Sonnac Mission Text

String Table 0 50310, 460 entries

0-0 15401: Orochi's unwelcome presence is not surprising, though I am concerned by the scope. Rest assured, we shall look into Dr Shirui on our end. Meanwhile, find out what you can about his operation.

The Ankh must be a fascinating site of inquiry. They say it's the cradle of Atenism, the place where the whispers first compelled Akhenaten to dig.

May be worth a stroll should you decide to get out of the sun. Or to get closer to it.

R. Sonnac
1-0 15422: Good work on the report. The information regarding the reanimated dead is useful, though not particularly surprising.

Jack Boone - now there's a familiar name. He pops up in reports everywhere. The man travels far and wide, and always seems to be on-site before our agents. His factional allegiances are unknown, though he does not appear to be associated with either the Illuminati or the Dragon.

It would pay to keep an eye on him.

R. Sonnac
2-0 15492: I just received word from R&D that this data is giving us fresh insight into draug behaviour.

They appear to have a more complex ecology than we first thought. The reanimated corpses serve as incubators for the draug pods; the females' eggs are implanted through some sort of tentacular energy transfer.

You've given our research teams a lot to think about - hopefully, in time, it will give us an edge over these creatures. Alas, not in time to save Kingsmouth, but you cannot win every skirmish. This is, after all, going to be a very long war.

R. Sonnac
3-0 15496: "They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth" (Isaiah 38:18)

All of Kingsmouth's a pit.

These awakened remains - the witches, the miners, the cultists who buried each other living and dead - are evidence of Kingsmouth's history of fervour and violence.

Not all were evil: the witches, merely housewives; the miners, slaves to a paycheck; the cultists, weak-willed wanderers. What unites them all is Kingsmouth's particular breed of restlessness, one that is being dug up and wielded by the draug.

The question is, to what purpose?

R. Sonnac
4-0 15500: It appears we are dealing with bigger problems here than just the reanimated dead. The name "draug" is ringing a lot of bells around here, and I'm told we have plenty of information on these marine creatures on record. On ancient record.

We could still use more information, however, particularly about the larger varieties with the lobster claws, and their general ecology.

On that note - they do have some excellent shellfish in that region, worth looking into if you work up an appetite.

R. Sonnac
5-0 15563: The capacity of the draug to appropriate human technology and technique is alarming.

Their defence system is crude, but one shudders at the implications of the draug taking inspiration from Orochi. Soon they shall be camouflaging their objectives behind a network of puppet subsidiaries.

On a positive note, it is revelatory to see what the draug have barricaded. These giant pod clusters represent a significant advance in draug ambition and confidence. Until now, their shoreline activities were limited to breeding minor varieties of the species. We shall now be remembering that time as the good old days.

R. Sonnac
6-0 15567: We have something in common with the Orochi Group: we are equally concerned by the rapid mutation of the undead and eager to understand the cause. Let us hope the similarities end there, otherwise I shall need a very long bath.

Based on what little we know of this substance you've encountered, you shall need one as well.

Priest Island is a veritable hotspot of toxic underground activity. It seems we are getting closer to the primary source of mutation, or rather, one of the primary sources. Evidence suggests we should assume the worst in all current matters.

R. Sonnac
7-0 15577: Aiding the locals in the face of the inevitable - your tenacity is admirable, though perhaps a bit blue-eyed.

On a positive note, you have provided us with some useful data of Kingsmouth Town. We have a clearer picture of the situation at hand...and it doesn't look good, at least for the unfortunate civilian population. But we still have a decent chance of containing the threat, and that's what you're there for.

R. Sonnac
8-0 15583: Good news,

The camera system you've installed is up and running on our end as well. It is tactically useful for the local officers to see incoming threats. However, we are particularly keen to analyse visual data of the enemy from an R&D perspective.

The janitor you encountered showed symptoms of an unfamiliar infection. There were signs of humanity in the midst of his tentacular mutation. We hesitate to classify him without more data.

R. Sonnac
9-0 15598: Fascinating. You can set your watch by occult mercenaries arriving after an untoward event, and yet I'm alarmed you found them freighting...cargo in. The usual order of business is to frantically ship out every object of power that is not warded down.

It begs the question: what do they stand to gain from making the situation on Solomon Island worse? You truly have tuned to a signal, to a foreshadowing of a much greater concern. I would advise steeling yourself to anticipate it.

Once one starts tugging at a loose thread, all manner of unpleasant surprises come out.

R. Sonnac
10-0 15607: Before I take the moral high ground, I feel I should qualify the position. We cannot damn these corporate interests for operating without thought to the Kingsmouth survivors. After all, is that not similar to the instruction I gave to you?

You, however, are working towards a greater good. These "scientists," by leaving an open invitation to further horrors, are only making a greater mess. The technology is most impressive, but the common sense of those applying it leaves much to be desired.

And now they are dead. You see why our approach is so very needed.

R. Sonnac
11-0 15613: We are frightfully concerned by the presence of the Orochi Group. They are an immensely broad and powerful corporate conglomerate with influence on the Council. As a result, we really shouldn't be tampering in their affairs.

One would like to believe they are using their excessive means to contain and remedy the current situation. That is, of course, unlikely.

Using a toy plane to keep tabs on their operation strikes me as rather unsophisticated. The Orochi will dismiss it as mere child's play. In other words, it is absolutely perfect!

R. Sonnac
12-0 15633: I am familiar with golemtry from my days in the Academy. Golems are inanimate beings roused to life in service of a master. Wonderful domestics and sentries, as long as you get the ordinances right.

However, we have few records of golems springing to life independently of a master as appears to be the case here.

If you find other evidence of spontaneous assembly, do let us know. For now, we shall have to file this one under "Something in the Air."

R. Sonnac
13-0 15648: One day you must describe where you went and what you saw during this latest excursion. I suspect I shall need a drink while you do so.

Jack the Lad - an Irish boy who came to Kingsmouth after the famine. He would have been a tad old to commit those recent murders, though stranger things have happened, as you tirelessly attest.

Whatever his fate, it offers further evidence of the occult energy on the island. I'm pleased that you are willing to go to such lengths to uncover it.

Also suitably concerned.

R. Sonnac
14-0 15653:
15-0 15658: Nothing wrong with shining a light upon affairs at the airport, even if they remain a touch murky. If anyone is flying in and out of Kingsmouth - or has done so recently - we certainly want to know about it.

There are many groups in the world whose interests would be piqued by Kingsmouth's occult brand of chaos, and not all will have the luxury of Agartha. Given that darkness has dominion over the sea, air travel would seem the most likely source of transport.

R. Sonnac
16-0 15669: One may have been tempted to peek inside the Morninglight package, but clearly you are seeing the long game. I dare say I'm rubbing off on you. We shall learn more about the Morninglight by infiltrating them than by ripping open their mail. That sort of tactic attracts unwelcome attention.

We're not sure of their angle yet, but spiritual good will isn't it. We have nothing incriminating on their "saviour" - Philip Marquard - but this local leader Che has a long list of infractions: theft, assault, smuggling.

However, our real interest is the one they call "B."

R. Sonnac
17-0 15674: 'Tis not the wind, I'm afraid.

The revenant is an old enemy of ours - a creature that smells death and foretells further misery. We have received similar reports to this in the past. One Ms Rose White had an encounter much like yours. How this creature is tied to the park in Kingsmouth is another thing entirely, and something we should look into in the future.

If there is a way to use this information to our benefit, we will certainly find it.

R. Sonnac
18-0 15774: Splendid work. I'm very encouraged by your ability to roam and scrounge up necessary ingredients. Our enemies are relentless and demonstrate rudimantery combat skills. However, they clearly haven't grasped the nuances of blocking key roads and securing access to supplies. Advantage humanity.

Now I understand you've acquired some destructive ingredients for your friend. One assumes the next step is to detach the limbs of our enemies in some truly spectacular fashion?

In order for us to test their weaknesses, of course.

R. Sonnac
19-0 15791: There's absolutely nothing reasonable about Sam Krieg, and you would do well not to give too much heed to his cynical ramblings. The man has made a fortune writing speculative fiction about things he has little to no understanding of.

He says there's no point? Well, that's just an illustration of his inability to see the big picture. The big picture in this case is, of course, not whether a zombie keeps coming back after you shoot them in the head, but how it came to be there in the first place.

Your report about the black pool echoes the findings of other field operatives, and you can be sure we are investigating and gathering as much data as we can about the phenomenon. Well done.

R. Sonnac
20-0 15853: I can't help but think our interests are well served by continuing on the course you've set. The cultists should not be allowed further expansion.

We've been fervently gathering information about everything going on inside the city ever since its discovery, but there is still a lot of unchartered territory to explore.

I suggest you continue to show me the same level of sound judgement when dealing with both the Sentinels and their concerns. I am still under the impression our agendas are not too far apart.

R. Sonnac
21-0 15854: This is a splendid discovery! Gladstone will be eager to analyse these artifacts upon your return. I hope you don't think of it as pilfering. We do not pilfer; we valorise. We shall certainly do better than tossing these ancient items in some dank and forgotten cellar.

Knowing the Illuminati, there is a better than even chance they belong to us anyway.

I must admit to having given up on the fruitfulness of your expedition, but I'm glad you persevered. One suspects this won't be the last Illuminati code we shall have to break.

R. Sonnac
22-0 15855: This appears to have been a wild-goose chase, I'm sorry to say. Granted, one restless soul sent back to the other side, but certainly not worth the time invested. This nonsense about "Exodus" is probably just the vivid imagination of a woman touched by flawed second sight - an anomaly, nothing more. We can file this one under "case closed."

In your defence, no stone must be left unturned. Seek, and ye shall find, they say.

It holds true most of the time.

R. Sonnac
23-0 15885: "Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone" (Psalm 11:6).
Reports of the sky opening up are grossly exaggerated. To the stupefied onlooker it would seem like a rain of fire - a sun god's wrath indeed! - but Aten rises, after all. He doesn't fall.
Something is causing severe fissures in the ground. As a result all manner of sleeping beast rises up through the cracks. The golems, for one, appear none too happy to have been roused.
We shall inform the Council of where the earth's wounds are deepest. They do love a good report.
R. Sonnac
24-0 15911: It seems my warning regarding Illuminati and their messes was depressingly prophetic. I trust this impersonal medium perfectly expresses my lack of surprise.

True, Innsmouth is a multi-denominational institution. The concept of stockpiling familiars for a rainy day, however, hearkens from its founders. Why, whatever could go wrong with creating scores of potentially murderous organic servants? Had that abomination growing in the recreation centre reached its appalling bloom, I dare say we would have found out.

I would hope this is the last of Innsmouth's dirty secrets you find unravelling; sadly neither of us are that naive.

R. Sonnac
25-0 15996: "But let judgment run down as waters" (Amos 5:24)

The goddess Ma'at - the weigher of cosmic scales - is the chosen aspect of the sentinel Nefertari. You have been honoured to be named her judge, jury, and executioner in the region.

It is a task fit for a Templar.

Unfortunately, the effects of the Filth make it a rather taxing and unpleasant affair. There are enough hearts heavy with sin without all this extra weight.

Judge not, lest ye be judged, they say. Well, we judge you constantly, and, thus far, your colours are flying.

R. Sonnac
26-0 16005: Their territory is not only threatened here; the sasquatch have been driven inexorably northwards for centuries. By modernisation, changes in occult currents...being hunted to the brink of extinction for their pelts. Largely the latter.

It would be a fine thing to say this was before their cleansing influence was fully understood. Of course, it was the opposite. Pioneer magi and adventurers presumed they could use the natural powers of the sasquatch better than the creatures themselves could.

And here we all are, having discovered that maintaining the natural balance is something of a full-time career.

R. Sonnac
27-0 16023: When the Marya first rode out against the Atenists, it was Thutmose who led them under the Eye of Horus.

The Eye was a terrific omen then. All evidence suggests that it can be again.

You have dealt a significant blow to the Black Pharaoh's armies. Without a general to lead them, they will grow desperate and disorganised.

But this is no time to parade our victories. The voice of Akhenaten echoes in the chambers of the valley. It will not take him long to rally his forces and secure his unholy site.

R. Sonnac
28-0 16043: "...before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such" (Ex. 10:14).

Gladstone is delighted! It turns out Arbeh has roots in a very popular story, though one that has been slightly misrepresented after years of passing down.

Arbeh was, in essence, one of ten parlour tricks. While the nine others all dissipated back into their hell worlds, Arbeh clung. Now, stirred by the Aten's presence in the region, the locust deity sought to augment its power within that gauche tourist trap.

I hope you didn't have to pay admission.

R. Sonnac
29-0 16069: Moutnefert is imbued with the spirit of Satis, the goddess of the Nile. As you have observed, her capacity to cleanse the area is severely undermined by these uncertified excavations.

Alas, there is far less good than evil in the great gardens these days.

The artifacts you're coming across are spectacular. They represent an era of technology that is at once more ancient and more advanced than our own. If it weren't for the circumstances - Atenists seemingly getting closer to Akhenaten and the black sun - I would be more thrilled by the discovery.

R. Sonnac
30-0 16077: It required the reallocation of resources, but I've finally deciphered what the man in the scrapyard was saying. Well, most of it. The Queen's English has never been so mishandled.

I'm not certain if we've preserved anything of value - the bus perhaps? - or simply exercised our tactics. Regardless, defending a perimeter with the aid of various concoctions is a skill that must be mastered. The way things are headed, we may one day have to apply these lessons to preserving Temple Hall from the rabble in Darkside.

Heaven forbid.

R. Sonnac
31-0 16123: I'm thrilled that you've decided not to let sleeping dogs lie. You have lured out a draug lord, a mastermind of the species. Notice how it bears no resemblance to the others. It has evolved in much deeper and darker waters and lost all vestiges of human form.

We cannot estimate how many lords there are, but we know they are architects of the invasion and use telepathy to command their troops.

We must learn more about their overarching designs. I dare say Solomon Island isn't their idea of a vacation.

They've come for a reason.

R. Sonnac
32-0 16131: The wendigo's insatiable taste for blood and flesh is a weakness. Those familiar with Algonquian legends would know this, but ancient myths are shamefully out of fashion.

Legends help us comprehend the incomprehensible. Without them, there are things we would never be able to confront.

But it seems the native legends in the region do more than simply give a name to the unknown. They predict and pinpoint precisely what is happening. They literally come alive.

People of letters, such as ourselves, will find this both reassuring and terrifying.

R. Sonnac
33-0 16136: I have outgrown the capacity to be surprised. Sadly, however, not the capacity to be irked. I am irked by the Orochi presence, and I do not mean in that familiar grating way that one is irked by the Illuminati.

We now know that the Orochi have a significant presence on the island; they are conducting experiments on draug; they are, for reasons unknown, importing highly advanced geophysical material.

To think that so much goes on in the world without us knowing about it.

It is uncouth.

R. Sonnac
34-0 16141: The forced manufacture of shades is a deplorable practice. For it to be taking place under the nose of an appointed sentinel is particularly vexing.

Moutemouia serves in the name of Meretseger, the goddess of silence and protector of the tombs. Indeed. If the shrieking of tortured souls didn't rouse her, then perhaps nothing will.

This is no age for doubt. If centuries of contemplation hasn't resolved her to her duties, then inevitably they must fall to someone else.

Inevitably to a Templar.

R. Sonnac
35-0 16200:
36-0 16262: The situation and response are self-evident, don't you think?

Our aims are seldom thrown into starker relief than by eruptions of the Hell Dimensions. As you can see, there is no peaceful coexistence between our realities. Negotiation - which I am in no way condoning - comes to a similar dead end, emphasis dead. The very essence of these creatures leaches life and enflames material.

That said, the creatures seldom come prepared to establish a beach-head, as they had here. Add the fact that the rifts are yawning open once more, and we have a concerning development.

Be vigilant.

R. Sonnac
37-0 16334: The Council forbids using living beings as entombed anima batteries. It is a distasteful practice that warrants a citation. Unfortunately, it is also common and quite unavoidable. Anima is the wellspring of defence - and iconography on the walls can only do so much.

Innsmouth Academy is a marvelous construction. It will almost inevitably fall in the current crisis, and the Illuminati will do everything they can to recover its most precious secrets. We should feel free to do the same.

After all, we did just keep the building from drowning in itself.

R. Sonnac
38-0 16357: So, neither the government nor the corporate science details were prepared for the Filth.

The CDC at least share our goals, however unwittingly. But it seems containment was only a bullet point on the corporate agenda.

It's not an unexpected development, but it is an unwelcome one. It will take time to process the files you have obtained. The encryption, and the information itself, is far more advanced than expected.

For now, I propose two points of action. Firstly, be wary of further encounters with the Orochi Group. Secondly, someone must account for this escaped subject.

R. Sonnac
39-0 16365: There is only one member of the secret world that would open fire on another member - in public! - without making the least effort to avoid a scene.

And only one that has the gall to wear purple.

One expects to come across a straggling Phoenician informant every now and then. But an aggressive militant outfit of this kind is spectacularly rare.

Nathaniel Winter saw something in the amusement park. He poured his fortune into it. Now the Phoenicians are willing to crawl out of the sewers and kill for it.

Assume the absolute worst.

R. Sonnac
40-0 16373: There was a time when attempts on the Council were unheard of. Now every cultist, ghoul and jinn seems to have a hand in eroding their authority. In fact, the jinn shouldn't even be here. Though apparently it's open season on oaths and edicts.

Times change, and seldom for the better.

We don't know what these ghouls and jinn are hoping to negotiate for, and hopefully we shall never have to know. Anyone who takes these kinds of measures has no place at the bargaining table.

R. Sonnac
41-0 16393: No one's asking you to be a saviour. Well, not yet. Simply help the Marya maintain the status quo against the Atenist uprising. I assure you their ancient engagement in al-Merayah is quite just.

As is our current one.

The Marya have been fighting this war for a long time - over three thousand years. Their historical enemies - the cultists of Aten - have recently become reinvigorated. Whether the source of this newfound vigour is internal or external is something to be determined.

Needless to say, we should like to be the ones who determine it.

R. Sonnac
42-0 16397: I must admit I have some sympathy for the old man. He knows what it's like to be bound by oath and history; to have an entire world depend on you. In another life he'd be one of us.

It's not, and he's not, but I still don't think we should feel bad about giving him a hand whenever appropriate. His situation seems to warrant it. And if nothing else, the city he presides over most certainly does.

There have been rumours about it. The Oxford guys have been looking for it for centuries. Now it's important we find out as much as possible about it.

R. Sonnac
43-0 16410: "Living oil of the earth! What is death?
 A river of deep mortal pangs." (Pindar)

What we have come to know as Filth has been around a long time. But so deeply buried that it surfaced only in the nightmares of poets. Now it threatens every fruit stand in the village.

The resurgence of Atenism is vexing, but even more vexing is its fervour and faculty for spreading Filth. The two rise together.

If Pindar were alive today, he would tell you to keep them both as far away from shipping trucks as possible.

R. Sonnac
44-0 16441: While I applaud your inquisitive nature, I would be remiss not to question the wisdom of time spent in repetition.

If we were any closer to finding the true nature of Henderson's curse and the cause of its astonishing efficiency, this whole thing might have been a worthwhile endeavour.

Alas, it seems old Archibald took those secrets to his grave. Or they're hiding in an Illuminati archive somewhere.

R. Sonnac
45-0 16442: "Perhaps life is just that...a dream and a fear" (Conrad)

I suspect it is a little more complicated than that. Though perhaps not much more.

The Wabanaki dead were restless and the consequences for the living were palpable. We track energy readings on the ground, and ever since your mystical expedition those readings have been much more stable.

I encourage you to continue being pragmatic in your dreams. If you must slip off into all sorts of dreamworlds now and then, make sure you are being useful.

R. Sonnac
46-0 16485: Outstanding! We are now acquainted with the entire draug species. R&D shall feast on the Ur-Draug for years.

We must wait to see how decisive this victory was. Whatever in the Sargasso Sea caused the Polaris to disappear in the first place - whatever caused it to shift and plough the draug into Solomon Island - is perhaps still in the vicinity.

The Orochi were of course using you. They were eager to know the status of their lost cargo, though less eager to risk their own resources. No matter. We prefer our accounts of terror to be first-hand.

R. Sonnac
47-0 16507: Well. That was certainly a more radical form of chess than I'm familiar with.

No, I understand your position. The draug would not have yielded over a polite bout of any manner of Iron Age boardgame. Naked barbarism has its place in our conflict. Provided it is not permitted to run roughshod. You cannot allow yourself to become as monstrous as those we oppose.

The Illuminati may have enveloped corruption into their "company DNA," as the term goes, but the Templars must remain paragons. For the sake of all.

R. Sonnac
48-0 16508: Outstanding work! We are both excited and terrified by the prospect of further analysing this Filth substance.

Access to the CDC network gives us insight into the effects of exposure. It also offers a glimpse into the backrooms of American politics. The CDC is a government organisation whose mandate is to prepare and apply control measures in precisely this kind of apocalypse.

And yet Orochi were given full control over the operation on the island.

Orochi also happens to own the quarry, which is the source of those pipes bursting with Filth.

R. Sonnac
49-0 16514: Interesting developments from a such a poisonous pen. And yet, in our productive times it is the pulp novelists and cable talk-show hosts who assume the role of soothsayer.

I need not remind you of the regard in which I hold conspiracy novelists. But I believe Mr Krieg truly does suffer for his questionable art. He cannot be responsible for the events accompanying his writer's retreat - he is another victim of them.

