Vampire Counts

Vampire Counts are one of the forces of the Undead playable in the tabletop wargame Warhammer Fantasy Battle. They are heavily influenced by stories of vampires from popular culture. The Vampire Counts generally hail from the area of Sylvania, though their presence is felt across the Old World and beyond.

History

Some two and a half thousand years before the birth of Sigmar, the ancient civilization of Nehekhara dwelt along the banks of the great river in Araby. (Nehekhara is mostly based on Ancient Egypt).Of all the kings of Nehekhara, none could match the splendour, cruelty and arrogance of Settra, first Priest King of Khemri. Under his inspired leadership and unparalleled ruthlessness, the many kings of Nehekhara were conquered and forced to pay tribute and acknowledge Khemri as the greatest city of the land.But Settra was unsatisfied, knowing that one day death would rob him of all he had accomplished. In his arrogance he vowed that the grave would not claim him and proclaimed that he would cheat death, setting his wisest and most powerful priests towards working on a means of preventing his passing. Soon all of Nehekhara became preoccupied with death and the afterlife, building many huge temples and monuments to the dead. These huge tombs became so frequent and huge that the rulers blocked them all into the giant cities of the dead called Necropoli.

It was into this culture that Nagash was born, brother of the Priest king of Khemri.Nagash was obsessed with death from an early age and took to wandering the Necropoli for many days at a time, entering the oldest tombs.He observed the morticians as they prepared the dead for internment.He watched wounded warriors fade and die, resolving never to let himself die.Nagash took to unspeakable experiments in his quest for immortality and soon all the citizens of Khemri shunned him.Nagash's experiments met with limited success, he prolonged his life so that he didn't die even thought he still aged, but there was something missing, something that evaded Nagash.But then, when a group of dark elves were blown off-course and captured by the Khemri navy, Nagash (as the brother of the priest king) was allowed to ingratiate himself with one of the elves, a sorcerer. He made a more than apt pupil and soon distilled an elixir made from human blood that made him immortal (with constant consumption).

He shared his elixir with depraved noble men, building support for himself before he finally killed his brother and seized power in Khemri.He and his immortal supporters soon became overconfident and killed many of citizens of Khemri before constructing the Black Pyramid, the largest structure ever built by man.Slowly the other priest kings became afraid of Nagash and formed a confederation against him.After nearly a century of warfare Nagash's power was broken and he fled north to avoid destruction.Unknown to the priest kings however, Nagash rebuilt his power and constructed a vast citadel that became known as Nagashizzar.

The ruler of the city of Lahmia, Queen Neferata had been part of the confederation against Nagash and was with her army when Khemri fell and Nagash fled, she entered the Black Pyramid with her troops and came across a copy of the nine Books of Nagash. Fascinated by the power promised within, she began to practice the magic of necromancy that was contained in the book.She eventually created an elixir which would give her eternal youth.However, after drinking it her heart stopped beating forever, and she craved to drink human blood. She gathered before her eleven worthy individuals, and gave to them each a portion of the elixir. In Lahmia were born the Master Vampires, those from whom all vampires are descended.Each of the twelve masters (Nefereta included) bore particular traits, and they could expand their lineage by creating vampire servants, but through each successive generation, the powers of the vampire weakened.

The vampires in Lahmia terrorized the populace and defiled the ancient gods of Nehekhara. The ruler of Nehekhara, King Alcadizaar the Great, feared the wrath of the gods, and made war on Lahmia. The vampires defended their homeland but were ultimately pushed back to Lahmia itself. Alcadizaar's armies then broke through the gates of Lahmia and set about the city. The library of Lahmia, the centre of the vampires' lore and knowledge, was defended stoically by some vampires, who were slain and died in the flames. Accepting Lahmia as lost, the vampires fled north. Of the twelve Masters, only seven survived the sacking of Lahmia.

Heading north the remaining vampire masters encountered Nagash, who was secretly pleased with the havoc they had wreaked. Making them his captains, they lead the Undead into Nehekhara. The might of Nagash combined with the power of the vampires was awesome to behold, but they faced one of the greatest leaders of all time, Alcadizaar the Great. Through a brilliant campaign, he personally smashed the Undead armies, and set the vampires fleeing from Nehekhara. Nagash, furious at being defeat, cursed the Vampires to be burnt by the rays of the sun. The Vampire Masters separated and fled into hiding.

Nagash then unleashed a plague upon Nehekhara, many thousands die and were raised to swell the ranks of undead at Nagash's control. Nagash used this new army to invade Nehekhara, he captured Alcadizaar and took him back to Nagashizzar in chains. After consuming masive amounts of warpstone Nagash began the "Ritual of the Waking" to transform the whole world into an undead realm. Fearing destruction the skaven of Cripple Peak free Alcadizaar, who then kills Nagash and flees with the crown of sorcery

Game

In previous editions of the game, only five of the vampire bloodlines were treated: Lahmians, Von Carsteins, Blood Dragons, Strigoi, and Necrarchs.With the re-release of the Vampire Counts army book in March 2008, Games Workshop has diverted focus onto the Von Carsteins. However the ability to diversify vampires with the new 'vampiric abilities' section has kept the option of fielding bloodlines other than Von Carsteins in the Vampire Counts army list, at least from a narrative point of view. For example, a Blood Dragon could technically be fielded by taking a vampire with the 'avatar of death' upgrade.

The armies of the Vampire Counts feature some similar units to the Tomb Kings, another undead army, but the two operate very differently. Vampire Count armies are primarily hordes of low-quality infantry, made up of classic undead creatures like skeletons, zombies, ghosts and ghouls, alongside elite units of Black Knights, Grave Guard, and various other creatures typically depicted as being in league with vampires, such as wolves or bats. These hordes are led by powerful Vampires, Necromancers, Wights (a form of undead warrior), or other undead. When comparing the armies it is easiest to use the appearance of the army and a general rule of thumb: if the army is 95% bone (skeletons, bone giants, bone scorpions, etc.) with an 'Egyptian' theme, it is Khemri. If there are anywhere from 20-40% fleshed units (vampires, ghouls, zombies, zombie dragons, etc.), it is Vampire Counts. The only 'war machine' for the Vampire Counts is the "Black Coach", driven by a wraith bearing a scythe and drawn by two skeletal steeds.

A big difference has come since the "Undead" were separated into the "Tomb Kings" and "Vampire Counts". Vampire Counts have access to strong heroes and much of the troops from the old Undead, making it more of a successor to the formerly united army. They also are able to raise undead in the game. Tomb King have the larger number of troops, tougher/bigger troops and never miscast spells. In short, Vampire Counts rely more on combat and attrition tactics more than Tomb Kings, whereas the latter rely more on the spells of the liche priests and strong blocks of elite undead (tomb kings can field entire armies of heavy skeletal horseman and light chariots without a single footsoldier in sight).

The resurrected dead are bound to the service of Vampires by foul Necromantic magic. The bulk of their armies consists of skeletons and zombies, with small units of Ghouls - living cannibals, driven insane by the flesh of humans. Bats are naturally drawn towards the power of Vampires. Elite units of Grave Guard, heavily armoured skeleton champions, often mounted on skeletal horses, march to war alongside the immortal vampires, and the dread Black Coaches thunder into battle, able to move even if the skeleton horses pulling it have been shot down. Necromancers are living wizards who have turned to darkness, and provide magical support. Vampires are almost indomitable in combat. Vampires also possess magical abilities which they use to destroy foes, and cover the sunny skies with clouds while marching to war. Cairn Wraiths are wizards who failed to become immortal, only their soul is left, wrapped in a cloak of darkness - these Rare choice units can be led by a howling banshee.

In the army's newest edition a few new units were introduced. Corpse Carts are an unliving mess of zombies on wheels, and can serve as a mount for a Necromancer. Varghulfs are Vampires who allowed their bestial instincts to overwhelm them, and have mutated and devolved into huge beasts of enormous fighting power and boundless ferocity. Blood Knights are another Vampire unit, who are basically Bretonnian Grail Knights tainted with Vampirism.

