The Cursed Eternals

Introduction

"They’re not rulers, not gods... they’re hunger draped in the flesh of monsters. Every night they come, and every night they take more of us. There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Even the sunrise can’t save us anymore."

— Alina Graves, mortal survivor

Cursed to an eternity of hunger and dominance, the Immortals are the apex predators of the mortal world and the architects of its ruin. Born from forbidden magic and bound by blood, they were once masters of shadow and secrecy, silently steering humanity from the dark. Now, in this age of ash and blood, they reign openly as oppressors and survivors in a shattered land where magic spirals out of control and nightmares stalk the living.

To mortals, they are an old myth that has become a relentless reality. To themselves, they are cursed immortals, chained to their insatiable hunger and stripped of themagic that once defined them. Yet, even without Sanguinis, their strength remains unparalleled, and their dominion stretches across the shattered Earth, where survival is paid for in blood.

The Primordials

No one knows precisely when the Immortals first emerged. Their origins are a patchwork of myths and truths, impossible to untangle. But one thing is certain: their creation began with four beings of immense power and ambition- figures who would later be known as the Primordials.

These were no ordinary mortals; they were the first Mages, masters of the arcane arts, and visionaries who dared to defy the ultimate truth of reality: all things must die. The curse of vampirism began with them and spread through the ages like a dark stain on the world's tapestry.

Origins

Immortals were never meant to exist. They were the unintended consequence of a desperate attempt to conquer mortality. The First Mages, masters of their respective domains of magic, believed they could surpass the boundaries of life and death. In their vanity, they believed they could transcend their limits and become something greater.

Blinded by ambition, they performed a ritual that bound their very souls to their blood. The result was catastrophic. A Wyld Surge of unprecedented magnitude unleashed a torrent of raw, uncontrollable magic, transforming the four Mages into something entirely new. Neither mortal nor truly undead, they became vampires: beings forever suspended in the fragile space between life and death.

The world would never be the same.

Founders of Eternity

Long before their cursed immortality, the four who became the Primordials were celebrated as the most powerful Mages of their time. Known today as Christian, Olga, Stefan, and Keiji, these names are almost certainly not their true ones. These identities, modern in origin, were likely adopted at some point in history for reasons lost to time.

As mortals, they were united by their shared obsession with transcending death. Each brought unparalleled mastery over a fundamental pillar of magic to the ritual that would shatter the natural order. Christian mastered Matter, Olga commanded Continuum, Stefan harnessed Chaos, and Keiji wielded Spirit. Their shared ambition bound their fates together, transforming them into the first of the Immortals. Yet, as much as they shared, each had their own unique vision of what immortality should mean. So, to truly understand the curse of vampirism, one must begin with these four- the Founders of Eternity- and the legacy they left behind.

Christian: The Overlord

"We are not cursed. We are perfection."

— Primordial Christian

In life, Christian was a master manipulator, bending both matter and men to his will. With an unparalleled command of the matter pillar of magic, he sought to reshape reality to suit his ambitions. It was his expertise that anchored the fateful ritual in their blood, binding the essence of their magic to their immortal forms and forever altering the course of history.

Before the Cataclysm, Christian reigned as the de facto ruler of Europe’s most influential regions, where vampiric dominance was at its zenith. His grip was unyielding, and his influence stretched over both mortal and immortal alike. To him, these lands were his empire, and the subjugation of humanity was not just a right but an inevitability.

To Christian, immortals are the pinnacle of existence. Humanity exists solely to serve as sustenance, their brief and fragile lives meant to nourish the endless reign of their betters. Mortals were not equals; they were cattle, bred to sustain his vision of a perfected, eternal order.

His hatred for Mages burns brighter than his disdain for any other. Christian views them as a direct affront to the natural hierarchy he holds sacred: the supremacy of the strong over the weak. Their defiance of vampiric dominance enrages him, and his opposition to them borders on obsession. Of all the Primordials, Christian’s ambition burns the fiercest, and his shadow looms the largest over the ruined world. To those who dare to resist him, he is not merely a tyrant- he is an overlord whose will shapes the destiny of all beneath him.

As the master of Continuum, Olga wielded dominion over time and space with breathtaking precision. It was her magic that allowed the Primordials to tear their souls from the flow of time, thus binding them to a new immortal existance.

Olga values mortals as more than sustenance. She recognizes them as the foundation of vampiric existence; the seeds from which her kind arises. Mortality is fragile but vital, a resource to be preserved and nurtured.

Before the Cataclysm, Olga ruled over Russia with a methodical approach to power. She believed opposition was not to be crushed but slowly unraveled, as time could turn resistance into opportunity. Diplomacy was her sharpest weapon, and her wisdom an irresistible force.

