Mordrathen is a sprawling gothic metropolis shrouded in supernatural mystery, nestled in a secluded valley encircled by dark, gnarled forests and jagged mountains. At its core stands the formidable Crypt Castle, a stark black stone fortress that not only serves as the seat of power but also as a hub for the city's vampire nobility. The city is woven with narrow, cobblestone streets framed by tilting timber buildings adorned with pointed arch windows, wrought iron balconies, and sharp turrets. A perpetual thick fog creeps through the alleys at night, muffling noises and veiling the lurking dangers within.
The city is divided into distinctive districts such as the Mausoleum Market, where mummies peddle exotic wares, and Scarecrow Square, a gathering place for animated scarecrows. Beneath the city, the Catacombs thrum with the activities of the undead. The wild lands beyond Mordrathen’s massive walls are fraught with perils—werewolves roam the moonlit woods, and undead creatures guard the swampy roads. Entry into the city is a perilous endeavor, typically undertaken through the winding mountain pass of the Dragontooth Peaks, overseen by vigilant gargoyle sentries. Legend has it that on nights when the blood moon rises, hidden passageways open, connecting Mordrathen to other mystical realms.
Here is a list of some of the creepy supernatural creatures that could inhabit the gothic city of Mordrathen:
Many other monstrosities seeking refuge from the normies.
The city of Mordrathen was founded in the ancient past by the vampire lord Count Vladimir Sanguinare as a sanctuary for supernatural creatures seeking refuge from hostile human civilizations.
Centuries ago, during a time of war and persecution against monsters, Count Sanguinare struck a deal with the royal bloodlines of the nearby human kingdom of Alavir. He offered to shelter any supernatural beings looking for safety in exchange for Mordrathen's sovereignty being respected.
As human civilization spread, Mordrathen became a haven for vampires, werewolves, spirits, and other beings wanting to live without fear of witch hunts or prejudice. A shroud of secrecy and superstition surrounded the remote gothic metropolis.
Over the ages, noble vampire houses have ruled Mordrathen in an uneasy alliance with the city's various supernatural denizens. The current ruler is the enigmatic Lord Ashcroft, eldest of the Sanguinare line.
While welcoming most supernatural creatures, Mordrathen's laws still banish truly evil beings like demons, liches, and the undead who retain their malicious tendencies. The city guards its neutral ground carefully, even as it embraces its macabre reputation.
On nights of the blood moon, it's rumored that secret entrances to Mordrathen open to allow passage between realms. But most outsiders know it's best not to wander into the valley of shadow that houses this twilight refuge for the supernatural.
Here are 5 of the most influential supernatural creatures in Mordrathen's history:
Other notable figures include the elven necromancer Cadelora who designed the catacombs, the ghostly advisor Lucien who has long influenced rulers from the shadows, and the mysterious hag Baba Yaga who lives in isolation in the Dragontooth Mountains.
Here are brief recaps of each vampire count/countess who ruled Mordrathen: