The Red Morning

Military action

Analita von Raiza, a Vampire sent by the Bürach Empire to infiltrate Liesech, murders the Bouwengracht Family

The moment when the Bürach Empire turned its imperial gaze on the small city, Liesech had become a major trade hub between the nearby regions of Etharis, Especially the Bürach Empire and the Charneault Kingdom. These two powers benefited greatly from the improved trade routes, but the Bürach Empire couldn’t bear the taxes applied on all the supplies that passed through Liesech’s harbour. The Charneault Kingdom, on the other hand, favored Liesech’s independence, fearing that an annexation would worsen their position.   The Bürach Empire could not leave Liesech in peace, fearing their autonomy might inspire independence movements inside the empire. Leading Bürach aristocrats made a deal with the countess Analita von Raiza, a powerful vampire who was held captive in the Bürach Empire. In return for her freedom, she was to enter Liesech and use her vampiric powers to take control of the Bouwengracht family. Once done, she would open the city to the annexation. Knowing that most vampires crave to hold power over territory and a population, the Bürach aristocrats hoped this bargain would let them absorb Liesech’s wealth while keeping Analita von Raiza under control. They were right, but not entirely.   Analita von Raiza was a higher vampire, allowing her to notice the magic in action around Liesech, and in particular the Bouwengracht family. It did not prevent her from fulfilling her mission, but shortly after the annexation—and once she understood where the strange magic around Bouwengracht family came from—she saw an opportunity to strike a blow against the Bürach Empire and spoil the jewel that she had so compliantly handed to her former gaoler.   On the morning of the next annual ceremony of the Nurturing Sea, the entire Bouwengracht family was found slaughtered, their blood entirely drained out.