A Field Guide to Vampires

by Alyxandra Harvey

  ALYXANDRA HARVEY

  A Field Guide to Vampires

  For the Students of the Helios-Ra Academy

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Dedication

  1. Official Welcome

  2. Helios-Ra, An Overview

  3. School Essentials

  4. Victims

  5. Approved Weapons List

  6. Vampire Hunters of Note

  7. Traditional Vampire Lore (Mostly Debunked)

  8. Basic Vampire Statistics

  9. Vampire History

  10. The Host

  11. The Hel-Blar

  12. The Hounds

  13. The Drake Family (Local Clan)

  14. Supernatural Miscellany

  Lucky Hamilton Class Schedule

  The Drake Chronicles

  Read the Drake Chronicles

  Hearts at Stake

  Also by Alyxandra Harvey

  Haunting Violet

  Stolen Away

  About the Author

  Imprint

  A Field Guide to Vampires

  For the Students of the Helios-Ra Academy

  Violet Hill edition

  With Additional Notes by Lucy Hamilton

  1.

  Official Welcome

  Welcome to the Academy.

  Welcome to the noble and ancient ranks of the Helios-Ra. Ours is a sacred duty and a privilege passed down from generation to generation. To be a hunter is not merely to hunt; it is to protect.

  We serve the human race that it may live and grow and advance, unburdened by those creatures that dwell in the darkness. It is no accident that society at large believes vampires to be myth or literary device. We have worked long and hard to keep it so. Nothing would be served by mass panic or vigilantes. The governments of the world and the Helios-Ra both agree on this point and work together to keep it thus.

  The vampires are no less eager to have their presence known. And so long as they keep to the shadows, so too must we.

  But we will be revealed to those who know such things by the symbol of the sun; Helios of the Greeks and Ra of the Egyptians.

  We serve the sun.

  I knew they had government connections. Hart totally has that James Bond thing going for him.

  2.

  Helios-Ra, An Overview

  Oath of Fealty

  In the name of Helios and Ra and of my brethren, be it known to all, present and future, that I have voluntarily sworn an oath of fealty to the order of Helios-Ra. I swear to be true and faithful, and love all which the order loves and shun all which the order shuns, according to the laws and traditions of the order.

  I hereby swear to cultivate the virtues of honor and courage, to defend the weak and the unknowing against all manner of creatures, to fight the vampire and never be seduced by them.

  I stand tall to be counted among the valiant and I shall be known to my brethren by the symbol of the sun, which I wear willingly and with all due humility.

  Yeah, I’m so not swearing that oath. Nicholas can seduce me if he wants to.

  A Short History

  Helios-Ra was officially formed in 99 C.E., brought across Europe and Egypt by the conquering armies of Rome. Before this time, hunters worked alone or in small tribal groups who rarely crossed territory lines. Their methods were effective but varied greatly, and were vulnerable to the political ruling powers of the time as well as intertribal warfare.

  In 892, a hunter of some reputation, Alric Skallagrim, called a council of hunters. He summoned them from as far as the Russian steppes to the southernmost tip of India with the intent to unite them under one banner and one purpose. He called the group Helios-Ra after the mythical sun gods, and designed the sun emblem we use to this day. In 899, our history was officially set down in the Helios-Ra Codex by an Irish monk of the order Brother Phinean, at Alric’s request.

  Our traditions were also considerably solidified in the early Middle Ages when several more wars made it necessary to further strengthen our allegiances. Our traditional oath-taking and initiation ceremony, though somewhat altered, dates to this time period.

  Helios-Ra came to the New World in 1671 through Marie-Adelle Chevalier, a Fille du Roi (one of the "Daughters of the King": orphaned French girls who traveled to the New World to marry). Her sons continued her work and were instrumental in making sure Helios-Ra gained strong roots in New France, and later, America. Helios-Ra also had a strong presence in Salem, Massachusetts, during the 1692 witch trials.

  Scholars have always been welcome among the ranks of hunters, and in 1967, paranormal scholars were also invited to serve in our ranks that we might broaden the scope of our research and defense. Other supernatural creatures, such as werewolves, witches, and ghosts, have since been studied and their actions controlled when necessary.

  Over the years we have either successfully infiltrated or been officially welcomed to most world governments as well as underground rebel groups. Our one aim is to eradicate vampires and make the world safe for humanity, by any means possible. A warning must be issued to all new recruits to avoid the temptations of political power. This is not our goal and can only serve as a distraction.

  Traditional Helios-Ra burials used to involve burying the body with rose thorns, salt, and a mouthful of garlic. A whitethorn stake was also driven through the heart. Modern hunters often choose to be cremated instead.

  Head of the League, North American (1900-present)

  Avril Chevalier (1953-1971)

  Kendall McMullan (1971-72)

  Luis Mendez (1972-2001)

  Roarke Black (2001-2009) (died in office, 2009)

  Mom said she met Kieran’s dad once in the 80s with Helena. And she said Helena had teased hair. Solange and I are still searching for photographic proof.

  Hart Black and Hope Jones (2009-?)

  Hope was a traitor. She killed Kieran’s dad. She was also annoyingly perky.

