Palmanova and the Mutant Circus (Luke Cage Season Finale)

Luke Cage, John Proudstar, James Barrett and Marcus Makhailov successfully handle the torrential 8-hour drive from Rome to arrive at Palmanova in the early evening where everyone hoped Ellie would be reunited with her own kind- her family. 

Along with meeting the mutant circus performers Colossus, Nightcrawler, Storm and Pasquale- Luke and the heroes finally catch up with Dino Minniti and learns why he and his friends have been on the run over the weekend...

The Runaways...

Dino Minniti- Grandson of the former Minister of the Interior Marco Minniti

Thomas Banderas- friend/fellow altar boy of Dino and son to the Roma Chief of police. 

Izabella and Donica Raggi- (twins) Olympic gymnasts and daughters of the Mayor of Rome- Gifted

Dino and Thomas Banderas, altar boys at the St. Clemente's Basilica, discovered the mutant Michael Ferega on the day of the Event pleading for help deep in the bowels of original church- in the restricted part of Clemente’s Basilica. 

Dino fought with Rev. Santiago Hfarris (one of the Chilean scandal priests) while Thomas freed a battered and abused man from the steel animal cage. Michael was the man's name and when he was free from the animal cage Michael gazed upon his abuser and turned Rev. Hfarris to stone. 

Michael was a mutant, a humanoid male with angel wings, pointed ears, curled horns from his brow. He is a member of Pasquale’s Circus Maximus and was separated from his family and captured by Rev. Santiago Hfarris and others of his dark cult. They violated him, cut off his wings and used him to channel their malevolent magic. 

Banderas ran to the Hotel Mercure across the street and stole a shuttle van with the intention of going to the police with Michael and his terrible story but the world was chaos that morning. 

So Dino Minniti and Thomas Banderas went to the only friends they could trust and called up Izabella and Donica Raggi, the Mayor’s twin daughters, who sounded distressed over the phone...  

As the girls were preparing that morning for a 4-hour drive to a school competition up north- the 'Event' occurred and half of all life in the universe was extinguished. 

Confused and looking for answers Donica came across an unsecured secret workstation (neither of the girls had ever seen) this gave the Donica and her sister access to secure computer files. Files that revealed to the twins their mother and the family had previously unknown clandestine and questionable origins. 

Their mother is daughter of Karl Kraus (HYDRA) and married to Andre Severini (INTELLEGENCIA). Their mother was forwarding both causes and using the philanthropic organization (IGH) to compile an inventory of enhanced DNA samples from blood and organ donors from across the world. With a doctor or scientist agent in every major college and hospital around the world the INTELLEGENCIA is attempting to create the god-serum for super powers. 

Their computer intrusion was detected, the girls were in danger and had to flee. That's when Dino and Thomas called. They agreed to meet up, they exchanged stories and agreed that the first thing to do was to return Michael to his family in Palmanova. 

As Dino and the other Runaways relayed their story the sound of a helicopter broke the calm. As Ellie was trying to heal Michael, her long lost brother, Kraus agents attacked in four armored SUVS and one black armed and armored helicopter. 

Nightcrawler could teleport the circus and all his fellow mutants but such a task usually took extra effort and a few minutes to build up the energy. With Ellie mimicking the Nightcrawler- the teleport only took 3 rounds to complete. 

Magic was used, SUVs were damaged and ran asunder as Colossus and multiple mutant clowns helped the heroes hold off the black suited agents. With the tension at an all time high, Luke Cage Season 3 ends with the protagonists and the mutant circus teleporting safely to as yet unknown location. 

Thanks for a great game guys!

Luke Cage

James Barrett

John Proudstar

Marcus Makhailov

Miracle at the Vatican

The World rejoices as- at eight this morning (local Italy time)- the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel billowed white smoke indicating a new pope has been selected. 

"In the face of Rapturous events, the papal conclave has elected a new bishop of Rome." Cardinal Nicodemus Ruzz was quoted as saying.

Pope Mortigan, First of his Name, was confirmed by the College of Cardinals this morning as the 267th Pontifex maximus. 

In an unprecedented ruling the remaining Cardinals at the Vatican allowed the remaining bishops as eligible to participate in the conclave and vote to elect a new pope. The election followed an hours long candle prayer-ritual Sunday night that saw hundreds of individuals gather at the Sistine Chapel in masses. 