And he was incorrect on at least one matter. It is not the taste of evil that drives you. It is the glimpse of good.

R. Sonnac
50-0 16518: Not to worry, we shall see Jack the Lad again. He cannot run forever. Nor can he run very far. He is a decidedly local phenomenon. Madder members of the town even petition to protect him, citing everything from local heritage to pumpkin purity laws.

A mere victim of Archibald Henderson, they say.

You may do your best to mitigate Jack's centuries-long terror spree, though I understand if you have other priorities on the island.

By the way, you have other priorities on the island.

R. Sonnac
51-0 16522: Ah, the new class. My predecessors were loath to use "class" and "Innsmouth Academy" in the same sentence. Still, Innsmouth has done much to distance itself from a lurid past.

It is unfortunate that the past has a habit of catching up, in the most damaging ways. Warding magics are the good intentions of the secret world. The crossing of fingers and hoping for the best. You have done well to delay the effect - for the good of the school and all concerned - but the cause will remain.

For now, I excuse you of the responsibility.

R. Sonnac
52-0 16528:
53-0 16534: The soldier might have a point, however crude his presentation. If helping the sasquatch stand their ground against the insects allows us a bit more freedom to go about our business, then it warrants some merit. Some.

Navigating the internal squabbles of governmental agencies is a practice we've long abandoned. We have to assume we're right, and they're wrong. At least most of the time.

Even if appearing to cooperate might seem beneficial, I encourage you not to yield too much ground. Our agenda will always trump theirs. It's also a matter of appearances.

R. Sonnac
54-0 16579: Archibald Henderson's sackcloth creations likely butchered a great number of the fleeing staff, but let's not go so far as to blame his nightmares for everything. Those who rowed ungently from the shore clearly had more than scarecrows to contend with.

Each of the academy staff was a certified magus. That they weren't able to put up more of a fight is terribly disconcerting. At least now we know they weren't turncoats. Merely incompetent cowards.

The teaching profession simply isn't what it used to be.

R. Sonnac
55-0 16597: TRANSMIT - initiate disclaimer signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Nightmare alley is getting crowded. Look at the line! Come see the monsters claw through time. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

There will be a slight additional charge for this attraction, but it's not a dollar, it's not a dime - it's a cold smithereen minted in grime.

WITNESS - rules and regulations. No cameras, please, only notes. No one under the age of two.

Come see the world before it's through!

Don't be huffy because we hack. The show goes on! So must you.

Hurry, hurry, hurry.
56-0 16606: It is unlikely that the cultists would be bold enough to kill Orochi soldiers without outside backing.

Even more vexing is your report of the black spider, however. A troubling portent of things to come. I fear the Orochi dug too deep and unearthed something they shouldn't have.

Anything else you can discover would be of our utmost interest.

R. Sonnac
57-0 16660: I am concerned about the efficacy of our friends the Sentinels. The Atenists represent a very ancient threat, but one that has done surprisingly well to modernise. For example, the leader of this operation - the one named Razhar - was until recently a postmaster in Cairo.

We are doing everything we can to halt the arrival of food and weapons into the valley, but their distribution channels are extensive. From international ship broking to the rendering of local labour and every kind of essential - someone is very eager to accomodate the needs of the Atenists.

R. Sonnac
58-0 16685: Rest assured, we are concerned by the Atenists' interest in summoning rituals and inquiring into their forms of worship. It is safe to say they are acquiring power from more than just the sun.

For now, I am thrilled that you are prioritising your enemies. The Phoenicians are a threat, but maniacal cultist hordes that wish to drown Egypt in blood must always come first.

Lying, murderous thieves can come second.

When the greater good is at stake, we will work with whoever we have to.

R. Sonnac
59-0 16704: I'm afraid I'm inclined to side with the angry young woman. I hold the professional occult fighting forces of the world in the highest regard, but in this situation they are on the back foot.

Some battles can be won by attrition. This is not one of them. As you have observed, the draug and their waterlogged victims are able to spawn like newts. The forest insects are equally prodigious. The military position will not, cannot, hold.

You are comrades in arms, though, and assisting them is nothing if not chivalrous.

R. Sonnac
60-0 16748: In the secret world, death is more of a temporary shelving of great minds than a loss. Before modernisation, our own order kept necromantic libraries - carefully filed and tastefully curated, naturally.

Some information is better left to the grave, such as the re-animation of war golems. They are an unfortunate reminder of the more sordid days of Templar-Illuminati conflict. It was a time when both sides resorted to means that would make Frankenstein himself blanch.

Not to belittle your efforts, but this golem was a positively manageable affair compared to the mess at Roanoke. But I digress. Fine work.

R. Sonnac
61-0 16833: TRANSMIT - initiate booster signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Mr Sonnac is sitting tight, drumming along to in the air tonight. Mr Noble, Mr Right, Mr "Quote Some Ancient Knight."

Well we can use citations too: "Oogabooga" - the bogeyman is coming through!

WITNESS - encouragement. Don't be huffy because we hack. The Buzzing appreciates all you do. Now chop-chop, before we drop.
62-0 16847: All things considered, it's the least disturbing ritual you've uncovered on Solomon Island to date.

We generally frown upon the do-it-yourself confrontation of evil. Even so, our shield cannot be everywhere at once. And in the United States, where Illuminati absenteeism has allowed horror to breed behind every picket fence and astroturf playing field...the ordinary person is left little choice but to confront the darkness.

Yes, another generation with the will to take up our fight is welcome. We should endeavour to provide them a future in which to do so.

R. Sonnac
63-0 16849: This gives us a fine sketch of the wildlife in the region, specifically their habitats and roaming patterns.

Much of the activity is centred around the quarry, which appears to be of particular interest to the larger varieties of draug. We believe it functions as some kind of watering hole. That would explain why we are spotting them this far inland.

The sportsman in me longs to be out there with you, but administrative duty calls.

R. Sonnac
64-0 16865: Ever feel like you're not getting ahead? Did they start you at the bottom and make you go down? I bet you all the office parties start at 5 and end at 7.

Well, not everyone is full of shit. We've been watching you and we like what we see. Ever been to New York?

This is not an invitation. This never happened. Just something to think about.

Later, gator.
65-0 16872: "Midway upon the journey of our life
 I found myself within a dark forest,
 For the straightforward pathway had been lost." (Dante)

My sincerest apologies, but I am currently knee deep in life's divine comedy. Yes, even I get called out of the office on occasion.

If you are feeling astray, simply push ahead. I shall endeavour to read your report at my earliest convenience. It is fine work you have done, I have no doubt of it.

R. Sonnac
66-0 16883: This is fine work. Just fine. The survivors of Kingsmouth are fortunate to spend their final days in your company. I mean it - competence is a rarity these days.

I do wish we could do more to alleviate the darkness and dying. But remember what I said: we cannot redeem on a case-by-case basis. It is all or nothing, and we have our sights set firmly on the salvation of all.

That means the occasional lost soul - or small island - will inevitably get ripped down into the cracks. This is an important point, and I shall be repeating it.

R. Sonnac
67-0 16913: The art of reconnoitring has come a long way since the days of Orkney. We have modernised with the best of them, though one competent field operative is still better than a thousand mindless drones.

That is where you come in.

The drone you've discovered is Orochi and has been programmed to return to its base. Orochi are the most powerful commercial empire in the world, but notoriously frugal. If they are deploying resources in Kingsmouth, it is because research assures them there is a good reason.

R. Sonnac
68-0 16917:
69-0 16941: You have me questioning what year this is. But not my contention that we must be forward-facing. Do yesterday's tragedies take precedence over today's appointments? I'm not ready to concede they do.

However, the positive effects of your intrepid exploring are undeniable. The mansion is, like the island itself, a veritable locus of bad history. Dealing with it directly - when speculative mirrors allow - is sometimes the only way of quieting present-day spectres.

It gives one something to think about when forming future policy.

In the meantime, the world's a whirling dervish. Hang on to your frame of reference.

R. Sonnac
70-0 16996: You are among my highest priorities, but I'm afraid I shall be tied up in meetings with the Marshals all afternoon. If the subject of sterling new recruits should come up, know that I always endeavour to mention our finest.

In the meantime, a word of advice: jot things down. Believe me, I have learned this lesson the hard way.

R. Sonnac
71-0 16998: "Midway upon the journey of our life
 I found myself within a dark forest,
 For the straightforward pathway had been lost." (Dante)

My sincerest apologies, but I am currently knee deep in life's divine comedy. Yes, even I get called out of the office on occasion.

If you are feeling astray, simply push ahead. I shall endeavour to read your report at my earliest convenience. It is fine work you have done, I have no doubt of it.

R. Sonnac
72-0 17030: They say not to shoot the messenger. In this case, I applaud the exception. When the messenger portends the very end of days, shooting them is the very least one can do.

Of course, we Templars do not settle for the least.

Rising Sand-Sea and Moving Mountain are mentioned in the lost works of Hippias - not so much lost as well stored. In essence, it was imperative that the two lumbering giants never meet.

Granted, we are encountering far more harbingers of doom than usual at the present time. Let us prove they are all premature.

R. Sonnac
73-0 17031: Ah, nothing like an old blood feud to keep the juices flowing. It serves as a poignant reminder of the shadows cast by history, and why we should heed our blood and heritage.

The history between the Native Americans and the insects is obvious, and you were right to follow her into the pits of darkness.

I imagine it's not the last time we hear from her, and her alliance is sure to be in our favour. Well done.

R. Sonnac
74-0 17087:
75-0 17102: I can only hope you've kept our involvement in this affair as difficult to trace as possible. If the Orochi knew we'd been lifting classified documents off the mainframe of one of their most secret operations, I can only begin to imagine their reaction.

Using their own equipment to transmit showed your ability for quick thinking. They'll have a hard time proving anything even if they suspect it was us.

Ultimately, I'm going to have to reserve my reaction on this one. It's all going to depend on how clean our noses will be officially when the dust settles. Any information about the 3rd Age, however, is usually priceless and I'm sure Gladstone will be doing some mental cartwheels down in the library when he hears.

R. Sonnac
76-0 17118: I can't pretend to know what awaits her, though I trust it is kinder than that burnt estate. You have done all concerned a service. Holding the threshold against forces that never belonged on Earth is work enough, let alone factoring in those which are too, too human.

Consider there are billions of people. The simple math of the violent and unfair end produces thousands of lost souls, lingering. Mercifully, many have slim powers over reality, or are less antisocial in their mourning.

But all wait for a fairer rendering of justice than they received in life.

R. Sonnac
77-0 17127: You made it through Agartha. That's good. One of our best cartographers once set out to map the infrastructure. When we found him, seven years later, he was naked, filthy and babbling in Enochian.
Needless to say we never attempted that particular experiment again.
78-0 17142: The Illuminati magi are all revisionists, but every now and then they do get it right. Kingsmouth holds more than its share of Illuminati secrets. Knowing their poor ties to tradition and history, you are as likely to discover these secrets as they are.

The wards in the church are maintained by infused ancient symbols. Your attempts to apply them showed hopeful results, but these things cannot simply be replicated and reproduced.

Advanced anima techniques require ancient foundations and years of accredited study.

R. Sonnac
79-0 17174: You made it through Agartha. That's good. One of our best cartographers once set out to map the infrastructure. When we found him, seven years later, he was naked, filthy and babbling in Enochian.
Needless to say we never attempted that particular experiment again.
80-0 17178: You obstructed the Filth and sabotaged a key Atenist staging post. In so doing, you blew up approximately the equivalent of Hackney. To be honest, I don't much care for Hackney.

Nonetheless, I'm going to be finicky. Though drowning out three-thousand years worth of whispers may warrant a smidgen of clamour, we prefer to approach matters rather more subtly than Nassir.

These explosions of yours were heard far outside the valley and it has drawn some undesired attention. You are doing good work out there. Just try to ensure that fewer people know about it.

R. Sonnac
81-0 17191: Sounds like you have landed right in the middle of a mediocre daytime soap. I hate when that happens.

Your decision to look beyond the surface was a good one. Without your perseverance, our making Adrian Zorlescu's acquaintance seems unlikely. And while he is most certainly carrying someone else's water, his actions and presence in the Carpathians warrant investigation.

I am pleased you decided to destroy the artifact. It is becoming increasingly clear to me that we see eye to eye on most matters of importance. Allowing this corruption to spread would have been a grave mistake. Good show.

R. Sonnac
82-0 17200: If the Marya relic you've recovered is what we think it is, it's certainly powerful enough to banish a minor deity. Unfortunately, our historical records in reference to this locust-god Arbeh are incomplete and a little incongruous. Mr Gladstone should be very pleased if you were to fill in the blanks.

The Kingdom - they are a local crime syndicate with no scruples and no sense of loyalty. Worst of all, they are undying. I suspect they are responsible for far more than they care to understand.

If only we had never lost Egypt to Alexander, everything might have been different.

R. Sonnac
83-0 17220: You made it through Agartha. That's good. One of our best cartographers once set out to map the infrastructure. When we found him, seven years later, he was naked, filthy and babbling in Enochian.
Needless to say we never attempted that particular experiment again.
84-0 17223: Unfortunately, what people do not know can and will hurt them. It is eager to hurt them. This is why we have always striven to be the shield between society and the dark.

There will always be those who refuse to leave matters to us. Recall Detective Inspector Shelley, who has a rare kind of singlemindedness. The kind borne of having seen something so terrible, they would do whatever it takes to ensure others never do.

There was something of her in these CDC staff, but they were woefully under-prepared. At least the information you have recovered will rectify that in the future.

R. Sonnac
85-0 17230: This only reinforces the impression we already have of the Pentagon. Their training does not match their funding, and their equipment is better applied in capable hands. Ours.

The officer was right about one thing, though. Taking out the matriarch did put a big dent in the crickets' organisation and advance. That information is very much nice to have.

Your ability to adapt and take advantage of all information and material, no matter the source, is pleasing.

R. Sonnac
86-0 17246: I am pleased you were able to see for yourself that the very soil of Solomon Island bears special potency.

The natives appear to know ways of harvesting and exploiting those powers for greater benefit than we've ever been able to. Until now, it seems. We have so far believed that benefit to be exclusive to them. Your experiments prove otherwise. Be sure to take notes.

R. Sonnac
87-0 17251: The way they treat their blind and elderly confirms my suspicions of the werewolf race. I have never heeded to those sentimentalists who decry their imminent extinction. Endangered indeed. We are all in danger.

Let us not patronise their kind by disregarding their freedom of choice. They have clearly responded to the call of the vampire army and merit the consequences.

I fully encourage you to deal with the vampire army and all of its mongrel divisions.

R. Sonnac
88-0 17272: The Knights of the Drăculești were valiant and honourable, and they were true to the memory of their master. They fought bravely on the Red Nights, and they deserve their peace for it.The defilation of their shrine is an awful and disrespectful business.

If we needed another reason, I would also mention that the disgruntled wraith of a Drăculești knight would be both a formidable opponent and, as such, a veritable obstacle to our mission out there.

You have showed the Drăculești the respect they deserve and removed a potential problem. Well done.

R. Sonnac
89-0 17274: TRANSMIT - initiate disclaimer signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Nightmare alley is getting crowded. Look at the line! Come see the monsters claw through time. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

There will be a slight additional charge for this attraction, but it's not a dollar, it's not a dime - it's a cold smithereen minted in grime.

WITNESS - rules and regulations. No cameras, please, only notes. No one under the age of two.

Come see the world before it's through!

Don't be huffy because we hack. The show goes on! So must you.

Hurry, hurry, hurry.
90-0 17290: TRANSMIT - initiate booster signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Mr Sonnac is sitting tight, drumming along to in the air tonight. Mr Noble, Mr Right, Mr "Quote Some Ancient Knight."

Well we can use citations too: "Oogabooga" - the bogeyman is coming through!

WITNESS - encouragement. Don't be huffy because we hack. The Buzzing appreciates all you do. Now chop-chop, before we drop.
91-0 17291: TRANSMIT - initiate booster signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Mr Sonnac is sitting tight, drumming along to in the air tonight. Mr Noble, Mr Right, Mr "Quote Some Ancient Knight."

Well we can use citations too: "Oogabooga" - the bogeyman is coming through!

WITNESS - encouragement. Don't be huffy because we hack. The Buzzing appreciates all you do. Now chop-chop, before we drop.
92-0 17299: There is nothing like shoring up all exit strategies, but let's not be too hasty. No one is pulling you out of there just yet.

The Orochi data you've uploaded gives us a fascinating glimpse into their presence. It suggests that everything Red Hand and hybrid super soldier related has come as quite a surprise to them. I quote, "There is some nasty shit at the Red Hand base that could trigger an episode." An episode indeed.

Orochi's prime focus was advancing the Prometheus Initiative at the Breach. Also, "keeping Emma Smith with the handlers."

Emma Smith - it is strange to see the Orochi operative exhibit such a personal level of concern for a corporate asset. It goes against everything in the Orochi handbook. I suppose even borderline sociopaths have a limit.

R. Sonnac
93-0 17309: Outstanding! We mustn't overlook the importance of scientific fieldwork. Regardless of what we call this substance - Filth, Category A, Wellspring of the Apocalypse - beating it back will require a comprehensive approach that includes the art of microscopy.

For now, we can tell you it appears to target neurological cells. As more information becomes available, we shall certainly tell you about it.

R. Sonnac
94-0 17311: Ever feel like you're not getting ahead? Did they start you at the bottom and make you go down? I bet you all the office parties start at 5 and end at 7.

Well, not everyone is full of shit. We've been watching you and we like what we see. Ever been to New York?

This is not an invitation. This never happened. Just something to think about.

Later, gator.
95-0 17317: We know the Wabanaki have violent history at Blue Ridge Mine. Energy readings at the site are slightly more apocalyptic than elsewhere on the island. This explains the warding symbols in the area, though it doesn't explain what exactly is being warded off.

The Wabanaki must be seen as our guides through Blue Mountain. They know this land better than anyone.

Strive to understand their iconography and use it as you would a roadmap of Hell.

R. Sonnac
96-0 17322:
97-0 17349: A troubling development. These creatures have historically shunned whatever cannot be foraged from the wild. A change in tactics suggests they fear for the worst.

And I fear all the makeshift arms in the world will not help them hold their ground. The power of the Sasquatch - at risk of being overly New Age - is inextricably bound to the environment. An environment that worsens and sickens with each moment.

Was it an error to presume the invaders brought the worst of the damage with them? Could it have been waiting beneath, all along? You should tread carefully.

R. Sonnac
98-0 17352: I apologise for being curt. Brevity is the soul of wit. Also, the salvation of swamped administrators. So you will pardon my occasional need to keep things short and repeatable. Things do get hellish on occasion. Wander that savage coast long enough and you will know exactly what I mean.

Please do continue to stay in touch. Believe it or not, reports are the highlight of my day.

R. Sonnac
99-0 17354: I wouldn't like being the bug in your soup.

Allowing the vermin to establish permanent colonies will only exaggerate their sense of comfort, and they will consequently be that much harder to root out. Swift action here was the appropriate response.

If you have to burn down a patch of forest to get the job done, I consider that a small price to pay.

R. Sonnac
100-0 17363: Well done. Warning the local population of imminent attacks falls squarely within the parameters of our Council-appointed duties.

In their current state of fervour, I am surprised the cultists make time to read and write. Let alone to formulate detailed plans. Indeed, the Atenist uprising appears to be more organised than we had hoped. Let's ensure that we are equal to the task.

The Café Giza is a central gathering spot in al-Merayah. It is an ideal place to get information out - or to take information in - though I do not recommend the karkadé.

R. Sonnac
101-0 17370: Interesting bedside reading for an ancient vampire: this Prometheus Initiative does get around. As do Morninglight youth cells. Since you met that angry young woman in the forest, our contacts have been tracing the trail of wreckage this one left through Romania.

It's a thoroughly unpleasant affair, but I shan't waste both of our time rebuking you for protecting Rada. Should she survive current events, your charity may turn her away from the cult. Heaven only knows she could use the assistance.

As for the vampire connection, well, it dovetails neatly with your current assignment. Show them no quarter.

R. Sonnac
102-0 17371: And here I was thinking health and safety regulations could not take any sharper a nosedive. I agree that common decency dictates this squalid little operation should be terminated. Alas, we have an ongoing war to consider.

We are not in the business of affording protection to ghouls. These creatures have a long history of gnawing at the bones of human society - there's an irony in the situation somewhere.

Don't think of it as turning a blind eye, more holding your nose and marching onwards. Also, I recommend politely declining any meat dishes until you return to the city.

R. Sonnac
103-0 17376: This is the highest concentration of Filth we have yet encountered - you have also provided some new varieties of the strain to consider. R&D is adamant that this is all terrific news. I shall wait for the antidote before unbridling my enthusiasm.

The slowed progress of Julia Smith's symptoms suggests that Filth infection may indeed be treatable with controlled exposure to anima. That could be good news for Winston Smith, who appears to have suffered from periphery exposure. Through her anima-laden presence, Emma may be providing more than mere moral support.

Hope is entirely academic, of course. For now, all evidence shows that the strain is constantly adapting and overcoming any attempt to effectively treat it.

R. Sonnac
104-0 17382: I applaud the Marya's sense of historical responsibility. I truly do. They heed the call of tradition in an age that does not encourage it. However, their sense of the big picture is limited. For them, tradition is local, entirely tied up in anti-Atenism. For us, it is global in scope.

Where they see a pumping station, we see a chain unfurling.

Maintaining order will require a more sober touch than the Marya are capable of providing. Not to worry, there will be time for pints after all means of distributing the apocalypse are secure.

