The Mist-Walkers
I'm not saying you're stupid, but... Well, look. Our lords maintain their air of indifference, covering their greater faults by keeping us busy. Have you ever wondered why we're always chasing new prey? Why won't they allow us to stay in one area too long? I'm sure you've at least noticed how different some of the warbands are. Now ask yourself. Does that matter? They're better fed, better equipped, and they don't have a single scar to show for it. Their masters fight their wars -- and yes, it's a merchant's battle, but look how well off they are. No, trust me when I say this. I am loyal, but only the Vampires with caravans have any chance of turning our lives around.
Mist-Walkers was the name given to the four caravans no longer in service, once bound to the will of a forgotten Khan. Yet, they were only one of many groups that have graced the north. In recent years alone, the numbers have grown. Greed is a key motivator for many Vampires, the justification for them exploiting what was meant to be eradicated. North of Kjurvog is an ever-growing expanse, the corruption of the Outsiders reanimating the land, even as this is being written. Hundreds of Caravans cross these lands, careful not to encounter any Vampires. They brave the storms of flesh, the terror lurking within pools of water, and the wrath of their masters in search of wealth and tools too valuable to destroy. They take refuge in the shadow of the Iron City and find kindred spirits within the Black Citadels. They encamp within the groves of rot, meeting with unsavory sorts. Workshops are built in many of these places. Greatest among the riches can only be discovered near the abyss, teetering on the edge of damnation, a stone's toss away. Mortals are easily lured.
Some merchants seek an Eastern Road, which they believe connects them to the west.
History
It is unclear who the first Vampire was to form a caravan. Some claim it is in honor of the First, citing an instance when he met the Emperor in secret, and pointing towards the good it had caused. Through this justification, shipping cursed equipment across the endless steppes, allowing places that should have been razed to flourish, and harboring secret pacts with darkness, trading food and necessary supplies for things that must be hidden from those that follow them, wrapped away, has been for the betterment of their people. Under blasphemous stars, the Vampires have brought division among these settlements, keeping their ambitions thriving by influencing their partners into constant war, ensuring they'll never get too strong despite the aid given.
Disbandment
Despite, or perhaps because of, the numerous Caravans, hidden workshops, and oddities found hidden among the Shepherds, another group of Vampires crushed the Mist-Walkers, their tokens of evil trampled and broken, the food and livestock claimed for their own. Without having turned any others, the Vampire responsible was slain, its name scrubbed from the memories and tongues of many.
Caravans that travel too close to Trel, act too brazenly, or carry something invaluable can easily suffer the same fate, becoming the target of other Vampires. Because the Caravans hide under false flags, there are often few repercussions for the aggressor, who will often leave no witnesses.
'To Tread upon the Mists'
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