Sanguinivorus

“Blood is life, ours has turned on us and we live in a perpetual state close to our death.”

- Excerpt from an old Avaloch record.

400 years ago, a village in Albann known as Avaloch was ravaged by a deadly plague. Many Albanni lives were lost to this affliction and it was cut off from all outside influence due to its location and steps taken by the local lord to ensure it did not pass on to the rest of the population, even after his death. After the plague had run its course, a new affliction began to arise as crops and animals began to wither and become malformed. Sadly this was not the end of the trouble for the people of Avaloch, as time went by, and even as the famine began to subside, the final effects of the plague were finally known.

The people of Avaloch were changed, the effects too late to reverse by the time it was noticed. With skin turning pale, eyes becoming crimson and sharp fangs, they were not immortal or undead, but they seemed to live up to three times as long as any human and this came with a cost. Their bodies were changed and now required the blood of other living things (human blood being the most beneficial), as the plague that was now a part of them, passed from generation to generation and ate away at their very own life sustaining fluids, an effect that when exposed to sunlight quickened.

Unable to heal even minor wounds without having to feed on fresh blood, the village banded together to survive, as their needs were abhorrent to many of those that ventured to Avaloch. Over time they made deals with several of Albann's guilds until they were allowed to exist as their own fief and create their own laws within their realm, so long as they agreed to only feed on animals or criminals sent to them by the guilds. This was aided by the fact that their condition is hereditary and cannot be passed on except to their children.

Appearance

While for most part the sanguinivorus are Albanni, their condition has left its marks on them, setting them apart. With pale skin, crimson eyes, and sharp fangs they make for something out of some folktale. Their clothing is well made, employing some of the finest tailor's and armorsmiths from the guilds of Albann.

Note: There is some room for other human races in moderation, people travel and could have been in the area in the time of the plague, however keep in mind, that at the time of this plague, Avaloch was not a booming hub of trade.

170-190cm in Height.

Lifespan

The Sanguinivorus may live up to 300 years if they happen to keep themselves well fed and in good health. While it has only been 400 years since their emergence as their own people, the original survivors have since passed on and greatly mourned.

Religion & Beliefs

Shared with Albann, the sanguinivorus still hold to their ancient beliefs, holding Bahl as an important religious figure. Many lament that they have been turned from the natural order, the most pious lamenting and praying that they will one day return to the earth to hear the voice of Bahl.

Geography

In the Southwest of Albann, near the great western cliffs overlooking the Endless Ocean lies Avaloch. Between rocky cliffs and flowing pastures, interrupted by woodland areas, rests what was once a small village. Now, it is something of its own city, and the surrounding lands are well guarded.

Society

What started off as a small rural village, quickly took to the new abilities of their transformed state, grew into a large urban area. With the eldest firmly in charge of the various clans, they rule from darkened castles and towers. A society that is long lived, with few needs, tends to be more lavish, valuing fashion, grand balls and parties, and displaying their wealth and status to their peers.

Architecture

From something terrible, the people of Avaloch have flourished, their village leaving its humble beginnings aside and embracing something more grand. With age and wealth comes grand homes, with gothic stylings and fine stonework, some of their homes rival that of the King of Albann himself.

Wealth & Trade

Their largest trade mostly comes from their knights and mages, while their forces are small there are few in the region with the strength or magical ability to compare to the sanguinivorus knights and battlemages. Some of the older of the sanguinivorus have also become fine craftsmen over their extended lives and their knowledge often sought after by the Guilds.

Slavery

Mostly takes blood slaves from the criminals given to them by Albann, these are kept alive and tending to the day time needs of their masters. While also providing a replenishable food source so that their masters may maintain more civil lands to attract trade and commerce.

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