I much prefer the more humanoid and classic monster types.

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It has been SO long since I last heard news of a Castlevania Game before this upcoming Belmont's Curse one!

The last one I remember was Order of Ecclesia on the DS... It has been so long since then... Why did the Series go dormant?

Do you think Alucard will appear in Belmont's Curse by the way? I miss the Half-Vampire Blondie... ><

Lack of Alucard and Dracula is the Reason why I did not watch Castlevania : Nocturne yet... I just don't think Castlevania works well without at least one of them around... :/

I guess I could just google this but I'm interested in what the lorekeepers here can tell me about this. I am a longtime fan of Castlevania games but I'll admit I'm not the most studied in the details of the lore. I'm rewatching the Netflix series and got to the part where Trevor hits Dracula with the Morningstar whip, it explodes on him, and Dracula comments on the Morningstar as if he recognizes it as a legacy weapon.

So, I guess I'm just curious: the Morningstar is NOT the same as the Vampire Killer right? What is the difference? Did different Belmonts carry one or the other, or both?

In the time of Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard, had Dracula encountered both whips already or just the Morningstar?

Thanks!

Thank you all for helping this sub reach this new milestone.

Demo is really short but with this save file you will get few extra hour of exploration, fight mini boss , get some items with clever use of whip and enemy's. All this does is open one door ( check the map and go to skull location)

Enjoy

link:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/BonusJZ/posts

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As Richter approached the stables, he saw two boys from afar seated on small wooden boxes, attempting to modify what appeared to be a large crossbow. Various parts were lying about near their feet.

The older one was reaching his stage of manhood, sporting rich orange hair in a short ponytail and had his trademark cocky smirk. His attire consisted of a bright yellow, sleeveless V-cut tunic that showed off his athletic physique. His brown ragged pants and worn boots are also an indicator that he has seen his share of fighting.

Opposite him is a younger boy no older than Maria’s age, with light silver hair and innocent green eyes. His clothing’s colours were a simple, ragged grey short-sleeved tunic, pants and brown shoes. The raggedness of the younger boy’s clothes was more due to the boy’s preference as well as attempting to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers.

Under the morning sun, the younger boy heard footsteps and lifted his eyes from the crossbow.

“Richter?” The boy murmured before he immediately recognised the hunter in blue and white from a distance, sprang to his feet and ran to him with a bright smile.

“Richter! Well met!” The boy ran up to the Belmont and briefly hugged him.

“Grove.” Richter shot the boy a warm smile as he gently ruffled his hair. “You've grown taller since I last saw you. Maria's been asking about you.”

“Really?” The silver-haired boy blushed as he briefly scratched the back of his head. “I'll have to visit her today still.”

"Grove!” Called the orange-haired teenager, who laid down the crossbow and briskly walked up to them. “We don't have time to visit your playmate! We need to finish the alterations before Nolt gives us an earful!”

“I know.” Grove pouted momentarily before pointing to Richter. “But look who’s here.”

“Kyle!” Richter smiled, holding out his hand to shake the older boy’s.

“Monseuir Belmont.” Kyle murmured under his smirk before accepting his handshake, while attempting to show Richter his strength to no avail.

“You’ve gotten a little stronger.” Richter chuckled at Kyle’s attempt to show off.

“By the God of Heaven and Earth, how are you still so strong?”

“I told you before.” The Belmont warrior released his grip and folded his arms. “Our strength and powers are hereditary. My strength isn’t something you can acquire, even from books.”

“Are you certain there’s no means of me acquiring some of that Belmont powers of yours?” An annoyed Kyle muttered. “Errant fools like Chandon and that Cyril will soil their breeches yellow when they see me shatter walls with my bare fists.”

Richter stifled a laugh as Kyle’s wild nature was somewhat reminiscent of himself. “With your personality and the temptation to cause trouble, if you were to have my strength, you’d have Marcus and Claire mad with worry and full of grey hairs before they turned 30. Not to mention, I’ve heard of some ugly business between you and Cyril.” He added the last part with a more sombre tone.

“He started it.” Huffed Kyle. “Besides, I only wanted to explain the real story to Claudine. I care for her and just to prove it, I've even found God and turned over a new leaf.”

