Phashu- Stage Vampires- Info

Phashu - (Stage vampire)

Stage vampires, or the shortened name, Phashu, are vampires that have many unusual restrictions and orders to their undead lives. They do grow more powerful from experience of a life of darkness, but slowly and are very limited with learning new techniques and abilities. They are most likely the most 'human' of any species of vampire, as in they feel more emotions and are less driven from madness of power and blood. However, this results in weaker vampires, and less survivors of this type. Many fledglings don't make it passed their first week, especially if misguided or left alone. Like newborns, they are nearly helpless by themselves and most likely clueless of their restrictions and weaknesses. Phashu need guidance to learn the ropes and keep them from reaching insanity of a new, dark, morbid life.
Though extremely weak for an immortal at first, the stage vampires can become some of the most powerful demons around, though it's rare to find such like that.
Most of these types are kept in order and live among one another in clans or small groups. They tend to keep most of their past human traits and emotions, indicating both weakness and strength. Their emotions and human needs are reason why they need company and interaction, especially new comers.
Because of their restraint, Phashu are usually very good at blending in with society and keeping their vampire traits well hidden, but can also become easily hunted by simple mortals at an early stage.

Overall Traits-

•The main, most observant trait on the Phashu is the marking that appears beneath an eye of the being from the moment they wake into their undead life. The marking is the same shape for all Phashu, but the color of it varies. It will appear in the color of their masters (The vampire who first bit them) original eye color. (The color from their mortal life)
It's believed to be a mark that signifies they can still feel, a sign of lingering humanity. Though it can also be a teaser that they are weak and will never become accepted into their old life again.
The mark appears under the left eye of females and the right eye for males; Possibly another sign of order and structure.

•When first bitten the stage vampires eye color reverts to a crimson color, to prove of their death and ghoulish new form. Over time and some sort of practice however, most find the unique ability to change the coloring to their normal, mortal eye color at will, or even sometimes during a certain emotion.

•Like all vampires, the Phashu rely on blood to gain their strength and energy. Of course, living blood fresh from a new victim is tempting and usually more satisfying, but drinking separate blood that has already been collected, (no longer from a living mortal) gives them just as much energy. They supposedly can still eat and drink mortal victuals, but lose most desires and still need to consume blood for energy.

•Because they are weaker and more emotional then most types of vampires, they have less vampire like weaknesses, and means of destroying, such as sunlight, or bright lights in general. They are also completely unaffected by religious attacks like crosses and holy water or grounds. It could mean some sign that their beginning meant nothing to do with angels and devils, or that they'd sinned and are no longer 'holy'.

Stages-</u>

Though it's hard to classify the stages of a Phashu entirely accurately, most are developed in a sort of order, experience, and situation.
Nearly anyone with the knowledge of the stages is resistant in sharing the answers, especially to young Phashu. If known exactly how they could become so powerful, an inexperienced stage vampire could create a lot of trouble and chaos, for themselves and other Phashu and mortals alike.
There is no way to tell or assume how many stages there even are, or how powerful a Phashu could become, and it's because of this that makes the breed so powerful. At least, it would if one could survive that long.
During each stage they become more powerful and intelligent, but the one thing that is never lost is their human emotions, however good some may seem to hide that. It will always be their greatest weakness.

Death and Life

A Stage vampire is born when a mortal is bitten by a vampire, (Phashu) who has drunk a decent amount of the mortal's blood. Once the victim is near death or vulnerable, it only takes a single drop of the vampire's blood to enter their veins and cause their death. Usually if wanting to make their victim another Phashu, they prick their finger or inflict some sort of small wound to themselves and let the blood drip into the victims wound. (Wherever they've been bitten; usually the neck)
Once the mortal dies, they appear dead and stay unconscious for at least 20 minutes; sometimes it can last up to a couple hours, depending on the type of death. During their time of 'death', their deadly wounds slowly reconstruct and heal themselves, and the marking of the Phashu vampire appears under their eye before waking.
The only rule in terms of 'who' they bite that becomes undead, is that it only works upon the opposite gender of the current Phashu; One reason why Stage Vampires often pursue mortals of the other gender, if not only to consume from them.
There were different theories to this as well, such as how it could be similar to the birth of mortals; only one of each gender can create another life. It's a balance that can't be changed. Though most find that theory ridiculous, as the birth of a Phashu is just twisted and wrong compared to that of a mortal.

