THE SOLACE OF REASON

The Solace of Reason is an ancient monastery, dating back to the days of the first meditative hermits of Egypt. When the apprentices of Mark Apostle decided to take to the desert and reach illumination by contemplative exile, they were followed by a group of Capadocian ascetics with similar intent. These undead searched the dry vastness for years before settling down in a secluded chasm, under the deep shadows of ominous mounts. There they remained, hidden in silence for centuries, until one of them emerged from exile. She spoke of wonders and miracles amidst the distant sands, insisting she had found, along with her brethren, the most sacred of places, where temperance was the rule of a man’s heart and the beast was under sway. Allegedly, the chasm they had found was alive with the howl of the winds, and the groans they produced were able to convey distinct emotions according to the place one occupied within the perilous stretches of land between the rocks. One such spot allowed them to pacify the Beast, leading to an easier way of meditation and therefore to a shortcut to Golconda. So calming were the fresh waves that reached the chasm that all her companions had given into a sweet and long slumber. Only her had awakened, deciding to spread the word and bring others to such holy place of peace and enlightenment.

Soon many decided to follow her back. Centuries would pass once more before anything was heard from them once more. Again, she returned alone, claiming their newfound companions joined the others in rest and promising they would wake up once again In due time. As soon as she decided to put together a new party to return to the chasm, a group of vampires sworn under the local Justicar decided to take action and investigate the place. Together, they convinced her they were seekers of Golconda. Twelve attempted to earn her trust.

Only five succeeded. As they followed her into the desert, apprehension fell upon all of the sworn.

Ages passed by as those who stayed behind tried to discover their destination. Unsuccessful, they never resigned, keeping their hopes up and patrolling the desert throughout hundreds of years.

Now, their faith and loyalty is to be finally rewarded. If the rumors are true, three elders appeared in the horizon and entered Cairo, speaking once more of salvation through the path to Golconda…