CHARACTER NAME: Clyde
- Tell us a little about yourself:
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. I’m a vampire. Not the kind you’re thinking of, but a species called a Dawn Fang. In fact, I’m the first one due to this thing called the Great Cataclysm. It washed over the world and turned my execution into a rebirth type of thing. Now, I’m faster, stronger, and immune to the sun. A few accidents later and I realized I could make more of my kind, which resulted in me creating a kingdom called Nytefall. I’ve been leading the Dawn Fangs for a few decades now and it doesn’t get any easier. Running a gang of vampiric thieves is one thing. Now, I have to run a kingdom in the face of a civil war, sun-worshipping priests, hunters, usurpers, and all manner of enemies. The worst part is that I can’t kill all of them if I want to prove to mortals that Dawn Fangs aren’t monsters. Not that I haven’t considered it.
- How did you end up in the situation you’re currently in?
The mess I’m in is rather complicated. As far as I know, I haven’t done anything to anger this vampire hunter. He calls himself Alastyre and keeps ripping the heads off vampires. Swears he’s the one who’s going to kill. Scary part is that he might not be wrong since he’s the strongest enemy I’ve ever faced. Nobody else has managed to match my power and primal brutality like this guy. So, I’m going to have to do something I haven’t done in over one hundred years. I have to train and get stronger in order to stop this maniac from killing my people and destroying my kingdom.
- Do you believe in monsters?
Of course. I am one. Don’t go thinking all monsters are heartless beasts that can only destroy. Sure, that’s basically the definition, but that way of thinking is why Dawn Fangs are having trouble. We are vampires, which makes us monsters. Yet, we’re able to live like mortals, so we’re in the middle. Personally, I think any species can be seen as a monster in certain situations.
- Do you have a moral code? If so what might it be?
I guess you could say that I do. Hard to tell since I use illusions to trick people, especially in battle or when I’m stealing. Guess you could say that my moral code depends on who I’m dealing with. If I’m facing an honourable person then I’ll act the same. Pit me against a jerk and I’ll do whatever it takes to either kill them or knock them down a few thousand pegs. One constant rule I have is that you don’t draw children into your fights. They can join when they grow up, but let them be kids before that time.
- Would you kill for those you love?
I’ve proven that I would on several occasions. Not only for the woman I love, but my friends too. They’re my family and I’m going to protect them with this great power I’ve been given. In return, they watch my back and make sure I don’t surrender to the monster in my soul. Guess that desire to retain my humanity makes the whole killing for loved ones rather strange. It makes sense if you’re a vampire.
- Would you die for those you love?
Tough one here because you can only do this once. It would have to be a very specific situation. My sacrifice would need to result in my family being safe for the rest of their existence. Otherwise, I’d get myself killed and they’d still be in danger, which means I made a mistake.
- How do you define ‘heroism?’
Heroism is the ability to stand by your convictions and defend others. It’s very easy to change your mind or abandon people to save your own skin. In fact, I’d say most people do this once they’re challenged. Those with heroism ignore their own survival instinct to make the world a better place. Although, to be honest, I don’t have that much use for the mortal version of heroism. For a vampire, it’s closer to having the ability to control your destructive tendencies for the good of your people.
- What is your greatest skill/asset?
I would have to go with my illusions, which work off my cunning. Sure, I can shatter mountains with my fists. My Lord’s Rage allows me to get even stronger at the cost of my self-control. Those work for slaughtering enemies and physical obstacles, but they can be undermined. My illusions are much more difficult to get around and they create opportunities for my strength to be used. I can create decoys, false attacks, or mask my true form to confuse my enemies. That and it’s simply fun to mess with people.
- What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell)?
This is the big question. In fact, it’s the reason I’m on this ridiculous training quest while my friends are trapped with Alastyre. I need to figure out my greatest weakness in order to overcome it. After decades of never feeling threatened, I can’t imagine what it would be. Could be overconfidence, but I’m trying really hard to stay humble while I rule a kingdom. I really wonder why people can’t just show up and tell me the answer here.
- Do you believe in god(s)?
Definitely. I come from Windemere, which has active gods. There’s a whole pantheon that lives on an island and watches the rest of us. They have this rule against physically interfering in events because of past mistakes. Actually, I recently had my first god encounter. The guy was a jerk and I’d have punched his face in if I didn’t think he’d smite me.
- Do you believe you will be successful in your quest?
Yes to both quests. I believe I will find a way to become stronger and defeat Alastyre. There’s no reason it wouldn’t happen since I always find a way to win. I need to be patient and think hard about the problem. That or beat up whatever’s in my path until they give me what I need.
My other quest is the big one. I want to prove that Dawn Fangs can live amongst mortals without posing a danger. This is possible since we can eat regular food and drink blood without killing. The biggest hurdle is that we’re still vampires, so people see us as monsters. Doesn’t help that we have a civil war going on between Nytefall and those who wish to stay in the shadows. Once I get that cleared up, the big quest will be nothing more than a simple test of patience.
- What do you think of your author/creator?
He’s got a pretty good imagination, but I have a major grievance. It took the moron about 15 years to get to my series. He pretended to be me in this imagination game for about a year, but then shelved me for nearly half of his life. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy that he’s given me the spotlight, but I waited so long and I can see that my time isn’t going to be as long as that of his previous heroes. We’re definitely going to have to chat once he goes to bed.
For the author:
Books in which this character appears:
War of Nytefall Series– https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KBFS2LK
- Loyalty
- Lost
- Rivalry
- Eradication
- Ravenous
- Savagery
Bio-
Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After spending many years fiddling with his thoughts and notebooks, he decided that it was time to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house with only pizza and seltzer to sustain him, Charles brings you tales from the world of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and drawing you into a world of magic.
Social Media
Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: @cyallowitz
Facebook: Charles Yallowitz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyallowitz/
Links etc
Library of Erana 
Great interview 👍
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An excellent interview, Alex and Charles. I loved Clyde’s comments about Charles. 😁
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I love this! lol. How fun.
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