1st Stage - Rookie

When a Stage Vampire awakes for the first time after death, it's mind races, and there may be a moment of hallucination. After being revived from certain death, most come to a short sort of madness as they awaken. After their memories and awareness's come to them again, they're usually then helped by their 'master' (who created them) or more knowledgeable Phashu. Like learning anything new and different, the first stage is simply about adapting, and learning to survive as they are now. Many rookies are driven to madness and insanity before their first week, and often run away or get themselves killed. An important reason why the Stage Vampire is extremely cautious and particular of whom they choose to become a Phashu. Or at least why they should be.
The abilities and traits of a rookie Phashu are listed as:

-Strengths-

•Increased senses. Of course this is obvious that they're normal mortal senses would become more powerful. They have a much greater sense of sight, hearing, smell, and slight strength. Most of these will only help them for escaping, if used wisely. Some Phashu are known to become faster on their feet, but it's rare and there isn't a huge difference.

• Night Vision. A simple and basic gain for a vampire. Ability to see perfectly throughout the dark. A necessary sense for a being living in darkness. Unlike some known vampires however, a rookie Phashu's eyes actually glow when they need to see in the dark. It's a bright, intimidating glow that lights up a fair amount of the area for anyone to see. The fault of this night vision is that they can't help but make themselves known in the dark as they open their eyes to see. It seems to be a sort of reaction that young Phashu often have; not being able to control the glow of their eyes enough in the darkness to see without it. It's known sometimes to be controlled more easily with experience, but most are overcome from new stages.

•Healing. Even incredibly inexperienced Stage Vampires have increased healing powers. Not something remarkably fast, but easily faster then a mortals. A flesh wound will usually heal within under an hour, while a deeper gash or tear no less then a day. Life threatening wounds take longer to heal, but because of new immunities against germs and infections, the threat is much less a problem.

-Weaknesses-

•Masters Control. This is the largest weakness of a rookie Phashu; the fact that they are completely under their master's control. Their master, being the one who bit and created them, is said to be responsible for their actions. Therefore, they have quite a power over their fledglings. In reference to mortals, it's similar to that of a parent having control of their child; though many disagree with this thought, since the Master Phashu has actual powers over their fledgling, and also because many Phashu resent the 'parenting' term used for their connections with other Phashu.
The powers a master has over his/her rookies are as recorded:

•Telepathy. One of the creepiest thought powers a master has over their rookies is that they can read their every thought. It's been said that more powerful vampires can speak to mortals/other vampires; to them and only them through their thoughts, but still not able to actually read their minds. However, this is an inescapable fate for new rookies. From the moment they awaken, until they become free from their master's mind grip, any thoughts they have will become completely readable to whoever created them.
There does seem to be a space range however. Master's are only able to read their fledglings thoughts if they are in a decent distance from them. Their minds become clearest when a master can look into their eyes.

•Mind Control. A scary thought, but if absolutely necessary, the master does have the power to actually affect their rookie's mind. Not at all like a mindless slave, doing whatever they want them to do; they don't have the power to control their actions at all. But because of their powers over their rookie's minds, it isn't hard to guess they could also cause them pain if they wanted to.
If a rookie is out of control, this seems to be the easiest way of ceasing their rage. With their mind alone, the master can strike immense pain into their rookie's brain and all nerves and connections to it. Usually only a little power will be enough for the rookie to beg for mercy, anything to stop the pain, but sometimes they're forced to run far enough where they cannot suffer from the connections their master's have.  
There has never been a recording of a master actually killing their fledgling with such power, but it seems highly possible, even if a little cruel.

