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7, 14, 19 for Benjamin

7. Have you ever done anything that you feel to be very morally wrong?

“I mean, this whole vampire thing sorta sits odd, y’know? Ain’t real sure it’s right, having to eat people. Yeah, I know, we don’t have to kill ‘em, and I always try not to, ‘cept when it comes to nazis, but they don’t exactly count, now do they? But even so, I’m not real sure I like tricking decent folk and feeding off them like this. Certainly not for the long term. Ain’t a good way to be.

I hate having to lie to my wife. She don’t deserve this, but if I don’t then it’s all a big mess with this masquerade business. And I don’t want her getting hurt just because she knows the truth ‘bout me. Her or the kid. Ain’t fair.”

14. Have you ever doubted your own beliefs? (Spiritual, philosophical)

“Shit, yeah. Can’t go to war and not have that happen. Y gotta be able to kill, hurt another human. You lose a lot of what you thought you’d never lose.‘Course, you gotta remain convicted to your cause too. If y‘don’t it’ll eat you alive. Or unalive in our case, I suppose. See what I seen out hear, fighting these kraut bastards and you understand, right? Shit they do. ‘Nough to make the stomach turn. And of course, turning into a vampire throws a whole ‘nother wrench in things. How exactly am I supposed to reconcile being a blood sucking creature of the night with what I heard in Sunday School? Ain’t no one prepared me for all this mess. Everything is a mess, so I just gotta hold on to what still makes sense in this fucked up world as long as I can.”

19. Could you ever forgive your worst enemy?

“Christ said, in the Bible, y’gotta when someone wrongs you, y’gotta turn the other cheek and offer it to them. Bible talked a lot ‘bout forgiveness, loving thine enemy, all that. Jesus was real big on that idea. Don’t think he’d feel that way, he was alive today, seeing this shit. And I ain’t Jesus neither. Ain’t no forgiveness for Nazis.”

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan #carrefxur

The end of the Journal of Benjamin Jackson Callaghan

(WELP, since I’ve seen my first character die in the LxU story, I figured I’d close out my part in his story with a last journal entry and a letter that was never sent to his wife. Benjamin Jackson is the first Callaghan to hit Final Death and the first (primary) character of mine to die during a campaign.

@bloodoflordaeron )

Last Journal Entry

Apparently, these goddamned nazis have some sort of super dirigible type thing. Some sort of airship, called Valhalla or some such nonsense. Ain’t real sure about the details, but from the files we managed to find, looks like it acts like aircraft carrier. Ain’t that some shit? An aircraft carrier in the air? Well, can’t allow that, no question there. Even if it’s nazi engineering, some shit like that, dropping planes from the clouds and all that? Gonna fuck up the Allies lines something awful. We shoved in some sort of, I dunno, computer thing. Gonna be honest, ain’t really my area of expertise. All I did was push a few buttons. Added some thing to the whole project that I think was supposed to fuck it up. Some ‘Zero file’ or whatever. Well, thats not the end of that, but there is more in between that and what we’re heading out to do, so I gotta touch on a few other things first here.

So, after we found this thing all about valhalla or whatever, we were getting ready to leave this crazy nazi science factory. Then that damn nazi fellow, some commander or whatever threatening this nice scientist wizard lady, the one Mort’s sweet on, for her helping us out. Of course, us all being the good guys, we rushed off to her rescue.

Found her in this big factory floor place, all chained up and hanging over an honest to god pit of molten steel. With some wizard lady doing some evil magic shit. Hand to god, I swear that’s what was going on. Krautsberg or whatever his name was was on the other side in that teuton robot thing we fought before I died and became a vampire.

