The
Vampire Lord Markov Ambrose is one of the more infamous villains in the stories and histories of the
Age of Darkness and the
War of Thorns. A malevolent presence whose echoes can still be felt in places like
Csillasgrad and
Grey's Mooring thanks to the resolute visage of
Castle Ambrose, his keep was one of the final battles to take place during the
War of Thorns and whose defeat began the cleansing of the Imperial Fractals and the foundation of the
Valedori Empire.
Before this climactic end, his long life is storied with centuries of death and subjugation - ruling throughout the
Age of Darkness as lord of the
Csillasloch and holding dominion over all survivors of
The Breaking that lived in the region. He was viewed as one of the most powerful members of the
Court of Thorns.
EVENTS OF THE WAR OF THORNS
After killing
Castor Grey and taking hold of the region that includes modern-day
Csillasgrad and
Grey's Mooring, Markov Ambrose was relatively unchallenged in his control of the region, despite ongoing skirmishes and conflict with the nearby
Werewolf Clans of the
Muldrotha Wilds. Even during the
War of Thorns, his domain proved to be near-impossible to overthrow given the isolated and defensible position.
Much of this was also due to the skill Markov showed as a tactician and strategist, with the ability to use his small number of troops to outmaneuver the newly formed
Imperial Army across the
Tzodero Steppe and along the
Verseras River - even engaging in psychological warfare to convince individual militia groups and military leaders to forfeit attacks or disobey orders from other commanders. After a dragged out conflict, the fighting escalated to the point where
King Caspian Valero and
Damascus Ray led an attack aboard
The Dawnbreaker, flying a small fleet of
Skyships over the
Csillasloch to attack
Castle Ambrose. Even then, a few
Skyships were downed in the surrounding forests and it took the brutal power of the allied
Werewolf Clans to attack the castle, where the warrior Olcan Halfclaw slayed Markov.
LEGACY OF THE VAMPIRE LORD
The echoes and shadows of Markov Ambrose can still be felt in the region hundreds of years later. Many refurbished buildings built during his reign hold a particular style reminiscent of
Castle Ambrose - which still lies abandoned to this day, with no other daring to reclaim it. This is in large part due to a blood curse that has been laid over the castle before his death, which guards the castle with animated creatures and ancient spirits. Rumors about the secrets and riches that the
Vampire Lord has locked away in his keep, but none who have ventured into the depths have ever returned.
Rumors also abound about lasting legacies of Ambrose that persist in the region, such as the
Blight in the
Muldrotha Wilds or those who believe members of his bloodline still exist in
Csillasgrad and
Grey's Mooring, working with
The Camarilla to bring about his revenge.
