WC Characters

Characters in Carlysle County, NC


Rosicrucians	Wicce


Rosicrucians
Kingston held little interest for the Rosicrusians in its early years. After the Civil War several opportunistic Brothers bought a handful of estates across the South for safehouses and laboratories, including one in Carlysle Co. Around the turn of the century, the Rosicrucians identified Barrett Mountain as a nexus point for magical energy. However, in their exploration of the power place, they found the Wicce had already claimed it. Nola Mise, a normally placid woman, made it clear that trespassing would not be tolerated.
Research and activity remained at a low but constant throughout the century. Equestrian Jim Stewart reported the high number of active ley lines in the county in the 1920s, but no thorough study of the phenomenon was conducted until the early 1990s.
When it appeared that Harrison College might go under, Stewart began to make arrangements to buy large portions of the rare books collection. In 1968, however, a consortium of anonymous donors struck an agreement with the Board to provide substantial funding in return for some changes in the school.
Stewart and his newly-arrived associate, Charles Blunden, determined to removed certain books they considered dangerous. It was then that they met a Mr. Prescott, who claimed the library to be under his authority. He showed by certain means to be a force to be reckoned with, and in the end the Rosicrucians drew up conditions by which they may use the college facilities. Since then, Prescott has shown himself to be a watchful but generous ally on several occasions.

Thornton Hall
The principal Rosicrucian hall in Carlysle Co. is located at Liledoun, atop a place of power at the crossing of a major and minor ley line. The old Georgian-Style building sits on a private 10 acre lot. The hall was erected in 1815 by Nathan Thornton, an Easterner who married into the Harrisons and whose architect happened to be a Rosicrucian. Thornton’s only son, Daniel, fell in battle in 1862. The Rosicrucians bought the estate in 1866 and appointed it to their needs, as a secluded safehouse and laboratory. Located close to a valuable library collection yet far from more urban centers allowed Covenant members quiet study and a place to rest after their exertions in other parts of the world.
However, although it was always looked after, it received only intermittent use. Its state of occupancy has generally follows the fortunes of the college, that is, when the school was involved with archeological expeditions and attracting students and teachers from far and wide, there were always members of the Covenant close to hand. Since the 1960s the house has seen constant use.
In addition to a high-end electronic security system, the grounds are guarded by a 4’ gnome (earth elemental) called Gorn.

Other Holdings
The order owns over a thousand acres held in four farms and three other small properties, plus three storefronts, acquired at one point or another by members. The rent money supports the basic upkeep of Thornton House.

Local Members
Charles Blunden (Equestrian) A very formidable Professor of Linguistics. As a Rosicrucian, he is a member of the Eclectics, and possesses the Sight as well as magical abilities. His is considered the senior member of this post.
Darren Grady (Equestrian) Very aristocratic.
Janet Lane (Squire)
Glen Farrell (Squire) Maps and monitors the local ley lines.
Marion Martin (Tribune of Archives) Not technically a local member, but as a Tribune in the southern Shrine, she is an occasional visitor.. She is in charge of cataloging all available texts in the shrine. Her spiritual patron is Thoth.

Mundane Associates
Kevin Taggert (45 yrs old). Manager and caretaker of the house. Knowledgeable enough about magic and the Order to know what to expect and when to call for help. He has some training in weapons, and can speak several languages at a basic level.
Andrew Cranston – Lawyer with Cranston, Lamont and Lane.
Randolf Lamont – Lawyer with Cranston, Lamont and Lane.
Julie Kincaid – Works in Rare Books at the library. She knows something of the occult nature of her contacts, but not much more. She is allowed to work there under the terms of the agreement because she is not Gifted and is not fully aware of the Order's nature and goals.
Larry Hendrick– Police dispatcher.
Betty Spicer – Monitors energy and utility communications for Farrell.
Don Redman – Owns Redman Realty, and personally handles the properties owned by the Rosicrucians.
Debra Huffstetler – Graduate student studying Medieval Latin. As Blunden’s TA, she also does a considerable amount of transcription in Rare Books. When she has time, she will research and transcribe for other members of the order for a fee. She’s not sure she believes in the occult lore she researches, and certainly won’t act on anything she has read.
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Wicce
From a numbers standpoint, the Wicce are clearly the strongest Covenant in the county. The leader, Nola, is certainly no one to be trifled with. While several members hang out together, everyone's lives are their own, and apart from religious gatherings, the coven never convenes.

