Account - Erica Blackburn - Co-Contractor

I have very little to go on involving Ericka Blackburn. She speaks with Rosa with a trace of familiarity but has no sign of the touch of death on her. As such, I can only assume that their kind is something more varied and less focused than a Sin-Eater. That said, I am the only Sin-Eater that I know of. Unless Thordis is a Sin-Eater, of course, though that feels unlikely.

Contractor: Ericka Blackburn

Matter in Question: Seems to have similar powers to Rosa Calvaria.

Item 1: Electronics and Computers: Has a lot of talents with electronics and computers.
Item 1a: Has a talent for hacking and breaking computer security.

Actions to be Taken: None as of yet.

Item 2: High Speech: Spoke of the "High Speech" in the context of supernatural powers.
Item 2a: She appears to have control over types of energy like electricity and kinetic energy. I think there was a brief mention of manipulating gravity
Item 2b: Untangled  "feedback loop" that fed the malfunctioning gate.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain the nature of Erica's powers.

Item 3: Moral Stance: Was somewhat disapproving of my actions regarding the Wraith Busters.
Actions to be Taken: Make sure to come to an understanding.

Item 4: Hot: Is hot.
Item 4a: Also sets things on fire.
Item 4b: Also makes clever insults.
Item 4c: Also attracts attention.
Actions to be Taken: ....Uncertain
Item 5: Mage: Identified by inference. Has not appeared on World of Warcraft ads.
Item 5a: Hecate referred to the creators of the Gate as The Enlightened Ones.
Item 5b: Lucy Chambers referred to the Enlightened Ones as mages.
Item 5c: Someone with powers similar to Erica's created the Gate.
Actions to be Taken: Ask about what a mage is.

Character Journal

Account - Rosa Calvaria - Co-Contractor

 Rosa wears death in radiance and glory, I wanted to say it was in spite of the nature of death, but now I am not so sure. She is not ignorantly wrapping in the shallow glamour of it the way a goth does. No, she has too much influence over it to be so simple. She knows about what she is wearing, more so than most. I would not be surprised to learn that it was more than what I knew about death myself.

Contractor: Rosa Calvaria

Matter in Question: Rosa has unusual powers.

Item 1: Death-Touched: Rosa is occasionally touched by death.

Item 1a: Rosa can see the Auditor.

Item 1b: Rosa does not appear as a Sin-Eater the way Thordis sometimes does.
Item 1c: Was able to see the last moment's of Edna's life.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain the nature of Rosa's connection to death.

Item 2: Rosa's House: Rosa's house is steeped in death.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain whether there are ghosts present. Ascertain the presence of an Avernian Gate.

Item 3: High Speech: There seems to be some connection between Erica Blackburn and Rosa Calvaria.

Item 3a: Both speak of a "High Speech" as if it is connected to their powers.
Actions to be Taken: Learn what the High Speech is. 

Item 4: Artist: Talented artist.
Item 4a: Created a realistic image of Edna's killer.
Actions to be Taken: Commission a business card design.

Item 5: Powers: Has demonstrated powers other than those related to death.
Item 5a: Was able to tell that there was something false about the paintings.
Actions to be Taken: Be cautious of truths and falsehoods in her presence.

Item 6: Mage: Identified via induction.
Item 6a: Is of the same kind as Erica.
Item 6b: The conclusions leading to Erica being identified as a mage carry over.
Actions to be Taken: Investigate the nature of a mage.


Character Journal 

Account - Michael Callahan - Co-Contractor

I have been Bound for less than a month and now I meet a supernatural with even less experience than myself. I suppose I should not be surprised that I am not the last creature to come into this world, but that it was so soon and in my own city. How many supernaturals are created across the world at any given moment? Do I want to know the answer?

Contractor: Michael Callahan

Matter in Question: Young supernatural.

Item 1: Rookie: Michael is less experienced even than myself.

Action to be Taken: Support the fellow new supernatural. Study how common supernaturals are.

Item 2: Half-Demon: Michael claims to be half-demon.
Item 2a: Seems to be inimical to Abyssal Entities. They sort of melted near him.
Item 2b: Presents an unnaturally compelling aura at times.

Action to be Taken: Ascertain the meaning of "demon".

Item 3: Humanity: Seems to still have human morality.
Item 3a: Michael was upset with my actions regarding the Wraith Busters. He may be justified.
Item 3b: Was resistant to the idea of planning for having to kill Theodore Slocum.
Item 3c: Ames, Thordis, and myself were able to assuage his concerns to a degree.
Item 3d: Milkshakes were involved.
Actions to be Taken: Reach an understanding. Be involved in further teachable moments for chance at more milkshakes. 

Item 4: Unskilled: Is a horrible shot.
Actions to be Taken: Make him a less than horrible shot. 

Item 5: Educated: Is knowledgeable in several topics.
Actions to be Taken: Determine the extent of his knowledge.  

