Fleur du Sang Clan

The Vampires of the Fleur du Sang Clan represent all that is lavish, extravagant, and romantic. They believe that they have been blessed with gifts from the gods and often hold a level of attractiveness reminiscent to that of the Veela. Vampires of this clan are perhaps the most emotional of the six clans and are much more likely to be involved romantically with those they wish to sire, as it is considered a generous act to turn a loved one into an undead member of the clan.

Origins

While the roots of the Fleur du Sang clan are not clear by any means, one theory suggests that they originated in the area currently known as France, among the Ligurians of the Rhone basin and Alpine mountains This was an advanced civilization for its time that consisted of a largely lake dwelling population, as their villages and fortifications were often constructed in the center of lakes or larger bodies of water. These Ligurians were very in touch with the natural world and strongly attached to the soil itself, starting an early tradition of burying their dead and raising large stone memorials above the graves.

It is common belief that the first vampires among this civilization were created of the dead bodies that were buried in the rich soil, which was likely to have magical properties that were the source of the Lingurians' interest. These early vampires sought more towards protecting the villagers rather than harming them, and would only feed from their victims while they were sleeping, so it would not be felt. Over the years the creatures began to take on more human-like appearances as they grew, beginning to resemble more beautiful creatures than the corpses they had originated from.

As France grew and developed, so did the clan of the Fleur du Sang. They held fast to the idea of being protectors and often situated themselves at strategic locations throughout the developing civilizations so that they might constantly be within close range of the villagers or citizens. Because of their close ties to their heritage and soil, they expanded their territories over the years to the French province of Louisiana and nearby areas in the Americas and some areas of Belgium.

Traits

Physical Features

Vampires sired into the Fleur du Sang clan develop a more attractive appearance as they age, with younger fledgling vampires more closely resembling corpses and gaining a more perfected, almost stone-like appearance as they age. Ancients of this clan hold a certain enticing quality about them for this reason, not unlike the charms of Veela.

Older vampires of the clan are usually olive-skinned and of short stature with darker hair, showing their heritage of the early French people. Other younger vampires may vary in appearance based on their origins, but tend to take on a more Ligurian appearance the longer they remain in undeath.

Attitude

Fleur du Sang vampires are traditionally very welcoming to the idea of human interaction. Being a romantic people, they are drawn to the idea of being in a relationship and prefer to feed from a single person regularly rather than random strangers or passers by. In some rare circumstances, these vampires may choose to feed from animals or street-dwelling rodents rather than harm a loved one. They retain most emotion after death, unlike many other clans, and this often finds them at a disadvantage.

Because of their history with French culture and the foundation of the country, they find themselves to be above other clans who may have had more primal or primitive origins. Their close ties with the Ligurians, who were deeply attached to the soil of the earth have perhaps led them to believe that they were sent to protect the earth itself, putting them above those clans who exist solely to feed or torture others.

Customs

The Fleur du Sang vampires can easily identify one another by the reversed progression of aging, as well as recognize immediately which of them is the eldest. It is considered respectable for all lesser vampires to bow to their superior fully upon greeting them, and not speak in the conversation until the eldest has spoken first. When greeting a vampire from any other clan the Fleur du Sang will stand completely rigid until they are greeted with a respectful gesture or bow from the opposing clansman.

All clansmen are required to welcome a fellow Fleur du Sang into their homes regardless of the situation, but are advised not to impose under penalty of being shunned or banished by the community. A vampire who is welcoming a fellow clansman into their home is expected to offer his coffin or place of rest to his guest, who may choose to respectfully decline. Fleur du Sang vampires traditionally rest upon an evenly spread layer of soil from their mother country, although in traveling situations it is considered acceptable to use whatever soil is available at the given time.

It is customary for the Fleur du Sang to get to know their victims before they feed, if not ask their explicit permission to do so. If they do not know or interact with their victim on a personal level prior to feeding time, they may choose to feed off of nearby rodents or small mammals, or whatever may be available. It is not considered unacceptable to make a habit of feeding off of such creatures; however as drawing blood from a victim is considered an act of respect and adoration, many clansmen believe that it is unwise to keep ones emotions at bay by straying from human targets.

