The STRIGOI
From the birth of humanity, there have always been individuals possessed of the ability to tap into the otherworldly energy known as magic. While the Rent in the Sky has awakened many to their powers, there have always been a scant few individuals throughout time that tapped into this primordial force. Of this latter category, the most infamous is Vlad Dracul, also known as Count Dracula. The leader of the Strigoi, Vlad's life is shrouded in mystery, dating back hundreds of years before the events of Carnevale. Legends say he was once a blessed Prince of the Church and defender of the faith against the invading Ottoman Turks. Turning on his benefactors in Rome he pledged his soul to the devil and must face God's vengeance. The origins of the Count's gifts and curse have been lost to antiquity and if this centuries-old being remembers, he does not share them. Any close to him are long dead and now rumour has overtaken the truth about Dracula's transformation. Previously ruling over the lands of Wallachia, his lands were lost to the Ottoman army in 1448. Ashamed and beaten he traveled alone through foreign lands until he met his enemy's deputy, Nicholas Vizaknai in Transylvania.
THE UNDEAD ROAM VENICE
The First Gifted
It was in Transylvania that Vizaknai told Vlad of a great power he might possess. One that would allow him to rule lands unopposed, to be able to fight off even death itself. During this time Vlad was taught about the power of blood and ritual sacrifice. Kidnapping citizens and staking them to the local temple floor, Vlad entered the inner chamber of the dusty crypt alone, Vizaknai knowing all too well the eldritch energies to be unleashed. What followed was a microcosm of the event many years later known as the Rent in the Sky. Reality was torn open and Vlad glimpsed through to the other side. Vlad emerged from the chamber a changed man. His passion for power now turned into an unholy desire for bloodshed. Vlad devoured Vizaknai's body and essence and in doing so felt a rush of energy, stealing his life force and memories but not his soul.
The Blood Kiss
Forever wandering, Vlad came upon a Romani caravan and an old crone that was fluent in the ways of magic. She taught Vlad about the fabric of the universe and explained the sights that he saw beyond the void. Despite studying her gifts, Vlad was unable to access the powers from the other realm. His gift and curse were such that he would always be aware of the other reality, but never able to fully embrace it. Crazed with rage, Vlad bit deep into the Crone's neck and was immediately overcome by the magic in her blood and left unconscious. Days later he awoke in the Crone's care who decided to teach the foolish man of real power. She revealed the secrets of the Blood Kiss, by having Vlad nearly drain a Romani woman before sharing his blood with her. As she lay in a state of near-death the woman convulsed inches from death before arising as Vlad's first undead follower.
Strigoi in Venice
Intrigued by the Rent in the Sky, Vlad and his followers have descended upon Venice. Taking up residence on the island of San Michele, the small isle was sanctioned as a graveyard by the Doge to bury the many bodies of those who died after the opening of the Rent. When its ungodly light waxes strongly Vlad's powers also increase, giving him and his servant abilities they have only dreamed of. Vlad's flock has grown dramatically since he first arrived in Venice as he might still be selective about whom he turns into Strigoi, his need for an army has created a new demand for foot soldiers. Many of Venice's nobles have been targeted to become Strigoi whilst common citizens act as thralls carrying out their master's business. Whilst unconcerned by the other factions' squabbles, Vlad has taken a deep interest in the Rashaar and their unique abilities.
Creating Monsters
When undergoing his transformation all those years ago, Vlad glimpsed the other realm and its beasts. Upon arriving in Venice he knew the Rashaar to be the creatures he witnessed and the power they may possess. Driven by his years of experience with blood magic he began harvesting these aquatic monsters and experimenting upon his loyal followers. Lesser Strigoi were forced to feast upon Rashaar living or dead to embrace some of their powers. Many of his experiments failed but Vlad remained undeterred in his goal of achieving the power of the Rent.
Finally and with great bloodshed Vlad successfully gained the knowledge of the Rashaar but in doing so created monsters. Forcing lesser Strigoi to consume Rashaar blood rewarded Vlad with Cetean Upior's, Leeches, and the Aquatic Strigoi. Now with a better understanding of the power in blood, Vlad forced waves of newborn Strigoi to feast upon each other ultimately creating rage-filled vampiric beasts.
