Vampire Houses
House Azakhaer
Head(s) of Household: Lord Kasyr Azakhaer Focus: Diverse menagerie Motto: We Protect Our Own Heraldry: Silver tailed crescent moon on an ermined field of black and midnight blue Goals: Protect Vailkrin, strengthen the vampiric race Organization Type: Familial Common Traits: Strong family dedication, delves in foreign affairs, tailed (running House joke)
Details/History: Amongst Vailkrin's vampire houses, House Azakhaer is an oddity- both for its lack of any long-standing Lineage (as it's by and large the second youngest of all the houses), and for the manner in which it's currently integrated itself amongst the existing aristocracy. Whereas the others enjoy a certain stability brought about by the refinement of their roles within the city, House Azakhaer is still adapting to the challenges which accompany serving as both the current head of the Aristocracy, and as the city's first and last line of defense. Still, its members don't seem to shy away from such challenges, though whether this is bravery, or some sort of rampant insanity that runs through the bloodline has yet to be seen.
Known Vampires of House Azakhaer
- Kasyr Azakhaer, Lord of House Azakhaer
- Satoshi Azakhaer, Lady of Frostmaw
- Kirien Vahir-Ar'Anthari, Terramancer
- Svilfon, Wizard of Frostmaw
- Dami, Terramancer
- Markos Dimetri Fisherson, Juggernaut Alchemist
- Ilydia, Fanged Herbologist
- Iintahquohae, the Seamstress
- Rumiko, Disrupted Druid
Vassels of House Azakhaer
House Trintus
Head(s) of Household: Lord Marcus Trintus Focus: Knights and Cavalry of Vailkrin Motto: None Better Heraldry: A black broad sword wrapped in crimson cloth Goals: Defense of Vailkrin, dutifully uphold familiar and state honor through might Organization Type: Military Hierarchy Common Traits: Honorable, dedicated, militant
Details/History: A large portion of Vailkrin's military might comes from the Knights of House Trintus. They are trained vigorously to defend their land in a moment's notice and are proficient with mounted combat and lances. It takes a few years of dedicated service to be accepted as a Knight in this house as most of the men who have made it in are of the highest caliber hence their motto. This House holds some of the most brilliant military minded soldiers in Vailkrin's employ. As such the code of honor is very important to them and is a testament to their ingrained discipline and power.
Known Vampires of House Trintus
Vassals of House Trintus
House Ventra
Head(s) of Household: Lady Meliana Ventra Focus: Merchants and business Motto: For the Homeland and Prosperity Heraldry: A golden chimera beast with the head of a lion, eagle, and hydra, on a divided field of evergreen and black Goals: Recovering, building and maintaining Vailkrin's economy Organization Type: Merchant Guild, the Household head serving as the most experienced and skilled merchant among them Common Traits: Shrewd traders, diplomatic, long-sighted in goals and investments
Details/History:
House Ventra is one of the youngest Houses within Vailkrin, having been formed when there was a succession battle within House Torrador. One of the siblings who sought control realized towards the end of the in-house-war that he would lose, so taking but a fraction of House Torrador's wealth, he fled. His brother, for reasons unknown to most, never sought his death and instead seemed content with the prize of House Torrador. With the stolen wealth, the exiled brother invested in merchants, ships upon seas he'd never seen - from fishing vessels to pirate ships -, and setting up caravans to take Vailkrin's few sought after exports all around Lithrydel; it did not take too long for him to gain control of the everyday merchant dealings within Vailkrin. The House's chief rival is House Nasar, but no sword has ever been drawn by either House against the other. Both only want gold, and both understand Ventra rules the honest merchants, Nasar the shady ones. It is an unspoken truce between them which means both have the peace required to make both themselves and their city ever richer.