Clan Interaction

Vampires of the Fleur du Sang clan are likely to live in groups, although it is not uncommon that they would reside by themselves. They are very social amongst others of the clan since they all work for the common purpose of protecting mankind. Because they tend to attract mortals and have been known to be romantically involved with them, it is not uncommon that these vampires would live with or interact with mortals on a common basis.

Although the clan itself sees itself as superior to other clans, these vampires may not act to be superior to others in the clan for any reason. While the chain of command largely runs from the eldest vampires to the youngest, Ancients and those of an older age may not act indignant or rude towards others simply to gloat. They are expected to give direction and make important decisions, but not to belittle those who are younger in the clan. Those who put themselves before the clan or refuse to carry a neutral attitude may find themselves ostracized from the clan entirely or banished from the territory.

Allies and Rivals

As a whole, the Fleur du Sang do not favor other clans very well. They tend to keep to themselves, especially in France and Louisiana, as they are very protective of their territory. Any vampire of any clan other than their own may find himself in danger if he crosses into the territory of a Fleur du Sang clansman uninvited.

While the clan does not consider itself to be fully allied with any other, they believe themselves to be on neutral, if not friendly terms with those of the Nosferatu Clan, as they both share large portions of European soil. The Nosferatu are often welcome into Fleur du Sang territory, and usually return the favor. During the first wizarding war, the two clans were divided in their opinions of the Dark Lord - the Nosferatu in favor and the Fleur du Sang opposing - but have since rekindled their neutrality in recent years. Because of this, some clansmen are also known to be of neutral standing with those of the Jiang Shi Clan due to the Nosferatu's agreements with these oriental vampires.

The Fleur du Sang consider all other opposing clans as rivals and make every effort to interact with them as little as possible. Their closest rival, however, lies with the Abha Iblis Clan, who believe in using their gifts as predators rather than protectors. The Abha Iblis have encroached on the territory of the Fleur du Sang several times in the past, and continue to completely oppose the beliefs and ideals of the Fleur du Sang. Their independent nature is also frowned upon by the more social vampires of the Fleur du Sang.


Abilities


As with any type of character, the abilities of the vampire are made greater over time. For this reason, we have included some abilities that can only be acquired by the eldest of Fleur du Sang vampires. If a vampire is created from a magic user such as a witch or wizard, they are stripped of all but the most basic of magical skills. Any remaining magical abilities are likely to fade over time, most certainly by the time the vampire has reached Elder age.

Application Note: We are not currently accepting magical-based vampires.

Abilities by Age


As abilities increase with age, more complex abilities will simply be added to the repertoire of the vampire rather than replacing pre-existing abilities.

Fledgling Abilities

• Enhanced Senses - Touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight are all increased in sensitivity. The vampire can feel more textures in a single touch, taste all of the flavors of what they consume, smell things stronger and from further away, hear things louder and from further away, and see things clearer and from further away.
• Enhanced Physical Strength - The vampire is stronger on average than a typical mortal. This strength can be increased much like with human strength by working out - a weak human will still be weak on vampire terms once sired.
• Thought Perception - The vampire is able to be aware of the thoughts of those within close proximity to them.
• Quick Healing - The vampire is able to regenerate more rapidly than humans when injured in any way. The vampire's body also returns to the state it was in upon death if physically altered, such as cutting or dying the hair.

Medial Abilities

• Increased Speed - The vampire is able to move at a faster than usual speed when walking or running.
• Enhanced Thought Perception - The vampire is able to begin blocking the thoughts of those within range, or increase the range at which they can perceive thoughts.

Elder Abilities

• Teleportation - A form of Apparition that allows the vampire to transport themselves from one location to the other over a relatively short distance. This ability is the equivalent of a Class C Apparition License.

Ancient Abilities

• Flight - Not commonly used, this ability allows an ancient vampire to move through the air for short distances at a time.
• Mind Clouding - The ancient vampire can more or less guard a mortal human to do as they please, similar to the Imperius Curse.

