Characters:
History:
The Dreamspeakers were the first Magi to arrive in Santa Cruz, existing
as shamans among the Coastanoan Indians. After them, along with the Spanish
colonists in the 18th century came a small group of the Celestial Chorus
and (secretly), a group of Nephandi. When the human sacrifices of the Nephandi
were discovered, they were supposedly wiped out by a coalition of Dreamspeakers
and the Celestial Chorus. In the mid-19th century, the first Order of Hermes
and Akashics arrived; and by the turn of the century came the Verbena. The
Euthanatos were not far behind.
Before the arrival of the Verbena on the local scene, the Celestial Chorus
had grown to become the strongest of the Traditions. Fearing rivalry with
the other Traditions, the Chorus set about purging the area of all others.
All of the Order of Hermes were wiped out in a single night. Those of the
Akashics that weren't killed negotiated a truce in order to flee the area,
only a couple remaining behind, hidden within the secretive shanties of
the area Chinatowns. The Dreamspeakers merely melted back into the wooded
areas, leaving the city to the Chorus.
It continued in this way for some time, with the Chorus being the dominant
Tradition within the city. What Akashics there were kept secretly to their
own ways, not daring to defy the Chorus in the open. Most of the Akashics
preferred to move farther down the coast, establishing a chantry in Big
Sur. When the Verbena arrived sometime around the turn of the century, like
the Dreamspeakers, they kept to the woods. Perhaps it was this reclusivity
that saved them from being attacked by the Chorus as well. The rise of the
Technocracy brought an end to the Chorus' purging of all other Traditions.
Though there was a brief brutal persecution of a band of Euthanatos that
had moved into the area back in the 50's, new leaders within the Chorus
emphasized harmony and coexistence with the other Traditions. Still, the
Chorus has remained dominant within the city and this has been pointed out
to any Magi who visited the area.
All the Traditions have representatives in the area, however, some are more numerous than others. There are rumors that the Verbena, Celestial Chorus and Virtual Adepts have each founded chantries in the county. Dreamspeakers, Cultists of Ecstasy and Hollow Ones also are well represented, though much more loosely organized. Across the Santa Cruz Mountains, or "The Hill" as locals call it, lies the ordered wasteland of Silicon Valley and San Jose, where structure and rigid reality have mostly won. Though incursions frome there into Santa Cruz by the Technocracy continue, they had been hampered by not being able to send physical forces through the mountains, being kept at bay by a power or powers residing there. But now it appears that this power is weakening and the looming strength of the Technocracy threatens to destroy the Traditions in Santa Cruz. Perhaps they are behind the earthquake that destroyed many of the rich nodes that once existed in the area, for now some Magi are desperate to find Tass to fuel their studies, or to defend themselves against the forces of the Techs. Some of these magi have taken to raiding the nodes of others and the once tranquil peace between the Traditions has been shattered as they each struggle to survive. Now into this maelstrom comes new young magi, ready to add their voices to the storm.
Akashic Brotherhood (the Bros) - Members of this order are known to live in Santa Cruz. Their are rumours that some of the martial arts studios have ties to this order. It is also believed that the Brothers have a Chantry somewhere on the Big Sur coast, which is only a few hours away from Santa Cruz.
The Celestial Chorus (the Chorus) is well entrenched in the city of Santa Cruz. Indeed, they seem to regard the city as their fief and are believed to have a strong chantry somewhere in its boundaries. Those who deal in Santa Cruz best be in the good graces of the Chorus, or had be very careful. In these dark times, it is said they trust no one.
Cult of Ecstasy (the Cult) - Not organized by any means, still groups of Cultists have been known to "jam" together and create great happenings. Also, their main Chantry at Berkeley is not far away. Are they biding their time, ready to "free" Santa Cruz, so that the city can dance to the music of their making? Many Cultists are known to hang out at the Catalyst, a local nightclub on the Pacific Garden Mall, as well as Palookaville, another concert nightspot.
Dreamspeakers (the Speakers) - Dreamspeakers are to be found everywhere in the county. In fact, if they had a chantry, Santa Cruz and area would probably be it. But these mystics keep to themselves. Finding them might be harder than you think.
Euthanatos (the Euths) - Though there have been a few who've passed through from time to time, no one in Santa Cruz welcomes these perverse Magi. Now, word comes that they seek to make a move and settle somewhere in town. There is not enough Tass to go around as is. Who will pay the price if these dark workers come to stay? Rumours have them working dark magic at the old cemetery by the River. Perhaps they are behind the recent raids on Nodes.
Hollow Ones (the Hollows) - These vagabonds actually seem to show some sense of group identity in Santa Cruz. Also, many of the traditions blame them for raiding Nodes recently. There have even been disturbing rumours that these rebels have been trying to take on werewolves, stirring things up in the mountains. There is no one group or leader who rules these neophytes, hence there is no one to give answers to the concerns of the Traditions. Many Hollow Ones like to hang out at the punk scene of Club Kulture of Front Street, mingling with the sleeper punks on the wrong side of town.
Order of Hermes (the Herms) - These folks are definitely in Santa Cruz. Known Hermetics are often seen at the Gateway Bookstore on the mall, browsing books or disappearing into the back room. What are they up to?
Sons of Ether (the Sons) - Though a few might live in Santa Cruz, their main local power base is reputed to be a mansion near the Paul Mason Winery, in Saratoga. They taunt the technocracy, being so close, but perhaps they have a power that keeps the New World Order at bay. Are they the ones behind the power fluctuations at the Mystery Spot?
Technocracy (the Techs) - The Technocracy rules Silicon Valley with an iron fist. It is their realm and magi who tread the asphalt and concrete jungle had better be wary for the Technocracy brooks no tresspass on their soil from those who threaten "reality." Do not doubt what would happen should the Techs find you.
Verbena (the Verbs/aka Witches) - These witches practice ancient arts in a hidden grove in the mountains above Boulder Creek, though where it is, no one knows. Perhaps the werewolves can be bribed to find out. Rumours of blood sacrifice, even missing persons, have been laid at their doorstep. Trouble is, none among the magi doubt the rumours. What dark power are they brewing? Even the technocracy seems content to leave them alone, for now.
Virtual Adepts (the Adepts/aka Pluggies) - They are believed to have infiltrated the Computer Science department at the University and perhaps at Cabrillo too. Somewhere on campus they have a secret chantry where they create havoc against the technocracy of Silicon Valley, so dependent on computers. The other traditions cry out that it is the blatant actions of the Adepts that has brought the Technocracy storm down upon all, but any contact with these Magi brings denial or disinterest. Perhaps someone should pull their plug.
The Sorceress, by John William Watershouse