Known Vampires of House Ventra
House Markan
Head(s) of Household: Lord Alexander Markan Focus: Scientists and Inventors Motto: In the Pursuit of Science Heraldry: A set of golden cogs on a midnight field Goals: Scientific advancement over magical Organization Type: Unknown, secretive Common Traits: Unhinged, leaning toward insanity, reclusive
Details/History:
Though, hated by other houses, most especially House Ginavi, House Markan is entirely ignorant to this fact. In truth, it's hard to know for sure whether they are even aware there are other Houses. Rarely do they leave their home, the only visitors come from House Ventra, for legally acquired goods to be used for their research, and House Nasar, for the less legally acquired goods which they need for their experiments. The members of this House are entirely dedicated to learning science, being amongst some of the greatest alchemists in the land, and they believe magic and those who use it are ignorant to the truth of life: Knowledge and Power comes from Science only, not from waving magical wands and saying pretty strings of words. But even the mages who know of this insulting mind-set would never act upon it. Who can guess what guards House Markan? Who could ever imagine what creations they have made to ensure they are not bothered? None who hold any remnants of sanity, that's for sure. Because those scientists within House Markan long ago gave up the stability of their minds for the pursuit of pure knowledge, and somewhat ironically, none are sane enough to think this may not have been the greatest idea. All that matters is science, everything else is a distraction.
Known Vampires of House Markan
- Yurielle Alexia Langley - By most appearances
House Mahara
Head(s) of Household: Lord Antonin Mahara, Bradyn Mahara Focus: Historians, Keepers of hidden secrets, Black Library patrons Motto: Knowledge is Power Heraldry: A burning gray arcane orb on an ermined field of Royal purple Goals: Record history, track down ancient--sometimes deadly--secrets both magical and otherwise Organization Type: College arrangement, with leader serving as a Headmaster figure Common Traits: Reclusive, observant, studious, dedicated
Details/History:
One of the oldest Houses in Vailkrin, House Mahara has spent its time recording all the history which has taken place in the City of Vampires, as well as storing vast amounts of dark and arcane secrets amongst its more mundane, but still equally dangerous, knowledge of the power struggles within Vailkrin. Since it was founded, it has existed more as a school than an actual House, being entirely reclusive and far preferring to watch events unfold rather than shape the events itself. The other houses tend to leave it be, as it holds no real loyalty to any, and its only known ally is House Ginavi, and that is an alliance of knowledge rather than one of friendship. House Mahara will give information freely to those who require it, though its true secrets will always remain hidden, and thus its own usefulness to all, added to its neutrality, ensures there would be no gain to be had in its destruction... plus, with the necromantic horrors hidden within the depths of the Black Library's secret tomes... the risk will always be too great.
Known Vampires of House Mahara
House Asharam
Head(s) of Household: Lord Derrick Asharam Focus: Spies and Assassins Motto: We Will Always Complete the Mission Heraldry: Two serrated silver daggers held in an 'X' with blood on the edges Goals: To eliminate threats to the government of Vailkrin, identify political enemies and high priority targets Organization Type: Special forces, espionage Common Traits: Cunning, ruthless, dedicated
Details/History:
Always closely allied to the leading House in Vailkrin's dark streets, everything else about House Asharam is entirely shrouded in mystery. Very few who have entered its home have left again, and those few who have refuse to talk about what they saw within. Even magical compusion has proved useless in this regard. House Asharam exists as the government in Vailkrin's eyes, ears and daggers... always seeking threats and almost always being the ones to elminate them. It has been rumoured that this house has members placed in all others Houses in Vailkrin, though whether or not this is true is unknown. All that is really known about House Asharam is they are very good at what they do... and no-one who has asked too many questions about it has lived long enough to find the answers.
