Fantasy CAINHURST RP - Lore Page

[Avari]

LORE GUIDE

​

"For every Living person there are generations of dead. Which realm would you rather rule?"
The land of Hollowvale is an inhospitable world of plague infested wastes, haunted forests, Undead infested cities and is ruled by Necromancers and Dark Mages. Why then, do so many choose to call Hollowvale their home? And more than that, are proud to live there?

Quite simple, they hate the rest of the world even more.

Many of the "Darker" races of Aether live in Hollowvale to escape the persecution of the Church of Light to the far South, and to them it is a place where they can live in safety without fear of Light magic wielding paladins burning down their homes in the middle of the night.

All the magically capable members of the population have at least a passing understanding of necromancy and the Undead are used for manual labor as well as personal servants.

All that is required to live in Hollowvale is complete loyalty to the Cainhurst family, who have ruled from the throne of Blackrock - the ancient castle in Hollowvale's very center for over a hundred years.

Hollowvale lacks any real political relationship or communication with the outside world, apart from some limited trade by independent and daring Neko'Sha merchants who won't let a little thing like the Undead stop them from making a pretty pile of gold. Hollowvale does also have a surprisingly healthy trade relationship with the Dwarves of Magruhdul to the far east, who frequently dock at the Dead Harbor and Vinistead to peddle wares.

Hollowvale defends its borders viciously, and is often at war with its Western neighbors - the warriors of Hinokah. But thankfully, there hasn't been any notable battles for over a decade, the rest of Aether seeming to prefer leaving Hollowvale to its own devices - something the population is just fine with.

Location Guide​

Blackrock Castle
The seat of the Cainhurst family, Blackrock Fortress is an ominous and ancient construction that has stood for thousands of years, enduring all hardships and never falling to the enemy. Believed to have been built long ago by an ancient Dwarven tribe long lost to history, Blackrock is famous for its opulent interior and has a rather unseemly reputation for prisoners never returning from its dungeons. Blackrock is also well known for resting on top of miles of cave networks that run beneath Hollowvale, the true depths of which have never been truly explored.

Crowhaven
The Capital city of Hollowvale, ever in Blackrock's shadow. Once known as "Yu'hgral", Crowhaven was once the home of a tribe of Demon worshipers before recorded time began and was inherited by the Necromancers and darker races who fled from the South - renaming it Crowhaven. One of the larger cities in Aether and famous for its dark atmosphere, Crowhaven is a city of dark magic and the shadow, but can by no means be considered unpleasant. Indeed, it is one of the best protected communities in the country. Crowhaven has an odd beauty to it - filled with ornate towering spires, gigantic cathedrals and great twisting staircases. Its populace live in relative harmony with the Undead performing much of the manual labor, leaving its population to their own devices. Crowhaven excels in matters of medicine and ancient arcane arts, but many of its inhabitants suffer from a touch of the "Dark Madness", and can be incredibly inhospitable to strangers.



Dreadmoor
(Lore by Primula !)

Dreadmoor is surrounded by impassable wooded mountains and steep hills on all sides, sparing the northern shore. This makes it a natural fortress for the lone tower that presided over the region. Dreadmoor rough terrains make it a strategic prize for the Hollowvale residents to the East, while serving as a deterrent factor to Western invaders. Once a battle site during the War of Vampire Aggression, much of the old battlefield has been transformed into a skeleton army factory.

The semi-tundra land makes it difficult to grow crops like that of Central Hollowvale. However, Western breeze carried foreign seeds into the land, where they evolved to survive and thrive in Dreadmoor for the last two centuries.
Nowadays, much of Dreadmoor landscape is dominated by vibrant flowers in stark contrast of the lone watch tower in the middle of the valley. Dreadmoor has been home to one of the more powerful noble families who serve the Cainhursts and foundation of the family estate rests here - the Necropolis.

Dawnfall
The Most western city of Hollowvale, and dedicated to the protection of Hollowvale's western border. There is a sizable army of Undead here at all times.

The Dead City
! A city so lost to time that even its name has been forgotten. Said to be cursed, any attempts to re-popularize the area have met with disaster and Blackrock is currently content to leave the city to rot. That hasn't stopped rather foolhardy adventurers from sneaking inside in hopes of treasure. Some have even survived. Some even still sane enough to form coherent sentences for a time.

Grimthorne
A rather secluded city home to a unfriendly population who prefer to be left to their own devices.