R. Sonnac
105-0 17391: This makes for fascinating, albeit morbid, archiving. You have provided us with one history passed down by the living, and another perpetuated by the undead. Helpfully, both narratives identify the traitors, and you are familiar with our attitude towards the remembrance of traitors.

The truth these stones could tell! Well, we do have augurs that can speak with stones, but we should spare these abused rocks the interrogation. The village has not seen life since Vlad Dracula's was forfeit. Nor unlife since the vampire queen, his child bride, was exiled.

I hazard that history has not yet finished with it.

R. Sonnac
106-0 17422: You were right to investigate this matter. Clearly more has been offered up for sacrifice on these premises than good taste alone.

Something about Solomon Island speaks to the industriously homicidal, making it truly a home away from home for the Illuminati. However, this is not their doing. An engine of suffering serves them no purpose, not even as a hobby project.

The elder Winter had been touched by darkness, but what manner of darkness, and for what purpose? I very much doubt the answer has followed the man quietly to the grave.

R. Sonnac
107-0 17428: The Mama Pădurii was a servant of darkness, plain and simple. Say all you want about the treaty between humans and the faerie world, you can't escape the simple fact that eating young men is unacceptable behaviour regardless of any unholy deal struck.

The music box is a fascinating occult apparatus, and we'd love to have our clockmakers take a look at its inner workings. Rebuilt on a massive scale, it may have unlimited potential. Your report will be instrumental in our continued research, pun very much intended.

R. Sonnac
108-0 17447: The Red Hand's alarming achievements as a military-occult complex are rivalled only by the speed at which they vanished in the fall of Communism. Like the KGB and military, the manpower largely migrated to the mobs, or to the Phoenicians.

The fallout left dozens of hastily sealed and abandoned outposts across Eastern Europe - most still unaccounted for. It appears they had designs on this valley that we overlooked. That we cannot allow to resurface.

It raises many vexing questions. Even considering the obvious decay in vampiric values, I cannot imagine why the creatures would collude with the Soviets.

R. Sonnac
109-0 17452: Fine work. We have tracked down the manufacturer of the power cells - a guileless little factory out of Saratov - and persuaded them to restructure their operation. In the process we got a splendid bargain on lithium batteries!

The Tesla coil is a sad reminder of what might have been. We tried desperately to secure Nikola's allegiance - as did the Illuminati - but he remained a free agent to the end. That his technology got appropriated by the Red Hand is tasteless, but not surprising.

The name Emma continues to intrigue. However, I am not yet willing to concede that it is "all about her" - the good fight demands a global perspective.

R. Sonnac
110-0 17473: The Vampire Hunter - one simply can't trust anyone without a real name and at least five years of properly filed paperwork. Such are the times.

Nonetheless, his poisoned blood mixture shows promising results. Whatever his story, I'm sure it doesn't speak well of vampires.

Your foray into the Observatory offers wonderful insight into their hierarchical structure. Their greatest weakness - other than poisoned blood bags - has always been a lack of administrative management. We must focus our efforts on whoever - or whatever - has succeeded in uniting them under a banner.

R. Sonnac
111-0 17480: In how many forsaken places do the bones of Deus Sol Invictus still bleach? I've been calling in some favours with archivists since your Egyptian encounter. There are at least a dozen expeditions that marched under its banner to unknown destinations.

If you're thinking "unknown destinations that happen to be places of terrible power," I would be inclined to agree. We have long known that Sol Invictus' intentions were less than shining; less so the depths of their darkness.

Men sent to dig and die in a black calamity. Stop me if you've heard this one before.

R. Sonnac
112-0 17495: I take no issue with squatting per se, but these vampires are most certainly overstaying their welcome. They have become entrenched on the doorsteps of the village. The profile suggests they should have attacked by now, burst through Harbabureşti like wolves through a pen.

Much of this uncharacteristic restraint has to do with those blood stocks you came across. A frightful invention - it allows them to rein in their impulses and remain sedentary.

We have not seen this kind of disciplined build up of vampire force since the 15th century - the blood days of Bacaş County.

R. Sonnac
113-0 17498: I'm not yet entirely sure what to make of this news. It seems to me the Orochi were conducting experiments in order to gauge the mountain creatures' suitability for labour within the Breach.

That tells me they were planning to dig ever deeper, even after they reached a boiling point.

Should we be glad the Orochi were replaced, or should we be terrified by the new occupants? I am afraid it's probably too early to tell.

R. Sonnac
114-0 17502: Ah, the "repentant vampire." Something of the vampire has to remain in the realms of romance and myth, I suppose, as antidote to the ugly reality.

Yes, your new acquaintance's tale is tragic, and to be fair, we must review every possible avenue into Mara's court. And yet, however willing he is to let you into his tortured confidence, I urge you to limit the extent you let him into yours.

Callisto, Mara, and all their bastard broods are alike in their blood, not ours. As he has told you himself, the humanity they possessed is long gone. Long dead.

R. Sonnac
115-0 17513: Ever feel like you're not getting ahead? Did they start you at the bottom and make you go down? I bet you all the office parties start at 5 and end at 7.

Well, not everyone is full of shit. We've been watching you and we like what we see. Ever been to New York?

This is not an invitation. This never happened. Just something to think about.

Later, gator.
116-0 17555: Old Eastern European power installations can be unpredictable areas even in the best of times. It should come as no small surprise to any of us that the place turned out to be such a hot spot.

The fungal colonies can have nothing but a detrimental effect on the forest and its inhabitants, and I can only imagine how letting them continue to grow would impede our progress in the area.

The latter will naturally always take precedence to the former, but there's nothing wrong with maintaining two thoughts at once.

R. Sonnac
117-0 17557: Your field report has been received and is currently being analysed and evaluated. Thank you for your contribution. We will contact you if more information is needed. A reward and cash bonus has been credited to your account.
118-0 17574: How kind of you to return to the world of consciousness. As much as it's commendable to participate in local customs, perhaps you could choose not to inhale next time. Under current circumstances, if you go incommunicado we must assume the worst. Don't make us assume the worst.

R. Sonnac
119-0 17596: Excellent news. We're too stretched attending earthly matters to commit to old-fashioned open warfare with the Hell Dimensions. Earth itself could certainly use a breather.

So, engineering a Pyrrhic victory for Wicker within his adopted heartland is the best of a bad situation. If in his despondency he should return to our reality, we can hold him accountable for the mess he left behind in Soho.

As figurehead of a cult of personality, though, I feel he will choose to go down with the ship. Even in his mania, he maintains a missionary's devotion.

R. Sonnac
120-0 17603: You would fearlessly walk into the lion's den - or the vampire's den as it were - to pursue and eliminate your enemy. You are a true soldier of the Templars, and I am proud to have you on our side. And grateful we do not have you for an enemy.

The Grey is of the ancient and pure bloodlines tracing back to the very origin of the species, and as as such a formidable enemy. Following him into the depths of the castle was worth it for his head alone, but the information you discovered were a priceless bonus.

I can only encourage you to keep up the stellar effort.

R. Sonnac
121-0 17610: How kind of you to return to the world of consciousness. As much as it's commendable to participate in local customs, perhaps you could choose not to inhale next time. Under current circumstances, if you go incommunicado we must assume the worst. Don't make us assume the worst.

R. Sonnac
122-0 17643: I have always sought to be sensitive to strange customs. I have tumbled after cheese in Gloucester and bet on the sheep races in Sark. But I shall not be fooled into believing that the Dimirs are local protectors in any sense of the term.

We may be outsiders in the region, but I can guarantee you that grinding magical creatures into sausages is objectively uncouth.

The cellar - Soviet-era bunkers cut all through the region. The Dimirs appropriated this one for their war against magic and good taste. I cringe to think what other uses we shall discover.

R. Sonnac
123-0 17652:
124-0 17659: Your golem experiment was worth a try. However, given the results, we shall not be fortifying our ranks with mechanicals anytime soon. They cause more unnecessary bluster than an Illuminati at a cocktail party and are only slightly more predictable than the Dragon.

Precisely why we rely strictly on our own whenever possible.

Heaven help us when it isn't possible.

R. Sonnac
125-0 17675: Theodore Wicker is the self-proclaimed saviour of Hell - and you have freed him from his enemies. I can understand the impulse to help the sweet succubus and back the Oxford element, but frankly there is nothing of Oxford left in Wicker.

Nonetheless, he was being used as an occult battery to power a most unwelcome rift. Unplugging him was the right course of action.

As for Wicker's desire to restore dignity to Hell, I would have more faith in the cause if the man wasn't utterly and irrevocably insane.

R. Sonnac
126-0 17685: The girl shows some rudimentary promise, there's no denying that. Unfortunately for her she's a product of the Illuminati's flawed education system and as such will need constant supervision less she spontaneously combusts – and the entire world around with her.

Fortunately for her she had you to guide and temper her powers, making sure their application was focused in the appropriate direction.

While we should not make a habit of cleaning up the Illuminati's messes, I most certainly approve of the cleaning up of this particular mess. Additionally, one can only hope that your sophisticated tutelage has had a positive influence on the girl.

R. Sonnac
127-0 17705: Do not question your decision. In our line of work, one accepts the risk of tipping over the abyss one fights against. In that event, there is a similar acceptance that your brothers-at-arms would not hesitate to strike you down.

The Drăculeşti, and their cousin hunter clans among the Romany, have lived by this rough justice for centuries. Some view the conflict as a sport, a hunt, others as an ancestral calling - others simply as the natural way of things.

So let us salute the legend of the Amazing Brothers Blaga, and trust it outlives the darkness.

R. Sonnac
128-0 17767: We were aware of the Red Hand redirecting candidates from the Soviet space program back in the 1950s, though we were never certain for what purpose. Their penchant for outrageous enterprises never ceases to amaze. Without even knowing what these bioenergy rifts were exactly, they were already training cosmonauts and designing the commemorative stamp.

Facility-9 was abandoned in the 1960s in favour of more concrete endeavours in the region, but it appears no one informed the guinea pig. We shall recover whatever information we can and ensure that Ms Ilyushin's fascinating research doesn't go to waste.

R. Sonnac
129-0 17783: Excellent news. We're too stretched attending earthly matters to commit to old-fashioned open warfare with the Hell Dimensions. Earth itself could certainly use a breather.

So, engineering a Pyrrhic victory for Wicker within his adopted heartland is the best of a bad situation. If in his despondency he should return to our reality, we can hold him accountable for the mess he left behind in Soho.

As figurehead of a cult of personality, though, I feel he will choose to go down with the ship. Even in his mania, he maintains a missionary's devotion.

R. Sonnac
130-0 17798: Outstanding! We are now acquainted with the entire draug species. R&D shall feast on the Ur-Draug for years.

We must wait to see how decisive this victory was. Whatever in the Sargasso Sea caused the Polaris to disappear in the first place - whatever caused it to shift and plough the draug into Solomon Island - is perhaps still in the vicinity.

The Orochi were of course using you. They were eager to know the status of their lost cargo, though less eager to risk their own resources. No matter. We prefer our accounts of terror to be first-hand.

R. Sonnac
131-0 17809: Theodore Wicker is the self-proclaimed saviour of Hell - and you have freed him from his enemies. I can understand the impulse to help the sweet succubus and back the Oxford element, but frankly there is nothing of Oxford left in Wicker.

Nonetheless, he was being used as an occult battery to power a most unwelcome rift. Unplugging him was the right course of action.

As for Wicker's desire to restore dignity to Hell, I would have more faith in the cause if the man wasn't utterly and irrevocably insane.

R. Sonnac
132-0 17811: Doom is on the doorstep, but not to worry: the Templars do not leave their own behind. We have learned our lesson since Atlantis. No more seat-of-the-trouser rescue operations. When the time comes, we shall endeavour to get you out of there.

In the meantime, you have more than enough to fill an afternoon. Also, I hear the view from Kraken Point is spectacular.

R. Sonnac
133-0 17813: These experiments are frightful - both in their nature and execution. There is nothing of the rigour one expects from a world class science team.

And before getting mixed up with Váli, Dr Shirui was indeed world class.

We do not believe that mutation research represents the full scope of Orochi's interest in the Filth. It would be adequately disturbing, though somehow a little too easy. Shirui's side project seems rather to be the offspring of addiction.

I will forward these results to our own team. In the meantime, dig up whatever else you can.

R. Sonnac
134-0 17816: If we needed any more proof that the returned dead are being controlled by the draug, we have it.

It appears increasingly likely that they came from the sea for a greater purpose, and we are hard at work gathering the necessary information.

In the meanwhile, I'd implore you not to jump every time a bleeding heart shudders. If we were to come to the aid of all in need, we'd have precious little time left for our chief priorities.

R. Sonnac
135-0 17823: The older sister is right: they really have more important things to do than diddle around with arcane board games.

Consequently, we should endeavour to pick up the mantle and do the work for them. I applaud your commitment to this cause even if the whole affair appears positively sisyphean.

The rise of Smenkhkare proves that Akhenaten was not the only one in the family stained by the dark disease. Let's try to make the family reunion swift.

R. Sonnac
136-0 17829: We should have known more about the Prometheus Initiative. I am tempted to erode the standards of typography to emphasise that point.

We know it is bigger than a pumping station - bigger than Egypt, in fact. We also know it is "a new vision for the sustainable future of mankind."

That citation comes from a billboard we've come across. Not at all my idea of intelligence gathering.

Please go ahead and supplement what little information we have with further news from the front.

R. Sonnac
137-0 17846: I must say, I'm not wild about you tampering with Orochi material. You've likely seen these drones before, but you never know what kind of trouble you might find yourself in on the other side.

In this case you came out of it no worse for wear as chance would have it, but I advice caution in the future.

The Orochi agent it brought you to is an infamous figure. The man has been present at every single occult hot spot in the last three decades, yet nobody really knows anything about him. Except that he's very good. At whatever it is he does.

R. Sonnac
138-0 17864: One can never rely on a metal golem as the first or last line of defence. This matter has come up enough on your adventures that I should be underlining the note I have made on it. Certainly our own efforts towards a mechanical Templar division, in the early 1800s, ended in tears.

Perhaps the inhabitants of Pricoleşti thought this rag-and-bone giant would do the work of a true giant when they were threatened. Thankfully, they saw the sense in a back-up plan of decamping downvalley to Harbabureşti.

You have done well to decommission a dangerous machine. Pricoleşti, for now, belongs to the ghosts.

R. Sonnac
139-0 17866: We usually prefer to conduct that type of experiment in a more controlled environment, but I've heard there's something to be said for field research.

These serums you found were most likely different stimulants to improve the performance of the manufactured soldiers; increasing their levels of aggression, reducing their sensitivity to pain. Say what you will about the Russians, but when it comes to boosting their arsenal they leave no stone unturned.

I suppose prudent advice would be to keep the serums away from the super soldiers.

R. Sonnac
140-0 17870: Curious that the Orochi is so interested in the bodily workings of ghouls. I presume there's an angle of some sort, perhaps an attempt to extract organic materials from ghoul offal to develop potent drugs.

Were you aware that ghouls construct their hives partly out of their own feces? They have absolutely no dignity. We're back in 18th century France. No amount of perfume could cover up the stench.

We'll have our labs take a closer look at the report. I'm sure it will give us deeper insight into the inner workings of ghouls.

R. Sonnac
141-0 17878: Now this is interesting, even to a layman such as I. The samples are pure, as pure as what passes for vampiric breeding - or inbreeding as the case may be - allows.

The results, however, spell out that the blood is thin, dangerously thin. Breaking down. These creatures were wasting away before they ever joined this battle, dying of unnatural causes.

Are they aware, I wonder, that their bloodline is spent, that their eternity has an expiry date? We suspected this crusade to be a delusion of supernatural grandeur, but it is more than that: it is assisted suicide.

R. Sonnac
142-0 17892: I dare say we'd be wiser to keep research like this for ourselves. I have no doubt it can be of use to the Romany, but if it is worth having at all I'd rather we have it.

We can only hope one good turn begets another, and that your actions will buy us some goodwill with the locals. I'm sure we'll need it at some future juncture.

R. Sonnac
143-0 17932: Given the Orochi Group's apparent love of Grecian classics, they ought to have seen this one coming. Those who fly too close to the black sun, risk melting their wings.

Putting dramatic irony aside, this is an undeniable indication the Group has lost control. Assuming they ever had control, which I'm beginning to doubt. The situation has had longer to escalate than Solomon Island, but has been far more violent from the outset.

And yet it's hard to believe they came to this place totally oblivious of what awaited them. It's a learning experience for us all.

R. Sonnac
144-0 18071: You are determined to redeem Solomon Island one violation at a time. Given your taste in factions, it is an inevitable part of your psychological profile.

Very well, but let's not lose sight of the big picture. Global nightmares come first.

Mercifully, the asylum on Solomon Island burned down in 1961. It was a despicable institution functioning under the guise of mental health. The Illuminati would have you believe they had nothing to do with its questionable telekinetic research.

The Illuminati would have you believe a lot of things.

R. Sonnac
145-0 18074:
146-0 18082: We were aware of the Red Hand redirecting candidates from the Soviet space program back in the 1950s, though we were never certain for what purpose. Their penchant for outrageous enterprises never ceases to amaze. Without even knowing what these bioenergy rifts were exactly, they were already training cosmonauts and designing the commemorative stamp.

Facility-9 was abandoned in the 1960s in favour of more concrete endeavours in the region, but it appears no one informed the guinea pig. We shall recover whatever information we can and ensure that Ms Ilyushin's fascinating research doesn't go to waste.

R. Sonnac
147-0 18087: Your appetite for truth and justice is insatiable. In the course of your tireless pursuit, try not to swallow anything that Orochi may try to feed you.

Let me put it this way, a subsidiary called Sycoil pumps up oil and another called Zagan pumps out baby food. Now, I have it on good record that - at a certain point in the Orochi chain - both pump through the same treatment channels.

I should very much like to divulge a few other rumours about Orochi. However, I should also like to be a gentleman.
 At present, I am having an awful time trying to reconcile the two.

R. Sonnac
148-0 18088: The name Emma Smith is on everyone's lips. And, given the skill set she is demonstrating, she is likely quite well aware of it. The poor child must be terrified.

The files indicate that Emma has a London connection. Frankly, I am a little embarrassed. Had we known she would be in such danger - and of such interest - we would have done everything possible to ensure her safety. We simply didn't know.

Other than astral projection, it appears Emma has a talent for something called "virgula divina." Whatever it is she is meant to divine, the test scores indicate she is exceedingly good at it.

Do whatever you can to help her, in dreams and otherwise.

R. Sonnac
149-0 18131: Fantastic! There is nothing like waking up to a good field report.

These results will go a long way to developing creature specific formulas. Based on these yellow sample results, perhaps we can even come up with something comprehensive. Imagine a future Kingsmouth where each of your enemies is mercifully immobilised before you even get there.

Well, yes, it would take some of the fun out of it.

Orochi appears painfully eager to work independently of the CDC. Speculating on the reasons why threatens to ruin an otherwise cheerful morning.

R. Sonnac
150-0 18134: The Marya shall have to modernise if they want to keep their numbers up. Representing valour and tradition simply doesn't cut it anymore. You must offer a health plan and benefits.

In the meantime, dwindling ranks are inevitable.

Do what you can to keep the Marya fortified. We shall be needing them to hold off the Atenists as we branch out our lines of inquiry.

Chin up, you recruited well out there. Seeing as two were dead and one was a turncoat, I'd say you cleared the table you were given.

R. Sonnac
151-0 18138: TRANSMIT - initiate booster signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Mr Sonnac is sitting tight, drumming along to in the air tonight. Mr Noble, Mr Right, Mr "Quote Some Ancient Knight."

Well we can use citations too: "Oogabooga" - the bogeyman is coming through!

WITNESS - encouragement. Don't be huffy because we hack. The Buzzing appreciates all you do. Now chop-chop, before we drop.
152-0 18152: What an unfortunate turn of events.

Caution is advised going forward. Now that Beaumont is aware of your involvement, he will be like a cornered lion, and he will most likely not be so merciful the next time around. Killing you is difficult, but it is not impossible. On that account, he was strangely wrong.

Exercise care, and try to find out what the warlock is up to. The sword is still your prime objective. We do not know what it is yet, or what it can do, but it is almost certainly of great value. Gladstone is deep in the bowels of Temple Hall as we speak, digging through the lost libraries.

In the meantime, treat this as a learning experience. You live, you learn, and, hopefully, you grow into a better soldier.

R. Sonnac
153-0 18159:
154-0 18177: Like so many in the secret world, it seems the former USSR had a somewhat lax approach to containing occult horror. One cannot simply lock the doors of a monster factory, swallow the key and call it a job well done.

I'm surprised it took so long for this nasty little stockpile to be plundered. We can be thankful Mara shares the attention span of most teenagers her age. Her original age, at least.

Now that you have halted her assembly line, we can focus on mopping up the super-soldiers on the field. The blood tide is turning.

R. Sonnac
155-0 18197: Like so many in the secret world, it seems the former USSR had a somewhat lax approach to containing occult horror. One cannot simply lock the doors of a monster factory, swallow the key and call it a job well done.

I'm surprised it took so long for this nasty little stockpile to be plundered. We can be thankful Mara shares the attention span of most teenagers her age. Her original age, at least.

Now that you have halted her assembly line, we can focus on mopping up the super-soldiers on the field. The blood tide is turning.

R. Sonnac
156-0 18204: "A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark." Dante said it first, and I can't but echo his sentiment.

These fiery cracks and eruptions you report are most certainly the tiny sparks, and I fear we must prepare for the mighty flame to come.

Everything points to some kind of crisis in the Hell Dimensions. If the demons are planning another excursion into our turf, we will be forced into some kind of reaction.

I am pleased you saw fit to send us a warning.

R. Sonnac
157-0 18212: No limits to what a little trip in the country can yield. I hope you brought your water-purifying tablets.

This black substance is a curiosity, and the whole thing bears a resemblance to what happened in Tokyo. Three weeks and our scientists are still baffled. The samples you sent, however, should provide us with an excellent opportunity to figure it out.

That it affects humans on some debilitating level seems beyond question from your report. You were right to put those unfortunate victims out of their misery. One can only hope they're in a better place now.

R. Sonnac
158-0 18232: Well, there it is. The only reasonable conclusion one can possibly reach from your discovery is simple. The Red Hand were digging too deep, deep enough to disturb the Hell Dimensions and weaken the fragile divides between us.

While we can only speculate, chances are that further answers lie deep inside the Red Hand facilities, and finding those answers could be important.

I guess what I'm saying is: While we already have many members investigating the facilities, one more couldn't hurt. Oh, and never disturb the Hell Dimensions without being prepared for the consequences. You've seen what can happen.

R. Sonnac
159-0 18236: The Idol of Nergal is cursed, as you have no doubt witnessed. The Akkadian god of the underworld summons the dead whenever he feels threatened. When the Illuminati first recovered the idol, they put it on display at one of their infamous council parties.

Imagine how that turned out.

It is just like them to dig up something dangerous and then toss it into a cave somewhere. There are things in this world better left undiscovered. If they must be found, better it be by us. For now, the warded church will do as a place of storage.

R. Sonnac.
160-0 18242: TRANSMIT - initiate booster signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Mr Sonnac is sitting tight, drumming along to in the air tonight. Mr Noble, Mr Right, Mr "Quote Some Ancient Knight."

Well we can use citations too: "Oogabooga" - the bogeyman is coming through!

WITNESS - encouragement. Don't be huffy because we hack. The Buzzing appreciates all you do. Now chop-chop, before we drop.
161-0 18244: Good show!

We've been able to track the effectiveness of the devices you employed. This will help us make further inquiries into the weaknesses of both draug and zombies. Hopefully it will also sharpen your tactical strategies.

On a personal note, I thought the mines proved particularly effective. They exposed the single greatest weakness of our current enemies: predictability.

We may not outnumber our mindless foes, but we can certainly outwit them.

R. Sonnac
162-0 18272: Your continuing efforts to thin out the ranks of the undead army are appreciated. Who can say how many hollow men still eternally await their summons beneath this city. Well, I'm sure Rib-Hadda's scribes would know, likely to the exact number.

Regardless, it is a matter best dealt with when we dismantle the city stone by stone. You should focus on gatecrashing an audience with whatever remains of the tyrant pharaoh himself. The beast is obviously occupied with matters far darker than his subjects could ever request.

Keep us updated on your progress.

R. Sonnac
163-0 18282: So many lives lost in the pursuit of sacred metal. I realise I'm one to talk, considering the lengths Templars - old Templars - went to in order to keep our trophy cabinets stocked. It's unpleasant.

These fragments they found are old; older than the cult, older than this tomb city. Older than Egypt itself, I would wager. It is becoming apparent that the Orochi Group is targeting prizes far beyond myth and legend, but to what end? Simply furthering their technological advancement? No, namedropping Prometheus comes with a certain weight of expectation.

To say nothing of a dire fate.

R. Sonnac
164-0 18310: Sun worship spans history and the globe. Sol Invictus was its Roman Empire variant, a particularly fervent manifestation. You have done very well to lay the legion to rest.

Misguided worshippers have always been a particular vexation of ours. They give faith a dreadful name.

What disturbs me about these sun cult movements is how often we find them practised most vehemently in caverns, temples and hearts that block out the rays of the sun. The irony is delicious.

R. Sonnac
165-0 18312: This is fine work. Just fine. The survivors of Kingsmouth are fortunate to spend their final days in your company. I mean it - competence is a rarity these days.

I do wish we could do more to alleviate the darkness and dying. But remember what I said: we cannot redeem on a case-by-case basis. It is all or nothing, and we have our sights set firmly on the salvation of all.

That means the occasional lost soul - or small island - will inevitably get ripped down into the cracks. This is an important point, and I shall be repeating it.

R. Sonnac
166-0 18316:
167-0 18321: Fine work. We shall pour over the footage to see if it reveals anything about Henry Hawthorne and the church.

Most likely, this was an attempt by the Illuminati to keep track of its most ardent fan, one who got a little too close.

Outlandish surveillance is an Illuminati strong suit. Though, in their defence, they do have a habit of attracting the eccentrics.

R. Sonnac
168-0 18329: Someone is harvesting this black substance, containing it in common oil barrels and placing them along the thoroughfare? I dare say I'm not at all impressed.

I refuse to believe that whoever's doing it knows anything more than we do about the potential effects and ramifications, and we know next to nothing.

Having these barrels placed out like landmines in such a fashion was not doing anyone any favours and I'm pleased you disposed of them, even if we shouldn't make a habit of carrying other people's trash.

R. Sonnac
169-0 18336: Even if I question his allegiance, I can't but approve of his meticulous record-keeping. Mr Montag does seem to have his books in order.

While I'm certain you remember my directives about saving the world on a case by case basis, your decision to act on this matter was the correct decision.

If this Ami is everything Mr Montag claims she is, I think it's in everyone's best interest that we help keep her around.

R. Sonnac
170-0 18345: I would lament the loss of a scientific mind, but we should presume Doctor Klein's was gone long before you dispatched him. It was their mistake to open this sinkhole again, a mistake you have rectified with flying colours.

We quizzed our, if you will, historical sources, and they maintain that the Filth's ebb and tide is completely unpredictable. Nor can it be dowsed for, not unless one is already infected.

Therefore, the Orochi Group's preoccupation with the substance may be an ugly coincidence. Twice now they have proven fatally ill-equipped to contain its barbarities. Yet still they study. Concerning.

R. Sonnac
171-0 18358: Dealing with anyone from the Hell Dimensions is usually an endeavour fraught with risk. But the ancient Jinn is generally noble and proud, and bound by a code of honour not unlike ours. When he claims that he will protect us in order to protect Gaia, we should take his word for it.

This business with the mummies is horrid. The lengths some will go to for the promise of eternal life. I dare say they didn't think the matter through.

Rib-Hadda and his minions, they all sold their souls to Akhenaten and his cruel god. Now look at them. Good show sending them back to the afterlife. Whether they stay there is a different matter all together.

R. Sonnac
172-0 18367: I would lament the loss of a scientific mind, but we should presume Doctor Klein's was gone long before you dispatched him. It was their mistake to open this sinkhole again, a mistake you have rectified with flying colours.

We quizzed our, if you will, historical sources, and they maintain that the Filth's ebb and tide is completely unpredictable. Nor can it be dowsed for, not unless one is already infected.

Therefore, the Orochi Group's preoccupation with the substance may be an ugly coincidence. Twice now they have proven fatally ill-equipped to contain its barbarities. Yet still they study. Concerning.

R. Sonnac
173-0 18368: The walls of Harbaburești were not designed to withstand the famishment of ghouls. Those ornery bipeds are indeed most devious when desperate.

At least we know the Earth is not giving up. I am told some of those trees are spread so thick with anima you can see it dancing on the branches. Delightful.

The anima circulates through the village via roots that must be defended at all costs, though - curiously - the giant anima tree outside the inn isn't their source. Not exactly.

Something inside the inn is the locus of our readings.

R. Sonnac
174-0 18380: It appears the lovely Ms Osorio is right: things are not as they should be in Egypt. Dark machinery grinds away inside the hidden city, tempered only by fading magic. "A great evil is rising in the sands" indeed.

Our boys from Oxford have done exceptionally well. You will follow their lead and proceed into the mountains at your earliest convenience. Whether or not the archaeologists are right about their ancient god, we can ill afford to let this opportunity to uncover more of Egypt's secrets slip us by.

And we can ill afford to have more relics ending up on black markets around the world - relics that would unbalance the entire secret world.

R. Sonnac
175-0 18394: "Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water."

Using potable water as a weapon is the basest of acts, reserved for the monstrous, the craven, and, I'm loathe to say, the Illuminati. They have been known to inject their poisons into ground water in order to test its effects on the mind. The sentient fungi, however, were trying to infect an entire ecosystem with their spores.

We have no data on what would have happened should anyone have consumed these spores. Thanks to your efforts, we never will.

R. Sonnac
176-0 18401: Your field report has been received and is currently being analysed and evaluated. Thank you for your contribution. We will contact you if more information is needed. A reward and cash bonus has been credited to your account.
177-0 18406: Talk about taking one for the team. That local moonshine can't have been easy on your palate. I'll be sure to have a nice, tempered Burgundy decanted and ready for you on your return.

This Vampire Crusade may be larger than we first anticipated. And the beasts have covered themselves in rags to sustain the sunlight? There must be more to this than a shortage of O negative.

Good job slowing them down a little. That will give us more time to figure out what's up in the Carpathians. Keep up the stellar effort.

R. Sonnac
178-0 18418:
179-0 18429:
180-0 18444: The apparent Morninglight acquisition of rare artifacts and their obvious intent to use them is vexing. We have to be grateful they never reached their intended recipient.

It all points to Marquard's cult being a lot more than their innocent stands and simple rhetoric suggest. But we have known this for a while.

We still don't have a complete picture. We don't know exactly what he's up to, but we must assume it's not going to be good. Anything else you could find out, as well as the whereabouts of this Adrian, is of the utmost importance.

R. Sonnac
181-0 18446: How delightfully nationalistic of the Soviets: they had a valley full of monsters and still built their own.

We assume this burial was only intended to be a short-term storage option, enacted in haste half a century ago. The Soviets planned to exhume the graves themselves, but never returned, and if not for the ghouls the evidence could have eroded here in peace.

Learn what you can about these forbidden experiments - forewarned is forearmed. I would hope records are all that remains to be found, but at this stage I think we both know better.

R. Sonnac
182-0 18465: What is in a name, indeed. There is more to concern us here than the elder Varias. This Brusilov character is likely Yevgeny Brusilov, an individual of some infamy in the old Soviet secret world.

Quite the renaissance man: soldier, geneticist, occultist. From what little intelligence we have on the activities of the Red Hand, he was instrumental in pushing them away from mysticism and towards science. Expect grisly discoveries ahead.

As for Brusilov, he disappeared well before Glasnost. We believe he went to the Phoenicians, but they are under no obligation to admit it.

R. Sonnac
183-0 18467: Of course our remit can be stretched from the protection of mankind alone. After all, it was under our amnesty, and our watch, that the Shades of Ealdwic were set up to take in the, well, "supernaturally dispossessed."

Times of conflict always lead to a new influx of the weird and wondrous to our city. Shelley will be thrilled, no doubt, but on the positive side business will boom across the hidden markets and lost rivers of London.

And perhaps, once said conflict has ended, they will have a home to return to. Let us hope so.

R. Sonnac
184-0 18477: I am beyond impressed with your infiltration of the super soldier complex. That could not have been easy.

All information we can gain about the abandoned Red Hand experience and the mutant super soldiers is worth going the extra mile for. Hence, I am pleased you went through the trouble.

The old files were heavily encrypted. No wonder you couldn't make anything of them. I've sent them for analysis and I'm told we've struck gold. I've not been given permission to share the contents with you, I'm afraid. At least not until we know more.

R. Sonnac
185-0 18478: Let us hope this nightmare carnival has ended. The Bogeyman is a particularly loathsome entity, attaching itself like a tick to childish terrors.

Its sadism knows no bounds, and those brutalised by it are seldom the same again. Many go on to continue its cycle of abuses, passing on its sickness from the secret world to the mundane one. Beyond our remit.

But the creature is in decline. Once it found harbour under every bed, in every cupboard, but now its haunts are few and far between. You have contributed to rooting it out of another.

R. Sonnac
186-0 18485: At risk of sending the wrong signals, this is interesting news. Of course an organised demonic front would pose a grave risk to Earth, but the best test of our army's efficiency is to clash with another.

This manner of glorious warfare was thought to be a thing of the past. So we welcome the news of your commando victory, and the prospect of further campaigns against the Hellish barony.

Our own dear Brigadier holds the one that crippled him in peculiar regard. "You should see how he ended up," he offers with a grimace one could hazard was a smile.

R. Sonnac
187-0 18487: The three generals were of true ancient stock - no thin-blooded mongrels or experiments. You have succeeded where many historical greats have failed.

Vampires have of course been a problem for us in Eastern Europe for hundreds of years, though things have been relatively quiet since the truce. Mara's sudden call to arms is indeed strange. Why should the vampires seek to destroy their source of sustenance and procreation when they have co-existed with humans for centuries?

That is the question on all our lips.

Hasdatean - he made his mark in the doomed defence of Wallachia against the Khan's armies. That's what earned him his stripes. Over the years he has fought both with and against us. He has his code and he lives by it. I can respect that.

R. Sonnac
188-0 18494: These notes spell out that Varias senior did at least cling to a shred of ethics. Vasile may find some small closure in it, and bring his search to an end.

As for our interests, it seems the "arrangement" between the scientists of the Red Hand and their vampiric subjects was in no way voluntary. These creatures were dominated, somehow. It is depressingly unlikely that the Red Hand alone could command such fear and respect.

No, that falls to another power. Dare I hazard, the same one that could drive an undead army in this day and age? I believe I just did.

R. Sonnac
189-0 18497: I am relieved you found a way back. Well, part of the way at least. The Egyptian desert is preferable to the Hell Dimensions, but - at the present time - not by much, I'm afraid. The day you step back into sweet dreary London is the day I shall consider you truly home.

I fear that won't be anytime soon.

We are concerned by the forces of Akhenaten and likewise concerned by the forces of the Hell Dimensions. The thought of these two concerns bleeding into one is quite vexing. Help Ptahmose to keep things separate and tidy however you must.

R. Sonnac
190-0 18499: "And the world had found new terms of worth" (Frost, "Pan with Us").

It is a trying time for the old gods, especially those with roots in the earth. I am told that pain by proxy can be quite excruciating.

The mythical creatures of Transylvania - like the forest itself - are being pushed out of sight and out of mind. Restore their confidence by assuring them that the Earth is fighting back out there. Tell them that their Forest God still lives and means to defend them - though leave out the bit about his getting soused.

R. Sonnac
191-0 18505: Your field report has been received and is currently being analysed and evaluated. Thank you for your contribution. We will contact you if more information is needed. A reward and cash bonus has been credited to your account.
192-0 18516: Plethron has done good work in the world. Their website assures us of this. But this "Prometheus" operation is alarming, even before considering the dead director and a series of shipments gone missing.

We shall do our best to determine what is being transferred to Cape Town, and why.

In the meantime, we know that Orochi - working through Plethron - was shipping something other than foodstuffs and farm equipment. And we know that someone else became involved.

I wish I could tell you more about the man in the dark hat. Rather, I wish you could tell me.

R. Sonnac
193-0 18522: Ever feel like you're not getting ahead? Did they start you at the bottom and make you go down? I bet you all the office parties start at 5 and end at 7.

Well, not everyone is full of shit. We've been watching you and we like what we see. Ever been to New York?

This is not an invitation. This never happened. Just something to think about.

Later, gator.
194-0 18532:
195-0 18538: I'm thrilled to see you aren't averse to trudging in mire. If our enemies are splashing around in the sewers then so must we.

Abdel Daoud - proprietor of numerous shops in the village - is the leader of the Atenist movement. His fanatical ideology is being backed by an outside force in exchange for shipments of some kind.

This relationship concerns us. Your recent exploits assure me that you are equally concerned. Hopefully these exploits are enough to create a further rift between Abdel and his backer, and put an end to Atenism's endless burst of means.

R. Sonnac
196-0 18541: A girl after my own taste, this Zaha. I commend her for educating herself beyond her limited station. Anyone who can quote Aesop gets an A for effort in my book.

And I commend you for taking advantage of her groundwork. Your infiltration and sabotage of the vampire camp gives us a bit more time to figure out the magnitude and reason for this untimely and bothersome crusade. I refuse to believe it's just about their expansion.

"It is easier to get into the enemy's toils than out again." Aesop really did have a knack for turning a phrase. I, of course, have no need for a library card.

You seem to have knack for getting out of trouble, which is a fine trait, especially in present circumstances. We can't allow ourselves to be too literal about these things.

R. Sonnac
197-0 18560: Fine work. We appreciate any Filth-related results we can get.

Early indications are that the Filth takes a particularly vicious interest in vascular plants. We believe this is a kind of competitive survival instinct: the Filth uses a system of organs that are analogous to roots.

We're not quite sure what these Filth roots are feeding on in the soil, but they most certainly are getting their fill.

Continue to gather whatever data you can. A little research never hurt anyone.

Well, that isn't entirely true.

R. Sonnac
198-0 18564: These are terrible times for agriculture. Farms everywhere are being overrun by portents of the coming doom. That is what revenants do - they sow death and seek to make it last.

One must not deny the Vampire Hunter his right to be indignant. It confirms his character.

Of course, he was wrong to imply that we had anything to do with this mess. The Illuminati, certainly capable of it. The Dragon, capable of anything. We may not always be above reproach, but ninety-seven percent of the time we are. That figure is a fact.

R. Sonnac
199-0 18569: Ordinarily we frown on the creation of potentially homicidal animated servants. I appreciate that when in mystic Transylvania, one does as the mystic Transylvanians do.

And, as it did not require a sacrifice or infernal pact, it could be said this is a more agreeably rural form of necromancy than perpetrated by Henderson's method. That's the remark I shall make when passing this report on.

The next matter is: what importance did this windmill hold to warrant magical protection? I trust you're well ahead of me on this one.

R. Sonnac
200-0 18571: Whoever that was you talked to, he was high enough within the Group to shut down the Prometheus Initiative. That's either a very powerful ally, or an incredibly dangerous enemy. At present it's hard to determine which.

I would council caution when dealing with the Orochi. Your actions today will surely never be forgotten, and I can only hope they won't come back to haunt us.

Be sure I will back your play no matter what, though. Destroying that camp and keeping the material away from the wrong hands was the only reasonable reaction.

R. Sonnac
201-0 18583: The Marya's betrayer was a prodigious member of the secret world, like you. The difference is he arrived under the Dragon's banner. The Dragon deny their affiliation, of course. It is impossible to know what is what in that organisation.

This informant's falsity nearly secured Egypt eons of devilish worship. Indeed, it is a skill to know when to extend one's hand and when to withdraw it.

As you track the Atenist master, you may have to extend your hand to people who lack our moral standards. I recommend you wear gloves.

R. Sonnac
202-0 18586: I envy you, I truly do. My talents are best served in administrative matters, of course, but adventure beckons when I read your reports. Magical windmills, werewolves, feisty French darlings. The romantic in me dreams of traipsing by your side.

I'm gushing, I apologise - it's completely out of character. A man suffers such spells on occasion.

The windmill, or anima-mill, was designed to harness the occult-spring upon which it is built. It is a fascinating structure, but not enough to justify the Orochi presence.

Remain vigilant out there - and make the most of it.

R. Sonnac
203-0 18620: Halls such as these - elaborate underground shrines and mausoleums - are meant to preserve all that is most precious to the Egyptians. We were on the trail of one such chamber beneath the paws of the Great Sphinx. Entirely unremarkable, as it turns out.

Much of what these halls contain is ethereal and intended to serve rites of initiation. Before the site was liberated by the Marya, Akhenaten of course had a terribly perverse notion of what that meant.

As for the secrets that were not ethereal - relics that were purportedly buried long before the age of Akhenaten - I cringe to think that they are all gone, and dare not imagine the parameters of their application.

R. Sonnac
204-0 18651: Signals intelligence is a rarefied game, my friend. Your work here shall further confirm that we are the very best in the business.

The frequency is now being monitored by a select group of our finest polyglots. Nothing is coming through at the moment - other than a very distant scraping sound. Like cutlery from a neighbour's dinner party. One hopes this isn't UVB-76 all over again.

I have no doubt there will be words sooner or later, hopefully ones that describe more than the local weather.

Speaking of which, we are having a spectacular spell in London. One is almost tempted to wear shorts.

Almost.

R. Sonnac
205-0 18667: This confluence of forces is historically momentous, I'm quite sure. I admit I would be nervous if it were anyone but you in the region.

As much as we know about the world, I personally have very few frames of reference to draw on at the moment. There are pre-histories involved that Gladstone is only beginning to find the right pronunciations for.

Nevertheless, one does not require an occult Oxford degree to separate right from wrong. In fact, an overabundance of academic knowledge can often get in the way of moral instincts. One need only remember what happened to Gladstone back in Guinea with that cult experiment of his. To test a hypothesis indeed!

R. Sonnac
206-0 18669: The vampires are certainly a threat, but as Carmen said, it's merely a convenient crisis. Skepticism is advised when speaking with the magicals, they can be rather fanciful at times, but there must be some truth to this tale of Dracula and Mara the Vampire Queen. More than a grain: we have independent verification that a great battle was fought in this region five hundred years ago.

Proceed with caution. The forest is home to older things, and these Romany vampire hunters – the Drăculeşti – are skilled, I'm sure, but they are also unsanctioned and potentially disruptive. You will want to handle them with care, if you are to decipher this puzzle further.