Item 6: Listening Issues: Loses track of conversation.
Item 6a: After Ames, Thordis, and I spoke to him, he revealed he'd "zoned out".
Item 6b: I have done this too due to Twilight distractions.
Item 6c: Perhaps his manner of power causes one to be hard of hearing.
Actions to be Taken: Research if Christian demons are deaf.

Character Journal

Account - Ames Janda - Client

A woman of infectious energy and passion for her hobbies. Ames is blind only physically. She is aware of everything going on within her business and is more than competent to protect the welcoming environment she seeks to create in her store. However there is a bit more to her than is immediately obvious. She has something about her as inhuman as my own secret.

Client: Ames Janda

Matter: Managing the books for Tanelorn Games 

Item 1: Financial Concerns: I have looked at the books and streamlined the accounts somewhat.

Actions to be Taken: Protect Tanelorn Games' finances.

Item 2: Tanelorn Games: Tanelorn Games has seen much death.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain whether or not there are accounts that need to be balanced within, get Ames permission.

Item 3: Blind Seer: Ames is blind but seems to have a supernatural touch of some kind.

Item 3a: Seems to have a connection to wind, somehow.
Item 3b: Has no eyes.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain the nature of her power.

Item 4: Informant: Relayed to me the nature of the Wraith Busters' fraudulent behavior.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain her opinion on my actions. 

Item 5: Worthy of Trust: A sudden feeling that came to me in the sewers.

Item 5a: Helped lead us out of the cursed sewers. 

Item 5b: Was oddly inspiring in the darkness of the tomb.

Actions to be Taken: Be worthy of Ames trust as she is worthy of mine. 
Item 6: Milkshakes: She makes them.
Actions to be Taken: Accept the next offer of milkshakes she makes.
Item 7: Font of Wisdom: Ames is the voice of moderation and consideration.
Item 7a: Good taste in ancient sages.
Actions to be Taken: Perhaps read more comics or watch more movies.

Character Journal 

Account - Thordis Olvirsdottir - Creditor

Thordis is a large woman, there is no denying this. She has to duck under most door frames and towers above most men. And she is certainly a shady individual. She immediately recognized me as something supernatural and has taken to calling me a "Little Sister" she seems genial and honestly concerned with those around her, but I worry what it is that she has not yet shown me.

Creditor: Thordis Olvirsdottir

Matter in Question: Provided me with a weapon and a training space.

Item 1: Occasional Sin-Eater: She occasionally seems to be another Sin-Eater according to the Auditor. The Auditor isn't sure whether she's a Sin-Eater that can hide what she is or something that can pretend to be a Sin-Eater. We have not seen her Geist yet if she is a Sin-Eater.

Item 1a: Has powers relating to control over the environment. Specifically sealing exits and disrupting equipment.
Item 1b: Has great physical strength.
Item 1c: Seems to have unnatural influence over fear.
Item 1d: Redirected the gate from the Underworld to the "Primordial Dream" where "all the mortal fears of humanity" dwell.
Item 1e: May have seen her Geist. See Item 3.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain Thordis' True Nature, possibly some entity of manifested fear.

Item 2: Tyrannical Nature: Was perfectly fine with my handling of the Wraith Busters.
Item 2a: Thordis may be some sort of terrible thing.
Item 2b: may be = is

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain whether or not this approval is a good thing.

Item 3: Thordis's Geist. Thordis's Geist is not all that Geist-like.
Item 3a: Her geist is a big, red, giant with horns. Possibly Torn. Maybe Prey.
Item 3b: Her geist interacts with the world somehow.
Item 3c: Did her geist die in a shower?
Actions to be Taken: Ask the Auditor's opinion on what Thordis is. Figure out why her geist is wearing a towel. 



Item 4: Sisters: Thordis refers to supernatural entities as "sisters."
Item 4a: She, I, and the others in the krewe are "Little Sisters".
Item 4b: Tisiphone is a "Big Sister."
Item 4c: Hecate is "The Biggest Sister" or "The Apex."
Actions to be Taken: Ask about the Mother.


Character Journal

Account - Black-Winged Angel of Manton Memorial Church, Page 1

 It is harder to relate to people now. No, I must alter that statement. I have always had difficulty relating to people. They have never been able to see what I can see and it made it hard to gauge how they might react to me or explain why I might behave in ways they consider odd. Now I can see so much more and it is consistent as well, but there is so much and I don't always manage to express my thoughts and emotions well after the Bargain. It's like I am still...adjusting and emotional expression is at a low priority.

Client: Wraith Busters represented by one Gabriel Victor

Matter in Question: Mr Victor requires extra bodies on hand for an interview and "lock up" investigating sightings of a black-winged angel in a Manton Memorial Church.

