C.E. Martin's Blog, page 5
April 24, 2017
Book of Stone: Templars
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries about the people, places, and things of the series. To view past and present entries visit the Book of Stone by clicking on the link on the righthand side of this page.
TEMPLARS
First Appearance: Spellbreaker
Description: Anti-Supernatural Arm of the United Kingdom
Last Known Status: Infiltrated by Druidic Forces
In 1326, several conspirators attempted to kill the King of England, Edward II, by enlisting the assistance of Magician John of Nottingham. The plot failed and Nottingham and his employers were all put to death. However, in the aftermath of this incident, Edward II ordered that steps be taken to ensure no further attempt could ever succeed against the Crown by those abbling in the dark arts.
Four years earlier, the Knights Templar were disbanded and fled Europe, many secretly seeking sanctuary in England. Several Templars were called before Edward II and were Knighted as the Order of Plantaganet. These Knights of the Crown were tasked with seeking out and eliminating those who opposed English rule by any means necessary.
In the modern era, the Templars are a considerably larger Order, still answering to the sitting Monarch of the United Kingdom, with operatives placed around the world. The Templars absolutely do not tolerate magic or supernatural beings in any way, shape, or form. No psychic or mage is allowed within the Templar organization, although a number of thaumatological experts conduct research and craft weaponry for the Knights to use.
TEMPLARS
First Appearance: Spellbreaker
Description: Anti-Supernatural Arm of the United Kingdom
Last Known Status: Infiltrated by Druidic Forces
In 1326, several conspirators attempted to kill the King of England, Edward II, by enlisting the assistance of Magician John of Nottingham. The plot failed and Nottingham and his employers were all put to death. However, in the aftermath of this incident, Edward II ordered that steps be taken to ensure no further attempt could ever succeed against the Crown by those abbling in the dark arts.
Four years earlier, the Knights Templar were disbanded and fled Europe, many secretly seeking sanctuary in England. Several Templars were called before Edward II and were Knighted as the Order of Plantaganet. These Knights of the Crown were tasked with seeking out and eliminating those who opposed English rule by any means necessary.
In the modern era, the Templars are a considerably larger Order, still answering to the sitting Monarch of the United Kingdom, with operatives placed around the world. The Templars absolutely do not tolerate magic or supernatural beings in any way, shape, or form. No psychic or mage is allowed within the Templar organization, although a number of thaumatological experts conduct research and craft weaponry for the Knights to use.
April 23, 2017
World Book Day!
Nothing to read for World Book Day?
Download one of these two Kindle versions FREE to continue the Stone Soldiers story:
Shadow Raiders, http://amzn.com/B01NBUVELA
and
Spectral Ops, http://amzn.com/B01L4RACR8
Download one of these two Kindle versions FREE to continue the Stone Soldiers story:
Shadow Raiders, http://amzn.com/B01NBUVELA
and
Spectral Ops, http://amzn.com/B01L4RACR8
April 22, 2017
Book of Stone: Spirits
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries about the people, places, and things of the series. To view past and present entries visit the Book of Stone by clicking on the link on the righthand side of this page.
SPIRITS
Description: Term for a non-corporeal beings
Arising from the Latin word spiritus ("breath"), the term Spirit is soften used interchangeably with words like ghost, phantom, specter, spook, or apparition. That is, a being believed to be on of the dead, roaming the world in an incorporeal form, often invisible and ethereal.
It should be noted, however, that spirits are actually distinct from ghosts. In the pre-Christian era, the ancient Greeks voiced the distinction between the spirit and the soul. In the Holy Bible, there is of course the Holy Spirit, one of the trinity of God, Holy Spirit, and Christ.
Many paranormal researchers distinguish between the spirit and the ghost, attributing the term ghost to a being that once lived as a human. What then are spirits?
A number of non-corporeal entities are claimed to exist, from cultures and societies around the globe. There are demons, who many believe are the ghosts of dead nephilim, djinn--a kind of middle eastern demon-like entity--and even the nature spirits many might call elementals.
Overall, it is best to be cautious when dealing with any non-corporeal being or entity. Never assume a spirit is a ghost. Their very nature makes it difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain their true origins. The best course of action is to simply acknowledge that an intangible, barely-detectable being is as ephemeral as the breath we named them after.
