The Eclipse (The Dark Annuam)

Metaphysical / Paranormal event

Mitia's first lunar eclipse since the Re-ignition. Lasting one week and beginning on the Annuam of 2661, the Eclipse heralded a soft ending of the Liberty War as the Empire in the old world was taken over by secretive, vampiric Vanyal cabals known as the Sanguinists.

The following events took place during the week of the Eclipse:   Assassination of Empress Cadewyn iet Vanyal IV and the Imperial heir, Aeronwyn iet Vanyal, in the Imperial capitol of Vanyalinas immediately preceding the Eclipse.   Invasion of vampiric barbarian hordes from Yohm-Kai. Their lightning attack into the capitol and lack of intelligence regarding their preparation implies deep insurrection by the Sanguinists.   The Janissary Legions are pulled away from the capitol as the hordes close in to protect "strategic locations" around the empire.   Thousands are killed in the capitol and surrounding towns during the darkness of the Eclipse. Other, fouler things than vampires reemerge during the darkness and wreak further havoc throughout the Empire and Aurelia.   The Imperial Consort, Ceiro iet Vanyal, takes over regency of the Empire. It is an open secret that he is a Sanguinist and a vampire. Numerous members of the extended royal family are deemed lost during the chaos.   A coup by the Janissary Legions and the Radiant Church is rapidly silenced by Sanguinist assassins. The remaining leadership of both factions bow to the new regime.   Post-Eclipse, the Sanguinist infection spreads from the capitol across the empire as kidnapping gangs steal victims to form chattel cadres in the catacombs beneath Vanyalinas   The remaining, immediate members of the royal family stationed in Aurelia begin proceedings to sue for peace.