Her relationship with Mages is equally calculated. Olga respects their power, yet this respect is laced with vigilance, as she understands the danger they pose. Though her vision is one of balance between mortals and immortals, Olga is no stranger to decisive action. When her plans are threatened, she becomes a patient storm, dismantling resistance with precision until nothing remains but submission to her will.

Of all the Primordials, Olga’s legacy is one of timeless ambition and vision. She is the master weaver of eternity, shaping the threads of chaos into a grand design only she can see.

Olga: The Architect

"Time is a tool, and with it, I build eternity."

— Primordial Olga

Keiji: The Sage

"The weight of immortality echoes the choices we cannot undo."

— Primordial Keiji

Keiji, a master of the Spirit Pillar, held dominion over death and life. It was his mastery that enabled the Primordials to entwine death’s essence into their blood, erasing their names from its passage. Yet, as the ritual concluded, Keiji felt the weight of their actions sink deep into his soul. He recognized the gravity of what they had done and vanished into obscurity.

When Keiji reemerged, he retreated to the mountains of Tibet, embracing solitude and reflection. For centuries, he remained silent until, around the 5rd century BCE, his progeny began to wander, spreading his teachings of harmony. To Keiji, vampires were not exalted beings but cursed creatures, condemned by their defiance of nature yet still integral to the cosmic wheel. Even failures, he believed, have a role to play, in the interconnected dance of existence.

Keiji’s relationship with Mages was deeply layered. Despite his regret, he remained a mage at heart. A coven formed around him, inspired by his teachings of balance and reflection. Keiji viewed magic not as a weapon but as a force to be wielded responsibly, always respecting its place within the larger order.

His wisdom and honesty earned him the respect of the other three Primordials, despite their diverging philosophies. However, this respect did not spare him in the end. The vampiric civil war escalated beyond control when Stephan, without warning or provocation, invaded Keiji’s domain and killed him. His death marked a turning point, fueling chaos and resentment among the immortals.

Of all the Primordials, Keiji remains the most complex and the most burdened by regret. His legacy is one of wisdom and remorse, a reminder that even immortals are not above the consequences of their actions.

Stefan as a master of chaos pillar, was always the unpredictable force among the Primordials. He was the first to agree to Christian’s ritual, knowing that his unique magic was the key to shaping the impossible into reality. In the grand scheme of things, Stefan was the catalyst for the very foundation of their existence, forever altering the balance between order and chaos.

Before the Cataclysm, Stefan made his home in America, a land he saw as his personal domain, particularly after the upheaval of the American Revolution. He reveled in the freedom that immortality provided, an existence without constraints, where he could indulge in every whim and seize every opportunity. He is an opportunist at heart, thriving on the chaos around him and the unpredictable turns of fate.

He has never been concerned with maintaining power or order. He doesn’t command or negotiate; his domain is one of loose, dangerous freedom. His decisions are impulsive and often leave others in turmoil. The murder of Keiji, executed without warning or apparent reason, is the greatest proof of his erratic nature- an act driven by a logic none could follow. Stephan’s erratic actions speak to a deeper instability within him, a mind driven by twisted logic and a constant search for the next spark of excitement.

Some say there is something alien within Stefan, a dark presence that sometimes wears his face. Whether this is truth or myth, none can say for certain. Of all the Primordials, Stefan’s legacy is one of uncertainty and madness.

Stefan: The Mad

"Chaos is not destruction, it is creation in its purest form."

— Primordial Stefan

The Scars of Creation

Though the Immortals defy death, they are not invincible. The ritual that birthed them was steeped in the raw forces of magic, and the scars left upon their existence manifest as fatal weaknesses. Each vulnerability is a lingering echo of the Wyld Surges that shaped them, tied to one of the Four Pillars of Magic. It is speculated that the Four Primordials are not affected by these weaknesses in the same way as their descendants, though the truth of this remains unknown.

Sun

The Curse of Continuum

Immortals exist out of time, a consequence of the ancient ritual that severed them from the natural cycle of day and night. Locked into darkness, they are unstable in daylight. Under the sun, their reality distorts, their bodies flickering like a half-formed thought, leaving them vulnerable to collapse and erasure.

Fire

The Wrath of Matter

Fire does not simply burn an immortal- it seeks to erase them. Tied to the fundamental laws of reality, fire seeks to restore balance by unmaking what should not be. An Immortal burned by fire is not just destroyed; they are erased, their essence scattered beyond recovery. This vulnerability stems from the Matter Pillar’s dominion over the physical world, ensuring that even the undying can be undone.