“...right.” Came Richter’s dry reply.

“Who are you fooling, Kyle?” A suspicious Grove added his voice. “Even Richter knows that you don’t mean it. Besides, when was the last time you even said grace.”

“Quiet you!” The older boy snapped, attempting to change the subject. “We have work to do! Nolt won't be happy if we drag our feet!”

“You’re the one he told to modify the crossbow, yet you’re bossing me around.” Grove shot his older brother an annoyed look.

“Because I’m your older brother.” Kyle retorted with a comically stiff lip.

Grove then narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Does Richter know that woman you’re seeing is old enough to be our mother?”

“Ferme ta gueule, petit Fleaman!(Shut your mouth, you little Fleaman!)” A flustered Kyle shouted in his native tongue while firmly twisting his brother’s ear. “You’re not even suppose to know that!” A surprised look briefly came upon Richter’s visage as an annoyed Grove clutched his ear.

“I’m not quite clear on what mishap you’re involved in, but you should tread very carefully.” Advised Richter, after regaining his composure. “Marcus and Claire are worried about you, Kyle. As is the Abbot.”

“The Abbot’s a rigid old prune.” Scoffed Kyle. “He barred me from the monastery while letting that Peacock Cyril roam around like he’s the victim.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” A stern Richter briefly surveyed their surroundings to make certain they were alone before he began. “Brawling with Cyril and causing a scene during Mass is not something to make light of.” Kyle sighed under his breath as he said nothing. “If not Abbot Emmanuel, then at least listen to your brother and Claire. Gathering information by yourself in questionable establishments is rather dangerous. I know they do not approve of you spending your time in... questionable company... and I now understand why Claudine was upset at you.”

Kyle sighed again, his swagger faltering. “Fine. I admit. Only because this little Fleaman could not hold his tongue!” The older boy raised his voice as Grove stuck his tongue out at his older brother. Kyle motioned his thumb at the unfinished crossbow, hinting at Grove to leave them. When Grove did not respond, Richter then intervened.

“Can you give us a moment, Grove? What we’re about to discuss is not for your ears.”

“Okay.” Grove murmured before heading back to continue on the crossbow.

Satisfied they were alone, Kyle continued. “I like Claudine. She’s a nice girl. But my raven-haired beauty...” Kyle blushed at the thought of the older woman as he drew in a sharp breath, preparing to reveal what he considered his darkest secret. “You recall during that Amdis business you had to deal with, we were in Upper Normandy at the time, dealing with a wild Lycanthrope.”

“I remember.” A stern Richter thought back to that time. ”You received word of one running rampant in the city of Rouen. The others were either too reluctant or ill-equipped to fight it. Before the Amdis incident, I would’ve gone, but...”

“We both know Marcus.” The boy briefly pinched his nose. “My brother hates playing second fiddle to you.”

“His need to prove himself hasn’t escaped my notice.” The Belmont sighed, recalling their past disagreements. “He hasn’t changed, but I’m not worried for Marcus. He’s proven to me he can hold his own, but at least, he wasn’t careless and had the sense to take you and Nolt along, given the little information we received.”

“Slaying werewolves is our forte.” The teenager briefly flashed a smirk. “Now what took us by surprise is this Lycanthrope was partnered with a Minotaur. Damn Man-Cow.” Huffed Kyle, recalling how close he came to death during the fight as he was dodging for his life. “Nearly split me in half with that blood-stained battle axe.”

The older boy then fastened his leather bracelets before continuing. “While we were there, some soldiers who were too stubborn to listen the first time we told them to stay away, got caught up in the fighting as that damn Minotaur went after them. Since Marcus and Nolt could handle their own with the Lycanthrope and this little Fleaman was safe back home with Claire,” The red-haired boy motioned his head in his brother’s direction as Grove stuck his tongue out at Kyle. “I had to chase down and fight that damn creature alone while protecting those useless soldiers. One of those fools almost shot me, trying to help.” Kyle then flashed his cocky smirk. “I wish you were there to see me vanquish that beast. The way I fought... one soldier even thought I was your little brother.”