At the culmination of the papal ceremony, Pope Mortigan came before the assembled faithful. As he blessed the gathered faithful a large gilded chariot of fire drawn by four enormous flaming regal horses descended from 'the Heavens' and landed in the Vatican courtyard. 

A modern miracle witnessed by hundreds as Pope Mortigan took his religious office. 

The sudden presence of a chariot of fire drew many divine insights and proclamations. People were enthralled. No one dared to approach the chariot or horses as it circled the courtyard heralding Pope Mortigan's rise to office. 

"Elijah's Chariot!" some exclaimed, citing the Bible's New Testament story of a burning chariot of fire taking Elijah's (/John the Baptist) physical form to heaven. 

Making his procession from the Saint Peter's Basilica, Pope Mortigan carried an ancient holy staff and wearing the pontiff 's finery- a red zucchetto and fiery vestments adorned with double gold threaded symbol of the holy crucifixion. 

In Pope Mortigan's personal entourage are two hulking rotund priests dressed in black robes with red collars and red vestments. They each carry heavy brass censors on long chains that exhume incense. A tall fidgety nun with wide round eyes wearing a red habit, a red rope around her waist, and carries a silver bowl of ashes. Finally a catholic monk dressed in all black with a red collar and slippers who walks with a fluidity of movement. 

Mortigan's first words as pope:

"Thank you all! My brothers and sisters, fathers and secular leaders- together we gaze upon the future and bravely face the great tribulation of the Rapture. Fear not, for he has a plan for us all. This is not a time for hardship but a time of spiritual transition and celebration my friends in faith. This is a time of opportunity like no other for true salvation. 

Those of us who remain must be steadfast in our faith and our love for humanity. We must be divine messengers of deliverance for those without him in their hearts. Trust in him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring, if by earthly friends forsaken- still more closely to him cling.*

We must secure true redemption for those souls left behind so that we may all eventually enter his everlasting kingdom. I call upon every remaining soul on earth to join us in a global moment of prayer. In twelve hours time (8 pm Monday June 4, 2018 local Italy), I invite you to take pause and come together as beings on this mortal world and pray to our lord and savior: 

‘Lord of all, make me your servant of your divine will. Cleanse my spirit so that I too, may reside in your new kingdom. Amen’." 

Time is filled with swift transition,

Naught of earth unmoved can stand,

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

 

Refrain:

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,

Hold to God’s unchanging hand;

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Trust in Him who will not leave you,

Whatsoever years may bring,

If by earthly friends forsaken

Still more closely to Him cling.

Covet not this world’s vain riches

That so rapidly decay,

Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,

They will never pass away.

When your journey is completed,

If to God you have been true,

Fair and bright the home in glory

Your enraptured soul will view.

(SOURCE: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Hold_to_Gods_Unchanging_Hand/) 

RAN: Rome Action News!

The morning after the attack on the secret HYDRA bunker under the Presidential Palace... 

Good Morning! 

Today is Monday June 4, 2018. 

"Italy is waking up this morning to shocking news and allegations concerning Italy’s recently confirmed top members of government. 

We have Action News regarding two precise coordinated attacks combined with the release of secret intel, leaves behind several dead and Italy’s government in disarray."

TOP STORY: 

Today several political figures and ambassadors, who were believed to have been taken during the Event, are breathing free this morning after a harrowing rescue overnight. 

Unknown individuals who deployed advanced systems and displayed super-human abilities- found access to and assaulted a secret HYDRA bunker deep under the Quirinal (Presidential) Palace. 

Free this morning are the former Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, the former Minister of the Interior Marco Miniti, two other Interior Ministers, and foreign ambassadors from USA, France, and England. 

These vigilantes are also believed to be the perpetrators behind the release of secret HYDRA intel this morning on the Internet. 

In a live news conference Paolo Gentiloni confirmed he and others were held in custody by HYDRA for two days. In his official statement Gentiloni stated that on Friday after the Event he and the other interior ministers and ambassadors were apprehended, black bags placed over their heads, and were taken to an unknown location. Their captors were careful to hide their identities. 

THE VIDEO NEWS BITE:

Earlier this morning:

A disheveled Paolo Gentiloni is seen standing in front of the Presidential Palace and behind several news microphones and hand held cell phones. Standing behind Gentiloni are the other interior ministers (Minister of Defense and the Minister of Education, University and Research) as well as the ambassadors from USA, France, and England (Stuart Redman, Fran Goldsmith and Nicolaus Andros). 

