#hard master

The ritual of turning is very secretive. Only the highest ranking members of the clan and those who studied everything about their own kind’s history and traditions are clued in on exactly how it is performed. These designated elders are also there to help and guide freshly turned vampires so that they can continue in with their undead lives once they’re ready to mix with other vampires and humans again. This is done both to protect the integrity of the clan but also to prevent loss of life as newborn vampires can be a little feral until their initial instinct to drain everything in sight calms down

The transition is painful and can sometimes take days. During this time the person being turned is incredibly vulnerable as they are essentially dying and being re-born again. Loved ones who are already vampires usually stay with a person being turned during this time to offer comfort as any human loved ones run the risk of being hurt

Blood is sourced relatively ethically, or as ethically as blood can be. Usually it comes from enemies of the clan who made the mistake of attacking them but in times of peace it comes from animals. Drinking from a stranger on the street is forbidden and the penalty for doing so is death lest any blood-drained bodies be traced back to the clan

The older they get the less bloodlust they have to satisfy. For example, Sen might only need to drink once or twice per year whereas Tommy needs to drink once a week or so given that he’s only been a vampire for a couple years

Blindmaster is by far the most ancient member of the clan. No one is entirely too sure just how old he is but he’s old enough to not really have any blood lust at all. He’s also one of the few clan members old enough to have mastered his special ability (his increased “sight”). Not all those who turn are given special abilities aside from healing, agility, enhanced senses and strength. These tend to only even begin to develop decades after being turned, even then they take years to hone.

They do have fangs but they only really ever come out when they get a whiff of blood or are about to drink. Their eyes also have an almost reflective quality under certain lighting. They can go outside in the day but only under cloudy conditions

Most of the clan don’t drink directly from someone unless they absolutely have to as it’s deemed improper. It’s not uncommon for someone going to be turned anyways to offer their blood to be partially drained for a loved one or clan’s blood bank before they go through with the turning.

Blood is usually treated, stored and drank as if it was wine

Human clan members can decide if they would like to be turned should they die prematurely of illness or in battle. Some people, such as Sen, want to live a full human life before turning. Sen waited until Kenta, her first grandchild, was born before being turned

Vampires and human members of the clan live in complete harmony with one another. Younger vampires are taught rigorous self control to ensure the safety of their human peers and there has only ever been a handful of blood-related killings or attempted killings in the clan. The penalty for such an action is always automatically death is bloodlust was the prime motivator

The younger vampires tend to try and let their time to feed fall on the night before they know that they’ll need their strength. Newer vampires are a great deal stronger but they tire and require a top up a lot quicker than the older vampires who have a great deal of stamina