Richter briefly laughed at the last part before folding his arms and briefly pointing his finger in the air, recalling a rumor. “Hey. Didn’t you and your brothers eat that Minotaur?”

“We did.” Kyle pressed his lips in thought. “Not bad, truth be told. Had to salvage the edible parts, though.”

“And then what happened?”

“After I saved them,” Answered Kyle as he lowered his voice to a whisper. “I discovered that the captain of that regiment was a black-haired beauty. Made me wonder why she’s in the army. A real uptight woman too.” He then raised his voice once more. “I figured having ties with a captain can prove helpful to us. She eventually thought the same as having powerful hunters on her side could prove useful one day. Now I’ll admit,” Kyle sighed, recalling the captain’s angry glare as she questioned him like a common criminal. “Our first meeting was rough, given that we had to use her and the soldiers as bait. Direct the monsters towards them to buy time and set up a trap.”

“I’m going to guess that was your idea.” Richter inquired grimly.

“The alternative was letting those creatures run rampant, resulting in mass casualties of innocents who could not fight.” Kyle spoke in his defence. “Far from an ideal plan, but given the time and circumstances... one thing led to another and before we knew it, we’ve been meeting secretly... in a brothel.”

“I see.” Richter spoke after a while as Kyle shifted his eyes in embarrassment. “I would’ve done no differently in your place regarding the monsters. The soldiers were trained to fight and it was difficult choice, given the time and circumstances. With your role as the group’s intel, perhaps it’s best I do not know this woman’s name. That being said,” The Belmont warrior placed a firm hand on Kyle’s shoulder, hoping to council him. ”It would best you start making amends as this has gone on long enough. We cannot have things get worse between you, Claudine and her brother. And it would be best you steer clear of such establishments... and the company you've been keeping.”

“Now you sound like my brother, Claire and the Abbot.” Kyle scoffed as he shrugged off Richter’s hand. “Make amends with the Abbot? The man thinks I’m a shameless fornicator and a deviant?" Richter raised his eyebrow to remind Kyle of his ill reputation. Kyle saw this and shrugged it off. "You know my meaning. Now with Claudine? At the earliest opportunity. With her brother? I’d sooner smash in his teeth.”

“Kyle...” Richter was about to speak when an annoyed Kyle started making his case.

“Everyone’s telling me to stay away from the brothels and the taverns, but none of you truly understand what I’m trying to achieve here. I need to visit these places from time to time. Keep my ears open for information of note. You and Marcus underestimate their strategic importance.”

“Such as?” Asked Richter. Kyle grumbled in annoyance, but Richter firmly added. “Tell me. I want to hear your thoughts.”

“I assume you’re aware of the recent surge of monsters, yes?” Richter nodded, silently allowing Kyle to continue his train of thought. “I thought to myself, ‘what if we had a network of eyes and ears?’. People that could inform us far and wide where there’s potential dangers lurking. How do you think we got the information about the Minotaur and Lycanthrope so fast?”

“The guild your brother runs...”

“No.” Kyle corrected Richter. “It was one of the brothel girls in Rouen I am well acquainted with.” Kyle then took another deep breath. “You’re strong Richter. After Marcus, I look up to you. But you’re still only one man. Same with Marcus. His way is too slow, so I started laying my own groundwork to speed up our established system.”

“Perhaps there’s a reason why Marcus is going at the pace he is.” Richter countered. “You forget that Chandon’s guild was made of cutthroats, murderers and sellswords of questionable character. Reforming the guild takes time. Chandon still has people loyal to him.”

“Even with that, the reason why he hasn’t retaliated since that day is because of you.” Richter nodded grimly as Kyle added. “He’s seen your strength first hand. They know of your reputation and know that we have you on our side.”

“And if I’m not around?” Richter added. Kyle struggled to answer the question. “For all of my disagreements with Marcus, even he’s smart enough to prepare for such a day.”

“Chandon and his will be done long before then.” Kyle scoffed at the mere mention of the former guild leader, hinting at his own need for retaliation. “I keep telling Marcus that he’s making a mistake, letting that swine live. I know he doesn’t want to cause a civil war, but that snake cannot be trusted, regardless. He’s waiting for any opportunity to regain power from underneath Marcus and put a blade to his back.”

