[Video]

[what_is_a_man]

[When the video starts, it is of a closeup of a rather pale yet sharply dressed and handsome face that has been revealed to very few. He looks at the device with his throne towering behind him. And when he speaks, it is a very charismatic baritone, one that seems to echo and soothe all at once, despite the rage boiling beneath the surface.]

Good evening, Genessia. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Vlad Ill Tepes, however most would know me more readily by my nickname, given to me by humans who failed to grasp who and what exactly I am; Dracula.

I have recently found myself in this place, and have opened one of these "gates" talked of in the literature given to us that has provided me access to my other half, the castle that is as much a part of me as my own hand; Castlevania.

I am what you would know as a vampire. And I would like to extend an offer. To all those of inhuman origin, you need not suffer the slings of humans that would persecute you, and will find sanctuary within the walls of Castlevania. Likewise, you humans who have seen the filth and lies spread by others, the cesspool of hatred that permeates your kind, you I offer refuge from humans and the chance to surpass your humanity, to transcend your mortality, and become as gods among ants. Come to the gates of Castlevania and declare your intention, and the gates will be opened to you.

However, I offer this one warning; make sure your resolve is true, and your heart set. Castlevania is very much alive, and like all living things it has blood, blood that will weed out those unworthy to be within its halls.

Comments

[Audio] Private

[frostheartedrose]

So. Please forgive me for my wariness on such an offer, I have lived too long to take any gift horse without knowing there is double the weight in hidden motives. What are the full changes this 'Castlevania' has brought? What are the costs?

[Audio] Private

[what_is_a_man]

For humans, they would have to swear fealty to me, however, for those who share in the vampiric blood, I require no cost of entry.

All I would ask is that you not impede my actions in the greater city.

Re: [Audio] Private

[frostheartedrose]

What of those who are neither human, nor vampire?

[Audio] Private

[what_is_a_man]

Simply being put apart from humans is enough to earn my favor.

[Audio]

[blackkirin]

Ah... I'm sorry, I don't really understand what you mean. Is your castle alive and bleeding? I need to avoid blood.

[Audio]

[what_is_a_man]

The blood that courses through the veins of Castlevania's halls is not blood in the normal sense. Wargen, harpies, werewolves, minotaur and all manner of creatures of the night make their home within Castlevania's walls and are every bit a part of it as the castle itself is a part of me.

Re: [Audio]

[blackkirin]

I don't think I've run into any of those. I had contracted with a toutetsu back home but it doesn't seem that Gouran has found his way here. I'm called a kirin. I can't withstand blood it seems, which is why I asked.

[aka: After some time in the library, the cross between horse and deer would become apparent.]

[Audio]

[what_is_a_man]

The simple fact that you are not human would find you a home amongst Castlevania's halls, but it is not for the faint of heart, to be sure.

[Video; Private]

[goddessinthefog]

[Now this certainly caught her interest. Izanami had no interest in seeking protection from humans - let alone protection from a man - and she did not see her people as vile, but...well. She wanted to hear what he had to say.]

I think few people are strong enough to open their eyes and see the raw, painful truth open up before them...they would far sooner delude themselves in a fog of comforting lies.

[Video; Private]

[what_is_a_man]

And yet over the centuries, there have never been a lack of those who have cast their eyes upon Heaven and saw only hypocrisy and hate, and have sought me out instead. They see chaos as the natural order of things, and would seek to purge the land in the flames chaos brings.

Of course, even then, humans only seek me out for their own self interests. To curry favor and power in the hopes of improving their standing among their peers once the flames die down and the world is in need of new rulers. And that is fine. I am more than willing to pull their strings until they outlive their usefulness.

[Video; Private]

[goddessinthefog]

Heaven, or the Gods? In my culture, the two aren't always connected. The land of the dead isn't a realm in the clouds...it is a dark, lonely place, but hardly hypocritical in nature. It is what it is.

[As the Goddess of Death, she felt she had to defend her domain, at least.]

You're right in some ways. Some seek oblivion and destruction, but others seek to act as saviours wether others realise their efforts or not. Even to the point they would overthrow the will of their own people to do so.