And decipher it you must.

R. Sonnac
207-0 18695: TRANSMIT - initiate disclaimer signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Nightmare alley is getting crowded. Look at the line! Come see the monsters claw through time. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

There will be a slight additional charge for this attraction, but it's not a dollar, it's not a dime - it's a cold smithereen minted in grime.

WITNESS - rules and regulations. No cameras, please, only notes. No one under the age of two.

Come see the world before it's through!

Don't be huffy because we hack. The show goes on! So must you.

Hurry, hurry, hurry.
208-0 18697:
209-0 18699: Good show. I could see you followed the instructions to the letter. Splendid. This must have been a good lesson both in problem solving and in the potency of tradition and knowledge, cared for and handed down through generations.

There's something valiant about the Drăculeşti and the zeal they put forth, and I am pleased we can find common ground. I can only encourage you to learn as many lessons as you can out there.

R. Sonnac
210-0 18716: I am beyond pleased that you were able to retrieve the stolen artifacts from the cultists, and the Oxford fellows won't mind that you sent everything back to London for safekeeping. Good show.

It seems like the cultists are the source of the artifacts recently flooding the black market. With the help of Phoenician mercenaries. The whole business is positively vexing.

And the last thing to give me pause is this Berihun fellow. We know very little of him, except that he's not with the Phoenicians. We shall have to keep an eye on him.

R. Sonnac
211-0 18728: Splendid. Do continue to check in as often as you can. I am getting some frightful reports out of the desert. Things lumbering and tearing up the ground. All manner of pits and plagues and pestilence.

I have grown very fond of our correspondence, and would hate to see it end on account of some biblical disaster.

R. Sonnac
212-0 18760: This was an unfortunate turn of events. You are never to engage directly with the Orochi Group, it might pose diplomatic issues. The Council wouldn't be pleased.

It is probably best to discuss this face to face. When you have finished your current assignments, please return to London.

R. Sonnac
213-0 18763: I can practically hear Gladstone spinning down in the library from my office. That's how excited he's going to be by this.

There is much more to both Khalid and his staff than meets the eye. He's been in business a very long time, and the sixty-four he was talking about are important. It is ringing a lot of bells.

Unfortunately, a lot of that knowledge was lost at Alexandria, and more was stolen by the Illuminati. I will be sure to have all the historians look into this.

R. Sonnac
214-0 18774: This is quite the confluence of concerning developments. I shall try to address them in order.

Lidiya is a Phoenician manhunter of considerable infamy - you did well to survive your little tête-à-tête. I'm beginning to think she has more lives than even the likes of you.

With regards to the girl, I trust I am not the only one reminded of what you uncovered in that Orochi institution. I also trust that we are the only party looking for her with good intentions.

As for "Lilith"...we should hope it is a code-name, for the sake of all. Be mindful.

R. Sonnac
215-0 18777: The Iele! What a wonderful rediscovery! I always assumed the rumours of her death were greatly exaggerated. We've had feelers out for centuries, but it's been a challenge penetrating the faerie realm. Magical protections aside, they're not particularly receptive to census reports. The forms come back completely mangled or, worse, incorrectly filled out.

It was Alexander the Great - his greatness sullied somewhat by ties to the Illuminati - who fathered the Iele and her twin sisters. The Illuminati, obviously, have no idea of her history or significance. Then again, neither does she.

Oh, and I almost forgot: nice work on the rest of it.

R. Sonnac
216-0 18784: "Midway upon the journey of our life
I found myself within a dark forest,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost." (Dante)

My sincerest apologies, but I am currently knee deep in life's divine comedy. Yes, even I get called out of the office on occasion.

If you are feeling astray, simply push ahead. I shall endeavour to read your report at my earliest convenience. It is fine work you have done, I have no doubt of it.

R. Sonnac
217-0 18802: The inland undead are scavengers, but you must respect their numbers and their speed. Those that shamble along the shore are similar in nature, though even more closely tied to the draug.

The cultists are the most autonomous and industrious of the undead. They spent their lives practising black arts and bowing to all manner of atrocity. Centuries of sleep has apparently done nothing to eliminate old habits.

Former primordial priests, banished magi, worshippers who sacrificed and were sacrificed. Who knows what else?

Something in that black soil nurtured their mystical talents, and inspired them to rise rejuvenated.
218-0 18813: Excellent work. Occult artifacts such as the ones you've recovered are priceless. Of course, Phoenician scum like Tanis always manage to put a price on things. The whores! I shudder to think who they would have sold them to. They'll trade in anything - and with anyone - that makes them rich.

The artifacts are in fact ancient weapons. The Black Plague, Santorini, Tunguska - merely minor examples of their destructive power. You understand now why they must be kept from sullied hands.

That means anyone's hands but ours.

R. Sonnac
219-0 18828: The sons and daughters of Dracul have been tracking darkness for over five hundred years. Their methods may be quaint - not to mention their membership criteria - but their order is founded on the bonds of experience and tradition.

Do not dismiss the wisdom of their ways.

We, of course, share an affiliation with them through the Order of the Dragon. A shame we had to pull out of the region when we did, but it's nice to see noble strains reunite.

With their moxie and your gusto there is absolutely no limit to what we expect you to accomplish.

R. Sonnac
220-0 18837: Well. We may have to have the angels-and-demons talk sooner rather than later. Suffice it to say that angels are rarely on the side of the angels.

However, fomenting total war between the Hell Dimensions and Earth is unheard of...at least for as long as I have access to records. The Marshals could tell you a different story. They shall have to, if events continue to escalate.

Regardless, you have done well to survive war in a place where wars are endless. Wicker will not go unpunished; he has found a prison, quite literally, of his own making.

R. Sonnac
221-0 18846: Well. We may have to have the angels-and-demons talk sooner rather than later. Suffice it to say that angels are rarely on the side of the angels.

However, fomenting total war between the Hell Dimensions and Earth is unheard of...at least for as long as I have access to records. The Marshals could tell you a different story. They shall have to, if events continue to escalate.

Regardless, you have done well to survive war in a place where wars are endless. Wicker will not go unpunished; he has found a prison, quite literally, of his own making.

R. Sonnac
222-0 18847:
223-0 18866: Cucuvea has long been a beacon of light in the darkness, but once too often she has been forced to stand alone. I am very pleased with your collaboration.

Gladstone has tracked her involvement back to the days before history began, and she wasn't lying about Lilith torturing her. Whenever you hear the name Cucuvea, there are likely servants of Lilith nearby.

Helping her with the curse, attempting to once again banish the Deathless, was a worthwhile endeavour. Taking steps to befriend the old owl even more so.

R. Sonnac
224-0 18871: A self-help camp in the middle of the apocalypse. How wonderfully American!

The Morninglight is a new age movement that has grown exponentially these past years. Their charismatic leader is Philip Marquard. A painfully dull man, from what I hear.

They make enlightenment sound so terribly easy. Life requires rolling up one's sleeves, I'm afraid. Of course, people don't want to hear that. Easier to just buy an overpriced DVD. Presto, happiness!

R. Sonnac
225-0 18878: Splendid work - I expect no less of you. The canyon was a frightful refuge for the beasts of the Black Pharaoh. They shall now have to scamper elsewhere.

The willingness of the dead warriors to rally to your side speaks very well of Thutmose - both the Sentinel and the man. A soldier can never deny the call of a good commander, even after having been led to death. The voice of true leadership forever echoes in the chambers of the heart.

One lion's roar from Force-Marshal Lanark, and I have no doubt the lost battalions of St. George would just as quickly rally to his side.

R. Sonnac
226-0 18881: Admirable work so far on unravelling the mysteries of Solomon Island. We appear to be dealing with a sorcerer of some stature - and, more importantly, a sorcerer in possession of a powerful weapon. Our augurs are attempting to get a read on the sword and its current owner. It's proving disconcertingly difficult, but this artifact is of great value to us. And not just as a key to whatever it is Beaumont is looking for.

We will need you to pick up the trail as soon as possible, but not until you have gained some more experience. This is a dangerous man you're dealing with, and we do not want you running into a situation you are ill-suited to handle. Until you are ready, hold back, tackle easier challenges.

We will let you know when the time is right to carry on your quest for Beaumont and his sword.

R. Sonnac
227-0 18884: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Is. 40:3).

Ancient words can be a terror when misread. You are putting in a dazzling effort out there. Absolutely herculean. Unfortunately it is doing little to quiet the voice at the heart of the Atenist uprising.

They are paving their crooked highway and we must soldier on.

R. Sonnac
228-0 18892: Ellis Hill was a widowed aviation mechanic. He played baseball in college. That appears to have been the highlight of his life.

We know far less about the man pretending to be Ellis Hill. We know he is a murderer who likes to get his hands dirty. He has demonstrated only cursory knowledge of aviation, though is adept at sending encrypted signals out to sea.

Were I a betting man, I would say it smells Phoenician. They are rudderless racketeers - and likely here to smuggle more than just lobster off the island.

R. Sonnac
229-0 18910: You are among my highest priorities, but I'm afraid I shall be tied up in meetings with the Marshals all afternoon. If the subject of sterling new recruits should come up, know that I always endeavour to mention our finest.

In the meantime, a word of advice: jot things down. Believe me, I have learned this lesson the hard way.

R. Sonnac
230-0 18917: One cannot but lament that woman's misfortune. Having in her possession a pendant that protected her from the the fog, only to lose her newly wed husband to those very same horrors.

One might even call irony.

We can't help the woman now, but we can study the protection granted by the pendant. And we shall. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. Such pieces of arcane warding are of utmost interest.

R. Sonnac
231-0 18948: Vikings warring with Mayans warring with Wabanaki. We are in the habit of blaming the Illuminati for all the miseries of Solomon Island - we do so especially in the middle of Council meetings. Of course, the island was a mess long before they got there.

This information sheds light on the history of a certain artifact we are pursuing. It has long been our version of events that Excalibur was plundered from our isles. In fact, that may not be quite right. The Vikings did not merely stumble upon and steal it. They were led to it by forces that understood how essential the sword was to winning the war against darkness all those years ago.

I dare say it may be equally essential now and, if those forces have any sense in them, they will lead us to it just as they led the Norsemen all those years ago. So, if you happen across any ancient swords, do let us know.

R. Sonnac
232-0 18951: I am familiar with the work of Singh and Montgomery. You may as well know that the existence of past ages has been internally confirmed. However, I should warn you: to stretch the mind back beyond the current age is to invite a cosmic headache. Fine for an academic, but some of us have work to do.

Our primary concerns must remain contemporary. For now, going back only as far as the 18th dynasty of Egypt will do.

Akhenaten went to great trouble to abandon Amarna and marshal his resources in the valley. Very ancient secrets are most certainly buried there - ones that the priests of Amun were desperate to keep from the Atenists.

R. Sonnac
233-0 18952: Satisfactory, I'm sure. Your exploits are entirely consistent with my expectations of you.

Now, to get into the spirit of things, I've dug up my copy of Stoker. A fantastic read, though entirely misleading. We shall have to bracket our preconceptions about vampire ecology. That is of course no reason to bracket aesthetic pleasure and formal genius.

I leave you with the words of Jonathan Harker: "At the worst it can only be death." Not true in fact.

R. Sonnac
234-0 18991:
235-0 18997: You are among my highest priorities, but I'm afraid I shall be tied up in meetings with the Marshals all afternoon. If the subject of sterling new recruits should come up, know that I always endeavour to mention our finest.

In the meantime, a word of advice: jot things down. Believe me, I have learned this lesson the hard way.

R. Sonnac
236-0 19001: I can appreciate wanting to find out more about Orochi and sharing it with us, but keep in mind that they are - among many other things - a communications giant. We're not likely to hack anything they don't want us to hack.

Now, let's assume for a moment this isn't all an elaborate ploy to infect our systems. Orochi has an absolutely savage loyalty policy: "7.1 Limbs of family members" is part of the employee contract.

I should like to know who succeeded in turning this Orochi agent against his employer. Whoever they are, they must have made one hell of a pitch.

R. Sonnac
237-0 19013: A giant anima capacitor, of course! Ingenious design, though conceptually misguided. One cannot harvest that amount of occult energy through mechanical means and expect to come out the better for it.

Nathaniel Winter fancied himself becoming the greatest magus in the world. Unfortunately, he lacked any innate talent for magic, and thought he could buy his way into wizardry. Well, it doesn't work that way.

Phoenicians - they do fine at pilfering and scurrying back to sea, but a sustained presence on land doesn't suit them at all. Unless they were planning to construct a water park, it was never going to be a good fit.

R. Sonnac
238-0 19019: "Sweet it was in one sense, honey-sweet..." (Stoker)

Don't mention this to Anita, but your traipsing through Romania keeps reminding me of a girl I once knew. The heart wanders on occasion. Must be all that magic in the air.

Surely you'll forgive a bit of unprofessionalism. I dare say we've gotten to know each other by now. One day I shall divulge the details over sherry. For now, I suspect you have another ancient love story to focus on.

R. Sonnac
239-0 19112: You went off the radar there for a bit, and it's certainly unfortunate that you are not in possession of the sword, but we will make do. Whatever else is happening on Solomon Island, we are reasonably confident the situation will not escalate. That is really the best we can ask for.

Return to London at your earliest convenience for your next assignment, after you've finished any unfinished business over there.

R. Sonnac
240-0 19120: The effects of the Breach must have interfered with your gear. We have tried to get a hold of you since word reached us of Mara's demise.

A stellar job on conjuring the fallen prince and banishing the Vampire Queen. That should put a halt to whatever she was up to. It troubles us to learn of the events that have befallen the Orochi Group, though this might explain their erratic behaviour in Egypt. It seems that Mr Chandra isn't entirely in control of his vast empire - a fact that should be taken into consideration in the future.

But never mind that, a celebration is in order! You have done exceptionally well. Please return home when you are ready to do so, and join me in my office. I have a bottle of 1926 Macallan Fine and Rare in my desk for this very purpose.

R. Sonnac
241-0 19126: We are unearthing more evidence of the events that transpired in Transylvania half a millennium ago, and you appear to have found yourself in the midst of a prophecy. Relish it, it doesn't happen very often.

You hold a key to something, but we have no information yet as to what this something is, beyond the surface facts. You are on your own, for now, and the only thing we have to go on is the word of Octavian, the Centurion. Whether he can be trusted or not is besides the point. You don't have much choice in the matter.

Scale the mountains when you're ready, and seek out the answers.

R. Sonnac
242-0 19128: I'm not at all surprised that mine is filled with skeletons and ghosts. The Illuminati had a free run of that island for centuries, and, unsupervised, they do tend to make a mess.

The scale of that mess is astonishing, if not surprising. In their recklessness they dug too deep, despite the vehement protests of those who know the land best.

The ghosts of the miners are, of course, of little consequence, but the state of the mine is. Before we know exactly what we're dealing with out there we should defer to the locals, and do our best to help them keep the situation contained.

R. Sonnac
243-0 19154: A thrilling read. I look forward to the sequel. Especially if it involves getting an advanced copy of Sam Krieg's new novel. Make no mistake, I am not a fan. However, my interest is piqued by the supposed subject matter. Secret societies. Dark days. Hmmm...

I won't pass judgement just yet. Imagine a best-seller that in no way compromises us or our noble interests, but rather focuses entirely on undermining the Illuminati.

Now that is an airport paperback I would read.

As for this informant, we assume he's gone the way of most of the local populace. A shame, though perhaps also for the best.

R. Sonnac
244-0 19163: There's a great many things I could say about this latest adventure of yours, but I will – as is my wont – shoot for pith.

What you have seen today are remnants of an earlier age, a civilisation preceding our own and even that of the ancient Egyptians. And as the echoes of history ring through the abandoned streets of the City of the Sun God, we must be careful to not let them drown out the sound of what's at stake here.

I think we can safely assume we have found the reason Akhenaten came to this place to begin with, why he developed such an obsession with what he found here. And it is imperative none of this ends up in the wrong hands.

We absolutely have to lead the way on this, or the consequences could be dire.

R. Sonnac
245-0 19171: We were there at the infamous lecture in '77. Wicker was being observed and - for a brief time - considered. We determined that he was too unstable to rely on, even then. Now he is much further gone, no longer even a man.

We lost track of him in New York and assumed the worst - that he had gone to the Illuminati. Wicker did indeed go soulless, but not in the corporate sense.

Your tracing of his past shall prove insightful. We should never have let Wicker get away. Men like him must be identified early in their academic careers. They must be made to accept the blissful ease of tenured life.

R. Sonnac
246-0 19180: They do not make experimental Soviet personal data manipulators like they used to. And with good reason. It shall take us a bit of time to transfer this research into some legible format.

Nonetheless, we must continue to secure all Red Hand related research in the area. We can confirm that the name Varias is linked to biological and genetic experiments. A terribly gruesome super soldier project that was flourishing in the 70's.

Hopefully the young doctor will enjoy a far less spectacular career. It seems rather likely, if only because he is - compared to his father - a man of minor medical talents.

R. Sonnac
247-0 19183: "For they sow wind, and reap tempest." Hosea 8:7

They wanted to test the Filth's effect on the non-corporeal. A bold move, but as you have seen also a terribly dangerous one. Makes you shudder at the thought of what they'll try next.

I must say I am very pleased at how you handled this. The research you secured is valuable, the glimpse into the extent of Orochi research on the Filth priceless. That you cleaned up the debris left by their brazen effort is an added bonus. My faith in you is really starting to pay off.

R. Sonnac
248-0 19185: Charming girl. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Cassandra King. We don't know what angle she is playing, but whatever it is, she certainly is playing it very well.

I shall endeavour to stay positive. You have successfully infiltrated the den of the mysterious "B." We are now quite assured that Morninglight have ulterior motives in all this. Whatever they are smuggling, it is important enough to even have the Phoenicians sniffing around. Those dirty strumpets.

If possible, continue to play the long game with the Morninglight. And the next time you see Cassandra, do not fail to remind her that she does indeed owe us one.

R. Sonnac
249-0 19203: There are lines of thought, anfractuous pathways that lead to combinations of disassociated knowledge that can only end in madness. Yet you walked all the way through and came out the other side, like Dante. That deserves congratulations. We will need minds as resilient as yours.

This seraph of slime represents forces that infect with a paradigm that says the universe has no order and cares nothing for the pointless actions of humankind.

Me must oppose this. We must prove order and purpose. If we are ever to look up into the heavens that make sense, we must defy the hungry, tentacular sky.

R. Sonnac
250-0 19204: There are lines of thought, anfractuous pathways that lead to combinations of disassociated knowledge that can only end in madness. Yet you walked all the way through and came out the other side, like Dante. That deserves congratulations. We will need minds as resilient as yours.

This seraph of slime represents forces that infect with a paradigm that says the universe has no order and cares nothing for the pointless actions of humankind.

Me must oppose this. We must prove order and purpose. If we are ever to look up into the heavens that make sense, we must defy the hungry, tentacular sky.

R. Sonnac
251-0 19206: This sounds very much like recent reports about singing stones in Brittany. Quite literally. The melodies are strikingly similar and they seem to be playing off each other. Rather than forming a complete piece, the notes you've triggered appear to represent the first movement of a greater symphony.

How delightful.

We shall continue to explore the mechanics of this global orchestra. Early analysis indicates it functions as a kind of defence system. For all the terror and darkness that is being unearthed, it is easy to forget that the world perhaps holds life-affirming secrets in equal measure.

R. Sonnac
252-0 19207: In the early days of Kingsmouth, Solomon Priest managed to become a very significant figure within Illuminati circles. A kind of rallying person, a bridge between the old and new. If we had had proof of this betrayal back then, it might have served to destabilise and divide their ranks. Today, treachery like this has become rather par for their course.

We will of course use this information during the mud slinging portion of the next Council meeting. However, knowing the Illuminati, they are as likely to take pride in Fletcher's deception as be embarrassed by it.

R. Sonnac
253-0 19212: Satisfactory, I'm sure. Your exploits are entirely consistent with my expectations of you.

Now, to get into the spirit of things, I've dug up my copy of The Monk. A fantastic read, though a little misleading. Surely the most virtuous characters need not always be the most dull.

I leave you with the words of Matthew Lewis: "Man was born for society. However little He may be attached to the World, He never can wholly forget it, or bear to be wholly forgotten by it."

R. Sonnac
254-0 19214: Your commitment to cleansing the ruins is commendable. Though I dare say it's like scrubbing the sewers with a toothbrush.

Or does something else draw you there? The same thing that drew our predecessors so many years ago, perhaps? As well as so many others. After we left, the site was settled by the pilgrims of a terrible spinster. She granted them immortality in exchange for eternal service. Wretched terms.

There are places in the world that run thick with primeval energy. We are drawn to them like a bruise that never heals. Careful how much you poke at it. Unless of course you mean to break the skin.

R. Sonnac
255-0 19216: We are very close now. Regardless of any evidence to the contrary, life is no barren field frozen with snow. That is what death makes of it. And I suspect that neither of us are ready for death just yet.
Some may argue for going out with a bang, but I suggest that it is much braver to persist.
So let's persist out there.
R. Sonnac.
256-0 19217: We believe this forest has thrived on some kind of fault zone. Not a site of geological fissures, but rather occult or cosmic ones. Anima and the Filth collide like two great rivers beneath the surface. Needless to say, the genetics here have always been lush.

The Red Hand were aware of this, and sought to exploit it. Their primitive experiments complicated an already motley ecosystem. Think of it as anti-Chernobyl. Rather than seek to contain or cover-up the effects of fallout, here was an attempt to magnify and bathe in them.

