Magnus Dante Summanus XV

Magnus Dante Summanus XV is a full-blooded Vampire (Nosferatu) hailing from the frigid, isolated norths of Kylorne, now settled in Carpe Noctem.

Backstory
Dante came from a long line of full-blooded vampires, that being the Summanus Family, once living very far north in the cold darkness to escape the sun. The Summanus Family was a long-term practitioner of necromancy and blood magic, wielding all they needed to stake their claim on their corner of the world.

Not long ago however, Dante’s family had been run out and killed by humans from the neighboring village that his family once took blood peacefully from, only surviving the raid due to taking a trip to the ocean the day it took place. When returning, his family’s mansion had been left in complete ruin, barely anything surviving the fallout. What little was left, Dante scavenged for and took with him before fleeing, not wishing to be found. With a new burning hatred in his heart, Dante vowed to make humanity pay for taking his family away from him, and perhaps one day live in a world shrouded in eternal night, where he can roam as freely as humans do, and rebuild the Summanus family's legacy somewhere without tensions.

Personality
Dante only has one game he likes to play, and that is his own. Other’s pain is his pleasure, and he rubs it into his victims face. However, he acts rather calm among his peers, in fact, being very friendly to those he meets for the first time. This doesn’t necessarily mean he likes someone, but merely a formality. Those who aren't afraid of him despite being a Vampire tend to get his more genuine kindness. This has been slowly melting away however, as the more he is either hurt or helped, how he acts has been going back to the times when he was happy at home, showing great empathy, even for people he hates, unable to keep the front of an imposing lord of darkness.

Due to the loss of his family, he is one to very tightly uphold his family's traditions on to himself, even if it would be detrimental to him, or others in the long or short term. He feels as though it is his duty to preserve the Summanus family legacy in this manner. These family values dictate his every action, down to how he moves his body. Promises to him, are life and death, and not keeping one wounds his pride greatly. Failure to him, is not an option, and to lose everything he's tried rebuilding would break him

Family History & Tennants
The Summanus Family is Dante's large family tree, made up of everyone who has lived in the Summanus Manor deep in the north since it was first constructed thousands of years ago. Although he is now the only living survivor, he intends to preserve as much of its legacy as he can.

The Summanus Family began from Magnus Janus Summanus, who was once human, but used dark rituals to become a vampire and escape the miserable home that despises him. Beginning to worship the moon and desiring to start his own anew, he built the original manor far north between the mountains. He ended up falling in love with a woman from the nearby town, who offered herself to become a vampire with him, that being Diana Aurelia, becoming Diana Aurelia Summanus once married and transformed. Having two children, this began their family naming covention, and their deeply rooted family values.

The Summanus Family has a list of ten core tennants they follow and keep true to their very core. Breaking these tennants or disbeliefing in them is seen as completely unnatural by the entire family (Including Dante). These ten tennants are a combination of their family and religious values.
 * 1) The Moon is the source of all that is kind and strong
 * 2) The Sun is the source of all that is vile and weak
 * 3) The Faraway Stars are the source of all that is graceful
 * 4) Blood is the source of true power and sacrifice, honor every drop
 * 5) Your promises are meant to be kept, no matter how their cover decieves others
 * 6) Your life is key to a better tomorrow, do not take it for granted, nor scar your skin and flesh
 * 7) Your family is your pride and joy, honor them with your everything.
 * 8) Those who oppose and fear you do not deserve your love, feast on their blood and stake your claim upon them
 * 9) Your corner of the world is the most important one, cherish and nurture it
 * 10) Others curses are your blessings, empower them and grow stronger

These tennants make up every other action within the Summanus Family down to the bone, from their parenting, to every little choice they make in their life. The preservation of the family is seen as the ultimate goal. They did not need immense wealth, only the manor they stayed in to shield them from the sun and raise their offspring. They made deals with local towns to trade blood for things such as magical items, meaning the Summanus Family never had to kill and could live peacefully and not go hungry.

Chapter 1: The End to Misery, the Beginning of...!
Magnus found himself within the center of Seregost, having directly stumbled into someone he had only heard of in passing, but someone he had been searching for ever since fleeing from his home. That, was Marquis Sanguis, the ruler of Carpe Noctem, who was just strolling about his capital for the two to cross paths.

