The Degenerates: The Manor of Mystery in the Haunted Vale

Hidden deep within a forest where twisted trees grow like the fingers of forgotten gods, there lies a place so cursed that not even the bravest undead dare to tread—The Manor of Mystery. Wrapped in ivy and surrounded by statues of grotesque and horrifying creatures, the path to the Manor is lined with rows of blood-red roses, their thorns sharp and unforgiving. The Manor itself stands crooked and cracked, a relic lost to time. Beyond its towering, decaying structure lies a cemetery where the ancient dead stir, festering in their moss-covered mausoleums. The air is thick with unease, filled with the echo of spectral whispers, a damned place where horror takes form.

Yet, within this cursed exterior lies something unexpected. Deep within the Manor's walls, hidden from the world’s eyes, is the true heart of this strange kingdom. The Manor is not just a haunted home—it is a sentient, reality-warping artifact, a creation of twisted magic that has existed for millennia. Created by the artifact named Clara, the Manor’s inner world is far more than it first appears. It is a sprawling kingdom, large enough to house an army, and it does. Lavish gardens, armories, hidden chambers, and even places to learn magic coexist with the dark, baroque architecture that lines the corridors. What seemed like an old family home is in fact a fortress of immense power, a testament to the chaotic magic that birthed it.

This is the Manor of Mystery, and it is the stronghold of the Degenerates—a ragtag, yet resilient group of warriors, survivors, and outcasts who have claimed this realm as their own. The leader of this unholy group is Jack Townson, known to them as The Dragon King, Lord Bloody Fangs, and The Crimson King. Jack and his people, having stowed into this realm from a world far from Draconia, made their mark with sheer stubbornness and unyielding will, shaping the Manor into a kingdom of chaos, power, and new beginnings.

The Degenerates are not merely vampires, they are a mix of all who dare to embrace the chaos that comes with joining this wild, unpredictable group. Vampires, Beastmen, Infernals, Witches, Banshees, Werelions, Fae, and even Goblins—all kinds of creatures now call the Manor home. These beings have weathered wars, faced desolation, and risen from the ashes of their former lives, bringing with them a unique sense of survival and defiance.

Though the Degenerates are welcoming and kind in their own way, they also carry a dangerous duality. When trouble raises its head, or when enemies threaten the peace, they are prepared to face death itself. Their loyalty to one another and their leader is unshakable, and they fight with a ferocity that has turned them into an army unlike any other in Everdusk. Each member of the Degenerates is capable of creating destruction beyond imagination, and at their head stands Jack, a man who commands not just respect, but absolute power.

Classes of the Degenerates:

• Brawler: From the Canvas Deep Below The Brawlers are the heart of the Degenerates’ raw strength and primal power. These warriors come from the depths of the Manor’s shadowy corners, where combat is not about finesse but pure, unrelenting brutality. They fight with fists, claws, and raw force, turning their bodies into living weapons. Brawlers are often seen as the fearless frontliners, charging headfirst into the fray with reckless abandon, their strength a force of nature that crushes anything in its path.

• Songstress/Bard The Songstress or Bard is a master of both melody and magic, using the power of music, sound, and voice to shape the world around them. With a voice that can both inspire and devastate, they manipulate the emotions of those around them, soothing allies or driving enemies into madness. Their songs carry ancient magic, capable of healing, enchanting, or even cursing. The Bards are both performers and spellcasters, able to weave both magic and melody into a powerful combination that can alter the course of a battle.

• Blood Knight The Blood Knights are the elite warriors of the Degenerates, bound by the blood of the ancient vampires. They wield both magic and sword, their combat style a combination of deadly strikes and blood magic. Blood Knights draw power from their cursed heritage, channeling the raw energy of their own vitae to enhance their physical abilities or to unleash devastating dark magic. With a blend of honor and brutality, the Blood Knights serve as the protectors of the Manor, their loyalty to Jack Townson unwavering.

• Alchemist The Alchemists are the creators, crafters, and masterminds of the Manor’s darker sciences. Masters of both potion-making and chemical manipulation, they craft elixirs, poisons, and explosive concoctions that can heal or harm, depending on their needs. Alchemists can also transmute materials, create enchanted objects, and even alter the very essence of life and death. These cunning minds serve both as healers and destroyers, using their knowledge of magic and science to shape the future of the Degenerates.

• Chaos Witch

The Chaos Witch is a master of multiple schools of magic, blending arcane, void, blood, and summoning magics into a potent and unpredictable combination. These witches are often feared for their ability to weave magic from the very fabric of the universe, using their chaotic power to destabilize reality itself. They can conjure destructive spells, summon creatures from the void, manipulate blood, or wield arcane energy to create devastating effects. A Chaos Witch is a force of nature—unpredictable, uncontrollable, and incredibly dangerous.