C.E. Martin's Blog, page 15
April 12, 2015
Book of Stone: Sword of Lu Dongbin
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
Part of China's past, the Eight Immortals were legendary figures who transcended humanity. Each carried objects that became imbued with otherworldly powers during their lifetimes.
After their death, these Immortal objects passed through many hands, ultimately ending up in the possession of the Imperial family.
In 2014, Rogue General Zhou Zheng Duan stole the Immortals' artifacts from the vault beneath the Forbidden Citty (SS08: Terrorcota ). Among these ancient, dark artifacts was the sword of Lu Dongbin.
Abel to cut through virtually any material, the sword seeme unbreakable, and also bestowed upon the user the same mastery of use as Lu Dongbin had possessed himself.
The sword was eventually damaged--the blade broken partway down its length. However, despite this break, the sword retained its ability to imbue the user with combat skills and its nearly monomolecular cutting edge.
The sword was confiscated by Detachment 1039 and is presumed to be under study at the Fox Island research station.
Part of China's past, the Eight Immortals were legendary figures who transcended humanity. Each carried objects that became imbued with otherworldly powers during their lifetimes.
After their death, these Immortal objects passed through many hands, ultimately ending up in the possession of the Imperial family.
In 2014, Rogue General Zhou Zheng Duan stole the Immortals' artifacts from the vault beneath the Forbidden Citty (SS08: Terrorcota ). Among these ancient, dark artifacts was the sword of Lu Dongbin.
Abel to cut through virtually any material, the sword seeme unbreakable, and also bestowed upon the user the same mastery of use as Lu Dongbin had possessed himself.
The sword was eventually damaged--the blade broken partway down its length. However, despite this break, the sword retained its ability to imbue the user with combat skills and its nearly monomolecular cutting edge.
The sword was confiscated by Detachment 1039 and is presumed to be under study at the Fox Island research station.
April 11, 2015
Book of Stone: Doctor William King
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
A DoD researcher formerly assigned to Project Medusa at Argon Tower, Dr. William King is credited as having unlocked the secret to partial petrification of test subjects. Unfortunately, King was injured in his early experiments, leaving his left eye turned to stone, but functional--and with the added abilityof second sight.
After successfully creating the first team of Stone Soliers, King was re-assigned to Fox Island, until 2014, when he returned to Miami (SS 07: Seven Deadly Sons ), eventually studying and reverse-engineering Ring portals (SS 11: One Dark Step).
Born in 1948, Dr. King leads U.S. etheric research at the Fox Island, Michigan research station.
Tall, with curly gray hair and an almost senile demeanor, King fits the archetypal stereotype of a mad scientist. He often is lost in thought as he ponders arcane secrets. He is given to overly-detailed explanations that quickly turn into long-winded lectures.
A DoD researcher formerly assigned to Project Medusa at Argon Tower, Dr. William King is credited as having unlocked the secret to partial petrification of test subjects. Unfortunately, King was injured in his early experiments, leaving his left eye turned to stone, but functional--and with the added abilityof second sight.
After successfully creating the first team of Stone Soliers, King was re-assigned to Fox Island, until 2014, when he returned to Miami (SS 07: Seven Deadly Sons ), eventually studying and reverse-engineering Ring portals (SS 11: One Dark Step).
Born in 1948, Dr. King leads U.S. etheric research at the Fox Island, Michigan research station.
Tall, with curly gray hair and an almost senile demeanor, King fits the archetypal stereotype of a mad scientist. He often is lost in thought as he ponders arcane secrets. He is given to overly-detailed explanations that quickly turn into long-winded lectures.
April 10, 2015
Book of Stone: Dean Johnson
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
In 2014, after over a year of successful counter-Dark operations by the Stone Soldiers, the Pentagon directed that a second team of soldiers be petrified. Copying the success of Daniel Smith, a former Navy SEAL, it was ordered that four more SEALs be recruited into the program: Wayne Stevens, Paul Briones, Isaac Jacobson and Dean Johnson (SS 05: Black Knight Down )
Johnson was eventually assigned to Bravo Team, under Captain Smith (call sign Cobra). Despite his penchant for being injured even as a stone soldier, Johnson has proven to be a useful member of the Detachment, often leading the charge into battle. A wise-cracking smart-alec, he loves cars, reading car magazines so regularly he is known to always have one in his kit at all times. Johnson is close friends with his former teammate, Wayne Stevens.
In 2014, after over a year of successful counter-Dark operations by the Stone Soldiers, the Pentagon directed that a second team of soldiers be petrified. Copying the success of Daniel Smith, a former Navy SEAL, it was ordered that four more SEALs be recruited into the program: Wayne Stevens, Paul Briones, Isaac Jacobson and Dean Johnson (SS 05: Black Knight Down )
Johnson was eventually assigned to Bravo Team, under Captain Smith (call sign Cobra). Despite his penchant for being injured even as a stone soldier, Johnson has proven to be a useful member of the Detachment, often leading the charge into battle. A wise-cracking smart-alec, he loves cars, reading car magazines so regularly he is known to always have one in his kit at all times. Johnson is close friends with his former teammate, Wayne Stevens.
April 9, 2015
Book of Stone: The Eight Immortals
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
Legendary heroes of Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals were: Han Xiang Zi,
Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe, He Xiangu, Guo Lao, Li Tieh-Kuai, Lü Dongbin, and Zhongli Quan. The ancient heroes performed miraculous feats on earth during their lifetimes, before ascending to another plane of existence. After they departed, the Immortals left behind various artifacts that were imbued with magical abilities.
These artifacts were eventually gathered and locked beneath the Forbidden City. In 2014, a rogue Chinese General stole the artifacts and used the to try and trigger World War III. Det. 1039 defeated the General and managed to recover most of the items (SS08: Terrorcota )
The gourd of Han Xiang Zi could replicate any liquid poured into it. His Flute did mind control. Cao Guojiu's jade tablet could protect the holder from sicknesses. Lan Caihe's boots protected the wearer from the elements. Guo Lao's paper could be folded into shapes that came alive and appeared to be living creatures. Li Tieh-Kuai's iron crutch came alive at his touch, like a snake, unwrapping and extending out, literally bending to his will like an appendage. Li Tieh-Kuai also had a gourd that enabled him to astral project. The sword of Lü Dongbin could cut through anything and gaves the user advanced swordsman skills. He Xiangu's bamboo ladle enabled the holder to fly. He Xingu, the alchemist, fashioned a golden Lotus ring that could heal any wound of the wearer. Zhongli Quan's fan could control the weather. Zhang Guo Lao's iron mallet could revive the dead or strike down immortal beings. Lan Caihe's bamboo castinets granted the user the ability to control the minds of others.
Legendary heroes of Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals were: Han Xiang Zi,
Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe, He Xiangu, Guo Lao, Li Tieh-Kuai, Lü Dongbin, and Zhongli Quan. The ancient heroes performed miraculous feats on earth during their lifetimes, before ascending to another plane of existence. After they departed, the Immortals left behind various artifacts that were imbued with magical abilities.
These artifacts were eventually gathered and locked beneath the Forbidden City. In 2014, a rogue Chinese General stole the artifacts and used the to try and trigger World War III. Det. 1039 defeated the General and managed to recover most of the items (SS08: Terrorcota )
The gourd of Han Xiang Zi could replicate any liquid poured into it. His Flute did mind control. Cao Guojiu's jade tablet could protect the holder from sicknesses. Lan Caihe's boots protected the wearer from the elements. Guo Lao's paper could be folded into shapes that came alive and appeared to be living creatures. Li Tieh-Kuai's iron crutch came alive at his touch, like a snake, unwrapping and extending out, literally bending to his will like an appendage. Li Tieh-Kuai also had a gourd that enabled him to astral project. The sword of Lü Dongbin could cut through anything and gaves the user advanced swordsman skills. He Xiangu's bamboo ladle enabled the holder to fly. He Xingu, the alchemist, fashioned a golden Lotus ring that could heal any wound of the wearer. Zhongli Quan's fan could control the weather. Zhang Guo Lao's iron mallet could revive the dead or strike down immortal beings. Lan Caihe's bamboo castinets granted the user the ability to control the minds of others.
