Nightborn News

[p]“That is not dead which can eternal lie,
And with strange aeons even death may die.”[/p][p]― Lovecraft, The Nameless City[/p][p][/p][p]                The Orthodoxy is often seen as the most fanatical and militant of the Major Nightborn Factions, and its members would not have it any other way. They feel justified in this behavior, as their central dogma stems from fear of the truth behind the Origin of Vampires and the founding of the Nightborn Lineages.[/p][p][/p][p]                The Nightborn did not always exist, there was a time before these bloodsuckers plagued the Earth. The way the Orthodoxy tells it, they are not nearly as bad as what used to be. In the time of pre-history, many calamities occurred dooming many bygone civilizations. Orthodoxy Sages claim these lost civilizations had sciences and magics which make modern technology seem primitive. Eldritch Horrors beyond understanding were the inciting actors in these series of apocalypses.[/p][p][/p][p]                Nightborn were one of the echoes of this age of terror. They were a symptom of the devastation, and being first-hand witnesses to the destruction, the first Nightborn agreed to a set of agreements on how they would act with the intent to not repeat past mistakes.[/p][p][/p][p]                The paramount rule is to Ward the Doom, which is often interpreted as a call to keep the past buried. Adventuring into Sites of Calamity is inviting a return of Otherworldly Horrors. For this reason, Orthodoxy Nightborn often seek to guard these areas, destroy recovered artifacts found there, and spread misinformation about History, including reinforcing what Mortals think happened.[/p][p][/p][p]                Orthodoxy Nightborn see their strict ways as practical and in an effort to protect Nightborn and Mortals alike, even if that means killing those too close to the truth. This is not to say the Orthodoxy tries to stay ignorant themselves. After all, they need to know what they are trying to prevent in the first place. The Orthodoxy puts a lot of effort in studying Histories of the Occult and the Underworld. They also highly value and seek methods to better achieve their goals, even if this requires alliances or exchange of information.[/p][p][/p][p]                The Orthodoxy’s relationship with the Establishment can be strained at times. The Establishment does not appreciate how often the Orthodoxy asks for resources and support on their efforts to Ward over Supernatural Sites or Raid a base of Hunters who are getting to close to Nightborn Origins. The Orthodoxy, in turn, is frustrated with The Establishment’s focus on Mortal Institutions and Social Control, pursuits they see as unimportant in comparison to incomprehensible doom.[/p][p][/p][p]                The Libertines and the Orthodoxy are often polar opposites. The Libertines have little regard for the Ancient Ways. The way they seek it, the Horrors of the past were in the past, and Nightborn Society should move on. The Orthodoxy views the Libertines’ penchant for uninhibited experimentation, exploration, and debauchery to be reckless and heretical. This is not to say there is no cross-faction exchange, the Orthodoxy has made use of Libertine discoveries in their Eternal Vigil.[/p][p][/p][p]                The Orthodoxy views Factionless as either lazy or simply uninitiated. If they see that a Nightborn has skill and potential, they may try to recruit them to the cause. The Orthodoxy does not handle Nightborn leaving their faction well. They have many secrets they feel only the Orthodoxy should know, so leaving the Faction may be a death sentence.[/p][p][/p][p]                The Orthodoxy eye other Supernatural Creatures with suspicion  Forbidden Sites are a serious concern for the Orthodoxy, so Territory conflicts are common. The Orthodoxy may strike deals with other Supernaturals that help them with their goals in the rare cases that motivations align. The Orthodoxy is the Nightborn faction most likely to go to all-out War with other Supernaturals and tend to be the experts in such matters, so much so, other Nightborn will seek out their support when attacked.[/p][p][/p][p]                Mortals are seen as a resource at best and a nuisance at worst to the Orthodoxy. They see their work necessary to protect Nightborn Society, the Supernatural, and the Natural world alike; and that Mortals should be thankful for what they may never know.[/p][p][/p][p]                In Nightborn’s New Orleans, the Orthodoxy’s power center is the French Quarter, particularly around Jackson Square. They take great joy in feeding on the pious and sinners alike, both local and tourist.[/p][p][/p][p]                The Marra and Draugr are most often in the Orthodoxy faction, both Lineages concerned with guardianship and portents. Lamia and Dracul sometimes join their ranks, as these Lineages don’t shy from conflict. Bruxo and Ruthven are almost never part of the Orthodoxy, which they see as much too serious.[/p][p][/p][p]                Members of the Orthodoxy often carry objects of silver. This both serves as a method to ward off or harm some other types of Supernatural Creatures, and as a way to hint their affiliation to other Nightborn.[/p]

[p]Recently, Nightborn Fans have been going out of their way to share Nightborn and promote the game on various platforms and mediums.

