Historical Region of Transylvania
Transylvania is a historical region in the central part of Romania. Bounded on the east and south by the Carpathian mountain range, historical Transylvania extended in the west to the Apuseni Mountains; however, the term sometimes encompasses not only Transylvania proper, but also the historical regions of Crișana, Maramureș, and Romanian part of Banat. The region of Transylvania is known for the scenic beauty of its Carpathian landscape and its rich history. In the English-speaking world it has been commonly associated with vampires, chiefly due to the influence of Bram Stoker's famous novel Dracula as well as the many later film adaptations.
Daughter of Dracula's Transylvania
Having been dominated by several different peoples and countries throughout its history, the Romanian region of Transylvania is presently under the control of Ravenna Dracula. After successfully overpowering the previous presence of Romanian authority, the Daughter of Dracula has returned her homeland to a state of monarchical government under her name.
Under the reign of Ravenna Dracula, Transylvania has received an influx of various changes. A focus on military power ensures the region’s borders are consistently protected from any threats from Romanian or any other forces. The military itself has reverted back to a style resembling fourteenth century knights and weaponry, however modern-day arms such as machine guns, explosives, etc. have been implemented into the Transylvanian army.
Since the return of Dracul Family rule, the region’s climate has changed due to seemingly supernatural occurrences. Dark clouds ceaselessly hover over the region, with heavy storms hitting periodically. These weather conditions are produced by the strong presence of vampires within Transylvania and, specifically, Castle Dracula. While Ravenna forbids the presence of vampires outside her Court and army, many rogue vampires and small clans live throughout Transylvanian territory.
Due to vampires being seated in positions of power throughout the region, a ban on any and all forms of silver is strictly enforced.
Castle Dracula
Not since the House of Draculesti’s reign over Wallachia in the late fourteenth and early sixteenth centuries has Castle Dracula been inhabited by the family it was built for. Built on the bordering region between Transylvania and Wallachia, the Castle mirrors Eastern European architecture and sits on a cliff side overlooking a large lake.
Castle Dracula is nearly inaccessible, unless by a bridge connecting the stronghold to a road running along a mountain range. The bridge sits over a small river flowing into the lake beside the Castle. The Castle’s other entrance, on the side opposite to the bridge, faces a wide canyon bordered by mountains on either side. Numerous armies have traveled through here to invade the Castle and Dracul Family, however, few have successfully pushed through the Castle’s defenses.
The Castle’s walls also hold a small portion of the Transylvanian population. A large square in the center of the Castle is used as a market and gathering place, and several small homes have been built within the fortress’ walls. The main Castle itself houses the Dracula Family as well as the high ranking members of Ravenna’s Court – the majority of which are vampires.
The combination of the House of Draculesti, Ravenna’s Court, and the Castle’s vampire knights make up the ruling presence of vampires within Transylvania. They have become known as the Dracul Clan, after Ravenna’s grandfather’s surname.
Transylvanian Army & Vampire Knights
In order to protect her nation against rivaling countries, Ravenna has built a powerful army similar to any modern-day military. These forces are designed to protect Transylvanian borders, as well as act as the first line of defense against any invasions. They are heavily equipped with advanced weaponry and technology, purchased and supplied by the Dracula Family’s vast wealth that has steadily accumulated since the fourteenth century. The members of this army receive rigorous and thorough training, putting them in peak physical condition and granting them adept knowledge on weaponry, combat and battle tactics. Vampires are forbidden within the Transylvanian army.
While Transylvania’s army holds the bulk of its modern military power, Ravenna’s personal guard consists of warriors handpicked by the queen herself to become vampire knights. After showing master proficiency in both armed and unarmed combat, these knights are turned into vampires and granted the powers and abilities of a creature of the night – the strength of a hundred men, the speed of a falling star, the senses and instincts of the night’s creatures, etc.
These knights, whose numbers nearly match a small army, are Ravenna’s primary enforcers within Transylvania. They are fiercely loyal to their queen and displaying an unyielding willingness to die at her command.
The weapons used by the Castle’s knights resemble fourteenth century weapons in style, but have been equipped with several technological upgrades to prove useful against modern-day enemies. Spears that release massive volts of electromagnetic surges to paralyze all but the most durable of opponents, carbon fiber arrows, etc. The knights’ vampire abilities also grant them with superhuman attributes, allowing even the most unskilled within their ranks to utilize these weapons with proficiency far outclassing any human.
The knights’ vampire nature causes them to fight with a more feral style, often striking with a sword or spear before finishing their opponent with a lethal bite to the neck or mauling through the usage of a vampire’s long, pointed fingernails. The predator attributes of a vampire’s nature can make the Castle’s knights lethally unpredictable in combat – however their bloodlust can also prove to be their downfall.
The Castle’s knights are reserved for immediate threats against Castle Dracula, should any invaders pass or fight through the Transylvanian army. Knights of this guard patrol the areas surrounding the Castle at all times, as well as protect Ravenna and members of her Court.
Rules
- All characters are welcome to visit Transylvania or within Castle Dracula's walls
- Sell the empire's defenses
- Standard CVnU rules
- And if I'm not forgetting anything; Enjoy
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