Newly-titled and grieving the recent suicide of his older sibling, Lord Isabeau Moineau would be the first to admit that he has never been cut out to run an estate. As the middle son of a noble family, he'd expected to live out his days quietly serving as a Defender, helping those who need it the best he can. But now that the title of Lord has fallen on him in the absence of another to take it, he is left struggling; with a duty he never expected or was prepared to undertake, an empty house, and having no idea as to what he should do next. The dread and anxiety threatening to swallow him whole are only made worse when one dreary night, a ghostly apparition of his late sibling creeps into his room to deliver him a cryptic, grave warning.
"Beware of Crimson Peak."
When his friend Mirabelle invites him to join in the capital's social season, Isabeau is all too eager to escape his estate and join her in hopes of clearing his head, and shaking off the past. It's at one of these events that he meets Mirabelle's best friends: a pair of beautiful and mysterious siblings from the island north of Vaugarde.
Loop, the acting head of the family ever since the unexplained disappearance of their adoptive father five years ago. Siffrin, a widow mourning the tragic accidental death of their late spouse last year, who has only recently emerged from seclusion. It's well known that their country of origin disappeared long before their adoption into nobility by their compatriot, King.
And yet, for all that tragedy seems to follow these siblings, Isabeau can't help but be compelled by them. When Siffrin unexpectedly proposes a marriage of convenience between the two of them, mere months after their first meeting, Isabeau can't help but leap at the opportunity. Moving to their home on the coast and having an opportunity to grow close to Siffrin, who he is already falling for, seems like a perfect excuse to escape the ghosts of his past and settle into being someone new. Someone better.
But he may find that the new household he's found himself in is far, far more sunk into the past than his own ever was. And as he tries to understand the events of the past and grow closer to his new spouse, the hauntings of this house may start to threaten his life, too...
the loop partner line is so funny because the fandom will post all about it for months and then stop for a little while until someone brings it up again and everyone is back to collectively pondering Why They Said That. they can't ever live it down it's so so so funny
does anyone care about WOMEN making bad decisions and overstepping boundaries to get the job done does anyone care about WOMEN following the road to hell paved with good intentions. lets get more girlies with morally gray situations going on and lets get it Now
lots of art/commentary on how loop is possessive of siffrin but not the other way around. why? i rebuke this. they are both equally insane. their bonding jewelry should be this
[Warning: This fic will have nsfw themes including- blood and injury, eventual smut, themes about sex/sexual pleasure, alcohol, ect.]
(First chapter out!!)
Main Characters-
Siffrin: An up and coming rookie vampire hunter. Joined the Hunters after spending most of their life doing odd jobs around whatever country they ended up in. Always on the go no matter what, never opting for staying in one place for too long. Mysterious with an undisclosed past, Siffrin decided to join up and help out the innocent from any rogue vampires that threaten the safety of Vaugardian citizens. He's always looking for anyone or anything that can bring him even a glimpse of familiarity, desperate to find any piece of his past that can possibly explain what his life was like. Despite the serious nature he may give off, Siffrin is friendly and more than ready to crack a joke to make anyone around them feel better. (Un?)Fortunately for him, a certain vampire who's taken an interest will soon turn around their initial plans of repetitive life.
Loop: A mysterious and powerful vampire who stirs up fun and trouble. Not much is known about Loop besides their notch for causing mischief and butting into the lives of Siffrin and his teammates after gaining a strange liking towards him. They're quite eye catching with their prestigious appearance, always prim and perfect with their luxurious clothes and accessories. They hold many connections and relationships with important people and groups, seemingly aware of all the latest gossip that goes around Vaugarde. Chipper and somewhat elusive, Loop's true motives is something that no one is able to put a pin on. Yet, despite their obvious portrayal of wanting to keep their emotions distant, they can't help but to slowly open up to the rookie Hunter they've become invested in getting to know. Perhaps their similar looks and customs may be the reason why.
Mirabelle: A slightly anxious but determined young woman who's been fascinated by vampires ever since they first made their appearance years ago. A once dedicated student of change from Dormant now turned Hunter who's new goal is to help out as many people as she can- whether it's human or vampire. A resolute lover of horror books with an active imagination, Mirabelle wants to do her best to make sure that both groups can live peacefully together while completing her dream of going on a country wide expedition. Hopefully this new group she's gathered will help Mirabelle find herself along the way- lest she start doubting herself again.
Isabeau: Bold and proud, Isabeau is a young man who joined up with the Hunters after leaving the Defenders in order to best use his skills where they were more needed. Tall, strong and easy going, Isabeau is more than ready to protect anyone and anything no matter what. He's always prepared to lift up his friend's spirits and make sure they're always safe and happy, sometimes putting himself at risk to do so. Wears his heart on his sleeves, but also carries a secret academic side for when the time calls. Despite this, however, there's still a sensitive part of Isabeau's past that he's more than desperate to keep locked away. Maybe his new team will help reign him back from bad memories.
Odile: An older woman who's thirst for knowledge lead her to Vaugarde for more intricate research. She's spent most of her life wandering around from her home country of Ka Bue, intrigued by the lives and customs of those around her. The opening and diverse community of Vaugarde is what originally drew her to visiting, but with the discovery of vampires and their unknown origins, Odile was more than eager to study the secrets of these new beings. She's made it clear that she has no interest in becoming a Hunter like her small group of misfits- only tagging along in order to sate her curiosity. To most she may come off as being blunt and cold- but those who truly know Odile are aware of her ability to do whatever it takes to keep her loved ones safe.
Petronille: The second youngest member within the group, and the one with a past she's more than desperate to leave behind. Petronille is a boisterous and outgoing girl with a slight temper- though only if you try to stick your nose too deep into her business (especially when it comes to her sibling). A bit stiff and off putting to new faces, she's more than willing to open up to those who can prove themselves as being loyal and trustworthy. Extremely protective of her younger sibling, and won't stand for anyone who tries to do anything to hurt them. Became a Hunter in order to have a system to fall back on for protection, though she refrains from sharing the reason why. Keeps Bonnie behind at whatever safehouses are nearby whenever she goes out on a mission.
Bonnie: The kid of the group- an outgoing and enthusiastic member who helps to keep the morale up. Bonnie is the younger sibling of Petronille, and is more than happy with traveling around with their sister on adventures. They love cooking meals for friends and loved ones, eager to find new recipes to make and try out. Just like their sister they have quite the temper, but Bonnie is willing to learn and understand more about the world around them. They hate being coddled and put in the dark, but can understand the importance of being kept safe when properly talked to. The reason why the group was formed in the first place.
Important Side Characters-
King: The infamous individual who's [REDACTED]. Not much is known about King except that he prefers to wander around Vaugarde in a distant haze, as though trying to desperately find something or someone who understands his melancholy past. Seems to hold a deep understanding and love for Vaugarde and it's people, but tends to come off as being too strong with his aversion to losing their hospitality. The idea of change and losing those around him is something that deeply concerns King. Perhaps he could find a way to make sure such a wonderful place would never change...
Euphrashie: The brilliant and resolute head house maiden of Dormant. A very well liked and respected scholar known across Vaugarde who was one of the first to help start the integration of vampires within society. Outgoing and friendly, Euphrashie is an inspiring role model not just to Mirabelle- but all of her students as well. Although she can come off as being a bit a bit too forgivng, Euphrashie is not someone to be taken as weak. She's very diligent not only with her studies, but with craft as well. She is aware of King and his certain connections, doing everything within her power to collect more information on who he may be. Despite this she openly accepts vampires within Vaugarde and is more than ready to make sure they are accommodated and treated fairly.
Lore/Background-
The Hunters: A group that was started after the first known threats of vampires started to rise up. Their job is to track down any rogue vampires who've attacked or killed anyone and put a stop to it. The Hunters are a diligent group of people who put their lives on the line by specifically training to fight against vampires- using specially crafted tools and weapons in order to do so. Similar to the defenders, their primary goal is to protect the people by securing rogue vampires and bringing them to justice with as little bloodshed as possible. However, despite the insistance Vaugarde has with their stance on bringing suspects back alive- they are willing to allow its people to use more drastic means of self defense. Even if it results in killing.
Blood Frenzy: An unfortunate state of hunger a vampire can reach if they fail to properly feed. Vampires must drink blood at least once a week in order to be healthy and alert, sometimes even more so depending on how much craft they use. If a vampire neglects their needs of feeding- they slowly start to become more agitated and anxious, which can lead what Vaugardians call a 'Blood Frenzy'. Once a vampire starts to tread towards this territory they can become ravenous and unpredictable, going as far as to even attacking those around them without warning. The only way to sate a vampire during this is to safely secure and help them consume blood in moderation. This is what helped Vaugarde set up it's open and free blood clinics for vampires to take donations that were given by citizens.
Vampir Craft: One of the two new types of craft that were discovered after vampires were first being introduced into Vaugarde. Vampire craft is extraordinarily stronger and much more intense than average, giving vampires an edge when it comes to fighting and skills in general. However, this advantage still comes at the price of needing to feed in order to fuel their new wave of power. The more natural craft they use, the more blood they must drink. Not intaking the proper amount of blood can cause vampires to become sloppy and unpredictable with their craft- not mention drive them into what is known a 'blood frenzy'. Once a vampire hits this stage they will become manic and extremely volatile towards anyone around them, which unfortunately triggers their craft to become dangerous not only to themselves but to those around as well.
Blood Craft: The second new type of craft discovered. This new form of craft was first found by a group of dedicated scholars who wanted to study vampirism and its origins. Originally the study made under the idea that vampirism was a sort of specially crafted disease or illness- but after countless dead ends they decided to use their findings in order to help out those who'd already been turned. Blood craft is primarily used as a new type of healing craft- specifically for those who have lost a considerable amount of blood. It was seen as a beneficial source of healthcare for those who donated blood at blood banks, not to mention a quick way to now give better checkups for those who may carry ant sort of blood related illness. One of the more astute findings during this study was the discovery of pure silver being a very strong repellent towards anyone with vampire's blood.
