What is a vampire? A fanged monster that talks ~ but that's not important right now
Literature
Vampires are classic monsters in literature that have become very popular and very diverse since their earlier appearances. The earliest know vampire story that set the scene for the 'traditional' blood suckers that we know today was published in 1819 under the title "The Vampyre". The story itself was meant as a sort of joke at the time, but, unbeknownst to it's creators, has created a sort of backbone for most (if not all) vampire legends that followed.
Diseases
Many diseases and disorders have attributed to the traits of vampires - the plague, rabies, and tuberculosis to name just a few. But there's one that I believe really adheres to what are considered vampiric qualities.
Porphyria - a rare genetic disease - has some very vampire-like characteristics. Persons can be sensitive to the touch of sunlight, deprived of oxygen in the blood, and can also have urges to ingest/drink the blood of others to help lessen some of the disease's symptoms.
Powers
In modern times there are so many vampires that making a complete list of all their powers would be nearly impossible. However, some traditional and folkloric powers include the ever popular abilities to transform, live forever, and hypnotize prey - not to mention super strength and simple powers over nature.
Alas, my friends, I seem to have misplaced my ink bottle...perhaps the next time I write to you I shall have better luck. I have only included a small fraction of knowledge in this letter to you today, but I hope you found my words interesting. I have tried to state only facts, but everyone is flawed.
Until we meet again,
The Friendly Steampunk
Credits to Google Images for the picture
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