Bloodlines

There are five distinct families of vampires, each descending from one of the "first vampires" or original ones created by Nagash or Neferata (more recent lore stating vampirism was formulated by Nagash and first attained by Neferata), these families are called "Bloodlines," each with different characteristics that affect the way the armies of each operate, although it must be noted that the more powerful members of any vampire bloodline can cast spells, and that all vampires are formidable in combat. Games Workshop has removed the bloodlines from the new edition of the Vampire Counts Armies book; replacing them with selectable skills associated with the original bloodlines (yet mixable as though having aspects of may bloodlines). The known vampire bloodlines are as follows:

* "Von Carstein"These vampires are somewhat stereotypical vampires, modeled very much in the manner of Dracula. They are seen as having close bonds with animals such as Wolves and Bats. In game terms, these vampires have no particular modifications and several of their bloodline powers emphasize their ties with animals. They are hereditary rulers of Sylvania.

The von Carsteins have been prevalent throughout the recent history of the vampire counts, and are the only bloodline to openly go to war with the Empire. The blood line was created by Vlad when he married Isabella on the night that Otto (her fathere and the then count of Sylvania) died (though his history before that is unclear) He came closest to destroying the Empire, only being defeated in a duel with the Grand Theogonist, on the walls of Altdorf. After Vlad was killed there were five remaining claimants for the thrown of Sylvania:Fritz was killed while attempting to besiege Middenheim, Hans was killed in a quarrel instigated by Konrad, Pieter was slain by witch hunter Helmut van Hal (rumor at the time suggested Mannfred led him to Pieter's lair), and Mannfred left Sylvania to travel in search of Necromantic lore.Konrad, who had no ambitions other than mindless and bloody slaughter, wasted no time in marauding across half the Empire and even attacking the Dwarfs of Zhufbar until he was destroyed at Grim Moor. Mannfred then returned to Sylvania and bided his time, rebuilding the bloodline after Konrad nearly destroyed it. Mannfred then attacked Altdorf but was forced to retreat; after a long backwards and forwards chase he was defeated at Hel Fenn, where prince Martin claimed to have killed him, but rumors persist that this is not the case.

* "Blood Dragons"Blood Dragons are fallen Knights, usually from the realm of Bretonnia; they are portrayed as souls in suffering, neither good nor evil. The game system emphasizes their combat skill at the expense of spell-casting abilities.

Abhorash was the greatest warrior of Lahmia and held honour above all else, so much so that when Neferata tainted the nobles of her court with vampirism Abhorash had to be tricked into drinking her blood. Initially he refused to feed on the blood of his own people, eventually his thirst grew so great that he slaughtered a dozen men and women in one night of gore. Abhorash was at the front of Lahmia's defense when the priest kings attacked and slew hundreds of warriors, until the steps of the royal palace were covered in blood.Despite his great fighting abilities Lhamia fell and as the vampires fled destruction Abhorash cursed his arrogant brothers who had drought destruction upon his city, he set out, followed by only a few zealous disciples, in exile. He taught this followers that skill in close combat and honour in battle were the only measures of greatness and would only drink from great fighters, saying that only the impure fed on the weak. Eventually his travels took him to a great mountain wreathed with eternal flames; ignoring the advice of all of his followers Abhorash scaled the side of this fiery mountain.

As he reached its summit a red dragon of immense size emerged from the crater and descended upon the Vampire Lord. At the prospect of testing his martial abilities, Abhorash drew his sword and prepared to fight the great wyrm. The two fought the entire night and in the end the Vampire was victorious. As the dragon lashed in its death throes, Abhorash seized its throat with his fangs and drank deep. Intoxicated by the blood of the dragon Abhorash cast the carcass of the broken creature down from the mountain top. His search had ended; he no longer craved the lifeblood of men and had become the ultimate warrior, a man with the strength of a Vampire who had no need for blood.Other famous Blood Dragons include: Walach Harkon (who challenged and defeated the entire Order of the Blood Dragon single-handedly), The Red Duke and Varison the Blade.

