The Watchers of Dark Eden

In the centuries following the collapse of the Pillars, while Kain's empire spread and subjugated the human race, many brave people fled into the hellscape of Dark Eden. Kain's murder of the corrupted Guardians had put a stop to Dark Eden's consumption of the land and it was now inhabitable once more. Few vampires would pursue them as the scarred environment was now a hunting ground exclusive to fledglings. To provide these fledglings with sport, the humans here were permitted to breed and began to grow in number despite the losses sustained from their harsh existence and the fledgling hunts.

Through the generations, however, these people developed unique skills and knowledge in order to survive. Basic and easily-disassembled outposts were erected in the high mountains so that they could foresee impending vampire raids. The archers stationed to these outposts taught these skills of keen attention and aim to their children, and their children trained more children still.

Soon, they came to be known widely as The Watchers, and established a network of messengers between the various other settlements located in the region. Delivering both warnings of impending vampire assaults or much-needed supply rations, the Watchers were seen as either a blessing or a curse based on the message of the moment. But blessing or curse, they were renowned, and imitative orders soon rose up in other territories. The Assassins of the East, the Desert Stalkers, all swore allegiance to their progenitors in Dark Eden.

One day, the Watcher outposts saw a frightening new sight: The winged Razielim, presumably some new beast Kain had sent to flush them out. But they watched as these beings were themselves tracked down and executed by vampires. Intrigued by what appeared to be some significant strife within Kain's ranks, the most elite of Watchers were sent west as spies to gather intelligence at Coorhagen. It was there that they discovered the breeding pens and blood farms but, more curiously, that very few vampires actually occupied the town. Rallying their small force, the spies raided Coorhagen, the element of surprise enabling them to overpower the meager vampire forces and free the humans. The pens were torn open and the prisoners freed from the blood farms.

Upon completion of this task, the men felt a spark unknown for generations. A spark of hope. Conflict had slithered its way into the belly of the beast and now was their chance to take advantage of it. It was not long before word had been sent throughout their communication channels, enlisting the populations of nearby settlements and scattered clans of crude hunters to their new cause. The future would be theirs once again.