Vampire Counts - Families
There are five distinct families of vampires, each descending from one of the "first vampires" or original ones created by Nagash or Neferata (more recent lore stating vampirism was formulated by Nagash and first attained by Neferata), these families are called "Bloodlines," each with different characteristics that affect the way the armies of each operate, although it must be noted that the more powerful members of any vampire bloodline can cast spells, and that all vampires are formidable in combat. The known vampire bloodlines are as follows:
Von Carstein
These vampires are somewhat stereotypical vampires, modelled very much in the manner of Dracula. They are seen as having close bonds with animals such as Wolves and Bats. In game terms, these vampires have no particular modifications and several of their bloodline powers emphasise their tie with animals. They are hereditary rulers of Sylvania.
The von Carsteins have been prevalent throughout the recent history of the vampire counts, and (so far) are the only bloodline to openly go to war with the Empire. The most famous of the von Carsteins was Mannfred, who was narrowly defeated at the battle of Hel Fenn by the empire and Dwarves. Officially Mannfred was slain by the Count of Stirland, but rumours persist that this is not the case. Other famous Counts include Vlad, first vampire count of Sylvania. He came closest to destroying the Empire, only being defeated in a duel with Grand Theonogist Volkmar, on the walls of Altdorf. Other famous von Carstein vampires are Isabella, Vlad's devoted wife, who was the only person whom he trusted and who killed herself after he was destroyed at Altdorf rather than live on without him, and Konrad, a deranged and psychopathic killer who succeeded Vlad and nearly destroyed the bloodline in his bloodthirsty madness.
Blood Dragons
Blood Dragons are fallen Knights, usually from the realm of Bretonnia and may have had some inspiration from the vampire archetypes of Anne Rice. They are portrayed as souls in suffering, neither good nor evil. The game system emphasises their combat skill at the expense of spellcasting abilities.
Their progenitor, Abhorash, defeated the curse of vampirism by drinking the blood of a dragon. Famous Blood Dragons include Walach Harkon, Abhorash's favourite, who challenged and defeated the entire Order of the Knights of the Blood Dragon singlehandedly. Harkon corrupted this once pious and just Knightly Order of the Empire, sparing and converting to Vampirism those who fought well, and killing without mercy those who didn't.
To emphasis their ties with Bretonnia the armies of the Blood Dragons will sometimes fight in Lance Formation, the famous tactic of Bretonnia. The Blood Dragons possess incredible martial skill, and must always except challenges to duel in the game.
Lahmians
This bloodline is (almost) entirely female, and no male models have been released, descended from Neferata the original vampire. They emphasise the seductive nature of vampires and many of their bloodline powers center around influencing the behaviour of enemy heroes. In the game they are given greater speed at the expense of their combat potential.
They are the source of the other bloodlines, the other "Masters" being relatives or nobility of the city-state of Lamia, of which she was queen. Although she brought vampires into the world it was ultimately Nagash's research into immortality which lead to their creation and for a period they almost universally served him.
The armies of the Lahmians are sometimes fielded with living heroes from other armies, seduced by the Lahmian's spells.
Necrarch
Necrarch vampires appear monstrous and wizened, very much on the mould of the vampire shown in the classic film Nosferatu. In Warhammer terms they are weaker in combat but have much greater magical potential than the other vampire bloodlines. However it should be noted their physical strength is still on a similar level to other vampires, their disadvantage being worse weapon skill. Overall they are still vastly more dangerous than an equivalent level wizard in close combat, and on par with the more dangerous of melee fighters. They are described as solitary researchers, working on ever more terrible spells as they live out their undying centuries. Because of their studies the Necrarch armies field large numbers of necromantic constructs, spellcasters, and zombie dragons.
It is implied they are still in the servitude of Nagash, or are attempting to conduct a spell similar to the one he used to decimate Nehekhara and awaken the dead therein. Their progenitor was W'soran, and their previous master Melkhior was known to have served Nagash closely.
Strigoi
Strigoi were first introduced in the sixth edition of the game as a new bloodline. In appearance they are even more monstrous than the Necrachs and are huge and heavily built. The Strigoi are animalistic, half-mad and barely intelligent. In game terms they have similar combat potential to the Blood Dragons, but in terms of strength and bestial fury rather than skill-at-arms. The tradeoff is an inability to use steeds, weapons or armour. An interesting note is that Strigoi are a type of Romanian vampire - based on the Greek word "strix", meaning screech owl, which came to mean demon or witch[citation needed]; but there is little resemblance between the myth and the bloodline in Warhammer Fantasy.
Strigoi armies contain little undead, bolstered by large numbers of Ghouls and their champions. Strigoi are also lacking in armour and magic. Their progenitor, Ushoran, snubbed the other vampire masters to establish his own empire in Strigos, situated in what is now the Badlands. When the capital Mourkain was sacked by an Orc Waaagh!, the Strigoi vampires sought out their fellow vampires, who shunned them for Ushoran's snobbery. They then degenerated into the feral beasts they are now. Unlike other vampires, Strigoi drink the blood of the "Long Dead" instead of the living.
(References - http://en.wikipedia.org - 19/4/2008)
|
Hexxagon Champion!
~
Linear Mode
