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A
Brief History of the Bloodhunters (Sangorrians)
According
to the Book of Druda
The
original Sangorrians were the last of a genetically-altered species
who were systematically being annihilated by the inhabitants of their
own planet (Tarrus). They were considered parasites that existed on
the blood of the population. Their chemistry was altered in such a
way as to allow them to drain the blood of their victims quickly and
efficiently. Their chemistry had been modified to such an extent that
for their own survival they must ingest blood in order to live.
The
scientists on Tarrus played with their genetic makeup until they had
in effect created a monster of beings rather than the army of
unbeatable assassins they had been assigned the task to create.
Slow
integration of a manufactured foreign element called the Trine
Factor was introduced into the bloodstream of selected candidates.
This Trine Factor attached itself to the white blood cells and
eventually dominated and merged into an altered, stronger gray cell
known as the G-cell. Thus it created a new species of beings called Bloodhunters.
This
G-cell dominated in the bloodstream and called for constant
infusions of fresh pure white cells or they would begin to feed on
each other for nourishment, causing constant explosions of
excruciating pain to the host as they fought for survival. Infusing
the bloodstream with fresh white cells obtained through direct
consumption sent a rush of hot pleasure through the host becoming an
addictive habit to feed voraciously from their victims increasing the
length of time they would retain the feelings of euphoria and
heightened pleasure, free of pain.
In
the beginning they were a controllable hybrid, but as time went on
and they became a separate species encouraged with matings, they
became uncontrollable in their thirst for pure blood. This need for
blood was woven into their makeup. Finally, they broke free of their captors.
It
was not a requirement that they drain a victim completely to
survive, but once begun, the process of imbibing and the rush
attained through the feeding brought on a frenzy of need and desire
it was difficult to control and there were many who had no wish to
assert control of the thirst. The feeling of omnipotence after
draining a body was an addictively heady experience many refused to
abstain from. To not ingest meant a slow, painful, lingering death.
There
were other side effects of the genetic alteration as the presence of
the anomaly within the bloodstream took control. The subtle
alteration changed the chemistry completely. Feeding from another
Bloodhunter magnified the predatory nature, but did not replenish the
supply of white blood cells needed to survive--that must come from
other species--almost any other species would do in the rampant
desire for survival.
Many
tried to fight the effects, but if they did not receive the blood
they craved within a proscribed period of time, the G-cells would
take over sending them in many cases into a hunting frenzy.
It
was found over the course of generations that Bloodhunters developed
enhanced day and night vision, enhanced hearing and sense of smell,
increased strength and speed of movement, extended lifespan, and in
some cases the ability to communicate telepathically with another who
shared their blood. On the other hand the rays of the yellow sun
caused a reaction on the skin similar to the effect of abstinence of
feeding, causing weakness and excruciating pain, and in some cases blindness.
Eventually
a full-scale order for extermination went out across the Valatrin
Galaxy. Once the extermination order was released and bounties placed
on the heads of the Bloodhunters, one desperate group went
underground, determined to find a way to survive. Some Tarrians who
knew the history of the Bloodhunters and came to know this particular
group--some who even loved and mated with them--hid and protected
them, willing to lay down their lives if it became necessary. This
group of Bloodhunters wanted more for what remained of their kind,
but to find it among a people where the maority had come to fear and
hate them and sought only to kill them would never happen.
There
were those who allowed themselves to be ruled by the call of the
blood, but there were others, like this underground group--educated,
civilized, who fought the calling as best they could, who wanted a
normal life for themselves and their children. So a plan was formed.
A hope of escape.
A
small group of one hundred Bloodhunters and a like number of loyal
Terrians escaped in four space ships bound for a planet at the outer
reaches of the Valatrin Galaxy, hopefully far enough away to allow
them a chance to begin a new life.
As
ever, there was a traitor in their midst and word of their plan to
escape filtered back to those that hunted them and they were chased
across the galaxy. After one particularly fierce attack, the main
ship was hit with a crippling blast. They limped through space
knowing their time was almost at an end and all chance of escape
lost, but they would not give up, even knowing it was only a matter
of time before they were destroyed completely with no hope of
survival. In this they prayed to their god, Druda, for guidance.
The
miracle appeared before them in the shape of a worm hole. With
little expectation of escape, they turned the ship into its core.
Like a closing fist it collapsed behind them, shutting off the avenue
by which they had been pursued, as well as their pursuers. They had
no idea where it would lead, or if they would live to find an exit,
but hope again began to glimmer inside them. At least one ship of
Bloodhunters made it through.
When
they came out the other side and the hole collapsed and disapeared
behind them, they were in a place uncharted on any Tarrian map. It
would hopefully offer a chance at life beyond being forever hunted.
They
found themselves in a wonderful new world as they came upon a planet
ringed by silvery vaporous rings. To navigate through the thick,
dangerous terrain of each of the five rings took great skill and
courage, and a lot of luck as large chunks of rock and ice soared
around them. Eventually they came to a halt through a rough landing
on rocky terrain. They could only hope the atmosphere would support
them and not be toxic to their life form.
This
was a new world, deserving of a new name--Ebonnia--named for the
ancient goddess of dreams. They would no longer be known as
Bloodhunters, parasites of Tarrus, but reborn of a new society on the
day they landed in this new world.
Thus,
it is written in the Book of Druda...
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