Because they're generally different from most of the 'average of all notions' vampires that everyone is acquainted with, I thought I'd put down a few things here that make 'em separate.

1. A bite does not turn unless the vampire wishes it to. Glands just above the fangs (much like a snake's venom glands) contain the viral agent carrying the vampirism 'disease'.

2. For all purposes vampires are dead. No heartbeat, no hunger, and no thirst (save for blood, which in the case of some vampires is purely ritualistic- see below). No need for oxygen. Breathing is purely voluntary, and can be done to better fit into groups of people.

3. Vampires *are* capable of reproduction via human means, but only the males, and only immediately after a feeding can procreation occur. The female bodies lack the constant warmth and nutrient influx to feed a developing child. Males must find living humanoids with which to mate. Reproduction may also occur in the form of contagion, passing vampirism through a bite.

4. The first vampire, Daiko, was created via a pact with a demigod. His wish was to 'embody the traits of the holy vampyre of lore' and he was recreated in that instant. The demigod provided him the enhanced senses and supernatural connections, fangs, stealth, and so forth attributed to vampires. However, he did alter certain things, which will be listed bwlow.

5. Vampires are highly sensitive to sunlight. Not light bulbs, not UV lamps, not torchlight, not radiation. (See: "Cursed" section) 

6. Immersion in running or standing water will destroy a vampire. Rain will not. In addition, a vampire cannot drink water, as the water will burn the lining of their innards and cause immediate expulsion.  (See: "Cursed" section)

7. Religious symbols do not harm Daiko's brood. Unless your Buddha has a sharp pointy on its head.

8. A stake through the heart or decapitation will kill just about anything, vampires included.

9. Vampires are, indeed, allergic to garlic and silver.

10. Daiko's vampires require neither coffin nor native soil.

11. Vampires do not naturally shape-shift. Only those who have been taught sorcerous methods can.

12. Vampires generally do sleep during the day, unless they have a way around their sun-troubles.

"Cursed"

Yup, the demigod wrote a curse into Daiko and his spawn, that the full 'vampyre of lore' effect might be achieved. This curse is what gives the vampires their weakness to sunlight and inability to drink water/death by immersion. The supernatural force that dictated these effects was unbound by natural law, and his curse maintains the same status.