•Bounded. A term used by many rookies. For however long their master is around and still in control, they are bounded by them, and always, truly considered as a rookie, even if they pass through different stages and obtain more power.
'Bounded' is a term the Phashu use to describe 'a vampire that cannot create'. In other words; they can't bite mortals and make them Phashu as well. The mortal will simply die if attempted to become a vampire from a rookie Phashu.
Most experienced Stage Vampires think of it as 'maturing', like that of mortals; maturing into adults before they can make more of themselves. If it weren't for this rule there would be overpopulation, and the same is believed to go for Phashu. More order to keep their world balanced. Though this doesn't always go right for Phashu of course; as one mistake could result in rookie's becoming independent too soon, causing chaos and corrupting the basic structure.

•Adapting. The most general weakness for most Rookies is of course adapting to this new way of life, or death. Like stated before; most rookies will go mad at some point, realizing what they are, or unable to continue doing the necessary. Rookies are also the most uncontrolled with their cravings. This is because most of the time they will reject their new selves and refuse to drink completely, only to lash out desperately for blood as soon as they're tempted. Regretting each action in spite of their urges only makes matters worse, therefore taking them a long time to get used to it all.
The struggle seems to vary however depending on the self-control they already obtained as a mortal. Ones personality has a lot to do with their restraint and thought pattern.

2nd Stage - Independent

The obvious, most common stage beyond a rookie is that of the independent. An independent vampire is one completely of it's own freedom and responsibility. No more restrictions and weaknesses apply from their master, and most of the time, (especially if given a lot of time as a rookie) their speed increases and they become much more agile.
An independent Phashu by this time has a calm, more reasonable outlook, and their mind is usually more at ease. This is how it should be, but mistakes always happen, and if a rookie is given freedom too soon, this doesn't always happen, or not as well.
The strengths an independent Phashu gains are actually not very apparent or as noticeable, (in terms of abilities and overall power) but are as listed:

-Strengths-

•Unbounded.  Or 'freedom' as some lesser, more inexperienced vampires like to classify it as. Unbounded by their master's powers over them, as mentioned before, gives them the freedom to act on their own completely. No more restraints and significant weakness around them. Though if a rookie is brought into independence too soon, they're often still too weak to defend themselves against strong forces, or make it long enough to keep themselves out of trouble, or kept alive.

•Creation. An independent obviously has the power to create vampire kin of their own, as long as the exceptions are followed. It's generally not tolerated for inexperienced Phashu, Independent or not, to create more vampires. They most often don't like the idea of teaching their fledglings and sticking around long enough to make sure they're taken care of. Therefore, creation is a rare sight, and not usually a spur of the moment type of thing. Phashu usually consider and observe their future victims very closely before attempting to make them Phashu as well, if at all. Most of the time they desire nothing but a night of fun and a midnight snack.

•Slight increased strengths. There is an obvious strength increase for newly freed Phashu, but it's nothing too great. Most of these gains come from simply learning, and an experienced rookie will usually benefit better from the strengths that come from Independence. Such as increased physical strength, speed, and most senses. At times they gain a better strength for handling strong lights and generally the sun.

-Weaknesses-

•The only real common weakness an Independent will have other then the general weaknesses of a Phashu, is self-control. Usually the knowledge of their newfound freedom gives them a cocky attitude, or perhaps a bit of greed. They are still not fully in control of their bloody cravings and overall sanity at times. Still quite emotional like a mortal, drastic things that happen could corrupt their minds, and confuse their judgment, no matter how much they'd regret it or not.

Further Stages-

More experienced stages are not as known and classified as the ones listed above.
Stages beyond any proven recording are entirely possible, but nothing is certain at this point. There doesn't seem to be any particular order either. Rookies seem capable to become more powerful through different stages even if they are still bounded to their master. It varies between each Phashu and situation.
Different abilities and powers are gained through further stages, but it seems to depend on different things for different stage vampires.

