Vryloka

Vrylokas are a playable race in the Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition version of Ravenloft. They are a human offshoot race characterized as "living vampires", similar in concept to the dhampir and vampyre.

Racial History

The vrylokas descend from the noble families of an unknown world who ruled over a realm of dark, misty forests, who pursued greater longevity and found their wish granted by a mysterious entity known only as the Red Witch. When this dark pact became known to the peoples of that realm, the vrylokas were driven from their former holdings and have since scattered across their world, and possibly others. They are frequently encountered in the Shadowfell or in regions with strong metaphysical links to that plane.

Physical Characteristics

Vrylokas can easily pass for human in all aspects. Their eyes are invariably dark gray or blue, but change color to shades of red when they are angry or excited, which is the greatest flaw in their disguise. Their skin is uniformly pale, ranging in tone from pinkish flesh to chalky white. Most vrylokas have hair in shades of red, from deep scarlet to strawberry blond, but rare individuals have jet black hair. Whilst a vryloka's upper canines might appear slightly more pronounced than a human's, they lack the true fangs of a vampire.

Mental Characteristics

Vrylokas possess unusually intense and passionate emotions, both positive and negative, which makes them devoted allies and terrifying foes. They have a well-deserved reputation for holding grudges. Unlike naturally long-lived demihumans such as elves or dwarves, their human origins means vrylokas are highly sensitive to the flow of time despite their supernatural longevity. Combined with their intense passions, vrylokas are very susceptible to feelings of ennui and unrest.

Metaphysical Characteristics

All vrylokas live for an average of 300 years unless slain prematurely, and they retain their energy and vitality to their dying days. The most powerful vrylokas are said to be immune to the effects of age, although they can be killed like any other creature.

Vrylokas possess preternatural charisma, as well as either superhuman strength or superhuman dexterity, depending on the individual. All vrylokas have superior vision in dim light compared to humans, and move with increased speed. They are resistant to the damage caused by necrotic energy (also known as negative energy), can "count as" either undead or living creatures depending on which is more beneficial when interacting with magic that specifically differentiates between those types, and have the ability to benefit from a sudden surge of paranormal vitality whenever they slay or grievously wound a foe. Their only weakness is that vrylokas who are seriously injured do not respond as readily to healing effects as true humans do.

In addition to the aforementioned common traits of the vryloka, powerful individuals may optionally develop any to all of these five racial powers:

• The ability to draw metaphysical sustenance by slaying a creature.
• The ability to transform into a ruddy-furred, red-eyed wolf.
• The ability to transform into a small flying predator, such as a hunting bat, red owl or bloodhawk.
• The ability to revive a recently slain ally by feeding them the vryloka's blood - which can potentially turn a human subject into a vryloka in turn.
• The ability to enter a life-draining mystical battle trance.

Presence in the Land of Mists

In the adventure Fair Barovia, it is stated that vrylokas make up 1% of the population of Vallaki, where they are said to have integrated themselves into the village society and presumably keep their true nature to themselves. They join the dusk elves as a new demihuman race native to the 4e interpretation of Barovia.