Magnus made first introductions, instantly recognizing who was in front of him, and knowing now exactly where he was. After Sanguis introduced himself, he ordered Magnus to kneel, and to swear a pledge to Carpe Noctem. While mildly amused, nonetheless, he bowed on one knee, accepting the pledge. With his loyalty sworn, he was left free to roam around the capital as he pleased.

Though, Magnus found he had no wine. Barely any survived from his home, and by the time he had arrived at Carpe Noctem, he had none left. He had overheard there was a brewery in White Orchid, so he made a detour that way in order to get some wine. While the trek was a bit annoying, after arriving, he explored around to see where he could get some, finding Emporos at the highest point in the city.

Emporos was visibly scared by a Vampire showing up in his town, to which was only met with confusion. He asked if Magnus was evil, to which he stated that Good and Evil is not so clean cut. Emporos then asked if he knew a man named York who was a vampire he had met in Elysium. Magnus then states that he just arrived at Carpe Noctem that night, and had no clue who he was talking about, only knowing one name, that being of their leader who greeted him.

Emporos asked for their leaders name, to which Magnus responded with tongue and cheek, realizing that this was information the human was desperate for. Asking for Magnus' name first, he spoke his full title and lineage, "I, am Magnus Dante Summanus XV, the last living heir to the Summanus Family." To which Emporos responded with familiarity, his own family having been lost to time. Wanting to make a deal, Magnus first asked for building supplies in order to rebuild his family home, however, Emporos was not much of a miner or lumberjack, instead brewing wine. Hearing the mention of the wine he came here for in the first place, Magnus offered instead to take a bunch of wine in exchange, to which Emporos easily agreed and gave him three whole bottles of high quality red wine. Upon giving him the name, Emporos made the startling realization that York and Sanguis are the same man, recalling their earlier conversation when they first met, where he almost said his real name.

Emporos then proceeded to hand Magnus even more wine, giving him a total of seven bottles to take home with him, however, he wanted Magnus to give some to Marquis Sanguis, stating they were from "Emporos Astray of the Bibere Brewery Guild", offering to get those materials he wanted in return for this second favor. Having formed an Alliance, Magnus gives Emporos permission to call him by his middle name, Dante, only to refer to him as "Mangnus" to symbolize that he did not see him as an Evil Vampire. Before leaving, Emporos made sure Magnus promised to not speak of their relationship, to which he joked about not being one for gossip, before fully leaving White Orchid.

When returning back to Carpe Noctem he found that Sanguis was not in town, deciding to hand the wine over later, he made a second trip to Elysium, a place Emporos had mentioned in their chat. It wasn't far from Carpe Noctem, so he took a boat trip overnight to see what the deal with it was. Landing in Coribya, he found a strange woman staring at a fireplace inside of the town hall and exclaiming about "Soot Fairies", all while trying to lure them out with a fishing rod. He watched for a moment in confusion, before being forced inside the building by the rising sun. The woman didn't immediately notice, but when leaving to go get a bait for these Soot Fairies, they met face-to-face. Expecting a similar reaction to that of Emporos, he prepared for the worst, only to be met with overwhelming positivity by the woman, M.E. or Emmi. Attempting to not seem suspicious, he played along with her hunt for Soot Fairies, albeit, losing steam quite quickly. He finally told her that she needed a new method, in order for him to not be staring at a fishing rod in a fireplace all day, to lead her to react in glee to go bake something sweet for them, like in the stories she was told. Before she went off though, she asked for his name, to which he provided a cover name, Vergil. She gave her own introduction she gives everyone, presenting three questions.

"Do you know who you are? Do you know who you want to be? And what do you hope to achieve by becoming your ideal self? No need to tell me now, but I hope to hear your answer when next we meet." Was what she said to him. He had the answers to those questions, though refused to answer her. Once done, she ran off to go learn how to bake, leaving Magnus to wait until sunset to get going back to Carpe Noctem.

Back in Carpe Noctem, while waiting for the Marquis to return, he spent his time occupying himself with fishing, as he still lacked the materials to rebuild his old family home. While fishing, a traveling merchant who remained nameless asked if he had any wares to sell, looking for enchanted books in particular. Having a few from his years fishing in his travels, they made a fair trade of three enchanted books for fifteen ingots of gold. During the chat, the two made small talk, the merchant mentioning that a sign had warned them of vampires in the area, to which Magnus was amused and told him that he was looking at one. Fascinated, the merchant gazed for quite awhile at him, saying that he's never seen one until now. Despite this new information, the merchant was still kind, to which Magnus reciprocated by giving him a small tour of the capital. Eventually the merchant had to leave though, asking for directions to Elysium. Having recently just traveled there, he pointed him the directions and went off on his way, saying each others farewells.

Finally Marquis Sanguis had arrived back in Seregost, allowing Magnus to get the wine and prepare to chat with him. Starting the conversation, Magnus speaks of a gift he brings from someone else, per their request. Speaking the name of who got him the wine, Sanguis reacted with a stern focus, saying to never accept gifts from the man again. Pretending to be confused, Magnus continued to inquire further about what exactly was the relationship between Emporos and Sanguis. Saying he is "merely a bartender", Sanguis showed to be somewhat eagar to answer Magnus' hunger for knowledge. Sanguis mentions that he always keeps his promises. Magnus then humbly ends the conversation, saying his goodbyes, while Sanguis turned stern once again.

With the gift successfully given, he made his way back to Elysium, while writing down what had occured as to not draw suspicsons out loud. Once he arrived in Elysium, Magnus found that Emporos was in a heated conversation with Emmi and one other girl he had not seen before in his last visit. Hiding behind many buildings, he managed to grab his attention, which caused Emporos to leave mid-conversation and further anger Emmi. Once speaking quietly behind the building, he passes on the finished note recounting the events to him, to which he thanks him for and sends him on his way.

Chapter 2: Evil Waits For One Man, The Marquis
Magnus was spending time in the city of Sephmor, when Emporos rode in on his horse unexpectedly, mostly recognized by his familiar scent. He climbs up the ladders to chat with Magnus, bringing three more bottles of wine in exchange for this new favor. Emporos wants Magnus to become close to Marquis Sanguis in order to gather more intel, but Magnus speaks that he currently has little holding power due to his home still being in construction. Emporos brings up an idea to make the Marquis grow more trusting to Magnus, suggesting that Emporos attempts to attack the vampire, and have Magnus defend him.

Magnus is not very keen on that initial plan, not wishing to endanger either one of them, as well as seeing it as more risky then it was worth. After some back and forth, Magnus suggests to "diplomatically" send him away without using violence, as to show his political capabilities instead of direct violence. Emporos agrees and he follows slowly behind Magnus in order to prepare his own improvision of the plan however. When they both arrive in Seregost however, Marquis Sanguis is nowhere to be seen, so Emporos makes camp nearby in order to time the encounter just right.

Finally, the time approached, Emporos grabbing Magnus and pointing a blade to his throat unexpectedly for the encounter. When Marquis Sanguis approached, he spoke to Emporos as if he was still that humble banker he initially met. With some back and forth, eventually, Sanquis dropped the act and spoke to him as he would his citizens, saying he had until dawn. Emporos continued to interrogate him about Testificate, Sanguis does not know who he means when discussing the vampire girl, but when being told the motive was "iron" he flatly told him no, as what they wanted was blood.

Magnus could only hold the position for so long, as by this point, Sanguis threatened death upon him if he didn't leave at dawn, which lead Magnus to use his own blade to break out of the restraints and stand by the Marquis' side. Emporos took his leave, deciding not to make chase any further. While Sanquis left, Magnus asked if he was alright, to which he responded neutrally. He told Magnus to find a temporary home, and went off on official business.

Magnus was quick to get everything into an empty home he scoped out, as he did not have much to begin with, however, when Sanquis returned to see how Magnus had set everything up, he felt as though he needed a change of scenery. Sanquis made a proposal to Magnus, one he knew that he wouldn't deny, that being to erect his own city in his name, Magnus, as he predicted, happily accepted the agreement, and Sanquis then directed him to show Magnus the spot he wanted him to begin.

The spot in question was a decent travel distance, while passing through territory in River'reach. When arriving, Sanquis elaborates on his plan, desiring that Magnus erect his city nearby, as Carpe Noctem and River'reach are enemies. Magnus says that he must have a lot of faith in him for such a project, but Sanquis assures it is not faith, but based in ambition. Magnus smiles, accepting the challenge, knowing that this city in the works would outgrow the old legacy of the Summanus Family. Sanguis laughs in response as lightning struck, giving one last warning that the river folk will want the river, before turning into a bat before flying away. Magnus didn't waste his breath, and started city planning.

