Chronicles of the Shifter Directive Companion Guide

by Scarlet Hyacinth

  The main feature of vampires as shape-shifters is their ability to change into a bat. Due to the difference in size between the two shapes, the process is somewhat slower and harder. However, vampires have another advantage and an important ability. They are the second species of shape-shifter, other than the draechen, that possesses magic. Their powers allow them to control the psyche of their opponents, to manipulate the emotions and senses of their adversaries.

  Vampires do have a weakness, their vulnerability to light. They have trouble focusing their magic, fighting, and shape-shifting during the day. Older vampires can circumvent this problem and are immune to sunlight.

  Another difference to other shifters is that vampires feed on blood. The process of feeding can be simple, platonic, for mere nutrition purposes, or erotic, during coitus.

  Organization

  Unlike werewolves, vampires have attempted to keep a lower profile and avoid the draechen’s scrutiny. For that reason, they have managed to grow as a species, away from the eyes of the rest of the world. Although they do not have a fully organized nation like draechen and naga, they do have a king who is their leader. The king coordinates the rest of the vampire settlements, which are called covens.

  International relations

  Usually, vampires are a discreet species seeking to build up their forces by maintaining a low profile—much like the naga. While they keep in contact with their fellow ninth caste members, the werewolves, they are reluctant to actually start a conflict involving Draechenburg.

  Nevertheless, vampires have been known to work alongside other species, including humans, although not for the purpose of freeing themselves from draechen rule.

  Mate bonds

  Like all other shifters, vampires strongly value the mate bond. They claim their mates through the mate bite, after which a strong psychic connection is created between the two partners. For vampires, the unique element is the sharing of blood. Feeding on one’s mate is a unique experience, and becomes practically essential for a vampire who bonded with his true mate. As a rule, the gender of this mate is irrelevant.

  Reproduction

  Vampires couple through coitus in their human form. The females of the species give birth to young through live births, after which the newborn vampire is integrated as a new member of the coven.

  Vampire characters in Chronicles of the Shifter Directive

  King Stanton Hanover. Secondary character. Current leader of the vampire nation.

  Prince Fallon Hanover. Secondary character. Stanton’s only son.

  Magical Creatures

  Unlike shape-shifters, magical creatures are not bound by the Directive. However, that doesn’t mean they are completely independent from it, or exempt from its consequences. Different magical species approached the matter of the Directive in different ways.

  Fae

  The fae was one of the species that first became involved in the war against werewolves and vampires. At that time, they created an alliance with the draechen and the sprites for the purpose of defeating the enemy shifters. However, after the end of the war, the fae lost their influence in the shape-shifter world due to unrest in their own nation.

  Characteristics and abilities

  Fae magic focuses on healing and shielding. It is largely defensive, although skilled users can turn shields into weapons. The strongest magic usually manifests within the Ivenian priesthood, although that is not always the case. These particular fae usually have a blue gem in the center of their foreheads that shines when the individuals in question use their abilities.

  Organization and capital

  The fae nation is called Ivenia. Ivenia is a kingdom with a succession focused on first-born males and also influenced by a very strong theocracy element. The king is assisted in his dealings by a powerful priesthood, that of the Goddess Jenarra (more information in the religion section).

  Ivenia’s capital city is in Rose Noire, near Calais, France. Originally, their capital was in Eternelle, but the former capital was destroyed during the war. The new citadel was named in honor of Eternelle—also known as Rose Blanc.

  Rose Noire is the home of the royal family, and is largely isolated from the rest of the world. Other than the palace, the citadel also boasts the most important temple of Jenarra, home of the Ivenian High Priestess.

  The former capital, Eternelle, is currently a temple dedicated to Jenarra and honoring the warriors fallen that day.

  International relations

  Fae have a close connection to sprites, a species which is considered related to Ivenia. They share a common belief in Jenarra. In spite of Rose Noire being considered off-limits for most foreigners, sprite nobles are sometimes welcomed there.

  During past centuries, relations with the shifter world have grown distant. However, fae have agents and informants all over the world who keep them posted with regard to developments on that front.

  Religion

  As mentioned before, the Ivenian priesthood is very powerful and has direct influence over the leadership of the country. The leader of the priesthood, the High Priestess of Jenarra, has the king’s ear and often acts as his advisor.

  All of Jenarra’s clerics are female and take vows of chastity. The inner cloisters of Jenarran temples are forbidden zones for all males—with few notable exceptions, such as the Ivenian king.

  The High Priestess of Jenarra is notorious as being the most powerful fae. Other than the abilities mentioned above, she receives strong visions, both of the present and of the future, which she can interpret for valued information on the progress of Ivenian policies.

  In spite of her high authority and power, the High Priestess’s mobility is actually very limited, in that she is officially forbidden to leave the Jenarran Temple in Rose Noire. This rule stems from the original destruction of Eternelle, as the fae wish to avoid stretching their forces thin again and becoming vulnerable to outside attack.

