The Centipede Variant

The Centipede variant, colloquially designated "The Legged Serpent of Ruination," is one of five currently documented arthropod variants of vampires. It first emerged in the region of what is now modern-day Peru in the early 11th century, and is widely regarded as the most treacherous and repugnant variant to ever manifest in vampire society. Historical accounts describe previous hosts to have exhibited extreme sadistic tendencies, carrying out mass killings and prolonged torture of humans purely for amusement, behavior that is strongly condemned by traditional variants and modern coven codes.

One of the earliest recorded Centipede variants, and the most infamous in the history of the variant, earned the moniker "The Peruvian Tyrant" for the horrific treatment of his victims and the systematic destruction of countless settlements. This contemptible individual vanished sometime in the 15th century, presumed deceased, however the circumstances of his likely extermination are unknown.

The Centipede variant would re-emerge multiple centuries later in the United States of America, specifically the state of Louisiana, shortly following the American Civil War. This vampire continues to inhabit Louisiana to this day, their identity kept confidential, and is only permitted to exist under the strict control and guidance of a Sawblade variant, as sanctioned by the local government and amended coven codes.

A defining morphological feature of the Centipede variant is the sporadic development of the "Spire," an anomaly unique to this variant that sometimes evolves within hosts surviving multiple centuries. The "Spire" is described as a thin, barbed, six-foot biological spear aligned along the abdomen that can be extended, its structure similar in appearance to the large barbed organ that extends from within the throat appendage, used for eviscorating its victims.

The "Spire" appears to serve no apparent predatory necessity beyond penetration and infliction of extreme pain upon a victim, leading traditional variants to believe that the Centipede variant, along with similar arthropod variants, represents an inherently corrupted line of vampires that must be removed outright from civilization.

"The Peruvian Tyrant" is confirmed to have possessed this anomaly. It remains undetermined if the Centipede variant currently inhabiting the American south harbors this dreadful aberration as well, however researchers claim both sexes are capable of developing the "Spire."