Legends of Windemere

Brujah from Vampire: The Masquerade

Is that supposed to be me?  I’m not nearly that pale and that clunky necklace would get in the way when I’m stealing stuff.  That woman ever hear of a comb or brush?  Whatever, I’m in a mood because this shouldn’t be done by me.  Clyde is the first Dawn Fang and the one who made the rest of us, so he should be here.  I don’t care if you can’t find him.  Put this off until he peeks out from wherever he’s . . . That’s not my signature.  I mean, it looks like it, but I never signed that contract.  Oh, that bastard.  Fine, but everyone involved owes me a favor.

1. Just because you have the strength and powers of a Dawn Fang doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.  We survive by living within our strict rules.  This prevents us from being discovered by mortals and targeted by the gods.  Last thing we want is a group of heroes being chosen to wipe us out.  So, be on your best behavior, don’t make any scenes, and you won’t have to be eliminated.
2. Never believe that there isn’t someone stronger than you.  Sure, we have plenty of advantages, but that only means we have a higher risk of getting too comfortable.  A Dawn Fang can still be killed, so keep that in mind.  We’re probably more at risk of getting ourselves killed through egotism than any other creature on Windemere.  I know it doesn’t feel right, but it’s true.
3. Practice with your powers to make sure you know what you’re doing.  We have places where new turns can live and hone their skills without drawing attention.  This is an important rule for three reasons.  One is that you reduce the risk of getting yourself killed in a crowd because you tried a stunt under pressure.  Second is that you enter the world outside with a better understanding of your abilities and that means you have a survival plan.  Third . . . Clyde and I won’t have to kill you for being stupid.
4. If you have a partner who has a long list of targ . . . personal projects, don’t trick her into hosting a Q&A session.  Not unless you want to spend a week without your kidneys.
5. Blending in with mortals is essential to society.  You might think our predatory instinct is the biggest danger, but we have pretty good control over that.  After all, we don’t have to kill the ones we bite and can get away with a quick nip off a few people.  No, the real challenge is not overcompensating.  We expose ourselves more by trying to act ‘too mortal’, which makes us stand out.  Just relax and act casual.  Laugh at jokes, treat people to drinks, and watch for cues from those around you if you feel like you’re missing something.
6. Floss and brush your teeth.  This is more to maintain fresh breath since we can eat mortal food now.  Is it possible for fangs to get a cavity?  Yes, but you just yank it out and wait a day for a new one to grow in.  Still, it’s kind of embarrassing to be walking around like that, so try to avoid the situation.  (For those wondering, Windemere does have toothbrushes, but most people chew leaves and herbs that clean the teeth.)
7. Never betray the Dawn Fang nation or whatever we’re calling ourselves.  This means, you do not reveal our existence, side with our enemies, attempt to take control, or simply piss us off.  Being one of us is a gift and we don’t want to think we made a mistake turning you.  Clyde and I are not beneath destroying those who . . . Of course, our friends have more leeway.  We’ve known them since before Clyde changed.  Don’t go thinking you’re at that level.  It’s called favoritism.  Want to get there then work for it.

Okay, I’m done here.  So this isn’t a total loss of time and patience, please leave whatever shiny things you have in this basket and I’ll unlock the door.  Thanks and check us out in War of Nytefall.