The devil only knows what else lurks in that forest.

R. Sonnac
257-0 19218: The forest was always a site of transformation in old fairy tales. I'm not sure that this is quite what they meant, but we must endeavour to adapt. Danger is opportunity, that will never change.

I shall of course send these results along to the proper laboratories.

In the meantime, I must be honest with you: your time in the forest is working a peculiar magic on me. I feel compelled to dust off the old fairy tales, the old chivalric romances, and dare I admit it, the old love letters.

Something is in the air tonight. There's nothing for it.

R. Sonnac
258-0 19230: This is no iron curtain you are lifting. Our scans confirm the Orochi information. Installation 10 is far more curious than we initially believed. I should like to think that Soviet mutants and vampire crusades would offer enough danger and intrigue, but, indeed, there is more going on here.

All those botched experiments through the harsh winters must have done something to the area, eroded some kind of barrier. I suspect that whatever hybrid creature lurks on the other side isn't something the Red Hand - or anyone of this world - could ever have imagined.

R. Sonnac
259-0 19266: Direct contact with the Council. A rare treat. As expected, you represented yourself - and us - admirably.

The Council continues to practise diplomacy at all costs. They are a regulating body without the means to regulate. A mother without the stomach for cruelty. As a result, groups like the Phoenicians are becoming increasingly brazen. You can be sure that the Phoenicians will be sanctioned, just as you can be sure that it will seem painfully inadequate. The alternative, of course, is the collapse of the Council and secret societal war.

Let's look on the bright side for now. I believe it can be found in the glint of that fancy new firearm.

You're welcome.

R. Sonnac
260-0 19268: There is something very curious about this stretch of beach. Of course, there is something curious about all of Kingsmouth, but that isn't what I mean. I mean especially curious. Tacos-at-the-Haitian-market level of curious.

The fleshy coils and draug mother pods were drawn to this area for a reason. I shall have to confer with Gladstone on the matter. In the meantime, take note of anything you may have chanced upon here, for I suspect it is part of a blueprint that extends far beyond Kingsmouth.

R. Sonnac
261-0 19276: "...and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together" (Gen. 22:6).

I ask you repeatedly to make sacrifices for the greater good. I ask the same of countless others. But I would never ask of you what has been asked of Ptahmose, because I doubt that I would be able to carry out such a thing myself.

The world is on notice - if it should ever come down to little Richard jr. being bound in any way, we may all be in great danger indeed. (There is no Richard jr. by the way...not yet. I am merely envisaging.)

A toast to all those who are better than us.

R. Sonnac
262-0 19277: This area is somehow related to that strip of vile beach in Kingsmouth. I am not able to offer a concrete explanation at this time, though perhaps you will settle for a speculative one.

Gladstone asserts that certain ill-omened places in the world are more susceptible than others. However, he is not able to clarify what exactly they are susceptible to. He blathers on and on about the universe's memories and horrors out of time.

I am of the opinion that there is nothing that cannot be exorcised. My optimism carries risk, however: to rid ourselves of something, we must be willing to peel back the layers and reveal it. Is that a risk you are willing to take?

R. Sonnac
263-0 19278: I want to applaud your courage today. I know it isn't easy out there. Frankly, it isn't easy anywhere these days. Rumours have arisen about my affiliation and commitment. Baseless accusations, of course. The Illuminati will stoop to anything.

I hope that in the course of our correspondence I have managed to guide or inform you in some meaningful way. In exchange, you have most certainly taught me a thing or two about perseverance.

Vile winds do not just blow over. We must go out there and make it happen. You demonstrate this time and again.

Apologies for veering off topic.

R. Sonnac
264-0 19279: Those of us in the industry have a term for this type of situation: utterly vexing. The cultists are clearly only interested in Akhenaten's late (i.e. insane murderous) forms of Aten worship. I understand that in the early days he was relatively sane, if a little too passionate.

Nonetheless, I believe this entire cult business has less to do with Akhenaten and more to do with whatever infected him. Call it a voice. A touch. A blueprint from another realm.

Whatever we choose to name it, evidence of its power lingers.

R. Sonnac
265-0 19284: Such a young continent, but they certainly are fast-tracking their iniquities. Ill-conceived construction projects may not seem like the world's greatest evil. However, keep in mind we are in the midst of global recession.

Now, you must forgive the paternalism, but I feel the timing is right: tread carefully out there. I may be eager to find out the nature of what lies beneath the construction site. But that does not mean I am in any hurry to lose one of my finest.

Let us learn from today's horror and ensure that we build on solid ground while taking all necessary precautions.

R. Sonnac
266-0 19285: There are far too many Cains in this world. I am all too well aware. In such grisly scenarios as this, one almost comes to expect that the brother did it. The butchering of the girl's parents, however? That seems a bit much, even if the little black birds did tell him to do it.

Make no mistake, the revenant that stabbed at the heart of Aron Sasu was a terror worthy of your time. We shall be in dire straits indeed when evil of this sort seems to us ordinary and trivial.

R. Sonnac
267-0 19303: I'm finding it very difficult to determine which aspect of these sacrifices is the most despicable and offensive.

Frankly, too difficult.

R. Sonnac
268-0 19304: "Quod mihi fortuna casuque oppressus acerbo
conscriptum hoc lacrimis mittis epistolium..." (Catallus)

My sincerest apologies, but I am currently knee deep in life's infinite jest. Yes, even I get invited to parties on occasion. Business related, I assure you.

If you are feeling astray, simply push ahead. The way forward is always the noblest of directions. I shall endeavour to read your report at my earliest convenience. It is fine work you have done, I have no doubt of it.

R. Sonnac
269-0 19305: Ever feel like you're not getting ahead? Did they start you at the bottom and make you go down? I bet you all the office parties start at 5 and end at 7.
Well, not everyone is full of shit. We've been watching you and we like what we see. Ever been to New York?
This is not an invitation. This never happened. Just something to think about.
Later, gator.
270-0 19315: This has all the makings of a jolly good war. It is of course difficult to pick sides given how despicable they both are. Regardless, far better that they concentrate on each other than focus on us. Perhaps now we can shift our attention to other matters. Namely, the seed of all this.
The werewolves and the vampires are both bastards of "Lilitu." The mother of monsters is currently out of our reach, unfortunately, but perhaps not as far as you may think. In due time, all shall be made to answer for their crimes.
R. Sonnac
271-0 19321: Well, don't look at me. I'm as baffled as you are.

Apparently we're still on the trail of a cat? Possibly named Irusan? By all accounts, he is a minor mythological figure. Long dead, or at the very least, long forgotten.

Gladstone informs me that figures from ancient legend seldom actually die. It's more a kind of retirement from public life. By his reckoning, Irusan was growing old and fat somewhere in the trenches between myth and reality.

He was renowned for his claws, yes, but it doesn't sound like he was in any shape to use them.

I certainly hope we haven't missed anything along the way. I suspect all the pieces were there.

R. Sonnac
272-0 19323: I cannot begin to express how thrilled I am that this masquerade is over. It is all over, is it not?

To be honest I'm equal parts relieved and confounded. Some very terrible man is out there, that much I've gathered. Of course, the world is filled with terrible men. Though I suppose not all of them are capable of desecrating corpses – both human and mythological! – and not only assuming the powers of their victims, but actually posing as them.

It's all too much.

You are perhaps familiar with Mama Abena. She hasn't been terribly clear on the details, but she has made it known to us that – without wishing to be – she may somehow be rooted in all this.

R. Sonnac
273-0 19326: "The cat is mine. Don't be nervous" (Bulgakov 83).

I most certainly am nervous. Cats on their hind legs, digging up corpses, ripping out tongues, spearing our pickled mushrooms for all we know.

It's unheard of.

I've looked into Ms Elena Zhelikhovsky for you – the tongue-tied corpse in the crypt. She lived in the mansion between 1924 and 1957. She ran a kind of occult hotel, attracting the likes of Doyle and Houdini. I haven't the faintest what she has to do with all this cat nonsense, but I suspect her reading recommendations are worth looking into.

R. Sonnac
274-0 19332: We must strive to be both efficient and impeccable in our investigations, especially on the home front. Abroad as well, of course, but the thought of others knowing more than us about our own backyard is repugnant.
Imagine, hordes of Illuminati and Dragons scurrying beneath our feet and carrying precious knowledge out of the cracks. I would think a plague is coming.
As to the Romans who scurried beneath our feet all those years ago, it looks like their obsession with road systems was far more ambitious than we imagined. We are not yet certain what plans they had for the roadways of Agartha, or whether this pursuit has survived in any way.
However, given what we've learned of certain Roman cults in other parts of the world recently, this new information is equal parts pertinent and troubling.
R. Sonnac
275-0 19333: I apologise for being curt. Brevity is the soul of wit. Also, the salvation of administrators. So you will pardon my occasional need to keep things short and repeatable. One does get swamped on occasion. I suspect you know exactly what I mean.

Please do continue to stay in touch. Believe it or not, reports are the highlight of my day.

R. Sonnac
276-0 19337: Oh Nikola, why must you taunt us with your legacy? It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to call a man a genius who spurned us so. But at least he spurned everyone else in equal measure.

Let us ignore the evidence and consider him an honorary member.

R. Sonnac
277-0 19342: Doom is on the doorstep, but not to worry: the Templars do not leave their own behind. We have learned our lesson since Atlantis. No more seat-of-the-trouser rescue operations. When the time comes, we shall endeavour to get you out of there.

In the meantime, you have more than enough to fill an afternoon.

Also, I hear the rollercoaster is delightful.

R. Sonnac
278-0 19350: "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red, than her lips red" (Sonnet 130).
Callisto was no Shakespeare, but I have a pet theory that the same dark lady may have infiltrated their lives and coloured their verse. Mara is no fair youth in all this, but she is indeed a puppet in a play. That other has been sowing torment since long before their time.
I won't insult your intelligence by uttering her name again. Besides, I have heard from respectable sources that once she touches the tongue, it is very difficult to turn back.
We need only look to Mara for the evidence.
R. Sonnac
279-0 19356:
280-0 19362: The "doctor" is now hard at work on his little creation. I hope you're proud of this contribution to science. Personally, I do not consider it your grandest moment. And you're not really planning to use a chainsaw out there, are you? Frightfully, your prolonged and strained interaction with it - in conjuction with whatever dark engineering Aldini has access to - means that it is now capable of channelling your powers.

Frankly, I find this all very disgusting. I want no more to do with it.

R. Sonnac
281-0 19367: I suspect you've done a great deal to inspire next year's syllabus. Wraiths and Yazidi Death Curses 101, complete with slides. Assuming, of course, that next year has a syllabus. Or that there is even a next year at all.

My, the headmaster's gloom and doom is infectious. I admit, my faith in the education system is at an all-time low. Slides and projectors in the classroom indeed! Students don't require visual aids, they require discipline. What next, I wonder, texts on Anansi tablets? Atrocious.

Nonetheless, I have faith in you. And you, by all accounts, still have faith in the world. Hold on to it with all you have.

R. Sonnac
282-0 19379: Unbelievable. The monster, yes, but also that the Illuminati could allow this to happen. It is incompetence of the highest order. We may suffer our crises in London, of course, but never something of this magnitude. We simply wouldn't allow it. Just imagine the earful I would receive from Detective Inspector Shelley. Dreadful.
If only there were time to point fingers. Unfortunately, this event threatens not only the secret world in New York, but the secret world everywhere. There is a certain decorum to maintain. Certain things people aren't ready for.
The media are being reined in and talks with the government are going well. Not to worry, we will follow up with an investigation. However, I'm afraid that until I straighten things out in Venice, I'll need you to keep a lid on this one.
R. Sonnac
283-0 19385: Unbelievable. The monster, yes, but also that the Illuminati could allow this to happen. It is incompetence of the highest order. We may suffer our crises in London, of course, but never something of this magnitude. We simply wouldn't allow it. Just imagine the earful I would receive from Detective Inspector Shelley. Dreadful.
If only there were time to point fingers. Unfortunately, this event threatens not only the secret world in New York, but the secret world everywhere. There is a certain decorum to maintain. Certain things people aren't ready for.
The media are being reined in and talks with the government are going well. Not to worry, we will follow up with an investigation. However, I'm afraid that until I straighten things out in Venice, I'll need you to keep a lid on this one.
R. Sonnac
284-0 19397: Splendid. Do continue to check in as often as you can. I am getting some frightful reports out of the desert. Things lumbering and tearing up the ground. All manner of pits and plagues and pestilence.
I have grown very fond of our correspondence, and would hate to see it end on account of some biblical disaster.
R. Sonnac
285-0 19398: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Is. 40:3).
Ancient words can be a terror when misread. You are putting in a dazzling effort out there. Absolutely herculean. Unfortunately it is doing little to quiet the voice at the heart of the Atenist uprising.
They are paving their crooked highway and we must soldier on.
R. Sonnac
286-0 19399: TRANSMIT - initiate booster signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!

Mr Sonnac is sitting tight, drumming along to in the air tonight. Mr Noble, Mr Right, Mr "Quote Some Ancient Knight."

Well we can use citations too: "Oogabooga" - the bogeyman is coming through!

WITNESS - encouragement. Don't be huffy because we hack. The Buzzing appreciates all you do. Now chop-chop, before we drop.
287-0 19402: "Midway upon the journey of our life
I found myself within a dark forest,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost." (Dante)

My sincerest apologies, but I am currently knee deep in life's divine comedy. Yes, even I get called out of the office on occasion.

If you are feeling astray, simply push ahead. I shall endeavour to read your report at my earliest convenience. It is fine work you have done, I have no doubt of it.

R. Sonnac
288-0 19403: A classy move on the part of the Council. As bogged down as they may be, they still come through on occasion. We shall overlook the fact that this request was submitted months ago. Now, let us accompany the glorious march.
To good taste and tradition!
R. Sonnac
289-0 19404: TRANSMIT - initiate booster signal - RECEIVE - sweetling!
Mr Sonnac is sitting tight, drumming along to in the air tonight. Mr Noble, Mr Right, Mr "Quote Some Ancient Knight."
Well we can use citations too: "Oogabooga" - the bogeyman is coming through!
WITNESS - encouragement. Don't be huffy because we hack. The Buzzing appreciates all you do. Now chop-chop, before we drop.
290-0 19405: I am not convinced that anyone actually reads this cheap periodical. Until today, I had never even heard of it. And I am a connoisseur of print media.

We shall keep tabs on any future issues, but instinct tells me he doesn't know as much as he thinks he does.

My concern at the moment is not how this will be represented in some penny rag, but how it will affect the politics in Venice.

We must always look at the big picture.

R. Sonnac
291-0 19414: There is a delightful secret soap opera playing out on the internet. Tyler Freeborn’s blog has been attracting the attention of Orochi, the Illuminati, and the military. All three seek to destroy the site, and all three continue to fail.
Someone with exceptional moxie is standing up to the online onslaught and keeping the site alive.
Foolish, certainly. But also impressive.
We would rather see such information taken down, but it doesn’t concern us as directly as it does certain of those other groups.
If the blog were called The Monsters of Soho it would be another matter.
R. Sonnac

292-0 19436: Well, it is official now. No getting around it any longer. My holiday plans have been cancelled. The words I didn't want to hear came straight from the Marshals.

Look, I very much appreciate your efforts. I wouldn't go as far as saying that you saved the world, but you did contribute to saving a sizeable chunk of it.

Of course, when your job is over mine is just beginning. The administrative post-mortem on a thing like this is absolute terror.

I suppose we all have our part to play.

Happy Holidays.

R. Sonnac
293-0 19439:
294-0 19448: Do whatever you must to uncover new words and new sources of information. Scribbled notes, ancient texts, whispered rumours – it is what our world is built upon.

I realise you may sometimes feel bombarded with text out there. Some of it may seem useful and some of it may not. Remain studious.

There will be a test.

R. Sonnac
295-0 19455: Time to reassess what we know about the infection on Solomon Island. We have a black substance that causes various kinds of mutation. Let’s call it Filth.
The Filth is a liquid-like terror leaking up from the ground. It comes into contact with living entities and does horrible things to them – primarily of a violent, twisted, tentacular, and/or dream-like nature.
The going theory – a hopeful one – is that limiting physical contact will likewise limit exposure. Orochi research seems far less hopeful: it postulates a distinct second strain, a product of the mist, which is airborne.
If this is the case, it may mean that everyone on Solomon Island is already infected.
R. Sonnac

296-0 19456: To be perfectly honest I'm not sure how I feel about doing business with the Morninglight. We are curious to know what draws them to this new currency. I suppose one way to find out is to continue supplying them with what they want.

I didn't say it was the best way, but for now it may be the only one open to us.

I have asked the Council of Venice to take an interest in this currency as well. I do not like the idea of the Morninglight controlling 100% of anything. Of course, knowing the Council, it will take a few years.

Proceed with caution.

R. Sonnac
297-0 19466: I stand corrected. The Mayan prophecy was not all poppycock after all.

Over the course of your excursions I have been reading up on the subject. It became clear that Bolon Yokte' K'uh would indeed have something to say at this time of the galactic year. However, I was never sure what, or how, or when he would make his presence felt.

Gladstone accuses us of provoking the situation. He argues that Bolon was merely here to mark a transition, and not to destroy the world.

I may never know who fired the first shot out there. But I shall sleep very well knowing that we took some initiative.

R. Sonnac
298-0 19473:
299-0 19475: I did not like how closely the military was working with Orochi. I did not like the ease with which a rogue blogger was allowed to prance around and disseminate dangerous information. I did not like how little we knew of said information. I certainly did not appreciate the notion of a distinct airborne strain of Filth. I absolutely loathe the repercussions on the inhabitants of Solomon Island.
Finally, I cannot abide the idea of one of my best agents strolling off into the fog.
However, in all these cases, what I like has absolutely no bearing on what must be done.
I suggest you wear something bright.
R. Sonnac

300-0 19479: This is analogous to other  “dream-like experiences” various agents have been reporting in the field. Analogous, and yet not the same.
The similarities alone I could live with. It would confirm things we already suspect. It is the distinctions that trouble me.
I suspect there will be plenty of time to lose sleep over the consequences of this data. For now, we must applaud the efforts of Tyler Freeborn.
I can never condone his willingness to incite hysteria. However, the man went as far as anyone I know in search of truth. That I must respect.
May he rest in peace.
R. Sonnac

301-0 19489: Y2K fizzled out and the crazies are desperate to latch onto another apocalyptic date. Pardon my skepticism, but for now I'm leaning toward the "poppycock, pure rot" school of thought on this one.

Feel free to convince me there really is something to this Mayan End of the World talk. I suppose it's not out of the question that all the alarmist hype has in fact been covering up something of substance.

However, if you try to sell me on "spiritual alignments" and shove a Morninglight pamphlet in my face, our relationship shall come to a decisive end.

R. Sonnac
302-0 19498: I try very hard to remain open to the times and to new technologies. However, I also believe in rigorous and extended testing. The majority of devices you have wielded to this point I have been able to understand, if only on a theoretical level.

In this case, I haven't a clue. If something goes wrong out there, am I supposed to change the beer can? Restructure my agent on some molecular level using "fired up bititities"?

I have yet to decide if Edgar is on the cutting edge of science or utter madness. Likely it is both.

Do be careful.

R. Sonnac
303-0 19513:
304-0 19525:
305-0 19532: My dear friend, if only it were that easy. To go back and make up for things we have said or done... It is tempting, I admit. But we must look ahead. The truly devastating things cannot be undone, no matter the weight of your regrets or the strength of your devices.
To focus on the past at a time like this is to ignore our responsibility to the future.
You have given the mummy what he wants, yes? He shall be a significant ally as we move ahead. We require his contacts and insider knowledge. You cannot trust him, of course, but you must nonetheless use him to your advantage.
Tokyo must never happen again.
R. Sonnac
306-0 19534:
307-0 19537: An astonishing find! Gladstone is beside himself. Not literally, of course. Though he insists the Third Age did make a machine for that sort of thing. Apparently they made a machine for everything.

Now see what else you can dig up down there.

R. Sonnac
308-0 19549: The Envoys of Ca’ d’Oro are world renowned appraisers. The palace after which they’re named isn’t what it used to be, but I nonetheless trust the Council’s capacity to secure all things valuable and ancient.

I’m not convinced that any of these trinkets pose a real threat in the hands of our enemies, but surely it is better to be safe than sorry.

I wish we could convince more people to live by those words.

R. Sonnac
309-0 19551: I have often asked you to focus on the big picture. However, I won’t trivialise the risk involved in leaving those poor people imprisoned . Some of them may very well be privy to key information that we must keep from the enemy at all costs. A noble effort, all in all.
Besides, it was on the way.
R. Sonnac
310-0 19555: Why does it feel like they’re only trying to get in when we’re there to stop them? I’ve watched droves of Illuminati and skulks of Dragons set up outside those doors – and nothing! Or, on occasion, worse than nothing: suspicious villagers coming and going as they please.

Make no mistake: we are the only ones doing any real work out there. Take pride in the fact.

R. Sonnac
311-0 19565: I hope you find a moment to brush up on your action-adventure tropes. I do believe you’re in for one hell of a ride. Quite literally. If the information we've intercepted is correct, transportation schedules are among the enemy’s highest priorities these days. Specifically, trains to Cairo and ships to London.
Yes, that London.
It appears the Atenists have gotten hold of something very dangerous and destructive, though they’re having difficulty moving it. I suppose that is where the mummy gets involved.
I believe the two of you are scheduled to meet presently.
R. Sonnac
312-0 19570: "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once” (Shakespeare).

