Apothiptera's San'layn Guide

San'layn are Warcraft's most identifiable version of "vampires". San'layn in specific are always undead Thalassian elves (called Darkfallen) that are vampiric in nature and once in service to the Scourge. Please note that anyone who claims to be a san'layn but was previously not a blood elf is incorrect. Perhaps they were changed into a vampyr (Warcraft's personal spelling) as there are other examples in lore, but they would not be san'layn. This name applies only to the elves that were raised by Arthas in Northrend when they tried to assault the Frozen Throne. Most in this group were close followers of Kael'thas Sunstrider, which means they are also sin'dorei, not quel'dorei.

Over the course of Warcraft's history, the san'layn have a particularly nasty reputation and for good reason. These were elves that were adherents to their prince, enthralled in the cutthroat politics of Quel'Thalas, and perhaps even digging into fel magic to sustain their hunger for arcane after the Sunwell was sundered. That is not to say that all of them were this way, but it is more likely to find some noble or magister amidst these ranks than a common born warrior unless you have a good reason for it.

When raised into their vampiric undeath, the san'layn were never basic troops within the Scourge. They were powerful, even the lowest ranking amongst them, and acted as leaders, agents, and ambassadors. Any common soldier that crossed a san'layn had little hope of surviving any sort of encounter.

Following the fall of the Lich King, most of the san'layn had been killed alongside their blood-queen. Given their positions and ranks, most were in Icecrown Citadel, which was their headquarters, until the very end. What fringe survived is up to you. Whether they gained mental independence before this doom's day or followed one of the surviving blood royalty is a subject that is as unique as you want to make it.

The only formal groups that existed after the larger downfall of their kind was Blood Prince Dreven who appears in Battle for Azeroth. An attempt was made to join the Horde, but was thwarted by the Alliance. This is considered one of the last cullings of the san'layn prior to Shadowlands. However, even Vorath who marshalled a contingent to attack Tranquillien, was not a Blood Prince.

Vampiric in nature: feed on blood

Were once blood elves

Died against the Lich King on the failed assault against the Frozen Throne

Were adherents and loyalists to Prince Kael'thas

Are considered darkfallen

Have dark magic abilities including mental domination and shape-shifting

Are undead

** What is written below is fanon taking from an assembly of other influences.

Inherently, san'layn vary in power abilities. Power was either given to them by Arthas or it was earned from the amount of souls/lifeforce consumed. Be aware that monarchs within the rank system are titles given by Arthas and the now gone court. They do also correspond with power levels, but since the court is now gone in canon, calling oneself a Princess or Prince would be a self-dubbed title and not properly given. All san'layn are quite aware of their pecking order. They can sense it when they meet and interact with others. To go against those of higher rank than you is deserving of punishment and thus the system is often respected.

Thrall

The most basic ranking amongst the san'layn. A freshly turned vampyr, who is still bidden to their master's wish. This is the most typical rank of anyone who was turned by a cursed bite after the fall of the Lich King by proper san'layn. This is also one of the only ranks a non-elf type vampyr can be. Rumors of vampirism in the past were mostly made up of Thralls, which tend not to have their own thoughts and act purely on the will of their master. Even the weakest Thrall tends to be far more powerful than the average mortal.

Fledgling

Is a Thrall released of their domination and allowed to have thoughts of their own. They are slightly more powerful than a Thrall, capable of using vampiric dark magic, but they are still the bottom of the totem pole. Barely viewed above Thralls outside of the fact they have their wits about them. This is the only other ranking that a non-blood elf and freshly turned vampyr can have.

Coven

The average power level of most san'layn, they belong to the flock or coven of blood. They are recognized for being amongst the original turned san'layn. No Coven member was turned by another vampyr. They were all turned by Arthas. Only blood elves who were on the field for that failed battle may be this rank or higher. They are capable of the general san'layn dark magic, including mental domination, but cannot shape-shift. Their suggestion abilities are also the weakest amongst all of the elven san'layn.

Knight

A san'layn who proved themselves to be an excellent addition to their ranks. These are darkfallen who 'ranked' up due to their service amongst the Scourge. Variation exists between them all for the method and why, but they were knighted and given the formal title of 'Knight' and 'Ser' to display their loyalty. Knights are granted minor abilities to shape-shift into small bats for travel.

