Given the way Vlad lives, and the things he's accomplishing in his life, I don't expect this to be a factor, as I don't expect him to survive the series. Maybe this is a little too "Greek Tragedy", but it feels to me like he's a character who is marked for death. I dunno. I kinda hope I'm wrong, cause I sorta like the guy, but he has this unhealthy tendancy towards doing the right thing and putting himself in terrible peril as a result. Some day it's gonna get him. Majikjon This is changing the topic a bit, but do you think that having a great weapon will effect Vlad's mortality as well (vis-a-vie his longevity as effected by age)?