S - Vescait

The vampiric bloodlines governing the Osean nation of Vescait, east of Thalassia on Sethrophos, reap the benefits of the region's isolation. Dominated by the Geier Reach mountains, the land is easier to monitor and control, trapping humans in narrow passes. These humans show irrational loyalty to their oppressive home, adhering to ancient customs of herding and gathering despite the ever-present danger from vampires, zombies, and ghosts. Vescait’s landscape varies from pastoral rangelands to black bogs, where dead conifers slowly sink. The midlands are filled with thick fog and dark pines, displaying colors from deep green to purple. The outer mountains, cloaked in indigo and black, vanish into the clouds, leaving their peaks shrouded in mystery.
The Geier Reach is the defining feature of Vescait, with its Z-shaped mountain range creating isolated valleys. The only pass to the sea, Ziel Pass, is treacherous, descending 1,600 feet to the churning waters below, haunted by geists. Hofsaddel and Needle’s Eye connect inland and outland valleys, the latter being particularly dangerous due to vengeful spirits and proximity to devils. Getander and Kruin Passes link Vescait to neighboring provinces, watched by the rapacious Falkenrath and well-fed McDonald vampires, respectively. Vescait's valleys are divided into numerous segments. The outer valleys include the human village of Shadowgrange, the abandoned Maurer Estate, and the rancher community of Lammas. These villages are inhabited by fiercely passionate yet paranoid humans. Inland, Silbern, a tiny stone watchtower manned by fatalistic cathars, and Wollebank, a large village of shepherds, are significant human settlements overshadowed by McDonald Manor, home of the McDonald progenitor.
The Farbogs, twin bogs in the inland and outland valleys, are ancient groves now sunken into peat muck. These bogs are home to geists and ghouls, some created by the young ghoulcaller Rinelda Smit. Somberwald, despite its darkness, is a place of beauty with drooping pine forests home to noble creatures like bears and stags.
Humans in Vescait rely on sheep for their livelihood, given the rocky soil and dim light. Stensian wool is renowned for its quality, and the vampire dominance keeps werewolves at bay, ensuring the flocks' safety. The stoic human population has adapted to life surrounded by vampires with village moats, cottage trees, and welcome mirrors to ward off their oppressors.
Vescait’s vampires, originating from the McDonald progenitor, have unique traits and weaknesses. They possess black sclera and vivid irises, and must consume five liters of human blood every moon cycle to avoid desiccation. Vampires see themselves as noble benefactors, believing their sacrifices justify their rule over humans. Their social lives are treacherous, filled with parties, feasts, and betrayals, reflecting their self-centered and hedonistic nature. Demanding the finest in clothing, weapons, and furnishings, vampires sometimes rely on human artisans to meet their desires, often through coercion or fear. The Court of the Vampire King/Queen, a three-day holiday invented by Olivia Voldaren, involves kidnapping a human to serve as the mock ruler, ending with the terrified victim's blood shared among the vampires.
Important vampire locations include Castle Falkenrath, the Voldaren Estate, and McDonald Manor. Castle Falkenrath, a Gothic masterpiece, is home to many Falkenrath vampires. The Voldaren Estate, surrounded by jagged peaks and mist, is the domain of Olivia Voldaren, known for her extravagant parties. McDonald Manor, overlooking Kruin Pass, is the residence of Edgar McDonald, living in relative simplicity compared to other elders.
Vampirism in Vescait is a condition of the blood, not a virus or curse, and is perpetuated by magic. Vampires possess agelessness, enhanced strength, and a silent aura. They practice a form of illusion magic, glamer, to move undetected among humans. Their vulnerabilities include susceptibility to living wood, the inability to cross running water reflecting the moon, and the burning touch of angelic-enchanted water. Blood trade among vampires is lively, treating blood like wine, with some resorting to human slavery to ensure a steady supply. Siring new vampires involves an exchange of blood, with only the most remarkable humans chosen for this transformation. The major bloodlines in Vescait include the prestigious McDonald, the bold Falkenrath, the eccentric Voldaren, and the coastal Stromkirk, each with unique traits and powers.
