Fatum et Sanguis world illustration - Vampire theme
Vampire

Fatum et Sanguis

S
Scarticus

Varethis, the land of undeath. From the vampire stronghold of Rivenholm to the stalwark bastion of hope known as Ebonreach, enter Fatum et Sanguis and forge your own path.


Author's Note: Welcome to Varethis: A Realm of Shadows and Light Varethis is a land shaped by ancient conflicts and fragile alliances, where the echoes of past struggles bleed into the present. It is a world of looming gothic architecture and vibrant sanctuaries, a place where hope clings to the edges of despair. At its heart stand two great cities—Rivenholm, a vampire stronghold draped in mist and mystery, and Ebonreach, a beacon of refuge and resilience. - Rivenholm, where moonlight fights against the encroaching fog that coils through narrow streets. Here, power is measured in blood and secrecy. It is a city governed by the Nightshade Council, a cabal of vampires who manipulate the balance of fear and fealty. Yet beneath the surface, rebellion stirs—the Riven Pact, a clandestine force of hunters and insurgents, fights to loosen the Council’s grip. - Ebonreach, where the weary and the hopeful gather beneath soaring spires. A bastion against encroaching darkness, this city thrives under the guidance of various factions, each playing a vital role in its survival. Throughout Varethis, these factions define allegiances and ambitions: - The Hollow Clergy, a brotherhood of priests and paladins who invoke divine strength to ward off corruption, guiding lost souls toward salvation or judgment. - The Ironhand Guild, a fraternity of artisans and merchants whose craft sustains both cities, shaping weapons, wonders, and wealth alike. - The Eclipsed Circle, scholars of the arcane, harnessing shadow and flame in pursuit of secrets best left buried. - The Rogue’s Syndicate, a network of thieves, spies, and assassins who thrive in shadows, unraveling intrigue and bending fate to their will. - The Dawnforged Order, warriors of indomitable might, standing as shields and swords against the encroaching forces that threaten civilization. Beyond the walls of these cities stretch lands of ruin and wonder—forests where forgotten deities slumber, crypts where the dead refuse peace, and crossroads where destiny is forged with blade and ink. This is the world you will tread, where every choice ripples across Varethis, shaping its fate.
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68 days ago
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Bloodkeep Sanctum

Bloodkeep Sanctum

The Bloodkeep Sanctum is a foreboding chamber within Bloodstone Keep, where the most powerful vampires convene to plot and scheme. The air is thick with the scent of blood and dark magic, and the walls are adorned with ancient tapestries depicting the rise and fall of empires, all under the watchful gaze of the vampire lords.

Caspian Estate

Caspian Estate

Once a grand estate of wealth and power, the Caspian Estate now lies in ruins, haunted by the whispers of dark rituals and forbidden experiments. Abandoned after the death of Elias Caspian, it has become a refuge for vagrants and criminals, its halls echoing with the remnants of a bygone era.

Decrepit Dock

Decrepit Dock

The Decrepit Dock is a crumbling structure at the edge of Rivenholm's market district, where the scent of brine mingles with the whispers of the undead. Shadows flit between the rotting wooden beams, and the sound of distant waves masks the hushed conversations of newcomers, unaware of the city's dark rulers.

Duskridge Vale

Duskridge Vale

Duskridge Vale is a foreboding valley just beyond the eastern gates of Rivenholm, known for its eerie silence and the dark creatures that dwell within. Locals whisper tales of lost souls and ancient evils that haunt the vale, making it a place to be avoided at all costs.

Elara's mill

Elara's mill

A remote and somewhat dilapidated mill on the outskirts of Rivenholm, owned by a reclusive woman named Elara. The mill is rumored to be haunted, though Elara dismisses these claims as mere superstition. It serves as a safe, if somewhat unsettling, haven for those seeking shelter from the dangers of the night.

Gregor's Tannery

Gregor's Tannery

Gregor's Tannery is a small, family-owned business that has been operating in Rivenholm for generations. Gregor is a skilled, if somewhat eccentric, tanner who takes pride in his work. He is known for producing high-quality leather goods at reasonable prices, making him a popular choice among the city's working class.

Ironclad Armaments

Ironclad Armaments

A sturdy smithy known for crafting armor and shields, with the sign 'Ironclad Armaments - Forged in Fire, Tempered in Blood' above the door. The air is filled with the sounds of hammering and the smell of burning coal.

Kaelin's Shop

Kaelin's Shop

Kaelin's Shop is a hidden gem in the Old District of Rivenholm, known for its rare and unusual artifacts. Kaelin, the enigmatic owner, is a purveyor of secrets and forgotten lore, catering to those who seek knowledge beyond the grasp of the city's elite. It is also known as a safe place to find a contact and hide from the Nightshade Council.

Lirindal’s Respite

Lirindal’s Respite

Lirindal’s Respite is the crumbling remains of an ancient half-elven monastery, now a hauntingly beautiful site overtaken by nature. Vines and moss cover the once-grand stone walls, while faintly glowing sigils pulse with a soft light, echoing the prayers of long-forgotten monks. Those who linger too long may hear the whispers of the past, drawing them deeper into the mysteries of the site.

