Buffy the Vampire Slayer - TV Series

Compendium of Vampire Typological Traits and General Characterization in Contemporary Fantasy Novels
Part 5

Buffy the Vampire Slayer ~ TV Series

Yes, I know it is not a novel. I wanted to do this one, anyway. So there.

What is vampirism?

Vampirism is more like metaphysical possession than a disease. It is said that humans who become vampires loose their souls and are possessed by a demon.

Becoming a vampire

Human who gets bitten by a vampire ‘sire’ and is subsequently given blood of said sire falls in death-like-state/deep coma and rises as a vampire the following night, usually in a very grumpy mood and hungry.

Life expectancy

Immoral unless killed. Metaphysical diseases also apply and can be fatal.

Extermination methods

Many and imaginative. Wooden stake through the heart, beheading, magical means, direct sunlight, fire, holy water, crushing, squashing, stabbing, etc. Resulting corpse disintegrates into ashes.

Character in general

Vamps are mostly mean, wild, deceitful, treacherous, vicious, violent, evil, bad, terrible, horrible, no good at all. They love to inflict pain, kill, maim, mutilate, steal, end the world, rape, swear, torture, what have you. Frequently described as blood-sucking, fiendish predators. Chance given, they do not hesitate to kill each other, or anything killable.

In some very rare occasions they also claim ability to love another being, usually one of their own kind, but the manifestation of such love often resembles actions of 5 year olds.

Two exceptions are the protagonists of the series who have gotten their human souls back within their demon-possessed bodies (via different means); these characters display such traits as conscience, repentance, compassion, loyalty, ability to love, and are also displayed as very charming and handsome.

Looks in general

Looks vary accordingly to what they looked like as humans.

Upon dislodging fangs their faces change appearance (bump on forehead, luminescent eyes).

Some of them, mostly fledgling vamps, are partial to clothing from era when they lived. Older vamps often adjust to current era, presumably, to blend in with potential blood sources better.

Breathing & heartbeat

Breathing is not required. Not clear if it is used for more than scenting purposes, although they do breathe quite heavily upon physical exertion. It is not clear what happens with heartbeat and weather it is exercised at all.

Feeding habits, int. al.: 1) solid food, 2) alcohol, 3) intoxicating substances

Daily dose of blood via bite. Almost anything with blood in veins (i.e. animals) can be used, magic users and/or beings included. The bite appears to be painful. Packed blood can be used with good results, pre-heating recommended.

1) yes,

2) yes, they do get intoxicated,

3) yes, they do get intoxicated (also if the blood source is under influence).

Sleeping habits

Nocturnal habits mostly, although vamps are not tied by the cycle of the sun. No breathing or heartbeat during sleep.

Mating

Can mate with anything that moves, are presumably very good at it. Are not very choosy about partners, most likely prefer violent sex with involvement of blood. Excellent stamina.

Abilities & Superpowers

Supernatural hearing, sight, scent, strength, endurance, speed and stamina apply. Also, they apparently become excellent fighters after turning.

Old and powerful vamps can enthrall potential victims; some have certain mojo powers but nothing very prominent. They are more about brute strength and violence.

Social structure

Nothing remarkable.

Vamps sometimes have some sort of families without strong ties, neither blood nor magical. They tend to upkeep communication with their sires and progeny, but the only real authority to vamps are those with more power.

They often form nests and inhabit abandoned places, such as old factories, crypts etc. There usually is one resident ‘Big Bad’ with several fledglings in such nests, or only fledglings who often get eliminated by the protagonists of the series.

Another popular un-lifestyle is traveling, usually in small groups to alleviate hunting, pilfering, etc.

There is no centralized supervision system as vamps are too inclined to chaos and destruction to allow them to form any permanent control mechanism.

Interaction with humans

Humans are astoundingly unaware to their existence. Bite victims are often explained away as attacks of wild animals, domestic accidents or felonious assaults. The only aware social groups are magic users, magical beings, humans close to them, some government representatives and those few lucky enough to escape a vamp attack. Although the latest usually manage to forget about it and transform their memories into something more believable if mundane.

Popular myths: 1) garlic, 2) holy items, 3) prayers, 4) sun, 5) coffins, 6) fangs, 7) animal form, 8) no reflection in mirror, 9) invitation into homes, 10) mist form? (true/false)

1) true

2) true

3) true

4) true

5) true in some cases

6) true

7) true (S5e01 ‘Darcula’)

8) true

9) true

10) true (S5e01 ‘Darcula’)