Boggarts

Boggarts
Wherever vampire clans arise, it is almost guaranteed that Boggarts will come with them. A surprisingly ancient race, the first of these creatures were created from magically-and-alchemically modified bat stock to be the perfect, all-purpose underlings, and to this day they continue to be the backbone of vampiric workforce, as everything from servants to workers, fighters, guardians, assistants, mass-produced nourishment, or simple pets or companions. Though varying a lot in size, they are all recognizable as anthropomorphic Chiropterans, with often large heads - and ears- wings -or wings adapted into arms- and pronounced hunched backs displaying a skull-like pattern that is unique on every individual.

A vampire can lay claim to one or several Boggarts to answer his/her designs depending on caste, but many more will run everything behind the scenes, unbound to specific individuals but answering to the whole clan. Off-duty Boggarts are usually left to  live in catacombs or caverns beneath clan grounds, mating and eating and playing in the filthy dark until they are required again. However,  masters or mistresses that take a liking to his/her servants may allow them to reside in their rooms, and specially kind - or lonely- ones are known to even let them share the bed or coffin. A typical Boggart is somewhat below human intelligence, but it can prove to be exceptionally loyal and affectionate to its superior, and will eagerly offer blood or sacrifice him/herself should the master be threatened or ask for it outright.

Boggarts exist in a wide variety of forms, bred by vampires to fulfill specific needs. The most common kind is small and flightless, but there are also flight-equipped scouts and messengers, large carriers with massive wingspans, even fat and listless specimens destined to be blood-banks, among others. Those with combat-fit modifications are known as Skraelings, and tend to be the toughest  and most intelligent of their kind, if with something of a rebellious streak. All Boggart types, however, find the taste of vertebrate blood abhorrent; a quirk bred into them so they don’t compete with their masters for food. Instead, they prefer prey that has been already drained and discarded, supplemented with fruits and insects.

Smart enough Boggarts will occasionally break free from vampire clans and pursue the life of a non-slave among other races, but the vast majority are happy enough in their role, for it is the only life they know, and might even fight for the privilege of serving the greater masters.