  The High Priestess is also bound to chastity. However, the interpretation of her visions can lead to certain norms of the priesthood being broken, including those particular vows.

  Marriage vows and mate bonds

  Like shape-shifters, fae believe in true mates, with whom they bond so closely that they share telepathic connections. For them, official marital rites are very important, and usually a prerequisite for this mind link. These rituals summon the presence of Jenarra and usually take place in Jenarran temples. When this is not possible, the goddess’s presence is depicted through the construction of a pool of water as a representation of her life-giving and soothing abilities. During the ceremony, the two swear devotion to each other and exchange rings symbolizing their union. Official marriage rites also include specific garments the couple has to wear, some of which are very uncomfortable and cannot be taken off until the ending of the ceremony.

  In the past, due to the strong respect for females in the Ivenian culture, gay relationships were frowned upon, although lesbian relationships were more accepted. At present, this is no longer the case and same-sex couples are no longer discriminated against.

  Reproduction

  Fae conceive through regular intercourse and give birth to live children. It is also important to note that a fae’s magic directly influences his or her fertility or virility and makes him or her more likely to create offspring. This is one of the reasons why fae reproduction isn’t directly dependent on gender, and males can give birth as well.

  Fae characters in Chronicles of the Shifter Directive

  ANCESTORS

  King Amarion Myrthylar. Secondary character. Fae sovereign in the fourteenth century, during the times of the Black Death.

  Prince Talrasar Myrthylar. Main character. Amarion’s son and leader of fae armies during the war against werewolves and vampires, he was one of the warriors who sacrificed themselves for the good of mankind. He had very strong fae magic, as well as warrior training in sword fight. Physical description: long white-blond hair, silver eyes. Medium height, athlet
ic build. He has a blue gem in the center of his forehead that glows when he uses healing magic.

  Nathein Myrthylar. Absent character. King Amarion’s bastard son and only heir after Talrasar’s death.

  PRESENT DAY

  King Selbrian Norrenddare. Secondary character. The current fae sovereign.

  Queen Onyerre Norrenddare. Secondary character. Selbrian’s official mate and the mother of three of his children.

  High Priestess Eanera Myrthylar. Secondary character. Current leader of the Jenarran priesthood, she is possibly the fae with the strongest magical abilities. She boasts strong healing powers, as well as being the recipient of visions from Jenarra. In spite of taking vows of chastity, she conceived a son with the king upon a vision from the goddess.

  Prince Darian Norrenddare. Secondary character. Selbrian and Onyerre’s first son and heir apparent of Ivenia.

  Prince Misael Norrenddare. Secondary character. Second son of Selbrian and Onyerre.

  Princess Charlize Norrenddare. Secondary character. Selbrian and Onyerre’s daughter.

  Prince Sareltae Norrenddare Myrthylar. Main character. Youngest son of King Selbrian, born to the High Priestess, he is technically speaking a bastard. However, due to his generally kind nature and his closeness to the High Priestess, he is well liked and accepted as a member of the royal family. Physical description: Long, white-blond hair, silver eyes. Medium height, slender build. He has a blue gem in middle of his forehead that glows when he uses his healing powers.

  Raul Gomez. Secondary character. A fae of Hispanic descent who acts as Eanera’s agent in the United States.

  Sprites

  Together with the fae, the sprites contributed greatly in the battle against werewolves and vampires. They were often the target of abuse from enemy forces. Nevertheless, they recovered easier from the war than the fae.

  Characteristics

  The magic of sprites is unique in that it focuses on powers of illusion. Particularly powerful sprites can maintain facades of entirely different people or mute the sound of their own breaths and heartbeats. This also allows them to have homes in human cities, instead of building a city of their own.

  Additionally, sprites can have abilities of limited telekinesis, although this mostly manifests when they meet their mates.

  Organization

  The sprite nation goes by the name of Elusia. Elusia is a kritarchy, that is, a political system ruled by a group of Krites—or High Judges. The High Judges are considered the ultimate sprite authority, and are said to follow absolute systems of justice.

  Because of this position, High Judges are forbidden from having families and offspring. This rule is based on the idea that they need to be objective in all things, and a family would keep them from such a task. However, it isn’t an actual law, so, on occasion, some High Judges have children out of wedlock.

  Due to the structure of the Elusian nation, sprites have no real princes like other species. The children of the Great Krites, when they exist, are kept secret and do not occupy formal positions. Instead, the Elusian noble families and their offspring follow in the Elusian hierarchy.

  Additionally, as mentioned above, Elusia doesn’t have a capital city of its own. Instead, sprites mingle with humans and live in their settlements.

  International relations

  Sprites are one of the few magical species that maintain a delicate balance between their roots as magical creatures and their cooperation with shape-shifters. They are very close to their sister nation, Ivenia, but at the same time, keep contact with the draechen. Certain sprite noble families often receive privileges from the Draechenburg leaders. They also communicate with members of the third caste, although this relationship is more unofficial than anything else.