Not pictured is Marco Miniti who is hospitalized but is reported to be in fair condition. 

Gentiloni addresses the gathered media, “Earlier myself and those you see behind me were liberated from HYDRA captivity by unknown heroes led by Rome’s vigilante Morning Star.” (Gentiloni says more but the news cuts him off)

This is a developing story. 

RELATED: 

Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Minister of the Interior Matteo Salvini, who were just sworn in four days ago, were found dead in the Presidential Palace this morning after several gunmen entered the building and hunted down their targets. 

Ministry Police says this apparent assassination operation was coordinated with the rescue of the former government officials directly below the Presidential Palace and the publication of secret HYDRA intel. 

The Official release from authorities states up to five armed gunmen including a report of at least one enhanced assassin and an induvial in a powered flying suit- breached Palace security check points, defeated defensive counter measures and accessed the secure  Presidential Residence. 

The assailants severely injured five SED agents and four executive police officers before reaching their primary targets, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister. 

This is a developing story. 

HYDRA EXPOSED!

Secret intel was dropped on a public server last night that indicate a possible new HYDRA uprising in Italy. 

HAIL HYDRA

Early indications financially and politically link both Prime Minister Conte and Interior Minister Salvini to the Makhailov family- Sokovian Nobles with ties to HYDRA dating back to the RED SKULL. 

Count Draghn Makhailov was revealed to have orchestrated the transportation of recovered Chitauri materials from New York for HYDRA to Sokovia in 2015. 

Whilst the grandfather of the wealthy family Brom Makhailov, worked closely with Daniel Whitehall during WWII and was also associated with the Council of Nine. 

Digital evidence implies Conte and Salvini had clandestine partnerships with them for decades. 

It will take this new source time to sift through all the secret intel provided by the vigilantes, but initial signs indicate both Conte and Salvini were members of HYDRA’s terrorist cell in Italy.  

This is a developing story. 

The HYDRA Plan: Operation Sokovia

Sokovia (Sokovian Cyrillic: Соковиja; Sokovian Latin: Sokovija) was a former landlocked country in Central-Southeastern Europe, bordered by Slovakia and the Czech Republic. After its capital city Novi Grad was destroyed by Ultron, it was politically absorbed into the surrounding countries.

HYDRA

In 2012 following the Battle of New York, as Loki and the Tesseract were prepared to be taken back to Asgard, Secret SHIELD/ HYDRA sleeper agents intercepted Loki's Scepter and transported it to the HYDRA Research Base in Sokovia. 

With the Scepter now in HYDRA's possession, von Strucker and Dr. List conducted a series of experiments and managed to powered up a large number of Chitauri Weapons, recovered from the Battle of New York. 

Von Strucker ordered Dr. List to gather volunteers among the rioting population of Sokovia for experiments with the Cosmic Scepter. 

Meanwhile, in an adjacent program to HYDRA's Centipede Project, von Strucker ordered Dr. Steffen Scarabeus to advanced a derivative of a Super Soldier program by combining Chitauri materials with the Extremis formula. Known as Project Scarab- it offered a promising means of granting powers to their subjects beyond what the Extremis formula offered. 

Both Doctors List and Scarabeus were from IGH. (See below) 

Dr. List and von Strucker

 

---

 HYDRA HIGH COMMAND (ITALY)

Dr. List

Daniel Whitehall DECEASED Originally a high-ranking officer of the Nazi Schutzstaffel, during World War II, Whitehall led many expeditions to recover mysterious artifacts for HYDRA, working under the command of the infamous Red Skull. Whitehall was shot and killed by Phil Coulson of SHIELD. 

Von Strucker. DECEASED Baron Wolfgang von Strucker was one of the leaders of HYDRA, he was killed by Ultron after the AVENGERS, attacked the HYDRA Research Base in Sokovia. 

Count Draghn Makhailov. DECEASED Sokovian Nobleman and Marcus' Father. He orchestrated the transportation of the Scepter and other recovered Chitauri materials to the HYDRA Research Base in Sokovia. Draghn was killed by Ultron after AVENGERS, attacked Strucker's HYDRA Research Base in Sokovia.

