History of Vallaki
In the years succeeding the civil war, the once vibrant city of Vallaki lay silent in introspective, nursing the wounds formed from the rebellion, The Scourge, and the numerous evils enacted by the devil that ruled over them all. Amidst the turmoil of the political void left by the downfall of the royal family, the Blood Church stood as a steadfast beacon of unwavering strength, providing much needed succor to the city. The citizens found solace in the Church's dedication, faith, and its miraculous Blood. Gaining the trust of the commoners, the Church rise to power was quick and precise, its doctrines spreading like wildfire amongst the populace. A major portion of Vallaki's populace gravitated towards the their faith, the only ones unwilling to falter to the sway of the Church are those too far lost in their indulgences and those unable to obtain their precious Blood.
With the conclusion to the civil war, trade routes were flung open once more, and trade with neighboring and distant nations flourished for nearly two decades; with the only threats being the remnants of the Scourge. Commerce burgeoned anew, welcoming fresh faces into the city of innovation and birthing vast fortunes. Yet, echoes of the past would continue to linger and haunt the people. The persistence of the Scourge continued to rear its ugly head, prompting the city to reinforce the protective walls with layers of steel mined and processed within the city.
Vallaki had already entered into its own industrial age before the civil war took place, making rapid technological advancements in its machinery, and while the civil war stalled their advances temporarily, their industries continued to push forward. Now the people of Vallaki enjoy steam power and the earliest forms of electricity.
Eventually the presence of the Scourge could no longer be ignored. Whispers of grotesque beasts prowling the city's cobbled paths started stirring, hushed whispers and fearful gazes of citizens. This phenomenon was attributed as a curse laid upon the valley by Strahd. Terrifying phantoms in the night, the people of Vallaki would awaken to lifeless bodies being discovered at dawn, trails of crimson on cobblestones, and citizens vanishing without a trace. Normal weapons proved to be useless against these monstrosities, and so the guards themselves were unable to protect the people from this plague. Only one man would prove useful in this fight, the legendary monster hunter Rudolph Van Richten. His work was brutal and efficient, and this caught the attention of the Church.
Since its inception the Church had always believed in the power of the Blood, and their alliance with Rudolph would only bolster their beliefs. Together the two groups created the first of the Hunters; powerful individuals bolstered by the power of the Blood and the training of Rudolph. Their ranks were made up of seasoned warriors and citizens wishing to protect their loved ones. These individuals would bear the hopes of their people on their back, standing up against the waves of horror teaming through the city. People were encouraged to stay indoors at night, and the first hunt was called.
The hunters would prove effective against the tracking and killing of these beasts. While fresh monstrosities seemed to emerge each night, the hunters continued their pursuit.
With the conclusion to the civil war, trade routes were flung open once more, and trade with neighboring and distant nations flourished for nearly two decades; with the only threats being the remnants of the Scourge. Commerce burgeoned anew, welcoming fresh faces into the city of innovation and birthing vast fortunes. Yet, echoes of the past would continue to linger and haunt the people. The persistence of the Scourge continued to rear its ugly head, prompting the city to reinforce the protective walls with layers of steel mined and processed within the city.
Vallaki had already entered into its own industrial age before the civil war took place, making rapid technological advancements in its machinery, and while the civil war stalled their advances temporarily, their industries continued to push forward. Now the people of Vallaki enjoy steam power and the earliest forms of electricity.
Eventually the presence of the Scourge could no longer be ignored. Whispers of grotesque beasts prowling the city's cobbled paths started stirring, hushed whispers and fearful gazes of citizens. This phenomenon was attributed as a curse laid upon the valley by Strahd. Terrifying phantoms in the night, the people of Vallaki would awaken to lifeless bodies being discovered at dawn, trails of crimson on cobblestones, and citizens vanishing without a trace. Normal weapons proved to be useless against these monstrosities, and so the guards themselves were unable to protect the people from this plague. Only one man would prove useful in this fight, the legendary monster hunter Rudolph Van Richten. His work was brutal and efficient, and this caught the attention of the Church.
Since its inception the Church had always believed in the power of the Blood, and their alliance with Rudolph would only bolster their beliefs. Together the two groups created the first of the Hunters; powerful individuals bolstered by the power of the Blood and the training of Rudolph. Their ranks were made up of seasoned warriors and citizens wishing to protect their loved ones. These individuals would bear the hopes of their people on their back, standing up against the waves of horror teaming through the city. People were encouraged to stay indoors at night, and the first hunt was called.
The hunters would prove effective against the tracking and killing of these beasts. While fresh monstrosities seemed to emerge each night, the hunters continued their pursuit.
Type
Manuscript, Historical
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments