Editor's Introduction to Characters and Setting
Meet the ragtag group taking on the dangers and mysteries of an unexplored island
If you are reading this, you’re an early adopter of Paranormal Dinner Club. Thank you for the early support. I’ll be sending out some editor’s notes and materials this month. My plan is to launch the full story at the beginning of September, in time for spooky season. But until then you’ll get some fun background materials.
Also, thanks to all who submitted names for characters and settings so far. You’ve been wonderful and names are being worked into the story as we speak…
Now without further ado, another note from Dr. H.F. Cutter
Editor’s Introduction, pt. 2 — Profiles
In order to make sense of my brother’s letters to me from the mysterious island I’m including background information on some of the main characters in the story. This should help you make sense of their actions — both heroic and monstrous.
Dr. Ernest Moreau
Occupation: Medical doctor, scientist [Credentials dubious and unable to be verified]
Age During Events: Approximately 50
Background: Coming from near obscurity, and strange origins, he burst upon the world’s stage with the introduction of a unique serum. The serum appeared to be able to heal far beyond the normal advances of medical science. The serum in demand across Europe was a secret closely guarded and only arrived in shipments delivered to docks in the dead of night. Rumored to be delivered to the docks only be blind men working on ships (not verified) and by deaf men piloting the boats (not verified).
Personality: Reclusive. Moreau’s brilliance is undeniable. He is charismatic when he wants to be but underneath the surface his manner is icy. Has a habit of making long speeches anytime there is an audience. All his food, clothing, lodging must be to exact specifications or he becomes irritated.
Notes: *Real name unable to be verified independently. May be an assumed name. Likely an assumed name.
Cornelia Van Helsing
Occupation: Heiress. Nobility in Netherlands. Rumored monster hunter.
Age During Events: 16?
Background: Hailing from a reclusive family of nobles in the Netherlands, there are all sorts of strange rumors about her family — that they keep monsters, hunt monsters, or are monsters themselves. While her father makes occasional appearances among the nobles of his land, her mother has not been seen for years and there are strange rumors about her condition.
Personality: A precocious spirit and insatiable curiosity seem to drive her. Often known to take wild chances. At age 9 she commandeered a small sailing vessel and was gone for several days. When she returned she had a rare shellfish she wanted to study. She walked in like she’d never been gone and had breakfast.
Notes: Carries a sword in medieval style with a secret inscription and a series of gems. Sword may have paranormal qualities.
Melchior
Occupation: Magi. Astrologer. Healer. Uniter of western and eastern medicine.
Age During Events: Approximately 60
Background: While living in the vicinity of Egypt, he hails from an isolated tribe of wanderers who make their home in unexplored regions of the desert. Fluent in nearly a dozen languages. Garnered the interest of the British Academy after saving one of their members in the desert and traveling back to London with him. There, his knowledge of flora, fauna, geography, and medicine became a source of interest for scientists. Academy asked him to adopt British dress when making his presentation and he flatly refused.
Personality: Warm and personable, Melchior is often more calculating and intelligent than he’d lead many to believe. Appears to have a strange mix of religious beliefs nearly all his own related to the stars, planets, and moon.
Notes: Never travels without teas of various kinds — some known to have medicinal and magical qualities. Offers tea to everyone.
Edmund Cagely
Occupation: Big game hunter, explorer, wanderer.
Age During Events: Approximately 40
Background: Seeking his fortune in Africa, Cagely quickly made a name for himself as an explorer and big game hunter. Often taking contracts to explore difficult and dangerous regions, or escort parties of scientists, he is a regular contact of the British Academy members doing work in Africa. Recently has refused to lead any more hunting parties from England out of his belief that many regions are being over-hunted.
Personality: More than a conqueror of nature, Cagely wanders out of a love for it. Never seems more himself than camping alone in unknown regions. Has been known to brawl at the slightest provocation. Once hit a deputy minister in the face.
Notes: Known to have a drinking problem and to go through his money quickly.
[REDACTED] Cutter
Editor’s note: I have redacted my brother’s real first name because he too often uses it widely. Despite what I’ve told him he changes his last name but continues to give out his first too often.
Occupation: Research assistant.
Age During Events: 16
Background: After leaving his boarding school early, he became my research assistant. He has proved useful at obtaining items that were difficult to obtain. For one so young he has traveled widely and can make himself unseen when he wishes it.
Personality: Quiet and slow to speak at times, he is far too caring for the kind of work that advances science. I’ve tried to tell him. Carries a deep hurt from early events in his life — understandable. Much more will be revealed in his letters to me as we continue.
Notes: His memory is near perfect — something I myself am jealous of. Loves strong coffee despite me telling him it will stunt his growth. [He is thin and lanky so apparently it hasn’t.]
Beaconlight Notebook
Note: The story is transmitted in letters from my brother to me in a notebook of my own invention. While the science is too complex to explain here briefly (and too secret) it allows me to communicate at near the speed of light with my brother. It was my idea to print the word “NORMAL” in large friendly letters on the cover so that if anyone saw it, they would not be tempted to investigate further. My brother thought this was a poor idea. I think I have been proven right.
Thanks for reading! More to come from the island. Stay tuned. If you enjoyed this forward to a friend who you think might like it too.