| Valerian | |
| Fictional Character | |
| "Traditions" Fantasy | |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | Duchy of Strymon |
| Cause of Death: | Killed by a vampire |
| Occupation: | Scholar |
Valerian was a scholar who was visiting the court of Sirmion in the Duchy of Strymon when Count Constans of Sirmion became the latest count to be killed by a vampire. Valerian was actually present when Constans remains were found in the garderobe, but it was the drunken baron of Rashka who kicked in the door. While Valerian had expressed that the discovery was unfortunate, Rashka merely said "Scratch another one!".[1]
When Constans' son Manes vowed to hunt and destroy the vampire, Valerian offered to accompany him, in order to get a new tome out of the quest. Although Manes permitted Valerian's company, he never fully warmed to the verbose scholar and ignored his advice.[2] The two proved successful in ruining all of the vampire's hiding places and forcing it to sleep in the ground during the day.[3]
When the full moon finally rose one night, it was in eclipse. While Manes asserted that this was a good portent, Valerian disagreed, saying that it was a bad sign, and trying warn Manes that in two weeks' time, there would be a solar eclipse. Manes cut him off in mid-explanation. However, two weeks later, Valerian explained his concerns to the hunters, who understood his points well enough that their chief refused to let his men join the hunt that day.[4] Angered, as it was daylight and the vampire was no threat, Manes stalked off on the hunt, dragging Valerian with him.[5]
As they penetrated deeper into the woods, Manes realized he saw a black cape in a clearing. As they approached, the sun was eclipsed by the moon, and the sky went black as night, just as Valerian had tried to explain to Manes. The vampire arose, safe from the sun, and killed them.[6]
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