This has resulted in an organic surge in Wishlists on Steam and the Epic Games Store, Follows on Kickstarter, and mentions on some gaming blogs.

I cannot express how much this means to me. I feel so honored and joyful that Nightborn, my passion, has ignited the desire to see the game succeed in gamers before they have even had the opportunity to play it. (Demo coming Q1 2026)

I want to reward your loyalty as much as I can. Nightborn will be a true RPG and Immersive Sim with inspirational elements from great games such as Fallout: New Vegas, Deus Ex, and Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines.

All publicly shown work on Nightborn so far has been solo developed by me and funded out-of-pocket for a few asset packs and commissioned artwork. Considering my lack of funds and time, this has been tough.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, as the support of the Nightborn Community is giving me hope that the post-Demo Kickstarter Campaign will make Nightborn a reality with the help of a top-quality team.

I believe in Nightborn and there is no better gift I could have asked for this Holiday Season than the support I've seen from Nightborn Fans.

Thank you all!!![/p]

[p]The gentleman in a Jester mask caroused through the festivities, bells jingling as he awkwardly attempted to mingle. The Host of the masquerade, a Carmilla Nightborn, observed his movements through the eyes of the cat shaped mask she wore.[/p][p]“He is distracted”, she thought, “he does not want anyone to notice his infatuation with the Lady dressed as Swan.”[/p][p]“You there, Jester”, her Glamour cut out all the noise and only she and he exist in a void, “I believe there is someone looking for you, upstairs, second door from the left”. Her words undeniably clear, his attention rapt, then suddenly the volume of the room returns as the Jester gathers and excuses himself.[/p][p]“No one here”, the Jester notes in the bedroom, “better get back to…”[/p][p]“Hello, sorry to barge in like this, but did you see a cat come this way?”, sheepishly inquires the Swan Lady.[/p][p]A black cat peers at them from the balcony. “Sometimes, all it takes is a little push”, muses the Host in her feline form, “And now to witness this scandalous affair…”[/p][p][/p][p]“Love will have its sacrifices. No sacrifice without blood.”[/p][p]― Le Fanu, Carmilla[/p][p][/p][p]The Carmilla Lineage is known for their extravagant events and complex intrigues among Nightborn, hosting masquerades or playing matchmaker, Carmilla Nightborn seem to have a part in every Drama and are never without a Plot.[/p][p]Carmilla tend to be passionate and more perceptive than they appear.[/p][p]Carmilla often assume the role of Event Planners, Movers, and Shakers in Nightborn society. Immortality can be boring, and Carmilla often take it upon themselves to keep Nightborn culture interesting. This is not out the goodness of their hearts, though they find it adorable when someone thinks that. Being the social center of Nightborn courts gives Carmilla a lot of power as they fulfill desires and trade in secrets.[/p][p][/p][p]Carmilla Entitlements are Carnal, Power over Flesh, and Nocturne, Power over Darkness.[/p][p]The Carnal tree includes physical powers, such as Inhuman Endurance or the Strength to bust through a wall, power over Temptation and Social Influence, and Blood Magic.[/p][p]The Nocturne tree includes powers for Changing into the Form of a Beast, Control over Shadows, and Hexing Magic.[/p][p][/p][p]The Carmilla of the New Orleans Vampire Court largely support the Nightborn Establishment faction in the Central Business District.[/p][p]While Carmilla are not known to vie for top political roles, they do enjoy social access and the privileges being in good standing with those on top affords them.[/p][p]Their greatest detractors in the city are the Draugr who shame the Carmilla’s extravagance in the name of the Orthodoxy darting disapproving looks from The French Quarter.[/p][p]Their greatest competition are the Ruthven, whose debauchery makes Carmilla affairs look tame, hosting these events with the Libertines in the Arts District.[/p][p]Bruxo are another Lineage that occasionally compete for the most raucous parties, as they throw bacchanals to enhance their magic rituals, though these events are not common.[/p][p][/p][p]The Carmilla Lineage symbol is a Cat Eye with Dramatic Winged Eyeliner.[/p][p] [/p][p] [/p]