Lord/Lady

The next rank up of vampyr, many of these Lords and Ladies were nobility or aristocrats in life. However, there are some who are promoted to these ranks by loyalty, guile, and savagery. Given a position within the formal court, they are amongst some of the most powerful san'layn, thus there are far fewer of them. When it comes to the upper echelons of san'layn, Lord/Lady is the threshold minimum for Upper Vampyrs. This title also infers more responsibility as a leader within the court. Lords and Ladies are capable of great feats of mental domination, even over other vampyrs that rank beneath them. They are capable of shape-shifting into a small bat and tend to always have red eyes, though not always.

Baron/Baroness

There were only ever a handful of these in existence, similar to the Blood Monarchs. The right hands to their lieges, the Barons and Baronesses were amongst the cruelest and most savage, often taking the field in their lieges' stead to spare them the inconvenience. To face down one on the field was to face total annihilation. There was no hope, lest you had something of comparable power to field against them or a trap. These vampyrs were capable of not only intense mental domination, but also capable of casting illusions, changing the perception of victims and those around them, and rapid regeneration that made it exceedingly difficult to keep them down.

Blood Prince/Princess

The original Blood Princes and Princesses were in relation to the one and only queen. Eventually, this title became that of those who were formal leaders of various councils or courts while possessing the power to back such a claim. They outstripped Barons and Baronesses, are amongst the most intelligent of their kind, as well as the most formidable outside of their queen. This is the peak ranking or power echelon that anyone can reach, however, no known toons would likely herald this title given the lack of larger groups of san'layn currently in existence in modern retail. That does not mean rare individuals of this power level cannot exist: they can, they would just not be called Princess or Prince. To be at this level of power outside of being granted it by Arthas means that a devastating amount of destruction and murder would have had to have been sowed. Thousands upon thousands of souls consumed to the point where even Arthas recognized the effort and went through the ceremony of "giving wings". The only san'layn that possessed wings were Blood Royalty, whether or not they acknowledged their rightful name within that lineage. The wings were a status symbol. A title. Something to know that there are the pinnacle vampyrs and everyone else is a bug beneath them, even their barons. Not only were they stronger, faster, and more viscous than their lower ranking counterparts, they possessed the most natural, innate magical aptitude. Borne of the darkest death magicks, these vampyrs can manipulate the fabric of reality around them with illusions, can dominate all but the strongest of will with ease, and regenerate nearly any type of wound. While they are not impervious to being slain, it is exceedingly difficult and impossible without the right tools (Light magic being one). There are many who try to tote that they are Blood Princes or Princesses by throwing the name around, but rarely are those claims substantiated. After all, without being given their wings by Arthas, they are pretenders.

Blood-Queen

San'layn were all blood elves at one point which means they inherently look like Thalassian elves for the most part. However, their skin has become ashen in its pallor. Many are incredibly pale, but those who possessed darker skin in life, tend to have a range of darker tones beyond just white. Given they were once sin'dorei, their hair, facial features, and traits can be amongst any of their original peoples. However, their eyes tend to be a bit more stringent. Red is the most common color, but white, yellow, green, blue, or black (sclera and iris included) also do exist.

From there, it depends on rank. Clawed fingers/nails are quite common amongst any vampyr, especially the higher ranks.

Bat-like ears tend to develop beyond the bottom echelons, beginning amongst the Barons and higher. Some even have bat-like noses and teeth that are all sharpened to points.

All san'layn have long, sharpened incisors. While elves in Warcraft tend to have long fangs due to their lineages the shape and function of those the san'layn possess are different. Rather than functioning similar to predator fangs, which are sharpest at the tip, vampyr fangs are razor sharp all around.

The longest and most notable of these teeth are the canines, however between the lateral incisors and canines an additional tooth grows in that is also pointed and sharp. The canines on the jaw are also long and pointed. In total, san'layn have at least 4 long and wickedly pointed fangs. Some possess more. Some possess only sharp teeth. Teeth are not indicative of ranking, but some like to claim that the vampyrs with the longest fangs are the most powerful (not true at all).

The sharpness of any of these fangs is to allow for ease when feeding and to tear flesh from bone. A san'layn's teeth and jaw are as deadly as any weapon. Romantic partners should be wary when kissing, for it is very easy to accidentally cut yourself on your san'layn's fangs even without touching the pointed tip.

If a san'layn possesses wings, they are like that of a bat's, leathery and boned, without feathers. Some can shape-shift at will to hide them if they are powerful enough.

Physique tends to be lean and muscular, but this is not a change that occurred after they died. This is usually the physique due to the nature of who was on the field that perished and due to elven vanity. Many of the elves who died were in good physical shape, but there is variance amongst them. Undeath did not change what body type they had in life. Nor is it indicative of their physical strength. All san'layn have supernatural strength and speed, regardless of body type.