Well, always one for round two, not to mention there was even another one of them lifters there, I revved that bad boy up and drove her up. Not a tank, but definitely the next best thing given the circumstances we found ourselves in. Of course, first plan was to negotiate for the release of our friend and ally, and only let things get messy if we had no other recourse. Well, someone once said that plans never survive first contact or something like that. We got the girl safe, and Mister Krautsenburgen wanted us to do something for him in repayment. Of course, as we were getting ready to leave he decided that maybe we would turn on him and not hold up our end if we took the girl with us. Fair, since he wouldn’t really have any sort of guarantee we would complete his task. He decided to keep the girl with him

Armand, being an honorable and chivalrous chap didn’t take to kindly to that. Neither did that Crowley lass. Was time to throw down and so we did. Big ol’ violent fight, us, that wizard, the teuton thingy and a bunch of those little helmet-gun-robots. Then the flying armored fellows showed up and everything became a mess. Lucky for us we had a big ol’ robot of our own on our side. I managed to ram one of the armored fellows with my lifter, almost took him out. Shot another, almost dropped him too. I was, embarrassingly, rendered unconscious during the battle, but we managed to prevail in the end thanks to our mechanical ally. Even captured that robo teuton suit. I can’t wait to drive that thing around.

We’re gonna be heading into this nazi airfield place next seems like. Deal with that airship thing, make sure it goes down in flames for good. Might try and take the teuton out for a spin. Or that tank I swiped. I’d rather take a look at either of them, try and make sure they are up to snuff. After all, these ain’t good ol’ American machines. Gotta make sure they won’t break down in the middle of a fight. Should probably write to my wife too.

An unsent letter

Dearest Leilah

We’re getting ready for another mission. We’ve had quite the streak of successes. Blow after blow against the nazi war machine. I write to you to inform you of this and so that you can share news that we managed to capture an experimental nazi machine. A variation of tank that ain’t been seen on the field before. And, thanks to us, probably won’t be used against Allied forces. In fact, after we have our tech boys look it over, I plan on using it to wreak havoc against those bastard krauts. Pass this news along to Father, and inform him that, if possible, I intend to include blueprints that he can use in his factory once the intelligence boys give it the go-ahead.

In news unrelated to the combat missions we have been undergoing, we had the free time to visit a local carnival that had set up away from the conflict and the nazis in the forest. They had all sorts of delicious food, a fortune teller, some critters in cages including a tiger. They even had a fellow wrestling a bear. Of course, I took the opportunity to regale my comrades with my story of the time I won a woodland creature wrestling contest against some wolves and two bears. You know, the one I told you on our first date. I embellished it a bit further this time, to enhance the story and even better fit the fact that we were already witnessing a man wrestle a bear in a ring.

Folks in my company seemed to enjoy it, wanted to hear more of my stories too. Shared a few more, and a couple tales about Paul Bunyan, John Henry, all them good folktales from back home. Not all the folks we’ve picked up are American, whole bunch of them are from other Allied nations or local resistance forces. Getting to hear the stories and have some time to relax seemed to lighten spirits. I’ve got another mission soon. Real important this time. I know I always say this, but this one is a real big one. Stopping a major nazi project. As always, I can’t give you any details, just in case some kraut bastard intercepts this letter (if a kraut bastard is reading this: fick dich, du hässlicher kraut mutterficker) but I can tell you that success may turn the tide of the war tremendously in our favor, and failure may mean the jerries stand a chance at almost winning half the war.

I know that with your picture in my locket over my heart I shall succeed though. Ain’t nothing that can stop me as long as I have you in my mind and heart. I’ll make sure to mail you a scrap of the nazi machine we’re gonna bust up with my name etched into it.

Yours forever, Benny J.

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan

Journal Entry 5

( @bloodoflordaeron )

Things ain’t been easy these past few days, and we haven’t really had much time to really slow down and process all this shit that’s been happening. John Bear is still gone. Don’t feel real, him being dead. That lady, Tzimarnit is her name. The one that changed us. She was real angry with us. So was Pilar. Told us it was our fault John Bear died. We should have been with him. I sort of agree. Figure if Rick and I was there, maybe even Mort and Gus, we’d have killed whatever got him instead.

Not too sure who wants to kill whatever got him, me or her. But Pilar said they’d help us find it while we’re doing other work. Suppose our stuff is too important to be sidetracked by personally hunting for vengeance. Guess it don’t matter much, as long as the end result is the same.

