Press Release from the Holy See
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

His Holiness Pope Patricus I to Visit Moscow Ahead of Christmas

Vatican City, December 1, 2046 – The Holy See is pleased to announce that His Holiness Pope Patricus I will embark on a brief apostolic journey to Moscow from December 17 to December 19, 2046. This historic visit underscores the Vatican’s commitment to fostering dialogue, promoting peace, and nurturing relationships with religious leaders worldwide. 

While in Moscow, the Holy Father will meet with prominent religious officials, including members of the Russian Orthodox Church, to continue building bridges of mutual understanding and spiritual solidarity between the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

In addition, Pope Patricus I will meet with the Luminar of the Brotherhood of Ascension, a recently established religious movement that has rapidly gained influence on the global stage. The Brotherhood of Ascension advocates for spiritual unity and the moral elevation of humanity, and His Holiness hopes to engage in a meaningful dialogue about shared values and the responsibilities of religious communities in an era of unprecedented change. 

His Holiness will also hold a landmark meeting with the Ascendancy, an interfaith council of global influence dedicated to addressing moral and ethical challenges in a rapidly changing world. 

This journey reflects Pope Patricus I's dedication to ecumenical outreach and the deepening of interfaith cooperation during the holy Advent season. His Holiness believes that such dialogue is critical in reaffirming the shared values of peace, reconciliation, and the dignity of the human person. 

The Pope’s itinerary in Moscow will include: 

• A private meeting with Patriarch Kirill and other senior clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church. 
  
• An address to the Ascendancy, focusing on the themes of peace and spiritual unity. 
  
• A meeting with the Luminar of the Brotherhood of Ascension to explore pathways of shared understanding. 
  
• An ecumenical prayer service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. 
  

• The Midnight Mass of the Nativity of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24. 
  
• The Urbi et Orbi blessing and message on Christmas Day from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. 
  
• The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph on December 29. 
  

[[written by ai]]

A disturbing case has unfolded in a quiet Moscow suburb after 33-year-old Dmitry Ivanov was discovered near-catatonic in his parents’ basement, leaving authorities and medical experts puzzled.

According to reports, Dmitry’s parents, Sergei and Elena Ivanov, made the shocking discovery late Sunday evening. "We called out to him, but he didn’t respond. He just sat there, staring at the wall," Sergei Ivanov told officials.

Emergency responders transported Dmitry to a local hospital where he remains under intensive neurological care. Medical examinations have revealed severe brain deterioration resembling late-stage dementia, but doctors are baffled by the rapid onset of the condition.

"This level of neurological damage is highly unusual, especially in someone so young," stated the Chief Neurologist at Moscow Central Hospital. "We are conducting tests to determine whether environmental, chemical, or technological factors may be involved."

Authorities have launched an investigation, focusing on Dmitry’s recent activities. Initial findings indicate that Dmitry had been spending prolonged hours in virtual environments through neural-interfacing technology, a popular pastime among Moscow’s youth.

"We cannot confirm a direct link between his condition and neural-interface use at this time, but it is a possibility we are exploring," said the lead investigator from the Moscow Metropolitan Police Department.

Friends and neighbors described Dmitry as a reserved but intelligent man with a passion for coding and immersive simulations. Some expressed concern over his increasing withdrawal from social interactions over the past year.

"He was always online, always in his world," said one neighbor. "We thought he was just a tech geek, but this is terrifying."

Authorities urge anyone with information about Dmitry’s recent behavior to come forward as investigations continue. Meanwhile, experts have called for greater regulation of emerging technologies to prevent similar incidents.

Further updates on Dmitry Ivanov’s condition and the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.

Roza followed with Esper on her arm, the boy singer had done something Esper didn't like and he followed in their wake.  Their coats lay discarded though Roza was glad for the food she wondered if they'd ever find their way back to the cook.  He was different but ruede. But she was loyal to Esper and her whims were her own.

They would go to the Vegas. Though Roza didn't like the idea of charming them through force. They could do whatever they wanted now. And she'd let Esper do what she did, but Roza didn't need to like it all and if she could she could get her way too.  Without making Esper force anyone.  And the boy had provided a key.

"How does he know the Vegas?" Roza asked.

Merry Christmas, First Age. 

As a fun game, what is a christmas present that your character could receive that they would actually enjoy. 

Nik: He'd enjoy one of the rare First Edition copies  of the book, "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli (1532). 

About the book

"The Prince" (Il Principe) by Niccolò Machiavelli was first published in 1532, five years after the author's death. The initial print run was limited, and due to the book's controversial nature—leading to its inclusion in the Catholic Church's Index of Prohibited Books in 1559—many copies were lost or destroyed over time.

