Guvyan: The First Vampire
Guvyan (a.k.a. The Bringer of Death)
Guvyan earned many names and titles throughout his life, long before he became a Vampire. In his youth, he became known as the "Little Prince of Thunder", for he would lead hopeless charges into the enemy camp, spreading confusion among their ranks. As he was being promoted to that of a Khan, he was the Urazbehk, the bane of Elves. He was the greatest historical figure from the Volg, whose impact on the land is still felt today. His sacrifices for the people he fought relentlessly to protect have made his name synonymous in several kingdoms. Three prominent towns within the Trel Empire have been named after him for his benevolence, alongside a famous military formation that showcases his martial prowess.
The adoration is misplaced.
The Prince of Thunder had become the darkness that he swore to banish, long before his exile from his people. He slaughtered the Orcs, driving them southward, yet the destruction they brought was nothing compared to what he would aspire to. Elf villages were set aflame, and the denizens of their heavens were made slaves to his will. Dwarfs were taken, their spirits broken, the unholy light shed upon the darkness that they kept hidden within their minds. No one knew the reasons for what he did, though in hindsight, his footsteps had always been leading down The Path of Tears. All those that rode with him were bid to follow, or die by his blade. The dark rites needed to become the first Vampire were an affront to the natural order, dooming all those who followed his example. None who opened their veins to the Vampires, indulging in their evil, have been able to escape their curse.
Some say he was no different from the Outsiders.
Whatever vile deed was performed to become the First remains a mystery. There are speculations of Hags giving the power without knowing it would be their own undoing. Others claim that it was kin-slaying, infanticide, or some other, irredeemable act.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
There are many stories of his exploits and adventures in the surrounding nations. He was born in the saddle during an era of fire and war. According to myths, Guvyan drove the Orcs out of their lands and, in the process, was the first to discover the Outsiders. Guvyan sacrificed himself, offering his very soul in exchange for the power to bring about a new age and protect his people from all harm.
Nearly every story told of him is a lie. Currently, he is bound, hidden away from this reality, no longer bearing any resemblance to the human he once was.
Social
Reign
Guvyan was vital in driving out the things that preyed upon his people. The Orcs, who had taken up a similar lifestyle upon the steppes, were felled, and the Outsiders were forced to retreat before the might of his archers, returning to whatever nightmare they emerged from. The Giants were hunted and slain, alongside all those who made pacts with them. The Volg were relatively safe.
During the later years of his rule, he became known as the Dark Prince. His blood lust proved unsustainable, and the safeguards put over him were broken. Friendly envoys were beheaded and returned to their own people, and the children of rival kingdoms were stolen away in the night, murdered as the madness took over him. His evils knew no limits, growing more depraved with each killing. Only when he began slaying other Vampires had they decided he needed to be dealt with.
Guvyan is the sire of all Vampires, thus he needs to remain alive. He is currently hidden in a remote area, ruler in name alone.
Speech
In life, Guvyan was slow to speak, choosing every word carefully. He was raised in an age where the Outsiders were plentiful, and no one knew the limits to their power. Many believed that they held control over the thoughts of others, or that they could steal someone's voice and shadow. The less someone interacted, the better their chances were of survival.
Guvyan became far more extroverted with his rebirth. He spoke frankly to those under him, though most of his metaphors lost meaning over time.
'The Great Khan'
'Urazbehk.'
'Banisher of Elves'
'Storm Prince'
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Author's Notes
Part of the March of 31 Tales