It takes place in real time, present day New York City. We don't use messageboards- we use a chat room which once you join you will be given the link to. If you are unfamiliar with how to rp in a chatroom someone from the rp can teach you, just contact me letting me know that you are interested.
There are a number of species that your character could be, and a list of them including information is provided.
Vampires may shape-change throughout the family of their totem animal, their actual animal being the easiest to shift to. Vampires do have magic, also. Humans that have magic and are then turned will find that their magic will have at least tripled in strength within the first three days. It is also usual that when turned, a vampire will gain a type of magic. Vampires also have very good mind-magic - they can communicate mentally with other vampires, can read any type of species thoughts, and can shield their own thoughts against other vampires or telepathic humans.
Vampire senses are extremely sensitive. They're faster than most humans, but of course have limits; they're graceful and terrifyingly strong. Vampires can also float (not fly). Sadly enough, vampires cannot reproduce through sexual means, be it with werewolves, humans, sex demons, or even other vampires. It is just impossible, whether they are male or female. They can, however, still have sex - as most are quick to find out. They have an extremely high tolerance of alcohol, and it normally takes four times the amount a human would need to even get tipsy. Also, vampires do not need to breathe, but they still do kind of like a habit from when they were human. Their hearts, however, do not beat.
Vampire weaknesses are few, but not that hard to figure out. They have severe negative reactions to silver (and can even die if exposed to it for too long), and turn to ash in sunlight. Although vampires can stand starlight, mage-light, and fire or candlelight, they don't particularly like it. (Their bodies don't. Often times, the vampire misses the light, though.) Many vampires also even go mad because of the long life, and the fact they have to live off killing others.
Sunlight, decapitation, denied bloodlust, being stabbed enough with silver, burning in fire, or being stabbed in the heart with anything can kill them. However, if a vampire turns to ashes from the sun, and the ashes will stay where they were, and if the body is undisturbed, it can go back to being 'alive' come nightfall - of course, the vampire will be very weak.