Galomel
A city of Elves who fled persecution from the south and founded a new land to call their home. While not technically under the Cainhurst banner, they currently maintain good relations and several of its inhabitants have even gone to serve in Blackrock's royal court. Unwelcoming to non-elves.

Vinistead
Lore Needed! A flourishing city to the East, Vinistead is known for its verdant fields and dangerous forests. The land is incredibly fertile, unlike much of Hollowvale - and is responsible for providing food for much of the country. A area of booming trade and wealth, Vinistead enjoys major protection from Blackrock due to its strategic importance. Has something of a unpleasant reputation for corruption.

Dead Harbor
Named for its copious amounts of Undead workers rather than its ironically booming population, the Dead Harbor serves as a checkpoint for the southern cities to journey to Crowhaven due to the completely inaccessible Dead Wastes. A surprisingly cheerful and bright area, that one wouldn't think was in Hollowvale if it wasn't for the hundreds of Undead working on the ships and in the markets.

The Dread Wastes
A wasteland feared by even the powerful Dark Mages of Hollowvale, The Dread Wastes was the site of a terrible battle long ago, and has permanently been stained by a corruption that destroys all it touches. A location of ghost stories and hidden horrors, bottomless marshes and poisonous swamps - The Dread Wastes have never been effectively explored or tamed. Frenzied Undead stalk the wastes, attacking anything and anyone foolish enough to stray into the marshes. A single road runs around the Wastes, connecting Crowhaven to Grimthorne and Vinistead. To the inhabitants of Hollowvale, to stray from the road and to enter the Wastes is a death sentence.

Shadowbark Forest
A large and foreboding forest to the North of Blackrock, entrance to Shadowbark is strictly monitored and controlled for one simple reason: It is the home of the Werewolves. The Wolves have no official alliance with Hollowvale - such things are not in their nature, but the Dark Lord and the Alpha of the tribe both agreed to an arrangement known as the "Black Wolf Treaty", wherein the Werewolves are allowed a large Forest to reside within in peace - but must remain strictly within its borders. Non-Wolves are forbidden from being within one mile of Shadowbark, with only the Cainhursts permitted entry when invited. Surprisingly, the Wolves are courteous and fascinating hosts - and staying among them is an enlightening experience.

 

[Avari]

​

• Roughly 200 years ago, the whole of Aether was effectively under siege by the Vampires. They had organised, they had armies. They were basically drinking the world dry.
• The Church of Light from Great White city of Alcamoth reformed itself into a quasi-military religious force and organised the rest of Aether under one banner to combat the threat. The great Lords of man, the elves, Dwarves; Even its enemies - the Necromancers, Dark Mages and "evil races" agreed to help, as the Vampires were a threat to all living things.
• Vampires are wiped out over 150 years of systematic and grueling war.
• The Church of Light decides to continue the holy crusade, and turns on its dark allies - who are forced to flee to the inhospitable land of Hollowvale. The Church is unable to pursue.
• The Dark Races, tribes and cults basically turn on each other in a war for dominion over Hollowvale. The unification war. Ulfric Cainhurst, greatest of the Necromancers claims victory and names himself Lord of Hollowvale.
• Over the next decade, those who resist his rule are effectively wiped out. The Black Court is formed. Hollowvale becomes an organised, independent country.
• Tensions rise with the Hinokah - the Lords of Cloud Top to the west, who take no pleasure in a land of Undead spreading across their territory. Tensions quickly spill over into conflict. Another bloody war begins.
• Six years later, the Hinokah and Cainhursts are forced into a stalemate. The Undead unable to move into Hinokah territory without being torn apart by their terrible war machines, the Hinokah unable to penetrate the inhospitable land of Hollowvale. A tense stand off continues to this day; There is no truce, but no war either. With Hollowvale effectively locked off from the outside world. Only the Dwarves see no reason to spur Hollowvale, and the two countries enjoy friendly relations.
• Ulfric, realizing he has no heir to his throne and Hollowvale would collapse into infighting without a strong leader, begins to build a dynasty. He has children with several mistresses to cement Cainhurst's future control of the region.
• Present day. Hollowvale stands strong...for now. But rumors of Ulfric's old age and deterioration are spurring Hollowvale's enemies. It is a time of paranoia and mounting tension, with the once stoic and coldly logical Dark Lord growing ever more vulnerable.