Behind the Scenes One of the key points in the Spectral Ops series will be the exploration of the spirit world and those who seek to manipulate it for their own ends. In the Stone Soldiers series, supernatural enemies often were tangible, mortal (or at least killable) creatures of flesh and blood. But for the new series, the spectral battlefield will be considerably more difficult to navigate as enemies who may or may not be killable interact with the physical world.
SPIRITS
Description: Term for a non-corporeal beings
Arising from the Latin word spiritus ("breath"), the term Spirit is soften used interchangeably with words like ghost, phantom, specter, spook, or apparition. That is, a being believed to be on of the dead, roaming the world in an incorporeal form, often invisible and ethereal.
It should be noted, however, that spirits are actually distinct from ghosts. In the pre-Christian era, the ancient Greeks voiced the distinction between the spirit and the soul. In the Holy Bible, there is of course the Holy Spirit, one of the trinity of God, Holy Spirit, and Christ.
Many paranormal researchers distinguish between the spirit and the ghost, attributing the term ghost to a being that once lived as a human. What then are spirits?
A number of non-corporeal entities are claimed to exist, from cultures and societies around the globe. There are demons, who many believe are the ghosts of dead nephilim, djinn--a kind of middle eastern demon-like entity--and even the nature spirits many might call elementals.
Overall, it is best to be cautious when dealing with any non-corporeal being or entity. Never assume a spirit is a ghost. Their very nature makes it difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain their true origins. The best course of action is to simply acknowledge that an intangible, barely-detectable being is as ephemeral as the breath we named them after.
Behind the Scenes One of the key points in the Spectral Ops series will be the exploration of the spirit world and those who seek to manipulate it for their own ends. In the Stone Soldiers series, supernatural enemies often were tangible, mortal (or at least killable) creatures of flesh and blood. But for the new series, the spectral battlefield will be considerably more difficult to navigate as enemies who may or may not be killable interact with the physical world.
Book of Stone: RTB (Return to Base)
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries about the people, places, and things of the series. To view past and present entries visit the Book of Stone by clicking on the link on the righthand side of this page.
RTB
Description: Military acronym for "Return to Base" In the early days of radio communications, connections were poor and static often ruled the airwaves. Everyday conversations could prove difficult, or you might not have time to spit out everything you want to say. The solution was to come up with a sort of spoke shorthand that could be spoken over the radio to convey messages.
RTB, short for Return to Base is one of those verbal shorthand words. But what does it mean, really?
RTB is not the same thing as "retreat!" or "fall back". It's not an indicator of urgency or emergency on its own. It's simply an order to come home. Patrols searching the area might be ordered to RTB. Or they might be needed to reinforce a base in anticipation.
RTB is also not to be confused with RV--not a recreational vehicle, but rather a command to rendezvous, or meet up.
And there's also RTO, a radio operator. This is the person most likely to be sending or receiving the RTB or RV command.
ROE, or Rules of Engagement--pre-made instructions for when force is authorized to be used against the enemy--might include instructions for when to RTB, for example, after engaging in combat.
And finally, in the analog radio days, ART might sound a bit like RTB. An ART is a USAF Alarm Response Team--a squad of Security Forces that head out when alarms sound on Priority Resources.
RTB
Description: Military acronym for "Return to Base" In the early days of radio communications, connections were poor and static often ruled the airwaves. Everyday conversations could prove difficult, or you might not have time to spit out everything you want to say. The solution was to come up with a sort of spoke shorthand that could be spoken over the radio to convey messages.
RTB, short for Return to Base is one of those verbal shorthand words. But what does it mean, really?
RTB is not the same thing as "retreat!" or "fall back". It's not an indicator of urgency or emergency on its own. It's simply an order to come home. Patrols searching the area might be ordered to RTB. Or they might be needed to reinforce a base in anticipation.
RTB is also not to be confused with RV--not a recreational vehicle, but rather a command to rendezvous, or meet up.
And there's also RTO, a radio operator. This is the person most likely to be sending or receiving the RTB or RV command.
ROE, or Rules of Engagement--pre-made instructions for when force is authorized to be used against the enemy--might include instructions for when to RTB, for example, after engaging in combat.
And finally, in the analog radio days, ART might sound a bit like RTB. An ART is a USAF Alarm Response Team--a squad of Security Forces that head out when alarms sound on Priority Resources.
