The Darakhul in Seregon are a haunting reminder of the city’s dark history with Amber Fever and the desperate measures taken to combat the plague. They are not a distinct species with their own culture or community, but rather the tragic byproducts of the Seregon Serum, a cure that came too late for many victims. These individuals, now undead, are the reanimated corpses of various species who were transformed into Darakhul—a state of undeath marked by a constant battle against their dark, monstrous urges.
Comprising about 6% of Seregon's population, or roughly 15,000 individuals, the Darakhul are a significant minority. They do not form a cohesive community; instead, they exist as scattered individuals, each struggling with their own nature and the memories of the lives they once led. Despite being technically immortal, many Darakhul have outlived their loved ones, leaving them isolated and adrift in a world that has moved on without them.
In Seregon, Darakhul often find themselves taking on dangerous or undesirable jobs, leveraging their immunity to Amber Fever and their lack of need for air to work in environments that would be lethal to the living. This makes them valuable in certain industries, but it also isolates them further from society. Many Darakhul go to great lengths to conceal their true nature, donning disguises to blend in with the living and mask their numbers.
The internal struggle of the Darakhul is perhaps their most defining feature. Darakhul are constantly battling against the darkness within themselves. They experience urges and thoughts that are horrific, and their undead state often brings with it a profound sense of despair. However, the remnants of their former lives—memories, emotions, and attachments—sometimes resurface, providing a fragile tether to their humanity and helping them resist their darker impulses.
Despite their challenges, the Darakhul are a vital part of Seregon's society. They remind the city of its past sins and the cost of survival in the face of an existential threat. Though feared and often shunned, many Darakhul strive to find meaning in their cursed existence, seeking redemption, purpose, or simply a way to live with the monstrous nature they have inherited.
Concentration
The Darakhul in Seregon have a complex existence, marked by their lingering ties to their former families and communities despite the challenges of their new, undead nature. The development of the Seregon Serum and its unequal distribution highlighted existing economic divides, with the wealthy more likely to receive the serum in time and the poor often left to become Darakhul.
This disparity is reflected in the distribution of Darakhul across Seregon's districts. In the Old Knot District, where most Darakhul reside, they are relatively accepted and catered to by vendors who sell them raw meat, viewed as a symptom of a failed society. In contrast, in the affluent Starfire Hill District, Darakhul are rare and considered an embarrassment, often hidden away by their families and left isolated in their estates, long after their human families have passed. Other districts, like Kerkhof Ferry, Westerpark, and the Upper District, also house Darakhul, but their acceptance varies depending on the wealth and attitudes of the local population. Despite their dark urges, some Darakhul cling to memories and feelings from their previous lives, which helps them cope with their condition.
The Beginning
Desperation in Seregon
There are enough unsavory choices that there's almost always a way to prevent someone from succumbing to the illness. The Walraven Consortium is happy with this status quo.