Chapter 3: Conflicts of River'reach, The End to Ignorance
Magnus was making decent headway towards organizing the city together, creating borders and having set up a small shack to begin construction. Most importantly, was his family manor, to which he started on first, and would build the city surrounding it. Trouble brewed however, when a few citizens of River'reach stumbled on to his work (one of these citizens being Myrdin Silverwater, and begun to interrogate him, Once again, using his cover name of Vergil, he dicussed peacfully about the border complications, feigning innocence over being unaware how close he was to the borders, but genuinely was not trying to start any conflicts so soon. In the middle of the discussion, a carrier raven was sent out to their king, in which a response was given back, oddly relaxed about the placement of the manor, however, where the rest of the city was going to go was still a bit of an issue. Before Magnus would tear anything down, the king wanted to personally inspect the place.

With further discussion, Magnus was in the clear to continue construction, finishing the first floor of construction to his manor. The upcoming city was now given a name, Mors ad Solem. Later that day, a frog-human citizen of River'reach stopped by, seeing the city in construction and offered a challenge to Magnus, asking him to construct a library within three weeks time, and if he succeeded, would gain six books as his prize. He accepted the challenge, to which the citizen was happy to see him try and complete, before taking their leave.

Magnus at some point had to return to Seregost for materials, and while leaving his home, Myrdin and another soldier appeared in front of him once again, requesting a friendly, non-violent chat. Magnus was in no position to deny, nor did he desire any violence between them. Discussion of the "outpost" came up, to which Myrdin asked how construction was going. Magnus responded that it was going well, retorting that it was going to be far grander than an outpost, but a city. Myrdin again gave the warning that if any expansion happened, that the consequences would be great. Magnus had not forgotten. The two soldiers soon said their farewells, turning around to return to River'reach. Magnus too made his leave shortly after, but waited for the soldiers to be far gone as to not have to encounter them again.

Later on, Magnus finished the construction of a small library, proud of the results and it's comfortable feel, designing it in a similar fashion to his old homes library. Magically summoning a raven, he had it transmit a message to the River'reach citizen, saying his library was complete. They had arrived, only with a knight, Sir Leon, as an escort, despite Magnus' very non-hostile behavior. Being escorted to the Citadel, Magnus looked around in awe at the massive library. He was allowed to take six books, but until he filled his library with more literature from Carpe Noctem, he was only allowed three. As he picked his books, he became increasingly aware of how much the people of River'reach hated his kind, finding books with vampires labeled as beasts, books describing the atrocities of Carpe Noctem, etc. He took these books anyways however, as he felt they would be decent research material into understanding the tensions between them. After selecting his third book, he asked the frog-humanoid why the people of River'reach even desired the river so badly, to which they explained that it was considered sacred, with many of the inhabitants being from the river itself. With that new understanding, Magnus ended up being shoo'd off since he selected his three, being escorted back by Sir Leon before being left to his own devices.

Many days afterwords, he finished the first book a a series of volumes titled "The Tale of Summanus" that detailed his family history, the first volume starting with the origins of his bloodline, and detailing the lives of Magnus Janus Summanus I and Diana Aurelia Summanus I. Right when he placed the book down on it's lectern, the frog merchant returned, and upon seeing the book, he was able to collect the rest of his rewards. However, before leaving to return to the Cidatel of Stars, Magnus asked about the strange gifts, or "omens" he had been recieving in his mail. Upon inspecting the Skull Flower, Nethy recognized it from a House in River'reach, a sign that showed irreversible anguish. Magnus was greatly confused as to what he could have done to anger them so much, but for now, that was put on the backburner.

Arriving at the Cidatel to collect his prize with them, an unexpected guest was sitting at the first floor, a strange man who was whistling along. Magnus and the merchant attempted to sneak by the stranger, but they were quickly followed. They made it to the library, and the tresspasser could not follow them inside due to the lock on the doors. They were quick to gather together Magnus' books, however, down below through the glass on the floor, a pirate could be seen below chatting with said stranger. The frog, believing they were being raided, gave Magnus his books before slipping through a second entrance, sneaking their way back to the bridge, only to be caught at the end. As well, a knight by the name of Aved had stopped by and ended up witnessing all the commotion. The frog merchant ended up revealing Magnus' status as a vampire, which got scares reactions out of the two tresspassers. The prirate quite rudely bugged Magnus to tell them his weaknesses as a vampire, to which he starkly refused. The other whistling man, revealed as Saxon, shoo'd them off with the frog merchant and the night. They chatted for a bit, but, Magnus needed to get back home. He said his goodbyes, before taking his leave.

