Nightwalker
An immortal species that require blood to thrive
Nightwalkers are immortal beings who were once either Magi or Human, and have undergone a conversion ritual. As nightwalkers they are unable to deal with the sun on their bare skin, reducing vital vitamins they need to survive. To replenish they consume blood. Some do not enjoy this practice though, and prefer to take vitamin pills or drink.
There are two settlements of Nightwalkers in Favont. The oldest is The Stiriphese, while Black Hollow is a break-away settlement. Though they share the same characteristics, these two settlements have opposing views on many moralistic matters.
conversion
It is considered an illegal offence to convert a Human or Magi into a Nightwalker without fully completing every stage of the ritual. The ritual is both symbolic, and practical, ensuring the convert is aware of their actions and capable of the change. At any stage during the conversion process, the applicant can drop out or be rejected.
Meeting
First, the applicant must obtain a Nightwalker sponsor who is a licensed converter. A licensed convertor is required to complete a course in psychology, must have studied the act of the ritual, and must also have lived as a Nightwalker for at least 100 years. There are many ways that an applicant and sponsor could meet. Often they are introduced by friends, but sometimes a sponsor or applicant might place an advert. If the applicant is already in the army, they might join as a natural progression to their career.
First find a licensed Nightwalker to turn you
Culture
Once an applicant and a sponsor have connected, the applicant will move into their sponsor's living areas. This helps immerse the applicant into the new culture that they will be entering, especially if they are in Steffen where the language and culture are significantly different to the rest of Favont. They are expected to show an interest in their new life, and to respect it. Evidence of being rude or disrespectful can cause the applicant to be rejected.
Show respect to the Nightwalker culture
Physical Health
If they are not already in the military, they will also be required to join early on, and to complete their basic military training. Applicants must be physically fit before they convert as becoming a Nightwalker will freeze a person in the present health condition for eternity. For this reason, applicants must not be under the age of 18, and very rarely do they accept applicants over the age of 45.
Be physically fit and between 18 and 45
Mental Health
Alongside their military training, they will also be required to attend regular counselling sessions with a licensed councillor specialising in the conversion process. Their councillor and sponsor should not be the same person. During these sessions, they'll explore the deeper meanings why applicants wish for immortality, and the councillor will assess if they are of sound mind and that they are choosing the Nightwalker life for 'healthy' reasons.
Be mentally sound and understand the effect of immortality
Approval
After a year, if the applicant is still keen and they have completed all of their requirements, they are brought before a council of Nightwalkers, which always includes Aeryn DeSteffen if in The Stiriphese, and Arlene Dawes in Black Hollow. They will be interviewed by the council, and the sponsor will also give a short presentation. If the council approve, then the applicant can complete the final stage.
Be approved by a council of elders
Metamorphosis
Immediately after the success of the interview, the sponsor takes the applicant to an adjacent private room. Here, they will ask the applicant three times if they wish to proceed, and the applicant must reply each time. The sponsor will then kiss them, biting their lip in the process. The applicant must bite back. This ritual symbolises the first conversion. The transformation occurs almost immediately. The applicant will lose consciousness and awaken as a Nightwalker.
A kiss seals the act
Differences between Black Hollow and The Stiriphese
In Black Hollow, where social expectations common to Favont prevail, a sponsor and applicant can not be the same sex, but as opposite sexes, they can also not live in the same house. Some circumvent this issue by briefly 'marrying' their applicant, and later seeking annulment, while others live close by instead, or have a chaperone. In the Stiriphese, there are no such restrictions.
In Black Hollow, conversion is treated as a sexual act
Death
The greatest appeal for those converting to Nightwalkers is immortality. However, most do not realise that with immortality there brings a greater fear of death. As the adage goes: Nothing lasts forever. A Nightwalker might be able to extend their lives, but to live for all eternity is considered impossible, and for some, horrifying.
Nightwalkers can survive many catastrophic injuries that would be fateful to mortals. The only guaranteed death for Nightwalkers is decapitation, or sun exposure to the head. As sun exposure only affects the areas of the body that are exposed, i.e bare skin, Nightwalkers can survive it anywhere else on their body, though it does result in amputation. The body rapidly burns and turns to ash in a matter of seconds.
Because of these two options for death, Nightwalkers are often gripped with fear at prospect of either, sometimes to a point of madness, and if unidentified, they will deliberately removed all their clothes and step outside.
Why don't you take a short walk on a sunny day is a very common phrase when expressing annoyance.
The Sun
In the world of Middengeard no one has ever investigated why the sun has this affect. They believe that the sun was a gift from The Angels, and therefore a ball of pure Aether. However, aetheric lights, and the aether magic of the Magi, does not cause this burning. Therefore, it is concluded that the curse is only related directly to the sun (as reflected moonlight has no effect either).
