Vladigoth

## History

### Origins

The Carduelic prison-ship's arrival on Sanguine Prime marked the beginning of a grim chapter for its passengers. The massive gulch, subsequently named "Cain's Embrace," became their unexpected landing site. As the ship touched down, the sleep chambers housing the prisoners were deactivated, and they gradually began to awaken from their long stasis. Confusion and disorientation gripped the passengers as they tried to make sense of their surroundings. They had been in cryogenic hibernation, but it was clear that something had gone terribly wrong. Their initial attempts to gather information about their predicament only deepened their unease. The ship's navigation system had mysteriously purged all data related to their journey, leaving them with no record of where they had come from or how much time had passed. It was as though their voyage from Carduel had been wiped from the ship's memory. The passengers, already grappling with their abrupt awakening, now faced the unsettling reality that they might never return to Carduel. Amidst their growing suspicions and uncertainty, the prisoners decided to access the ship's supercomputer directly. They hoped to uncover any remaining fragments of information that could shed light on their situation. What they discovered only confirmed their worst fears: any hope of returning to Carduel had vanished. The navigation system, which had inexplicably malfunctioned, had effectively erased their journey's history. Stranded on Sanguine Prime, the prisoners were left with no choice but to confront the harsh realities of their new and unforgiving environment, facing an uncertain future on this alien and eerie world.

Stranded and left to fend for themselves, these resourceful "Sanguinites," were forced to adapt to their new environment. Their first priority was survival, and they wasted no time in making use of the limited resources available. One of the most valuable resources on Sanguine Prime was the abundance of iron and titanium ore. The planet's rugged terrain and jagged mountain ranges made these precious metals relatively accessible. Sanguinite civilization quickly recognized the importance of these materials and focused on developing advanced metallurgical and engineering technologies. Iron and titanium were crucial for crafting essential components used in spacecraft construction, armor plating for protection against the planet's harsh conditions, and energy production to sustain their growing society. Initially, the nascent human civilization on Sanguine Prime centered around the crash site of their prison ship in Cain's Embrace. Over time, this area evolved into a city bearing the same name. The city of Cain's Embrace became a hub of activity and innovation as the Sanguinites worked tirelessly to adapt and thrive in their challenging new home.

The heavy iron content in Sanguine Prime's atmosphere posed significant challenges and dangers for the first generations of settlers. These early inhabitants faced a range of illnesses and health risks as a result of prolonged exposure to the planet's unique atmospheric conditions. One of the most immediate and pervasive dangers was iron inhalation. The iron-rich dust and particulate matter suspended in the air could be inhaled by settlers. Prolonged exposure to iron dust could lead to a condition known as siderosis or welder's lung. Symptoms included coughing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Severe cases could result in chronic respiratory problems. In addition to inhalation, settlers had to be cautious about iron absorption through the skin. Contact with iron-rich soil or surfaces could lead to iron poisoning over time. Symptoms included fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Iron poisoning could be particularly dangerous for children. Settlers' equipment and machinery were constantly exposed to the corrosive effects of the iron-rich atmosphere. Rust and corrosion could rapidly degrade tools, vehicles, and infrastructure, making maintenance a constant and resource-intensive task. Direct contact with iron-rich dust could irritate the skin and eyes of settlers. Skin rashes, itching, and eye redness were common complaints. Protective clothing and eyewear were essential for those working outdoors. Over time, settlers faced the risk of iron accumulation in their bodies, a condition known as hemochromatosis. This disorder resulted from excessive iron absorption and could lead to various health problems, including liver damage, diabetes, and heart issues. The iron-rich environment could interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients, potentially leading to vitamin deficiencies. Settlers had to carefully manage their diets to ensure they received adequate nutrition.

Over the course of two hundred generations, evidence of genetic adaptation within the Human settlers became more and more apparent. A new species of human, soon to be termed “Vladigoth”, emerged. The emergence of the Vladigoth species, also known as “Sanguine’s Children”, is a testament to the power of evolution in response to extreme environmental conditions. Their unique adaptations have not only allowed them to survive but also to thrive on a planet that would be hostile to most other forms of life.

