Ordo Vermiculus

Overview

The Ordo Vermiculus is a secretive and ancient order, believed to be composed solely of vampires who were sired by Nadra Zalgiris, the first vampire created by Zagan. While much of its history is shrouded in mystery, it is said that the Ordo Vermiculus is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Zagan’s bloodline and maintaining the power that came from Nadra's cursed transformation. Many believe that the organization has long since faded into legend, its members operating in the shadows to avoid detection by mortal authorities, but some whispers suggest that it still exists—hidden, lurking, and patient, waiting for the right moment to emerge from the darkness.

The creation of Nadra Zalgiris as Zagan's first vampire is said to be an act of supreme corruption and defiance, and thus, the Ordo Vermiculus embodies the dark and rebellious ideals of Zagan himself. The organization is believed to serve as a sanctuary for the descendants of Nadra's cursed bloodline, protecting them from persecution and ensuring the continuation of their vampiric heritage. It is said that the blood of Nadra—combined with the divine power of Zagan—grants the vampires of this order unmatched strength, longevity, and mastery over the dark arts of blood magic.

To the members of Ordo Vermiculus, Nadra Zalgiris is not just the first vampire; she is the divine matron of their bloodline. Her transformation marked a moment of great significance—one that redefined the nature of vampires and established the Ordo Vermiculus as an elite, hidden faction of Zagan’s broader faith. The Ordo is dedicated to upholding the ideals of Zagan’s worship in their own way, viewing vampires not as cursed beings, but as divine instruments of strength, power, and defiance.

Theorized Hierarchy

The Ordo Vermiculus operates under a strict and cryptic hierarchy, with its members maintaining secrecy in all matters. Its structure is designed to preserve the purity of the vampire bloodline and the hidden power of Nadra’s siring. Unlike other vampire clans, the Ordo Vermiculus is united by their shared lineage to Nadra Zalgiris and their devotion to Zagan. The hierarchy of the Ordo is as follows:

1. The Sanguine Matron – The leader of the Ordo Vermiculus, The Sanguine Matron holds absolute authority over the order and is believed to be the direct descendent or most powerful of Nadra’s progeny, possibly even being Nadra herself, as her whereabouts became unknown long ago. This individual is said to be blessed by Zagan’s blood, with a divine connection that allows them to communicate with the divine essence of Zagan himself. The Sanguine Matron oversees the order’s most secretive activities, guiding the vampires in their quest for strength, survival, and the restoration of Zagan’s legacy.
2. The Elders of Blood – A council of the most ancient and powerful vampires in the Ordo Vermiculus. These vampires have lived for centuries, some even for millennia, and are considered to be the wisest and most skilled in the ways of blood magic, combat, and the occult. The Elders are responsible for advising the Sanguine Matron and ensuring that the teachings of Nadra and Zagan are followed with utmost devotion. They also oversee the initiation of new members into the order, ensuring that only those of pure blood and worthy ambition are allowed to join.
3. The Keepers of the Bloodline – A group of trusted vampires who are tasked with maintaining the secrecy of the Ordo Vermiculus and guarding its knowledge. They are responsible for ensuring that the bloodlines of Nadra Zalgiris are kept pure, and that the knowledge of the ancient rituals and blood magics of Zagan are passed down to the next generation. The Keepers of the Bloodline are skilled in tracking down any threats to the Ordo, whether they be rival vampire factions, mortal hunters, or those who would betray the ancient ways.
4. The Children of Nadra – These are the direct descendants of Nadra Zalgiris, the vampires who trace their lineage back to the first vampire. They are seen as the most favored of the Ordo Vermiculus, as they bear the purest blood of Zagan’s first vampire. The Children of Nadra are trained in the sacred rites of Zagan’s worship, as well as in the deadly arts of combat and blood magic. They are the primary enforcers of the order’s will, sent out to carry out missions or punish any who threaten the Ordo.
5. The Acolytes of Vermiculus – Initiates who are in the early stages of their training. They are still considered apprentices in the ways of the Ordo Vermiculus, learning both the rituals of Zagan and the combat techniques that have been passed down through generations. Acolytes undergo trials and tests to prove their loyalty to Nadra’s legacy, and only those who are deemed worthy are allowed to ascend to higher ranks within the order.

Holiday

The Ordo Vermiculus celebrates a number of private, hidden rituals, most of which are unknown to the outside world. As an order of vampires, their holidays center around the worship of Zagan and the remembrance of Nadra Zalgiris’s transformation. The most significant holiday is:

• The Night of the Crimson Blood – This is the most sacred night for the Ordo Vermiculus, believed to be the night when Nadra Zalgiris was transformed into the first vampire. On this night, all members of the order gather to honor her legacy and reaffirm their devotion to Zagan. Rituals involving blood sacrifices, invocations of Zagan’s power, and communion with the divine essence of Zagan are performed. This night is also a time for the Sanguine Matron to give guidance and wisdom to the members of the Ordo, ensuring that they remain united in their purpose and loyal to the bloodline.

Political & Cultural Influence

The Ordo Vermiculus operates in the shadows, and its influence is mostly concealed from mortal eyes. While the vampires of this order are powerful and ancient, they are careful to remain out of sight, avoiding attention from hunters, rival vampire factions, and mortal authorities. Their politics and culture revolve around the preservation of Nadra Zalgiris’s bloodline and the continued worship of Zagan.

• Political Influence:
  Though their power is hidden, the Ordo Vermiculus is rumored to have considerable sway in the human world. The descendants of Nadra Zalgiris are highly respected within other vampire factions, as they trace their origins to the first vampire. The Sanguine Matron, while elusive, is said to hold influence over other vampire leaders, sometimes pulling the strings behind the scenes to maintain the order’s secrecy and survival.
• Cultural Influence:
  Culturally, the Ordo Vermiculus is deeply rooted in the ideals of Zagan’s worship, with blood magic, defiance, and strength at its core. Vampires within the Ordo see themselves not as cursed beings, but as beings of divine purpose, chosen by Zagan to carry out his will on earth. The Ordo’s emphasis on secrecy and the preservation of Nadra’s bloodline ensures that they remain an enigmatic and elite faction within the broader vampire community. Their rituals are seen as both sacred and powerful, giving them an aura of mystery and reverence among other vampires.

Divines

• Zagan, God of Blood, Bone and Strength