April 8, 2015
Book of Stone: Victor Hornbeck
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
A Former FBI contractor, hired for his postcognitive psychic abilities when barely out of high school, Victor can touch objects and psychically pick up mental images or even memories of the owner of the objects. He used this ability to help locate missing persons and track serial killers, all under the watchful eye of his handler, Spec. Agent Pam Keegan.
After uncovering clues as to the true identity of the Valentine Killer in 2013, Victor was recruited by Det. 1039 and petrified for his safety (SS 02: Brothers in Stone ). With the postcog's help, Col. Kenslir ultimately succeeded in defeating the twin shapeshifters Ketzkahtel and Tezcahtlip (SS 03: Blood and Stone ).
Hornbeck was later assigned to Charlie Team (Call sign Janus), where his postcognitive powers proved invaluable in identifying supernatural threats.
In 2014, the Stone Soldiers acquired a dark artifact, the Lotus ring of He Xingu, that reverts the wearer to flesh form (SS 08: Terrorcota ). While he ring is shared among the petrified men, it is primarily worn by Hornbeck to allow him to blend in with the human population during investigations.
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A Former FBI contractor, hired for his postcognitive psychic abilities when barely out of high school, Victor can touch objects and psychically pick up mental images or even memories of the owner of the objects. He used this ability to help locate missing persons and track serial killers, all under the watchful eye of his handler, Spec. Agent Pam Keegan.
After uncovering clues as to the true identity of the Valentine Killer in 2013, Victor was recruited by Det. 1039 and petrified for his safety (SS 02: Brothers in Stone ). With the postcog's help, Col. Kenslir ultimately succeeded in defeating the twin shapeshifters Ketzkahtel and Tezcahtlip (SS 03: Blood and Stone ).
Hornbeck was later assigned to Charlie Team (Call sign Janus), where his postcognitive powers proved invaluable in identifying supernatural threats.
In 2014, the Stone Soldiers acquired a dark artifact, the Lotus ring of He Xingu, that reverts the wearer to flesh form (SS 08: Terrorcota ). While he ring is shared among the petrified men, it is primarily worn by Hornbeck to allow him to blend in with the human population during investigations.
April 7, 2015
Book of Stone: Yadid Greenberg
A widower and former Mossad Nazi Hunter who retired to Miami, Yadid was murdered in late 2013 (SS#07 Seven Deadly Sons ). Yadid was resurrected in the Fountain of Youth and made the thirteenth stone soldier created by Project Medusa, joining the investigation of Nazi Hunter murders around the world. Yadid eventually accompanied the Stone Soldiers to a forgotten Nazi base beneath the Antarctic ice helping to defeat Nazi vampire-werewolf hybrids.
Yadid Greenberg is a skilled combatant, with emphasis on assassination and infiltration tactics. He is fluent in multiple languages and is proficien with a variety of weapons--specifically those useful for stealthy operation. Not used to depending on others, Yadid is more comfortable working alone but is quickly appreciating the benefits of working as part of a small team.
Greenberg is assigned to Alpha Team, as second-in-command. His assigned call-sign is Golem.
April 6, 2015
Book of Stone: Femagick
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
Born Vadoma Petulgreno, Femagick was a gifted Sorceress who rose to prominence in the 1980s, displaying her skills in public. In the late 1990s, after the deline of costumed parahumans in the United States, Femagick contracted with the FBI to track and capture criminal parahumans.
In 2013, Femagick was hired to bring in a fugitive identified as Mark Kenslir. At the time, it was unknown if it was Kenslir or a shapeshifter hunting him. Femagick was defeated by Kenslir and humiliated. (Stone Soldiers #1 Mythical )
Sometime later, Femagick was hunted and killed by the pre-historic shapeshifter, Tezcahtlip. Femagick was killed and her heart consumed so that her memories and Arcane knowledge passed on to the shapeshifter.
