2 questions (I haven't read the whole topic)
Did you come up with the Knights of the Cross, the Denarians/Lash, and the 3 distinct vampire courts with your initial overall story arc, or did you come up with them as you fleshed out the individual books?
Also, is it possible for a mortal to utilize hellfire/soulfire without demonic/holy patronage?
Edit: changed 2nd question to be more broad...