* "Lahmians"This bloodline is (almost) entirely female, and no male models have been released. They are descended from Neferata, the original vampire. They emphasize the seductive nature of vampires and many of their bloodline powers center around influencing the behavior of enemy heroes. In the game they are given greater speed at the expense of their combat potential.

Neferata was queen of the city-state of Lamia, now she rules over silver pinnacle, as the leader of a sisterhood of enchantingly beautiful vampires who use secrecy, cunning and intrigue where others would use brute strength, these can use their subtlety to sway political powers to do their will. The talons of the Lahmians reach all levels of human society and they take an active interest in human affairs. No one can guess how many eccentric noblewomen, widows of princes and dukes, and high-born ladies who shun the light of day and lock themselves up in tall towers and opulent palaces, are in truth of the Undead.

* "Necrarch"Necrarch vampires appear monstrous and wizened, very much on the mold of the vampire shown in the classic film Nosferatu. In Warhammer terms they are weaker in combat but have much greater magical potential than the other vampire bloodlines. However it should be noted their physical strength is still on a similar level to other vampires, their disadvantage being a poorer weapon skill. Overall they are still vastly more dangerous than an equivalent level wizard in close combat, and on par with the more dangerous of melee fighters. They are described as solitary researchers, working on ever more terrible spells as they live out their undying centuries. Because of their studies the Necrarch armies field large numbers of necromantic constructs, spellcasters, and zombie dragons.

Necrarchs claim descent from W'soran, who they revere as the father of Vampires, with the fall of Lahmia the kingdom of Vampires came to an end and the Great Library of Lahmia was burned to the ground. The accumulated knowledge of ancient Nehekhara was destroyed and many disciples of W'soran died in the flames, reluctant to abandon their work. However a handful of Necrarchs fled and survived the pursuit of the armies of the kings of Numas and Zandri, taking with them books and scrolls and other fragments of the dark lore that Nagash created. They scattered all over the world hiding themselves to patiently wait for the death of their enemies and continue their studies.It is implied they are still in the servitude of Nagash, or are attempting to conduct a spell similar to the one he used to decimate Nehekhara and awaken the dead therein. Their progenitor was W'soran, and their previous master Melkhior was known to have served Nagash closely.

* "Strigoi"Strigoi were first introduced in the sixth edition of the game as a new bloodline. In appearance they are even more monstrous than the Necrarchs and are huge and heavily built. The Strigoi are animalistic, half-mad and barely intelligent. In game terms they have similar combat potential to the Blood Dragons, but in terms of strength and bestial fury rather than skill-at-arms. The tradeoff is an inability to use steeds, weapons or armor. An interesting note is that Strigoi are a type of Romanian vampire based on the striga--but there is little resemblance between the myth and the bloodline in "Warhammer Fantasy".

Strigoi armies contain little undead, bolstered by large numbers of Ghouls and their champions. Their progenitor, Ushoran, snubbed the other vampire masters to establish his own empire in Strigos, situated in what is now the Badlands. When the capital Mourkain was sacked by an Orc Waaagh!, the Strigoi vampires sought out their fellow vampires, who shunned them for Ushoran's snobbery. They then degenerated into the feral beasts they are now. Unlike other vampires, Strigoi mainly drink the blood of the freshly dead instead of the living.

*"Sartosa"Introduced in mid 2008. They are found on the GW website as a collector's model.

When the body of Luthor Harhon was unwittingly taken on board the long boat of Norse raiders and taken to Lustria, he created an undead realm known as the Vampire coast of zombie pirates from shipwrecks that became feared pirates and attacked the lizard men of Huatl.

References

* [http://blackindustries.com/pdf/articles/new-bloodlines.pdf lost Bloodlines for WFRP]

ee also

*Tomb Kings
*Nagash
*Liber Necris