Strigois are commonly made and not born, but there are exceptions. They could possibly turn due to genetics or by meeting an unhappy end. Hybrids will turn in early teens. Hexing can also cause a strigoi or worsen the effects.

They grow stronger, yet more frail by age. Abilities manifest through aging. These include: Improved speed and strength, manipulating weather, shape shifting (Mist or a bat are commonly taken forms), and spell casting. They naturally have improved senses. Most will have a shark-like sense of smell, capable of smelling blood from a far distance. Over the years, poison will develop which is stored in their fangs. Its commonly used for self defense or stopping prey. Its effects will vary from causing numbness to putting the victim in a state comparable to sleep paralysis.

When seriously injured or when a purebred is turning, they go into a state similar to being comatose. They experience very lucid dreaming while recovering. When mostly healed, they could sleepwalk, speak while unconscious, experience nightmares, or go through a state similar to sleep paralyze.