As of recent reports, only about 11 to 12 first-edition copies are known to exist, primarily housed in institutional libraries, especially in Italy. Notably, a previously unknown first-edition copy surfaced in a private collection and was scheduled for auction by Sotheby's in London between November 28 and December 12, 2024, with an estimated value of up to $375,000.

Anna sat in the lounge and took deep breaths. She had sent Juls a message about wanting to meet.  She had struggled with channeling.  Breaking her block hadn't been easy for her, and she had found practice sessions very frustrating. Try as she might, she couldn't even hold the power.  That was now all gone.  Thanks to a day of meeting new friends and day drinking. 

Anna embraced the power, feeling it sharpen her senses.  The lounge seemed brighter and the scent of the club was more prevalent in her nostrils.  It still amazed her how easy it was now.  The power was there, just waiting to be embraced.  It no longer required any effort, but her struggles to get there had put her way behind.  Her frustrations had affected her relationships at work. Until Elyse, Anna had found it difficult to connect to her coworkers, but since then, Anna had worked very hard to befriend her coworkers.  It was as Mae had told her - it only took one to feel at home.  All her coworkers had welcomed her with open arms.

Anna had gotten in early.  She had requested time to work one on one with Juls, but wasn't sure if that was going to be the case.  Her reasoning was simple.  She was playing catch up.  Anna didn't know if Juls was going to bring anyone else or not.  Either way, it was time for Anna to learn how to use her gift.

She had arrived early.  She wanted to show Juls that she as serious about this, and the waiting made her just a little nervous.  Of course now that she didn't need to be nervous, she found everything a little nerve wracking.  Anna just wanted to do well.  She fidgeted a bit with her wallet.  It seemed like every time she did, she thought of Cade.  She still hadn't texted him, and he hadn't reached out to her.  She sighed.

Fuck it! she thought, bringing her wallet up to send a message.

Heya Cade! Just wanted to check in.  Hope all is well! I'm spending some time practicing my magic today

She put her wallet down after hitting send, hoping she wasn't too much.  How could she be? It had only been a few days since they had met. She kept holding on to her power, not using it, and waited for Juls.

Marta looked around the store, thinking how things had changed so much for her. Ricky had taken her in - saved her life in fact.  He'd even adopted her, which made him her legal guardian.  Their relationship had changed as her understanding had shifted.  She had called him dad at first, but now, it was just Ricky.  He was more of a big brother than a father, but in the earlier days, it had helped Marta to understand what was going on with the simple moniker of "dad."  Since then, she had moved to Moscow and had learned she could talk to wolves. Elyse and Sierra had helped her understand what she could do, and she felt safer with their knowledge.  Elyse still stopped by.  Marta had actually seen her the other day at a coffee shop with some of her friends, but Marta hadn't seen Sierra in a long time.  Marta missed her.

Every week, Ricky gave Marta a little to spend on herself.  Marta had grown up with little, so she never really thought to spend much on herself.  So her money was mostly saved, except for an occasional sweet to eat or soda to drink.  Today, she planned on spending some of that money on Christmas presents for Ricky and Elyse. Ricky was nearby - in the same store as she was in the GUM, but she had convinced him to let her have space so she could find a present for him.  As she had matured a little, he had relaxed a little on his restrictions and trusting her instincts.  He wasn't far away, and she had her wallet to call if she needed anything.  And she had Splash.

Splash had been the runt of the litter, so she was smaller, but still a fierce companion if need be.  Being smaller and still young besides, Splash could still pass for a dog, especially with the red vest she wore that said "Emotional Support Animal."  Marta had thought the she-wolf would hate the vest, but she wore it with pride, taking it as some sort of honor that made her feel important.  She was important, and the vest wasn't really just for show.  Splash was her emotional support.  When Marta was sad or upset, she unconsciously would send messages to the wolf who would come comfort her, often just laying by her side and resting her head in Marta's lap.

Marta had one gift.  A wolf statuette for Elyse, but still she looked.  Ricky's gift was nearby.  She was sure of it.  She just had to find it.

Marta Gonzales 

Age:13

Origin:Mexico, City

Occupation: Student

Psychological Description: To most, Marta is soft spoken, but is very extroverted to those she trusts. She has PTSD and is prone to panic attacks, and is very wary of strangers - particularly adults, but is more open with children. 

Physical description: 4’10” tall with dark hair past her shoulders. Her eyes gleam golden unless she’s wearing hazel contact lenses. 

Supernatural Abilities: Wolfkin

Biography:

At age 11 Marta was sold by her Uncle Roberto to the Nuevo Leon Cartel.  Rescued by Jacinda Cross and Enrique Salguero during a Quetzalcoatlus hunt, she then was taken in by Enrique.  Mistaking Enrique's kindness for a trick to eventually hurt her, Marta lived in fear for a long time after being taken in by him.  Shortly after her arrival, her Uncle Roberto came to claim her again, Enrique stopped this with the help of a woman named Camila (who was the first person Marta had begun to open up to). After this , Enrique continued to show her kindness as he took care of her, got her started with online learning for school, took her to the zoo, and helping her discover her love for guns. On her 12th birthday, she realized that Enrique truly cared for her, and her healing began. 