Known Vampires of House Asharam
House Nasar
Head(s) of Household: Lady Collete Nasar Focus: Streets and the Underworld Motto: The Puppet is a Slave to its Strings Heraldry: A crimson jester's hat and silver mask on a field of black Goals: Maintain the web of criminal activity, spearhead the rumor mill, and oversee the black market Organization Type: Crime Syndicate (with the front of a secondary, rival merchant house to House Ventra) Common Traits: Intimidating, manipulative, opportunistic
Details/History:
Where as House Ventra controls the legal merchant's rights within the city of Vailkrin, House Nasar has always controlled the underground side of such enterprises. Ostentatiously, House Nasar is a rival to House Ventra's merchant rights within the city. Secretly, it is and always has been in full control of the black market's within Vailkrin; a city which has much use for things less than legal. It's said there is nothing you could want that House Nasar cannot get, from dragon slaves to Halflings hairy toes, the House can and will find it for you, but always the price is high. Aside from filling its cofters will ill-gotten gold, the House also maintains other criminal activities within the streets of Vailkrin, and it always has an ear to words whispered throughout the streets. Few are the rumours which other Houses learn before House Nasar, and it uses this knowledge at times like a scalpel and at other times like a meat-cleaver to remain amongst the most powerful Houses in the Vailkrin.
Known Vampires of House Nasar
- None at present
Fallen/Shattered Houses
Just as houses rise in Vailkrin, so too do others fall. This is a listing of those houses which have met their end, be it through strife, conspiracy, or mere misfortune.
Head(s) of Household: Lady Alesha Ginavi (Deceased) Focus: Necromantic arts Motto: Service Beyond Death Heraldry: A roaring bronze dragon skeleton on a diamond field of black and white Goals: Push the boundaries of necromancy, discover and pioneer new magics within the elements of Death Organization Type: Mage's Circle, leader serving as the High Mage of the House Common Traits: Sadistic, callous, somewhat vain
Details/History:
One of the stronger Houses within Vailkrin, House Ginavi is entirely dedicated to the Black Arts. Their necromantic prowess is rumoured to be almost as powerful as the Necromancer Guild itself, and many vampiric students from the Guild find themselves placed within this home when their power has been proven. House Ginavi is always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible with dark magic and their home is often a grotesque symphony of horrific screams and mutilated cries which come from the victims within. House Ginavi has only one known enemy house in Vailkrin, that being House Markhan, whose purely scientific research is seen as obscene to the magical workings of House Ginavi, and its only known ally is House Mahara, the keepers of House Ginavi's secrets. The House exists only for nercomantic power. Nothing else is important.
This House was eradicated after the execution of Lady Alesha Ginavi by a hermit-looking man with a walking stick during her betrayal of Kasyr. Thereafter, Celiann killed the majority of the remaining members, while all the straggling and surviving members were killed off by a dark being.
House Dragana
Head(s) of Household: Lady Larewen Dragana Focus: Necromancy and the Arcane Motto: Death is Only the Beginning Heraldry: Emerald-eyed, blackened skull upon a field of verdant fire. Goals: To bring the vampire race back to its former glory; to spread the knowledge of dark arts. Organization Type: Academic, familial Common Traits: Arrogant, proud, power-hungry, and extremely protective of one another.
Details/History: House Dragana is the newest of the Houses of Vailkrin, founded under the warning that should steer clear of following in the path of its predecessor, House Ginavi. Located within the embrace of the Abyssal Forest, House Dragana doubles as an academy for those who wish to learn more about magic, specifically dark arts. Simultaneously, the House serves as a haven for exiles and a refugees from all walks of life, earning it an outcast status. House Dragana walks a careful line with the other Houses of Vailkrin, for its members seek to strengthen their own knowledge of their respective crafts, and will form alliances only with those that are likely to align with House Dragana's desires. Given its location outside city limits, and its youth among the vampire houses, little else is known about House Dragana.
This house was reduced to shambles by Kasyr and Khitti
House Alnwick
Head(s) of Household: Lord Jaymes Lucianus Alnwick Focus: Politicians and Diplomats Motto: The Good of Vailkrin is All We Know Heraldry: A Scroll and Quill Goals: Extend and stabilize Vailkrin's influences Organization Type: Familial Common Traits:
Details/History:
House Alnwick is always striving to ensure Vailkrin remains a strong influence throughout Hollow. Its members are the very epitome of politicians, aside from one fact: They are, by and large, incorruptible. They will aid houses amongst the in-fighting in Vailkrin, for the right price, but never will they do anything which would harm Vailkrin in the eyes of others. There are rumors that House Alnwick believes the city is a living God whose will must be done... a will that is said to include it rising to a level of power not seen for thousands of years... until Vailkrin is the most powerful city in all of Lithrydel. As is to be expected, they are allied closely to the leading house of the city, though in years past they have not hesitated to destroy that leading house if the paths it was walking were not the right ones for Vailkrin.
