Consumption - Part 6 The Vampire's Awareness But across the world, another kind of monster lurks—one that is both horrifying and tragic. Vampires. Unlike the Wendigo, vampires are not mindless beasts. They are fully aware of their curse, their immortality, and their need to feed on the blood of the living. In Romania, the Strigoi is a restless spirit that rises from the grave. In Norse mythology, the Aptgangr—the "again-walker"—is a revenant. In Southeast Asia, the Penanggalan detaches its head from its body and flies through the night. Japan's Bake consumes both life and spirit. While these creatures may differ in form, they all share a terrifying trait: an awareness of their monstrosity. Vampires are self-aware abominations. They know what they've become, and this knowledge makes their curse even worse. They cannot look into mirrors—not because it weakens them, but because it forces them to see the creature they've become.