Lore: On the Vorghí (Wargs)

 

One thing we can conclude with the Vorghí, or warg-folk, is that their origins are not bound by immortals from another plane of existence but the vile products of a foul regime and a mad witch. The mother of the dreaded and last ruler of the Old Imperium, the Raven-Witch Lassinda.

By entrapping sacrificed souls into the corpses of animals, Lassinda unleashed these monstrosities upon the world, specifically against the elves of nearby Elahn. Since the souls are of human origin, the beasts would often take on human features whilst remaining mostly animalistic. The most common of these are the Wolfmen since wolves once flourished in the southern regions of Tiagion. One may guess how they are no longer prowling as much in modern days.

Like Vampyres, various kinds of wargs can be found depending on which part of the world they prowl from. Packs are often formed for protection and the occasional stray can be found wandering in the wilds but they cannot interact with the average citizen. True, they have some intelligence as demonstrated in numerous accounts but communication is not one of their virtues.

 It has been recorded that speech can be understood, like an owner commanding its mutt, but that’s the fullest extent of wargs comprehending the common tongue. Perhaps this is intentionally done upon their creation so Lassinda would have obedient yet savage servants. 

A weakness that we know of thus far is silver weapons. How this came to pass is unknown but the mere touch seems to sear their flesh open like a lit rotten leaf. It can be claimed that this is due to the black arts being used in their creation and silver being a material required to ward off all things dark and foul, as the Warden Vigils use such weapons for their never-ending battles against evil in all forms.

Usual mortal wounds and infection can also be dangerous for the wargs but not deadly, save for decapitation.

 

More often, most packs ally themselves with the Forces of Murahkshîr for the security and food the Rotborne provide in exchange for service in the form of shock cavalry and berserkers during raids. They tend to be even more ferocious under the tutelage of the Rotborne and their leaders.

A few packs are independent and thrive in the wild. These usually avoid civilisation but do not shy away from attacking caravans and wandering travellers. A few times within an Age, they might coordinate with other packs to raid a settlement but these are extraordinary events fueled by hunger when food becomes scarce.

As for those that wander alone, the stray warg's only allegiance is to itself and its instinct towards survival. More animal than the others, the strays are often called 'Dire Beasts' as only the will to live, hunger and a mate for reproduction are their only motivations in life. 

Like regular animals but greater in size and savagery. 

Pack leadership, unlike Vampyres, is not decided by age but by brute force as only the strongest can lead such hardened beasts in the wild. 

Of course, we know most, not the allies of Mûrahkshîr, can revert to their original form as who they were as a soul but this is not indefinite. This is due to the importance of the Moon that Lassinda placed in her rituals. Each time the Moon stands from narrow to fullest and back, these unfortunates can reclaim their old mortal forms with all the memories carried from their dominant, bestial sides.

Lore: Vampyres

 

The oldest recorded origin of the Leech-folk can be found in the text ‘Mother of the Night’, which only a few are allowed to read by the Vigil. 

Here it is explained how a Dominion-based noble girl befriended some unknown entity for several years before the latter robbed the girl of her sanity, morality and by an extent, humanity.

In this instance, we can classify three variants of vampyres. They will be listed in rarity with the rarest being last.

• Those who contracted vampirism from the bloodline of the First Mother, Cadî, or the common vampyre.

This is done thusly: A vampyre first bites the victim and then offers its blood so it may replace the old living blood of the victim. This will trigger the three-month-long transformation into the common vampyre we know today. They can walk under sunlight but can only be in power when under the cloak of night or in dark places during the day. Their appearance varies with the oldest individuals resembling a corpse with no ears and nose to speak of and no hair growth and the youngest resembling the individual a little paler than usual and a "hunger in their eyes". 

• Those born as a vampyre.

Though uncommon but not entirely unheard of. Most vampyre children are born dead due to the parents being dead but sometimes there seems to be an exception to the rule. These are stronger in every way than their common brethren and can walk undetected among the living during the day albeit weakened and prone to exhaustion under direct sunlight. They are not to be compared with the third kind described below, being weaker and lacking certain abilities like transformation. Known for infiltrating society quickly as their individual features do not alter by age, only by hunger. This means they will look as natural as any other though can be slightly paler than usual for avoiding the sun. It won't kill them but it will weaken them. They're also known as Wanderkin and usually are clanless, preferring solitude. Though it should be noted a surprising number of them have joined the Lissar Society since the reign of King Allyn II.

•  Those who receive it directly from a deity thus become a pure-blooded vampyre, as this is how it was introduced to the world.  

The aforementioned entity is not the only one to create Leech Folk but it was the first to do it. 

This particular kind is referred to as the Monarchs. They remain unaltered in appearance since the day they became vampyre directly from one deity or another, be it willingly or not. They do have a more monstrous form which varies per Monarch but so far only used in shows of domination or defence. 

These individuals should not ever be confronted unless an army was assembled against them. Even so, one should pray for a tragic victory at best. They are known to retain full power under the sun though only in their 'Pure Form'. In their 'human form', they are still a force to be reckoned with but the sun makes regeneration difficult as open wounds may burn and scar them permanently during the day.

