The Prophecy of the Blood Moon

'When the moon drips red with blood, a vicious war between the two rulers of the night will emerge.'

That is an ancient prophecy meaning the next time that the moon rises during the night and fills the sky with a blood red glow, the two races of the Xeador Kingdom will wage an all out battle for control of the country, disregarding any previous alliances or treaties, and not holding back.

Summary

It is prophesized that the two rulers of the night, the Lycanthropes and the Vampire of the Xeador Kingdom, who are in a constant battle, will unleash a full-scale war for Xeador. At the moment, the lycanthropes occupy the southern areas of Xeador , whilst the Vampire Lords occupy the northern territories. The Vampire Lords possess greater technology and science, but have been unable to take the Lycanthropean lands due to their greater number and adaptiveness to the swamps and marshes of Xeador. The Vampire Lords have tried to push into the swamps many times, but have been repelled every time. This is due to the Lyccanthropes utilizing the otherwise disgusting land to their advantage, whilst the Vampires are used to their more regal fortresses and castles. Many await the rising of the moon every single night with anticipation, expecting the moon to rise red, meaning that it is the night they will finally take control of their land and gain riches and glory beyond imagination. However, the prophecy was first declared thousands of years ago, before the Great Unite of the surrounding countries and many have started to believe that the prophecy is not true. These people believe that the prophecy was falsified by one side or the other to stop a full-scale war from erupting in Xeador for as long as possible. These people are called Sceptics amongst the Vampire Lords, but are called Heretics in the lycanthrope swamps.

Historical Basis

As mentioned above, there are some sceptics amongst the citizens of the Xeadorians about the truth of the prophecy. It is recorded that the prophecy was given to both sides of the war during a blood moon in 1576BU. That was the last recorded Blood Moon, confirmed across Velaria by other civilizations and peoples recording the strange phenomenon. The Xeadorian scripture also writes about a powerful woman that descended from the moon itself. There is conflicting information around who or what this woman was, but most can agree that she was both a vampire, and a lycanthrope. This woman, who the Vampires call the Reaper, and whom the Lycanthropes call Iulla. She appears as a spectral white figure wrapped in black and red cloth hanging loosely off a curvaceous body of beautiful skin. She wields a massive scythe, dripping with blood-red energy and her eyes shine bright like two full moons. Silky black hair falls around her shoulders wildly and untamed, and her face extends forward slightly more than normal for a human, showing a soft snout-like mouth resembling a wolf. The Vampire Lords believe that when she arrives, it will be to proclaim the beginning of the great Xeadorian war, and she is there to collect all the souls of the dead lycanthropes that the vampires will slaughter. The Lycanthropes believe that since her first arrival, Iulla has been protecting them each night from the moon, and when she arrives backed by a Blood Moon, it means she wants them to go on the offensive and take the fight to the Vampire Lords.

Variations & Mutation

The oldest Vampire Lord that sits above all others, Strahd Von Sarovich , transcribed the first written form of the prophecy during the first Blood Moon when the Reaper came to him and told him of the prophecy. For the Lycanthropes, it has been passed down from generation to generation, transforming into more of a religion that just a simple prophecy. The prophecy and the first Blood Moon was the catalyst for the Lycanthropean religion, and the day of the Blood Moon is their reckoning.

Cultural Reception

Because of the Xeador Kingdom's secrecy, not many other cultures know of this legend, or do not perceive how much importance is has to the Xeadorians. However, any smaller parties quietly travelling through Xeador, must quickly learn to respect the legend or face grave consequences immediately.

In Art

There have been great tapestries created in the halls of the Vampire Lords castles detailing the glorious day of the Blood Moon. These tapestries have a large, red moon in the centre, and a mighty clash between thousands of Vampires and Lycanthropes in the desolate land of Xeador. Usually contain Vampire Lords cheering victoriously, holding slain Werebat heads up to the Reaper who bestows them all with power.

Hold true Dragos, my beloved son, we must wait patiently for the Reapers return. There will be glory abound for you on that night of prophecy. Until then, we must defer.
— Strahd Von Sarovich, Vampire King

May the great Iulla bless our meal. We are thankful to her for bestowing these great powers onto us and giving us the tools to live in this dreadful world. Thank you Iulla for delicious bat meat, and may the Blood Moon be staved off for another night!
— WereQueen Lathilda, leading a prayer before supper

Date of First Recording

1576BU

Date of Setting

The Blood Moon

Related Ethnicities