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"General Info" is an article
written by a friend (and co-founder of the Forum) J D, who shares my quest
for knowledge.
It delves into some of the perks
and downfalls, general health issues, and research observations.
Includes notes and comments by
myself as well.
First off, a disclaimer: This
is research I have conducted over a limited (series of months) period of
time with very limited equipment and subject base. Many of these conclusions
are based on observation and interview alone, second-hand knowledge if
you will. As my research is ongoing in nature, I reserve the right
to modify, conditionalize, or completely contradict and rescind my statements
as new information comes to light. As such, this information should in
NO WAY be considered authoritative or definitive. I apologize, but I have
nightmares about convincing someone that they are something by the weight
of my meager information alone.
To Open
We are (obviously) separate from the human race. In what
way is yet to be conclusively determined. There are enough of us that share
similar needs and abilities to classify us as something other than simply
"not quite normal humans". For the purposes of this information, I will
call all those similarly affected to myself 'vampires'; all those not apparently
affected will be referred to as 'humans'. (I realize that everyone that
is not a vampire is not necessarily human either: it is a simplification
issue.)
General Similarities/Shared Medical
Traits Among Vampires
-
A need for red blood to
survive.
I recognize that there are many types of people who claim to be
vampires for this, that, or the other reason; but for the purposes of my
research I refer only to those who require blood-feeding to maintain
health, sanity, and life.
-
On the whole we-hate-sunlight issue.
This issue is many-fold, so I will address it in sub-categories.
-
We can't see as well in bright light, but have extraordinary
night vision. Our ocular nerves are more efficient at carrying
low-grade light emissions to the brain. This means that there is less
loss of resolution and contrast in low-light environments (we can see things
more clearly in the dark than can humans). In high-light areas, however,
this nerve is overloaded. Too much input, so much of the information blends
together. This normally results in blurry vision, headaches, and eye-aches.
-
There really is something about the
night. All
bad jokes and myths aside, we tend to be lethargic during the day and active
during the night. Even those of us (okay, most of us) who are forced to
live diurnally [on a day schedule] are more energetic after the sun sets. Even the air tastes
sweeter, and everything is much more...well, more. I have theorized that
this actually relates to our vision. It is stressful to deal with bright
lights (especially the nuclear furnace everyone is so fond of frying under),
and requires energy to do so. We are more comfortable in the dark and have
more energy at our disposal as we are not dealing with an infuriating glare.
I have heard of our kind actually enjoying time in the sun, but I think
that they are freaks. Whether or not we like the sun, the fact remains
that it appears to drain us.
-
Sunburns: This is actually something
that I am currently looking into. We do show the effects of sunlight much
more quickly, but not all to the same degree. We also tan more quickly,
and heal the damage more quickly. I do not know if this is related in some
way to generally increased body processes, or if we are actually more resistant
to begin with. I appear to burn severely within an hour of exposure to
the sun, but it is always a tan within twenty-four hours. I know others
who have experienced similar reactions. I have heard of some who experience
what could be termed 'allergic reactions' (i.e.: rashes, blisters, etc.)
when exposed to sunlight, but I have actually seen that among humans as
well. This category is inconclusive for now, as some appear to burn faster
than my control subjects while others appear less affected. No-one (myself included) is
willing to intentionally suffer a severe sunburn to find out
if we heal faster or take longer to burn; the needs of science notwithstanding.
Mental/Psychic Abilities
-
Increased
mental abilities. Primarily rudimentary telepathy; I have heard of some awakening with telekinetic
abilities, but this seems unusual. We can, however, develop these abilities
through mental exercise and meditation. While it is true that anyone can
do this, it appears to be much easier for vampires.
-
Increased
physical abilities. (I
should have included vision here, but felt that it was more related to
the sunlight issue.)
-
Speed: This is not to say that
we can all run an Olympic 500 yard dash and win (or even compete for that
matter) as it is a matter of training. We can, however, outrun humans with
comparable exercise regimens and health. Basically, if we wanted to train
hard enough, we could win the Olympic 500 yard dash. As with the mental
abilities, though, humans can (obviously) do this as well; it is just a
little easier for us.
-
Agility: our muscles generally
respond more quickly and controllably than a human's. Again, though, a
matter of training. We are simply more adept.
-
Reflexes: No two ways about
this one; if a car is about to hit a human and a vampire at the same time,
the vampire will not be the one that gets hit. This is actually a combination
of mental and physical reactions. This one is very involved, and a thorough
explanation could take pages, so I will let it stand and invite any questions
by e-mail. [see end of article for contact info]
-
Increased healing: This goes
for physical injury as well as illness. We have an accelerated immune system.
We can get sick (as a matter of fact, I am terribly ill as I write this),
but we don't get sick as often or as easily, and we heal faster than humans.
Small cuts, piercing, etc. also heal much faster (in the case of body piercing for instance, I have experienced several which healed weeks
ahead of schedule).
-
Physical strength:
We are much
stronger than we look. As a rule, when we awaken we experience increased
strength. We build muscle tissue faster, and the tissue we build is stronger,
more resistant to damage, and more efficient.
-
Hearing: Our hearing is more
acute; we can hear much quieter sounds (i.e.: conversations across the
room, that annoying squeal from electronic equipment, etc.). We also have
a greater range of auditory detection, and clearer understanding of what
we hear. (this is speaking generally, in my case my hearing was damaged
when I spent time in the army as first an armored vehicle crewman, and
then a machine-gunner) My personal injury notwithstanding, I can hear
things (cars, trains, emergency vehicles) coming long before any humans
around me.
-
Smell and taste: These two are
subjective and very difficult to test, so I have not yet bothered with
them. (I don't particularly intend to for that matter.)
-
Time frame for
awakening.
-M-
[Site owner, MemoryandDream]
is right on this one, anywhere from 17 to 25. probably the most difficult
thing to research, as we don't know exactly what triggers it, or exactly
how long the process takes. It appears to be different for everyone.
It is difficult to ascribe values to any of these
abilities, as they all vary in intensity from one person to the next. I
can say that it is normal to manifest all (or at least most) of these traits.
But to what degree, I cannot say.
J D can be contacted
on the Forum
or directly at his email address
cykotik43@excite.com
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