The Priwen Guard...?

[Alexander Rahl]

So, im wondering about the in-universe morality of the Priwen Guard.
Because theyre clearly zealots who kill those they even suspect of being vampires. A-la the Scarlet Crusade in WoW.
But ... they also have these priests with the power to ward vampires.
So i guess what im really asking, is what is the magic system for God in this game?
Because im somewhat confused, if God's mandate provides this holy power to ward evil like that, then it would imply they are at least in some form backed by a holy power.
Unless that isnt how it works?
Is there a lore-wise reason why vampires would lose God's love, but not zealots who violate one of the most sacred commandment's in his name?

Im not really interested in an IRL theological debate, so much as a lore reason for this. Since i at least know that in WoW, the Light abandoned Arthas when he crossed the threshold of evil

[maracifio]

There are severous possible reasons for the priests' power over vampire.
1. The existence of different gods Vampires are the sons of a pagan god(the guy with horns) we know through a dialog when we beat the endboss that he have brothers, one of those brother could be the christian god in the lore.
2. They have no real power and that's just their sceptre In some document found in the priwen HQ if I remember well, their is the mention of a material found on Santorini that have power over vampires.

[asarokk]

Why are you bringing Warcraft into Vampyr lore? When most of it comes from Eastern European folklore (+ Greek folklore which is specifically mentioned in the game) and literature up till the 19th century.

The subject of religion is barely broached in Vampyr but considering the Temple Church is one of the locations, the majority of residents may be protestants, with the exception of Sean Hampton (Catholic). As Maracifio mentioned, there are older religions but whether any of them are real or not, is left unanswered. Same goes for whether or not people lose God's love after becoming Vampires. God's love is supposed to be unconditional according to the general census today at least, but people have the tendency to change "facts" whenever it suits them and use religion as an excuse to commit atrocities.

The Brotherhood of St. Paul's Stole is not a religious organization despite its namesake. It's an ancient secret society of scholars interested in research on Vampires using scientific methodology. Saint Paul is a real life historical figure that was rumored to have lived to the age of 140. In Vampyr, he's also the subject of a mythical legend, where Paul used his stole to tame a dragon. The brotherhood came into possession of his Stole and named their organization after it. They document their findings, collect literature, relics and mythical or holy objects. They also identify vampires in society and keep tabs on them. They rarely if ever get involved with killing them and there's only one person with access to mystical arts and rituals within the brotherhood that is allowed to kill dangerous vampires.

The Guard of Priwen was founded by a former high ranking member of the Brotherhood because he wanted to change that. Most of the literature, relics and holy objects they own, was stolen from the Brotherhood. The game doesn't explain how it works and they don't know exactly how it works either.

Most of the original guards used to be former Brotherhood members, but now they have a diverse backgrounds, some even criminal. Their zealousness comes from their intense hatred for vampires, after losing a loved one in a vampire attack or due to other bad experiences. Their main objective is to exterminate all vampires, and even vampire sympathizers, supporters and people who want to become vampires. What they're doing doesn't differ much from the 15th-17th century Witch trials. They think they are ridding the world of evil, and therefore they don't consider it's immoral in any way. If they accidentally kill an innocent person, it's not an incentive to stop or be more careful, since it's essentially all for the greater good. Depending on the religion, any sin could be forgiven. Though of course, some might not think there's anything to forgive and atheists wouldn't worry about the 'god' angle it at all.

The general population doesn't believe in vampires and even Jonathan thought they were nothing more than folklore and fiction. Even though the Brotherhood and the Guards have known of the existence of vampires for a very long time, there's still a lot of misconception about vampires.

Like at one point they thought Vulkods were werewolves, but later it was established that Vulkods were in fact vampires, a lupine type. Similar to the ones in Santorini.

The superstition that garlic repels vampires or hurt them, was also debunked. Though there are certain flowers or plants with odor that the Vulkods don't like, not that it's able to stop them.

Sun and fire was originally believed to be lethal to vampires, but as it turns out even incinerated vampire corpses regenerate. Wooden stakes, silver bullets, silver blades, orichalcum, grenades, white phosphorus, ultraviolet light, etc. is effective when fighting vampires. The guards also believe that religion, holy symbols and mystical objects is only helpful if your faith is genuine. But that doesn't mean religion being a weapon is true - they could be wrong about it.

The only way to permanently kill vampires, is by decapitation.