•Regret. For some reason or another, Phashu seem to become more powerful after a scene of enormous regret they feel. Perhaps it shows signs of learning, realizing the faults in what they did or let happen. After a long time of living as a stage vampire, their minds usually grow immune to the feelings of regret and sympathy. They become used to seeing death, and all the pain that comes with it. Feeling the pain of loss or regret from something they have caused seems to give them more flexibility and swiftness in their movements. Some Phashu may seem so fast that the mortal eye can't even comprehend them.

•The Mortal Heart. An extremely morbid stage, but it's been proven that some Phashu grow immensely stronger when they've consumed the heart of a mortal. There's no proven reason why, or why this even happens, since vampires crave only the blood and never organs and other parts of the body. Most Phashu would cringe and be disgusted at the thought of eating parts of a mortal.
Rumors and discussed reasons say it has to do with a Phashu's connection with the mortal's heart they consume. Maybe they get this urge to do so when incredibly raged and angry with said mortal, and ripping their heart out and consuming it douses that rage. Some say the Phashu become desperate for tearing a mortal apart and sucking them dry, along with consuming their beating heart when they've grown attracted to them or their infatuation gets out of control and they can't restrain themselves.
Once a Stage Vampire does consume it though, in most cases, their bodies go mad at first and they hallucinate, much like how they do when first awakening. After a short period of time their minds suddenly ease and completely clear, giving them a sense of calmness. Most Phashu become extremely mellowed out and unaffected by emotions and cravings to feed after this. Their minds become clearer and less troubled, and gain a lot of resistance towards their actions and need to feed.

•Overall Experiences. After that, there are really no other major examples that define a Phashu's ability to grow and become stronger, other then overall experience and time, of course. The longer they live, the higher survival rate. Being an immortal creature, age is never a setback, but their greatest strength; experience. As they age, they grow stronger, but very slowly. Unlike other recordings of other types of vampires, who might learn everything by experience, Phashu need to go through stages, in order to strengthen. That's all on this particular subject.

Overall Weaknesses-

An advantage to the Phashu is that they have very few weaknesses, if really any at all that are different then mortal weaknesses. The disadvantage is of course; they're more vulnerable to things that would harm simple mortals.

One of the major differences though, is their highly sensitive blood, and the way it keeps their immortality stable. Phashu are highly fearful of having open wounds around their enemies. While it's very difficult to take advantage of this weakness, since it is one of their only weaknesses, they are incredibly careful of it.
Phashu consume mortal blood to thrive, but one reason why they are careful with their victims, is because choosing the wrong mortal carelessly could corrupt them.
Stage Vampires hold, technically, the same type of DNA they had when they were mortal. It might even be possible to track their identity as a mortal, from their vampire blood. But even so, the blood is still vampire blood; altered and corrupted from their mortal blood. The blood cells of a Phashu eat up those of mortals when consumed, but they go insane when mixed with similar DNA as theirs. This occurs when a Phashu drinks the blood of their still alive sibling, or close relation. It can corrupt and eventually mutate their entire being, until they've become utterly monstrous, and possibly lose any sanity, or mind all.
So, the Phashu are careful they do not bite any potential relations because of this.
An even greater weakness is their own blood turned against them. If any blood was somehow kept of a Phashu when they were mortal, it could be their worst fear. If their old, mortal blood gets into their system somehow, a Phashu's body will go under extreme, gruesome pain and usually paralyze them, or even destroy them altogether. For some reason, instead of simply eating away at the mortal blood cells, their own DNA has a surprising strong effect against the immortal ones. Phashu fear this more then anything, which is why they often travel far from their homeland and discard any traces of their old lives, so they cannot be tracked down and found weaknesses for.