  Religion, marriage rituals, and mate bonds

  Sprites also believe in the female deity Jenarra, to whom they dedicate their marital vows. Usually, the official ceremony focuses on elaborate garments, hairstyles, and makeup, more so than even for the fae. To be more specific, even on a regular basis, sprites use garments inspired from Oriental culture and makeup with kohl elements.

  Like shifters, sprites have a telepathic connection to their true mates, which is usually fulfilled through magically bonding once the two partners are married. As a rule, they deeply value the mate bond. However, as of late, it is not unusual for sprites to have arranged marriages. Due to the structure of Elusian society, sprite social classes tend to be very fixed, and noble families seek an increase in power by marrying their offspring into advantageous positions.

  Reproduction

  Sprites reproduce through regular coitus and give birth to live young. Due to the connection of this species to that of the fae, sprite males can also conceive.

  This ability makes both sprites and fae very popular as potential mates outside their own species, especially since they are not bound by the Directive.

  Sprite characters in Chronicles of the Shifter Directive

  ANCESTORS

  Tara Connoriel. Episodic character. Soldier in the sprite armies in the fourteenth century.

  PRESENT DAY

  Caelyn Sutharlainn. Main Character. As the son of one of the most important sprite families, his rank is very close to what other species would call a prince. Physical description: Long blond hair, blue eyes, slender build, medium height.

  Padraig Sutharlainn. Secondary character. Caelyn’s father and patriarch of the Sutharlainn family.

  Britanni Sutharlainn. Secondary character. Caelyn’s mother and Padraig’s mate.

  Cormac Sutharlainn. Episodic character. Caelyn’s brother.

  Iasan Sutharlainn. Secondary character. Caelyn’s brother.

  Deidre Sutharlainn. Episodic character. Caelyn’s sister.

  Ferradul Cyraltin. Secondary character. One of the Elusian Great Krites, he is among the most powerful sprites in the world.

  Jazara Banniear and Ithual Alleantin. Episodic characters. Two other Great Krites.

  Alwyn Cyraltin. Main character. The bastard son of Great Krite Ferradul Cyraltin, who has largely been kept away from the world. Physical description: Long, black hair and black eyes. Slender build and is of medium height.

  The Benandanti

  The benandanti are a unique species of sprite-werewolf hybrids who originate from the fourteenth century Tara Connoriel. At that time, Tara was sexually abused by a pack of feral werewolves and, as a result, fell pregnant. In spite of the desires of her own kind, Tara had two children, a boy and a girl, and lovingly raised them.

  Tara Connoriel’s two offspring had different abilities. The boy was more inclined toward magic with some limited shape-shifting abilities, while the girl inherited more werewolf abilities and less magic.

  Eventually, the boy went on to become the first benandanti. Self-appointed guardians of the paranormal world, the benandanti live in the guise of normal humans, but are actually warriors through and through. They also regularly do a great deal of research on methods to keep the top shifter castes from gaining too much power.

  Unlike other species, benandanti don’t have any specific rituals or manners of dress. They respect the customs of their ancestors, but have more or less grown accustomed to a more human outlook on life.

  Benandanti characters

  James Connors. Secondary character. Patriarch of the Connors family, he is very dedicated to the memory of Tara Connoriel.

  Elizabeth Connors. Secondary character. James’s wife and matriarch of the Connors family.

  Mark Connors. Episodic character. James’s brother. Despite no longer being very young, the three still participate in operations against paranormal creatures who run amok.

  Raleigh Connors. Secondary character. James and Elizabeth’s adopted son. He isn’t actually a benandanti, but has been accepted in the family nonetheless.

  Caroline Connors. Secondary character. Mark’s daughter.

  Note: Tara Connoriel’s daughter went on to be the ancestor of the Lovington line of were
wolves.

  Elves

  Among the magical species, elves are unique in that they don’t actually have magical powers. They are, however, the longest-lived creatures in the world, being unable to die from old age. The only species comparable in life span is that of the draechen. Fae and sprites can reach advanced years, but nothing like the elves.

  Other than their long lives, elves have very keen senses. They are strong, agile, and well versed in warfare. Their weapons of choice are usually bows or crossbows, which they have perfected with the help of modern technology.

  Elves are ruled by a king and, in general, don’t get involved too much in international politics. Acknowledging the draechen’s power, they remain a neutral party, not wanting to get involved in any sort of conflict.

  Elf characters in Chronicles of the Shifter Directive

  King Shaw’nyel Murdokain. Episodic character. Reigning sovereign of the elves.

  Prince Jud’Enealh Murdokain. Secondary character. As Shaw’nyel’s son, he previously benefited from a very preeminent position amongst the elves, which he later abandoned due to his disapproval of elven foreign policies. He currently lives amongst human, as Jude Murdock, and is a good friend of fae Raul Gomez.