### The Blood War

The transformation of Carduelic humans into the Vladigoth species on Sanguine Prime was a remarkable process that took approximately 4,000 years. These settlers evolved and adapted to the planet's uniquely challenging environment, gradually becoming a distinct species. However, it's essential to note that the original Carduelic humans were not entirely extinct on the planet during this time. In the early stages of Vladigoth emergence, they existed as a minority population amidst the Carduelic humans. Initially, the Vladigoth were met with fear and animosity from their Carduelic counterparts. The drastic physical and genetic changes that had occurred in the Vladigoth made them appear as abominable mutants to the Carduelic humans, fueling distrust and hostility. As time passed and the Vladigoth population continued to grow and thrive, tensions between the two species escalated. The increasing numbers of Vladigoth posed a perceived threat to the Carduelic humans, and this fear further exacerbated their strained relationship. Competition for resources, territory, and influence likely fueled these hostilities, echoing similar historical conflicts on Earth between different human groups.

The escalating tensions between the Carduelic humans represented by the Enclave and the emerging Vladigoth population organized under the banner of The Horde eventually erupted into open conflict on Sanguine Prime. The Enclave's decree of segregation and the eventual extermination of the Vladigoth due to their perceived "corruption of humanity" set the stage for a bitter and devastating war. The formation of The Horde, a militarist and supremacist faction among the Vladigoth, highlighted the opposing viewpoint within the Vladigoth community. They saw themselves not as corruptions but as perfected beings, embracing their unique adaptations and considering them superior to the Carduelic humans. This ideological divide deepened the animosity between the two groups and solidified their determination to fight for their respective beliefs. The outbreak of war across Sanguine Prime was undoubtedly a harrowing period in the planet's history. It likely involved fierce battles, widespread destruction, and immense loss of life on both sides. The conflict, fueled by deeply entrenched ideologies and the struggle for dominance, would have far-reaching consequences for the planet and its inhabitants. The war between the Enclave and The Horde serves as a stark reminder of how differences in identity, ideology, and fear of the "other" can lead to devastating conflicts, even among groups of the same species. The repercussions of this conflict would undoubtedly shape the future of Sanguine Prime and its inhabitants for generations to come, leaving scars that would influence the planet's social, political, and cultural landscape.

The 130 years of brutal global war on Sanguine Prime witnessed a tragic turn of events as the Carduelic human population faced massacre at the hands of The Horde, while the Vladigoth population continued to grow and eventually surpass their ancestral counterparts. The inability of the Carduelic humans to genetically adapt to the planet's harsh environment became a significant disadvantage. A crucial factor contributing to The Horde's dominance was their genetic adaptation to Sanguine Prime, which allowed them to allocate their resources differently from the Carduelic humans. While the Carduelic humans needed to divert resources toward maintaining their survival on the planet, the Vladigoth could focus their resources on securing their claim over the Blood-World. The emergence of Sanguinite warmachines, such as massive tanks armed with powerful cannons, formidable naval vessels, and imposing mobile fortresses, marked a turning point in the conflict. These machines provided The Horde with a significant advantage on both land and sea, enabling them to dominate various fronts of the war. As the "Blood War" raged on, the planet's native fauna, aggravated by the ongoing conflict, posed additional threats to both sides. The Enclave, in a bid to protect themselves from these threats, invested in the construction of walls and domes to keep the fauna at bay. In contrast, The Horde developed early power armor suits that, while rudimentary compared to the advanced Knight-Tyrant power armor of the distant future, still provided a crucial edge in combat. These early power armor sets offered enhanced strength and protection to the already durable and strong Vladigoth warriors, making them formidable adversaries on the battlefield. The development of these early power armor suits and Sanguinite warmachines represented significant advancements during the Blood War era, setting the stage for further technological innovations in the future and shaping the fate of Sanguine Prime in the process.