Feeding

All vampires of the Fleur du Sang clan must feed upon blood to survive. The blood can come from any type of creature, but ideally should come from a human. As the vampire exists entirely off of the blood of its victims, they gain the most energy by feeding off of humans that they have some sort of emotional attachment to. Consequently, those vampires who choose to feed off of animals are generally weaker overall.

Feeding should be done with consent from the victim, unless it is an animal victim, but it can be done without consent. The vampire must drink it's fill at least once every two days to remain "healthy." It is typically done by the vampire piercing a major artery of the victim with his or her fangs, and drinking directly from the body. Blood that is not consumed directly from the body may become stale or upset the vampire's weak digestive system.

Flaws and Wards

Unlike the vampire's abilities, all of these flaws apply to all ages of clansmen of the Fleur du Sang. Flaws cannot be remedied with magic and are a permanent part of the vampire's heritage.

Application Note: Vampire applicants may choose to add additional flaws from other clans, however they cannot pick and choose their abilities and merits.

• Feeding is a necessity, at least every other day or so. The vampire becomes very weak and vegetable-like if he or she does not drink their fill as often as necessary.
• As if to punish the vanity of Fleur du Sang vampires, they cannot see their own reflection in a mirror or reflective surface.
• The vampires carry an allergy to sunlight, rendering them unable to venture into the light of day. Vampires of at least medial age may do so, however, as long as they are heavily cloaked and protected from the light. If even one small portion of the vampire's delicate skin is exposed to the light, they will begin to burn as if exposed to flame.
• Fleur du Sang vampires may not enter a private establishment, such as a home, without being exclusively invited by a resident of the building they are trying to enter.
• Crossing a body of water is impossible for the vampire unless they are packed in a coffin or similar structure that is filled with soil from their home country or originating destination. Small streams and rivers can be crossed in a similar fashion as long as the vampire can bridge the water with a path of soil.
• The vampire may not be exposed to extreme heat or open flame, and their flesh is much more sensitive to fire than mortal human flesh.

Wards

Each clan of vampires is warded off in varying ways, despite some similarities. These wards are sure-fire ways of preventing the vampire from coming near.

• Garlic - Hanging a strand of garlic around the neck of a person prevents the vampire from approaching too closely. Garlic can also be hung from the knob of a door to prevent the vampire's entry, however if this is the main entrance to a home they would otherwise be unable to enter anyway without explicit permission.
• Flame - As stated in the flaws listing, an open flame can be used to ward away vampires of the Fleur du Sang clan.
• Religious Symbols - Any religious symbol from Christianity-based religions can be used as a ward against these vampires, with Holy Water and Crosses being the most effective.

Slaying the Fleur du Sang

As vampires are more or less immortal creatures, they can only be killed in very specific ways. All other ways will put the vampire into a sleep-like state that they will eventually come out of.

• Fire - Overexposure to a flame that causes the entire body to burn into ashes can completely decimate a vampire. Once the body is destroyed entirely by a fire, it cannot be revived.
• Wooden Stake - A sharpened wooden object may be driven through the heart of the vampire to kill them, however only objects made of cedar, ash, or oak will kill them upon immediate contact; all other woods will simply paralyze the vampire until the stake is removed. Removal of the object will finally kill the vampire, but it is difficult to do as the chest cavity seems to mold itself around the wood upon insertion.

Modern Day Sightings

Fleur du Sang vampires still make a common appearance in today's civilizations; being the most social of the six clans, they are the most likely to be seen attempting to adapt to mortal culture. They have established clan groupings throughout Europe, particularly in France, England, Germany, and Belgium, as well as several small communities in French-originated areas of The Americas, such as Louisiana, and in parts of francophone Africa.

The Wizarding World

As the Wizarding World is not particularly receptive to the vampire community, they are still expected to remain in hiding among wizards, as there are many magical spells that can aid in warding off vampires more accurately than traditional muggle wards. While the Fleur du Sang are among the most wildly accepted in the wizarding world, they still must take great care in public appearances. Younger fledgling and medial vampires should take great care to hide their corpse-like appearance.