Vampire (mythology)

Vampires are creatures affected by the Great Vampires. Though there are vampire legends on at least 17 planets (and vampires on countless more), the most commonly seen were Humans. They will be returning in Series 5 (Series 1, Season 31) and were seen in the Series 5 trailer broadcast New Year's Day on BBC One.



Lore
The fictional vampire Dracula provided the inspiration for a robot featured in the "House of Horrors" exhibit at the Festival of Ghana. (DW: The Chase) The actual presence of the Ancient One and humans-turned-Haemovore in Eastern Europe may well have inspired some of these legends. (DW: The Curse of Fenric)

The Doctor mentions that legends state that vampires can only be killed by a stake to the heart (like the Great Vampires). They also can't cross running water and are injured by sunlight. Whether these are true or just myths is unknown. (DW: State of Decay)

Characteristics
Created by the Great Vampires, Human vampires were pale and had fangs. They had increased strength and had hypnotic powers, being able to control Gallifreyans, Alzarians and bats. Vampires feed on the blood of other creatures, preferring that of living to dead creatures. Like the Great Vampires themselves and like the Haemovores, they can convert living humans into vampires like themselves. Though they are technically immortal, if their Great Vampire progenitor dies, they quickly age and disintegrate. (DW: State of Decay)