We got us our new Ductus. It came down to being between me and Gus. Rick and Mort didn’t really care much either way, so Mort suggested a duel. Gus won, as it was mainly a gun duel and not, say, a race or a challenge of ability to operate a tank, either of which I would have handily won. I am proud to say I did not go down without a fight and held my own until he used those tentacles. But he still won, so he’s our Ductus. Would rather I had won. Ain’t really fond of his rather lacking morals. I’ll still follow. Ain’t planning on leaving the Hounds over this. But he wants me to do any shady shit, I ain’t gonna do it. I’ll fight to protect him, but I won’t be a monster just because he is.

And that’s only the shit from the first day.

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan #Liberty x Undeath #The Sanguine Line

Journal 4

( @bloodoflordaeron )

John Bear is dead. I didn’t see it or anything, but I felt it. Not real sure how, but I felt it. Kinda like when you just know something is wrong about a room you enter without seeing what’s off. When you know someone is watching you but they’re behind you. He was there one moment, I could feel him. Then he was gone. Just felt a little bit empty in my heart. Wonder if it’s a vampire thing.

I know that blood ritual Mort did made us all closer. Made us feel each other more. Ain’t sure exactly how to describe it. Made us all like family. Maybe more. What matters is whatever vampire wizardry it was I guess it let me know what happened to John Bear. Or maybe that was because we’re vampire brothers? Like, lady that turned me turned him too. Or maybe it’s a combination of the two things. Not my concern.

We got us a tank. Don’t seem to matter so much now, but we got one. Had to hide it out in the forest. Hope the nazis don’t stumble across it. I did my best to hide it, we’ll have to go back for it later. Probably wait a few nights for shit to calm down. Me and Rick, reckon we’re the best at sneaking, we drive it back here, see if we’ve got a place to park it out of sight.

I’m thinking after we recover that panzer we put it to good use. Ain’t anywhere near as good as anything American made, but it’s a tank and I am a tank operator. Figure one of the other boys mans the gun, Rick or Gus. Probably Rick if we can teach him how its done. Gus seems to be better at the whole pistol fighting. Mort can do his fire thing from the hatch. And me, I’ll drive that tank right up the ass of whatever it was that killed John Bear. And we’ll keep firing that cannon until we ain’t got no more shells.

(There is a short gap in the entry and a few small red stains on the page)

Before this whole mess we weren’t super close, but we were good friends. Served together and all that. All this vampire bullshit doesn’t change it any. He was a good soldier, got us out of more than one scrape. Hell, pretty sure he was the last one awake when we were escaping that damn factory first time around. Dunno if he was able to keep control of the car long, but I know him. Knew. He did his best. And I know whatever managed to off him, John Bear must have taken some of its hide with him when he went down.

Things ain’t gonna be easy without him. I suppose I’ll have to pick up the slack. I ain’t the tracker John Bear was. I know a few things when it comes to the wild, but my talents lie more in the ambushing and vehicle operation fields. But I know a little bit. Should have asked him to teach me more, but I guess I figured we’d be sticking together. We should have stuck together. Fucking invincible as a team, him, me, and Rick. That vampire business, us being Gangrel. Means as a team we fought better. Like a wolf pack or something.

Father always told me we Callaghans were like a pack of wolves. Looked out for one another. Stuck together. Even in our motto. Loyalty and Bravery. We ain’t scared of nothing and we protect our own. Wish I could have been there to protect John Bear when he needed me. We all should have been together, fighting as one. Then he’d still be with us.

I miss that damn son of a bitch. And that ain’t the vampire shit talking. We had a bond before. All of us Rancheros did. Fighting like we did, together against those evil German bastards, we’re brothers in arms. John Bear was my brother before we became vampires, before we were sorted into this Sabbat and formed into this pack.

I’m gonna kill whatever it was that killed him. Not just because he’s a Hound, and not just because the same lady turned us both into vampires.

I’m gonna kill it to avenge a good man. My friend. Something took him away. Killing that thing may not bring him back, but I’m gonna feel a whole hell of a lot better when its head is mounted in our little mansion in the hamlet.