 

[Avari]

​

"Feeding a normal army is a problem of logistics, with the Undead, is is an asset. Feeding is why they fight. Feeding is why they're feared." - Ulfric Cainhurst

The Undead are bodies of the deceased who bound to the will of the one who reanimated them. They have no connection with the soul of the deceased, rather serving with blind obedience until they are either released from the magic that compels them or destroyed. Incapable of speech or independence, the Undead are the perfect servants for those willing to practice the dark arts of Necromancy. The power and form of an undead greatly depends on the strength of the magic that raised it - with the creatures ranging from the drooling and mindless common zombie, to the imposing and intelligent Dire Knights.

The Rules of Reanimation are simple:

1. At least a pound of flesh from the victim is required. The more of the body that is reanimated, the stronger the Undead is. While it is technically possible for a skilled Necromancer to conjure a Undead out of nothing but mana alone, these are always greatly inferior to true "flesh" Undead.
2. The Resurrected Undead is bond to the will of the one who resurrected it. They will follow any order to the best of their ability and understanding - with stronger Undead able to follow complex orders, basic Undead can usually only manage to understand single word commands.
3. The ownership of a Undead can be transferred to another, as long as the other has the willpower and magical strength to take it. A amateur necromancer would not be able to control the advanced Dire Knight, for example.
4. A Necromancer can control multiple Undead at once, with most being able to control several dozen. A true master of Necromancy - such as Ulfric, is capable of commanding several thousand at once.
5. An Undead "dies" upon the death of its master.

Undead are broken up into several different levels of power, each serve a different purpose in Hollowvale.

1. Common Undead. The most well known "classic" drooling zombie. The Common Undead are shambling, mindless and slow. They are capable of following simple commands such as "Stay" "Follow" or "Kill" but lack the capacity to understand complex commands. Weak, but tend to overwhelm in numbers.
2. Greater Undead. The most popular Undead with Necromancers with a degree of understanding and strength. Greater Undead are smarter, stronger and faster. They are capable of following complex commands, and work as efficiently as the living. Greater Undead are used as farm hands and manual labor as well as in the Cainhurst's armies.
3. Dire Undead. A rare sight outside of Blackrock, Dire Undead are the result of Expert Necromancy, and only a few can be controlled at a time. A Dire Undead is intelligent - even shrewd - a match for an experienced swordsman on the battlefield, and are even capable of using limited magic. From a distance, they can even be mistaken for the living. Used as elite guards and shock-troopers.
4. Dire Knight. The Ultimate Undead. Standing at two meters tall and equipped with thick armor and able to use a range of weaponry, the Dire Knight is a worthy adversary, capable of decimating entire units of knights. A Dire Knight can only be summoned by a true master of Necromancy, and takes incredible magical ability to maintain - as such, Dire Knights usually hibernate until disturbed or called upon, rather than left to complete tasks.
5. Dread Undead. Undead of the Wastes. Known for the purple flame that burns in their eyes. Dangerous, filled the will of some unspeakable power. Any attempts to subvert control have met with failure and Abyss Undead work as one, overwhelming even the strongest of opponents. Mercifully, they do not seem to be interested in leaving the Dread Wastes - content to wonder and patrol.

 

[Avari]

The Chain of Command

Lord Ulfric Cainhurst
The Hollow King. Patriarch of Cainhurst. Lord of Blackrock. Ruler of the Dead. Refereed to as "Dark Lord" or "My Lord."
v
The Cainhurst Children
Children of Ulfric. Future of Cainhurst. Ranked by Age.
v
Lady Lucrezia
Ulfric's oldest and most loyal servant. Her strength and cunning matched only be her beauty.
v
The Black Court
The Nobles. Lords and Ladies of the Court. Representatives of every town, city and tribe under Cainhurst control. Sworn to Loyalty. Ulfric holds court twice a week within the great throne room of Blackrock, but more can take place during times of emergency or if required.
v
Blood Guards
Royal Guards. Trained from childhood to defend the Cainhurst Family. Merciless.
v
Rank and file guards and servants
Recruited from the various cities and towns sworn to the Cainhursts. No notable abilities.
v
General Population

---
​

MONEY
In Aether, the currency is a simple affair:
100 Bronze Coins to 1 Silver
100 Silver to 1 Gold

In terms of value:
A market would expect 20-30 Bronze for 6 chicken eggs.
A night at your average tavern would usually cost around 20-40 Silver.
A talented Blacksmith with a good reputation can expect 2-3 gold for a standard long sword.
A Mage, who is open to hire can expect 50-60 Gold for their services. A dedicated healer can get even more. Naturally, not many can afford a Mage's services.
A standard bard is usually paid at least 2 gold for a nights worth of entertainment in a tavern. A Bard with a good reputation will usually haggle for more.
A genuine Dwarven blade crafted in Magruhdul would be worth over 100 Gold.

