The Vampiric Lord

Initially starting as an abuse of blood magic to rule over a small society, the Vampire Lord became powerful, hard to kill due to regeneration, and long-lived. Over time, the Vampire twisted the memories, stories and beliefs of the society until they no longer remembered their previous way of life. They became reliant upon him as their Lord and patron. They would willingly offer up people in sacrifice, and in return he would use his excess power to help their failing crops, heal sick or disfigured villagers, etc. The Vampire created this dependence by intentionally sabotaging their crops and stealing life from newborn babies in the night, thus stunting their growth.