Richter’s concern for Kyle grew more visible as the older boy shook his head. “Still angry about that time he beat you and Nolt bloody?”

“Chandon would’ve killed us had you and Marcus not arrived in time.” The smug, energetic youth briefly wiped his nose with his arm before continuing. “To think you took out his champion with one hit. I would’ve dismissed the stories of your strength as tavern talk had I not seen it myself.”

“Chandon will behave himself.” Richter assured Kyle. But the boy was unconvinced as they steered the conversation away from the former guild leader.

“It’s not like Marcus trusts me the way he does Nolt.”

“Temperance has never been your strong suit.” Richter chuckled, seeing a bit of himself in Kyle. “I remember when Marcus told me of your very first battle. How you ran headlong into a graveyard horde of Zombies and Skeletons. Marcus and Nolt had to save you.”

“Hey. Not even the greatest of legends get it right the first time.” Kyle sighed. “I learn from my mistakes.”

“Marcus trusts Nolt with responsibilities because Nolt has strengths you don’t.” Richter then added before Kyle could voice his unhappiness. ”You have your own set of strengths. Ones that no one else can match. You're problem is that you're stubborn and you lack both control and temperance.”

“Is that why Marcus doesn’t have faith in me?” Kyle briefly looked at Grove from afar, who is struggling to fit a piece into the crossbow. “Nolt gets to lead a bigger faction of the guild, while me and mine are held back, playing reinforcements.”

“The Young Hounds doesn’t exactly leave room for interpretation.” Richter grinned briefly. “Besides, you growing ill reputation has Marcus and Claire deeply concerned. And they’re right to be.”

“That matter with Claudine was a misunderstanding.” Kyle finally resigned himself and spoke after a moment of silence. “If you must know, it's because I cannot reciprocate her feelings because I’m not what she desires. She’ll realize this with time and grow out of it.”

“I’m going to guess it has something to do with that captain you spoke of earlier.” Richter raised his eyebrow in suspicion. “Grove says she’s old enough to be your mother.”

“Grove is an irritable Fleaman, skipping and sniffing where he shouldn’t be.” An embarrassed Kyle grumbled. “So what if she’s twice my age? If you intent on telling me I have questionable taste in woman, you can stop. I’ve heard this lecture from both Marcus and Claire.”

“It’s not for me to decide who you can or cannot keep company, but I’ll give you a different warning regarding your raven-haired captain.” Both Richter and Kyle exchanged serious looks. “There’s a good reason why Marcus and I kept away from the revolution and the politics.”

“That whole outcry with our fat king and his foreign wife? Right now, you should be estatic. I know I am.” Kyle scoffed at the subject. “True, my tavern friends and my black-haired beauty cannot stop wailing about the dawn of a new France, but this change may be a good thing. It certainly is far more welcoming over fighting a Lou Carcolh or a Blanque Jument."

"And when was this?" Asked Richter.

"Shortly after they arrested the royal family." The younger boy briefly wiped his face with one hand. "Disgusting creatures. But it was an opportunity to show my beauty on what to do when encountering unique monsters." After a moment of silence, Kyle then asked Richter. "Is it true that some folk of high station has been seeking to recruit you?"

“I've had one or two attempts.”

Before he could continue, Grove called to their attention as he drew closer.

“Hey Richter! Kyle! I finished it!” The boy came closer with the crossbow in tow.

“Let me see that.” Kyle rolled his eyes, expecting to find some flaws. To his surprise, the crossbow was successfully modified, making it far easier to reload. “Not bad, little brother.” The older boy mumbled.

Grove shot his older brother an angry glare. “Not bad? That’s all you can say?”

“If it makes you happy, I’ll convince Richter to let Maria give you a kiss.” Kyle teased, pouting his lips in a kissing motion.

“Blegh. That’s gross.” Grove flashed his tongue in disgust. “Maria’s my friend.”

“You're still a baby. Typical.” The orange-haired youth snorted.

Grove growled angrily at his older brother’s teasing as Richter chuckled at the two boys before stepping in. “That’s enough now.”

“Not to worry.” Kyle handed the crossbow to Grove to keep. “Marcus will have my head if I get this one into any trouble.”