---

(Blackrock daily life lore TBA!)​

 

[Avari]

"Greatness, at any cost." - Cainhurst motto.

​

The Hollow King. Lord of Blackrock. Patriarch of the Cainhursts.

Once a Acolyte of the Church of Light who abandoned his vows due to what he saw as the Church's impotence and hypocrisy, Ulfric was still a young man when he began his journey to make his own mark upon the world. Born into poverty and irrelevance in Alcamoth's refugee camp during the Vampire scourge, Ulfric learned difficult lessons early after his mother was murdered by a common pick pocket and he was unable to find any authority figure that was willing to help him, much less care about the death of another faceless refugee. The pain of that loss forced him to come to a harsh but inescapable conclusion:

Only strength matters.

Fascinated by the Darker magics that the Church seemed so adamant to wipe out only spurred Ulfric to embrace them, and he quickly proved himself an adept user of the forbidden arts. His natural charisma and strength earned him a small but loyal following as he traveled - gathering those who he saw worthy of his cause. He accepted any and all into his ranks with the desire to crush the Vampire menace and break free of the Church of Light's stifling clutches. Ulfric held no prejudice for what others saw as "Lesser" and "Corrupt" races, and many gathered to his side during his search for more power. Goblins. Werewolves. Elves. It did not matter who you were, all that mattered was that you had the strength to prove yourself. His messages and speeches were seductive and enchanting, and by the bloody conclusion of the Vampire War, Ulfric was considered one of the strongest amongst the self proclaimed "Dark Lords".

Ulfric Cainhurst did not truly come into power however, until the War of Hollowvale's Unification.

With the Vampire menace crushed, the Church of Light's mighty army forced many of its enemies to flee to the inhospitable wastes of Hollowvale - infighting quickly began between the various tribes, cults and factions that clambered for shelter from the Church's holy crusade.
Ulfric Cainhurst, already of great influence, considerable power and military wisdom quickly rose to the top. After several conclusive battles and routs against his enemies, Ulfric Cainhurst named himself the one true Lord of Hollowvale - and all who would deny his claim would be crushed like the others.

Ulfric proved himself worthy of the title of King quickly. Hollowvale was organised. Treaties and trade agreements were signed. Tribes and cults assimilated, cities repopulated. In a few short years - despite constant war and siege from her enemies...Hollowvale stood strong.

it is not in the nature of Dark Mages and Necromancers to work together in such a way; the outside world expected Hollowvale to consume itself - but Ulfric's iron rule endured. His philosophy and leadership creating a relatively peaceful life for the many who accepted the rule of the Dark Lord.

For forty years Ulfric Cainhurst has ruled. A man of years before he even ascended to the throne, there are rumors that the once mighty man's health has began to fail him. He has sired children - all brought up in the Cainhurst philosophy of Strength. But only time will tell if Hollowvale will survive the decline of its master.

A cold man of brutal logic, Ulfric is not forgiving of failure.
He wields the Great Sword of Ninniel: One of the Legendary Blades of Aether. Ninniel is a feared blade of terrible power, said to capture the souls of those it kills.

 

[Avari]

​

Ulfric has sired numerous children during his forty year rein over Hollowvale. The ones that have survived are his strongest and brightest, below are the most notable members.

Laurence Cainhurst - 32 (Deceased last year. Poisoned by Severa.)
Severa Cainhurst - 29
Aubreron Cainhurst - 28
Richard Cainhurst - 26
Rose Cainhurst - 15
Ameila Cainhurst - 15
Luna Cainhurst - 7 (Deceased. Wasting Sickness)​

Considered to be children blessed by the madness of Dark Blood, Ulfric's children are all quite extraordinary - as to be expected from those born from the Dark Lord. Born into a world of manipulation, dark magic and paranoia it is somewhat amazing that they're as well adjusted as they are. Each is constantly probed and tested for signs of weakness by their Father, who is determined to forge a new Bloodline that will cement his dynasty over Hollowvale - none of the children have been brought up with any parental kindness or warmth, perhaps save from overly familiar servants and each other.