On his way back home, he was stopped by an armored knight by the name of Pleiades, who asked where the nearest city of river'reach was. Magnus pointed to Rufus'Albus just beside them, to which he was thanked and left.

Chapter 3: Conflicts of River'reach, The End to Ignorance: Part 2
After a decent break after contracting a common sickness, Magnus was once again greeted by the toad merchant, who took a look around once again. While chatting about his illness, Magnus ended up explaining that he was not undead, nor cursed in anyway to them, who reacted to call them a "Riverdamned" all the same. This upset Magnus, as he showed his pride in who he was. As the conversation switched to how river'reach does not see Magnus as a Lord, Marquis Sanguis arrived, announcing that Magnus' status as a Lord, was absolute. The chatter went on, Sanguis showing digust for the merchant, who showed audacity in asking for an Inn while scorning their blood. The merchant then took their leave, leaving the Lord and Marquis together.

They chatted a bit about the status of Carpe Noctem 's cities, Sephmor getting notably better and more improved. Magnus made his request for materials, to which their conversation was halted when Sanguis suddenly asked for his bow. Confused, he handed it over, to which he said he spotted a tresspasser. Following his leader, they discovered Tiberon on a massive tree, who appeared very confused. Sanguis said to pick up the stray cat, before going back into town. Magnus managed to rescue the man, using scaffolding to allow him to get down. Bringing him into Mors ad Solem, Magnus offered to share his wine, as their bar was still under construction when Tiberon asked for a drink. Grabbing his red wine from his personal cabinet, he sat down with him to have a drink and chat, introducing themselves and making small talk. Sanguis did re-appear, fixing up the bar a bit by adding a nice shelf. Tiberon asked who that was, Magnus merely stating he was an individual above him, and that he could do as he pleased. With the chatter over with, Tiberon made his leave, slowly walking out of town.

A night not long after, Emporos made his return, sitting on top of Mors ad Solem's archway. Magnus greeted him, figuring the news was dire if he was finally showing his face. Emporos per their deal, told him that war was coming between River'reach and Carpe Noctem, and that he wanted him to use one of his special crystals to have him act out a plot so they could spy on Sanguis... however, he refused, not wishing to join River'reach in the war, or assist him that far. Emporos tried pushing forward, especially after hearing of Magnus' less than savory encounters with the people, but it was pushed back with obvious anger for his mistreatment. The fighting continued, but came to a sudden halt when, after Magnus further rejected the offer, handing back the crystal several times, the announcement that their friendship was over was dropped. Magnus showed disgust, feeling as though Emporos had been using him as a tool to get what he wants from Carpe Noctem, only to be met with vitriol yelling back about how he couldn't express that to him, especially after just losing so many of his close friends.

Magnus found himself silent, as he realized how badly he had messed up when speaking to him and how they were extremely similar in their loses, stuttering in his attempts to apologize to Emporos. The two managed to hug it out, even if Magnus was still hesitating. With the anger cooled down, the two were chatting about their families, Emporos finally revealing that his mother had been slain by a vampire. He also pointed out a crow, saying it was a bad omen, at least where he came from. The conversation continued to go through many topics, with Emporos mentioning how he feels as though he will die soon. Magnus ensures that he will not let him die, and despite the differences between their views, he felt he would save him. The conversation continued on, when Emporos noticed the crow had left, watching it fly off. He was about to leave, giving one last handshake, but before he left, Magnus took him into the city to show him the Public Bar he had built, just for Emporos to run. Emporos cried a bit, saying it was perfect. Magnus asked of him to make sure he got out of the war alive, Emporos saying he'll try. Finally, they said their farewells, and Magnus went inside, grabbing a bottle of his friend's wine to drink not wishing for it to go to waste, and to toast it in his honor.

