The Long Night

The Venture Clan

You embody the role of a Vampire Lord or Lady within Clan Venture, a lineage that has held dominion over the Land of Gothera for an impressive five centuries. Following a prolonged slumber, the time has come to awaken once more as The Long Night descends. However, your awakening unveils a world marred by change, where the balance has shifted unfavorably. The tides of fate have turned against you, placing not only your influence but your very survival at risk.

Facing a convergence of challenges, your supremacy is contested by enraged villagers, relentless Vampire hunters, bloodthirsty werewolves, a determined mad scientist, and ambitious rival clans all seeking to grasp power.

Can you navigate these trials and reassert your dominance? Will you rise above the multitude of threats standing in your way? Are you capable of enduring through the impending long night, or will darkness ultimately eclipse your reign? Your fate hangs in the balance as you strive to regain your strength, outwit your adversaries, and endure the tumultuous trials that lie ahead.

### Setting:

Gothera, a land of stark contrasts and unforgiving landscapes, is shrouded in an eerie aura that sets it apart. Its most distinctive feature is The Long Night, a period of perpetual darkness that blankets the realm for nearly half the year. During this time, the sun remains hidden below the horizon, casting the land into an abyssal gloom.

This mountainous country boasts ranges that pierce the heavens, their peaks often hidden in the shroud of low-hanging clouds. The valleys below are cradled by dense and enigmatic forests, where ancient trees stand as silent sentinels, their gnarled branches reaching for the obscured sky.

Among the rocky crags and hidden hollows lie ancient castles, their aged stones soaked in history and mystery alike. These fortresses once housed noble families and served as bastions of power, but their grandeur has long since been shrouded in an air of melancholic decay.

The human population clings to existence in the face of Gothera's harsh environment. Scattered throughout the land are small villages, resilient communities bound together by a shared determination to endure. These humble settlements are scattered amidst rolling hills, their flickering lights offering a glimpse of warmth against the cold backdrop.

In contrast to these humble abodes, a handful of fortified cities stand defiantly against the encroaching darkness. These urban fortresses are bastions of light and civilization, serving as beacons of hope amidst the perpetual night. The cities not only provide refuge but also serve as centers of trade, culture, and protection for humanity against the myriad of threats that dwell in the shadows.

In this cold and unforgiving realm, the people of Gothera must forge their existence, navigating the challenges posed by The Long Night, the imposing mountains, the enigmatic forests, and the ever-present aura of mystery that shrouds the land.

### Terms:

* **The Long Night** - There is no Sunlight from October to Early March.
* **The Great Slumber** - About a Five Month hibernation period.
* **Vampire Clans of Gothera:**
	1. **Clan Venture:** The eldest and once most powerful of the vampire clans, Clan Venture has a long history of dominion over Gothera. Their ranks swell with large numbers, and they are renowned for their mastery of dark magic. Despite facing challenges to their supremacy, their magical gifts and centuries-old knowledge continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
	2. **Clan Valentin:** Although their numbers are modest, Clan Valentin is marked by their unyielding ambition and unwavering determination. Their influence extends far beyond their size, driven by a cunning that has enabled them to maneuver through the shadows of power politics with exceptional finesse.
	3. **Clan Derkas:** A clan characterized by its sheer size and diverse population. Many members of Clan Derkas possess dark-skinned complexions, and they have gained a reputation for their relative peace and harmony. Their existence often revolves around coexisting with humans and other supernatural beings in a more tranquil manner.
	4. **Clan Nightshade:** The mere mention of Clan Nightshade invokes fear and trepidation. Known for their savage and bestial nature, they revel in the thrill of the hunt and the spilling of blood. This clan has a reputation for being merciless killers, instilling terror in both humans and vampires alike.
	5. **Clan Ravenshaw:** The most numerous among the vampire clans, Clan Ravenshaw is often referred to as the common vampires. They are adept at blending in with human society, leveraging their numbers to maintain a delicate balance between survival and maintaining a low profile.
	6. **Clan Warren:** Characterized by their deep religious beliefs, Clan Warren places great importance on their spiritual connection. Their reverence and devotion set them apart, earning them the respect of their peers. They often play a role as mediators and spiritual leaders within the vampire community.
	7. **Clan de Winter:** The first clan to emerge, Clan de Winter is steeped in ancient traditions. With wings that set them apart, they are marked by their unique appearance and capabilities. Though their numbers are small, their legacy and sense of history command respect. As the clans navigate The Long Night and the challenges that arise, their individual strengths and characteristics will shape the fate of Gothera. From power struggles to alliances, from fear to reverence, each clan weaves its story into the complex tapestry of this enigmatic land.

