Guide

Welcome to the world of the Crimson Accord.

Before you step into Nathaniel and Margot’s story, I want to give you a glimpse behind the curtain. Their world is layered with centuries of history, intricate politics, and old secrets that shape every choice they make.

This chapter is here as your guide, so when unfamiliar terms or traditions appear, you can navigate them with ease and immerse yourself fully in the intrigue, danger, and desire that drive this tale. You’ll also find a quick reference to the Founding Ten families, including where they are based and the business they control, so you can keep track of the many characters and houses for an easier reading experience.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Now… let’s begin!

Glossary:

The Crimson Accord: The 200 year old treaty that binds the five vampire houses and five elite human dynasties. Every 25 years an arranged marriage between one vampire and one human house takes place during The Crimson Ball at Tencrest Manor. The accord stopped the vampire and human war. These marriages are to produce a Crimsonborn.

The Eternal Order: A name to describe the ruling body of the vampires consisting of five founding families.

The Founding Ten: A name to describe the ten families, five vampire houses and five human dynasties.

The Eternal Court: The judicial and ceremonial body who meets during the Crimson Ball at Tencrest Manor each year formally. The five members are voted in, one from each vampiric household. They enforce the Accord, govern over the vampire population, and are responsible for the Registry.

The Elite Humans: Or just Elites. This is another name for the human half of the Founding Ten.

The Binding: A rare and ancient magic effect triggered by the ceremonial blood toast during an Accord marriage. It increases attraction and lowers emotional boundaries between the couple. It was created to increase the likelihood of a Crimsonborn being produced.

The Crimsonborn: A child born from a sanctioned Accord marriage. Half human, half vampire. Children outside of Accord marriages are impossible. Without these children, the Accord will collapse. They age slowly and have the option to turn after the age of 18.

The Crimson Registry: A registry of donors consisting of elite humans who offer their blood for favors of the Eternal Order. It is considered scandalous for prominent family members to enroll but lesser relatives often do.

Tencrest Manor: A large estate located in Charleston, SC. The Founding Ten meet once a year for the Crimson Ball. The Eternal Court often meets during this time as well as Accord marriages. While considered neutral ground, the current king lives here full-time.

The Crimson Ball: An annual and invitation only month long event. Five members from each of the Founding Ten families stay for a month and engage in business deals, Accord marriages, and Eternal Court proceedings.

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The Founding Ten Families:

Vampire Houses-

House Blackwell: Based in Charleston, South Carolina. Oversees finance and wealth management for the Accord.

House Vortova: Based in Anchorage, Alaska. Controls the private military that enforces the Accord.

House Caerwyn: Based in Vermont. Experts in vampire lore and the Binding.

House Moreau: Based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Controls the Registry and oversees the blood clubs that host Registry donors.

House Slavius: Based in San Francisco, California. Keepers of the archives and preservation of the Crimsonborns.

Human Dynasties-

Astor: Based in Manhattan, New York. Masters of high value real estate.

Chen: Based in San Francisco, California. Leaders of the technology industry.

Deveraux: Based in Miami, Florida. Owners of luxury hotels.

Harlow: Based in Detroit, Michigan. Expert in transportation.

Rossi: Based in Chicago, Illinois. Influential in medicine.