Nola “Mother” Mise (Gifted Wicce)– looks 50, medium build, round face, short graying black hair, green eyes.
The ranking Wicce in the county, though she isn’t as active as she once was. She gives advice when asked but though she could certainly whip any three Gifteds in the county she almost never flexes her magical muscle in an obvious way. She gives advice to the junior members of the coven, but apart from attending major ceremonials she rarely contacts the coven. Though she appears about 50, she’s actually closer to 150. Spirit Patron: Great Oak. Familiar: owl (Euphrouros)

Erica Gardner (Lesser Gifted Wicce) – 20, 5’7”, sturdy, athletic build, tan, short blonde hair, blue eyes. Prefers workout clothes or jeans and tanktops. Confident, outgoing, upbeat.
Though young, she has much potential. She’s ever active, ever daring. In her free time, she hikes and mountain climbs. She’s on the college women’s soccer team, is a member of the judo club, and is certified in advanced first aid. She is also a rock hound, which explains her Geology major. It’s said she got the outdoors spirit from her grandfather. She currently lives in a small garage apartment in east Collegetown, and works part-time at the library and the outdoor rec department. Familiar: Phantasm (Mark Gardner)

Aimee Sheail – (Gifted Wicce) – 22, 5’10”,light build, short red hair, green eyes.
A college student, and a reasonably accomplished practitioner of magic. She lives in a plain, old house on the edge of a farm south of town. She is working on a degree in Music Performance. Between her assistantship and guitar lessons she manages to pay her way.

Zoe Ashe (Lesser Gifted Wicce) – 20, 5’4” Willowy frame, long black hair, brown eyes, nondescript. Prefers skirts over jeans.
Specializes in cleansing and shielding. Fairly shy; wants to be with people but stays away from the center of attention. Very much wants to be useful to others. Zoe grew up in Morganton. She is an undergrad in Botany, although she has to skip quarters occasionally because of money. Zoe works part time at Little River Nursery, which sells herbs and ornamentals Familiar: cat (“Luchaire”)

Wade Green (Lesser Gifted Wicce)35, 5’11”, stocky, short black hair, grey eyes.
A tactical thinker and excellent combat witch. Wade is an investigator for Environmental Investigations of North America, a private organization company that watches companies for non-compliance in pollution, wildlife, or land-use regulations, and either reports the violations to authorities or instigates litigation.

Rachael Thompson (Gifted) 20 years, small, dark hair
Works at Common Grounds, trying to save money to go to school. Lives with Abbey Sorensen.

Andrew McAden (Mundane) 24, 5’9”, medium build, brown hair.
Adopted informally by Mise. Works at Greenwood Nursery, and recently earned a horticultural degree.

Abbey Sorensen (Lesser Gifted) 19, 5’8”, light build, blonde hair dyed red, blue eyes, rather pretty. More serious than in her flighty, pre-Gift days. Not overly intelligent, but with a kind heart.
Studies Medieval Literature. She is a pagan, but had no trace of the Gift until she accidentally gained the power in a ritual.

Stephanie Waller (Lesser Gifted) 21, 5’7”, light build, brown hair dyed red, heavy mascara, pentagram pendant. Sensual, serious, straightforward.
Works as a massage therapist at Center of Balance. She is a pagan, but had no trace of the Gift until she accidentally gained the power in a ritual. She isn’t happy that her Gift came at the expense of others’ lives, but doesn’t carry guilt for it; rather she strives to make good use of her new talents.
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