#apothiptera-fanon

[apothiptera-sanlayn]

What we do know about the San'layn confirmed by lore

Vampiric in nature: feed on blood

Were once blood elves

Died against the Lich King on the failed assault against the Frozen Throne

Were adherents and loyalists to Prince Kael'thas

Are considered darkfallen

Have dark magic abilities including mental domination and shape-shifting

Are undead

Some possess bat-like physical features such as bat ears, clawed fingers, and wings

[apothiptera-sanlayn]

What are the San'layn?

San'layn are Warcraft's most identifiable version of "vampires". San'layn in specific are always undead Thalassian elves (called Darkfallen) that are vampiric in nature and once in service to the Scourge. Please note that anyone who claims to be a san'layn but was previously not a blood elf is incorrect. Perhaps they were changed into a vampyr (Warcraft's personal spelling) as there are other examples in lore, but they would not be san'layn. This name applies only to the elves that were raised by Arthas in Northrend when they tried to assault the Frozen Throne. Most in this group were close followers of Kael'thas Sunstrider, which means they are also sin'dorei, not quel'dorei.

Over the course of Warcraft's history, the san'layn have a particularly nasty reputation and for good reason. These were elves that were adherents to their prince, enthralled in the cutthroat politics of Quel'Thalas, and perhaps even digging into fel magic to sustain their hunger for arcane after the Sunwell was sundered. That is not to say that all of them were this way, but it is more likely to find some noble or magister amidst these ranks than a common born warrior unless you have a good reason for it.

When raised into their vampiric undeath, the san'layn were never basic troops within the Scourge. They were powerful, even the lowest ranking amongst them, and acted as leaders, agents, and ambassadors. Any common soldier that crossed a san'layn had little hope of surviving any sort of encounter.

Following the fall of the Lich King, most of the san'layn had been killed alongside their blood-queen. Given their positions and ranks, most were in Icecrown Citadel, which was their headquarters, until the very end. What fringe survived is up to you. Whether they gained mental independence before this doom's day or followed one of the surviving blood royalty is a subject that is as unique as you want to make it.

The only formal groups that existed after the larger downfall of their kind was Blood Prince Dreven who appears in Battle for Azeroth. An attempt was made to join the Horde, but was thwarted by the Alliance. This is considered one of the last cullings of the san'layn prior to Shadowlands. However, even Vorath who marshalled a contingent to attack Tranquillien, was not a Blood Prince.

Overall, what remains of san'layn are stragglers. Survivors. In general, most san'layn are cruel, arrogant, and enjoy inflicting torment on others. They feed on blood as sustenance and have great dark magic abilities including some shape-shifting and the ability to mentally dominate others.

[apothiptera-sanlayn]

Apothiptera's San'layn Guide & Fanon

Welcome to my guide on my own personal headcanons and methods of creating and RPing a San'layn within the World of Warcraft setting. There are a few other wonderful guides, though I've diverged a bit to my own personal preferences and what kind of plotline I wished to develop and follow. I am, by no means, the all knowing authority on this. I simply tried to create answers to open endings that fit mostly within the grander scheme of retail's setting. I have quite a few ideas I think others might enjoy utilizing in some capacity which is why I penned it down to share! This is subject to develop and evolve based on the most recent drop of Anguish magic in Midnight.

[apothiptera-sanlayn]

Physical Traits

San'layn were all blood elves at one point which means they inherently look like Thalassian elves for the most part. However, their skin has become ashen in its pallor. Many are incredibly pale, but those who possessed darker skin in life, tend to have a range of darker tones beyond just white. Given they were once sin'dorei, their hair, facial features, and traits can be amongst any of their original peoples. However, their eyes tend to be a bit more stringent. Red is the most common color, but white, yellow, green, blue, or black (sclera and iris included) also do exist.

From there, it depends on rank. Clawed fingers/nails are quite common amongst any vampyr, especially the higher ranks.

Bat-like ears tend to develop beyond the bottom echelons, beginning amongst the Barons and higher. Some even have bat-like noses and teeth that are all sharpened to points.

All san'layn have long, sharpened incisors. While elves in Warcraft tend to have long fangs due to their lineages the shape and function of those the san'layn possess are different. Rather than functioning similar to predator fangs, which are sharpest at the tip, vampyr fangs are razor sharp all around.

The longest and most notable of these teeth are the canines, however between the lateral incisors and canines an additional tooth grows in that is also pointed and sharp. The canines on the jaw are also long and pointed. In total, san'layn have at least 4 long and wickedly pointed fangs. Some possess more. Some possess only sharp teeth. Teeth are not indicative of ranking, but some like to claim that the vampyrs with the longest fangs are the most powerful (not true at all).

The sharpness of any of these fangs is to allow for ease when feeding and to tear flesh from bone. A san'layn's teeth and jaw are as deadly as any weapon. Romantic partners should be wary when kissing, for it is very easy to accidentally cut yourself on your san'layn's fangs even without touching the pointed tip.

If a san'layn possesses wings, they are like that of a bat's, leathery and boned, without feathers. Some can shape-shift at will to hide them if they are powerful enough.

Physique tends to be lean and muscular, but this is not a change that occurred after they died. This is usually the physique due to the nature of who was on the field that perished and due to elven vanity. Many of the elves who died were in good physical shape, but there is variance amongst them. Undeath did not change what body type they had in life. Nor is it indicative of their physical strength. All san'layn have supernatural strength and speed, regardless of body type.

In regard to functionality of organs: just as Blizzard as confirmed if the organs of a Forsaken are intact, they work, so do those of a san'layn. Whether or not you desire to have their heart beating if a personal choice. A beating heart would increase blood flow and metabolism, which means they would likely need to eat more, but might also be stronger than those who do not have a beating heart.

That being said, they are undead. Without some kind of magical work around, they are not capable of having children. At least, not the women. Men… that's up to the writer whoever you'd like to work that out or explain it.

Whether or not your san'layn feels cold, hard, and undead, once again, is a personal choice. They could be warm due to magic or the fact that their heart is beating or an illusion they use to lure people in. Remember, as long as it can be explained in a logical way, why not?