Sanctuarul Nocturn
Overview
Sanctuarul Nocturn, (translation: "Nocturnal Sanctuary)" nestled in the shadowed beauty of Romania’s Cerna Valley, has evolved over the centuries into a sanctuary for vampires and humans. Here, vampires rule. Their authority, however, rests on a foundation of mutual respect and collaboration with the humans who also reside there. In this kingdom, vampires, humans, and other supernatural inhabitants have forged a society that embraces the coexistence and interdependence of its residents.
Over generations, the human natives have accepted the presence of vampires, regarding them as protective figures rather than predators. They view vampire rule as part of their culture, and this shared respect creates a uniquely harmonious society. As a result, the Hunter Society’s influence is unwelcome and scarce; attempts by hunters to interfere are firmly rebuffed by both the human and the supernatural creatures who live there. For vampires from other regions facing persecution or hunters, Sanctuarul Nocturn has become a rare refuge.
In modern times, Sanctuarul Nocturn remains an alluring sanctuary, blending ancient customs with the challenges of an evolving world.
History
The origins of Sanctuarul Nocturn trace back to the mysterious descendants of The Father of All Vampires, the first vampire, whose legacy both inspired reverence and fear. He was a figure of myth and dread, especially as rumors of his offspring began to spread. He took a wife and had children, but many of his descendants were hunted down and killed or forced into hiding, as humans became increasingly fearful of his bloodline.
In these early days, the vampires who survived were scattered and vulnerable, unsure why they faced such relentless persecution. Some of His children blended successfully into human communities, winning the love and loyalty of those around them. The story goes that one of these children, while hiding among humans, risked exposure by defending a group of villagers against a fearsome creature from one of their own feral siblings. Grateful and sworn to secrecy, the humans protected the vampire’s identity, sparking the beginnings of a small, hidden society where vampires and humans coexisted in quiet harmony.
As this fledgling community grew, it began to resemble a kingdom, with more vampires joining and contributing to its foundation. Over time, however, a struggle for power emerged among the vampires, driven by disputes over succession and power. By that time, the Original Child (as they are dubbed in their history) was long since passed, and the current ruler, Alaric, lacked a wife or heirs to continue the Original Child's bloodline. A prominent rival family sought to influence the line of succession with their own children. In a rather controversial move, Alaric "kidnapped" (or perhaps eloped with; both sides contest the truth to this day) a human woman named Serene. She would become his queen and they would rule together to this day.
Today, Sanctuarul Nocturn still follows a monarchial structure, balancing age-old traditions with the demands of a modern world. The vampires maintain a carefully crafted facade around outsiders, preserving the society’s secrecy and ensuring peace with those who remain unaware of its true nature.
Where it’s located
Sanctuarul Nocturn is situated amongst the rugged terrain of Cerna Valley. Nestled between mist-laden mountains and dense forests, it offers natural protection and isolation from the modern world. The remoteness of the valley, combined with challenging access points, deters most travelers, allowing the inhabitants to maintain their privacy. Hidden pathways and guarded routes ensure that only those permitted by the kingdom’s residents can approach without trouble.
Who runs it
Sanctuarul Nocturn is ruled by the current royal family, descendants of Serene and her vampire husband, who still reign alongside their children. Their lineage embodies the society’s ideals of peace and unity between humans and vampires. Beyond the royal family, powerful vampire families hold sway and maintain their own strongholds within the society. This sometimes leads to internal conflicts, especially between vampires who believe they should exert dominance over humans and those loyal to the royal family’s vision of coexistence.
These influential families walk a fine line between cooperation and rivalry, each vying for influence while upholding the kingdom’s core principles. Such disputes are often subtle but can lead to intense power struggles when traditional beliefs clash with progressive ideals.
How it works
In Sanctuarul Nocturn, vampires are sustained by voluntary human blood donations. Some humans choose to offer blood directly, while others prefer to contribute through organized blood donations, which are packaged for distribution among vampires. In return, vampires play a vital role as protectors of the society, warding off potential threats, be it monstrous creatures or human hunters.
Vampires seeking refuge in Sanctuarul Nocturn are subject to a thorough vetting process. They must disclose their reasons for seeking asylum, their history of interactions with humans, and any instances where they have killed humans. This assessment ensures that only those willing to uphold the kingdom’s laws and respect the coexistence pact may integrate into the society, maintaining harmony within the sanctuary.