My sincerest apologies, but I am currently knee deep in life's tragedies. Yes, even I get called out of the office on occasion.

If you are feeling astray, simply do the right thing. I shall endeavour to read your report at my earliest convenience. It is fine work you have done, I have no doubt of it.

R. Sonnac
313-0 19577: The operative words in the orders you recovered were “tombs” and “delivery”. At this point I’m not sure the two are part of the same project. The vast majority of cultist resources in the region are focused on what appears to be an export scenario. However, they also have a smaller research team looking into something called “time tombs”.

Oh my, indeed.

As for the name “Saddur”: I’ve heard it somewhere before. I can’t quite pinpoint the details, though I’m certain they’re not pleasant.

R. Sonnac
314-0 19584: My dear friend, if only it were that easy. To go back and make up for things we have said or done... It is tempting, I admit. But we must look ahead. The truly devastating things cannot be undone, no matter the weight of your regrets or the strength of your devices.
To focus on the past at a time like this is to ignore our responsibility to the future.
You have given the mummy what he wants, yes? He shall be a significant ally as we move ahead. We require his contacts and insider knowledge. You cannot trust him, of course, but you must nonetheless use him to your advantage.
Tokyo must never happen again.
R. Sonnac
315-0 19586: You understand now why we can never fully trust the Kingdom. Their involvement in the Tokyo attack may not have been direct. They certainly had nothing to do with the who, where, why, or when.
However, they were instrumental in organising the initial excavation and getting that first destructive device safely out of Egypt.
And now here we are – ostensibly working with them to keep it from happening again! It is times like this I find the job most unsavoury. The ends, we must tell ourselves, not the means.
The occult device is on a train heading for Cairo. Questionable allies aside, everything should be in place for us to get back on track and stop them.
Do you see what I did there?
R. Sonnac
316-0 19590: The Force-Marshal had us all bracing for the absolute worst. Went as far as digging up the floor and stocking the emergency vaults, would you believe? I understand the need for worst-case scenarios, but I was also quick to praise the resourcefulness of our agents in the field.
I knew you’d come through.
Though the crisis has been averted, we are still somewhat in the dark about who the Atenists ultimately deliver to. Someone pulled the strings on this – as they did on Tokyo. The Kingdom claim they don’t know who it is. Phoenicians? Morninglight? Orochi? Some ungodly mixture of all three? Someone else entirely? To be honest, I’m not ready to discount the Dragon or the Illuminati either.
It is a mystery we shall have to unravel at the site of the original crime.
Fear not, that time will come.
R. Sonnac
317-0 19591: Multitasking at a time like this? I honestly don’t know whether to chastise or promote you.
I shall reflect on the matter.
R. Sonnac
318-0 19592: It appears there’s just no stopping the good tidings. You’ve earned whatever’s coming to you, that much is certain. And I do appreciate you calling it in. I know it seems trite, but it’s important for us to declare all third party gifts and rewards – especially where the Council are involved.
There have been rumblings recently of an exclusive old world allegiance forming between us. This has of course raised the ire of other Council members. Allow me to set the record straight: any backroom discussions we may be having with the Council of Venice are strictly hypothetical.
And strictly confidential.
R. Sonnac
319-0 19601: I am surprised to see the Council of Venice charging forward into this. Inaction would reflect badly on us, so lead that charge. Find this Nursery place, and open its secrets to the light of our good judgement. These crimes against children are more extensive than we feared. It is starting to resemble the disaster that was the Children’s Crusade, but that is a horror story for another time. Merry hunting.
R. Sonnac
320-0 19604: The irresponsibility of others is both manifold and multiform, and yet I am always surprised by new innovations in foolishness. To leave such a walking plague on humankind for others to trip open like a Jack n’ the Box! You showed decisive initiative in cleansing the world of this ambulating blight. But do not loose focus. We must know the intentions of the Orochi Group in Transylvania. Veritas odit moras.
R. Sonnac
321-0 19618: Life gives us ever more horrors to hone ourselves upon – new ways for us to either fail in fear and vice, or ascend our previous limits in virtue. The creature you've slain is new to us. That is worrisome. I do not like the playing pieces changing mid-game. Inquire further, with sharp mind and sharper weapon. There is something distasteful afoot.

R. Sonnac
322-0 19623: The beasts beyond the firelight are frightful, but soon learn their place, and our rightful mastery, when we tame our own fear. Good show.

R. Sonnac
323-0 19624: I will delete that last report as SPAM. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you did not pause your rather delicate operation to inform me of your vehicular slaughter. We can continue on with this pleasant fiction, yes?

R. Sonnac
324-0 19631: We can put such destructive tools to better use than the Orochi Group, I should think.

R. Sonnac
325-0 19632:
326-0 19639: The Orochi are playing more tedious games of “Mad Scientist” out in the woods. They are industrious, I will give them that. Their chief export seems to be mayhem. Let us learn from the mistakes of others. In that regard, the Orochi Group has much to teach us.

R. Sonnac
327-0 19649:
328-0 19663: Missing children? Mutant children? Orochi? This all smells loathsome. Proceed, but keep to the bigger picture. Make that your mantra. Make that your god. It will see you through the dark. You can light a candle for each child when the dust has settled, and the day is won.

R. Sonnac
329-0 19676: I see your adventures have been quite…cinematic. I caution you to swallow your adrenalin and put on a most serious mind before entering this Nursery. We know the horrors of Amity House, Orochi’s work with children, and the importance of whatever dread purpose this all furthers. All dark speculations point to the Nursery. Remember that you are a lion of the Templars, and you are about to prowl into a menacing place. Audaces fortuna iuvat.

R. Sonnac
330-0 19679: We are no strangers to the power of relics taken from the crypts of the righteous. By all accounts, Mircea Mirga was a fearsome slayer of the undying scourge. Would that we could have him in our ranks today.

R. Sonnac
331-0 19683: Ashes to ashes — dust to dust. So goes another abomination. Stamus contra malum.

R. Sonnac
332-0 19688: You must understand the scope of what you just discovered. You must understand that no words I type here will suffice. The dark days were a prelude. This is the apocalyptic battle we always knew would happen, that we always prepared for, and in that preparation, we may have seemed out of place and time to others.

This is the dread time.

Our moment.

The battle is joined. You have revealed the woman of seventeen names for what she is.

Hostis hvmani generis!

R. Sonnac
333-0 19690: The Filth has entered Agartha. Lilith has revealed herself. Shadows the size of planets look at our world and lick their blasphemous chops. We are too dignified to tell all of history “I told you so,” but…

The Illuminati do not realise they cannot control a world if it is destroyed. The Dragon lack focus. It is up to us to lead the charge. You will have no time to rest upon your laurels. You are one of the chosen knights riding the end of days. We must plan for Tokyo. We must counter the enemy, for the enemy is showing its many faces. The game is most definitely afoot.

Graviora manent.

R. Sonnac
334-0 19691: The notes make interesting, if nauseating reading. This Dr. Schreber was disturbed. The frightful part is that he was also very intelligent and imaginative.


R. Sonnac
335-0 19706: This is an automated response. The offices of R. Sonnac would like you to know that your communication has been received and will be given all due attention. Have a glorious day.
336-0 19707: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
337-0 19708: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
338-0 19709: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
339-0 19710: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
340-0 19711: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
341-0 19712: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiflty and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
342-0 19713: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
343-0 19714: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiflty and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
344-0 19715: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
345-0 19716: It appears there’s just no stopping the good tidings. You’ve earned whatever’s coming to you, that much is certain. And I do appreciate you calling it in. I know it seems trite, but it’s important for us to declare all third party gifts and rewards – especially where the Council are involved.
There have been rumblings recently of an exclusive old world allegiance forming between us. This has of course raised the ire of other Council members. Allow me to set the record straight: any backroom discussions we may be having with the Council of Venice are strictly hypothetical.
And strictly confidential.
R. Sonnac
346-0 19719: I hope your employers do not mind that I borrow their frequency in order to congratulate you. The machine is a modern marvel, designed to challenge, yes, but also to teach and sharpen. I hope that you are paying attention to the lesson you are learning here. I hope that you are growing sharp as well. The council will always have a use for sharp blades.
The schematics for this particular scenario were provided by Amparo Osorio. I believe you have met her in your travels, yes?
Congratulations once again on your success,
Arturo
347-0 19740: It seems a strange twist of the norm. Tokyo has demons fettered to the earth, ensnared by our mortal vices and sins. They seem quite cosy. The are not your friends. A demon who kills demons is still a demon and should be dismembered with heated implements whilst he screams apologies to the angry sky. But…there are practicalities. There are, to my counting, too many demons for us to slay today. So we slay all the others. We slay and we slay, and when the world is rid of all threats more dire, we can then turn our gentle attentions to Inbēdā and his House-in-Exile.

R. Sonnac
348-0 19749: Our history with the Phoenicians stretches back further than our history with anyone. It is an animosity that is even older than the one we so intimately share with the Illuminati. I fear our paths might directly cross again, to apocalyptic effect.

R. Sonnac
349-0 19766: Mr. Kiyota has all of the randomness of the Dragon, while being viciously more proactive. I do not know that I like the implications of that combination. It is also a little disturbing that the one working hardest to protect the citizens is an underworld criminal, even if it is for money.

R. Sonnac
350-0 19771: While the mysteries of the Third Age intrigue our organisation, we are more interested in their immediate benefit to the current peril. There are those who would have stopped to endless study the mysterious technology. But Templars act. Time is short, and I applaud your initiative. Keep to it. Agartha is ill with the Filth, and that is a precedence I have never seen set. Purge the darkness. It is alien and does not know fear. I order you to give it instruction.
R. Sonnac
351-0 19772: This is what our order was meant to do. You've cut back the encroaching darkness, quite litterally. Unfortunately, this is not a lasting solution. We must know more. Until then, keep cutting.
R. Sonnac
352-0 19788: Sometimes I feel like a character in a Roald Dahl novel, rather than a crusader fighting to preserve the world from the grasp of indescribable evil. I can only imagine how it feels for you, forced to fight a giant golden monster.
With the recent incursions that the Filth is making into Agartha, Gaia’s defence systems are going a little…insane. I’m not sure exactly what is going on here, but it didn’t work last time, and I doubt this time is going to prove any more effective than the last.
Keep up the good work, soldier.

353-0 19804: I'll properly congratulate you later. For now, you must keep going. You are only partway through your Dark Night of the Soul. The Hollow Earth is sick, and we Templars are the cure. Agartha is infected, and you are a hot needle. Now lance this primordial evil, these Elohim of disgust.
R. Sonnac
354-0 19805: The cats acted exceedingly peculiar today…

R. Sonnac
355-0 19811: I count this a victory. But there are nary any laurels to rest upon. No respite for the righteous. Barely even time for a curt nod of gratitude. But we are the warriors in the dark. We do not require a pat on the back and a blue ribbon. Fight on.
R. Sonnac
356-0 19812: Your actions in the hollow earth echo here. The cats became calm just before you called…

R. Sonnac
357-0 19817: Ricky Pagan is a…colourful fellow isn't he? His message is earnest, but I'm not sure that sealing off pipes is going to stop the tide. After all, we still aren't even sure of the mechanisms behind the retreat from Agartha.
That's the question that troubles the brains at Temple Hall – why is the filth in Tokyo so volatile? Why is it so much faster to evolve than the other forms you have encountered?
And just how much of it is there pooling beneath the city?
358-0 19823: I hope your employers do not mind that I borrow their frequency in order to congratulate you. The machine is a modern marvel, designed to challenge, yes, but also to teach and sharpen. I hope that you are paying attention to the lesson you are learning here. I hope that you are growing sharp as well. The council will always have a use for sharp blades.
The schematics for this particular scenario were handed to us by an agent who studied at the famed Innsmouth Academy. You have visited this institution, I believe?
Congratulations once again on your success,
Arturo
359-0 19831: This Kurt person is a lesson in how battle fatigue can deteriorate the mind. Keep your mind well oiled, well maintained, lest you down that pathway go. You will be needed in the coming fray.

R. Sonnac
360-0 19849: This is an interesting variation of the gypsy curse story. I've never heard of a version where the gypsy is cursed. And the temporal aspects are a fair warning against the danger of paying too much attention to soothsayers.
I'm taking all the fun out of it again, aren't I? Have you ever read "The Lady of Shalott"? Sometimes I wonder if you're the mirror I am using to avoid the curse.
Never mind. Good job.
361-0 19857: Well, that was disturbing. Our organisation doesn't pretend to be spotless - our colours include red for a reason - but we don't derive sick fascination from describing the details of a man's death. If it wasn't clear before, we know that "Ellis Hill" is a Phoenician agent. What we're still trying to figure out is what he wants. When the reckoning comes for that monster, we'll let you handle the dispensation of justice.
362-0 19858: Every civilization across the world has myths and legends that pertain to creatures that drink blood and eat flesh. Modern depictions of vampire might differ significantly, yes, but those a modern constructions built upon a very old legend.
You've met their progenitor, Lilith. Welcome to the rabbit hole. The bottom is still a long way down.

363-0 19859: Campfires are the natural evolution of these kind of stories. Well, campfires and Innsmouth Academy, I suppose. It really is appalling the way those Illuminati run an educational institution.
You should have seen the school I attended in my youth. I believe it was the inspiration for Hogwarts.

364-0 19861: Old english magic puts down deep roots in the soil of the colonies, there is no doubt. Fertile land that soaked up our old legends and our old enemies alike. Fitting, I think, that the magic mutated and became something horrible and twisted.
Just like the Illuminati.

365-0 19862: Poor fellow. The murder rate on that island is simply astounding. Even before you got there, I mean. Statistically, Solomon Island probably covers about 25% of the yearly death toll in the continental USA.
Keep tracking down these stories. If nothing else, they will make good campfire fodder at the next annual camping trip. If we ever did such things.
366-0 19863: I count this a victory. But there are nary any laurels to rest upon. No respite for the righteous. Barely even time for a curt nod of gratitude. But we are the warriors in the dark. We do not require a pat on the back and a blue ribbon. Fight on.
R. Sonnac
367-0 19866: I've always felt like there is something terribly confused in stories where men and women mutilate themselves in the name of true love. It doesn't serve vanity, it just seems to me to be rank stupidity. After all, how would disfiguring one's self make one's partner feel any better about their own disfiguration? What sort of partner would demand that?
Still, this is a story you heard from a woman who stays in a mansion to be with her dead husband. Such people have strange notions of love.
368-0 19870: Organ trafficking, the last resort of the desperate, the depraved or the Orochi. That corporation is a moral cesspit and as the atrocities mount up the need to cleanse it grows more urgent daily. Perhaps Tokyo will afford us that chance.
369-0 19873: We serve a centuries old organisation, with a rich history of tradition and culture. But even I have to admit, we're a bit repressed on the technology side. All sorts of digital horrors are unfolding in this new dimension of bits and bytes and we are behind our enemies in this.
You are the New Templars. You can deal with these threats. That brings me great pride.
370-0 19896: I hope your employers do not mind that I borrow their frequency in order to congratulate you. The machine is a modern marvel, designed to challenge, yes, but also to teach and sharpen. I hope that you are paying attention to the lesson you are learning here. I hope that you are growing sharp as well. The council will always have a use for sharp blades.
The schematics for this particular scenario were shared with us by one of our most accomplished field agents, Carmen Preda. She spoke highly of you during her last communication with us.
Congratulations once again on your success,
Arturo
371-0 19898:
372-0 19899: Old english magic puts down deep roots in the soil of the colonies, there is no doubt. Fertile land that soaked up our old legends and our old enemies alike. Fitting, I think, that the magic mutated and became something horrible and twisted.
Just like the Illuminati.
373-0 19900: We're always very interested in the writings of Sam Krieg. The man has uncanny insight into our universe for somebody who is not a part of it. If the story suggests what it seems to, we might now know why. That, of course, then engenders a new question. Who the devil is Dr Armitage?
374-0 19902: I cannot begin to express how thrilled I am that this masquerade is over. It is all over, is it not?

To be honest I'm equal parts relieved and confounded. Some very terrible man is out there, that much I've gathered. Of course, the world is filled with terrible men. Though I suppose not all of them are capable of desecrating corpses – both human and mythological! – and not only assuming the powers of their victims, but actually posing as them.

It's all too much.

You are perhaps familiar with Mama Abena. She hasn't been terribly clear on the details, but she has made it known to us that – without wishing to be – she may somehow be rooted in all this.

R. Sonnac
375-0 19903: I cannot begin to express how thrilled I am that this masquerade is over. It is all over, is it not?

To be honest I'm equal parts relieved and confounded. Some very terrible man is out there, that much I've gathered. Of course, the world is filled with terrible men. Though I suppose not all of them are capable of desecrating corpses – both human and mythological! – and not only assuming the powers of their victims, but actually posing as them.

It's all too much.

You are perhaps familiar with Mama Abena. She hasn't been terribly clear on the details, but she has made it known to us that – without wishing to be – she may somehow be rooted in all this.

R. Sonnac
376-0 19904: Solomon Island may well qualify as the location in the world with most ghastly stories per square foot in the entire world. No matter how deep you dig on that island, there always seems to be a layer of fresh skeletons waiting just beneath.
The fact that you found all of these stories is remarkable; the fact that you could verify most of them... that's disturbing.
We'll pass this on to the archivists. They tend to score a bit further down the courage scale then your average Templar - this collection might keep them up for weeks.
377-0 19907: As a metaphor for the council, Arturo is perfect. Old, dignified, easily flustered and completely hindered in creating solutions for his many problems. He was certainly relevant in his time, and as such is worthy of our respect. However the world has moved on and as it does, more and more of it slips from the control of the council.
Dame Julia still seems to have a lot of faith in him though. The old guard needs to stick together.
378-0 19909: Congratulations on entering your first scenario. The Council of Venice would like to remind you that by entering the scenario you have agreed to the follow the terms and conditions set forth in the EULA.
The EULA can be freely read at any time by locating grimoire 47 in The Sunken Library and perusing page 708.
The council thanks you for your co-operation.
Operator K
379-0 19921: As a metaphor for the council, Arturo is perfect. Old, dignified, easily flustered and completely hindered in creating solutions for his many problems. He was certainly relevant in his time, and as such is worthy of our respect. However the world has moved on and as it does, more and more of it slips from the control of the council.
Dame Julia still seems to have a lot of faith in him though. The old guard needs to stick together.
380-0 19931: I would have named this a frivolous exercise…except Yuichi's name comes up. Young love. I should very much like to know who this Butterfly8 is.

R. Sonnac
381-0 19941: I'm afraid I don't have a lot of time to send you this report. Dame Julia and Mrs Plimsworth have been enjoying a christmas brandy or two and I am afraid things have gotten rather out of control here. My sincerest congratulations in defeating the Mayan spawn - it seems clear that the End of Days are really only just beginning. Not entirely unexpected, of course, but the-- THIS IS DAME JULIA STOP SEXTING WITH DICK HE IS A GOOD BOY AND DOESN'T NEED YOUR FILTHY ATTENTIONS ALSO MERRY XMAS.
382-0 19942: I'm afraid I don't have a lot of time to send you this report. Dame Julia and Mrs Plimsworth have been enjoying a christmas brandy or two and I am afraid things have gotten rather out of control here. My sincerest congratulations in defeating the Mayan spawn - it seems clear that the End of Days are really only just beginning. Not entirely unexpected, of course, but the-- THIS IS DAME JULIA STOP SEXTING WITH DICK HE IS A GOOD BOY AND DOESN'T NEED YOUR FILTHY ATTENTIONS ALSO MERRY XMAS.
383-0 19943: I'm afraid I don't have a lot of time to send you this report. Dame Julia and Mrs Plimsworth have been enjoying a christmas brandy or two and I am afraid things have gotten rather out of control here. My sincerest congratulations in defeating the Mayan spawn - it seems clear that the End of Days are really only just beginning. Not entirely unexpected, of course, but the-- THIS IS DAME JULIA STOP SEXTING WITH DICK HE IS A GOOD BOY AND DOESN'T NEED YOUR FILTHY ATTENTIONS ALSO MERRY XMAS.
384-0 19946: In our rush to save the world, we sometimes forget the legions that have fallen along the way. The Marshals don't approve of time wasted in the rush to save the world, but I appreciate the occasional sentimental sidetrack.
When I was in Tokyo and the weather was good, Gozen and I would sometimes stroll through Yoyogi Park. There were always three or four gangs dancing in the plaza by the entrance. Perhaps a young Ricky Pagan was there as well, dreaming of a future that could be…
We do what we do to protect the world. Good people die everyday – not heroes, not villains. Just people. But we don't forget. You are a Templar, and you will never walk alone!
385-0 19956: Another one? I have to ask, and you'll pardon me for being a bit direct, have you ever come across an occult ritual that you didn't attempt complete? It's not my place to criticize, of course, and I am always highly impressed with your ability to clean up your own messes.
Actually it is my place to criticize - but it warms my heart to see so many people from the other societies joining you to take down supernatural threats. You can see that Templar glint in their eye and the merry crackling of the bonfire as the corpse burns. We get a lot of recruits, this time of year.
386-0 19967: You have to consort with demons and criminals, and it is a youth group that turns my stomach the most. Given the luxury of time, I would see what's left of Fear Nothing reduced to ash. Alas, I am not afforded such extravagance. We must continue the current inquiry. There must be someone still alive who knows more about Fear Nothing and the bomb. We are monitoring the situation. Keep to it and keep in touch.