In truth, it's based on the UV radiation levels.
I have a recurring dream. It haunts me every time I close my eyes. The sun has set for the last time, Middengeard has rotted in its absence, and yet I remain, eternal, in a wasteland. Only then can I stand outside in the day without protection, except it is not day. It is the land of the eternal night, and I, a relic of ancient times, am its only occupant, forever unable to die with no sun left to kill me.
There is no escaping death, not even for immortals
Clothing
To protect against the sun, when outdoors or in spaces with natural light, Nightwalkers cover every part of their skin. Their military wear and their civilian wear share many similarities.
They will always wear a mask, which often has a pattern on it of the owner's choice, and over their mask, they will wear a hood that covers their head and neck. The hood is either attached to a cowl scarf or a cape of varying lengths. Around their neck is a snood, or part of their cowl, which they will either wear a scarf, or pull up over the lower part of their mask. On their hands are gloves, thick in winter and thin in summer. Clothes are long sleeved and high necked, and often worn in many layers, such as a long sleeve t-shirt, shirt, and then a wasistcoat. Throughout history, even female Nightwalkers have worn trousers. If they wear skirts, or dresses, they are full length, or layered with tights or leggings. Boots remain a favourite. Many Nightwalkers will continue to wear fashions that are decades or even centuries old.
At night, they dress a little more liberally, if it is appropriate. The will wear shorter sleeves, no mask, and enjoy activities that normally require sun, such as going to the beach.
Masks and clothes are protection
History
Nightwalker history begins with The Invasion.
The Original Curse
Aeryn DeSteffen, sister to Leric I, was cursed by her husband, Han Marisa, with immortality without sunlight. When Leric discovered her, he believed her a monster and had her imprisoned in the caves beneath Mount Steffen, under the watch of an extremist sect known as The Brothers.
The Mysterious Mountain Woman
In the year 304, Aegar the Golden Prince and his aide-de-camp, Lord Pyrus, journeyed to Mount Steffen after hearing rumours of an immortal woman in the mountains. They were embroiled in a lengthy siege at Asbeet and hoped her presence might tip the balance in their favour.
Lord Pyrus
Pyrus remained behind under the pretence of studying with Aeryn, but in truth, he was training her to fight. When the Brothers discovered what was happening, they tried to stop them from leaving, and the two fought their way out. During his time with Aeryn, Pyrus had fallen in love with her, and feared that Aegar’s intentions were less than honourable. He begged her to run away with him, declaring his love. Aeryn kissed him and bit his lip. He bit back, and when he awoke, she was gone.
The Siege of Asbeet
He followed her to Asbeet, where the siege still raged, and confessed to Aegar that he had made himself a Nightwalker. Aegar ordered his execution, but Aeryn intervened. She promised to end the siege if she and Pyrus were allowed to go into exile in the Stiriphese. Aegar agreed. That night, Aeryn infiltrated the city and assassinated the commanders, bringing the siege to an end.
Duchess of the Stiriphese
When they returned to camp, Ban Morgan, the leader of the Ananans, had arrived. Aegar had unknowingly promised marriage to Morgan’s daughter, and Morgan had come to see it honoured. Aeryn, fluent in Anana, resolved the matter peacefully. So impressed was Aegar by her skill and diplomacy that he named her Duchess of the Stiriphese.
Creating the city of Steffen
Aeryn and Pyrus returned to the caves beneath Mount Steffen and began to build a home, the future Steffen Palace. Others soon arrived, drawn by tales of a court unlike any other. Pyrus promoted a warrior culture, while Aeryn embraced harmony with nature and the Ananan way of life. Slowly, the city of Steffen took shape, with more rooms and tunnels being progressively dug into the caves.
relationship with Ananans
Nightwalkers require a monthly intake of vitamins to maintain their health. Though they can survive without it, the effects are severe, often with illness, physical weakness, and a marked decline in muscle mass and cognitive ability. Blood is considered the most efficient means of delivering these nutrients, and Ananan blood, which is slightly different in composition from human blood, is renowned for its potency and taste.
For a healthy life, Nightwalkers need vitamins... in blood form
Husbandry
When founding the city of Steffen, however, Aeryn DeSteffen was clear in her refusal to farm Ananans for their blood. During her imprisonment by the Brothers, she had been forced to kill and consume Ananans, an act that haunted her deeply. Determined never to repeat it, she instead employed Ananans to raise sheep and goats along the mountainside. These animals were then slaughtered directly by Nightwalkers who required their fresh blood. But as that population grew, the system became increasingly unsustainable.
