A reader writes in to ask how to defend against vampire attacks. I have mixed feelings about this, because too often "defense" morphs into "destroy," as in this excerpt from the Second Congressional Report:
Despite their Dark magic, or perhaps because of it, vampires are vulnerable to the more powerful forms of warding- and (less often) seeking-magic. They cannot be destroyed by magic, however. Well-made wards created by reputable magicians are generally sufficient to protect homes, modes of transportation, and places of business. Personal wards are somewhat effective but can be overpowered in a determined attack. Garlic and holy items (such as crosses) are only the most well-known or traditional elements of an effective ward. Nocturnal predators relying on secrecy, vampires avoid large groups and bright lights. Reports indicate that as more vampires hunt in packs, however, they are more willing to attack greater numbers of humans and in more exposed settings.
Defense against a vampire attack once initiated is much more problematic than the prevention or avoidance of such an attack. Silver bullets are only slightly more effective against vampires than are regular bullets (in contrast to their destructive effect on lycanthropes), unless directly striking the heart. Vampires are by nature so much stronger and faster than humans that staking is virtually never effective during the vampire's nocturnal phase, and attempts usually end in the death of the human defender. Vampires are able to heal quickly even from major wounds. Staking, beheading, or burning by fire or exposure to direct sunlight are the only ways vampires may be destroyed or reach "the final death," as some call it.
Vampire hunting, or deliberately seeking contact with vampires in order to destroy them, is extremely dangerous and should be engaged in only by trained, licensed law enforcement professionals or special military units.
I realize that vampires are dangerous, but it still seems that there must be a way for us to defend ourselves without destroying them. Surely some are worth saving.