Born Vadoma Petulgreno, Femagick was a gifted Sorceress who rose to prominence in the 1980s, displaying her skills in public. In the late 1990s, after the deline of costumed parahumans in the United States, Femagick contracted with the FBI to track and capture criminal parahumans.
In 2013, Femagick was hired to bring in a fugitive identified as Mark Kenslir. At the time, it was unknown if it was Kenslir or a shapeshifter hunting him. Femagick was defeated by Kenslir and humiliated. (Stone Soldiers #1 Mythical )
Sometime later, Femagick was hunted and killed by the pre-historic shapeshifter, Tezcahtlip. Femagick was killed and her heart consumed so that her memories and Arcane knowledge passed on to the shapeshifter.
April 5, 2015
Happy Easter!
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. On this Easter Sunday, E is for Easter. God bless us one and all as we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and His acceptance of all humanity. Hail to the King!
Matthew 28
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
April 4, 2015
Book of Stone: Decklaa
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
A millennia-old First Born, Decklaa was a powerful forest elemental who concocted a scheme to kill all of humanity in the early 21st Century (SS: 06, Terrorcota ). The elemental posed as a human, creating a mutated mold that could turn a human into a mindless, zombie-like creature. Building a green company to disperse the mold spores, she was poised to succeed in eradicating man from Earth. Fortunately, Decklaa's plans for Armageddon were forseen by the psychic Kenji Nakayama and she was stopped and ultimately killed by the stone soldiers.
As an elemental, Decklaa possessed nearly unlimited powers of regeneration and cellular manipulation, beyond the DNA level. Decklaa was able to control and even create sub-sentient lifeforms.
A millennia-old First Born, Decklaa was a powerful forest elemental who concocted a scheme to kill all of humanity in the early 21st Century (SS: 06, Terrorcota ). The elemental posed as a human, creating a mutated mold that could turn a human into a mindless, zombie-like creature. Building a green company to disperse the mold spores, she was poised to succeed in eradicating man from Earth. Fortunately, Decklaa's plans for Armageddon were forseen by the psychic Kenji Nakayama and she was stopped and ultimately killed by the stone soldiers.
As an elemental, Decklaa possessed nearly unlimited powers of regeneration and cellular manipulation, beyond the DNA level. Decklaa was able to control and even create sub-sentient lifeforms.
April 3, 2015
Book of Stone: Chan Li-Sung
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
When the rogue General Zuo Zheng Duan stole magical artifacts from the Forbidden City, Agent Chan Li-Sung was sent to America to track him down and prevent Zuo from using the weapons to trigger a world war (SS08: Terrorcota). Chan was captured by Detachment 1039 and reluctantly agreed to work with the super soldiers to stop Zuo.
As a small child, Chan was sent to the Temple of Perfection, where he was trained in mental and martial arts. As part of a centuries-old agreement to provide internal security for China, the Temple sent Chan to recover the artifacts stolen by Zuo.
In hand-to-hand combat Chan proved to be the equal of Mark Kenslir, despite the latter's superhuman strength. Chan and Kenslir traveled to China, freeing the City of Shamballa from Zuo's forces and recovering the stolen artifacts.
In the aftermath of the operation, Chan remained in Shamballa, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
When the rogue General Zuo Zheng Duan stole magical artifacts from the Forbidden City, Agent Chan Li-Sung was sent to America to track him down and prevent Zuo from using the weapons to trigger a world war (SS08: Terrorcota). Chan was captured by Detachment 1039 and reluctantly agreed to work with the super soldiers to stop Zuo.
As a small child, Chan was sent to the Temple of Perfection, where he was trained in mental and martial arts. As part of a centuries-old agreement to provide internal security for China, the Temple sent Chan to recover the artifacts stolen by Zuo.
In hand-to-hand combat Chan proved to be the equal of Mark Kenslir, despite the latter's superhuman strength. Chan and Kenslir traveled to China, freeing the City of Shamballa from Zuo's forces and recovering the stolen artifacts.
In the aftermath of the operation, Chan remained in Shamballa, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
