Otto Chriek

Otto Chriek is a vampire and a member of League of Temperance, meaning he has sworn off the sticky stuff - my vord, yes - and never says "the b-vord".

Since he has joined the Black Ribboners (as the League is known) he has declared that his new passion is the balance of light and shade and has taken up a career in journalistic iconography, working for the Ankh-Morpork Times. He often works to develop and improve the quality and methods of his beloved art.

Mr. Chriek also is working on several new filters and flashes for his iconograph. He is determined to perfect this and continues to try despite his constant less-than-successful previous attempts. Because, as a vampire, the bright flash of his salamanders (used, of course, to illuminate the scene before him) causes him to discarnate or (not to beat about the bush) crumble to dust. This is, of course, an obstacle for Otto, but he does not let it impede him in the execution of his passion. Until the problems of his craft can be sorted out, he keeps a vial of animal blood around his neck, for instant revival.

He has declared that, though he often misses his native Uberwald (where the thunderstorms come when they're called, not just when the sky feels like it), he is very happy in his new home of Ankh-Morpork, and hopes to stay for a long time. We at the Discworld Informer wish him every success in his endeavours and hope that the new filter he is working on functions as well as he is optimistically proclaiming.

Mr. Otto Chriek can often be seen (even on his days off) bringing his iconograph around the city. His evening dress, worn at all times when in public, stands out, as do the pockets sewn into his cape (carrying all the necessities of his work, no doubt). His traditional vampire widow's peak is carefully maintained and he almost always carries his beloved iconograph.

Otto is clearly a vampire, anyone can tell from the first glance. He almost advertises the fact. Not only that, but he has such a cliché image that many find him amusing. A joke vampire. But, as was once pointed out by a certain Commander of the Watch, ‘maybe the joke is on other people. Make them laugh and they're not afraid.' It seems conceivable that there may be more to Otto Chriek than meets the eye...