Brom Makhailov. DECEASED Sokovian Nobleman and Marcus' Grandfather and leader of the HYDRA cell in Sokovia. He worked closely with Daniel Whitehall during WWII. Brom was also killed by Ultron after AVENGERS, attacked Strucker's HYDRA Research Base in Sokovia.

Karl Kraus. Sokovian Nobleman, Marcus' Uncle, CEO of Kraus Techmatrix and HYDRA TECHNICAL OFFICER. A leader in European tech companies with competitors such as Roxxon and AIM. Karl profited greatly from stolen inventions and reclaimed alien tech. 

Matteo Salvini. Italian Nobleman, current Minister of the Interior and HYDRA DIRECTOR. The Italian Interior Minister is political head for the administration of internal affairs. He controls the State police, the Vigili del Fuoco (fire protection), and sits on the High Council of Defense. 

Giuseppe Conte. Italian Nobleman, current Prime Minister of Italy and HYDRA COUNCILOR. He was close associate of the late Count Draghn Makhailov before The Age of Ultron. 

Virginia Raggi-Kraus. Karl Kraus' extremely intelligent and capable daughter. She is the current Mayor of Rome and assumptive MADAME HYDRA. Marcus Makhailov (Troy) discovers for the first time Virginia Raggi (Kraus) is his cousin.  

Lucian Fosta. A former SHIELD agent, Fosta was appointed by his uncle Matteo Salvini as SED (Special Enforcement Detail) Commander. Fosta was a covert HYDRA FIELD COMMANDOR imbedded in SHIELD and was an early test subject for IGH. 

 

---

I.G.H. 

IGH was originally a secret research laboratory and genetic technology clinic involved in covert and illegal human experimentation. Its name is a backronym for Industrial Garments & Handling, the cover for the operation. 

Dr. Steffen Scarabeus

After the Battle of New York IGH was rebranded by the secretive INTELLIGENCIA to International Genetics and Healthcare- a 'doctors without borders' initiative that specialized in global stem-cell research, blood donations, and organ transplants. Its original mission however remained intact. 

One of its primary projects was the employment of genetic editing for medical purposes, which had the side effect of subjects developing superhuman abilities. 

Another of IGH's side-projects was the development of pharmaceuticals that increase the user's strength and reflexes, though these measures had detrimental side effects in the users' minds.

Doctor Steffen Scarabeus and his wife, both IGH Doctors, discovered an X-Gene in a 'Subject Zero' Ellie Morgenthau after the Battle of New York. A curious young woman, orphaned after the Chitari attack, who's extraordinary regenerative blood properties had the potential of not just eliminating disease but could also advance the development or activate the X-Gene in a recipient. 

Doctor Scarabeus and his wife fostered Ellie and would secretly run tests on her over the coarse of years studying her mutant gene. 

Dr. Andre Severini

THE INTELLIGENCIA

Dr. List DECEASED Lead Doctor for HYDRA's Project Scepter and one of the founders of IGH. List was killed by Iron Man when the AVENGERS, attacked Strucker's HYDRA Research Base in Sokovia. 

Dr. Karlin Malus (USA)- DECEASED

Dr. Miklos Kozlov (USA)- DECEASED

Dr. Steffen Scarabeus DECEASED Lead Doctor for HYDRA's Project Scarab, one of the founders of IGH and Ellie's foster father. He was killed on the train to Rome by a man dressed as Catholic Priest who meant to steal his secrets. The priest was dusted. Episode 1. 

Dr. Andre Severini One of the founders of IGH, Nobel Prize Winner, Brother to Stephen Scarabeus, and husband to Mayor Virginia Raggi-Kraus. 

 

---

 HYDRA/IGH TEST SUBJECTS 

Name. Sokovia or (USA). Enhancement Source, Other Information. 

Lucian Fosta

Charles Chandler- Cosmic Radiation (Scepter) HYDRA Soldier. 

Daniel Jermain- Experimental Pharmaceuticals. Associate of the Casamonica crime family. Danger-man

David Samuels- (USA) Extremis Enhanced. HYDRA Soldier. 

Douglas Ramsey- Cosmic Radiation (Scepter) Cypher 

Drew Grey- (USA) Extremis Enhanced. HYDRA Soldier. 

Harold Chandler- Cosmic Radiation (Scepter) HYDRA Soldier. 