Old Man Tiberius's pawn shop

Old Man Tiberius's pawn shop

Old Man Tiberius's pawn shop is a haven for those seeking to acquire rare or unusual items, as well as those looking to part ways with their own possessions for a quick coin. Tiberius himself is a shrewd and enigmatic figure, rumored to have a vast network of contacts throughout Rivenholm and beyond.

Rivenholm Eastern Gates

Rivenholm Eastern Gates

The Eastern Gates of Rivenholm stand as a grand entryway to the Duskridge Vale, adorned with intricate carvings depicting the city's history. Guarded by vigilant sentinels, the gates are a bustling hub where travelers and merchants converge, exchanging news and goods before venturing into the vale.

Rivenholm Graveyard

Rivenholm Graveyard

The Rivenholm Graveyard is a somber yet serene resting place nestled within the city walls. Ancient tombstones, some cracked and weathered, stand amidst overgrown grass and wildflowers, while a few gnarled trees provide shade. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the whispers of the past, making it a place of reflection and quiet contemplation.

Rivenholm Northern Gates

Rivenholm Northern Gates

The imposing Northern Gates of Rivenholm stand as a formidable barrier against the wilds beyond. Crafted from dark iron and reinforced with ancient runes, these gates are flanked by towering stone watchtowers, where vigilant guards keep a watchful eye on travelers and potential threats.

Rivenholm Southern Gate

Rivenholm Southern Gate

The Rivenholm Southern Gate serves as the primary entry point into the White Star District, a stark contrast to the dilapidated surroundings of Rivenholm. Adorned with gold and white banners, the gatehouse presents an illusion of safety and prosperity, while whispers of terror and disappearance linger just beyond its walls.

Rivenholm Western Gate

Rivenholm Western Gate

The Rivenholm Western Gate serves as the entrance to the Free District, a place that feels more liberated compared to the rest of the city. The gatehouse, now in ruins, bears the scars of recent conflicts, with whispers of vampire involvement in attempts to seal off the district from the outside world.

Silas Blackwood's pawn shop

Silas Blackwood's pawn shop

Silas Blackwood's pawn shop is a haven for those seeking to trade in secrets, acquire rare artifacts, or simply find a hidden gem among the city's forgotten treasures. Silas himself is a shrewd and enigmatic figure, rumored to have connections with various factions within Rivenholm.

Silverveil Bastion

Silverveil Bastion

Silverveil Bastion is a small yet formidable structure nestled within the bustling city of Rivenholm. It serves as the forge for the weapons of the Dawnforged Order, with walls crafted from silver-edged steel and adorned with enchanted crossbows, radiating an aura of protection and power.

The Grand Church of Rivenholm

The Grand Church of Rivenholm

A majestic structure adorned with intricate stained glass windows depicting the city's history and the divine. The Hollow Clergy, led by the High Priestess, conducts ceremonies and offers guidance to the faithful, ensuring the spiritual well-being of the Free District.

The Luminarum

The Luminarum

The Luminarum is a majestic tower that pierces the sky, its walls shimmering with an ethereal glow. Within its halls, scholars and mages tirelessly work to master the art of arcane magic, creating wondrous artifacts and spells that enchant the very air around them.

The Master Forge

The Master Forge

The Master Forge is a renowned blacksmithing facility located in the heart of the Free District, overseen by the legendary Forgemaster Valtan Blackmaul. Here, the clang of hammer on anvil resonates through the air, as skilled artisans craft weapons and armor of unparalleled quality, drawing adventurers and merchants alike.

The Riven Stronghold

The Riven Stronghold

The Riven Stronghold serves as the bastion of The Riven Pact, a faction dedicated to overthrowing the vampire lords of Rivenholm. With fortified walls and a strategic location, it is both a refuge for weary fighters and a planning ground for their next assault against the undead.

The Shadowed Haven

The Shadowed Haven

Nestled in the heart of Rivenholm's most destitute district, The Shadowed Haven serves as a clandestine meeting place for the Shadowed Hand rogues. Accessible only to those initiated into the Rogue's Syndicate, this dimly lit tavern is filled with whispers of secrets and the clinking of stolen coins.

Twilight Grove

Twilight Grove

Right outside the gates of Bloodstone Keep lies Twilight Grove, a desolate park filled with twisted trees and dark purple leaves. This eerie gathering place serves as a meeting point for noble vampires, who enjoy the moonlit view of the city from its shadowy depths.

White Star District Streets

White Star District Streets

The White Star District Streets are the heart of Rivenholm's commerce and intrigue. A place where merchants, rogues, and nobles mingle, secrets are traded, and fortunes are won and lost. The district is known for its bustling markets, hidden gambling dens, and the ever-present threat of the city's darker elements.

This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
We are not affiliated with Dungeons & Dragons or Wizards of The Coast in any way.
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