Later on, while pacing around his town, thinking of new ideas for buildings, Myrdin Silverwater and Kubel had arrived in Mors ad Solem, one riding a steed. They speak some insults before asking to sit down with a drink, however, Magnus had no alcohol to offer them (and wanted to save the wine he was gifted to by Emporos), so they forcibly escort him to a tavern past Silverwater, owned by Myrdin himself. On the way, they meet up with Leon Kester at Rufus'albus. Once sitting down at the table and bringing out some red wine, Myrdin apologizes for his rude behavior from earlier, saying how it's been a very unpleasent day for him. Magnus begrudgingly accepts the apology, knowing he had to be civil, otherwise he would be in hot water. The chat first started with asking why he was building so close to the borders. Answering honestly, he speaks that Sanguis picked out the land for him and did not inform him too well about how bad relations actually were. This new understanding at least, qwells some of the threatening implications of Magnus' new city, as he speaks that he merely wants to make a quiet place. After some more chatter, with Magnus remembering that Kubel was the one who wrote many of the books he got at the citadel, and speaking of how green abstinte had been attempted to be smuggled in near Mors ad Solem 's borders, Magnus was finally sent a farewell, Myrdrin reminding him not to push forward. Once leaving, Magnus went to Seregost (since it was closer) and picked up his own horse, before making his way back to the city.

Later on, the traveling merchant returned, chatting with them about trading. The merchant speaks that they do not trade with Mors ad Solem, simply because they're yet to have anything unique to offer. The small chat gives Magnus the idea to try and make some kind of unique good, and perhaps getting Emporos involved if all goes well.

Just a few days later though, Saxon mysteriously stopped by the city, again offerig his servitude, asking how he could help. Magnus jokingly remarks that he's in the middle of a political nightmare, one he can't exactly be helped with. Instead, Saxon offers more personal support, to which Magnus inquired, asking if he would like a second home. Come to find out, Mors ad Solem would be his fifth home, to which Magnus inquires how he even manages all his time. It's revealed to him that Saxon cannot sleep, nor grow tired. Even so, Magnus is insistent on his hospitality, despite Saxon 's insistence that he's an abomination and a waste of time to even show kindness to. However, that reaction causes Magnus to give a small speech to him, after gifting him one of the duplexes he had made.

"To be asked to show kindness in all situations is merely perposterous! People will wish to give it to you because creatures are inherently kind. Even the most heinous creatures are born good. I hate to use good and evil, but it gets my point across more clearly."

Saxon responds that he wasn't born, but that makes the speech go on longer.

"Well, being made counts too, if you are of the alchemical kind. Reagrdless of your conception, you are welcome here, and that will always be true. Now, enough of my ranting. Go ahead, freely furnish this place to your liking. I won't make those choices for you."

Saxon tried further denying that, but Magnus got around it by framing it as a request, asking Saxon to decorate the home in a way that felt close to him. Before leaving, Magnus informs him that there is plenty of food in the storehouse, watching his new citizen get comfortable under the staircase. He left with a cheery farewell, off to finish his work.

Chapter 4: Grieving, Drunk, and Mad
While Magnus was polishing up areas he had already constructed, he got a visit from Slumin, Myrdin, and this time, the ruler of River'reach, Argon. He asks what brings them all here to his town, Argon revealing it was he who gifted him the Skull Flower that he displays in his library. They ask if he recieved any other gifts, and Magnus brings up a strange bottle of alcohol he recieved. Bringing it out for them, Myrdin and Argon believed the drink to be safe for him, however, Magnus was very unsure. That didn't stop him from giving into pressure to drink it, as one of them was the king of an enemy nation. After chugging the bottle down, he found himself brutally poisoned, knowingly. He became nauseous in an instant, barely able to move or see straight. His entire body ached, and being unwell, the three took Magnus away from town and back to Myrdin's Tavern, setting him in a room and having him lay down. In an attempt to cure him, he was given more red wine, to which Magnus could barely stomach, and was making him simply feel even worse. Finally, they gave him a special medicine, one that seemed to jumpstart him, albeit he was still extremely exhausted and dizzy. The tavern was suddenly growing busy, so Leon was sent to take Magnus back to Mors ad Solem so he could rest.

He was out for quite awhile, waking up with a terrible hangover. He ate well and managed to stave if off just enough while hanging out in Emporos ' empty bar, deciding to make a supply run to Seregost once again in order to get back to work on the city. On the way back through his usual route, passing through Mora, he ends up encountering Emporos, Tiburon, and Saxon once again. Magnus is happy to see that Emporos is safe and well, and Tiburon brings them in for a meal.

