The Order of Vampires
Eclipsing the mundane divisions of Human society, the
Crimson Concord operates in the shadows, a
vampire order weaving its influence from the lowest gutters to the highest echelons of nobility. Though their members span across
Arboria, their principal focus lies in the regions of
Becken,
Ardecha Polya, the
Bogland, and more so, the city of
Starigrad.
The ethos of the Crimson Concord resonates with the idea of symbiosis: a harmonious existence with humanity, unseen and unobtrusive. Their vampiric nature is considered a burden with certain advantages, a curse yet a gift. The order feeds on the lifeblood of mortals but is cautious never to drain enough to cause harm or leave a mark of their nocturnal visitations. This silent exchange, they believe, forms a mutually beneficial relationship—nourishment for the vampires, and protection offered by their superhuman abilities and knowledge to an unwitting society.
The order extends their obligation beyond just symbiosis. In their perception, humans are too young and naive to understand or counter the threats lurking within their realm. Thus, the vampires have appointed themselves the secret guardians of Arboria, shielding their world from forces far more insidious than themselves.
The Crimson Concord is governed by the
Elder Council, a body composed of its oldest and most experienced members. These Elders bring centuries of wisdom and understanding of both vampirism and human nature, making them adept at maintaining their symbiotic existence with humans.
Purpose & Opposition
However, their intent isn't without opposition. The Crimson Concord's prime adversaries are ironically the humans they protect. Human holy orders, such as the
Inquisition of
Ardechia and the
Paladins of
Sturmgard, perceive vampires as parasitic creatures, draining the lifeblood of their society. To remain unexposed, the order endeavors to stay hidden, knowing well that the slightest hint of their existence could trigger a relentless hunt.
Their second enemy lies within their kind, the power-hungry vampire order called the
Blood Pact. These vampires view humans as prey, yearn for dominance, and prophesize humanity's downfall. The Crimson Concord works tirelessly to thwart their plans, cleaning up the mess they leave behind to prevent human societies from becoming aware of vampirism.
Moreover, the Crimson Concord has a pivotal role in maintaining regional peace. With their members infiltrating the royal courts of Ardechia and Sturmgard, they strive to prevent conflict. They fear that an outbreak of war and the resulting bloodshed would trigger an uncontrollable frenzy among vampires, and, more disastrously, awaken the dormant
Witch Queen from her self-imposed isolation within
Drakmire Keep.
However, the Blood Pact relishes in this chaos, hoping to incite the Witch Queen's wrath and witness her destructive fury unleashed upon all of Arboria. The Crimson Concord, therefore, stands as the last line of defense, protecting Arboria from itself and its own.
Operations
Unseen by the untrained eye, the silent power of the Crimson Concord seeps into the fabric of society, their influence subtle yet expansive. The members of the order, shrouded in darkness, mingle with both the highborn and the outcasts, their roles varying as much as the blood they draw. The two most prominent figures in this clandestine order—Trigor Severin and Anya Raskova—serve as prime examples of their diverse approach in coexisting with society.
Trigor Severin: Blood Aristocracy
With a demeanor as fine as the noble wines he offers, Baron
Trigor Severin weaves his way into the lives of
Starigrad's lower strata with an elegance unmatched. His extravagant parties and charitable acts are legendary, a beacon of hope for those drowning in poverty. The underprivileged are invited to his opulent
Severin Manor, welcomed into an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. The Baron's generosity knows no bounds, as he showers his guests with bountiful feasts and a sense of belonging that they have long been denied.
But it's not mere philanthropy that motivates the Baron, his actions hold a darker purpose. As the night draws close and his guests succumb to the drowsiness of a well-fed stomach, the Baron sets his plan into motion. Like a seasoned phlebotomist, he gently extracts the finest of blood from his unconscious guests. The bodies are then meticulously moved out of his manor with utmost discretion. Subtly invoking his vampiric magic, Trigor selectively erases the memories of their visit, leaving them none the wiser of their nocturnal donation. In this grand scheme of blood aristocracy, the Baron has mastered the art of drawing blood without ever raising a blade.
Anya Raskova: The Veiled Siren of the Underworld
In the teeming underbelly of
Starigrad, the infamous
Serpent's Kiss brothel pulses with life, an intoxicating blend of sin and seduction. At the helm of this world of vice is
Anya Raskova, the ever-youthful madam, her allure irresistible to men and women alike. Each night, she opens the doors of her establishment to a diverse clientele, promising them pleasures only whispered in the darkest corners of the city.
Yet behind the façade of lust and debauchery, the Serpent's Kiss serves a deeper, darker purpose. Anya, with her cadre of vampiric courtesans, weaves a tantalizing spell around their patrons. Under the haze of intoxicants and exhaustion, the clients are none the wiser when the veil of pleasure thinly veils a pricking pain. The vampires draw blood from their patrons, sating their thirst without bringing any harm to their prey. As dawn approaches, the patrons stumble out, their memories of the night as hazy as their thoughts, unaware of the vital essence they've unwillingly surrendered.
Comments