Realms of Blood

Knowledge of the Realms of Blood is strictly forbidden by the Empire and enforced thoroughly by the Inquisition. Tell no-one what I will share with you now and know that if you do not die because of it, the threat of the inquisitorial pyres will loom over you for the rest of your days.

Ludorf Von Borkren,

a prominent Hunter in the northeast

There is a legend that is spoken in hushed tones by people in the northeast fringes of the Empire, that of the Vampyr, or Vampires, creatures that stalk the night and drain mortals of their blood. The superstitious folk take many hollow measures to protect themselves from such things and ensure their own safety. Most of them will refuse to say they believe such rumors, either because they do not, or because of the heretical implication of such knowledge. Many people and even entire villages have been put to the inquisitorial torch and then rebuilt from the ground up. The story that very few know however, is one with far, far more sinister implications.

"Legends tell of a land hidden, far to the northeast of Tolhera. It was once a thriving county known as Valbrunei County, in times long past, its villages were thriving, and its people were merry and living in harmony with nature and the spirits of the land. Until one day, a shadow was cast over the county, of a creature so foul and unholy, that nobody would ever speak its name again. It visited the leaders of the land, all four of them, and bore deals and promises, of power, riches and control over the land itself such as had never been seen after the Schism. The leaders agreed and in a dark ritual, they seized the spirits of the land, and took for their own the powers that were offered by the Thing. After the rituals, the leaders were not the same, they were not human, but neither were they undead. They were the first Vampyrs, and had control over the land they ruled. Their most hated enemy, the sun, was beaten back by foul mists that were summoned, later to be known as the The Mists of Valbrunei, though they brought with them, unintended consequences. Most mortals died from the famines at the time, until hardier crops came, and tried to flee the wretched lands. The Counts would not allow it, so they use their mists to force people to stay, for without the approval of a Count, none may exit, not even the souls of the dead, which are trapped in the lands, left to be reused in another body, or if none are available or the soul unwilling, roam the lands as a ghost, or worse."

Structure

The rulers of the lands, and architects of the Mists of Valbrunei are the Vampire Counts. Alabaster Von Shleiher, Irvina Asreihart and The Beast of Blood are the names of the three Counts, and their powers and control over the land itself are unmatched. They enslave mortals to serve them, and sire lesser vampires to enforce their will. They rule from their castles and fight wars of magical control and influence over the people and the land itself, vying to be the one to gain full control over the Mists and unite all Vampires under a solitary and unstoppable leader.

In the Valbrunei County, each village is ruled by a Burgomaster who is responsible with ensuring the functioning of the village and the safety of its people. However, while one might assume they they are in close contact with the Counts, it is very rare and short lived for such a thing to occur, as aligning ones-self with one of the counts would invite the scorn of the other two, who would rush to unseat the leader and crush the Counts hopes of increased influence over the region. Most Burgomasters do what they can to protect their citizens, and live accepting some disappearances and attacks on folk who stay out a bit too late.

Territories

The Valbrunei County includes about half a dozen settlements ranging from large towns to small villages, and a number of castles. It is flanked to the north and south by mountains, to its east lies an impassable river, and to its west is the small path through the mountains that leads to the county itself. The land and the surrounding areas are covered by the Mists of Valbrunei, and as such entry and exit from the county are maze-like at best, deadly at worst, for most people at least. (For further detail on the places within the county view the map on the bottom of the page)

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

The Forgotten County, The Land of Mists, The Forgotten Lands, Valbrunei County (only by its inhabitants)

Leader Title

Vampire Count

Controlled Territories

• Dalberez
• Owcestrado, The City of Pits

Neighboring Nations

• The Empire