In regard to functionality of organs: just as Blizzard as confirmed if the organs of a Forsaken are intact, they work, so do those of a san'layn. Whether or not you desire to have their heart beating if a personal choice. A beating heart would increase blood flow and metabolism, which means they would likely need to eat more, but might also be stronger than those who do not have a beating heart.

That being said, they are undead. Without some kind of magical work around, they are not capable of having children. At least, not the women. Men… that's up to the writer whoever you'd like to work that out or explain it.

San'layn are not immune to everything. Blizzard neglects to quite spell it out for us, but if we take the basics of what undead are weak to we have a good basis as well as throwing in some traditional vampyr weaknesses.

Light-Magic: Light burns san'layn naturally. Wounds that are created by Light take longer to regenerate and for some san'layn, they may not be capable of regenerating them at all in battle. This is a severe weakness for them. They do not shrug off Light wounds.

The Sun: Creatures of the night and frigid north, san'layn are weaker during the day than they are at night. Unlike traditional vampire lore, san'layn will not combust in sunlight. The sun does not physically burn them. However, it does tend to drop the potency of their abilities, especially at the highest point of the sun/day. This is to say that direct sunlight itself is what causes this weakness. If the day is overcast or cloudy, it does not weaken them as much. Some san'layn note feeling nausea and general disdain at being out during day and are entirely nocturnal due to this.

Blood Lust: Even if a san'layn wishes they did not need to survive off of blood, they must. Control depends on the individual. However, exposure to blood tends to set of the predator instincts within a san'layn. There are some who have trained themselves to resist it, but at the end of the day a starving san'layn may attack, even those they consider allies and friends.

San'layn have a wide range of powers that increase with ranking. Across the board:

Supernatural Speed & Strength: these elves are faster and stronger than their bodies have any right to be. A blow that may shatter the bones of a Tauren might be caught by a san'layn without causing any damage. In terms of power, some san'layn are powerful enough to rip other humanoids limb from limb. Again, varies by rank.

Rapid Regeneration: San'layn can rapidly regenerate from wounds, especially if they are well fed or feed off the blood of their enemies. The speed and amount of blood varies in need depending on the strength of the vampyr. Those of higher rank can heal much faster and with far less blood than those of low rank. San'layn can regenerate limbs, they cannot regenerate their head or from their head alone.

Dark Magic: Given how they were created, san'layn are possessed by and birthed by dark magic. There will be a latter section that goes into Anguish fanon, however, in general this magic is Death/Necromancy aligned and is "dark" in nature without being fel or void. That is not to say that a san'layn cannot dip into these sphere. Of course they can if they choose to. Just as they can use arcane if they'd like. However, the innate magic they have allows for them to do things like zip between shadows, become nigh invisible in the dark, warp the mind, use mental domination on victims, and manipulate reality using illusions. (The strength of these abilities depend on their ranking as well as finding other consenting roleplayers. Please do not try to mentally dominate people without asking.)

Shape-shifting: Many san'layn can shapeshift. The most general and widespread form is a small bat used for travel. However, there are other san'layn who have learned and utilize other shapes like giant spiders, scorpions, snakes, etc. There is even rumor of those who can turn into giant monstrosities capable of devastating terror and destruction.

Hyper Hearing: San'layn senses, especially their sense of smell and hearing, are exceptionally attuned. Given their choice of prey and the need for blood as sustenance, they can hear the pulse/heartbeats of nearby living. They are also exceptionally sensitive to the smell of blood and can tell how old it is to the hour. Beyond this, the attunement of such senses can vary. San'layn with battier ears have better hearing. San'layn with bat noses have a better sense of smell. Overall, most san'layn can smell hormones and endorphins, allowing them to know when someone is frightened or on edge.

Superior Dark Vision: Not a subject often touched upon by Blizzard in general, but given what they are san'layn are capable of seeing through any type of darkness. Magical darkness fails to fool them as well, not because of their eyes, but due to their ears. Unless they're completely blinded and deafened, a san'layn is still capable of "seeing" in magical darkness.

Whether or not a san'layn needs to sleep varies on the individual. Those who do not have beating hearts find it easier to go without sleep. Those with their hearts functioning require it to keep a sound mind, but can choose to forgo it.

Previously, I discussed how san'layn ranked up in power and earned higher titles and wings. The consumption of souls or anima is what truly grants this power, not how much blood one as drank. The difference between any vampyr above a Knight ranking and the Coven is the amount of souls that they've claimed. While there are some san'layn bestowed the power of Baron or Princess or Queen, there are others who earned it by murder.