Mutations-

As described above, Phashu have sensitive blood and can become corrupted when relating blood gets into their system. Sometimes however, instead of paralyzing or killing them, their shape and being can become altered and strangely mutated. This is a very rare occurrence, but sometimes a Phashu can live through this experience with or without their mind intact.
This can happen both ways: By an already Phashu somehow consuming or having relating or similar DNA enter their blood, or a mortal becoming a Phashu from relating DNA. (Like a vampire father trying to turn his still mortal daughter into a Phashu by his own blood or something)
Most Stage Vampires know this is the ultimate forbidden act, but happenings still occur even so.

Because it happens so rarely and things are still unknown about it, there isn't much more information. There have been rumors that some Phashu have been known to live through their mutations, but because of their acts of betrayal, they are either killed without hesitation by their own kind, or simply shunned by them and all who know of their becoming.


F.A.Q.'s

Nestly: Welcome to the FAQ's zone. XD These probably aren't actually frequently asked, but hopefully you can get some answers out of these. If not.. get some humor! 8D And remember, feel free to ask a question if you are curious about anything. Even if it isn't useful and just stupid, I might add it just for kicks. XD

So what started your Phashu vampires?

UM. I think when I got into the anime Hellsing. XD I didn't even like it that much, but the vampire concept really intrigued me to make some sort of vampire character. I was never at all interested in them and I was really driven away from the popularity and stereotypes. I basically knew squat about them. I made my first vampire character, Ephidell, basically just for fun, and it wasn't really going to have any deep plot or anything. But since I didn't know the basics of vampires, I started looking up their features and such, only to find there were sooooo many different versions. SO, I created my own version of vampire named the Phashu and started to develop a little uniqueness to em'. 83

How come your vampires aren't purely sexual beings? Those vampires are the cool kind.

Well that's so stereotypical. xP My vampires are unique because they're more mortal then most types of vampires you see these days. There can be ugly one's, fat ones, stupid one's, even one's that, dare I say it? Are NOT actually at all seductive. xD Plus I'm horrible at using seductive characters. ;B *wuss*

My vampires are godly and nothing can destroy them. They're better than yours.

What the hell, that's not a question. xD Anyways, your vampires are boring and uninteresting then. Might as well have a battle against gods. Mine are rather weak and die out easily, but that makes their existence less known and the ones you do find are pretty interesting then. Seriously, I hate those super strong vampires in the movies that are like impossible to destroy.

I read lots of vampire books where the vampires have hot steamy sex. (This keeps me fapping for hours.) Does your vampires have the secks?

Oh YAY Like I didn't see THAT coming. xD YOU SICK MINDED PEOPLE. *coughSincough*
Yeah mine actually can, but see, just like how they can eat mortal foods, they don't necessarily need to, to survive, nor do they get a craving for it. So same goes for sex. So s'not like they go around raping people then. ...YAY! 8D But supposedly Phashu aren’t suppose to ever crave human flesh either, but there are rumors of it happening. So the 'cause of it actually happening is one of those unsolved mysteries I guess then, huh? (basically I'm just not saying. <3)

Can your vampires fly? Do they eventually become so powerful that they can teleport? Anne Rice's vampires do.

I don't think they can fly, no. (Unless it's an anthro that originally had wings, like my character Quo)
Although their ability to leap a great distance makes up for that once they get strong enough.
It's never been known for a Phashu to be so powerful they've been able to teleport, though it's entirely possible. They can become powerful enough to where their speed seems like they're teleporting, but if they're stuck some place, they can't just vanish into thin air into the next continent or anything like that.

How come they don't worship the devil/have an evil spirit in them/aren't related to Dracula?

Well because they DON'T. o_o Stage Vampires aren't based on spirits and demons, they're based on some sort of crazy science and mutation of the body, if anything.

How come the sun doesn't melt them?

The sun has no affect on them. XD Well, none to endanger them, I'll say. Think of them like just a nocturnal creature. They are awake and energetic at night, where as they don't have much energy during the daytime, and the sun hurts their eyes. But then again, it hurts your eyes too, doesn't it?