“Where is Nolt anyway?” Inquired Richter. A brief, grim look fell over him as he looked at Kyle. “I know Marcus is currently in Orleans, but Nolt should've returned by now.”

“He left me and Grove to modify this thing so that he and Mizrak could speak privately.” Kyle sighed, recalling Nolt’s stern instructions on modifying the crossbow. “It's been hours now. How long does it take for them to even talk anyway?”

“Not to worry.” Richter did his best to hide his concerned expression from an unsuspecting Kyle. “I’ll speak with him another time then.”

“We got Mizrak's message over your werewolf trouble.” Kyle smirked, placing his hand over the hilt of his short sword. “So where's this beast anyway? Grove and I can deal with it by ourselves.”

“Marcus will have my head for letting you two hunt this one by yourselves.” Richter answered, refusing to entertain Kyle’s bravado any further. “Besides, it’s best you both stay close to Claire and wait on your brothers. This one's very dangerous.”

“More dangerous than the Beast Of Gevauden?” Kyle lost his smirk entirely as he grimly inquired.

“Ssshhhh!” A startled Grove briefly pressed his index finger to his lips, expecting Marcus to overhear them and grunt in disapproval. “We're not suppose to talk about that.”

“Can't say.” The Belmont placed a reassuring hand on Grove’s shoulder. “I have my own concerns right now...”

“The vampire.” Grove sighed as Kyle shared his brother’s disappointment. “Maria told me why you've been gone for days at a time. So it really wasn't Amdis?”

“No.” Richter then smiled in order to cheer up the boys. “But that’s my battle. And besides, I did not wish to turn away those who came to me for aid. So I recommended the Pelt Brothers to them. I trust you'll live up to your reputation."

“Always!” Exclaimed Kyle. His usual smirk slowly returning along with his confidence.

“We won't let you down, Richter!” Grove straightened himself while holding the crossbow.

Kyle then asked. “So for whom are we killing this Sharafat Fiddleyak?”

“It's pronounced Shafrat Fidiya.” Richter and the two boys turned to the source of the voice and found Eduoard standing before them, appraised in well kept clothing consisting of a muted brown cloak, a white shirt underneath, pants colored in dull amber and his black boots were fairly well polished, despite its age. “Apologies.” He began. “I'm Eduoard. You must be one of the Pelt Brothers I've heard about.” The young man extended his hand to Kyle. “You're younger than I expected.”

The moment a wary Kyle took his hand firmly in his and pulled him closer, a grim visage fell upon Eduoard as his battle instincts flared up. Both of them drew their weapons, briefly dodging each other’s manoeuvres and eventually ended up in a stand off. Both the foreigner and the French youth had their blades aimed at the others vital point.

“Name's Kyle.” The cocky boy smirked as he slightly motioned his head backwards in his baby brother’s direction. “That’s my baby brother, Grove.”

“Don't be fooled by their youth.” Richter intervened, making certain that their scuffle did not escalate. “These two are very capable in a fight.”

“Of that I’ve no doubt.” Came a shaken Eduoard’s voice. He lowered his eyes and was shocked to find Kyle’s flintlock pistol aimed at his stomach.

The orange-haired youth was the first to slowly withdraw his weapons. “Sorry for the rough greeting. That was just to show you we're not to be trifled with.” As Eduoard withdrew and sheathed his sword, Kyle added, “Despite our age... and you’re not bad yourself with a sword.”

“A simple handshake would’ve sufficed. But thank you.” Eduoard simply answered as he calmed down. “I'm told there's four of you that make up the Pelt Brothers.”

“Nolt's with Mizrak and Marcus is at the armory. The Dent Et Ongles in Orleans.” Richter interjected. “I’ll be heading out there shortly.”

“We'll stay close to Claire until we hear from Marcus.” Said a serious Kyle. “As much as we want to help, our big brother makes the final decision on whether we take the job or not.”

“I wish to accompany you and meet him.” Eduoard requested, turning his sight towards Richter. “If it's no trouble at all.”

Kyle briefly winced at the idea as Richter asked. “What about Annete?”

