apart from their mortal counterpart. They are a little paler sometimes, and their mannerisms odd, but they have no unusual eye color or other notable physical traits. That is, until its time to feed, or the Drakon Ka wishes to really give someone a fright. Their pupils expand to nearly black out their iris, and their true fangs descend, unhinging from behind their false fangs, which swing outward as part of a pronged fang structure. The real fangs beneath are sharp and hollow, and are connected to potent venom glands which produce a substance capable of rendering their meals increasingly unable to fight back as they feed. The strength of this venom and the exact effects differ from vampire to vampire. Akhendrakon Akhendrakon, or often just akh, are the progeny of Ven's progeny. When a Drakon Ka turns a mortal, they create a vampire similar to themselves, with a similar set of gifts and personal quirks, if on a much weaker level. The Akh are not capable of producing more vampires in this way, but they are capable of having biological children the old fashioned way, as are Drakon Ka themselves. These living children don't require blood or energy, though they may find themselves with both the craving and the capability to draw from others in small amounts. They also live about twice as long as their host species, and may occasionally have small gifts and noticeable personality quirks that set them apart from others. |
Powers & Weaknesses
Sun Blessed
(+) Drakon Ka can walk freely in the sun, despite their vampiric nature. Some may choose to be nocturnal by habit or simply for convenience-- it's often easier to hunt at night. Those who choose to walk in the sun may find many benefits. They feel stronger and more alert, and healing injuries or illnesses will be given a slight boost. A Drakon Ka's strength is highest in warm, sunny weather, and fire does not harm them.
(-) They are slightly weaker at night, but not detrimentally so. Cold, cloudy weather weakens them, however, and Drakon Ka will find themselves at about half strength in cooler climates. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold may risk weakening them to the point of hibernation.
Precious Lifeforce
(+) When a Drakon Ka feeds on another's energy through physical contact they gain temporary access to that individual's nervous system for as long as they remain touching them. They may use this to put that individual into a trance, or cause pleasure or pain, or any other number of effects.
(-) When a Drakon Ka is engaged with another's lifeforce, they themselves become slightly more vulnerable. Feeding deep requires concentration, which results in a lessened awareness of their environment. They may enter a light trance, which may require a few precious moments to shake themselves from in order to react to any potential threats or disturbances.
(+) The way a Drakon Ka's fangs are hidden makes it easier for them to blend in. The venom they possess can be quite effective in subduing prey, and the healing properties of their silva ensure that no trace is left behind.
(-) The fang structure can be quite delicate, and an individual pulling away too roughly can dislodge or break a fang, though they do grow back within a day or so.
(+) When fed, wounds heal supernaturally fast unless caused by silver.
(-) Wounds only heal at all when recently fed (1-2 hours), though if exposed to direct sunlight they will begin to knit slowly. Injuries created by silver will heal human slow regardless of hunger levels or sunlight.
Strength of the Dead
(+) Drakon Ka are about three times stronger, faster, and more durable than their original host species. Their exact levels will depend on how strong or fast they were in life. Senses are also enhanced, with a sense of smell strong enough to smell the blood beneath the skin, hearing strong enough to hear an individual's heartbeat from several feet away, and superb night sight.
(-) Heightened senses come with downsides too. Strong smells may be unpleasant or overwhelming, and sudden bright lights or loud noises may temporary blind or deafen a Drakon Ka.
A Serpents Gaze
(+) The Drakon Ka possess a hypnotic force of personality. Through their eyes, their voice, their touch, many of them are capable of influencing the mental state or emotions of those around them, though the exact strength and way of doing this will differ from individual to individual. Some use it to soothe, while some use it to stir fear. Some may need to hold the eyes of another, and some may merely need to speak with the right tone.
(-) Using this ability on another stirs the Drakon Ka's natural hunter's instincts. The urge to feed from the now vulnerable creature before them may grow stronger, particularly if they are already hungry. This may not always be their intention, and it can be distracting.