R. Sonnac
387-0 19970: Spending time in the company of Oni is a putrescent enterprise. I recommend a thorough shower. Onward to the ever-expanding mystery. Who is this hidden killer giving Inbeda trouble? Who put out this mass-contract? All roads lead to the Korinto-kai. They are criminals and thugs who fancy themselves occultists. Their leader, Daimon Kiyota always seems to be well over his head, and yet he always survives. Do not underestimate that one.

R. Sonnac
388-0 19974: I am relieved that Gozen is alive and well. As a professional courtesy, of course. I find it comforting that an organisation like the Jingu clan still thrives in this modern world. Virtue and zeal should never go out of style. Now comes the loathsome part. You must parlay with demons. These are hell-spawn no longer welcome in Hell. This does not make them our allies, but some battles take place in the course of polite conversation. Kill them with civility.
389-0 19976: Something is rotten in Venice. Proceed with caution. Find the malefactor. Then proceed with frightening zeal.

R. Sonnac
390-0 19977: There are three preternatural gangs that still hold sway in what is left of Tokyo. A loathsome band of wayward demons known as the House-in-Exile, occult Yakuza gangsters who call themselves the Korinto-kai, and the Jingu Clan. The last is a modern sect of samurai and our closest spiritual siblings. Make contact with them. Their blades know the same thirst for demon blood. Find out if their leader, Gozen, is still alive. I should very much like to know.
391-0 19985: The poor girl. Let this serve as a reminder that an inch of ruthlessness, on our part, prevents miles and miles of horror.

R. Sonnac
392-0 19988: I am disappointed in Arturo. Time and compromise corrupt noble souls. Betrayal is not on our list of forgivable sins. But he did counter-betray the Phoenicians, and there is no time. Journey to Tokyo. It would seem this Sarah is the one whose memories our new recruits relive. That warrants investigation. Could a lone operative survive in that Dantesque hell of a subway this long? I trust you will give this all due alacrity.
R. Sonnac
393-0 19995: From Tyre to Byblos to Arwad to Sidon. Carthage never died. Looking for treachery? No need to seek something as exotic as us, it's much closer to home than you think. This struggle is unnecessary. We're already in your bed.

The Purple
394-0 20000: "God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred."

Inspired by your report, I had occasion to leaf through Shelley's text. Not Detective Inspector Shelley, but the writer. Amusing. That association had escaped me until now.

The creature you confronted was pitiable in its singularity, but it was a monster. You put the monster down. That is what we do. Do not cloud yourself with any nuance beyond that. Dr. Aldini is a vile profanity on science. It is little wonder the Illuminati so enjoy dealing with him.

That is all. Now I have to read the texts of our more contemporary M. Shelley. It is drier reading, I can assure you.

R. Sonnac
395-0 20014: I find electronic gaming to be frivolous and damaging to long-term attention span, but you have taken this game to a serious place. The name John, as an Entity, has manifested in odd ways ever since the disaster in Tokyo. If he knocks on our door, we must oblige him with an answer – though I doubt our answer will bring him much joy. I trust you will give John our firmest regards, yes?

R. Sonnac
396-0 20022: These trials are crude, but they inspire a commitment and adopt a sink-or-swim methodology that I can appreciate. For centuries, the Templars have gathered the wisdoms of fellow warriors and brought them back to fill our library and our minds. The Trials of the Dragon have their place by the works of Sun Tzu.

R. Sonnac
397-0 20031: Pardon a point of educated speculation: but we have three local factions in the city, all with contacts in the preternatural underside of Tokyo. Someone got wind of the bomb's arrival. Someone let it happen – for profit, for fear, or for circumstances yet discovered. Were I to hazard a guess, it would be the odious demons of the House-in-Exile. Facts, however, trump suspicions. Find this white rabbit killer.
398-0 20047: Cautionary tales. Even in this post-modern world, they can still save a life. I am reminded of something G.K. Chesterton once wrote:

“Exactly what the fairy tale does is this: it accustoms him for a series of clear pictures to the idea that these limitless terrors had a limit, that these shapeless enemies have enemies in the knights of God, that there is something in the universe more mystical than darkness, and stronger than strong fear.”

We believe dragons exist. The story books teach us that dragons can be beaten. Then we grow up; we learn that dragons do not exist and that the second lesson was the most important--the struggle's the thing. Of course, maturity moves in circles, because then you become a Templar and learn that the dragons do indeed exist.

R. Sonnac
399-0 20051: These trials are crude, but they inspire a commitment and adopt a sink-or-swim methodology that I can appreciate. For centuries, the Templars have gathered the wisdoms of fellow warriors and brought them back to fill our library and our minds. The Trials of the Dragon have their place by the works of Sun Tzu.

R. Sonnac
400-0 20053: Destroying at least a cache of Hell's contraband a day is a regimen that I fully endorse. Never let the infernal spawn get too comfortable in our dimension. The Illuminati, I am afraid, have already set a bad example in that regard.
R. Sonnac
401-0 20056: Ah, Venice. There are so many sleights-of-hand and hidden cards that the game has little meaning anymore, except to get the usual suspects to the table. My worry is not that the game has gone bad, it's been bad for a long time, but where all the players will go if it folds. You are in a very polite lions' den.

R. Sonnac
402-0 20059: The poor child. To relieve that horror again and again, day after day. It is a miracle she was as lucid as she was. No one can help her until we know more about the bomb. Where did it come from? What is its nature? Who brought it? Who detonated it? Proceed.

R. Sonnac
403-0 20064: Spending time in the company of Oni is a putrescent enterprise. I recommend a thorough shower. Onward to the ever-expanding mystery. Who is this hidden killer giving Inbeda trouble? Who put out this mass-contract? All roads lead to the Korinto-kai. They are criminals and thugs who fancy themselves occultists. Their leader, Daimon Kiyota always seems to be well over his head, and yet he always survives. Do not underestimate that one.
R. Sonnac
404-0 20069: I am disappointed in Arturo. Time and compromise corrupt noble souls. Betrayal is not on our list of forgivable sins. But he did counter-betray the Phoenicians, and there is no time. Journey to Tokyo. It would seem this Sarah is the one whose memories our new recruits relive. That warrants investigation. Could a lone operative survive in that Dantesque hell of a subway this long? I trust you will give this all due alacrity.
R. Sonnac
405-0 20070: If the wicked wyrm hardens its scales, the clever knight must find a gap in its hide. Keep me updated on any data you gather from this AEGIS program. They do so love their acronyms. I wonder what it could mean. I wonder if Orochi has a department dedicated solely to the creation of acronyms. It is probably called ACRONYM. Carry on.

R. Sonnac
406-0 20090: I don't envy Sarah her fate, though she has been an invaluable asset to many, even if we did not know the implications. But how did it all happen? I shall speak with Rose White and see if we might learn more.

R. Sonnac
407-0 20094: The poor child. To relieve that horror again and again, day after day. It is a miracle she was as lucid as she was. No one can help her until we know more about the bomb. Where did it come from? What is its nature? Who brought it? Who detonated it? Proceed.

R. Sonnac
408-0 20099: I am relieved that Gozen is alive and well. As a professional courtesy, of course. I find it comforting that an organisation like the Jingu clan still thrives in this modern world. Virtue and zeal should never go out of style. Now comes the loathsome part. You must parlay with demons. These are hell-spawn no longer welcome in Hell. This does not make them our allies, but some battles take place in the course of polite conversation. Kill them with civility.
409-0 20103: You have to consort with demons and criminals, and it is a youth group that turns my stomach the most. Given the luxury of time, I would see what's left of Fear Nothing reduced to ash. Alas, I am not afforded such extravagance. We must continue the current inquiry. There must be someone still alive who knows more about Fear Nothing and the bomb. We are monitoring the situation. Keep to it and keep in touch.

R. Sonnac
410-0 20105: Pardon a point of educated speculation: but we have three local factions in the city, all with contacts in the preternatural underside of Tokyo. Someone got wind of the bomb's arrival. Someone let it happen – for profit, for fear, or for circumstances yet discovered. Were I to hazard a guess, it would be the odious demons of the House-in-Exile. Facts, however, trump suspicions. Find this white rabbit killer.
411-0 20130: You showed quick thinking and steely nerves sealing that Filth breach. You succeeded where all those poor souls sent to test the defence towers failed. This proves that the gear is only as good as the hand that wields it. I shall use my hands to applaud.

R. Sonnac
412-0 20140: The Old Guard don't approve of breaking into bank vaults. Considering they own most of the major banks in Europe, it isn't that surprising. But this was a Faust Capital vault. Faust Capital are another branch of the many-limbed Orochi Group and while we aren't in direct conflict with them, I am always happy to tweak their nose recently.
On a more personal note, I advise being more cautious around this Daimon Kiyota character. He is unreliable and dangerous. Perhaps worse, he is ambitious. He is no friend of our organization. Remember that.

R. Sonnac
413-0 20145: What began as a disturbing signal has now manifested in a corporeal form, both ridiculous and dangerous. What is John? Or who is he? We not only need an answer to the question, but we need to know which question is the correct one to ask. Find out more about John, but take a care what words he puts in your ear.

R. Sonnac
414-0 20146: What began as a disturbing signal has now manifested in a corporeal form, both ridiculous and dangerous. What is John? Or who is he? We not only need an answer to the question, but we need to know which question is the correct one to ask. Find out more about John, but take a care what words he puts in your ear.

R. Sonnac
415-0 20147: A signal just played through my smartphone. First there was a laugh. A very familiar laugh. I think you know this laugh. Then it said, "Hiya, Chuck." Then it played a noise. A curious noise. One of the cats bobbed its head to the noise... and then marched into the fireplace. The smell is atrocious. I want you to put full effort into solving the mystery that is John. Are we clear?

R. Sonnac
416-0 20150: A signal just played through my smartphone. First there was a laugh. A very familiar laugh. I think you know this laugh. Then it said, "Hiya, Chuck." Then it played a noise. A curious noise. One of the cats bobbed its head to the noise…and then marched into the fireplace. The smell is atrocious. I want you to put full effort into solving the mystery that is John. Are we clear?

R. Sonnac
417-0 20152: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
418-0 20155: Gaia's behemoths are impressive, but their time has passed. They were useful weapons in the long ago. Now they do more damage than good. I hate to dismantle antiquities, but we must do what we must do.

R. Sonnac
419-0 20156: Gaia's behemoths are impressive, but their time has passed. They were useful weapons in the long ago. Now they do more damage than good. I hate to dismantle antiquities, but we must do what we must do.

R. Sonnac
420-0 20158: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
421-0 20160: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
422-0 20161:
423-0 20162: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
424-0 20164: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
425-0 20166: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
426-0 20168: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
427-0 20170: This is rather awkward, isn't it? Here we are trying to clean up the world and Gaia sends out a second batch of defenders to help us. Of course, these ones are rather slow and stupid but rather better than you are at smashing things (which is impressive all by itself, believe me).
We can't have this, obviously. Laymen won't be able to tell the difference between a rampaging creature of darkness or a rampaging creature of Gaia.
Venice has agreed that these particular creatures could be a public relation disaster for The Secret World. We're authorized to remove them swiftly and silently.
Let's show them how good the Templars can be at monster slaying.
428-0 20186: Our venerable organization makes its home in London, the CCTV capital of the world. The Illuminati might have your social security number, your birth certificate and your password – but we have detailed footage of everything that you've ever done.
And now, thanks to you, we have unprecedented access to the same in Tokyo. That's one for the red team.
429-0 20205: Every place we send you seems to be a hotspot of human misery. It's necessary, of course, but as your handler I have become genuinely concerned with the effect this might be having on your resolve.
These people you have been investigating – their lives were torn apart by monsters. Not just the monsters roaming the streets, but the ones who perpetrated this.
You are there to find them. You are there to punish them. All of these additional excursions should serve one purpose. To harden your resolve. The day of reckoning is coming and we do not deal in schemes of power. We are power!
Remember it.
430-0 20218:
431-0 20246: We've been aware of the Prometheus Initiative and their activities for some time. You've obviously encountered them time and time again in the course of your field work.
What concerns us at the moment, is how much the Orochi Group itself knows about them. From what you have uncovered here, they have agents among their own affiliate corporations, tasked with diverting resources to their various projects around the globe.
Are they a private project of upper management, or a corporate conspiracy hidden amongst the mundane of everyday appearance? The answers will come, if you keep searching for them.
432-0 20255: What a loathsome cult. Ushering children, straight from video games and greasy snacks, into primordial darkness, literally one hall away. Priest of the Blinding Light indeed. We we show them the burning light. Those pamphlets make for cheerfully disturbing reading and I find those paintings of Marquad…haunting. No time to properly dismantle the Clubhouse. Onward with your mission. We will salt the earth later.
R. Sonnac
433-0 20262: We have seen this repulsive pattern before, have we not? Children with supernatural potential whisked away by nefarious programs. That was Orochi. Now we see a more subtle version of this, operating in public. Your new contact, this psychic boy, may be right in connecting Fear Nothing to the Morninglight to the Orochi Group. Jung was it? I take it he is an admirer of the works of Carl Gustav Jung. An advanced child indeed. Ever forward. Enter this Clubhouse. I do not want to know what blasphemies go on down there, but I fear that I must know.
R. Sonnac
434-0 20269: Where did this simian monstrosity come from? I see no reports of anything else like it in Kaidan. Something from the docks? Something from a wayward ship? Far too many question marks.

R. Sonnac

435-0 20270: This White Rabbit has eluded technological tracking methods. A sacrifice of shoe leather is in order. Intelligence received says that the area you are entering, just outside the first wall is mostly suburban residential, mostly housing for Orochi employees and schools for their children. For now, keep playing the part of Alice. Good luck.

R. Sonnac
436-0 20275: A shame about Naonomi. When fighting cults, it is difficult to separate the victims from the monsters. A little bit of both, usually. The card she gave you mentioned one Che Garcia Hansson. If I remember correctly, and I always do, he was involved with the Morninglight in New England. What was he doing in Tokyo? Proceed to the Dream Palace. I believe such gaudy places are called love hotels. Do not get distracted by the inviting vices. Do not dally.
R. Sonnac
437-0 20298:
438-0 20308: I rather enjoy the Golden Age of radio drama. The mind has a limitless special effect budget. Much more elegant than badly performed CGI clumsily fondling the eyes. The implications of what these broadcast signals can accomplish is chilling – not just for the nefarious things a government or corporation might do purposefully, but what might be accomplished accidentally. This world is saturated in waves, rays, broadcasts, and signals. If even half a percent of them were to rip open the fabric of reality…well. And who is this Dave Screed person? I have read several issues of his Weird Non-Fiction magazine, and, while he functions much like an Illuminati shill, his manic paranoia feels very genuine indeed.

R. Sonnac
439-0 20321: What a loathsome cult. Ushering children, straight from video games and greasy snacks, into primordial darkness, literally one hall away. Priest of the Blinding Light indeed. We we show them the burning light. Those pamphlets make for cheerfully disturbing reading and I find those paintings of Marquad…haunting. No time to properly dismantle the Clubhouse. Onward with your mission. We will salt the earth later.
R. Sonnac
440-0 20330: Perhaps the poor captain went insane from Filth exposure after arriving in Kaiden. Or perhaps not. I should like to know whence that ship came.

R. Sonnac
441-0 20351: Where did this simian monstrosity come from? I see no reports of anything else like it in Kaidan. Something from the docks? Something from a wayward ship? Far too many question marks.

R. Sonnac

442-0 20371: Your recovery of the holy Manna is noted. Our thanks. 'Tis a season full of secret conspiracies and holiday cheer. Everyone seems to have had a hand on the cadaver of St. Nicholas. The Phoenicians turned their supply of Manna into a corrupted poison. Their agent, Giulia Tofana, put that poison to good use when the Phoenicians made their bid to get back into Rome.
A few centuries earlier, they used their access to the holy Manna as a bargaining chip to influence Church protocol. They turned papal attention to the Templars (revenge against us for our ancient parting of ways, you see). In a temporary, and loathsome, alliance with the Illuminati and the Dragon, they almost had their revenge too. They all must have had a good laugh as the Grand Master of the Knights Templar burnt upon the stake, in Paris, on March the 18th, 1314. Three wretched laughs. Ho. Ho. Ho.
R. Sonnac
443-0 20377: We have seen this repulsive pattern before, have we not? Children with supernatural potential whisked away by nefarious programs. That was Orochi. Now we see a more subtle version of this, operating in public. Your new contact, this psychic boy, may be right in connecting Fear Nothing to the Morninglight to the Orochi Group. Jung was it? I take it he is an admirer of the works of Carl Gustav Jung. An advanced child indeed. Ever forward. Enter this Clubhouse. I do not want to know what blasphemies go on down there, but I fear that I must know.
R. Sonnac
444-0 20383: A shame about Naonomi. When fighting cults, it is difficult to separate the victims from the monsters. A little bit of both, usually. The card she gave you mentioned one Che Garcia Hansson. If I remember correctly, and I always do, he was involved with the Morninglight in New England. What was he doing in Tokyo? Proceed to the Dream Palace. I believe such gaudy places are called love hotels. Do not get distracted by the inviting vices. Do not dally.
R. Sonnac
445-0 20385:
446-0 20386: Various disparate sources of intelligence indicate that the time to act is upon us. I would read you "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came," but that would be overly pretentious. You know what to do.

R. Sonnac
447-0 20389: Lilith. The tower. Let us take a silent moment to prepare for what is to come.

R. Sonnac
448-0 20395: Lilith. The tower. Let us take a silent moment to prepare for what is to come.
R. Sonnac
449-0 20404: Krampus and the Nordic underworld --the Yuletide pantheon is becoming a maw full of icy teeth. Sometimes we look up to the sky, wondering if there is any sort of heaven. In all fairness, there should be, when so many different underworlds gape open to swallow us.

R. Sonnac
450-0 20421: You have ascended. Congratulations. Do not lose focus. Samuel Chandra is…well, we have rumours, files, and apocrypha, but he is not our battle today. Find Lilith. Do not underestimate her, give her no opportunities, but do not let zeal destroy a chance for intelligence. We need to know what she knows.
R. Sonnac
451-0 20426: The situation has...escalated. You are not only known to the Nephilim, but the object of a media campaign. I cannot rightly say which is more frightening. The fallen angels are active. And as you have seen, there are cliques, even within the Templars, who wish you, and by extension me, ill. I am proud of you. But you must keep a low profile for the time being. I will figure out our next move on the board. We cannot ignore Marquard. In the meantime, steer clear of Pit and Pendulum. Trust me on that. You might also consider changing your personal appearance. Your face is known, and there are forces that will be after you.
R. Sonnac
452-0 20430: The tactical uses of having fine control where our agents... reconstitute, are manifold. Another feather in your cap. A proverbial feather for a proverbial cap, that is.

R. Sonnac
453-0 20433: This thing we have taken to calling John seems to be under the very fearful impression that Lilith is in the tower. I trust in the validity of that fear. This is a top priority. I've received calls from high above. You are in their notice. It is opening night, fear is to be expected, but you know your lines, you've practised the choreography, so do what you have been so excellently groomed to do. I have every confidence. Godspeed.
R. Sonnac
454-0 20437: This thing we have taken to calling John seems to be under the very fearful impression that Lilith is in the tower. I trust in the validity of that fear. This is a top priority. I've received calls from high above. You are in their notice. It is opening night, fear is to be expected, but you know your lines, you've practised the choreography, so do what you have been so excellently groomed to do. I have every confidence. Godspeed.
R. Sonnac
455-0 20440: The situation has...escalated. You are not only known to the Nephilim, but the object of a media campaign. I cannot rightly say which is more frightening. The fallen angels are active. And as you have seen, there are cliques, even within the Templars, who wish you, and by extension me, ill. I am proud of you. But you must keep a low profile for the time being. I will figure out our next move on the board. We cannot ignore Marquard. In the meantime, steer clear of Pit and Pendulum. Trust me on that.
R. Sonnac
456-0 20447: You have ascended. Congratulations. Do not lose focus. Samuel Chandra is…well, we have rumours, files, and apocrypha, but he is not our battle today. Find Lilith. Do not underestimate her, give her no opportunities, but do not let zeal destroy a chance for intelligence. We need to know what she knows.
R. Sonnac
457-0 20455: I have a riddle, or at the very least a conundrum. Within our very own ranks, Pit and Pendulum, the Templars' most grotesque pair, were grooming their very own protege. She was a killer, very much in fitting the description of this Uta. She enforced our interests in Hong Kong. Simultaneously, the Illuminati employed their own killer, also fitting Uta's visage, occupying a posh penthouse overlooking Ropongi Hills. Both killers vanished from their faction at roughly the same time. Wherefore this strangeness? Are one or more of our organisations the victim of a double agent? Or is something else afoot?

R. Sonnac
458-0 20464: A knight errant on the lonely road. Free of master or creed or responsibility. The world is his kingdom. I wish Sir Moose well, but we are not free of responsibility. We have much to do, though I do not begrudge you your new chrome steed.
R. Sonnac
459-0 20487: I have a riddle, or at the very least a conundrum. Within our very own ranks, Pit and Pendulum, the Templars' most grotesque pair, were grooming their very own protege. She was a killer, very much in fitting the description of this Uta. She enforced our interests in Hong Kong. Simultaneously, the Illuminati employed their own killer, also fitting Uta's visage, occupying a posh penthouse overlooking Ropongi Hills. Both killers vanished from their faction at roughly the same time. Wherefore this strangeness? Are one or more of our organisations the victim of a double agent? Or is something else afoot?

R. Sonnac