Reaper (Blade)
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Reapers are a fictional race of vampires in the Blade trilogy of films.
Reapers were a new breed of powerful vampires created by Eli Damaskinos, dubbed 'the Reaper strain', in a quest to eliminate the weaknesses of the vampire race. The Reaper strain was a developed form of vampirism which turned its carriers stronger and faster than normal vampires. The reapers have a thick case of bone covering their heart in the front and back, with only the sides being left open, making it near-impossible to be staked directly. All beings affected by the reaper strain gain a three way jaw, the left and right sides of the mouth have fangs which inject a neurotoxin to paralyze their victims while feeding, which in turn transfers the strain into their victims from the bite. Transformation could take place anywhere between 48 to a few hours, theoretically depending on the victim.
[edit] Appearance and abilities
When the mouth is folded, a reaper would appear normal, excluding their greenish complexion. The obvious difference between them and common vampires was the thin scar beginning from their lower lip, ending at the base of the neck. A feeding tube with sharp teeth for penetration is used for feeding, but they're also capable of feeding like any other vampire. They're stronger and more agile than regular vampires, able to leap greater heights, crawl on walls, and take great damage with little or no signs of discomfort. A Reapers only weakness appears to be direct contact with sunlight and/or ultraviolet rays, combusting almost instantly. The weaknesses of regular vampires, such as silver, garlic, and EDTA's, do not affect them in any way (excluding EDTA which seems to cause them great discomfort.) They also have heightened metabolisms which prompts them to feed and thus spread the virus, increasing their race at an accelerating rate.
[edit] The Carrier
Jared Nomak was 'the Carrier' (as Blade once referred him) of the strain, and thus was unique to the other Reapers he turned. He maintained a higher function of intellect and was in more control of his bloodlust, unlike other Reapers who needed to feed almost constantly due to their hyped metabolism. Though he was more powerful than the rest, the strain seemed to cause him physical pain on a daily basis, stating "it [the strain] hurts no more" before he perished.