A lot of chatter is at the table, but eventually, the fact that Mangnus was poisoned came up. Emporos seemed very worried, having apparently told Argon to not do so. Chatter continued, when another guest arrived, that being Basil, a scholar of river'reach. Magnus ends up recognizing Basil as she was at the bar when he was taken in for his poisoning, causing Emporos asked to speak with Basil in private. During their chat about Emporos, Saxon asked Tiburon if everyone was invited, to which Tiburon gave a friendly response of them being uninvited guests, but he likes it that way. However, this reaction causes Saxon to suddenly grab Magnus' arm and try to drag him out. Emporos and Basil had returned from their conversation, and were also confusedly met with the response to leave as well. Tiburon qwelled the situations by then inviting everyone himself, as to make Saxon stop following his code so specifically.

After that was when the conversation took a strange turn. Basil ended up taking her leave after getting her soup, and once she left, Emporos revealed to Tiburon the deal he has made with Magnus. Once again however, this causes a very bizarre reaction in Saxon, who then begins to leave to say he will reveal this information to Sanguis. This causes a very upset and violent reaction out of both Magnus and Emporos, who absolutely cannot afford for that to happen. They chase him down as he climbs over the wall into Seregost, trying to both convince and threaten him to stop. None of it gets through to Saxon however. Luckily, Sanguis wasn't there, which caused a retreat back towards Mora. The violence between the three was getting intense, which caused Tiburon to step in.

The conflict grew increasingly complicated, as Saxon's walls began to slowly crumble, growing increasingly violent and unstable at how he was being treated. Magnus' words hurt especially, because he considered him one of his masters. The conflict managed to slow once they cornered him against one of Mora's walls. Through more conversing, Saxon stubbornly decided to stay in Mora, and in one last chat, Magnus hugged Emporos goodbye, before turning into a bat and flying off back into the city.

Days later, on a rainy night, Saxon came by again to apologize for his actions. Magnus accepted the apology, before being met with some of the worst news of his life. Emporos was killed by the Queen of Osterion. Magnus instantly was struck with denial, only for the truth to be smacked in his face again, knowing that Saxon wouldn't joke. Growing increasingly sorrowful, he brought Saxon inside, presenting the crystal Emporos made for him, as one of his last real keepsakes of him. While he tried to comfort Magnus, in the middle of it, he asked if the Queen left a body to be recovered, which he did not know. So, Magnus then begun the construction of a tombstone, barely using much, but putting it just beside his manor in memory, even with no body. While watching the burial, Saxon asked if he could try and comfort him, to which Magnus accepted. Going to Magnus' garden, he begun to speak of how Emporos felt he was hated by the vast majority of people in his life. He told Magnus that his time together with Emporos was probably some of the best moments of his life, which brought more sadness out of him, Magnus wishing he could've spent it better, and kept his promise to not let him die.

Suddenly, Magnus took Saxon away into the bar, sitting with him and explaining that the bar was his final gift to Emporos, remembering how he told him how perfect it was. Saxon was still trying to comfort him the best he could, and at one point, got up from his seat to massage him. Magnus felt his eyes watering more, recalling how his mother use to massage him whenever he felt hurt or upset. Saxon was then able to mimic how his mother moved around his neck and shoulders, which made him unable to contain his sobbing any longer. When Saxon finished the massage, he was dragged into a hug by Magnus, needing a momentary shoulder to cry on.

The moment died down, Saxon stating as they left the bar that he had a feeling deep down that Magnus and Emporos would see each other again, either in life or death. Finally saying his farewells, Magnus returned to his manor, sinking into his bed while crying himself to sleep as morning came, unable to contain his emotions further.

Some time later, Magnus decided to go to the Bridge and maybe have his worries go away by being in a tavern, only for it to be extremely full and lively. Myrdin asked him to sit down, ordering Sparkling Water, when he noticed that Sanguis was present, as well as another man by the name of Avarice who was looking for him. The crowd grew bigger, which made him rather anxious not being at home. He was offered a table on the second floor, giving him more peace of mind.

However, once he sat down, a fuss was being made with Sanguis ' presence, as Argon wished to beform a body check on him to find any illegal brews (River'reach having banned certain brews, among those being brews made by vampires that contain human blood. Being taken to Magnus' floor and put in a side room to be checked, the Marquis was found to have one of these drinks. Being the kind of man to cause as much chaos as possible, he greatly overstayed his welcome, refusing to leave, until he suddenly struck Argon with his weapon, before jumping off of the bridge to flee.

Magnus was not sure how to make of the entire ordeal, especially because despite being a vampire, he was welcomed within the Bridge. However... he felt he had to leave, not wishing to stick around. Taking his steed, he went and returned to Mors ad Solem.

