| The following article is written from an In Universe perspective. |
The Great Vampires were a species of huge vampires from another reality. Central to Gallifreyan legend and history, they were accidentally unleashed into N-Space during the Dark Times and fought by the Time Lords in the Eternal War. (DW: State of Decay)
Characteristics
The Yssgaroth could manifest in multiple forms, varying based on what species or individual was perceiving them. These included huge winged snakes with horns, many eyes, and wet, dripping skin. (DW: The Hostage)
The Vampires needed to steal energy from other sources to survive. Just one was extremely powerful and could drain a whole planet of energy. (DW: State of Decay)
Because they could absorb energy weapons and heal most wounds, the only way to kill one was to stab them physically through the heart, usually with a steel bolt. More powerful Vampires needed to have their heart fully destroyed in order to kill them. (DW: State of Decay)
History
The Dark Times
The Vampires caused mass destruction and chaos throughout the cosmos. (DW: State of Decay)
The ferocity and resilience of the Vampires made their defeat very difficult, even for the Time Lords. (DW: State of Decay)
A sole survivor hid in E-Space, using his great power to draw the ship Hydrax with him. He turned the three humans on this ship into vampires to feed and serve him for a thousand years until the Time of Arising. (DW: State of Decay)
Recent history
By the time of the Doctor and Romana, the Great Vampires and their history were not widely known on Gallifrey. However, the Doctor had heard distorted versions of the tale from an old hermit, and basic instructions were still included in the oldest part of the TARDIS databanks - the Record of Rassilon. (DW: State of Decay)
To be added. (DW: The Hostage)
The Fourth Doctor and Romana II encountered the King Vampire and his minions in E-space. When he awakened, they used a scout ship from the Hydrax to pierce his heart, killing him. (DW: State of Decay)
Behind the scenes
To be added.
List of Appearances
Doctor WhoSeason 18 (1980-1981)Season 28 (1991) |