“Everyone in Cerneria has a secret.” This mantra is often said on the streets of Cerneria, and it often proves itself true. The city itself is somewhat of a nexus or focal point of supernatural activity, whether it is monsters wearing the guise of humans, restless spirits, or magically inclined individuals. I cannot say why this city in particular is so important, but I can offer some explanation for why these phenomena occur. Cerneria is located in the realm of Kryphos, ruled over by the Gods Phobos and Deimos, Fear and Dread respectively. Perhaps it is the nature of their existence, perhaps they find some form of entertainment from invoking these feelings in mortals. Whatever the reason may be, the result is a city that has an unusual history spanning hundreds of years. While I cannot provide a comprehensive history or list events of political significance, I can provide some insight to some of the more influential people and organizations present in the city.
Connor Zareaux
Connor Zareaux was born in the 4th century. His true lineage is ambiguous, Connor was forcefully given by his mother to the man who she believed was the boy’s father. The man who raised him denied their relation, though still raised him to work in his traveling carnival-esque menagerie. Treated poorly by some and ambivalently by others, he became well versed with the supernatural creatures of the menagerie as well as the existence of magic through his father’s spells. When the menagerie arrived at Cerneria, Zareaux’s father discovered it was under the control of a far more powerful sorcerer. This sorcerer, finding a kinship with Connor, decided to take him as an apprentice and adopted son. When he reached adulthood, Connor realized he had fundamental disagreements with his mentor’s methods of control and manipulation of Cerneria, ultimately resulting in the latter’s death. Since then, Connor has taken various roles of leadership over the city through various titles, from Lord to Burgher to Minister and so on. Through his knowledge of magic, Zareaux discovered a method of immortality that has allowed him to rule through the centuries, aided by his spellcrafting and more mundane social manipulation tactics. It is said that he alone knows the secrets of every citizen of Cerneria, and he strives to do his best to balance the conflicting needs of the ordinary man and the monstrous.
Werewolves
The werewolves of Cerneria are a prominent clan with waxing and waning influence. Tightly knit and family oriented, they mostly keep to themselves out of fear of exile and persecution, especially from Zareaux. They are ruled by a King or Queen of the clan, chosen through a display of dominance. Abnormally hairy and rarely concerned with their own hygiene, there are a few exceptions who manage to integrate with the wider society of Cerneria and pass off as ordinary humans. Frequently they find themselves occupied as hunters, ranchers, and butchers due to the ease of access to raw meat.
The Sanctuary Hall Masquerade
Sanctuary Hall was founded by one of the members of Zareaux’s traveling menagerie. One of the performers, a ghoul simply known as The Dead Man, wore porcelain masks to hide his disfigured visage. Once the menagerie settled in Cerneria, The Dead Man wanted a place where he could be among like minded individuals while still maintaining his secrecy. Every member is required to wear a mask, often styled after an animal, and is forbidden to reveal either their true identity inside the Hall, or that they are a member of the Masquerade to those outside the Hall. Defined by their appreciation of luxury, fine arts, and etiquette, new members are brought in only by being vouched for by an established member. The Sanctuary Hall Masquerade inspired the use of masks on the covers of the archived Cerneria stories.
Archived Stories