Heart

The Defiance of Spirit

The immortal heart is a relic a symbol of life severed from death. To pierce it is to deny them control over their own existence. A stake through the heart will not kill them, but it will paralyze them, forcing them into helpless stillness. Worse, the heart of an immortal can be used as a tool to command them, a relic of their rebellion against the natural order.

Madness

The Price of Chaos

The greatest wound upon the immortals is their shattered perception of reality. At night, they walk the world with purpose. But in the day, the barrier between what is real and what is illusion unravels. Each sunrise brings waking nightmares, shifting visions, and whispers of unseen forces twisting their minds. Most choose to enter deep slumber to escape the torment, for those who remain awake risk losing themselves entirely.

Immortal Hierarchy & Rules

Within the society of the immortals, the term "vampire" was traditionally referred only to the bulk of their population- those who held no status and ranked just above the progeny, the newly embraced Immortals. To call any of the higher-ranked Immortals a vampire was once considered a grave insult, dismissing their power and position within the hierarchy. However, after the Cataclysm, the term began to be used more broadly, even for those of higher status. While many elder immortals still find this usage offensive, the chaotic state of the world has made such distinctions increasingly blurred.

Pre-Cataclysm Hierarchy

Before the Cataclysm, Immortals were part of a carefully maintained society with well-defined roles and responsibilities. The hierarchy was dictated not only by power and age but also by the favor of the Four Primordials. Their influence and the respect they commanded formed the backbone of vampiric society.

The Primordials

The absolute rulers of the vampire world, each Primordial controlled their respective line with near-absolute power. The Primordials operated in relative secrecy, with their influence extending over both the society of their immortal descendants and the mortal world.

Chancellors

Immortals of this rank were the political leaders, responsible for enforcing the Primordials' decrees. Each Chancellor ruled a large territory and served as the local representative of the Primordial in their domain. They were the most powerful immortals of their line.

Lords and Ladies

Immortals with significant land or political influence. Lords and Ladies were often closely tied to the decisions of the Chancellors, responsible for keeping the lower ranks in line and maintaining order in their regions. They were skilled in diplomacy, war, and control.

Sirs and Dames

These Immortals were powerful but not yet at the level of Lords or Ladies. They held some autonomy, overseeing smaller regions or serving as trusted lieutenants to the higher ranks. Nobles were the ones making up the backbone of vampire society, keeping the hierarchy intact through their direct actions.

Vampires

These formed the majority who helped maintain the immortal society. They were typically bound by their creator's influence. While they were recognized, their position kept them in subjugation. However, some could rise through the ranks with exceptional abilities or deeds.

Progeny

The newest created immortals were at the bottom of the hierarchy. They were newly turned and had no significant influence. Progeny were expected to prove themselves in battle, service, or loyalty before they could ascend the ranks, which often meant years or centuries of servitude.

Pre-Cataclysm Rules

Vampire society before the Cataclysm was governed by strict rules to maintain order and secrecy. The Rule of Secrecy forbade Immortals from revealing their true nature to mortals, ensuring humanity remained unaware of their supernatural overlords. Violating this rule often resulted in swift and violent punishment. The Rule of Blood Boundaries emphasized the importance of territorial respect; each vampire or their line controlled specific regions, and trespassing without permission was a serious offense that could spark deadly conflicts. Additionally, the Rule of Sustenance mandated Immortals to feed responsibly, avoiding the unnecessary draining or killing of mortal populations to prevent exposure and maintain a balance between predators and prey. Finally, the Rule of Sanguinis required Immortals who wielded Sanguinis- the potent magic of their blood- to use it with restraint, treating it as a gift to be honored rather than abused recklessly.

Hierarchy & Rules in the Age of Ash and Blood

After the Cataclysm, the once orderly immortal society fractured into a disjointed, chaotic existence. The catastrophic event that tore the veil between the material and spiritual worlds left the Immortals in a constant state of disarray, with territory and hierarchy becoming fluid concepts. The old council structures were obliterated, and those who had once wielded power found themselves stripped of their influence or forced to adapt to a world where survival was the only rule that mattered.

However, the one rule that most vampires agree on is the ban on creating new of their kind. With food sources growing scarce and their hunger intensifying, there is little desire to welcome more into their ranks. This has created an unspoken understanding among vampires: there is no more room for expansion, and no new immortals are to be turned.

In this new era, the traditional hierarchy, while acknowledged by a few, holds little practical weight. The strongest, the most cunning, or the luckiest now dictate the balance of power. Those who cling to the old ways do so out of reverence and not necessity. Power is no longer defined by age, lineage, or tradition but by an ability to adapt to the chaotic and ever-changing world. Even the Primordials, who once held absolute power, have vanished into obscurity. No one knows their whereabouts, and their influence has waned as their lines diminish and the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world deepens.

