October 14, 1795.

I cannot conceive how the information contained in the Society’s archives was amassed. It is obvious they have spent years tracking and recording the lives of the vampires named within these pages. Each member has made notes of various vampires, their lives and habits. But there is so much more lurking in these papers, and much of this information could not have possibly been collected within a span of five years.

How could they possibly know the very country where the foul vampires originated? I found an account that states the first vampire had its genesis in India, spit out of some abhorrent darkness no doubt. From there the curse flowed to Persia and then on to Europe.

It is obvious they have another source of information.

October 15, 1795.

I asked the origins of the information contained in the archives, and I was quite shocked at the answer I was given.

Gypsies, if that is to be believed, are their source of knowledge. These odd nomads have long been sworn enemies of the vampire.

I still do not know how the Gypsy’s knowledge fell into the Society’s hands; they all refused to say.

I suspect it was by underhanded means.

October 17, 1795.

I found some very useful information in the archives this last afternoon. A list of the unnatural skills a vampire possesses.

They seem to have superior strength to normal men, are faster in their movements, and their senses are heightened to higher levels. 

And most daunting of all they have some uncanny mesmerizing power, which can place the person totally under their will. That chilling quality gave me pause, but I was somewhat reassured when I read that this hypnotic stare must have eye to eye contact to be effective.

A vampire is indeed a formidable opponent; a great deal of planning and stealth will be needed to kill Father.

October 19, 1795.

 I have now read the account the Society has archived on how to kill a vampire. They are difficult creatures to best. It seems there are only three ways to end a vampire’s life: thrust an iron, silver or wooden spike through its heart, take a sword and cut off the creature’s head, or set them on fire. None of these methods can be achieved easily, as they require you to have close contact with the vampire.

October 20, 1795.

I asked Percy about dispatching a vampire, and whether it was an impossibly difficult task. He agreed it was arduous, but not unattainable. He agreed to instruct me in the techniques the Society has used in the use of their weaponry.

October 23, 1795.

Percy’s instruction in the use of weapons has been invaluable, and enlightening. I was already a fair hand with a sword from lessons I had at school, but handling the blade to decapitate, instead of thrust is a far different skill.

At least I have some ability with the blade, I fear learning to wield a spike may be beyond my skill. I find it an awkward business, yet I will not give up my attempts to master it. I have little choice.