Vampires: A mysterious new group of individuals that began appearing more than half a decade ago within Vaugarde. Nobody knows where vampires came from, nor how they came to be. When the first few individuals showed symptoms, many were worried about a new potential disease that was spreading across Vaugarde. However after much research, it was clear that vampirism was something that no doctor could properly describe. Many famous and educated scholars began pouring their work into figuring out this new discovery- trying to see if vampirism was something to be cured of. After countless dead ends, many of Vaugarde's greatest minds decided to begin integrating these new changes and accept vampires within the community. Vampires are fast, versatile, and extremely strong. They have an amazing sense for powerful craft and healing abilities, not to mention an immunity to any and all sickness or strains. However, their many strengths come at the cost of other challenges.
Vampires need blood to live and prosper. It is still unknown as to why, but blood is their main source of nutrients. They are able to still partake in regular foods and beverages, but it only sates them in a temporary manner. If they do not aquire their fill for one week they will begin to tread into blood frenzy territory- which drives them in a crazed state of mind. The more vampire craft they use, the more blood they must drink as well to accommodate for the energy loss.
Silver is a vampire's greatest weakness and threat. Even the smallest cut or touch from a silver weapon can burn and inflict great pain onto them. This discovery was made back when vampirism was first being studied. While Vaugarde has been doing their best to integrate vampires in safely, they've still manufactured specially made silver crafted weapons and equipment for Hunters to use in dire cases of rogue vampire attacks. Only Hunters are allowed to use these specially made weapons, and must always keep their license on hand in order to prove so. Anyone who is found illegally owning these items will be fined and face prison time.
The physical attributes of vampires include: pointed fangs and ears, retractable claws, glowing eyes with slit pupils, cold/tough skin, lack of beating heart. Although there hasn't been an explanation as to how it's possible, vampires in way are almost corpse like- unable to feel the normal repercussions of life that most humans would. Vampires are also greatly immune to most temperatures, able to withstand the cold and heat much more easily.
One trait that most vampires share is their concerning lack of memories. Many who were first discovered have had little knowledge of their whereabouts nor can remember much of their early years of life. It is unsure if becoming a vampire had somehow altered their memories, or if the change had completely reconstructed their sense of themselves. Either way- almost all vampires have shown trouble in giving a coherent answer on what (or who) could've changed them so. It's as though vampirism afflicts people in a trance, putting them in a state of confusion and unwillingness to share their experiences. Sometimes they mumble about an island nearby and the stars...
A crucial discovery that had been uncovered by Euphrashie is the possibility of vampirism stemming from a main source- a possible reigning head vampire. She had come across an individual many times within her travels, trying to find out more about their past as a vampire and their connections to others as well. For now her theory has remained a secret from the public, as not to spread any rumors or emotions within Vaugarde. Once Euphrashie gets a better understanding, she plans to try and reason with this individual in order to find out their motivations. Maybe they can be talked down from turning anyone else into a vampire?
Heats: A short period that vampires go through once a month. Most vampires are inherently protective with their belongings and possessions- which may include anything from precious trinkets to beloved friends, family, and even lovers. They are also very territorial, and may sometimes get into turf wars if two individuals clash over certain areas they're staying in. During this time most vampires coop themselves up to wait it out in order not to cause any conflict with others. They can also become very antsy and grumpy if their most precious belongings aren't nearby to sate them. (This can include people as well)
Scents/Scent Marking: As previously stated, vampires are extremely territorial. In order to keep track of their belongings and turf, vampires will often produce a very specific and unique scent to ward other vampires off from getting too close. These scents are something that only vampires are able to create and sense from one another, the smells hidden from the human nose. The scents will eventually fade and dissappear after a while, so vampires take great care in scent marking their territory and belongings many times to ensure that no other vampire tries to take their property.
In more intimate relationships, vampires will often scent mark their partners or spouses as a sign of trust and commitment.
freak4freak is always so awesome but another character dynamic that i think is really great is freak vs freak. you're the only person who understands me and i'm the only person who understands you. unfortunately this also does not stop either of us from hating each other and in fact it might even make everything significantly worse for everyone involved
i hope everyone reblogging this with their ships knows that i meant this in an entirely aroace sense btw. i'm not talking enemies to lovers i'm talking characters who are enemies that happen to match each others freak while not kissing or fucking about it. i need freaks with zero romantic tension who understand each other better than anyone else and fucking despise each other for it. that's good stuff right there
Various headcanons including asexual, aromantic, aplatonic and aroace
Mirabelle Chevalier
From In Stars and Time
Canonically aroace
Vote for your fav aspec | Propaganda is welcome, anti-propaganda will be blocked | Headcanons are valid and arguing them qualifies as anti-propaganda | Reblog for reach | Happy Pride Month!!