Blood: A Price Eternal

Trigger Warning: Body Horror

For vampires, hunger is more than a physical need, it is the driving force behind their existence. The thirst for blood is a relentless torment, a constant reminder of their cursed immortality. Blood sustains them, binding them to the unlife they were granted, and without it, they wither.

Before the Cataclysm, vampires maintained a delicate balance. While their thirst was potent, the abundance of mortal prey made it manageable. Most vampires fed in moderation, careful not to attract attention or deplete human populations in their territories. However, the Cataclysm shattered that balance. In the apocalyptic ruins of the world, mortals became scarce, and with them, the blood vampires need to survive. Worse still, the veil’s collapse amplified the hunger. Vampires now require more blood to maintain their strength, and the intervals between feedings have grown dangerously short.

Those who cannot feed face a terrible fate. Prolonged starvation leads to a condition known as Blood Madness, a descent into a feral state where the vampire loses all reason, consumed by an insatiable drive to kill and drink. These maddened creatures are feared even by their own kind, often hunted down before their rampages draw unwanted attention.

The dire state of hunger is the main reason for the post-Cataclysm decree banning the creation of new immortals. Every drop of blood is precious, and with their food source already limited, few vampires are willing to risk further dilution of their dwindling resources.

The Gifts of Immortality

The Immortals are beings of unparalleled strength and ability, their powers a manifestation of their supernatural nature and the legacy of the Primordial bloodlines from which they descend. Once feared as near-invincible predators, the Cataclysm has robbed them of much of their former glory, leaving them shadows of their once-mighty selves.

Each Immortal carries the mark of their lineage, their unique abilities shaped by the Primordial from whom they descend. In the age before the Cataclysm, these gifts were not only the source of their individuality but also the foundation of their strength, dictating the feats they could achieve with Sanguinis. The most powerful Immortals could even transcend the limits of their heritage, wielding aspects of all four bloodlines. But now, with the disappearance of Sanguinis, these once-mighty abilities have been rendered dormant, leaving Immortals to rely on their physical forms alone.

Universal Abilities

Physical Prowess: Immortals possess extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance that far surpasses mortal limits.

Heightened Senses: All their senses are unnaturally sharp, allowing them to detect prey or threats across vast distances. They are master hunters, able to track even the faintest trace in total darkness.

Healing Blood:The blood of Immortals still carries potent healing properties for mortals. Those who consume it recover from wounds and fatal illnesses. However, after the Cataclysm, Immortals lost the ability to heal themselves with their own blood.

Sanguinis: Before the Cataclysm, the greatest weapon of the Immortals was Sanguinis, their ancient blood magic. This power not only amplified their inherent abilities but also allowed them to perform feats of magic, shaped by the Primordial bloodline from which they descended. But in the wake of the Cataclysm, Sanguinis was lost, severing their connection to this potent magic.

Primordial Sanguinis

Transformation (Christian's Bloodline):Descendants of Christian could alter their forms, becoming shadow, mist, or even beasts.

Teleportation (Olga's Bloodline): Those of Olga’s lineage could bend space, vanishing from one location and appearing in another in an instant, as well as moving everything around them telekinetically.

Telepathy (Keiji's Bloodline): Keiji’s progeny wielded powerful mental abilities, capable of piercing into thoughts, influencing the minds of others, and even dominating the will of the weak.

Illusions (Stefan's Bloodline): The Immortals of Stefan’s line were masters of deception, crafting illusions so convincing they could warp reality itself.

The Cataclysm’s Curse

The Cataclysm fundamentally altered the nature of the Immortals. With the loss of Sanguinis, they are now stripped of their Primordial heritage powers. The abilities that once granted them supremacy over mortals have vanished, leaving them to rely solely on their physical strength and heightened senses. Their capacity to heal, once an almost instant process, has also been severely diminished. Wounds that would have once closed in moments now take days or weeks to heal, requiring significant amounts of consumed blood to recover. Many believe the loss of Sanguinis is at the heart of their intensifying hunger, as their weakened state pushes them into a deeper craving for blood.

Now, in the age of ruin, vampires have become more monstrous than ever. Stripped of their former grandeur, they rule through fear and sheer brutality, hoarding what little power they have left. Mortals, desperate for any form of protection in a world that teeters on the edge of annihilation, are left with no choice but to seek shelter under the rule of these tyrannical creatures. The world may know of their existence, but the vampires are resolute in never showing weakness. They are careful not to reveal the fragility beneath their dark, unyielding exterior, knowing that any hint of vulnerability could spell the end of their kind. In this broken world, where the line between predator and prey blurs, only one certainty remains:

The struggle for survival will define the future of this shattered earth.