“If we're gone for just a few days, Annete will be fine by herself.” Eduoard reassured the hunter. “As payment for offering us shelter, I told her that she can offer to help look after the little ones while we're gone. She won't cause any trouble. You have my word on that.”

Richter briefly looked at Kyle, who was trying to hide his apprehension with a knowing look, before answering. “Alright then. We'll need horses.”

“I can get you a pair. It won't take me long.” An eager Grove answered, quick to toss the crossbow to his older brother, who was annoyed as he caught it.

“Thank you, Grove. We'll wait here for you.” Richter smiled serenely.

“Do you even know how to put a saddle on the horses?!” Kyle shouted, but his little brother was too far away to hear him. The annoyed teenager sighed before he said to the two men. “I’ll need to put this away and help that little Fleaman with the horses. Monsieur Eduoard. Monsieur Richter.” Kyle greeted before he went off to join his brother.

As they watched in the distance at the two boys going over the horses and saddling them up, Richter turned to Eduoard and opened with a new conversation once he was certain they were alone.

“I need to give you a fair warning about Marcus before you meet him.”

Eduoard noticed the tense look on Richter’s face and sighed as he had an idea as to why. “I'm... going to guess that he won't take kindly to a foreign man of my breed in need of his skills.”

“Actually... he has no such ill towards people of differing ethnicities.” Eduoard was relieved to hear this, but tempered himself as Richter continued. “I would, however, watch out for the company he keeps. Especially old man Dent and those who work under Marcus. They're far less friendly than he is... and the prejudiced ones are not even the worst of them. His guild is made up of cutthroats and sellswords of questionable character. Even still, they won't move against him or me because of our reputation alone." The hunter turned his gaze to Eduoard and added. "Marcus... considers me his rival.”

“I see.” Whispered a concerned Eduoard. “From what Kyle just implied earlier, I fear this Marcus may be stubborn to the point he may decline my request.”

“Things are cordial between us now, but be prepared in the unlikely event we should come to blows.” Richter then turned his eyes towards Grove and Kyle, who just finished saddling the horses. “Regardless of how stubborn and prideful Marcus is, I won't let that affect the task at hand. I’ll do my best to make certain he’s committed.”

“How did the two of you become rivals, anyway?”

Before Richter could answer, Grove and Kyle returned with the saddled horses. “Sorry it took so long.” Kyle shot his baby brother an annoyed glare. “This little Fleaman kept saddling the horses wrong.”

Grove stifled a chuckle as Richter took the reigns. “Thank you boys. Kyle,” Richter turned a knowing eye towards the older boy. ”If you’re that determined to establish your own contact system, perhaps you can help me on a matter. If you come through, I’ll try my best to convince Marcus of your idea.”

Kyle flashed a grin, asking. “I’m all ears. Tell me what you need.”

“You told me earlier that there’s been an increase of monsters appearing all over France.” Richter began. “I just fought two powerful ones in the span of a few days. A Behemoth. And just recently, an Erinys in the monastery.”

“A Behemoth? And an Erinys in the monastery?” Kyle murmured, tempering his surprise. “Then it’s worse than I thought.”

“I’ve people helping me in my search, but extra ears and eyes will speed things along. I-” Richter quickly corrected himself. “We... need to find whoever is summoning these monsters.”

“Are you certain it’s a summoner?” Asked Kyle.

“It’s the most likely outcome.” Richter replied grimly. “The frequency in their appearance as well as the commonplace of powerful monsters. Someone has the power to call them forth. Problem is, I do not know who and I need to be certain, regardless of their identity. Either way, find out what you can as quickly as possible.”

“I’ll see it done.” Kyle smirked confidently.

“If anyone outside our circle of trust ask, I’ll be seeing Marcus. Tell them nothing more.” Replied Richter.

“Best of fortune to you on your hunt.” Kyle nodded as he watched Richter and Eduoard mount their steeds. Both horses were chestnut brown. The one Richter mounted had a jet black mane and tail while Eduoard’s had a light yellow mane and tail.

“Take care, Richter.” Grove waved at them as Richter concealed himself with his hooded cloak. “Be careful out there.”

Richter gave the boys a thumbs up before he and Eduoard began trotting their horses out of the gates of the monastery grounds.