Janus Silvini- (USA) Experimental Pharmaceuticals. DECEASED killed by John Proudstar. Episode 3

Jessica Jones- (USA) Experimental Pharmaceuticals

Kevin Thompson- (USA) Experimental Pharmaceuticals DECEASED 

Lucian Fosta- (USA) Experimental Pharmaceuticals (Combat Enhancers) HYDRA sleeper agent in SHIELD and John Proudstar's next enhanced nemesis.

Mathew Casamonica- Extremis Enhanced and clan capo of the Casamonica crime family. The Flat-man. 

Pietro Maximoff- Cosmic Radiation (Scepter) DECEASED 

Robert Coleman-  (USA) Experimental Pharmaceuticals DECEASED 

Wanda Maximoff- Cosmic Radiation (Scepter) AVENGER 

Will Simpson- (USA) Experimental Pharmaceuticals (Combat Enhancers) DECEASED 

 

---

Recovered from the HYDRA Bunker hundreds of feet below Italy's Quirinal Palace.  

Marco Minniti, the former Minister of the Interior strapped down in a sterile medical room and hooked up to strange equipment. His head is in a device but he is unconscious and in stable condition. 

Prisoners in the advanced containment pods: three members of the Italian Ministry, three Foreign Dignitaries (USA, France, England), one Catholic Priest and a lower demon, two private security guards. 

3 Doses of Project Scarab Serum. 

Techmatrix Exo-Suit Mark II

10 Light and Heavy Chitauri weapon components. 

10 Chitauri powered Polearms

5 Chitauri powered Armor components. 

Up to 50 Equipment points towards a character PPs. 

The Casamonica Clan

The Casamonica clan is an Italian

Villa on the Tyrrhenian Sea

Maggia criminal organization operating in Rome and the area of the Castelli Romani, the Lazio coast as well as villas in SE Rome.

Authorities admit they largely overlooked the Casamonica clan's rise during the 1980s and 1990s, remaining instead focused on other organized crime gangs. Such negligence led to the unfettered rise of the Casamonica organization. 

None have ever turned against the clan, making it particularly difficult for the authorities to tackle the organization. (Source The Local IT)

The clan is known for its criminal influence, ostentatious celebrations, resourcefulness, and garishly decorated villas. 

Origins 

The Casamonica clan originates from the Casamonica and Di Silvio families who came to Italy's capital in the nineteen fifties. The group is made up of families such as the De Rosa, the Di Guglielmo, the Di Rocco, the Ciarelli, the Di Colombi, the Di Lauro, the Zini, the Spada and the Spinelli.

Areas of activity

The traditional cornerstones of the mafia clan are the areas located in the south-eastern outskirts of Rome and regions further south. According to the Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA), the Casamonica clan is the most powerful and rooted criminal structure in the Region of Lazio. According to a census by Vittorio Rizzi, head of the Rome mobile team (Squadra Mobile, a division of State Police), the clan is made up of around 43 families and a over a thousand associates. (Source Wikipedia)

Activities

The Casamonica clan and affiliates control large swathes of the west and coastal area of Rome and have reportedly built a crime empire worth €90 million from illicit activities. 

The Casamonica clan has always been associated with racketeering, extortion and usury for decades, with very little public exposure until a lavish funeral for crime boss ‘the debt-collector’ Vittorio Casamonica caused outrage in 2015. (Source: Italics Mag)

*Today's generation of family members can been found in corporate executive positions, as Italian social media influencers, and in high technical positions. 

Monte Cavo Safe House

---

Giordano

Giordano Casamonica. Has been clan Don since the passing of his older brother Vittorio Casamonica in 2015. He was released from prison earlier this year after evidence went missing and someone else confessed to the crimes Giordano stood accused of. As a tech expert Giordano is the undisputed leader of the Clan. He has expensive tastes and loves his money; he is often found on his state-of-the-art yacht. He has in his possession a Kraus Techmatrix prototype Exo-Suit but has not been able to unlock its full capabilities. 

Techmatrix Exo-Suit

Giambi

Giambattista 'Giambi' Casamonica. Clan Underboss and son of the diseased Vittorio Casamonica. A powerful second in command and is being groomed to one day take over the family business. He is a ruthless business man with a seat on the Board of Directors for the Roxxon Corporation. 