SLAVES OF VLAD DRACULA
MONSTROUS STRYX
WALLACHIAN WARHOST
WALLACHIAN WARHOST
The latest of Vlad’s experiments, the Monstrous Stryx is a Strzyga that has forcefully been fed a variety of meat by Vlad; the results of which have been truly horrifying. Far, far larger than anything previously seen from the Strigoi, the Stryx can tear through shop fronts with its bulk, rip a horse to shreds with its claws and bite a man in two with a single bone crunching snap of its jaws.
WALLACHIAN WARHOST
WALLACHIAN WARHOST
WALLACHIAN WARHOST
The Wallachian Warhost were originally the name given to Vlad's armies. When he learned how to control his powers and returned to Wallachia, he took control of a Hungarian army. This army would become known as the Wallachian Warhost and many of them were eventually given the Blood Kiss (once he returned from the Romani).
LUNAR CONGREGATION
WALLACHIAN WARHOST
LUNAR CONGREGATION
Vlad Dracula isn’t the only one interested in testing the limits of the Strigoi. The Romani have myths, legends, and monsters of their own to add to the forces of the Strigoi. Perhaps the greatest of these legends is the tragic tale of Moon Eater.
SUBAQUEOUS BEASTS
WALLACHIAN WARHOST
LUNAR CONGREGATION
After capturing various Rashaar creatures from the depths of the Venetian canals, they are gifted with the Blood Kiss. The Bloated Rotters and the Leeches are cultivated in the Growing Grounds, checked on and pulled to the surface by the ferryman when they're properly matured.
THE DROWNING AND THE DROWNED
THE DROWNING AND THE DROWNED
THE DROWNING AND THE DROWNED
Vlad Dracula’s cruelty knows no bounds, nor does his desire to see how far he can push the evolution of his Strigoi. Sinking vampires below the Venetian waters, Vlad forces his Strigoi to adapt to the water.
AIRBORNE CANNIBALS
THE DROWNING AND THE DROWNED
THE DROWNING AND THE DROWNED
Strigoi are what they eat, and these Strigoi have been eating other Strigoi. Developing into cannibalistic animals, these beasts lose their senses, replaced with a carrion-like ferocity and mutating, avian bodies.
VAMPIRIC ARISTOCRACY
THE DROWNING AND THE DROWNED
VAMPIRIC ARISTOCRACY
In the years since Vlad Dracula’s first death, the remaining Strigoi have spread throughout the globe. With extended lifespans, many have become grandiose beyond measure, starving and gorging themselves on blood until they become mere echoes of their human side.
STRIGOI STARTER
THE DROWNING AND THE DROWNED
VAMPIRIC ARISTOCRACY
Vlad Dracula is a man without age. He was first gifted unique powers hundreds of years before the opening of the Rent in the Sky, and now spreads his curse to others, using them as cattle to further his ascension towards godhood.
DRACULA'S HOST
DRACULA'S HOST
DRACULA'S HOST
The Impaler. Prince of Wallachia. The First Gifted. Vlad Dracula has many titles, and is spoken of in hushed whispers throughout Europe, a cautionary tale for children. But Dracula is all too real, and with his brides and followers is making a move on Venice.
FOOTSOLDIERS
DRACULA'S HOST
DRACULA'S HOST
Vlad Dracula’s many years on Earth have taught him some valuable lessons. The chief amongst those is to not value the lives of his followers. Treating them more like cattle than people, he wills them into the streets to feast on whatever victims he chooses.
ROMANI CARAVAN
DRACULA'S HOST
ROMANI CARAVAN
Bound through magic and blood to Vlad Dracula, the Romani people follow him wherever he goes. Blessed with ancient magicks the Romani perform rituals for the Strigoi and act as their eyes and ears in Venice, hiding in plain sight.
CETEAN UPIOR
DRACULA'S HOST
ROMANI CARAVAN
"The master's had this one feed on more of the water beasts. Not sure the church is a fan of it though, had a visit from a couple of nice tentacle faces last night. Still, they made good snacks for this fella"
ZORYI
VARCOLAC
VARCOLAC
"It was like there was another vampire inside the vampire. Saw one damn near tear one of those creepy crawly guys in half." The Zoryi is one of Vlad Dracula's most horrific creations. A devolved beast that has had its fists merge and calcify into clubs made of bone and flesh.
VARCOLAC
VARCOLAC
VARCOLAC
Varcolac is the name the Romani use to refer to this terrifying creature, its howls echoing through the night and into the nightmares of all the people of Venice"