The True Essence
(+) Drakon Ka who had gifts or abilities before they were turned may find them enhanced after death. A pyrokinetic may find themselves with an intimate and powerful relationship to fire, an empath may be able to manipulate another's emotions as deftly as an artist's brush... Even more mundane abilities may flower. Someone who was particularly skilled at cooking in life may find that talent second nature now.
These abilities and talents are often passed down the a Drakon Ka's own progeny.
(-) A Drakon Ka's special gifts and talents may take over their personality slightly after awakening as a vampire. The pyrokinetic may find themselves obsessed with flames to the point of being slightly hypnotized by them. The Empath may feel the need to delve into and pick apart the minds and emotions of those around them constantly. The Chef may find themselves always preoccupied with perfecting their dishes to the point of distraction. The gift both gives and takes, and it's unique for everybody.
Children of the Serpent
(+) Drakon Ka grow stronger and more healthy when they are within at least a few miles of Ven or one of his places of power. They can generally sense where he is unless he is purposefully masking himself from them. This effect extends similarly to his Herald Bearer or blood children.
(-) The Drakon Ka are the creation of a 'god'. As such, they may find places where they are unwelcome in the realms and places of power of other gods. In order to enter into a temple, church, or graveyard belonging to another god, they must receive permission from that god, one of that god's priests, or an individual sufficiently devout in order to enter. Without it, they will encounter an invisible barrier that prevents them from entering. The holy symbols of those gods considered 'enemy' to Ven will burn the skin of any Drakon Ka or their progeny.
There are some gods that Ven is on good standing with where this effect may be pre-emptively nullified. He got along well with many of the Egyptian deities.
Connection to Ven
Ven's connection to his Drakon Ka allows him to use them to bolster his power and better interact with the world around him. He draws a little energy from each of them any time they feed, and their consumption of blood keeps their connection to him strong. He's capable of borrowing their senses and touching their thoughts, and using them as 'nodes' in order to travel through them quickly over long distances.
There are other powers that Ven is capable of exercising over those that are his, but he often refrains outside of extreme circumstances, so many of these additional gifts continue to remain a mystery.
Questions & Answers
Have a question? Ask it! I don't bite. 🩸
Have a question? Ask it! I don't bite. 🩸
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❂ Can Drakon-ka feed on other vampires, or just mortals?
The Drakon-ka can feed from other vampires, but generally its far less nourishing and nowhere near as satisfying as feeding from a mortal, or even just an animal. Generally a Drakon-ka would do so only in an emergency, to prove a point/defend themselves, or as a form of social bonding.
Drakon-ka must be careful when they do this, however, as there is often little energy within most other vampires to begin with, and taking too much can cause harm even to the undead. They generally cannot feed on other Drakon-ka unless they are consciously being allowed to or their wills are much stronger than theirs.
❂ Can Drakon-ka have children the old fashioned way, or are they sterile?
Drakon-ka aren't sterile, but most choose not to have children this way. Still births aren't unusual, and sometimes children come out... strange. But this isn't a given, and sometimes children born are perfectly healthy and 'normal'. Passing down abilities, vampiric or otherwise, is never a given. Children had with other Drakon-ka seem to have a better survival rate.
❂ Can Drakon-ka feed on other vampires, or just mortals?
The Drakon-ka can feed from other vampires, but generally its far less nourishing and nowhere near as satisfying as feeding from a mortal, or even just an animal. Generally a Drakon-ka would do so only in an emergency, to prove a point/defend themselves, or as a form of social bonding.
Drakon-ka must be careful when they do this, however, as there is often little energy within most other vampires to begin with, and taking too much can cause harm even to the undead. They generally cannot feed on other Drakon-ka unless they are consciously being allowed to or their wills are much stronger than theirs.
❂ Can Drakon-ka have children the old fashioned way, or are they sterile?
Drakon-ka aren't sterile, but most choose not to have children this way. Still births aren't unusual, and sometimes children come out... strange. But this isn't a given, and sometimes children born are perfectly healthy and 'normal'. Passing down abilities, vampiric or otherwise, is never a given. Children had with other Drakon-ka seem to have a better survival rate.
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