Rosey

Mary De Rosa “Rosey” (F) Clan consigliere and the fiery leader of convoy group you met at Civitavecchia. In Rome Mary De Rosa is an exclusive event planner for celebrities and the affluent. She is also Giordano's closest friend and confidant, Rosey is also the Number 3 in command of the family. The information she gathers during the events she organizes have been very profitable. 

Mathew

Mathew Casamonica. Clan Capo. A Capo describes a ranking made member of a family who leads a crew of soldiers. Mathew was part of the Civitavecchia convoy crew. 

*ENHANCED Called the flat-man because of his ability to assume a two-dimensional alternate form. He is a knife fighter who earned his name on the streets of Rome with his streetwise prowess. To elevate his usefulness and prestige in the family Mathew entered an advanced warrior training program that turned out to be a covert HYDRA operation called Project Scarab. 

It was in Sokovia under the direct observation of Dr. Scarabeus (Ellie’s murdered foster-father) when Mathew got his powers. Project Scarab was the next evolution of the Extremis formula. Project Scarab and was HYDRA's companion operation to Dr. List's experiments in Sokovia with Loki's Scepter; groundbreaking work that ultimately produced the ENHANCED twins of Wanda and Pietro Maximoff.  

Duprey

Duprey Casamonica. Clan Capo. Duprey was one of the drivers in the Civitavecchia convoy crew. A large but kind man who has a wife and 3 daughters. Duprey is a structural engineer who owns and operates a large construction business. Duprey is thoughtful man who is slow to anger. He and Daniel Jermain (below) are good friends. 

Omar the Italian Shadow

Omar Spada. Clan Soldier. Also known as a “made man,” soldiers are the lowest members of the crime family but still command respect in the organization. To become made, soldiers are required to take an oath of silence, called merta. Omar is Giordano's number 1 foot soldier.

*GIFTED Omar is a mouthy, hot-headed intimidator who is prone to violent or sometimes deadly outbursts. Omar is gifted with fast hands and does not feel pain or empathy. Never a good student Omar cashed in on his furor and by the age of 22 became a champion boxer in Italy called the Italian Shadow. Omar is capable when pointed in the right direction; he also openly despises and taunts Giambi at nearly every turn. 

Daniel

Daniel Jermain. Clan Associate. An associate is an individual who is part of a crew but has not been made and commits crimes under the protection/direction of made members and remits a share of his illegal proceeds to his direct made superior.

*ENHANCED 'Danger-man', Daniel was a contractor for the Roxxon Corporation. An accidental exposure to atomic radiation at a power generation station empowered Daniel with super-strength and super-hearing (up to 8 km away). Unfortunately without full control of his atomic powers his family died of radiation sickness. 

Daniel was brought into the clan by Giambi as an associate last month. Giambi promised him a promotion to soldier would be considered 'made' if he ensured the Hammer-Tech weapons from NYC be safely delivered to the organization. Daniel is quick to anger and is easily goaded into violent outbursts by Spada. 

Geo

Geo (Geovana) Edmondo. Clan Associate. Luke Cage remembers this individual from group therapy sessions at Seagate Penitentiary. Geo was also part of the Civitavecchia convoy crew. After serving his time at Seagate for attempted murder, Geo moved to Miami where he bumped into Giambattista Casamonica who was attending an energy conference. Over drinks that night the two realized they shared the same tastes in women and music and became unlikely friends. 

Giambi invited Geo back to Italy where he is a popular radio DJ in central Italy and clan associate. 

'V'

Officer Val Ventura/Victor Gambino. Clan Associate. Victor or "V" is a Rome city Police Officer and a mole for the organization. He ensures evidence is misplaced and tips off clan Capos of law enforcement activity that target family interests. 

Dounglas

Douglas Ramsey. Clan Associate. 'Cypher'. A communications engineer for Baron Von Stucker and HYDRA in Sokovia until the Avengers attacked. After the defeat by the Avengers and subsequent destruction of Sokovia, Douglas fled to Italy with other surviving HYDRA agents. Individuals who had previously infiltrated various levels of the Italian government and were now blending into the shadows of politics. 

Douglas secretly operates for HYDRA at Quirinal Palace (the Italian Presidential Residence) but switched alliances when he married into the Casamonica family last year. 

