Thar Shaddin

18 September 287 PW

I look forward to working with Lord Belatucadrus. His willingness to experiment, even upon himself, is inspiring. The materials available to me leave me without words.

Requests for information through regular contacts are surfacing interesting information. A common theme exists across many cultures regarding vampires or creatures like them. My first assumption points to an astral creature fusing or taking possession of a physical body and requiring nourishment through the blood of others to keep the host body functional. Further information indicates the physical transformation results in a carrier state, enabling transmission of the condition.

No data is available, yet, on whether the transformation process is reversible or not. I sincerely doubt the possibility. If the transformation lore is correct, the host body dies and is kept alive only through the magic and blood. This “resurrection” is different from necromantic magic, which only reanimates dead flesh.

1 February 286 PW

The Lord wishes to minimize knowledge regarding the timing of the conversion; however, I suspect he has been in this state for approximately 30 to 35 years, making him approximately 65 years old. His body retains the build and functionality of a young, male human indicating slowed or discontinued physical degeneration.

He has also requested I help with the medical system infrastructure before I begin applied research. A disappointing delay, but understandable. Sadly, the system is based on standard, human medical methods versus the more advanced healing methods afforded to those with magic-based skills. Truly barbaric! But, again, that is the premise of this place to which we have come. I am sure Fithin is relishing the challenge.

Rest assured, I will use magic as I see fit in my research even as I adhere to the ridiculous discrimination of Puradyne tenets expected of citizens in this town. I will appear the perfect supporter in word and deed. I have even registered and received permission to do what comes as natural to me as breathing. Everyone knows humans are the inferior ones unable to handle the use of magic without going mad. Well, except the humans, of course! And, as for those ‘humans’ who come by magic use naturally, they are genetic mutations, though they choose to disregard that truth. They are no more human than I.

I must calm myself and view this academically. This is a social experiment after all. We have committed ourselves to this farce and I have my research to keep me occupied once I conclude the medical system set-up. With my extensive experience and knowledge I am sure the necessary systems can be put in place quickly enough.

Random thoughts and notes

The body is dead but magically maintained through connection with blood. Some bodily functions return with consumption of blood: pulse, heart beat, skin temperature, skin color, sexual organs.

Mobility during daylight hours - is sleep necessary? Experimental observation during daylight needed.

Effect of light and sunlight. Experiments with varying levels of light show the cells react according the the level of light. Skin is flammable in direct sunlight. Why? Application of blood to cells result in cellular regeneration. Regeneration duration subject to level of light.

Research spontaneous combustion. Research homunculi. Research transference.

Investigating a cross-hybrid of cellulose to absorb and reflect the light. Possible application as clothing or skin salve.

April, 270 PW

Have begun using myself as meal source for experimentation to minimize suspicions. The experience was unusual. Side effects include fatigue and light sensitivity for at least a day. Changing diet routines to incorporate more eggs, whole grains, and low fat meats. The nutrients in these appear to improve the side-effects.


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Discovered certain spices are preferred over others. The body secretes the flavor and scents of foods consumed, why not the blood? Perfumes are not preferred. Natural scents appear to be more appealing.

Undated

I began this as a letter, but chose to share different information.

The texts Bela shared on homunculi were insightful. Over the course of the last two years, I managed to create a golem from inanimate matter. Theogious would be proud! From this work, I applied the principles to animate matter.

It always, always comes back to the blood, doesn't it? Using materials from a miscarried babe, a small skopeîn, and the properties of Bela's blood, I was able to build upon his earlier work. The key lays not in the complex, developed body parts but in the smaller, formative blood components found within the umbilicus!

Upon first application, the behavior patterns of his blood converted the umbilical blood and absorbed it. Continued introduction of umbilical blood, however, resulted in the blood components of the latter overtaking the properties of his blood and converting his blood. Granted, fresher samples of his blood may yield different results, but the implications are amazing. For the first time, I may have discovered something that counteracts the effect of the magical transformation through something wholly natural.

Testing is required, unfortunately, creatures of his type are in short supply for testing. On a side note, should it be necessary, these findings may also allow a certain level of protection.