April 20, 2017
Book of Stone: Zhongli Quan's Fan
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. Catch up on previous entries by following the link on the righthand side of this page, Book of Stone, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
Zhongli Quan's Fan
First Appearance: Terrorcota (Stone Soldiers #8)
Description: Magical Talisman from the Immortal Zhongli Quan
Last Known Status: Secured by the US Military
The Eight Immortals of Chinese Legend each employed various items to perform their otherworldly feats. Over time, these talismans became imbued with their own magical abilities. In 2015, General Zhou Zheng Duan seized a number of these talisman's from a secret vault beneath the Forbidden City.
Following Zhou's unsuccessful attempt to trigger World War III by using the Immortals' talismans and other magical weaponry, the fan of Zhongli Quan and several other artifacts were transferred to Argon Tower for further study.
The fan itself is described in legend as having the ability to raise the dead as well as to transmute minerals. During the siege in Colorado, Zhou was able to resurrect his troops killed by the Detachment.
Behind the Scenes
If you've read Terrorcota , you may recall that General Zhou may have been killed, but that he was not completely put of the picture. Since 2015, he has been haunting Detachment 1039's headquarters, quietly observing the operations of the unit. Zhou's spectral fate will be revealed in a future installment of Spectral Ops.
Zhongli Quan's Fan
First Appearance: Terrorcota (Stone Soldiers #8)
Description: Magical Talisman from the Immortal Zhongli Quan
Last Known Status: Secured by the US Military
The Eight Immortals of Chinese Legend each employed various items to perform their otherworldly feats. Over time, these talismans became imbued with their own magical abilities. In 2015, General Zhou Zheng Duan seized a number of these talisman's from a secret vault beneath the Forbidden City.
Following Zhou's unsuccessful attempt to trigger World War III by using the Immortals' talismans and other magical weaponry, the fan of Zhongli Quan and several other artifacts were transferred to Argon Tower for further study.
The fan itself is described in legend as having the ability to raise the dead as well as to transmute minerals. During the siege in Colorado, Zhou was able to resurrect his troops killed by the Detachment.
Behind the Scenes
If you've read Terrorcota , you may recall that General Zhou may have been killed, but that he was not completely put of the picture. Since 2015, he has been haunting Detachment 1039's headquarters, quietly observing the operations of the unit. Zhou's spectral fate will be revealed in a future installment of Spectral Ops.
April 19, 2017
Book of Stone: Paladins
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.
PALADINS
First Appearance: Spectral Ops
Description: Anti-Preternatural Combat Arm of the French Armed Forces
Last Known Status: Active worldwide
Since their establishment in 1767 by Louis the XV, the Paladins have protected France from supernatural threats--human and otherwise.
In the modern era, the Paladins are concealed within the French Military, a special forces unit headquartered in Paris, comprised of the most capable soldiers of all the branches of service of the country.
Operationally, Paladins operate in teams of twelve, with a Captain, Lieutenant and ten enlisted men and women. Each member of a team is trained in counter-Preternatural operations, and are experts with modern and traditional weaponry. Able to deploy anywhere in the world within only hours, the Paladins effectively neutralize any threat without turning to preternatural means themselves, much like their English counterparts, the Templars.
Behind the Scenes
Since the beginning of the series, readers have been introduced to supernatural soldiers of many other countries including China's Masters from the Temple of Perfection and England's Templars. While the Stone Soldiers fight fire with fire, employing magic and monsters in their dark war, not every other country combating supernatural threats do the same.
For Spectral Ops, more international organizations and units will make appearances, as threats continue to appear around the globe.
PALADINS
First Appearance: Spectral Ops
Description: Anti-Preternatural Combat Arm of the French Armed Forces
Last Known Status: Active worldwide
Since their establishment in 1767 by Louis the XV, the Paladins have protected France from supernatural threats--human and otherwise.
In the modern era, the Paladins are concealed within the French Military, a special forces unit headquartered in Paris, comprised of the most capable soldiers of all the branches of service of the country.
Operationally, Paladins operate in teams of twelve, with a Captain, Lieutenant and ten enlisted men and women. Each member of a team is trained in counter-Preternatural operations, and are experts with modern and traditional weaponry. Able to deploy anywhere in the world within only hours, the Paladins effectively neutralize any threat without turning to preternatural means themselves, much like their English counterparts, the Templars.
