Autophagy

is the first skill that Jonathan E. Reid learns upon becoming a vampire.

You drain your own blood to heal normal and aggravated damage instantly.

Skill description
"We think of vampires as immortal, but if you can block their unnatural regenerative capabilities, they are more vulnerable than you think."

The Vampire uses the power of his blood to heal normal, and aggravated damage, increasing his flesh, nerve, and bone regeneration. With time, this vampiric ability can be extremely powerful, and is sure to surprise any unwary Vampire Hunter.

Strategy
Skill Synergies:


 * Body Condition (More health means more to heal.)
 * Blood Capacity (More blood means that Jonathan can use Autogaphy more often.)
 * Coagulation (Freeze an enemy, buying a window to heal.)
 * Blood Barrier (A shield works in hand with a heal to keep Jonathan alive.)

Weapon Synergies:


 * Knives/Daggers (Drain Blood quickly.)
 * Stakes (Stun qiickly for a window to heal.)

Autogaphy is a vampire's bread and butter skill. A heal is always useful in any kind of battle, especially those come down to attrition. Using it causes Jonathan to raise his hand to himself and quickly burn through a fixed percentage of his Blood in exchange for restoring Health. The animation does not leave him vulnerable for long, but it is still wise to time his healing for moments when opponents cannot attack. Remember that if an opponent attacks him whilst using Autogaphy, the blood Jonathan just spent to heal has gone to waste, and he runs the risk of being in a worse position than in the first place. As a result, making distance between Jonathan and his enemies is important. Cover is ideal, such as behind a wagon or a corner, so that ranged enemies cannot take advantage of his retreat.

Useful Skills to acquire in combination with Autogaphy are Blood Capacity, to make casting the ability more effortless, as well as Big Thirst, to refill on Blood more easily and have a comfortable way to provide more passive healing later in the fight. The Coagulation ability is another consideration, as stunning an enemy in place allows Jonathan to have a guaranteed moment of respite to heal himself, although he should be wary of other enemies nearby. Coagulation also has no Blood Cost, meaning it does not take away from how many times Autogaphy can be used.

Knives and Daggers allow fast refills of Blood when striking enemies with them, letting Autogaphy be used more liberally. A large Blood Meter is worth having if Knives are Jonathan's primary means of blood-generation. Stakes can be used to Stun enemies, buying brief opportunities for Jonathan to heal himself safely. However, it is better to wait until the opponent is vulnerable for a bite, as doing so will cause the victim to stagger backwards and be harmless for a precious moment. It's especially helpful to be invested in Big Thirst if Biting is Jonathan's main blood-source.

Related

 * Active Skills