It should be noted that only a fool bordering on absolute and unquestionable insanity would choose to engage any of these during the nightly hours. While there are other kinds, or Societies, the mentioned classifications above are where they all fit in. A cross between living and undead, or half breeds, are myths. The living cannot mingle with vampyres and certainly cannot spawn life from such a union. Even among their kin it is a rarity that a vampyre is born but mingling with the living is an impossibility, thank the Radiant.

While they are formidable foes, the vampyre does have several weaknesses.

Fire is effective as it hinders their regeneration. Weapons based on silver and sanctified within a Chapel are particularly useful, especially combined with fire. The sun weakens their abilities severely and is the best ally for any who hunts these fiends. There have been misconceptions about vampyres not bearing the sun which would even be deadly to them. These are not at all true.

However, they are very sensitive to the light of the sun but the only times they would combust is when they are vanquished while under direct sunlight. One can understand why the common folk do not fear the Leech-folk during the day. Some even speculate a Monarch once spread misconceptions like this and the dislike of garlic to give the herd false defences when the predators come. 

Though sanctified weapons are effective, the holy ground is just like any ground for them as they are not Daigor but corpses forced into bloody immortality. Religious symbols also have no effect and some even have been reported to be religious themselves. 

On Societies

The Societies are the other species of vampyres, based on which corner of the world they hail from. 

In total there are six, two of which are on another continent than Tiagion: the eastern continent of Yi'da'han. Each clan is ruled by one or a pair of Monarchs, depending if a partnership is involved.

The first four Societies listed below can be found in Tiagion:

1. The Mirikhar: This Society ruled by Cadî herself is widely considered the oldest and most powerful of the Clans in Tiagion. They are mostly based in the Near Eastlands where it is said they control much of the trade routes and merchant guilds. They are mostly known for their unpredictability and chaotic nature with a strange fondness for song, poetry and merrymaking. Often regarded as the 'Leaders of the Leech-folk' within Tiagion, it can be said without question that when they're involved in some situation, it should be approached with great care and humility.

2. The Ravasar: Mostly based in the northern regions. They are known for their cruelty and hatred to all things that are not beneath their boots. They are named after their former Monarch, the Impaler King that once sought to conquer Tiagion; Ravas. They often serve as officers within the Armies of Murahkshîr. To match their affinity for terror and lack of humanity, so their appearance has altered over the centuries to meet those ends. Due to their arrogant nature, they believe themselves above all the Leech-folk, putting them in a fierce rivalry with the Mirikhar.

3. The Rini’i: Based in the southern reaches such as the Tangled Rivers, Turan Dunelands and Emerald Coast. They are more sadistic due to the nomadic nature of the people of the south and often prey upon children, luring in closer by mimicking the parent’s voice. Their bloodlust is vast and thus can forego feeding for a longer period due to the scarce population.

4. The Vissar: Based in the Heartlands also better known as the 'West Kin'.They are a rather new Society that formed during the reign of King Allin II. Gathering the unwanted or clanless like them, they formed their power and solidified it in the Westlands. Known for their expertise in infiltration and intrigue. It is said that leading members of several trading, mercenary and assassin guilds are part of this particular group. Some members are so secure in their social status that they openly acknowledge being a vampyre though are submitted under strict watch and viewed with contempt by the lesser folk. Those who chose to be in the open like that can only feed on the blood of animals or the worst criminals in the local prisons and some even serve in the local City Watch for night patrols, giving the law quite a unique advantage during the later hours.

The following two Clans are from the Far East continent of Yi'da'han.

1. The Hayudas: These vampyres openly rule the island realm of Ayu’da and even wage war against the mighty Empire of Toya'ran and its Protectorate States. They demand sacrifices from the local populations in return for safety and peace. Their skin is drastically different from other Leechers described as 'scaly and thick like that of a dragon from a bygone age' and eyes like serpents. It has been suggested that the origin of this particular breed may come from Diagor or darker dealings but that remains speculation.

2. The Yamaz: They live exclusively within the northern mountains, away from the mortal herd and only venture down once a year to feast and bathe with the blood of the innocent. They are regarded as ‘Cold Fiends’ by the East Folk as their appearance is altered to match their snowy and rocky territory. They're known for interactions with mortals but only limited to offerings of peace or even trade so the next time they feed it won’t be as savage.

Vampyre Hierarchy

As with all communities in the World, vampyre's have set up a system of ranks that mostly abides by an individual's age; older equals more knowledge and personal power. This way, a vampyre that's less than a decade old cannot progress too quickly and make classic mistakes that only the inexperienced can make.

Listed below are the progressions of societies in Tiagion as that of the Far East requires more in-depth research but one can assume that it’s more or less the same. It will be shown from highest to lowest, but the titles are self-explanatory on their own. Each rank comes with a description of their authority and in some cases, the range of their territory.

