If you're ever passing through the Dread Mountains on your way to the splendiferous halls of Chorcadia you'd be forgiven for missing Kurzdak. It's a small unassuming hamlet straddling the border between Archduke Konrad's domain and the Shadowlands. The houses are ramshackle and the stores dilapidated, the streets unpaved and muddy under the near constant drizzle, but there's something charming about this place.

The gaunt sunken eyes of its inhabitants may scream despair and desperation, but I see a glimmer of hope. For this is no ordinary town, it is the home to none other than chef, sommelier, restaurateur, and chief editor of Veinity Magazine, Count Ghouldan Rahm-Cies. And with Kurzdak being the latest addition to the Blight-Lands Necro-Empire it is customary for it to host the next Blood Wine Exhibition.

An honored tradition amongst the ruling class' most refined Hemo-Sommeliers, the conclave only convenes every 101 years. And with the 2089th Onocentennial Blood Wine Competition looming it falls upon Count Ghouldan Rahm-cies to represent for his birthplace. "Of course I'm nervous, but more so for my competitors, they are on uneven footing. Not only because of my unique heritage, but also my uncanny affinity for the art." The Count boasted when asked about his chances of securing the title.

Though what you may not know about Blood Wines' brightest star is his humble beginnings. Perhaps you may have been fooled by his prodigious palate, but he is not a full-blooded vampire. For the first time in this events noble genesis the host will not be of royale descent. The Count was born of human parents in Kurzdak nearly 60,850 years ago making him a quarter as old as the competition and a relative infant compared to the longest lived counts. "I've never considered my heritage a disservice, in fact I believe it to be a strength. All the pureblood tasters have only ever had blood grace their senses. I on the other hand have a world of experience from consuming  foodstuffs in my first childhood. In that sense, I'm the only one with an objective palate." explained Rahm-Cies when inquired about his ancestry controversy.

Compound the pressure from being a genius and an outsider in every sense of the word and you've got a taste refined for battle. And as if there wasn't enough explosiveness about this event they are introducing a new vintage category. For the first time in history blended Blood Wines will be allowed to be considered for judging. This marks a monumental shift in the vintage category, greater even than the Tribunal's Folley at the 159th onocentenial competition. Ghouldan scoffed when read his contemporaries opinions on the matter saying "They [the counts] would eliminate all but Blood Wine from the First Council, what then would we have to drink? It is foolish to not see the future of it [blood wine]. They are like mute bats, I would see this art elevated and expanded."

Regardless of the tumultuous politics surrounding the competition there will only be one awarded the Crimson Crucible. Who will be crowned the Hemo-Sommelier of this brave new competitive tasting landscape. Journey to Kurzdak on the second hags-moon of the year to slake your thirst for the thrill of competition and a once-in-a-lifetime event (for you).

-Ebenezhra Moonglen, Editor in Chief of Blood Wine Monthly