Behind the Scenes
Since the beginning of the series, readers have been introduced to supernatural soldiers of many other countries including China's Masters from the Temple of Perfection and England's Templars. While the Stone Soldiers fight fire with fire, employing magic and monsters in their dark war, not every other country combating supernatural threats do the same.
For Spectral Ops, more international organizations and units will make appearances, as threats continue to appear around the globe.
April 18, 2017
Book of Stone: The Occulum
For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. Catch up on previous entries by following the link on the righthand side of this page, Book of Stone, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.
THE OCCULUM
First Appearance: Shadow Raiders
Description: Experimental Wyrmhole Generator
Last Known Status: Damaged
Following the discovery of the transport ring in Greece, the U.S. military began extensive study of wyrmhole generators. When modifications to another transport ring were discovered at the antediluvian site in Antarctica, it became possible to create a wyrmhole generator from scratch. This first device was built at Groom Lake Air Force Base in Nevada, and filled an entire chamber, with wyrmholes of only a few inches across being formed during tests.
Experiments with the Occulum quickly led to perfection of the technology and the construction of much larger generator, dubbed the Sprocket.
During Operation Cold Flare, the Occulum was activated once more, quickly earning the name it had been giving by providing high altitude observation of the planet Asgard.
While severely damaged during the events of Cold Flare, the Occulum remained basically intact.
As a wyrmhole generator, the Occulum operates in the same manner as Valhalla Station's own antediluvian ring portal modified by the SS, and the Sprocket. Once a harmonic connection is estblished with a target, the Occulum is able to form a wyrmhole--the distance from the target being adjusted so that a portal appears beside a target, or miles above.
Partially electromechanical in nature, the Occulum's wyrmhole remains open as long as power is applied to the apparatus.
THE OCCULUM
First Appearance: Shadow Raiders
Description: Experimental Wyrmhole Generator
Last Known Status: Damaged
Following the discovery of the transport ring in Greece, the U.S. military began extensive study of wyrmhole generators. When modifications to another transport ring were discovered at the antediluvian site in Antarctica, it became possible to create a wyrmhole generator from scratch. This first device was built at Groom Lake Air Force Base in Nevada, and filled an entire chamber, with wyrmholes of only a few inches across being formed during tests.
Experiments with the Occulum quickly led to perfection of the technology and the construction of much larger generator, dubbed the Sprocket.
During Operation Cold Flare, the Occulum was activated once more, quickly earning the name it had been giving by providing high altitude observation of the planet Asgard.
While severely damaged during the events of Cold Flare, the Occulum remained basically intact.
As a wyrmhole generator, the Occulum operates in the same manner as Valhalla Station's own antediluvian ring portal modified by the SS, and the Sprocket. Once a harmonic connection is estblished with a target, the Occulum is able to form a wyrmhole--the distance from the target being adjusted so that a portal appears beside a target, or miles above.
Partially electromechanical in nature, the Occulum's wyrmhole remains open as long as power is applied to the apparatus.
Book of Stone: Omorose Nasser
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.
OMOROSE NASSER
First Appearance: Spectral Ops: Ghostwalker
Description: Graduate Student of Paranormal Studies
Last Known Status: Government Consultant
A first-generation American, Omorose "Rose" Nasser was born to Egyptian Coptic parents who had emigrated to the United States in the 1990s, fleeing oppression in their native land.
Rose was raised in the U.S., entering college where she found herself drawn to studies of he occult and the paranormal, despite her strict Christian upbringing.
In 2015, Rose began studying under Professor Richard Merlot in pursuit of her own Doctorate in Paranormal studies. By 2017, Nasser was Merlo's most trusted confidant in the development of a system for viewing non-corporeal entities.
Nasser accompanied Merlo to Arizona, aiding the Professor in his consultation with the USAF at a haunted missile silo. At the completion of the investigation, Nasser joined Merlo in accepting an indefinite assignment as a consultant for Detachment 1039.
OMOROSE NASSER
First Appearance: Spectral Ops: Ghostwalker
Description: Graduate Student of Paranormal Studies
Last Known Status: Government Consultant
A first-generation American, Omorose "Rose" Nasser was born to Egyptian Coptic parents who had emigrated to the United States in the 1990s, fleeing oppression in their native land.