But how long until your puppets seek freedom in their own right?

[Video; Private]

[what_is_a_man]

To the Catholics, there is no difference. Their so-called "Almighty" reigns over Heaven and Hell, with Satan as Hell's warden and first inmate.

When they enter into contract with me, they do not simply take on my will, but they sacrifice their humanity at the same time. I consume their very souls, making it a part of me.

They do not seek freedom, for they are no longer themselves, but extensions of my power.

[sitalion]

[The babble about Castlevania itself goes right over Stefano's head, but it sounds like this person thinks badly about humans.]

Hey-a! Humans aren't like that! They love-a me! Well-a...until-a recently, anyway...

[what_is_a_man]

[Hmm. Obviously an animal spirit of some sort. He'll be more civil to Stefano than most for the moment.]

You poor thing. You still cling to those notions? Tell me, what is so wonderful about humanity?

[sitalion]

They're just-a so much-a fun to entertain! Without-a them, there could be no circus!

[It doesn't take much to make him happy, but it doesn't take much to make him miserable either.]

[what_is_a_man]

Ah yes, the circus. Humans have long loved to humiliate animals and force them to jump through hoops for their own amusement. In a world where humanity is so utterly physically outclassed, they feel the need to try to exert their dominance by enslaving and degrading innocent beasts.

Truly disgusting.

[Video]

[sakuya_izayoi]

The video flickers on to show a woman with silver hair and red eyes. "I may take you up on that offer Lord Tepes." She spoke with a lot of formality. "My name is Sakuya Izayoi, bound servant of the vampire Remilia Scarlet and the spear of her mansion."

She paused to bow her head to him. "This is a very kind offer and one that I would gladly take you up on, if you would have me. I have felt rather lost without My Lady and it would be an honor to lend my services to a vampire she has expressed respect for in the past."

"However, I am human and I am afraid I do not wish to become a vampire or any denizen of the night. My humanity is not mine to give or keep."

[Video]

[what_is_a_man]

[Hmm... a thrall that is claimed yet separated from its master. Interesting. He's never seen a thrall ripped from the clutches of the one to whom they are bound. This should be interesting.]

Very well. I will prepare a room for you near the Marble Gallery. I will have a Werewolf escort you there upon arrival. At some point, I would like to hear of this Remilia Scarlet you serve.

[Video]

[sakuya_izayoi]

"Thank you My Lord." She bowed her head once more. "I hope you can make use of my skill or power, be it simple cooking and cleaning or defending the castle from hunters."

"Should you wish to know anything about myself or My Lady I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Some things I do not know if My Lady would approve of me divulging. As such you may need to ask her about them should she come."

[Video]

[what_is_a_man]

"Oh, I'm sure you'll be more than able to aid me in that regard. As for your lady, she need not fear me prying into her personal affairs. If I ask anything that may seem too personal, simply tell me and I will cease my questioning in that regard."

Or at least he will until it becomes a nuisance to him.

[video]

[caelum_melody]

How did you open the gate?

[Talk about creepy offer- but Haruka was more interested in how he managed to open the gate. This was vital information she did not yet have.]

[video]

[what_is_a_man]

I simply reached through it and bid my other half appear. Castlevania never fails to heed my call.

[...He IS kind of synonymous with lying in his world, so... He's not letting on that he gave up any of his power, though.]

[tsundere_catgirl]

I've heard similar offers to what you are suggesting Nosferatu, and I can assure you that the man who made these offers fancied himself to be a being greater than the gods. Pretty words are easily spoken to lure the foolishly naive or power hungry, but you may find that I do not fall under either category.

I pity any foolish enough to submit themselves to your whims.

[what_is_a_man]

There are no gods, Laguz. Just the gropings of ignorant beings attempting to make sense of things beyond their mortal minds, but so be it. If you throw your lot in with those cattle, then you shall be treated as such; as prey.

Just know that the gates of Castlevania would have opened to you with joy.

[tsundere_catgirl]

How would you define a god? As an immortal being that created all the known world and all the beings that reside within it? A supreme being of immense power?

Oh I'm sure they would have... but at what cost I wonder. You may find I'm not easy prey either.