Let's dig into that.

Overall, san'layn sustain themselves and feed on blood. Yes, this is their food. However, after a certain echelon, they require a magical form of sustenance as well to maintain their power. This comes in the form of souls or the anima a soul possesses.

When a san'layn kills and drains someone, they are also feeding on the lifeforce of this individual. If killed from the attack, the san'layn devours the entirety of their soul, which prevents this person from passing onto any sort of afterlife since it has been transitioned to the vampyr in the form of energy. In turn, capturing this soul increases their power (marginally) but this also depends on the quality of the soul devoured. The innate cruelty of san'layn is due to the nature of what they eat. Anguish fuels their sadistic, dark powers. A sphere of magic that very little is known about. Torturing, frightening, causing misery before the death of a victim enhances the quality of the soul devoured and thus its efficiency in bestowing more power to the vampyr. This cruelty was instinctually built into san'layn, especially when they remained under the Lich King's control, so that they'd continue to seek murder to elevate their power due to hunger.

Now, given that the Lich King no longer controls what san'layn still exist, consumption of lifeforce is not necessary for all. Any vampyr that is a Coven rank or lower can sustain themselves entirely on blood alone.

Those who are Knight rank or above must consume humanoid souls. The frequency of this being dependent on rank. A Knight will not require as many souls as a Baroness. In fact, a Knight may only need to consume a few souls a year to maintain their control over their abilities.

On the other hand, a Baron or Prince/Princess must consume hundreds a year.

Refusing to do this results in various repercussions.

First, it weakens the san'layn beyond their potential, exponentially depending on how long they've starved themselves of anima. Second, it then causes aggression and lashing out beyond their control. The only exception to this is absolutely no exposure to anyone living. However, any powerful san'layn that goes without souls for an extended time and is consistently exposed to anything living, will enter an instinctual state similar to how they acted when they were beneath the Lich King's control and their bodies will force them to hunt the souls they so desperately crave and need to function.

This condition can be completely against their will, especially if they've forsaken the barbaric manners they acted in beneath Arthas. There are two options: choose your prey or your body will indiscriminately choose for you.

How does this tie in with Anguish magic?

The "dark magic" that san'layn have natural access to is aligned with Anguish. This makes san'layn exceptionally equipped to fight against void entities and magic, possessing a natural resistance while their own magic is more potent against it. They are absolutely immune to void insanity, the bigger threat being their own vices and mind.

This is also why victims who were stressed further before becoming the prey of san'layn 'taste' better. Not only is the quality of their soul better sustenance, but it inherently encourages san'layn to be cruel and merciless in delivering death.

This also attributes to the taste of blood. Individuals they feed from who have been through more trauma, stress, depression, and misery affect the quality of blood and tend to be more addictive than those who have lived good lives.

Endorphin and hormone release can also affect the taste of blood. San'layn cannot get drunk or high off of drugs or alcohol, but they can acquire secondary exposure by drinking from the blood of someone who is drunk or high.

Let's look back at the history revolving around how the san'layn were risen and start there. We know from lore that they were adherents of Kael'thas, which is why they found themselves at the failed front against the Frozen Throne. These Thalassians would most likely be noble or aristocracy who were exceptionally loyal and proud of their prince. These are not those who sympathize with the quel'dorei. These are blood elves through and through. The ones who followed Kael'thas the closest.

That being said, there could be exceptions to this, as noble and important elves are likely to take their best warriors, fighters, and mages with them to the field. Again, take into consideration that unless they were being blackmailed or frightened into being there, it is also likely that your Thalassian would be loyal to Kael'thas and agree with his methods.

The most important bits to consider:

Blood elf (not quel'dorei or any other denomination of Thalassian)

Kael'thas loyalist

Noble/aristocracy or attached to one's contingent

Once you think on these, the only limit if your imagination! Remember that you don't have to make a noble character, but you should have a good reason as to why they'd be amongst this elite group of loyalists. Be it their earned their way there, rode on the coattails of someone more important, and so on.

Who your san'layn was before is important! Don't skimp out on this, because like other undead Thalassians who tried to return home, your san'layn would possibly have prior connections, know other people, and have ties to what Silvermoon City after it was sundered and the Sunwell was lost the first time. It also allows for plenty of hook potential with other roleplayers!

Now what you should keep in mind, is that to date, this would have occurred about 20 years prior to the modern timeline. Your san'layn would have been dead from Warcraft III. There is a bit of arguing about this and the time between The Frozen Throne and World of Warcraft. Year 25 is the canon in-game beginning of World of Warcraft. Some say only 1 year passed. Other sources say 4 did. Choose which you prefer, but keep in mind that this 1-4 years could be the length of time your san'layn was beneath the thumb of Arthas and the Lich King's power. Whether they were fully aware of their sins or came to grip with it later is for you to develop.

The most important take away is that: Your san'layn was not in control of themselves during this period of time.

They were a part of the Scourge. They murdered, devoured, did whatever it is you want them to have done. The san'layn were cruel and awful. Even the nicest elves prior to their deaths would have been bidden to his nature.

This would also provide the opportunity for you to explore what ranking they were and how they might have earned this or skated by if they were only Coven members.

When did my san'layn gain their independence?

Sylvanas and other renegade undead existed with their independence shortly before World of Warcraft proper. Keep in mind, that while you could technically have your san'layn break away around the same time, san'layn are not basic undead. Nor is it likely that your character had the same willpower as Sylvanas.

The darkfallen dark rangers that supported her during this transition were also not san'layn, which is an important detail. Given the proximity to the Frozen Throne and the Lich King, breaking away from his dominion would have been hard, but it would have had to come at an opportunity similar to that of Sylvanas and it would have had to come before the events of Wrath of the Lich King.

That gives about 3-5 years for you to decide when and how your character broke off from the Lich King and fled. Staying in Northrend or by the Lich King would not only be an incredibly risk, it is likely they would have perished in the following wars were they not allied with a faction or on the run.

Where did my san'layn go afterward?

There are few friends to the san'layn and for good reason. Their reputation makes them not the wisest choice to trust, especially since they require blood for sustenance. They are a threat, even if they do not mean to be.

However, there is one faction that might have taken them in: The Forsaken.

The most plausible place that any san'layn might have had a home was swearing fealty to Sylvanas, the Banshee Queen.

Otherwise, surviving in the shadows, roaming, preying upon the unwitting, working in darker markets where the threat of a vampyr hunter or Scarlet Crusader seeking your demise was more likely than if you had allies… The world is your oyster for ideas, but try to remember the san'layn as a full faction separate from Sylvanas or The Forsaken did not exist. Those who remained were slivers and would have been hunted relentlessly. The sin'dorei most likely would not have accepted them into their ranks. Wounds were fresh and still are for many, who loathe undead and those who worked for the Scourge.

Yes, I know the Forsaken are close allies to the sin'dorei now. That took years. Your san'layn is not magically an exception. Especially considering the bad reputation of san'layn precedes even that of Sylvanas loyalists.

What they have been up to over these 20+ years is now up to you!

Things to keep in mind

If your san'layn joined The Forsaken, it is likely they took a new name to begin afresh. So that they could leave behind the sins of what they did in the Scourge and the life they possessed before their unholy resurrection.

Your san'layn would stop ranking up beyond Knight after their separation from the Scourge. The only person with the power to rank them officially into the higher tiers was Arthas or the Lich King.

Horde perceptions may be somewhat accepting of your presence, but it's Alliance that will almost always be hostile.

Any upper rankings you may decide your san'layn has does not matter to non-vampyrs. Sure, it indicates a power level discussed in previous posts along with magic, but just because you decide to make Carmilla a Blood-Princess doesn't mean others are going to acknowledge your royal rank. Nor should you expect them to know or demand praise. 20+ years have passed. Unless your san'layn has some yearning to resurrect the old ways and court, demanding homage as a vampiric monarch is weird and out of place amongst most RP. Your san'layn ranking has no importance or political clout.

What I mean by this is that you have no status akin to a member of royalty in the major races. Nor do you deserve one. That's not what the point of the rankings is or was. Think of the san'layn remaining as fringe and broken bits of a once terrible court. Without the Helm of Domination and the power of the Lich King, creating it again is impossible.

Memories…

Just as with the Forsaken, your san'layn will have to battle with what they did while under the thumb of Arthas and the Lich King. All the horrific, terrible, cruel things they did. Whether that makes them an awful person today or they try to repent for their sins despite not being in control of themselves is up to you! However, it is something you should consider and remember. It's an important part of building your character!

The Hunger

Your san'layn must eat. Blood. Or Anguish/Life-force if they're among the higher ranks. This is non-negotiable.

Remember, san'layn that possess beating hearts metabolize faster and require feeding more often. Additionally, keeping tabs on how much regeneration they're forced to do in battle, how much magic they use, exposure to sunlight, etcetera should go into factoring hunger drive.