Vaer
Overview
Vaer are a vampiric race.
Classification
Mammalian (cursed)
Rarity
Abundant
History
No one is quite sure how the Vaer curse started, though it seems to have originated on the continent of Aufer. Before there was a common tongue, the Vaer were credited with the discovery of the translation stones. A Stag Vaer was taken into captivity of a roaming zoo helmed by a group of Arolith. This Vaer managed to form a bond with one of the Arolith young, who wore a special stone around her neck gifted by her parents.
The stone gave greater understanding between species, even translating speech to some degree. This was the first Vaer to discover their own understanding, and the young Arolith gifted the stone to him.
After he got free, he aided in the research of the stone and began work discovering more of his own kind and how to unite all species as a whole through the use of these translation stones.
Biology
Physical Description
Vaer are vampiric versions of Maervic and Stagethope, and share their appearance aside from their teeth- they have three additional sets of hollow, red canines that can be tucked away until wanted. The only other major difference from their original species' is the eyes, which now have a checkboard pupil shape.
Diet
Vaer are blood drinkers. While they can eat other things, it provides little to no nourishment for them.
Reproduction
Vaer do not have young in the traditional sense, instead they have to bite a Maervic or Stag in order to turn them into a Vaer. Not all Maer or Stags bitten survived the turning process, and young, sick, and elderly are much less likely to survive the turning. After surviving the turning, their physical condition will more or less freeze- wounds can heal but aging stops, and often those who were sick when turning will retain symptoms of their sickness, even if the turning heals the root cause.
Lifecycle
After being bitten, Vaer live between 50-70 more years before passing suddenly one day.
Activity Level
Vaer are active all year round.
Behavior
Temperament
Vaer are seen as quiet and somewhat dispassionate.
Sociability
Vaer retain some of the social nature from their original species- ie Maervic Vaer tend to be more social and eager to interact with others, while Stag Vaer tend to be more reclusive and gruff.
Sapience
Vaer, unlike the species' they originate from, are sapient, and have come to play a major role in society, often taking up leadership positions or other political posts.