## Sessions:

**Setting:** Gothera, Land of Eternal Darkness

**Background:** For centuries, Clan Venture has ruled over the bleak and cold land of Gothera, embracing the power that comes with being ancient and immortal vampires. But as the land awakens from its Great Slumber, Lord Venture and his loyal subjects find themselves in a vastly different world. The balance of power has shifted, and the once-dominant clan faces threats from all sides—angry villagers, determined vampire hunters, bloodthirsty werewolves, a mad scientist with sinister experiments, and rival clans vying for control.

**Objective:** As Lord or Lady Venture, you must navigate this treacherous landscape, rebuild your clan's power, and survive The Long Night. Can you overcome the challenges and threats that stand in your way, reclaim your seat of dominance, and ensure the survival of your clan in this new and dangerous era?

### Key NPCs:

* **Lord (or Lady) Venture:** The player character, an ancient and powerful vampire lord/lady, once the ruler of Clan Venture, now faced with the task of rebuilding their power and confronting the challenges that threaten their existence.
* **Demitar:** A loyal familiar who awakened Lord Venture. He is one of the few survivors from the original Venture Clan and seeks to aid in the clan's resurgence.
* **Amalina:** Another surviving member of Clan Venture. A powerful and cunning vampire, she serves as both an ally and a potential rival.

### Plot Points:

1. **Awakening:** Lord Venture awakens from the Great Slumber to find himself/herself in a crypt with only a few surviving members of Clan Venture. Demitar reveals the dire news of the clan's decimation and the emergence of powerful threats.
2. **The New World:** Lord Venture steps out into the land of Gothera, witnessing the changes that have occurred during their slumber. The shift in power dynamics, the hostility of humans, and the rise of other supernatural forces become evident.
3. **Rebuilding the Clan:** Lord Venture must gather the surviving members of the clan and strategically build alliances to strengthen their numbers and influence. The options include negotiating with rival clans, convincing lone vampires to join, and even turning humans into loyal thralls.
4. **Facing the Threats:** Lord Venture confronts various challenges head-on. This includes dealing with angry villagers who have organized vampire hunts, battling bloodthirsty werewolf packs that roam the night, and facing off against the mad scientist whose experiments pose a grave threat.
5. **Rival Clans:** The resurgence of Clan Venture draws the attention of rival vampire clans, each with their own ambitions. The player must navigate treacherous negotiations, alliances, and betrayals as they vie for dominance.
6. **The Long Night:** As the months of perpetual darkness approach, Lord Venture must secure their position and ensure their clan's survival against the myriad forces that stand against them.

**Resolution:** The final outcome depends on the choices made by Lord or Lady Venture. They may successfully navigate the challenges, outmaneuver rivals, and establish themselves as a dominant force once again. Alternatively, their efforts may lead to betrayal, defeat, or even a tragic end. The adventure highlights themes of power, survival, sacrifice, and the ever-shifting nature of control in a world that refuses to remain stagnant. The Long Night's Resurgence tests the limits of the vampire lord/lady's cunning, influence, and strength, allowing them to shape the future of both their clan and the land of Gothera.

## Character Creation:

* **Platform:** Pathfinder First Edition.
* **Race:** Start as a Dhampir (any heritages) then add Vampire corruption.
* **Class:** Any
* **Level:** 7
* **Starting Gold:**  23,500
* Adding Vampirism Corruptions - You may have all manifestations.