  The Secret Handshake

  There is no secret handshake.

  Oh, come on. There is so a secret handshake, you’re just not sharing!

  Treaties

  In recent decades, treaties have become another weapon in the kit of the modern vampire hunter. Some vampire clans, such as the Drake family of Violet Hill, have agreed to terms with the League. Solitary vampires are also sometimes inclined to such treaties, having a smaller defense system to rely on.

  Though controversial, these treaties are to our benefit. Not only do they protect the human populace at large, but they free up finite resources to fight more immediate threats such as the Hel-Blar and Lady Natasha (see section 9).

  She was like an evil prom queen. Also, kinda dead now.

  Treaties generally include clauses for both parties. Families such as the Drakes agree not to feed on human victims without prior consent and never to the point of endangering said human. As long as this main clause is not broken, the League agrees not to hunt the "treaty vampire."

  3.

  School Essentials

  1. Students are not allowed off campus unchaperoned after sunset until they reach the age of sixteen. At sixteen, they’re allowed only with permission. No exceptions.

  2. The academy and the League are secret institutions and are required to be safeguarded as such.

  3. No fraternizing of any kind with vampires. Treaty vampires require prior League and academy approval.

  School Crest: Rising sun over horizon line

  School Motto: Diligence, Duty, and Daring

  Departments of Study: Hunting, Science and Technology, Paranormal Studies

  New student kits include the following: handbook, map of Violet Hill, night-vision goggles, wooden sta
ke, pepper eggs, holy water.

  Demerit System: Five allowed per school year. A sixth leads to expulsion. Detention and kitchen duty assigned for most infractions. Bathroom duty assigned for violent altercations.

  Miscellaneous

  a) Random testing in the form of speed and stealth drills. Be prepared.

  This is the reason Kieran is such a boy scout! I wonder if there’s such a thing as vampire hunting badges.

  b) The Student Memorial Garden is behind the pond. Please be quiet and respectful when visiting.

  c) In the event of an emergency lockdown on campus, high-UV lightbulbs will automatically switch on, and bars may block windows.

  d) Visitor passes are given out to preapproved guests only.

  Do vampire boyfriends count? I’m so going to get kicked out of this school, aren’t I?

  4.

  Victims

  Victim recognition

  Victims who do not expire immediately can be recognized as newly turned vampires by the following indicators: paleness, weakness, anemia, scars on the neck or wrists; also, the use of scarves or long sleeves (even during summer) or wide bracelets to hide such marks.

  Another sort of victim, less easily dealt with than the others, is the victim who believes he or she is a vampire. This sort of delusional individual is best left to undergo psychological evaluation. Do not engage in the field.

  Seriously, who writes this crap?

  Victims tend to be found in crowded areas, such as bars and sporting events, or in secluded wooded areas with a reliable measure of privacy. City parks are a particular favorite. Victims do not always sport the obvious bite marks on their necks; bites can be given anywhere on the body. Preferred locations are the neck, the inside crook of the elbow, and the wrist.

  Victims of Hel-Blar attacks (see section 11) are especially likely to have their throats torn out. Pay judicious attention to news stories involving wild-dog attacks or gang-related activity not involving gunplay.

  In the rare event of interrupting a Hel-Blar attack, the optimal distraction is to shine your flashlight directly into the eyes of the vampire. They are even more sensitive to light than other vampires; this is thought to be a direct result of their time spent in dark caves without electric lighting of any kind. This technique will not stop the Hel-Blar from feeding, of course, but it may distract them long enough to attempt a rescue of the victim. Do not attempt if you are a new student or graduate. This is an old-fashioned strategy, included for posterity and only to be used in case your other weapons are unavailable.

  Bloodslaves

  Bloodslaves are brainwashed humans who willingly allow themselves to be bitten and have their blood drunk to sustain their master. Look for scars at throat and elbow.

  Oh, bite me.

  Hunting, Tracking

  Tracking vampires requires skill, a keen eye, and a little bit of luck. They move with preternatural speed, sometimes so quickly that they float a few inches above the ground. For this reason, finding tracks can be exceedingly difficult. Look for broken twigs above ground level, animals abruptly clearing the area, or the effects of a windstorm when none has occurred. In a cityscape, look for confused individuals or paper litter moving when there is no wind.

  Or in the case of the Drake brothers, especially Quinn, look for drooling girls. Seriously.

  5.

  Approved Weapons List

  Wooden Stake:

  This is the classic weapon of choice against vampires, traditionally made of whitethorn, and should not be discounted. It is unlikely to malfunction and can be made of any material, not just wood. Broken branches, fireplace pokers, fence posts, even chopsticks can be used.

  Mine are covered in pink rhinestones. And pirate skulls. We can fight the Hel-Blar and still have a sense of humor. Despite what this hokey League might think!

  Crossbow:

  This is the more modern version of the longbow, which was a popular weapon of the Helios-Ra during the early Middle Ages. Arrows have the advantage of keeping you out of range. Crossbows can’t always be reloaded quickly, so do practice. Good aim is also crucial.

  Okay, now we’re talking. Finally, something cool.