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan #Liberty x Undeath #The Sanguine Line

P for Benny boy

P: Personality1. what is their best personality trait?

He’s loyal and brave. Benjamin is someone who makes a good soldier, he’s able to put aside an independent spirit to follow orders. He’s also someone willing to put his life on the line when it comes to helping others. Benjamin is someone who recognizes a greater goal than his own personal wants and needs and is willing to put his own desires aside for a greater good. It’s what helped drive him to join the army in the first place.

2. what is their worst personality trait?

His tendency to let his mouth get the better of him. He has almost a compulsion to tell absurd stories and to hide the truth. While he’s good at both, he’s not great, and it gets him in trouble. One day his tendencies will probably get him in more trouble than he can talk, shoot, or drive his way out of.

3. what of their personality do others love?

I think probably his respectful nature and his love for telling ridiculous stories, being rather prominent and not really negative, tend to be best liked by others.

4. what of their personality do others envy?

People who are natural leaders. He wishes he could be as good at grabbing command of a group as others.

5. do they hate anything about their personality/about other’s personalities?

Benjamin really hates callous people. When someone doesn’t care about the suffering of others, he finds it offensive on almost a personal level. For himself, he’s pretty self-positive, though he does wish he could be more assertive at times. He’s a good follower, but he wants to lead too and he just doesn’t usually take the opportunity when it’s there.

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan #for-peace-war

A second letter and third journal entry.

(( @bloodoflordaeron ))

Dearest Leilah

Last mission was a tough one, but we came out none the worse for it. Few bruises and cuts but nothing a few days rest and a couple bandages ain’t gonna fix. Of course I can’t tell you nothing about it. Highly classified and all that. But believe me, time I get home will I have some stories to tell you all.

I’ve got another mission coming up. Looks like I got myself roped up into some bigger project. Not much to say, I’m afraid. We’re pretty top secret, really. Squad of elite soldiers operating behind enemy lines. We’re making a difference out here. Fighting the good fight, and let me tell you, they better be giving me a big pile of medals for this.

I have a good squad with me. Some of them I know, others are new guys. All specialists, like me. I mean, none of them are as good as me, but they are good at their own special things that I can’t always get done when I’m doing my thing. You know how it is. Don’t matter how good the individual is, you can be the greatest gunman in the world and enough assholes with enough bullets will win out in the end. But with someone watching your back, you can kill the assholes before they kill you.

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan #The Sanguine Line #Liberty x Undeath

Benjamin Jackson “Mad Dog” Callaghan

A US Army tank driver in 1942, Benjamin Jackson was the son of an Irish American steel factory owner and a German immigrant. Benjamin grew up with a large family, between his many adopted siblings, his large family on both his father’s and mother’s side, and the many workers in his father’s factory who acted as an extended family to the boy.

Prone to telling tall tales, the young Benjamin was popular among the employees who would humor his exaggerated recounting of adventures. When a second world war loomed over America, Benjamin was quick to sign up. His mother and her family had fled to America when the first rumblings of fascism rising to power were known in Germany. Benjamin felt it was his duty to fight back against Nazi Germany and keep them from spreading any more.

Benjamin found use in the military as a tank driver. Exceptional skill earned from an early youth driving deliveries for his father, a great deal of practice, and, according to Benjamin, driving freelance for the rum-runners (despite his having been no more than 13 years old when that was possible) saw the young soldier rise quickly and it wasn’t long before he was flying to the heart of the action.

Benjamin Jackson looks forward to a swift end to the war, and prays nightly that he will be able to see it to the end so that he can return home to his wife and daughter.

Benjamin Jackson “Mad Dog” Callaghan is a character in our @bloodoflordaeron World of Darkness campaign, set in 1942. The art was provided by takacukasa (who recently did some really awesome art for a friend) and I am quite happy with how they captured a tired but determined look for the character. I have really enjoyed being part of this on going story created with my friends and guildmates, and look forward to creating more stories with them in the future!