Rose was raised in the U.S., entering college where she found herself drawn to studies of he occult and the paranormal, despite her strict Christian upbringing.
In 2015, Rose began studying under Professor Richard Merlot in pursuit of her own Doctorate in Paranormal studies. By 2017, Nasser was Merlo's most trusted confidant in the development of a system for viewing non-corporeal entities.
Nasser accompanied Merlo to Arizona, aiding the Professor in his consultation with the USAF at a haunted missile silo. At the completion of the investigation, Nasser joined Merlo in accepting an indefinite assignment as a consultant for Detachment 1039.
April 17, 2017
Book of Stone: Professor Richard Merlo
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.
Professor Richard Merlo
First Appearance: Spectral Ops: Ghostwalker
Description: Paranormal Researcher specializing in Non Corporeal Entities
Last Known Status: Government Contractor
After years of research into the phenomenon of hauntings and spirit sightings, Professor Richard Merlo perfected a method for observing non-corporeal entities by means of Synchronized Polarity Opposed Ocular Lenses. Despite not widely disseminating his findings, Merlo found himself approached by Department of Defense representatives in 2017 who requested his consultation on an apparent haunting at a USAF missile silo.
Merlo's SPOOL system proved of great help in resolving the situation at the missile silo, and the Professor reluctantly agreed to remain with Detachment 1039 indefinitely as a consultant.
Professor Richard Merlo
First Appearance: Spectral Ops: Ghostwalker
Description: Paranormal Researcher specializing in Non Corporeal Entities
Last Known Status: Government Contractor
After years of research into the phenomenon of hauntings and spirit sightings, Professor Richard Merlo perfected a method for observing non-corporeal entities by means of Synchronized Polarity Opposed Ocular Lenses. Despite not widely disseminating his findings, Merlo found himself approached by Department of Defense representatives in 2017 who requested his consultation on an apparent haunting at a USAF missile silo.
Merlo's SPOOL system proved of great help in resolving the situation at the missile silo, and the Professor reluctantly agreed to remain with Detachment 1039 indefinitely as a consultant.
Book of Stone: LOOSE RABBIT
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.
LOOSE RABBIT
Description: Reporting Classification for Preternatural Incidents and Threats
For the purposes of secure military communications, the armed forces have a variety of code words and classifications. Some are for secrecy, some are to impress upon recipients of messages the importance of the situation.
Recognizing the danger and frequency of occurrence of supernatural events, the U.S. Armed Forces adopted specialized terminology for use in preternatural incident reporting. Among these, LOOSE RABBIT was one of the earliest terms, chosen to designate a situation where a magic-user was confirmed to be operating in a specific area or with a specific goal in mind.
In all instances where a LOOSE RABBIT is reported, forces are required to report to and coordinate with US SOCOM.
In instances where a preternatural threat is determined to be a Fellish entity, rather than a human magic user, a RED TITAN is declared.
In the event a LOOSE RABBIT (or RED TITAN) entity engages in preternatural activity, a BURNING STORM is declared. Alternatively, a suspicion of preternatural activity, or an imminent threat of preternatural activity is declared a BRIGHT THUNDER.
LOOSE RABBIT
Description: Reporting Classification for Preternatural Incidents and Threats
For the purposes of secure military communications, the armed forces have a variety of code words and classifications. Some are for secrecy, some are to impress upon recipients of messages the importance of the situation.
Recognizing the danger and frequency of occurrence of supernatural events, the U.S. Armed Forces adopted specialized terminology for use in preternatural incident reporting. Among these, LOOSE RABBIT was one of the earliest terms, chosen to designate a situation where a magic-user was confirmed to be operating in a specific area or with a specific goal in mind.
In all instances where a LOOSE RABBIT is reported, forces are required to report to and coordinate with US SOCOM.
In instances where a preternatural threat is determined to be a Fellish entity, rather than a human magic user, a RED TITAN is declared.
In the event a LOOSE RABBIT (or RED TITAN) entity engages in preternatural activity, a BURNING STORM is declared. Alternatively, a suspicion of preternatural activity, or an imminent threat of preternatural activity is declared a BRIGHT THUNDER.