The pair would later move to Moscow after Marta's adoption was completed.  After arriving, Enrique took Marta on a trip to learn how to hunt with a bow (she had asked to do so).  She began to look consistently to the east and spoke of the wolves talking to her.   Enrique knew that she was a wolfkin.  He would meet two others while there, Sierra Lupita and Elyse Andersen, who would move in with him and help train Marta in the basics of her wolf abilities.  Her eyes would eventually turn gold, and she would begin wearing color contacts to blend in (despite liking her eye color better now).   Both women have since moved out, but Elyse still keeps in contact with the pair.  Marta also has a wolf companion named Spashes Like a Fish (Splash). The wolves have named her Windsong.

Marta's short time with the Nuevo Leon cartel was enough for her to develop PTSD, and she sees a counselor weekly to help with this.  Enrique has remained supportive and has Marta's trust.  She has made a significant amount of progress.  Most days are good ones now, and she has begun to socialize more with kids her age, even getting to the point where she goes to a physical school.

I've been talking with Nick Trano's player and while they can't come back to play, they have been invited and unfortunatley timing wasn't in our favor, but Nick Trano is slated to become president.

But because of personal reasons, Nick's player would like to rename their character.  So in an effort to be inclusive Nick Trano will become Nolan Trace.  The handle here will change and what entries on the wiki we will see about changing as well.  However post references will remain Nick Trano, so keep that in mind when checking old threads.

Nolan Trace at the end of some threads will become President of the US (short term future hopefully)

((OoC: Anyone who resides there or who would happen to be there can post - I know most of the residents are still busy in the morning after thread - so no worries if not :-D ))

Elyse hasn’t slept the night before. It was a combination of a new living arrangement and all the thoughts in her mind that just wouldn’t shut up. Anna had been a good distraction for her. She had talked a lot about Cade and how stupid she felt for having what she called a “high school crush” but deep down Anna knew it was okay. Elyse hoped she texted him soon if for no other reason than to keep in touch. It sounded like they were going to do something after Cade met Nox though. 

Anna had left when Mae had gotten back home. And Mae was always a good distraction. Elyse hadn’t fallen asleep but had still felt Mae wrapped around her all night. That had been a comfort at least. Elyse hadn’t fallen asleep tried to stay still so that she didn’t wake Mae. 

But now she pulled her wallet out and checked the time. A little before six. Carefully, Elyse pulled herself out from underneath Mae and began to pull some clothes on. A little food and a lot of coffee would go a long way. Dressed she left the room, closing to door quietly behind her. 

Heading down the stairs she checked to see what time it was in the US - Moscow was at least 9 hours ahead. That meant it was about 10 PM yesterday where Nox was. Well maybe. It depended on where he was, but if he was farther west it would be earlier. Having thought about it all night she sent him a text. She felt compelled to. 

Hey Nox. I’m sorry that my stupid mistake brought you into this mess…should have never made that phone call. But thank you - for everything you’re doing.

She didn’t need to say more than that. She knew trying to convince him not to wouldn’t do anything. The tears began to build up again. Nox was paying for her mistake. She knew a lot of her emotions with regard to this was because she was exhausted. Really thinking about it, she knew that her father would have found out eventually. Long enough silence from her would compel him to search. At least this way she knew he was coming. 

But Elyse knew of Nox’s nightmares. Better than many. And she would add another person’s life to his conscience. The guilt he would feel with this was her fault, and she wouldn’t, no couldn’t, forget that. She had fucked up. And others were paying the price. 

She made it to the kitchen and one of the men who had assisted the night before was there, sipping a cup of coffee. He moved immediately when seeing her tears. ”Its okay, little wolf,” he said. ”You're protected.”

He mistook her tears as tears of sadness when really it was guilt that drove them right now. Her mother’s blood was on her hands and so was Nox’s guilt. 

But he got her a cup of coffee, and that would help. At least it would wake her up enough so that she could think clearly. ”Thanks,” she said with a brief smile. ”Im sorry - I don’t know your name.”

”Adrian, little wolf,” he said. ”cream or sugar?” Elyse shook her head no. ”Besides, I hear you’re a good shot with that big gun of yours. You can protect yourself too, no?”


Elyse laughed. ”I can, but I’m out of practice. Need to hit the range soon.”

”When you do, I’ll go too. Have ourselves a little competition, da?

Elyse smiled and nodded. It would be fun. But not today. She had things to do today.