Vampire Princes

The Vampire Princes are the seven sons of Avgust. During the Age of the Ancients, Avgust led his sons against the ever encroaching tide of pig-faced Orcs, who marched under the banner of thier cruel gods. However, it was the betrayal of thier lizardfolk allies that opened a path for their enemies to strike at the heart of their territories, villages filled with innocents falling daily. With the unexpected death of Avgust, his sons were forced to take measures into thier own hands. The eldest, Efrem, sought answers from a coven of hags. Sensing their desperation, these hags offered to give the power to turn back their enemies, in exchange they must serve the Hags for seven hundred years. Efrem agreed, bringing his six brothers to the hags, and together were forever changed.
Slaying the hags, the brothers made a pact. Their curse would be used to honor their fathers wishes. Once their enemies were brought to heel they would divide the lands, claiming it by birth order. Today the position of a Prince is greatly relavent, though with the expansion of their land, the number of Princes has grown significantly.

History

The death of Avgust was the final blow against the princes. The title was made after a pact with a coven of hags. The first vampire princes secured the lands, and began looking for suitable adoptive children to turn.

Cultural Significance

With the Princes gaining vampirism, there was great changes in the culture of their lands. Festivals were conducted only at night, and public entertainment was funded to keep the masses happy. Religous leaders pushed the message of sacrifice, those that were close to death encouraged to give their remains to their rightful lords.
The concept of a blood tithe was introduced after the land became fairly normal, where adventurers would capture their monstrous enemies alive, selling them for a hefty price.

Notable Holders

Efram, the eldest. He is remembered as a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard. His dark hair was kept tied back. Often disagreeable, he was the most ambitious son, and is the most ambitious of his vampiric brothers. He rules in the heart the their land, his grand castle filled with a variety of spies, ambassadors, and warriors in training.
Artur, the second born was always different from his brothers. Unlike his brothers who enjoyed the hunt, and combat he sought to aid the people above all else. He may have been a paladin, if not for the curse. His castle, close to his elder brother is adorned with religous symbols. He himself is a recluse.
Yakov, one of the middle children was a fighter without equal. His skill with sword and spear was admired by many. It was said that he was his fathers favored child, and out of all the siblings he is the most obsessed in fulfilling his fathers wishes. His castle is on the western shore, a warning to any that wish to invade.
Valeri was a husky son, a barbaric wild man during his life. Much like his elder brother, he was renowned as a great warrior, though his leadership and honor were lacking severely. He found his own peace while fighting the Orcs, seeing his calling being the endless battle. His castle sits at the great divide, looking northwards towards the flatlands.
Maksim the poet. When he was a mortal he was known for his deep emotions, and his love for music and art. His courts are filled with many bards from different lands, painters and sculptors surrounding him. While he can no longer appreciate the art, it is the artist that he finds the most facinating. His castle is near the eastern sea.
Gena, the only son deceased. His devotion to his kin and his beliefs was what pushed him to sacrifice himself for the lands, with thirty men holding off an Elvish siege. The only of the brothers without land, nor vampires under him. His lands are governed by humans, savagely devoted to their former lord. Their ferocity and guilt is a force to be feared in battle.
Borya is the youngest of the brothers, though is ambitions are rival to the eldest. He was the first to arrive to try and save Gena, though it was too late. He and his personal guard wear the pelts of the wolves that the Elf Kings would take into battle. His castle is in the south, where he battles to free an Old God.

Type

Nobility, Military

Status

Current

Form of Address

His Honor, or His Lordship

Alternative Naming

"The Cursed Princes", "The Sons of Avgust"

Equates to

These princes are similar to the God-Kings of the ancient northern peoples, for they hold power unimaginable by most, and constantly fight between their desires and duties and responsibilites that bind them.
They hold far greater similarity to the Elves than either would likely admit to. While the Vampire Princes may hold a great territory, the individual rules only a small portion of the lands. The Elves too have many kings, queens and princes, who's titles and responsibilites are interchangable.

Source of Authority

Previous Princes, judged through merit

Length of Term

Life