  Swords and Daggers:

  Another holdover from our medieval days, swords and daggers can slow a vampire down long enough for a strike to the heart. They are not ideal, though, as vampires heal quickly and are faster and stronger than we are. Decapitation will kill a vampire but it is a surprisingly difficult maneuver, and messy.

  Also, it makes them cranky if you miss. I’d like to see them try it with Helena!

  Holy Water:

  This is not the traditional holy water blessed by a priest or other holy person. Such water is not effective and is a product of legend and wishful thinking. The Helios-Ra has developed water charged with UV rays and large doses of vitamin D that is harmful to all vampires. It burns and eats away at their skin, slowing their healing process while inflicting pain. These wounds do not always heal entirely.

  Aunt Hyacinth still has the scars to prove it. Stupid Hope and her stupid rogue unit.

  UV Bullets:

  In the last few decades, we have also developed bullets filled with Holy Water, which fit most guns and rifles. This is the cleanest kill, if the bullet catches the heart. As with archery, aim is crucial.

  Nose Plugs:

  Do not underestimate the power of vampire pheromones. Nose plugs will save your mission and likely, your life.

  Hypnos:

  This is the strongest and most current weapon at our disposal. This powder is made from a sample of blood from the oldest known vampire, Enheduanna (Sumerian origin), as well as several zombie herbs and a powdered form of horse tranquilizer. The magical ingredients cannot be discussed with anyone outside the Paranormal division of the order.

  Hypnos works by hypnotizing whoever breathes in the powder. Vampires are especially vulnerable, due to the addition of Enheduanna’s blood, even at such a small quantity. For a short amount of time (about 10-15 minutes reliably) the vampire is completely unable to do anything but follow orders. This is especially good for general disarming as well as disbanding Hel-Blar nests. It is also effective for wiping memories of human victims or bystanders, for their own protection. The use of Hypnos is strictly regulated; not every graduate will be awarded a portion.

  Kieran dosed me once. It’s even worse than it sounds. It makes you feel claustrophobic and anxious. You can think clearly but you can’t seem to make your body do what you want. You literally have no choice but to obey. It’s awful.

  Pepper Eggs:

  Eggs are a relatively new invention, based on ninja-style weapons. Helios-Ra "eggs" are made of thin putty made to break upon impact and are filled with a mixture of ground glass, cayenne pepper, and Hypnos.

  6.

  Vampire Hunters of Note

  From Folktale and Family Stories:

  Agrippa(Roman)

  Roman slave girl named after the Empress Agrippina, also a slave girl before she married Claudius. Nero, her son, had her murdered. Agrippa dove for pearls and was trained by her Roman lover, a centurion stationed in the area. By all accounts she was beautiful and deadly, taking out several vampire nests.

  Dugan (Celtic)

  Druid priest believed to be from either the Caledonii tribe or the Brigantes. He trained on the isle of Mona and was adept at many forms of magical healing and recognizable by his numerous woad tattoos. After his sister was killed by a rogue vampire, he turned to vampire hunting. Legend says he lived to be 192, but there is no corroborating evidence.

  Eirik the Shield (Icelandic)

  Viking warrior and sailor who traveled widely, hunting vampires in the Netherlands, Britain, France, and, occasionally, Spain.

  Documented Hunters of Note:

  Conrad the Black (British, sixth-century)

  Rumored to have fought alongside King Arthur.

  Alric Skallagrim (Norse, 870-913)

  Famed vampire hunter and founder of the
Helios-Ra. See "A Short History of Helios-Ra." Born at the foot of a lightning-struck oak tree said to be sacred to Thor. Lost his twin sister, Astrid, to a vampire attack, which fueled his creation of the Helios-Ra League.

  Hakeem Mamoud (Egyptian, tenth century)

  Founded the first League Headquarters in Egypt in an abandoned ancient temple to Ra.

  Marie-Adelle Chevalier (French, sixteenth century)

  Brought the League to North America (specifically, New France).

  Cheng-Hu (Chinese, seventeenth century)

  Trained noblewomen in the secret arts of vampire hunting until he was beheaded for trying to run away with a married woman.

  Yoska Shandor (Roman, eighteenth century)

  Relayed messages between vampire hunters all over Europe by means of his family caravan. Joined after his son was found drained of blood.

  Ravi Srinapadam (Indian, eighteenth century)

  Married daughter of Amrita clan (see Raktapa Council). Amrita vampires give birth to daughters the way Drakes give birth to sons. Ravi married their eldest daughter in 1789 and wrote the first League-vampire treaty after being disbarred. He was reindicted into the League on the strength of this treaty.

  Zachariah Jones (American, eighteenth century)

  One of the first hunters to settle in the Violet Hill area, after tracking the Drake family to the town in 1752. When his lover died, Zachariah retreated to the mountains and was never heard from again. His journals are still being searched for today.

  Philippa Drake, nee Philippa Wallace (British, nineteenth century)

  Founded a Ladies Paranormal Society in 1888, after marrying Thomas Drake and being exiled by both her family and the League. Her father was the Head of the Helios-Ra at the time.