Laurence Cainhurst was believed to be destined to inherit his Father's throne - a power obsessed Dark Prince who Ulfric favored above all others, until he died of a mysterious fast acting illness and all responsibly fell to the eldest Daughter: Severa. While many believe Severa actually murdered Laurence to gain his position - there was never any proof, and Ulfric seemed disinterested in pursuing the matter; privately impressed by Severa's ruthlessness. In reality however, Laurence had been planning to murder his siblings to remove any potential threat to his ascendancy. His plot was discovered, and Severa poisoned him during an evening supper. Severa has maintained the facade, pleased to see it has made many weary of daring to cross her and seemed to earn her her Father's subtle approval. She and her younger surviving siblings chose to band together - and they have survived to this day thanks to their bonds born from necessity.

Luna's death was a far more sombre affair for the Family. With each child born to Ulfric seeming to be sicker and "stranger" some Nobles whispered that Ulfric's corruption by Dark Magic was spreading into his blood. Luna was an incredibly sickly girl who suffered from hallucinations and terrible nightmares of "Black tentacles and Watching Eyes" before she passed suddenly in her sleep. She was a kind girl, quite unlike many of her older siblings, and the loss stung for many of them.

 

[Avari]

​

"Impress me."

The elite combat mages of Hollowvale, the Bloodguard are recognized throughout the Land of the Dead for their opulently lavish robes of deep crimson and their unflappable attitude to all that dare stand against them. Trained from a young age in the traditional dark arts and combat skills of their Cainhurst masters, the Bloodguard boast versatility not only as mages excelling at Necromancy and elemental magicks, but as masters of the blade.While perhaps lacking the raw strength of the elite warriors of other countries, the Bloodguard make up for it with versatility and magical ability - They are pride of Hollowvale's military and a sterling example of what Blackrock can offer children with magical ability. The mindless Undead can be a powerful foe, but an Undead army with a squad of Bloodguard is a fearsome thing indeed.

To be a Bloodguard is to be acknowledged as the best, and the right to be a part of their order is hotly contested amongst the trainees and guards who frequently compete to be a part of them. The Bloodguard take their role seriously - with some even going on to become part of the Dark Maidens. Defeat means Death, and To show fear means you can expect to be cut down by your fellow Bloodguard without hesitation or mercy. The Bloodguard are used sparingly and only with great consideration due to their limited numbers and the great expense and time it took to train them.

Not to mention, they're awfully stylish.

 

[Avari]

Other Notable Races
(More can be added!)



"Salt and Stone"​

Hailing from the distant eastern Island of Magruhdul, The Dwarves are a proud race of Sailors and Warriors who are widely known for their incredible knowledge of stone craft. The Kingdom of Magruhdul cares little for the politics of the other races, perfectly content to keep to themselves. However, they maintain robust trade treaties with every country on Aether - even the dreaded Hollowvale, and have the greatest Navy in the world; used to ferry huge amounts of goods to and fro from Magruhdul. Dwarves are a close-knit race, who lack any settlements outside their Island home.

"Let the Wild in, channel its strength"​

The most ancient race on Aether, once believed to have dominated the world - the Elves are a race known for their longevity, magical ability and their mysterious affinity with the natural world. Elves are a versatile species who have broken into three distinct groups:
Lumen Elves: The self pro-claimed "True Elves" who reside in Merluminal, hidden deep in the magical Forests far to the South. You will not encounter them in Hollowvale.
Dark Elves: Red eyed with a reputation for the Darker Magics. The Hollowvale variant.
City Elves: Those that have integrated completely into the Human society.

"For the love of Meyneth, keep an eye on your wallet"​

A mercantile race of Nomadic individuals, the Neko'Sha have no true home - preferring instead to travel in small family units with no real interest in "Human politics". The Neko'Sha happily adapt to any environment in search of what they love most: Shiny Coin. Incredibly gifted in the ways of trade and Gold, rivaled by only the Dwarves in matters of haggling and shrewd business dealings, the Neko'Sha work as shop owners, traveling merchants, innkeepers and in some cases: mercenaries. A few however have found a higher calling and became proud members of the Bloodguard and other influential positions within Hollowvale nobility. The Neko'Sha get on well with all the other races, though some believe there's a lot more to them than meets the eye.

​

 

[Avari]

​

Ruling the western lands, the Proud warriors of Hinokah are known for being the greatest sword-masters in the world - and their ongoing bitter war against the Dragons.
The Hinokah are one of the most technologically advanced communities in the world, and have a very tense relationship with the neighboring country of Hollowvale - of whom they've been at a stalemate with for the last decade. The Hinokah also possess the feared "Kage Senshi" a elite group of Ninja, who are experts at sabotage, espionage and assassination.
The Hinokah are currently ruled by Empress Akari Hinokah, who rules from the great mountain city of Cloudtop

Technically the Hinokah vs Hollowvale war never ended, and fear of spies and subterfuge is rumoured to have twisted Ulfric's mind.