What happens to a Phashu vampire when it dies? Does it go to vampire heaven or is it eternally damned, like all the other vampires?

Hmm well, does anyone in the entire world know where mortals go when they die? XD (I'm not talking about BELIEVING where they go) No? Then how do you expect me to know this? Remember though, the Phashu aren't affected by religious things, nor does it apply to them at all. When they die, they just die, I would assume.

Do your vampires hate garlic/crucifixes/holy water? They should at least hate holy water, because EVERY vampire hates holy water! Or garlic because it smells bad.

No they DON'T! D8<
Heh, it was explained that religious things don't affect Stage Vampires. And the only reason most vampires don't like garlic is because it stinks, and they have a keen sense of smell so it bothers them. So this would apply for mine too with things like onions and garlic, but it's not like it weakens them. Think of it like how kids are with vegetables. They don't like them but it's not gonna kill them.

Can a Phashu get Mad Cow's disease from eating human hearts?

.....Ewww, No. XD But they rarely are known to EAT mortals.
Besides, most vampires, (including mine) are immune to mortal diseases and virises like colds and stuff.

Can Phashu vampires suffer down syndrome? Are there any mentally/physically handicapped vampires?

Ehhh, not unless a Phashu for some reason created another Phashu from a handicapped mortal. Which would be stupid, since with the disability, there's nearly no chance for it to survive, or blend in with mortals. Who knows though? o_o

If you throw water on a Phashu, will they turn into a puddle like the Wicked Witch of the West?

WTF. XD No, but most Phashu dislike water since they don't need it in any way and become unused to it. So if you did that they'd probably attack you something.

What happens when you drop a house on them? Do their legs curl up?

..... xD OKAY THIS IS JUST GETTING REDICULOUS NOW.

Who was the Phashu that bit Ephidell/Harp? (I know they're probably different ones mind)

Well It's a bit of a secret, I wanna say. X3 But I will say it was the same Phashu for the both of them. (*GASP* spoiler! Not really. xD)

If all Phashu are born from other Phashu, then where did the first one come from?

The first Phashu was a woman named Ivy. It's quite a long explanation to how she became a Phashu. So, simplifying that, her DNA was basically experimented on while she was alive, and the effect brought her back after she died, with a catch, of course. Her blood had the power to be passed on and create others like herself, and so on. It sounds a bit cheesy, I know, but trust me, it's a lot more in depth then just that.

Which stages are Ephidell and Harp?

Both are independent Phashu. Which means they have no master and are free to create and have complete freedom. Harp however has a little more complication to his stage. (If you haven’t figured it out yet, he's a mutation)

If, somehow, a Phashu would have a child with a mortal, would the child be born a Phashu, or is vampirism not inheritable? (Is it more like a kind of sickness?)

Well, simplifying that question; Phashu can't reproduce like that. XD They may seem very alive, but any ability they had to create life pretty much died. That's the main reason why they're not known to have a sex drive.

WILL UR CHAR BITE MINE PLZ!!!1!???//?

LOLZ NO.

Do vampires live longer, or is their life span the same as a mortals?

Phashu are ageless. They stop growing when they awaken, and can never retire from age.

Do vampires bite children too, or just adults?

Depends on the Phashu, really. XD Though in most known clans it's intolerable to create a Phashu from any mortal who isn't an adult. You'll most likely never see a child Phashu.

Is it possible that my neighbor is a Phashu? I can't quite see the marking under his eye though. :< Can Phashu's hide them somehow? (make-up? Operation? 8D)

1.) I don't know. D: Does your neighbor like sipping red liquid and long walks at night?

2.) Surprising enough, there has never been a time where a Phashu was able to conceal or hide the marking underneath their eye. Unfortunately, this makes it harder for them to hide who they are, and some see it as a sign that's taunting them, and proving to them they cannot pretend to be something they're not. Fortunately though, there are so few of them that most people wouldn't recognize the marking.

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