Every version of vampires is different, whether one is considering their origins in folk beliefs around the world or their fictional depiction in literature, film, and television. To appreciate Forever Knight—whether the development of the plot of any particular episode, or the depiction of the vampire characters in the show—it is important to understand the specific characteristics of vampires and vampirism as shown in the series.
In Forever Knight, vampires are supernatural beings who possess a number of traits and abilities that make them deadly predators. From a human perspective, they are therefore creatures of darkness, a view shared by the series' hero, Nick Knight, though he is himself a vampire.
The following are characteristics of vampires as they are depicted in the show.
Flight[]
In Forever Knight, vampires can fly; or more accurately, they can levitate. Vampires, do not possess wings; they are able to defy gravity, allowing them to levitate straight up and propel themselves through the air at great speed, and in any direction, however the speed at which a vampire can fly has never been stated. When Vampires achieve this effect, they usually raise their arms, and spread them slightly to the side.
Hypnosis[]
- Main article: Hypnosis
In Forever Knight, vampires are able to hypnotize (or "whammy") most human beings. Only "most" because there exist some Resistors who are unhypnotizable—and there is no way for a vampire to know in advance who these might be. When a vampire hypnotizes someone they stare them directly in the eye, and their voice takes on a compelling tone. Usually, their eyes also change colour, becoming a green-gold shade; and their pupils become very small.
Rapid Healing[]
In Forever Knight, a vampire who is injured will heal with unnatural celerity, even from wounds that would kill a human. However, the speed of healing does vary with the severity of the injury. In "Father Figure", for example, it took Nick a few hours to recover when he was blinded; and in "Night in Question", when he was shot in the head, it took a day for him to recover from the physical injury, and he suffered from loss of memory for at least another day after that.
Disease Resistance[]
In Forever Knight, vampires are not susceptible to pathogenic infections; including plagues, AIDS, syphilis, and Ebola. However, in "Fever", a laboratory-created disease designed to counter HIV proved capable of infecting and killing vampires.
Drug Resistance[]
In Forever Knight, vampires are more resistant to the effects of drugs and poisons. In "The Code", a bounty hunter tried to poison Nick with curare, while this did not kill him as it would a human, the poison did cause Nick to become intoxicated.
Immortality[]
The vampires of Forever Knight are often described as being immortal, however this is not technically correct; since there are certain means that can kill a Vampire. Vampires are immune to most conventional causes of fatality, and are more resilient to harm and injury. Vampires are also effectively ageless; they physically remain the same apparent age as when they were brought across, affording Vampires the potential to live for millennia.
Retractable Fangs[]
Vampires possess wickedly sharp retractable fangs. These fangs seem to extend from the canines, and are primarily used for feeding purposes; a Vampire’s fangs will allow them to more easily obtain blood from their prey. Vampires seem to be able to extend and retract their fangs at will, however the sight or smell of blood will seemingly cause the fangs to extend.
Sensitivity to Sunlight[]
The vampires of Forever Knight are very sensitive to sunlight, and even the slightest exposure starts smoke to rise from their bodies. If they do not immediately seek shelter, they burst into flame. The corpses then combust almost entirely, leaving only a little ash.
Superhuman Senses[]
The vampires of Forever Knight have heightened senses of sight, smell and hearing. Vampires possess extremely sensitive night vision; able to see clearly when everything appears pitch-black to the human eye. Vampires can also hear a person’s heartbeat, and conversations from far away and behind locked doors.
Superhuman Strength[]
Vampires of Forever Knight are stronger than Humans. Vampires can exert immense force and lift considerable weights; enabling them to easily overpower, lift and throw others, lift heavy objects, bend and break metals, and smash materials such as glass with tremendous ease.