Dhampir

Origin
Dhampir are the result of a Human and a Vampire having a child. It does not matter which child is which.

History
The first Dhampir appeared a few hundred years after the Cataclysm, most likely from Vampires attempting to fit in among the growing population of Humans. For the most part, Dhampir tend to live at the edges of society, being rebels and vagabonds. However, they are also known to be successful, managing to become individuals of rather high regard. Despite this, they seem to keep themselves isolated from others, except for perhaps a chosen few. They don't really participate much in world events, and as such have had little overall effect on history.

They were often persecuted in the Witch Hunts between 1450 and 1750. They were condemned for their need to drink blood, and seen as a threat to society. This made them, along with most other non-Humans, great enemies of the Purists.

Appearance
Dhampir do not vary much in appearance from Humans. They tend to be at least 5 feet tall, and about 6.5 feet at the max, but individuals above 6 feet are rare. The main way in which they differ from Humans, is that they have rather pronounced canine teeth. Not as much as the teeth of a Vampire, but still more than usual. Regardless, this allows them to fit in a bit more than Vampires.

Behavior
Dhampir fill many roles in the world, but generally go against the law. They are often outcasts, ridiculed as weak half breeds, as they do not possess the same abilities of their Vampire parent. Their personality can be as diverse as that of a Human, ranging from calm and collected, to downright insane.

When it comes to feeding, they are not gifted with the same abilities of their Vampire parent. This means that they must instead rely on cunning in order to secure the blood they need. They often employ charm, or take advantage of individuals in an altered state (a.k.a., picking up a drunk person from a bar).

Abilities
While not having the same abilities as Vampires, Dhampir are not completely without abilities. They are only as fast and strong as Humans, but possess excellent combat and hunting instincts. Also, they are known to sometimes have the ability to use magic (ranking in this scales the same as with Witches/Wizards). In another twist, it has been found that they are only capable of using Dark Magic, and Fire Magic.

Also, Dhampir have the ability to see in the dark, and have a good sense of smell.

Weaknesses
Dhampir do not possess the strength, nor the speed, of their Vampire parent. They are rather fragile, akin to Humans. They are often required to seek out alternative ways to secure the blood that they need. Overall, in a head on, close quarters brawl, Dhampir tend to be less deadly than Vampires.

Diet
Like their Vampire parent, Dhampirs must consume blood to survive. It really doesn't matter what kind of blood, but it tends to be a bit harder for them to procure, as they are seen as less of a priority for shipments of blood from the Huntsmen and Shadowhunters.

As with their Vampire parents, if they try to eat normal food, it will first of all taste revolting to them, and secondly, if they attempt to eat too much, they can become very sick.

Lifestyle/Lifespan
Dhampir live longer lives than Humans, but not as long as Vampires. 100 years is the average, though individuals managing to live for 150 before their death of old age are not unheard of. They tend to live around Humans alot, and often live as Humans for the most part, getting jobs, and just trying to fit in. They are rebels when it comes to laws and the general ideology of things. They are known to do things that normal people might find strange, but see nothing strange in it.

Reproduction
Dhampir have the ability to mate with Humans, Vampires, and other Dhampir. The child can vary depending on the other parent's species. Mating with a Human can produce a Human, or a Dhampir child. Mating with a Vampire can result in a Dhampir, or a Vampire. Mating with another Dhampir, however, will always result in a Dhampir child. The fertility rate is not bad, yet not good, for non-Human species, being at about 20%.

Death
Dhampir tend to be too scattered of a species to discover their own unique beliefs. There really isn't anything solid, but it is theorized that their souls act similar to those of Humans, going to either Heaven or Hell after death.

Ranks
Rank E - Thrall - Possessing no real combat training, yet still thirsty for blood. These individuals tend to not live long, unless they can find a willing source of blood.

Rank C - Outcast - Individuals who have learned to survive and get by in this world. Have enough combat abilities to fight or flee from the average street gang. They may also have a bit of magical ability.

Rank B - Renegade - These individuals are survivors, and have plenty of experience doing so. They have moderate combat skills, enough to match Veteran Huntsmen. They are sometimes also skilled in magic.

Rank A - Halfblood Lord - Powerful individuals, these Dhampir have achieved great power. Very few dare to threaten them. They are experienced, and powerful. On top of this, they are also known to use magic to great effect.

Rank S - Kingslayer - The most dangerous of Dhampir, these individuals tend to rely on a mixture of magic, and extreme martial ability, to win fights. They can burn and rot away your body, or twist your head around 360 degrees just as comfortably. Most individuals have little chance against them.