Profile: The Vampyr

The westernmost estates of Tabacon have always been dogged by rumours of evil, of malign entities just out of sight. The tales retold by those who have never visited are often of wickedness and pestilence beyond comprehension, of monsters linked to the sordid practices of the wild clans at civilisation’s limits. Yes, monsters they are …

In The Dark Places

‘Abdai, in the dark places many things dwell that fear the light, yearning for the chaos of the night. They include the hatred that fills men, the doubts that order would set aside. They include the beasts and monsters we create within, and try to bury.’ ‘Yet the dark also houses many chances, many opportunities, that …

Profile: The Vermafta Sect

‘We are the Instruments of Gods. Divine light cast against the damnation in the dark.’ The Vermafta Sect is a religious order overseen by the Inner Council from its headquarters in Drusolm, southern Hamaln. Its head, Prelate Christalfus Seppel, is as sharp as the five-pointed star they have taken to symbolise each of the true …

Bound By Blood

‘And that is how it is, Hyden Rosik. Chains of blood bind us one to the other. As you taste of my life, so you are beholden to me. How else could it be?’ ‘But I belong to no one. I fear you not, woman.’ ‘You will understand soon enough. You name me woman yet …

Man Of Nature

‘You have been expected, Aodh Ciardha. Take your place at our table.’ ‘I know you. You are Cernunnos… yet you are also not. Do I dream?’ ‘What is dreaming? What is reality? You are in the Otherworld now, Ovate. Such terms are meaningless here.’ ‘Are you a god?’ ‘All are gods here, Ovate. Everything is …

Profile: The Nizarishin

‘I am a shadow in darkness, silence between shouts. The simplicity of action, not tainted by thought or feeling. I am my deeds, pure and as they are. No more and no less.’ The Nizarishin are one of the most secretive organisations in the world of Eald Cearo. They are generally thought to be based …

The Threshold

‘I lurk within the shadows about the light. Outside of man’s compass, yet within his fears. I stride the lightening path, straddling the gloaming between this world and next. ‘And yet you know me well, Hyden Rosik. ‘I am the despair in your eyes, your spite, your vainglories. I am the test you will always …