[p]Several revelers hypnotically dance and chant in mirthful delight to the beat of an eerie drum. A Nightborn Inquisitor carefully observes their peculiar behavior, noting the precision of their movements and light red glow to their eyes. “Fae Bewitchments”, the Vampire of the Strix Lineage concludes. Tracking this Fae creature, possibly of the Goblin sub-variety, has not been easy, yet this strange party is a tell-tale sign the target is near.[/p][p]“Excuse me”, the Inquisitor starts, “What are you…!” Caught unaware, the Vampire is simultaneously stabbed by flashing blades, previously concealed, as the dancers motions went from grace to deadly precision without skipping a beat. However, these daggers barely scratch the surface of the Nightborn’s skin which hardened to granite with the power of Strix blood.[/p][p]“No, this won’t do.” With a wave of the hand, the Nightborn rolled back time and the drum beat and dancing resumed. The Strix Prophesy revealed that engaging the merrymakers in this way would end in bloodshed. “How else could I approach this?”, thought the Inquisitor. Then, realization struck, “their song: it is a riddle. I simply gave the wrong answer…”, the Vampire slyly smirked.[/p][p][/p][p]“Civility is an illusion. Savagery is the default state of humanity.”[/p][p]― Quinlan, The Strain[/p][p][/p][p]The Strix Lineage is known as Otherworldly Sages among Nightborn, Mad Prophets Doomsaying from desecrated temples, and Spiritual Scholars Will-Working with the Esoteric.[/p][p]Strix tend to be withdrawn yet inquisitive.[/p][p]Strix often assume academic positions in Nightborn courts, since they are seen as more focused than Bruxo Nightborn and less unsettling than Marra Nightborn, which also tend to vie for these roles.[/p][p][/p][p]Strix Entitlements are Dominion, Power over Nature, and Eternity, Power over Time.[/p][p]The Dominion tree includes defensive powers, such as hardening the body or discorporating into Mist, control over animals and the land, and Elemental Magic.[/p][p]The Eternity tree includes Preternatural Speed, Prophesy, Time Manipulation, and Necromancy Magic.[/p][p][/p][p]The Strix of the New Orleans Vampire Court largely support the Nightborn Establishment faction in the Central Business District. This allows them the stability and order conducive for their inquiries and research.[/p][p]Their greatest competition in the city are the Marra who lurk in Orthodoxy haunts  in The French Quarter and the Bruxo who hang with the Libertines in the Arts District.[/p][p]While most other Nightborn focus on Vampire Politics, the Strix study all types of Supernatural creatures and occurrences.[/p][p]Only the Lamia match the Strix with non-Nightborn Supernatural contact, but they are more focused on deal-making rather than studying their unique natures which concern the Strix’s research.[/p]

[p]Unnatural mists cloak the dimly lit streets and a howl of wolves may be heard in the distance. In the nearby tavern. a group of Vampire Hunters huddle around a hearth, planning their next attack while trying to get warm. After deciding their next target, one of their company shovels a heaping spoonful of gruel into their mouth before... spitting out maggots everywhere. With a crack of thunder, the window bursts open and a lone figure in dapper garments levitates into the room. With a flick of his wrist, the fireplace flares and the hunters close to it are swallowed in flames. Realizing the maggots are no longer anywhere to be seen, the last hunter grabs a wooden stake and lunges toward the Vampire’s heart, striking not solid matter, but vapor. “Could it be that easy?”. thinks the hunter, “does the sacred wood bypass the ribcage?”. As the thought is refuted by the sense of alarm on the hunter's face, the Dracul Nightborn has already reformed behind him and bites deeply into the jugular.[/p][p][/p][p]“Once again...welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.”[/p][p]― Bram Stoker, Dracula[/p][p][/p][p]The Dracul Lineage is known as Leaders among Nightborn, Regal Lords ruling from a storm-shrouded mountaintop, and Enticingly Exotic Brooding types.[/p][p]Draculs tend to be domineering and ambitious. [/p][p]Dracul often assume leadership roles in Nightborn courts, butting heads with Orloks, that do the same. [/p][p]Dracul Entitlements are Dominion, Power over Nature, and Psyche, Power over Spirit. [/p][p]The Dominion tree includes defensive powers, such as hardening the body or discorporating into Mist, control over animals and the land, and Elemental Magic. [/p][p]The Psyche tree includes Telekinesis, Mind Control, and Illusion Magic.[/p][p][/p][p]The Dracul of the New Orleans Vampire Court largely support the Nightborn Establishment faction in the Central Business District. [/p][p]When you are on top, it is best to remain on top. [/p][p]Their greatest competition in the city are the Orloks who are gaining influence with the Orthodoxy in The French Quarter and the Ruthvens who lead the Libertines in the Arts District. [/p][p]Tension are brewing, so the Dracul have been petitioning for support from some of the uncommitted Lineages to maintain power in New Orleans. [/p][p]Will it be enough? [/p]