Known Vampires of House Alnwick
This house was laid low when the lord of undeath, Caluss, laid waste to Vailkrin. Though the lord of the house is unaccounted for, the damage was enough that it could no longer maintain itself, it's vassals finding a new home with house Azakhaer.
House Torrador
Head(s) of Household: [??? In Flux] Focus: Arts and High Society Motto: Perseverance to Preserve Heraldry: A golden crown with ornate jewels, and a mighty divinating scepter, on an ermined field of violet and black Goals: Upholding culture and civilization, maintaining the appearance of vampires as a refined race Organization Type: Familial Common Traits: Aloof, conceited, civilly withdrawn
Details/History:
Having made vast sums of gold when Vailkrin was still young through various and often suspicious means - the true amount is still a legend amongst the vampires of Vailkrin - House Torrador lives as one would expect when anything you could ever want is within the grasp of your ring-coated fingers. They live lavish lives, untouched by poverty from the moment they draw their final breath until the moment their unbeating heart is torn from their body. They are seen as conceited by all other Houses and have no allies within Vailkrin, but in truth they do not need them: All of the lesser houses owe money to House Torrador, and all the mighty Houses know the dangers of messing with the wealthy house. Their obscenely decadent home is guarded by a mighty mercenary force, made up of members from all the other races in Hollow. And with near limitless gold behind them, the other Houses know Torrador could bring armies into the city with the call of their wealth. As such, they are mostly left alone to uphold the illusion of Vampire civility and refinement.
Known Vampires of House Torrador
Though House Lord was slain during the events of the Crimson Rondo, the house itself continued to prosper for quite some time- until the night Caluss laid waste to Vailkrin. Not even the prodigious wealth of Vailkrins oldest house could stave off attacks from within, as undeath spread amongst the mortal and undead members of it's vaunted mercenary force.
Those that survived this episode have since found a home in their sibling House Of Ventra- though they are notably perturbed by the redistribution of their wealth for the sake of Vailkrin's restoration.
House Ladaeth
Head(s) of Household: Lord Mikael Ladaeth Focus: Bladesingers Motto: We are Warriors Heraldry: A bronze chest plate of armor with white and blue thorns wrapping it Goals: Further bladesinger studies, serve as bodyguards to political and noble family figures Organization Type: Family-esque military Common Traits: Disciplined, zealous
Details/History:
House Ladaeth is a home to some of the most powerful warriors in Vailkrin: The Bladesingers. Often this house will be called upon to guard the merchant caravans which leave Vailkrin, or to guard the homes of powerful houses during the rare times their gates are open to visitors. They care little for Vailkrin, nothing for wealth, and are the only house to openly scorn House Torrador, whom they hold in the highest disdain. The lives of House Ladaeth's vampires are spent honing their minds and bodies with a zealotry rarely seen. They abhor decadence more than anything, and everything about their home and lives reflects this. Aside from their hatred for House Torrador, they are otherwise kept out of the political manoeuvres within Vailkrin, instead performing the task of guarding those who play the great game and any others who pay the ridiculously high cost for their services... and never once has it been said a single copper was wasted in hiring them, such is the power and reputation of the Bladesingers in House Ladaeth.
Known Vampires of House Ladaeth
- None at present
Another casualty of Caluss attack on Vailkrin, though the circumstances are somewhat more mysterious. While the house was suppressing the invading force, the battle magics they were renown for abruptly failed them. What ensued was a route, as though they retained a fair degree of martial prowess, their strategies were no longer viable, and they eventually found themselves overwhelmed.
Thankfully, they did not field their prospective recruits- and those have since found a home in House Trintus.
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