Watch Report - Swamp Safety Procedures, Shambling Hordes, and Shocking Sentient Lights

Leaving the second homestead around noon, we pressed south, eventually coming to the Moon-Lit Mire, a darksome place of deep bogs and where the clumps of trees prevents much in the way of light from filtering down into it. The waters are stagnant with only a few places here and there where the there is some little gurgle of a flow. It is an incredibly smelly place, rather reminiscent of that tiefling prior to his recent cleansing. As one of the only members without the benefit of being able to see in the dark, I was obliged to cast a light upon the crystal amulet I used to focus my powers.

Watch Report - Grave Details, Regional Predators, and Disturbing Implications

Upon waking up in the following morning, we set about to perform the task we likely should have 

addressed to begin with, that of dealing with the corpses of our opponents in the previous battle. Upon doing so we found that several of the corpses had vanished. Given the presence of undead in the area, this had us immediately concerned. Sylvia and her children set about packing whatever they could for the trip to the monastery while two of the knights left to start the process of gathering the various homesteads to be evacuated to the north.

A Party of Orcs - Princes of the Apocalypse - Session Twenty

The Chapters and Cast of the Ballad

Training and equipping complete for the moment;
The band set off westward with the knights;
Down from the path, returned the missing component;
Talindra fresh from the northern fights.

M-Com Mission Report - Operation: All-Seeing Umbrella

M-Com Campaign

M-Com Mission Report - Operation: Astral Audience - Monster of the Week Campaign

M-Com Campaign

Random Musings on Gaming and Spirituality

I started playing RPGs in the late 80s with Champions 1st Edition, a gift from my oldest brother. Before that I would check out the old Advanced Dungeons and Dragons books from the library and read through them. Sometimes I would play the Dungeon board game or make a card game using the classic classes, but I didn't actually make a character and play until that first Wolverine clone I made back when I was about ten or eleven. By the time university had rolled around I had mostly played 1st and 2nd edition D&D and picked up games like Dragon Strike, with its cheesy video, or Hero Quest. I'd started my ten years of Amtgard LARPing, broken my front teeth being hit in the face with a panicked boffer sword, and started spending tons of money on Magic the Gathering. However, I had also picked up the World of Darkness games and written one of the first pieces of fanfiction in the form of a story mixing elements of Vampire, Werewolf, Mage, and Wraith.

Beasts Upon the Path; Merchants in the Tavern

Beasts lie within us all.

They wait alongside the way.

They wait to devour us.

They are clever.

They are far more clever than we account for.

They spread their scent everywhere.

They call to their kin.

And they draw you forward.

You smell the blood.

You smell the predator filth.

And you place it in the other.

You look upon these already devoured.

You look upon them see.

You see they are a danger.

For a beast threatens a man.

But the blood feeds the beasts.

The Blighted Branch is Snipped

The branch is born of the tree.

The branch is fed of the tree.

The branch feeds the tree.

The branch is depends on the tree.

But the tree has many branches.

A blight touched upon the tree is a threat.

And then the branch must be removed.

It matters not how the branch might have been blighted.

It matters not if the fault was the branch's.

The blight is in the branch.

And the blight must not be in the tree.

For a branch removed.

A branch blighted.

A branch fallen from on high.

Such a branch should have died.

A branch should not survive.

Such a survival is pain.

The branch tries to grow.

Much to its surprise.

The branch tries to grow.

And the blight stays with it.

Character Journal

Account - Ace and King - Debtor

I would have thought that the vault was sound proof. It almost was. But I remember seeing the looks of shock on the faces of the thieves as I turned to look behind them when the vault swung shut. None of them realized I was in until just the last moment, but the one at the door could easily have stopped closing it. There was an argument then someone was shouting that they needed to call 911 to make sure there was someone to get me out before they left. This was countered with the fact that I saw their faces. They argued that they could just open the vault and kill me then, if they had I likely would not have attracted a geist, the death would have been too mundane. But there was a shot and then someone started thrashing about. I would later hear that a headless and handless body was found outside the vault. I started to see blood seep in under the cracks of the vault. That should have been impossible. I know the vault is secured against liquids, maybe they had already attracted the Auditor by this point. In any case, I was left in the vault to die by suffocation, feeling it as the oxygen diminished and my lungs started to burn with effort. The murderer had opted even to kill one of his crew and leave the body behind before sparing me this cruel death. I have their face, but I have not found them yet.

Debtor: Ace and King
Matter in Question: They killed me.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain their identities. Collect what I am owed.

Character Journal

Account - Unknown Vampire - Debtor

Vampires must feed, I understand this, but feeding was the least aspect of what I was subjected to. It was simply an exercise in dominance. A small krewe of vampires wanting to show off how talented they were by making puppets of random mortals. Even since crossing the veil and coming back I only remember bits and pieces of what happened, but dogs are given more dignity when they asked to dance around on their hind legs in exchange for a small treat. They knew it, too, they were flaunting their debauchery, thumbing their noses at others of their kind across the way. Eventually, I will remember their faces.

Debtor: Unknown Vampire
Matter in Question: Humiliated me and several others and then wiped our memory of the event.

Actions to be Taken: Ascertain the vampire's identity. Collect what I am owed.

Character Journal