Other clan associates consist of several Italian enforcers, thugs, and 'yes' men. 

La Casa Sul Mare

Luxury New Build Amels 206 Available For Sale (moranyachts.com)

WHIH World News

WHIH SPECIAL REPORT

Earth is reeling from the Event tonight. Hundreds of memorials and gatherings of support are reported around the World. 

Nothing remains of the lives lost today; only their memory and questions of what happens next. Official follow up statement from the Avengers indicated the event was not just contained on Earth but across the entire Universe. 

As hard as that is to believe, an extraterrestrial called Thanatos or 'Thanos' was reported to be the cause. Earth's Mightiest Protectors vow to discover if this historic catastrophe can be reversed. 

Politics: 

World leaders and governments report major losses including the President of the United States, the Queen of England, the President of Italy, and one-half of the Avengers including Wakanda's protector the Black Panther.  

 At The Vatican:

The Vatican is not discounting this event as the Rapture and beginning of the Time of Tribulations. Despite what Thor and the remaining Avengers state, the Catholic Church decrees those who are gone 'now reside with the Son of God and the twelve Apostilles in his New Kingdom'. This also includes Pope Francis who was taken. 

A College of Cardinals is set to convene Monday June 4th to elect a new Pope- someone to lead the church the dark times ahead. Cardinal Mortigan Goth, who predicted the Rapture would occur before 2020, is favored to be the next Pope of the Catholic Church. 

As a clarion call, half remaining clerg4y have left the Vatican on what is being called Crociata dei Cardinali or the Crusade of Cardinals- to travel to each church as missionaries to comfort and offer holy guidance for those who remain during the Tribulations to come.  

Cardinal Goth

National News: 

Martial-Law has been declared in some countries including China, Russia, and Mexico. Barring such extreme measures some provinces and cities across the world have implemented a curfew schedule instead. 

Airline and rail traffic is restricted to essential travel for five days and business markets around the world are frozen for five days. Motor vehicle travelers are urged to use caution as some roads and bridges could be blocked with vehicles. Public works projects will be delayed. 

All official sporting events are postponed indefinitely, schools and non-essential businesses are closed for five days.

International Genetics and Healthcare (IGH) has pared with the Red Cross to facilitate charitable donations across international borders and to bolster humanitarian efforts. 

Science News: 

Malfunction of the AI Weather Orbital Station has resulted in strange abnormal weather events including a 5 - 10 degree cooling trend, reports of strange violet lightening strikes, and an 80% increase in global cloud cover. 

Paulio and Pasquale Caruso's Circus Maximus and Menagerie

Welcome! Welcome to Circus Maximus, where extraordinary talents and unbelievable abilities collide under the big top! Fausto, your charismatic ringmaster, effortlessly lifts massive weights with his enhanced strength. Clowns with shape-shifting powers keep the audience in stitches as they play pranks and tricks, while illusionists create mind-bending magic acts that blur the line between reality and illusion. With acrobats and high flying acts of all kinds showcasing their powers, this circus is a spectacle like no other. And don't worry, no animals are involved – just astonishing performances that will leave you amazed! 

May 4 and 5^th Rome, Italy

May 11^th and 12^th Perugia, Province of Perugia

May 18^th and 19^th Citta di Castello, Province of Perugia

May 25^th and 26^th Bologna, Metropolitan City

May 29^th and 30^th Venice, Metropolitan City

June 1^st and 2^nd Palmanova, Italy

 

MCU Touchstones and the First-Five

Francis Barrett

In 1801 Francis Barrett wrote a thesis that explained the ancient origins of the Touchstones: five earthbound stones that were individually singularities of elemental air, fire, water, earth, spirit and were also conduits of bestowed divine power. 

These stones, Barrett wrote, were created by the primordial First-Five pantheons that ruled over Pangea. 

The early gods of the sky, the land, as well as others invested a portion of their divine energy into the Touchstones to create the living Earth and all things upon it. 

Over the Eons these Pantheons warred for supremacy causing great tidal destruction and breaks in the mantle of the Earth. This caused continents to drift apart opening new oceans and revealing new lands changing the face of the Earth forever.

After millions of years Men evolved, civilizations formed, and champions ascended and wars were fought between them. This continued throughout the centuries; many of these individuals became historical figures and heroes of folklore. 

