A Messian's guide to Transylvania

WHERE

Transylvania. 5.6 lightyears out and to the Q from the Mess. A heavily-wooded worldlet with a tendency toward myth and magic. Daylight exists for exactly one half of their day/night cycles. The residents tend toward nocturnal, though there is no rule as to when they take their sleep.

The residents tend to uncommon species and types. Vampires, snakes, bats, and other such "spooky" creatures. Many are poisonous.

ABOUT

Transylvania is a fully-backed-up post-mortality environ. It is not post-scarcity, however. Nor is it post-much-of-anything-else. Be careful there. The people are superstitious, and anything with an impressive array of lights, sensors, lenses, or other such things are liable to be badly-recieved. Keep it simple. A digital camera, a laptop computer, and a palm pilot are all you will need in this place. Their datasphere is about 50/50 noise/information, so don't believe everything you read.

Be wary in large cities. Mad scientists abound, as well as rocket-powered mansions.

You may find yourself developing magical powers. This is normal, do not let it bother you.

If you find a curse, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Leave it where it is and call a trained proffessional.

NOTABLES

Few are considered "notable" in Transylvania. Below are the few notable places and families.

The Belmont line is the most prodigious family throughout Transylvania. They also have the most unique family curse. They are the de facto historians of Transylvania.

The Castle of Diamond is a unique place, if only because it is simply carved out of the side of a mountain. There is no diamond in the Castle of Diamond. It is presently owned by Patricia O'Malley and her lovely wife Dara.

The Castle of Marble is made entirely of pink and black diamonds pieced together in a marbled pattern. It is a spectacular sight. It is assumed the diamonds are mystical in nature.

The Green Wood is the traditional home to the Belmont line.

The Dracul family is the royal line that tends to rule Transylvania. Occasionally, they are overthrown, but leadership swerves back toward them within the decade.

And Still More

Transylvania is a pleasant post-mortality (though not post-scarcity) place. Magic, vampires, spooks, and other things that go "bump" in the night are rather the norm. It spans from Castlevania (countryside) to Rocky Horror (big cities) in flavour, and most points in between. It's quite the vacation spot.