These territorries are divided into Velvet Circles: with the western Circle dominated by the Lissar, the east by the Mirikhar, the south by the Rini'i and the north (mostly on the east side of the Silvertop Heights) belonging to the Ravasar.

Monarch

The unquestionable rulers of their respective Societies and among the oldest beings walking the grounds of the world. These are also pure-blooded which in combination with their extreme ages makes them beyond formidable in any capacity. The nickname 'Deities of the Night' is a short and accurate description of the vampyre Monarch. The most famous ones are Cadî 'the First Mother' and Ravas 'the Impaler King'. Monarchs are also known to change the weather on a small, local scale such as summoning mists and clouds to ward off the Sun. Transformation into a more fell version of themselves has also been recorded but this is mostly an act of dominance or desperation; in either case, no one is expected to return.

Undercrown

The right hand and second-in-command to a Monarch. These can be considered the 'heir' were something to happen to their overlords as well as enforcers within the Velvet Circles, keeping order in their politics. They hold the same respect and authority as the Monarch but unlike them, Undercrowns can be held accountable for questionable decisions in the eyes of their Circles. They can be compared with viziers in counselling their masters and guild leaders for leading the Circles. Traditionally, the position is held by the second oldest within their Society but exceptions are made if one were cunning enough to rival that experience in age.

Lord/Lady

Powerful and feared, these vampyres are exclusively members of the Velvet Circle, the political leaders of their respective Societies. They can be compared with the Landlords (governors) of Tiagion and the Merchant Lords of the Dominion as each one has complete control over certain covens, up to six, within a certain area. Mind that some cities may hide up to eight or more covens though these are smaller than the ones outside. It is unknown how many Lords and Ladies exist within a certain Society's Circle though it is thought that ten per Circle is an overestimation or even exaggeration. This is also the best aspiration in ascension that a vampyre can hope to acquire as it requires the minimum age of at least one thousand years to be viable for this seat, which is appointed through the Undercrown, by the Monarch. At this stage, they are often seen with wild animals that they control through their will.

Covenmaster/mistress

As the name suggests, these vampyres run the various covens spread throughout the land. They hold groups of ten to twenty vampyres in check and abide by their laws. A fair comparison would be of a Town Master (mayor). They can hold trials and invoke punishments to any within their Covens except the gravest of violations, which is then overseen by their local Lord/Lady and in extreme cases, the entire Circle. The Covenmasters/mistresses are usually selected due to their capabilities in leadership as well as being at least several centuries old. They uphold the laws of their Societies as well as ensure the loyalty of those in the coven to the respective Monarch

Enkindled

The most commonly seen vampyres make out most of their population. The 'citizens' of their Society fill out the menial tasks of any community: guarding the Covens, agents of infiltration, conducting assassination, doing small raids to keep their pens stocked, being a trusted servant or minding their own business. Their ages range from several decades to a few centuries.

Fledgelings

The youngest of the Leeches can be compared as initiates since they have no rights as a vampyre within a Society until certain parameters have been met like keeping their hunger in check for at least a week and being among the Kindred for at least ten years. They do the least important jobs within a Coven such as cleaning the pens and serving all within. 'Peasants', would be a fair way to describe these Fledgelings.

• A note about the Asangîr

An obscure kind of vampyre was noted as 'dead myths' by the Societies. There is little we know about them, save they ruled as self-styled God-Kings in the Lost West. It was also noted by the Celestial known as Onnir the Smith that their cruelty and malice paled even the oldest of demons.

They are said to leech not only from life but even the very fabric of existence, making them parasites to Creation itself. It is whispered that any modern-day Monarch would not hold as much power in the tip of their fangs compared to these ancient ones, as the Asangîr's very nature was nothing that belonged to the World or any realm of Creation. Immensely powerful, they lived independently or in very small, symbiotic groups and could go toe to toe with Celestials in might and will. In many ways and in their own minds, they were considered to be the perfect vampyre; transcending the mere feeding on mortal blood to a planar level.

According to Lusanfîr's Journal, they were hunted and vanquished during an earlier Age by her Legion in the Lost West; their very cruelty was a lasting reminder of what evil could do if left unchecked. Yet she always suspected something had escaped her golden fires there; unnaturally so, even for one of their number.

A suspicion that became a lingering thought as Nûrdûn'dhalon dreadfully rose in the North.

- From a Vigil's note on hunting vampyres.

"The work of hunting vampyres is best reserved for those spiritually strong and mentally stable. Average people, if they try to pursue a vampire, will more likely end up being prey than predators.

It's not that the average person is not strong or cunning enough (although that is often the case). It's that they are not single-minded enough.

The vampyre does not know family, love, or hope. It only knows a desire to feed, even the most civilized ones that hide it so well under the veil of their former humanity. Therefore must the vampyre-hunter mimic their prey. They must abandon all love, all hope, and all memory of family or friends. Anything that might distract their mind from the goal at hand must be sloughed off like dead skin.

The vampyre-hunter must become the predator's predator, unknown and unknowable. Anything short of that and they will quickly become food for his quarry—or worse, they will be turned into the very monster they sought to destroy."