The First-Five bestowed the Touchstones to worthy champions as the primordial pantheons evolved into the pagan and philosophic ways known today. 

Barrett postulated Touchstones had the potential of bestowing Avatar-like status to an individual and therefore was hard to quantify their value or potential. 

• Air Touchstone (The Iron Fist): governed by Shou-Lao in K'un-Lun, bestowed to the Iron Fist.
• Earth Touchstone (The Gea Shard): originally governed by the Vanir, bestowed to the Sorcerer Sol Rama of the London Sanctum.
• Fire Touchstone (The Hellfire Pyramid): originally governed by the Egyptian Ennead, has transferred owners hundreds of times throughout history. It is currently held by Cardinal Mortigan Goth
• Spirit Touchstone (Hematite): governed by Tribal Americas Pantheons, bestowed to The Thunderbird. 
• Water Touchstone (Moonstone): governed by Tribal Talokan Pantheon, bestowed to K'uk'ulkan. 

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Mephisto will not tolerate your existence

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If you are able, we encourage you to reach out to a family member, a friend or neighbor and see to their wellbeing. Contact your local community outreach center if you need assistance or for ways you can help survivors. 

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James Barrett

James Barrett is a well-educated, early thirties man raised to respect the earth and observe the Old Ways. His love for the old ways grew into an interest of ancient cultures, art, fantasy literature, Pink Floyd, and eventually as his mystical powers manifested, psychotropic drugs. 

Around the age of nine James began to see auras on old items and sometimes people, but the auras on people were always dark and full of woe.

The aura-reading talent waned for a time until five years ago, in 2013 while completing graduate studies, the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim attacked Greenwich England. The Dark Elves wished to restore their dominance during a convergence by using the Reality Infinity Stone over a Ley Line. Thor fought the dark elves and won the day, but attack shook the surrounding neighborhoods, caused major damage, and introduced strange magical creatures to Earth. It also had a profound effect on James that shifted his focus to the pursuit of magic.

James’ parents saw his shift in attention and the return of his mystic senses and eventually shared the family secret.

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Stories say that for a time the Asgardian Freyr spent some time in England 250 – 500 years ago. Freyr supposedly traveled the countryside working the fields. Everywhere Freyr went favorable weather, bountiful crops of grain and a healthy crops children followed. 

In 1772 Francis Barrett was born of a human mother and an Asgardian father many believed to be Freyr.

Francis was a science student, eventual occult philosopher and ley line warden. Before his death Francis published a book called The Magus in 1801. It was a collected system of occult philosophy, rituals, and his personal handbook on mysticism and super-natural practices. 

Francis Barrett

In his writings Francis maintained that such expanded mystical knowledge only came with the regular use of certain psychotropic mushrooms. This was necessary Francis wrote, to understand, observe, and manipulate mystical forces. Francis also warned that such understanding of magic also brought nightmares and infernal visions; the medicinal drugs were also a way to abate the visions and dreams.

What James’ parents said was that he was in fact a decedent of Francis Barrett- an Asgardian blooded sorcerer who, was hunted down and killed by the Ordo Seclorum for his occult practices.

After completing graduate studies that year, James found work as an online language tutor and became a self-published fantasy author publishing stories about magic and dark elves (of all things). James then began the arduous search for The Magus.

James ventured to Europe and eventually discovered that in 1802 a Catholic priest named Mortigan Goth, for fear of being cursed, did not destroy the Magus when Francis died but separated and scattered the tome hiding chapters of the book in sacred libraries of Catholic Churches. Thus began a tour of all the active churches from that time.

Late last summer while in Spain, James met Xandu of ClanDestine. An irritating but charismatic jinn with blonde hair, emerald eyes and a fey-like smile- and a Sorcerer of the mystic arts. With delight Xandu affirmed much of what James already knew about magic and mysticism. Xandu was obviously smitten with him.

Xandu excitedly explained about how he and other Sorcerers of the Mystic Arts defended Nexus locations against encroaching diabolical and supernatural threats. James was intrigued.

With his permission Xandu opened a portal to the London Sanctum where he assured James he would be formally trained. However, that promise was short lived as the steward of the London Sanctum, Sol Rama- for reasons unknown- refused to take on James as a student.

This upset the normally cool Xandu but did not deter him; while Xandu was forbidden to formally tutor James, he would nonetheless help James find the lost sections of the Magus.