As a species, vampires are quite an extraordinary race with abilities — though basically evil in their construct — that must be admired for their efficiency, intelligence, and self-preservation. To understand vampires is to learn of their characteristics: how they appear, where they sleep, why they become one with the bat, wolf, and mist — all these peculiarities that give us a bigger picture of why vampires are the way they are. And bear in mind that while these powers may seem attractive, they may also become passé after centuries of overuse.