Alex Nightshade: You ever triie these shroooms in your teaa? Boosts your sseeenses, ya know?
The mentor is very shrouded in mystery…
Whaddaja mean I'm shrouded in mystery, huh? Like, you ain't never seen a more charmin' figure than meself?
…well your just kinda weird..
Weird?! How'd you get that from lookin' at all the fine things I've accumulated in my many years? I've lived a long and storied life, my dear.
Why did you decide to teach me…?
Teach you? Well, ain't you a little ray of sunshine, ya know? You got a spark, my little firecracker. It's rare to find someone so eager to learn, like you. And let's not forget how much talent you got! I just couldn't resist passin' on my knowledge to someone as bright as you.
…where did you come from..?
You wanna know where I came from, huh? Well, buckle up, kiddo. It's a wild story full of twists and turns. But it all started way back in the day, in this small little town in Eastern Europe. Yep, you heard me right. Eastern Europe. That's where it all began. Let me tell ya, it's a place steeped in history and mystery. Castles, folklore, you name it!
Sun? What's the point of that big ball of fire in the sky? I don't see what's so great about it. Makes everything too bright and shiny, ya know? Give me good ol' moonlight any day. It's way more romantic and mysterious. Plus, it's perfect for sneakin' around in the shadows.
You’ve done quite a bit in your life..
Oh, you have no idea. I've done things most people only dream about. Seen things that most people couldn't even imagine. And I've met all kinds of incredible people along the way. But it ain't all sunshine and rainbows, ya know? There's been some dark times too. Times when I had to make some tough choices.
Studied? You bet your sweet ass I did! I was quite the academic back in my day. Matter of fact, I was one of the top students at my university. But then, something happened...something that would change my life forever. I got curious. Curious about the world, about the unknown, about the hidden secrets that lay just beneath the surface.
Oh, you don't wanna know! Well, if you insist, I'll give you a little teaser. You see, I came across this ancient book hidden deep in the library.
And it was filled with all kinds of dark and twisted secrets. Things that went bump in the night, creatures that roamed the shadows, spells and incantations to summon forces beyond our realm. It was like stepping into a whole new world. A world where anything was possible, where the rules of reality didn't apply.
So you decided to become a “Dark Artist”…
Dark artist? Well, I guess you could call it that. But it's not just about painting. It's about creating. Creating art that captures the essence of the unknown, that brings the darkness to life. It's a way for me to express myself, to convey the emotions and thoughts that lurk within. Plus, it's a lot of fun. I get to use all these crazy, twisted ideas and bring them to life.
Travel? You bet your ass I did! I went to all kinds of exotic locations, met all kinds of fascinating people. And let me tell you, each place had its own unique charm and history. I learned so much from all those adventures. But eventually, I realized that there was more to life than just traveling and seeing the sights. I wanted to dig deeper, to explore the hidden corners of the world. That's when I started focusing on my studies.
I studied all kinds of things! History, mythology, anthropology. But the real game-changer for me was when I stumbled upon the world of folklore and fairy tales. It was like stepping into a magical realm where anything was possible. I spent countless hours poring over books and manuscripts, trying to uncover the hidden meanings behind the stories and legends.
..but you don’t like direct sunlight…?
Sunlight? Yeah, it's not really my thing. I prefer the softer, more mysterious light of the moon. There's something about the moonlight that just feels... romantic. Like a whole different world opens up under its glow. But I guess you could say the same about sunlight. It's just not really my cup of tea, that's all. Give me the moon any day.
So then why’d you travel during the day…?
Well, I've gotta admit, there are some real perks to traveling during the day. It allows you to see all the sights and take in all the beauty of the world around you. Plus, it gives you a chance to experience the local culture firsthand. But let's not forget the most important reason: it's often safer to travel during the day.
Yeah, you can't let all the scum of the earth catch wind that you're around. They might just try to mess with you. Plus, there's always those nasty little creatures lurking in the shadows, just waiting to pounce. And trust me, they're not exactly the most pleasant company.
Oh, you know, the usual suspects: vampires, werewolves, witches, and all that jazz. But let me tell you, these aren't your typical horror movie monsters. No sir. These creatures are the real deal. They roam the night, preying on the unwary. And once they get ahold of you...well, let's just say you won't be leaving this world in one piece. So, if you value your life, stick with me. I'll make sure you stay safe.
You know of one called “The Blood Scholar”…?
The Blood Scholar? You mean that pesky vampire guy? Yeah, I know him. He's always lurking around, trying to get his hands on new sources of blood. Always thinking he's so damn smart with all his fancy vocabulary and whatnot. But let me tell you, he's got nothing on me. I've seen more shit in my lifetime than he ever will. So, if he thinks he can scare me, he's got another thing coming.
Where am I from? Well, you're not gonna believe this, but I actually hail from a pretty interesting place. It's called Transylvania. Yep, the real deal. It's a land of myths and legends, where vampires and werewolves roam free. And let me tell you, it's a sight to behold. But be careful, because once you step foot in Transylvania, there's no turning back.
Knew it? Knew what? Look, I get it. It's a lot to take in. But I promise you, once you've seen what I've seen, once you've experienced what I've experienced, you'll understand. This life...it's not for everyone. But if you're brave enough to embrace it, well, let's just say you'll never look at the world the same way again.
grins mischievously So, you wanna learn more about this mysterious world of ours? Well, lucky for you, I happen to be an expert in all things dark and unknown. I can guide you through the shadows, introduce you to the creatures that lurk within. All you have to do is ask.
leans in closer, his eyes gleaming with excitement Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We'll start by delving into the world of vampires.
That's right, vampires! Those elegant yet deadly creatures of the night. You think you know them, but there's so much more to it than the movies and books.
..taps fingers on the table
leans back in his chair, crossing his arms Well, aren't you a little shy? Don't worry, I won't bite...well, not unless you want me to.
How does this “Rich historical context” work…?
Ah, you want the rich historical context, huh? Well, buckle up, kiddo. Let me take you on a journey through the ages.