 

[Avari]

"Two legs by day, four legs by moonlight, eyes raging in storm-gotten might."​

A Werewolf is a sentient being who has been infected with the curse of Lycantrhopy. Feared and despised throughout Aether, the Werewolf is hunted wherever it might appear - as its infectious nature can quickly cause a plague. The Church of Light is especially vindictive against these "Beasts" and has been known to burn entire settlements to the ground in order to sterilize a potential infection.

It is of little surprise then, that the Werewolf was one of the very first to call Hollowvale its home. Once a nomadic and independent creature, Hollowvale is home to the only known Werewolf settlement in Aether - hidden deep within the magically warded forest of Shadowbark.

The Werewolves hold no true alliance with the Cainhursts - their fiercely proud nature and lack of interest in politics make them poor servants, and it was only a partnership of convenience that saw the Werewolves and other dark races fight together during the war. During the war of Unification, Ulfric Cainhurst developed a unlikely friendship with the fiercest of the pack - a man known simply as "Iron Fang", and it was these two men that signed the Eclipse Treaty shortly after Ulfric's ascension to Lord of Hollowvale: The Werewolves would be permitted to roam the great forest of Shadowbark without fear of being hunted, and would in return agree to stay within its borders and defend Hollowvale if called upon. The arrangement suited the two parties perfectly, and the Wolves and Cainhursts maintain an amicable - if distant - relationship.

The first of its kind, the society that the Werewolves have built within Shadowbark is as fascinating as it is mysterious. The Eclipse Treaty permits only the Cainhurst family to enter the forest (with exceptions made in extreme circumstances) - and only upon the express invitation of its hosts, and while there are no official records kept within Blackrock to describe the nature of Werewolf society, it is said to be one of the very few places that the Dark Lord expresses any sort of fondness for.

As to the Werewolves themselves - to become a Werewolf is to have one's soul corrupted by the spirit of the Wolf. Those that are infected take on several beast-like characteristics - including enhanced senses and strength, as well as an almost religious like reverence for the Moon and other heavenly bodies; but this corruption also removes the individuals ability to manipulate mana, and as such a Werewolf is not capable of wielding the commonly used Magicks. On the night of the Full Moon, the beastly corruption reaches its peak, and the individual undergoes a rapid and painful transformation into its true form; a gigantic wolf-like beast of terrible power.

While Lycanthropy is indeed infectious - in its true form even the faintest scratching of the skin guarantees infection (Of which there is no known cure) - a Werewolf in its base form is not to be considered especially dangerous, with only the imbibing of blood or sexual contact causing the disease to spread.

 

[Avari]

"Your life will set with the sun."
​

Vampires were parasitic long-lived creatures of ceaseless hunger that fed on both the lifeblood and mana of their prey. While technically classed as a form of Undead, the Vampire was not born of Necromancy or some other foul magic, but was a rampant magical plague that spread in a manner not unlike rabies - - any man unfortunate enough to be bitten by a Vampire would himself become a Vampire, his only drive now to slake his terrible thirst.

Any and all living things were susceptible to the Vampiric Curse - both man and beast alike. To become a Vampire was to lose ones sense of self, but gain terrible power in the process. Vampires were blessed with super strength, agility and numerous magical abilities that allowed them to become Apex Predators - flight, invisibility, speed and hypnotic powers that far exceeded the reach of even many dedicated mages. They feared only the sunlight - which instantly reduced them to dust, and fire - which burned through their natural defenses.

For thousands of years, Vampires stalked the night - a feared but mercifully rare threat. Vampires were intelligent and shrewd, usually content to hunt in secret and prey on the weak and vulnerable.

But the uneasy balance was never fated to last.

While the Scholars of the Church have yet to quantify events in detail due to a lack of surviving documents - it is generally agreed that roughly 300 years ago the population of Vampires suddenly skyrocketed, and the dread creatures moved with a collective purpose and drive never before seen. A true Vampiric army descended on the lands of the North, feeding on and converting entire cities to their terrible cause. It is believed that there was a single Vampire of such great power and intelligence - a True Vampire Queen - that drove the horde on, but no such creature was accounted for during the war, and such claims have lost many of their supporters in recent decades.

For a full account of that terrible time that concluded with the once thought impossible united front of every nation systematically turning back the tide and hunting the Vampires to (presumed) extinction, please consult the Scholars of the Great Library in Alcamoth.