Fresh blood, even through farming, is hard to come by
Pets
See also Pet
In 355, an Ananan man named Petran came to Aeryn. He was poor but hardworking. He begged her for a place in her service, offering anything, even his blood. Aeryn agreed, though she made it clear she would never request blood from him, only accept it when freely given. Petran remained her loyal companion for over 250 years. In time, he became wealthy and influential in his own right. Aeryn ensured he received education, comfort, and stability. He later married and raised a family, whom she also supported. His success inspired others to seek Nightwalkers to serve, and these companions became affectionately known as pets.
Pets have a symbiotic relationship with Nightwalkers
social split
As the Nightwalker population grew, their culture and ideals were seen as a threat to Favontille society due to their warrior ways and pagan beliefs. During the early years of Steffen’s formation, Nightwalkers faced no restrictions and were free to travel. However, during the Independence era, between 460 and 587, they were isolated to the Stiriphese under policies imposed by the Corbenite movement.
Nightwalkers are a threat to Favontille values
End of isolation, start of civil war
Terys II lifted the restrictions in 587 in exchange for Lord Pyrus assassinating Jan Chamberlain. However, isolation from the world for more than 100 years had caused resentment to grow and factions to form. General Arlene Dawes, a human Nightwalker, had gathered a following that believed Ananans should be farmed for their blood as part of their service to the superior Nightwalker race. Aeryn remained firmly opposed.
Isolation harboured dissent
Beginning of Black Hollow
The resulting civil war, largely unnoticed in the rest of Favont, was devastating within the Stiriphese. Even the Ananan population was divided. Arlene promised greater protection and financial security, while Aeryn maintained the principle of personal autonomy. In the end, Aeryn retained control of the Stiriphese, but Arlene, who had gained favour at court, was granted the mountainous region of Black Hollow. Ananans loyal to her were permitted to resettle there with her followers.
Black Hollow rejects liberal Stiriphesian values
role in society
Following the assassination of Jan Chamberlain, Nightwalkers became far more prominent in Favontille society. Night Command was established as a specialised division composed of both Nightwalkers and Ananans, with roles tailored to their respective abilities. It quickly earned a reputation as an elite combat force, particularly in black ops operations. As military strategy evolved beyond battlefield tactics into espionage, Nightwalkers followed suit, with many going on to populate the Strategic Defence Agency (SDA) in a range of intelligence roles.
Nightwalkers from both Black Hollow and the Stiriphese now serve across all military branches. While there are no formal divisions, regional trends persist: those from the Stiriphese more often pursue roles in spycraft and humanitarian operations, while those from Black Hollow tend to serve in overseas deployments across Magnus Prime and beyond, or in domestic units focused on riot control and internal security.
Cultural differences dictate how Nightwalkers serve
public perception
Nightwalkers have different perceptions publicly depending on where they are from.
| Subject | Stiriphese | Black Hollow |
|---|---|---|
Sexual norms and relationships | Anything is permissible, including same sex, polyamory, and open relations | Only hetero monogamy is allowed, and couples are expected to emmulate typical Favontille relationships |
Religion and spiritual beliefs | Though it's understandable, and permissible to continue the Cosmos faith, the study of Belasa is encouraged | The Cosmos Church of Favont only |
Education and learning | The study of any subject to it's highest degree, and continued expertise is expected, with more obscure subjects very common. | Only Magi Nightwalkers should consider studying academic subjects. Practical subjects are suitable for everyone else. |
Art and aesthetic values | Buildings that use natural materials and work with the land, organic artwork (art nouveau) | Concrete, metal and glass, rigid artwork (art deco) |
Treatment of outsiders/foreigners | They welcome them in, they want them to enjoy, but they're very cautious and prefer to be on a 'need to know' basis | They welcome visitors, as long as they're not Stiriphesian, and they follow their strict morality rules |
Warfare and military values | Protect, avoid war through intelligence, but always be ready to fight | Fight, defend through any means, and never hide away |
Attitudes toward nature and environment | Live in harmony, respect the balance | Use it and control it |
Language and dialect | Anana is the official language and everything is billingual, with most speaking with an Ananan accent | Favontille, and a mix of accents from across. Anana is banned here |
Class structure | Everyone has equal oportunities, and everyone should try, if they can, to support others | Nightwalkers are superior, then humans, and then ananans, who are bonded in feudal service. |
Nightwalkers from both settlements often have to work with each other outside. To others, there might be very few differences between them, but to Nightwalkers, the differences are obvious. Those who experienced the civil war often find this difficult, but most deal with it a professional manner.
Stiriphesian Nightwalkers are liberal, Black Hollow Nightwalkers are conservative
See Also
Nightwalkers
Contents
- Conversion
- Death
- Clothing
- History
- Relationship with Ananans
- Social Split
- Role in Society
- Public Perception
- See Also
Known Nightwalkers
- Aeryn DeSteffen
- Arlene Dawes
- Jan Janson
- Lord Pyrus
- Nighlix
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