Later that day, Sanguis returned to the city, wishing for him to follow him, along with Avarice. Another city was to be made, this time, with his lead. Magnus, while standing with Sanguis, he brought up the death of Emporos under a cold shell, to which erupted laughter. However, once admitting that it was the Queen of Osterion who killed him, his gaze grew curious. Magnus admits he doesn't know exactly how it went down, as he gained the information second hand, but felt it was important to inform him. Sanguis thanked Magnus, saying that his favor would not go unrewarded, to which Magnus thanked him back.

After returning home, Saxon came back to inform Magnus of the ressurection of Emporos, stating now that he was some kind of ghost. In the middle of their conversation however, Slumin returned and gave Magnus a letter to give to Sanguis, before leaving. Saxon expressed his concern for Magnus, believeing his hopefulness of Emporos sticking around to be dangerous and making him feel worse. This caused him to pull out a needle, supposedly having a serum that would make him forget, Magnus freaked out, refusing the injection, as he believes that it is better to be aware and suffer, then to be in blissful ignorance. He also expresses his belief that without hope, that he would've ended his own life years ago. Saxon refrains, simply expressing his concern, but ultimately does not stop him, feeling he can do nothing else to help.

Chapter 5: Hope, Mouring, and Bloodshed
The next day was when a miracle came about. Emporos made it to Mors ad Solem. Magnus expresses great joy in seeing his face again, even though he is in the shape of a ghost. Emporos still believes he will end up fading away for good, but takes his time to look around and see what had changed last he saw the place. He ends up seeing the bar again, it now having been renamed to The Astray Bar and showing his love for the small improvements that have been made in his absense, He attempts to hug Magnus, seeing his sad smile as he shows him around, but their bodies phase through another.

In the middle of this however, Argon and Myrdin Silverwater made their return, however, freaking out when Emporos explained he was a ghost. It was also then when Emporos informed the two that Magnus was his spy. They then said that Slumin had told them the opposite, that he was loyal to Carpe Noctem. Emporos further cleared the confusion, before discussing that he thought that Mors ad Solem could become an independent city-state, acting as a buffer between the two nations, after explaining that Carpe Noctem wanted to take over River'reach. Argon laughed at the idea, feeling as though Sanguis would be vanquished without breaking a sweat.

The chatter went on, when Argon said that Magnus better pick a side, for he's growing tired of the city being so close to his borders, expressing his desire for Mors ad Solem to join River'reach instead, due to it being in between two of their cities. Eventually, the two took their leave, despite Emporos trying to negotiate with them. Returning back to Magnus' side, he asks if he's okay, Magnus expressing his thankfulness for being stood up for. However, Emporos ' time in Mors ad Solem was running short, suddenly vanishing without a trace. Magnus panicked a moment, before making his way to the grave he made for him, expressing his desire for Emporos to stay with him... then realizing his deeper feelings.

The next day, Sanguis had arrived at his manor, Magnus using the opportunity to hand him the parcel that Slumin gave him to deliver. Sanguis was completely silent when reading it, and suddenly, he had stepped inside, appearing to look for something. Magnus offered wine, but he was ignored. Suddenly, he was gifted a firestarter, after using it to burn his notice of exile. Sanguis still said nothing, leaving Magnus extremely confused.

The next day, he decided to visit Myrdin 's bar again, eventually being brought into the meeting room again to discuss Magnus' status as a spy. It however, was growing difficult to talk with how loud it was downstairs, so, they decided to make their way to Mors ad Solem, stopping at Silverwater on the way. Myrdin ended up staying behind to talk with his uncle Richard, whom Magnus met earlier that day while heading to the bar.

During his wait at his town, he got a surprise visit from a neighbor of his, the lich who ran the farming village of Harrowfield. Asking for moss, Magnus happily gifted him some. The two also made a trade agreement, so that citizens of Harrowfield could sell their goods in Mors ad Solem's market building. The lich wished to give Magnus a tour, but still waiting on Myrdin, he had to decline. However, it seemed that in the end, Myrdin had to delay the meeting due to complications with his family.

Waking up one night, he went to his gates to see that Emporos had returned, not incorporially, but in a crystal body. Magnus was crying at excitment for his return, despite his confusion at his revival and his sudden struggle to speak longer sentences. Returning to the Astray Bar,