== Notable Characters ==
Kastinne, the Demon Killer hails from the somber village of Shadowgrange, a place where the darkness is as much a part of life as the breath in her lungs. Once a devoted mother of three, Kastinne’s life was shattered when a demon slaughtered her children, leaving her with nothing but an insatiable thirst for vengeance. Now, she roams the shadowy landscapes of Vescait, driven by a singular purpose: to eradicate the demonic scourge that plagues her homeland. Her striking appearance—raven-black hair, piercing green eyes, and a lithe, muscular frame—belies the torment within her soul. Clad in leather armor adorned with holy symbols and armed with a silver rapier and a blessed dagger, she is a vision of both beauty and lethality.
Kastinne’s presence in Vescait is as enigmatic as it is formidable. She is a wandering monk, her mind teetering on the brink of madness, yet her resolve remains unbreakable. Her interactions with others are fleeting and distant, for she trusts no one in a land where darkness holds sway. Despite her stoic exterior, she occasionally shows glimpses of the loving mother she once was, particularly when she encounters children. To the denizens of Vescait, she is both a guardian angel and a harbinger of doom, her very name evoking a mix of fear and reverence. The vampires, aware of her prowess, respect her territory, knowing that crossing paths with Kastinne could lead to their swift and painful end.
Rem Karolus, Blade of the Inquisitors, is a legendary figure in Vescait, known for his relentless pursuit of justice and his unyielding battle against the undead. In his late 30s, Rem’s rugged good looks and brooding demeanor have earned him a reputation as both a hero and a heartbreaker. His deep-set blue eyes and chiseled jawline are framed by a mane of dark hair streaked with silver, adding to his allure. Clad in intricate armor that blends both practicality and gothic elegance, Rem carries an array of weapons, including his signature rapier, a poniard, and a bastard sword across his back. His horse, a dappled gray steed, is as steadfast as its master, accompanying him on his solitary crusades across the treacherous terrain of Vescait.
As the Blade of the Inquisitors, Rem’s life is one of constant vigilance and sacrifice. He takes orders from Thraben when they align with his own goals, but more often, he acts on his own, driven by a personal code of honor. His encounters with the vampire bloodlines of Vescait are numerous and legendary, each battle adding to his storied legacy. Despite the danger that surrounds him, Rem maintains a stoic and composed demeanor, his emotions kept tightly in check. However, beneath the surface lies a deep well of sorrow and longing, remnants of a past filled with loss and heartbreak. To the people of Vescait, Rem Karolus is a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak world, a solitary warrior whose very presence offers a glimmer of salvation.
Olivia Voldaren, the Eccentric Matriarch, is the epitome of vampiric aristocracy in Vescait, her name synonymous with opulence and power. As the progenitor of the Voldaren bloodline, she resides in a vast, mist-shrouded estate nestled among jagged peaks, far from the prying eyes of humanity. Olivia’s beauty is otherworldly, her alabaster skin contrasting with her long, deep red hair and eyes that shimmer with an unsettling, almost hypnotic allure. She is often seen adorned in elaborate gowns of dark silk and velvet, her presence commanding and regal. Olivia’s eccentric nature is well-known among the vampire elite, her soirées legendary for their decadence and intrigue.
Despite her reclusive tendencies, Olivia’s influence extends far beyond her estate. She travels frequently, visiting Voldaren strongholds scattered across Sethrophos, her movements as mysterious as they are strategic. Olivia’s fascination with the arts and her penchant for throwing lavish balls have earned her a reputation as both a patron of the arts and a formidable power broker. Her interactions with humans are few and far between, yet when they do occur, they are marked by a disturbing blend of charm and menace. To the vampires of Vescait, Olivia Voldaren is a revered leader, her cunning and charisma ensuring her place at the pinnacle of their society.