The Blood War on Sanguine Prime ultimately concluded in a devastating manner, with the Carduelic humans facing complete annihilation. The last stronghold of the Enclave, which had been fiercely defended against The Horde's relentless onslaught, was eventually stormed by the superior forces of The Horde. As The Horde breached the final defenses of the Enclave, a brutal and desperate battle ensued within the last bastion. The remaining Carduelic humans fought valiantly, knowing that their survival was hanging by a thread. However, The Horde's overwhelming numbers, advanced technology, and genetic adaptations to Sanguine Prime gave them a decisive advantage. In the end, The Horde's forces overpowered the beleaguered Carduelic humans, and the last stronghold of the Enclave fell to the victorious Horde warriors and subsequently renamed to “Man’s Fall”. Any Carduelic humans who may have survived the assault most certainly faced a grim fate in the extreme and unforgiving environment of Sanguine Prime. The annihilation of the Carduelic humans marked a tragic and irreversible turning point in the planet's history. The Vladigoth, now the dominant species on Sanguine Prime, had emerged victorious in the brutal conflict, solidifying their claim over the Blood-World and shaping its future as they continued to evolve and adapt to their unique environment. The Blood War left scars on the planet and its inhabitants, forever altering the course of their shared history.

## Physical Characteristics

### Height

The evolution of the average Vladigoth's towering height of 13 feet on Abstraum Prime can be attributed to a combination of environmental factors and the need for enhanced physical attributes to survive in the planet's extreme and brutal conditions. The planet is inhabited by formidable and often gigantic predators. Larger size can act as a deterrent and provide a better chance of survival when confronted by these formidable creatures. Abstraum Prime experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. Larger organisms tend to have a more stable internal temperature due to their lower surface area relative to their body mass. This adaptation helps Vladigoth individuals better regulate their body temperature in the planet's harsh climate. The towering height of the average Vladigoth makes them apex predators within their ecosystem. Their size grants them access to a wider range of prey, which may include some of the larger creatures on the planet. The sheer size of Vladigoth individuals can serve as an intimidation factor, discouraging potential threats or competitors from engaging in confrontations. This reduces the risk of territorial disputes and physical altercations.

### Skin

Sanguine Prime is known for its arid deserts and vast iron-rich landscapes. The iron dust present in the environment is abrasive and can pose a risk of skin irritation, especially during sandstorms or windy conditions. The planet's relentless sun emits intense reddish-hued radiation, which, combined with the abrasive environment, can cause severe skin damage, including sunburns and increased risk of skin cancer. The Vladigoth's epidermis has evolved to be thicker and more resilient than that of standard humans. This toughness provides an extra layer of protection against the abrasive qualities of iron dust and minimizes the risk of skin abrasions or irritation.

### Iron Adaptations

The Vladigoth species has adapted its respiratory system to efficiently process Sanguine Prime's iron-rich atmosphere. This adaptation involves changes at both the cellular and biochemical levels. Their lung tissue has evolved to filter out iron particles more effectively, preventing iron inhalation-related conditions like siderosis. The excess iron absorbed through respiration is repurposed by their bodies to reinforce and strengthen organs, bones, and muscle tissue. This iron utilization not only bolsters their physical strength but also contributes to their distinctive physique and increased height. Vladigoth individuals have developed a remarkable immunity to various forms of iron poisoning. Their bodies can process and metabolize iron with incredible efficiency, eliminating the risks associated with iron overload. This adaptation ensures that their health remains robust despite the omnipresent iron-rich environment.

