On my 6th char and my 3rd Vamp now. It is my 2nd as an S4V-24/7. Getting the disease as soon as possible she has been a Vamp from day 3 and has been running at Stage 4 since day 6. The most fun and the single most interesting playthrough I have had yet. She is a master of Illusion, Sneak and Conjuration.
She uses the Cannibal Perk (Daedric quest) To RP feeding. This way she stays at Stage 4 and can feed on a corpse, like a REAL vampire. Plus it actually helps you as a Vamp, instead of making you weaker. Yes almost everyone is hostile but 90% of the game is trying to kill you anyway. Once you join a Faction or do a side quest for someone they will be accepting of your state and even defend you if you are attacked by others.
Great stuff, indeed.
This right here was an awesome post. F*cking great idea. I've already decided I'm gonna RP a vampire, cuz I really want to experience the aspects of it. My kajiit is fine without it