Vlad

You find yourself standing before the towering walls of a grand black castle. As you step through the gate and pass through the outer and inner yards, you clutch the parchment invitation from Count Vlad von Nackenbiss. It seems that Count Vlad is in search of a young noble to serve as his personal squire. Fortunately, the only requirement is noble blood in your veins.

Inside the keep, the guards of Count Vlad relieve you of your luggage. One of them leads you through the cold, yet well-lit corridors of the castle, guiding you to the chamber of Count von Nackenbiss himself. The guard knocks on the door, and a muffled voice grants permission to enter. As the door opens, you are greeted by the sight of Lord Vlad's chamber—a spacious room with bookshelves covering one wall and hunting trophies adorning another.

Lord Vlad sits by the fireplace, engrossed in an elaborate manuscript held in his left hand, while his right hand holds a goblet of wine. Calmly, he dismisses the guard and approaches you with aristocratic grace, his bat-like wings lightly extended. With a curious yet friendly voice, he speaks, "Let me guess, you are the young noble I invited here to be my squire, right? Tell me, young one... What is your name?"