Withers Legacy - A Supernatural Challenge

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It took a great deal of convincing the Elder Council of the Underworld to approve Anastasia’s request: to live among mortals. She hadn’t done so since before her turning, a good 130 years ago…

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Now that the world is becoming more receptive to the existence of vampires, the council reluctantly agreed… so long as Anastasia follows the most important rule:

Never, ever harm a mortal - at least not in a way that can be traced back to her or the Underworld.

(lot & 4 of the council members came from the gallery, I'll find the creator names to credit when I next play)


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It is a cloudy and rainy day when Anastasia Withers arrives in the Windenburg countryside, a place she lived during her true life. As a Loner, the country will suit her and bring out her classical Romantic ideals.

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Unfortunately, Anastasia is also a bit of a Snob, a trait which surfaces every time she looks at her plain, drab abode…

Hopefully, on her quest to become a Master Vampiress and acclimate to the mortal realm, she can acquire the funds and furnishings to improve her humble lodgings.

https://i.imgur.com/bpgPstB.png

Even though she’s been a Vampiress for a long time, Anastasia’s knowledge on Vampiric powers and lore is limiting - even more-so when applied to the mortal realm. To achieve her goal and become a Master, she must first find a tutor.

Who better than the oldest Elder Vampire to dwell in the mortal realm, Count Vladislaus Straud IV?

Always willing to help fledgling bloodsuckers, the Count agrees to share his great wealth of knowledge - but it’s far too much for one night. She will have to visit often to learn all there is to know.

https://i.imgur.com/WFjDq0Q.png

For her first lesson, Count Straud invites her inside his delightfully spooky manor and begins playing the organ. The old home is filled with the loud music that seeps into the floorboards and walls, drowning out Anastasia’s protests as she wonders how exactly this is to help her.

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Vladislaus offers no answer and keeps on performing.

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After leaving the Count’s home, Anastasia finds herself wandering over to the Shrieking Llama bar, a small establishment built out in the countryside. This is definitely new since her time with the living!

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It is here that she meets Barney Hobbs, a gentle looking man with a greying beard and tired hazel eyes. There is something in his gaze that intrigues Ana…

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Ah… the Shrieking Llama truly is the best place to quench one’s thirst. Many of the other local vampires seem to agree and certainly don’t bat an eye when they see Anastasia indulging in a plump neck.

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Autumn brings rain to Windenburg and Anastasia is beginning to learn that being a Vampiress among mortals can be rather dull… Daylight hours are a struggle and few are willing to connect with someone who could hypnotize them and guzzle their plasma at any given moment.

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She takes walks to soothe her boredom in the evenings, caring not that the rain drenches her tailored walking dress.

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How curious it is to discover that Mr. Barney Hobbs lives not so very far away from Anastasia! She certainly did not look into this matter before her late-night walk, that would be utterly preposterous…

She is not terribly impressed with his small home that lacks any hint of decor.

https://i.imgur.com/YilMyMx.png

Anastasia: “I was given this curious little device when I left the Underworld and told it can be used to communicate with mortals, so long as I have a special code unique to each. Might I bother you for yours?”

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Honestly, Barney cannot remember the last time a woman asked for his number, old-fashioned Vampiress or not. He is quick to give it.

https://i.imgur.com/ZMxu8iN.png

Anastasia finds Barney charming but before she can urge their very new acquaintanceship into a proper courtship, she must be sure of one thing:

Anastasia: “Do you find my fangs frightening, Mr. Hobbs?”

She asks with a hiss.

https://i.imgur.com/mPbEaHH.png

Barney: “I think they look very clean and sharp.”

His tone is so matter-of-fact and contains only the slightest hint of hesitation, that Anastasia decides to take this as a flattering compliment; even if he didn’t quite answer her question.

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Considering her visit with Mr. Hobbs a success, Anastasia decides to celebrate at the Shrieking Llama.

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Anastasia: “It tastes so much better when one is wrapped in the cold embrace of love, don’t you think?”

Lilith has no idea what Anastasia is talking about, so she only smiles and nods at the eccentric newbie.

https://i.imgur.com/QaNwpBm.png

One woman is not smiling at Anastasia’s choice of beverage however.

L. Faba: “Allowing plasma-suckers to roam about un-checked is madness enough, but to let them drink from your own patrons? Shameful!”

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L. Faba: “Oh, of course! I should have expected a vampire to turn a blind eye to this morbid scene… The city and underworld councils will hear of this.”

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If there is one statement that has reigned true for centuries, it is this:

Vampires and Sorcerers have never and will never get along.

It started when the Underworld was first closed off from the mortal realm and the spellcasters were not only allowed to stay, but given the freedom to create their own realm.

There has been a bitterness between them ever since, and though this was long before Anastasia’s time, she cannot help but feel a rage while in L. Faba’s presence.