A dhampir is a creature born of darkness, a half-human, half-vampire, and thus heir to two birthrights. Hunted and ostracized from infancy, dhampirs are the embodiment of the phrase “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” From early childhood, they hone their survival skills, learning to outwit and even kill those who seek to harm them. Extremely determined in nature and with a lifespan similar to that of elves, dhampirs can choose to become deadly enemies or valuable companions.

Ordinary life in mortal society holds little interest for dhampirs; they tend to become slayers, thieves, or vampire hunters. As half-vampires, dhampirs share many common traits with the undead, from their resistances to energy drain, disease, and mind-warping effects, to their affinity for negative energy and aversion to normal healing. This alone can change the course of fights with undead or other wicked creatures. Their shared traits with vampires make dhampirs perfectly suited to hunting down the accursed beings responsible for their tainted existence. For this reason, dhampirs are often prized for their talent at fighting the undead, and vampires often fear dhampir slayers above all others.

At the Worldwound, an inquisition is raging in Kenabres, seeking to find and stamp out evil, and the borders of the planar tear itself are continuing to expand, to the fear and dismay of neighboring nations. The region is full of danger and promise for dhampirs, offering them the chance to slash their way through undead raised by demon lords or powerful necromancers, or to earn money by legal or not-so-legal means, uncovering the secrets of darkness or sometimes even serving those who forever lurk in the shadows. For those driven by a hunger for glory or revenge, the Worldwound presents an opportunity too good to miss.

As vampire offspring, dhampirs vary in their heritage. Some are born from less pure or mixed heritages, but those who are not may belong to one of the following lineages: jiang-shi, moroi, nosferatu, or vetala.

Jiang-shi-born (ru-shi) are often quite gifted students, and though their stiff movements may suggest otherwise, they can be as deadly in combat as any other dhampirs. Moroi-born (svetocher) are children of the haughty and brutal moroi. They exhibit deadly strength and are incredibly good at talking their way out of almost any situation. Nosferatu-born (ancient-born) are the peculiar offspring of misshapen nosferatu. Some of them seek isolation, some revenge, and some deadly adventure; their innate strength allows them to pursue any path of their choosing. Vetala-born (ajibachana) dhampirs typically have skin the color of faded brass, allowing them to blend into society more easily than others of their kind. Their awareness of their own mortal limitations drives them to quickly absorb new knowledge and master any skill required.

What kind of story will you weave? Will you struggle against your tainted bloodline, or embrace it wholeheartedly? Will your companions stay with you till the end? And what will this end be? The decision is yours, crusader.
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