I was reading books and lore as I sometimes do in my pastime and came across an excerpt describing the vampires that can be found in Skyrim; as well as those found in Valenwood and Cyrodiil. I read further and found Immortal Blood, which is where I got most of my information.

Quote :

"He wanted to know about the vampires of eastern Skyrim. I told him about the most powerful tribe, the Volkihar, paranoid and cruel, whose very breath could freeze their victims' blood in the veins. I explained to him how they lived beneath the ice of remote and haunted lakes, never venturing into the world of men except to feed."

Quote :

""But you should know that the Volkihar have an additional ability you didn't mention. They can reach through the ice of their lakes without breaking it. It was quite a nasty surprise, being grabbed from below without any warning.""

Keep in mind that he only mentions the most powerful tribes and not all of them, leaving room for other variations and maybe the "standard" vampire we are used to from cyrodiil.
Another thing to think about is that it states "Eastern Skyrim", do tribes have territories? Are they at war or have a pact? Vampires from cyrodiil can charm their prey with a spell once they get strong enough. That is a trait that echoes the Imperial influence. Since this time it is in Skyrim, maybe the cold breath or some other spell/bonuses to echo the Nordic influence will be in-game?

The time that the book was written can be a factor because as for some time, Winter Hold was the capital and maybe that was the cause of the stronger vampire presence in the area. Also looking on the maps, it is colder in the east and that can be a good spot for vampires who have cold abilities.

The book also states that they are paranoid and "They lived beneath the ice of remote and haunted lakes, never venturing into the world of men except to feed."
Could this be because the vampires of Skyrim cannot disguise themselves like Cyrodiilic vampires can? When they say "most powerful" they probably mean the tribes numbers, territories and maybe organization. Nothing rules out physical strength or speed however.
Either way, they are more like monsters then human according to the lore.

Since this book was 'published', time has passed and it isn't unconceivable that the vampires in cyrodiil, who conquered their land decisively, would migrate north and begin taking territory away from the Volkihar.

Very good post Nightblade, this book was one of my favorites. I believe that when he mentions that they rarely enter the world of men it's because they are more wild and feral then southern vampires, much like Skyrim itself. It's a harsh place and the natives have adapted to match, so they stay away from civilization.

+1 rep for you sir.

Isn;t this book called Immortal Bloods. I remember reading this the 2nd time I played Oblivion. The closest Ayleids ruin to the sewer gate. Well anyway I guess the guy who was hunting down vampires didn;t kill them all. And I would love to fight them as well.

Less related to Vampires of Skyrim, but more to Cyrodiilic Vampires. I found this link that tells of Clavicus Vile granting vampires of the cyrodiilic order the ability to control their blood craving and the ability to remain hidden, their identity undiscovered and love among humans.

From the UESP page I linked:

Quote :

The Cyrodiil Vampyrum Order, simply called "Our Order" by its members, is a powerful Cyrodilic tribe of vampires. Much like the Imperials, the order has ousted all competing clans from the Imperial Province and become the single dominant bloodline within its borders. Members of the order are experts of concealment and political manipulation, so much so that the clan's true name is unknown, having been lost to history. What they lack in numbers, the vampires make up for in influence and the manipulation of society. The clan consider themselves to be a civil fraternity, and see all other vampiric tribes as inferior, although they remain weary of the more enlightened clans such as the Glenmoril Wyrd or the Whet-Fang sodality. The order has a strict conduct to ensure discretion among its members. The order honors its Dual Patrons: Molag Bal the Kin-father, who all vampires owe their existence to; and Clavicus Vile, who they owe for their successes and social stature, and who helps them control their blood craving.

To you whom We have seen
Stalking at night by eyes keen
Transcendant of savages
Sating thirst sans avarice
Your coffers stay stuffed
By social graces robust
None know your nature;
save Us
None share your fate;
save Us
None welcome you as kin;
save Us.