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan #World of Darkness #Blood of Lordaeron #Liberty x Undeath #Sanguine Line

A Letter and a Journal

(( A pair of short bits written for my sabbat gangrel, Benjamin Jackson Callaghan from the Liberty x Undeath vtm campaign, The Sanguine Line. @bloodoflordaeron ))

My dearest Leilah

It has been a wild goddamn weekend for me. Plane crashed down. First we thought we were shot down by the nazis, but one of the other boys in the unit said he never heard any explosions. Got to admit I cannot be much judge of such as I was asleep at the time, but I suspect he was simply in shock. Most men say they can’t rest in the transport. I have never had much trouble. Might be because of the three weeks I spent as an infant floating on the Gulf of Mexico. I think I told you that story already, though. Family on vacation, my bassinet picked up by a sudden freak change in the tide. Survived by eating sharks and drinking whale’s milk and was eventually picked up by dolphins. I have always been quite adept at sleeping even in the most shaking of conditions.

I hope this letter finds you in good health. It has been very much too long since I held you in my arms, and every time I sleep it is your face I see in my dreams. You are ever with me, my love. Know that you keep me strong, and keep me centered.

I fear it may be some time more before I can return to you. I have been assigned to an important mission, one that requires secrecy. It is a risk telling you this much, but I wish that you not fear for my safety. My letters may be less frequent for a time, but know that I hold you in my every thought still. I hope that, when I see you next, I will do so with gladness in my heart and with this vile evil I battle destroyed for good. It is not my will that sees us apart, but my sacred duty.

My next mission is a secret one, and there are little details I can give you in regards to what I will be doing. I cannot lie, it will be dangerous. But I have a good squad with me. We have each other’s backs and each of us is easily worth a dozen of the enemy. As soon as I am successful in this mission, I shall send another letter. Please give my best wishes to everyone at home, and let them know I am thinking of them.

With love, Benny J.

Journal Entry

Dear Journal, or whoever may be reading this. I figure it may be a good idea to record what happens to me. Help me stay sane, stay focused, so I do not lose who I am. I am Benjamin Jackson Callaghan. And I am a vampire. Sounds wild, I know. Some sorta Dracula Max Schreck Count Orlok shit. Well, ain’t ugly like Orlok. I can turn invisible though. Sorta. Always was good at sneaking around, and now I’m even better. Some sorta vampire magic thing, not too sure exactly how it works.

Not sure if I like it. I mean, I’m grateful that I’m not dead. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy as hell I didn’t join the heavenly choir. Is heaven real? Everything is changed now. I mean, I figured it must be real, somewhat at least. Maybe not how they say in church, not all clouds and robes and shit. But some sort of paradise after we pass the mortal coil. But I also thought vampires weren’t real. Everything is all changed up. Are werewolves real? What about Frankenstein’s monster? Ghosts? Everything is bonkers. Well, I’ll just have to figure shit out when I get to it.

I’m living in a castle. Honest to God medieval castle. Suits of armor, an armory, damn bell tower and everything. Shit is wild. Even got a prince here. Well, princess? I mean, she’s a lady. Real nice one. But she prefers prince. Whatever floats her boat, I suppose. Ain’t my place to judge. She ain’t exactly my boss either, so maybe it doesn’t matter.

Turns out vampires are like humans in more ways than one. Got all sorts of politics and some sorta vampire war or something. Got myself drafted into this Sabbat. Don’t know much about them or the other team, this Camarilla. My boss told me I’d still be able to see my wife again after we’re done here though. So I guess I’m seeing this through, at least until I’m back home.

Wonder if I can reverse this whole vampirism business then. You know, without dying. It’s going to be real hard explaining it to the wife. “Hey, honey! I’m a blood sucking creature of the knight!” I can imagine the look on her face now.

Anyways. Sounds like we got some work about to start up. Everyone’s getting real antsy. Should probably see what the deal is.

Benjamin Jackson Callaghan, signing off

#Benjamin Jackson Callaghan #Blood of Lordaeron #Liberty x Undeath #The Sanguine Line