Category:Vampires

The supernatural creatures of Vampire Knight universe. As in traditional folklore, they are sensitive to the sun and exist during the night, however sunlight will only cause burns and not actually harm them dangerously. When vampires are killed they turn into dust, the most effective way to kill a vampire is through the head or the heart. Vampires have developed blood tablets that take the place of needing to feed, however it does not taste very good.

=History= Vampires have existed for well over 3000 years, the original vampire appeared when 'mankind's civilisations began to crumble. At one point there was a war with the humans, during which Purebloods began turning humans into vampires. Traditionally the vampires have been ruled by the Kurans, the highest of the Pureblooded families. Juri and Haruka's father gave up the position of King and turned over the rule of vampires to the Council of Elders, the Kurans continues to be the highest standing family and it is known that there are families who would support Kaname Kuran if he chose to take back the kingship.

=Classes= There exists 5 levels of vampires. These are based on the purity of vampire blood, depending on how diluted their heritage is by human blood.



Purebloods
Level A Vampires. The heritage of these vampires hasn't been diluted by human blood. They're the strongest type of vampire and have the most significant powers. Despite the fact that Purebloods are very powerful, they only make up for a very small portion of the vampire population. The Council hold Purebloods in extremely high regard. It is taboo to kill or to even harm a Pureblood. As a result, Purebloods are treated like royalty.

The powers of Purebloods are dangerous to both their fellow vampires and humans. Purebloods have the ability to compel lesser vampires to do their bidding. In recent chapters, Kaname Kuran demonstrated why Purebloods are feared and respected by single-handedly killing the members of the Council. If a human is bitten by a Pureblood that human will turn into a vampire. The Pureblood and ex-human, in question, become bonded in Master and Servant. The master is able to completely control their servant. While the servant becomes incapable of ever killing their master, even if they wish to. When purebloods die; their bodies shatter like glass. So, a death for a pureblood is different from the deaths of other types of vampires.

Aristocrats
Level B vampires. They are elite vampires with specialised abilities beyond normal vampires. When an aristocrat is killed, they turn to dust, as do the other levels below them. These aristocratic vampires are still able to be compelled by purebloods, but enjoy a much more independent lifestyle in general. The council of elders is usually made up from their ranks.

Common
Level C vampires. Average vampires with no significant powers.

Ex-humans
When a human is bitten by a Pureblood vampire, they will either die from toxic blood or more likely suffer the slow agony of the awakening to become a vampire. These vampires are easily controlled by their master and are unable to kill their creator. One of the few advantages is that unlike normal vampires, they are not overly sensitive to sunlight.

When Hunters capture level D vampires, they tattoo them with their symbol and perform a "taming" ceremony enabling them to disable a vampire with a linked piece of jewellery. While the hunters have a ward to prevent vampires from entering their buildings, an exception is made for tamed vampires.

Eventually every ex-human vampire falls to level E, a mad vampire with an uncontrollable bloodlust. These vampires are then put on the list for extermination. They can, however, be saved from this fate if their Pureblood creator gives them their blood.

=Powers= Elite vampires,such as level B and Purebloods are known to have special powers. Most can erase memories. Aristocrats usually have a specialised power in particular. Purebloods have a range of powers, some that have yet to be revealed.