Dhampirs (混血, Damupīru), also referred to as Dhams (ダム, Damu) and Half-breeds (混血, Konketsu), are a species from Jun Mochizuki's The Case Study of Vanitas. They are a hybrid species, the product of a union between a human and a Vampire born from Babel. Historically the relationship between the two main races are tenuous at best and violent and oppressive at worst, an extensive War having occurred not too long in the past. Due to this, Dhampirs who are born directly in the middle of this tense relationship are looked down upon and discriminated against for not belonging to either race, Dham hunts formerly a frequent occurrence. Thus the Dhampirs that currently exist can only exist peacefully due to the protection of Marquis Machina, a very venerable, powerful, and high-ranking Vampire noble.[1]
All the Dhampirs with primary roles in the story work as information brokers, referred to as the Honeybees of Paris (パリの蜜蜂, Pari no Mitsubachi).[2] They are often accompanied by bats.
As hybrids, Dhampirs retain the strength, speed and endurance of their Vampiric parent - however they lack the ability to alter the World Formula. Much like Vampires, Dhampirs are also able to hide within society due to their appearance resembling humans, though their eyes turn golden without warning, giving them away. For that reason, Johann and Riche opt to wear glasses to hide their telltale golden eyes.[1]
"Dhampir" is of Albanian origin, which itself had been borrowed from the Slavic word "vampire." It is made up of the words "dhamb" meaning "tooth" and "pir" meaning "to drink."[3]