### Eyes

The most prominent adaptation seen in the Vladigoth species is the transformation of their eyes. Sanguine Prime is characterized by a harsh and relentless sun that emits intense, reddish-hued radiation. This solar radiation is significantly more powerful and potentially harmful than Earth's sunlight. Overexposure to this radiation can cause severe eye damage, including blindness and cataracts. As a result of natural selection, individuals with mutations that provided better protection against the solar radiation were more likely to survive and reproduce. The adaptation of completely blood-red eyes with beady, black pupils emerged as a protective mechanism. The red coloration of the eyes acts as a natural filter against the intense UV and infrared radiation from the sun. The pigmentation helps to absorb and disperse the harmful rays, reducing the risk of eye damage and preventing cataracts. The red coloration of the eyes is due to an increased density of blood vessels in the ocular tissues. This adaptation serves to dissipate excess heat generated by the intense sunlight, helping to keep the eyes at a stable temperature. The beady, black pupils have evolved to be highly efficient in regulating the amount of light that enters the eye. On Sanguine Prime, where sunlight can be blindingly bright, the pupils can constrict to tiny pinpricks during the day to minimize light exposure and dilate to larger sizes during low-light conditions. The beady pupils also enable exceptional night vision. Sanguine Prime experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, and many creatures are nocturnal. Humans with this adaptation can navigate the planet's dark, predatory ecosystems more effectively. Their eyeballs have also evolved to withstand the abrasive dust-winds that sweep across Sanguine Prime. The development of specialized protective membranes and tear ducts allows Vladigoth individuals to navigate the planet's rugged terrain without irritation or the need for cumbersome protective face gear. This adaptation is akin to a transparent nictitating membrane, akin to those found in certain animals on Earth, designed to shield their eyes from particulate matter in the atmosphere.

### Vampiric Evolution

#### Blood-Water Metabolism

In one of the most striking adaptations, the Vladigoth species no longer relies on regular water for sustenance. Instead, their bodies have developed the ability to process Sanguine Prime's red liquid precipitation, often referred to as blood-water. This adaptation involves specialized enzymes and metabolic pathways that allow them to derive the necessary hydration and nutrients from the planet's unique precipitation cycles. This transformation is a testament to the remarkable adaptability of the Vladigoth species.

#### Predatory Tongues

Sanguine Prime's ecosystem is notoriously brutal and resource-scarce. The surface is covered in arid deserts with limited vegetation, and the native fauna often possess defensive adaptations, making them challenging to hunt or prey upon. Early Sanguinite colonists faced significant challenges in finding sources of nourishment, including water and food. Traditional methods of hunting or foraging were often insufficient for their sustenance. Over generations, the Vladigoth formed with mutations that enabled them to feed on the blood of the planet's wildlife and gained a significant survival advantage. Blood contains vital nutrients, including proteins and iron, which could sustain them even in the harshest conditions. The Vladigoth's specialized tongue adaptation allows them to extend it out of their mouths like a tendril, granting them a long reach when hunting or feeding. The retractable black claws lining the sides of their tongue serve a dual purpose. They help in puncturing the flesh of their prey, allowing the tongue to penetrate the victim's throat, while also ensuring a secure grip on struggling prey. At the tip of the tongue, there is a slit-like mouth surrounded by a pair of fork-like claws. These frontal claws are designed to pierce the flesh and burrow into the victim's throat. Once the tongue is securely inside, the Vladigoth can engage the suction-like mechanism of their tongue, drawing blood directly from the victim's veins. This specialized adaptation allows Vladigoth to feed efficiently on the blood of their prey without wasting energy on hunting, killing, or consuming entire bodies. The direct access to the victim's bloodstream ensures they can extract the maximum nutrients with minimal effort.

#### Fanged Teeth

Sanguine Prime is home to a variety of vicious and carnivorous creatures, many of which possess sharp teeth and claws. The Vladigoth species needed to adapt to this predatory environment to compete for resources and defend themselves against potential threats. Resources, including food, can be scarce in Sanguine Prime's arid and unforgiving landscape. Vladigoth individuals with specialized teeth would have an advantage in obtaining and processing their primary food source. The fanged and sharp front teeth of Vladigoth individuals serve as efficient tools for hunting and capturing prey. These teeth allow them to pierce the flesh of their prey with precision, facilitating a quick and effective kill. While Vladigoth may primarily rely on blood and blood-water as a nutrient source, their sharp teeth enable them to consume meat. This versatility in diet can be essential in times of scarcity.

## Named Vladigoth

* Nikita Gorechild
* Torik
* Samara
* Adonitus
* Samarkan Gûl
* Siaphas Archai