Vampaneze are the antagonists of The Saga of Darren Shan book series and make their first appearance in the third book "Tunnels of Blood". They are the archenemy of Vampires.
The vampaneze used to be vampires but left after Desmond Tiny introduced the role of Vampire Princes, as they did not agree with the introduction and harboured a desire to kill their victims rather than just feed on their blood like the other vampires. The vampaneze believed that since feeding on someone would cause a portion of that person's soul would live in them, they are “the guardians of history” and more noble than the parasitic Vampires.
Like vampires, Vampaneze have the ability to blood people and make them into half-vampaneze.
Appearance[]
Vampaneze have a human appearance but with light purple skin and red hair, eyes, lips, and nails which is the result of drinking blood in larger amount than normal Vampires(though half-vampaneze lack this). According to Mr. Crepsley, it takes a decade or two for the coloration to set in; R.V., a newly turned Vampaneze had to use makeup to look like his older brethren. Murlough’s coloration was darker and more vivid than most Vampaneze on account of his gluttony.
Strangely, in the movie adaptation, they dont appear to have red eyes and hair or purple skin.
Behavior and Code[]
While seemingly more savage, Vampaneze are usually as sane as Vampires and fight with honor, just like them. Vampaneze rules of combat are even more strict than Vampires’, outlawing the use of any ranged weapons (though a dying one did throw a knife in The Vampire Prince). Mr. Crepsley notes that Vampaneze are loyal and courageous, and most—despite their homicidal feeding habits—seem to live up to this image (with notable exceptions, like Murlough, R.V., and Steve).
They hate leadership but will accept it if it means the end of them if they don't, although they do it grudgingly. Also, a vampaneze must always tell the truth and keep their word; otherwise he/she will be tracked down and be killed by other Vampaneze.
According to Crepsley, Vampaneze are traditionalists when hunting. When they have fully chosen their next victim, they sneak into their houses and mark them with their nails by making three small scratches on their victim's left cheek when they're asleep, and follow them to kill them. They are also behind the false myth about vampires not being able to enter a house unless invited. The story behind it is that the Vampaneze almost never kill humans at home; they prefer to kill their prey outside, and then hide, or dispose of the bodies or hide the wounds to make their death look accidental. When they do kill a person inside their home, they must perform a special ritual involving a bag of powders. Darren Shan claims Mr. Crepsley said the Vampaneze are “big into rituals,” but no others are specifically seen in the series.
Vampaneze are responsible for other myths of Vampires as well. They prefer to feed on fresh human blood. Like Vampires, they can survive off animal blood or bottled blood but Vampaneze will only do so only in emergencies. Additionally, unlike Vampires, they do not eat solid food “preferring to keep going on blood alone.”
It is later revealed that killing has become instinctive to the Vampaneze; even if they wish not to, as Vancha did before being re-blooded as a Vampire, they will be unable to stop themselves. When Darren re-blooded Darrius, he inherited some of these instincts and had to fight the urge to kill. Because they consume more blood than Vampires, Vampaneze age slightly slower, though the difference is considered negligible. Otherwise they have the same powers and weaknesses as Vampires.
Known Vampaneze[]
- Steve Leonard -Half-Vampaneze and Vampaneze Lord (deceased)
- Murlough (deceased)
- R.V. (deceased)
- Darrius Shan - Half-Vampaneze (formerly), Half-Vampire (currently)