Balance

“For I am I...my own sphinx, conflict, chaos, vortex — asymmetric to all rhythms, oblique to all paths. I am the prism between black and white: mine own unison in duality.” - Austin Osman Spare
Biography John's been in Prospect about two years, now. He's assumed proprietorship of Off the Record, a local media shop and cafe that caters to the quiet, intellectual occultist and obscure music aficionado; you aren't likely to find much in the way of massively popular music or 'literature' there. However, what he does have in stock is fascinating, and the coffee's outstanding. Studious and acerbic, John's got a razor-sharp wit, and he is far more perceptive than sometimes given credit for. His wits are sharpened by indulging his drive to solve puzzles at any opportunity. He is being tutored by Stella Amunet; given that he doesn't attend college at all, this could be seen as kind of an unusual arrangement. Traditionally speaking, he is a Third Degree Practicus of the Order of Hermes, part of the chantry Fellowship of the Secret Word. Sometimes he DJs at Rhapsody nightclub for fun, and has also been found hanging out at the Sideshow, assisting its owners in various tasks. Also notable are the symbols he wears - the silver Owl of the Arcanum and the copper sigil of the Cult of Isis. Contacts Stella: Reverend Mother is here, purse first, to teach the children. "Socrates the Python" - Peter Murphy Gate: The shambling horror speaks! I'll invest in an actual working gas mask for future parleys. "Nemesis" - Shriekback Locke: While you eschew the formalities I now see you deserve the title. "Big Strong Boss" - Swans Simone: Our conversations have taken an interesting turn. What are you after? "Song to the Siren" - This Mortal Coil Roxy: I've had worse internships. We'll make a philosopher of you yet. "Late Bar" - Duran Duran Kyler: Well, now. "FFF" - Public Image Limited Salimah: I should be helping you, but instead you are helping me. Thank you. "Hand of Fatima" - Muslimgauze Nova: Intrigued. Highly. "City" - Legend Ashleigh: You have advantages others only dream of. Learn to use them. "Life's What You Make It" - Talk Talk Eloise: Nice that you've developed a taste for serious coffee. Nope, not giving you the recipe. "Witchcraft" - Book of Love Roz: And just as suddenly, you return. "Shell-Shock" - New Order Harikumo: I also hope these boxes aren't part of the Lament Configuration. Guess we'll find out. "Hellraiser Theme" - Coil Ambrosine: It's nice to see you wander from the confines of your hold every now and again. Chastity: Pretty soon the little cousins will be the ones dominating the scene. Blaze: The General's goals are frightening, but she is still fascinating. I hope I don't piss her off. Martine: Being in love is no excuse for selfishness. We cannot allow you to bring harm to the Dreaming. Do not force the Warlord's hand. RP Hooks Occultism: More than merely fascinated with it, it is his very life's blood and raison d'etre. The Art of Divination: He practices it - to rather eerie and uncomfortable effect. He's no charlatan, but a Cassandra. Industrial Subculture: He's neck-deep in it. He'll deign to go to Neofolk/pagan and Goth events, too. Problem-Solver: Got an enigma to deal with? Perhaps a conundrum? He's brilliant with puzzles. Esoteric Media: Like weird books and weirder music? So does John. He could probably even sell you some. Mummies: He isn't an Egyptian scholar, but something more vital than that. Gateway to Isis' secrets, perhaps? Hermetic House Merinita: Do you know of them? He is desperately seeking them out. Possibly for hereditary reasons. Nightmares: Do you suffer from them? He can help you with them better than drugs or a psychiatrist could. Welcome Wagon: He's the unofficial liason between the Grove of Tethys freehold and new arrivals to the County. Arcanum: He's currently the only active ranking member in the city. Does the Owl know you? Do you want to know the Owl? Stereotypes Changelings: Give sanity a longer leash, some of us have sharper teeth. Shifters: The tenderness of wolves. Vampires: Under shivering stars the sickness is gliding. Sorcerers: Seduce, let loose the vision and the void. Psychics: See the future leaking through. Mages: At the heart of it all. Wraiths: Who should I say is calling? Demons: This is not paradise lost, but paradise disowned. Mummies: Whilst I, my sovereign, watch the clock for you. Theme Songs "The Snow (Answers Come in Dreams II)" - Coil "The Missing" - Arcadia "Psychonaut" - Fields of the Nephilim "We Live as We Dream Alone" - Gang of Four "Sumerland" - Fields of the Nephilim "Dream Aid" - Haujobb "Noise Inside My Head" - Assemblage 23 "Mirrors Fade" - ∆AIMON Gallery	John Balance Birthday: March, 1986 Occupation: Owner-Operator Off the Record. Nature Visionary Sphere: Sorcerer Sect: Cult of Isis Affiliation: Order of Hermes Race: Sluagh Kinain Craft Name: Cousin of Spiders, Torchbearer of Isis, Avatar of Tutu, Father of Dreams, Vanquisher of Nightmares. Paths/Magic Oneiromancy 6 Divination 2 Hellfire 2 Mind Shields 2 Pyrokinesis 2 Telepathy 2 Attributes Intelligence 3 Perception 4 Wits 4 Abilities Awareness 4 Enigmas 4 Fortune-Telling 4 Intuition 3 Investigation 4 Lucid Dreaming 4 Occult 4 Research 4 Lores Demon Lore 1 Fae Lore 2 Mage Lore 3 Mummy Lore 2 Sorcerer Lore 3 Vampire Lore 1 Merits Chantry 2 Demesne 3 Dream 2 Kinain 4 Library 2 Oracular Ability 3