Editing Running Sheet Elias "Eli" Blackthorn (section)

==Elias "Eli" Blackthorn==
*Age: 42
*Background: Born into a family of polymath overachievers in Crested Butte, Colorado, Eli was raised in an intellectually and artistically rich but chaotic environment. His father was a historian, linguist, psychologist, anthropologist, and sociologist, while his mother was a physicist, mathematician, linguist, and musician. His extended family included world-renowned musicians, actors, a USMC general, and a professional thief-magician. The family had a history of bipolar behavior and substance abuse but also high-level involvement in Freemasonry.
*Eli inherited a photographic memory, intellectual agility, and an insatiable wanderlust, causing him to jump between disciplines and phases of life. He is a lifelong student, both academic and autodidactic, accumulating knowledge across numerous fields.
===[[Blackthorne Extended Family Details]][[https://wiki.rpg.net/index.php/Blackthorne_Extended_Family_Details]]===
[[File:Family chart1.jpg|400px]]

*'''Father:'''Balthasar Cowgill Blackthorne -historian, linguist, psychologist, anthropologist, and sociologist. Born 1943  Married 1981
*'''Paternal Grandfather [[Francis Marlin Blackthorne]]-USMC general Born 1910
*'''Paternal Grandmother Felicity Dinsmore Blackthorne-Medical doctor.  Born 1921. Doctor 1951
*'''Paternal Family Friend Erwin Rommel-German General and Defector.  Dies 1994 but Eli has an extremely strong memory of him and spoke to him often growing up.  Vital in developing his interest in Freemasonry and German mysticism.
*'''Uncle Geoffrey Parisien Blackthorne'''
*'''Aunt Priscilla Webb Blackthorne'''
*'''Uncle John Cadet Blackthorne'''
*'''Sister Lisa Ann Blackthorne'''
*'''Mother:''':Ariana Forrest Millet Blackthorne-Physicist, mathematician, linguist, and musician. Bipolar. Married 1981
*'''Maternal Grandfather Benoît Millet-Professional thief-magician.  Tony Award Winner. Collector of Gems.  
*'''Maternal Grandmother [[Jane Kincaid Millet]] Actress-Musician. [[EGOT]]. Bipolar 
*'''Maternal Uncle Jordan Rhéaume Millet
*'''Maternal Aunt Sabrina Robert Millet
*'''Maternal Aunt  Christina Stanley  
*'''Family Friend- Colin Cotton
*'''Family Friend- Carol Parker
*'''Family Friend- Addison Seymour

===Education & Academic Journey===
*'''Undergraduate''' – Western Colorado University (Gunnison, CO)
**Majored in Comparative Religion and Linguistics. 
**Thesis on occult symbolism in Renaissance art. 
**Active in esoteric circles, joining a local coven. 
*'''Master’s Degree''' – Naropa University (Boulder, CO)
**Studied Transpersonal Psychology, focusing on mystical experiences. 
**Published work on the psychological effects of ritual magic. 
*'''PhD (Incomplete) '''– University of Colorado Boulder
**Focused on the global history of esoteric traditions (Anthropology). 
**Dropped out due to substance abuse, ethical concerns, and disillusionment with academia. 
*'''PhD''' Finished:

===Military & Field Experience===
*'''Military Intelligence (USMC, brief service) '''– Deployed in the Middle East, where he learned Arabic and developed expertise in cryptography and cultural analysis. 
*'''Artifact Smuggling & Underground Academia '''– Operated outside formal institutions, acquiring and trading mystical relics, often in ethically questionable circumstances. 
*'''Wanderer & Researcher''' – Spent years exploring Mesoamerican and global esoteric traditions, leading to the discovery of the Medallion of Mesob, which fused with him and altered his perception of reality. 

===Skills & Expertise===
====Academic & Intellectual====
*Anthropology, Archaeology, Linguistics, History, Mythology/Folklore, Theology, Philosophy 
*Cryptography, Cartography, Mathematics, Physics, Political Theory, Psychology, Sociology, Law 
*Literature, Music History, Art History, Theater, Film Studies 
====Mystical & Esoteric====
*Occult Knowledge, Mysticism, Ritualism, Artifact Attunement, Meditation 
*Kabbalah, Alchemy, Hermeticism, Shamanism, Symbolic & Magical Linguistics 
*Dreamwalking, Shadow Walking (Medallion-enhanced abilities) 
====Languages (Fluent or Highly Proficient)====
*English (Native), Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Italian, German, Persian, Turkish, Portuguese, Swahili, Tibetan, Irish Gaelic 
*Conversational in: Czech, Polish, Dutch, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Finnish, Hungarian, Swedish, Norwegian, Welsh, Quechua, Nahuatl, Amharic, Yoruba, Maori, Inuktitut, Armenian, Georgian 
*Academic Proficiency in: Coptic, Aramaic, Sumerian, Akkadian, Enochian, Theban, Ogham, Etruscan, Phoenician, Old Norse, Old Church Slavonic, Pali, Avestan, Tamil, Mayan Glyphs, Hieroglyphic Egyptian, Glagolitic, Babylonian Cuneiform, Anglo-Saxon, Elder Futhark 
===Survival & Practical===
*Navigation & Orienteering, Survival Skills, Hunting, Cooking, Animal Handling 
*First Aid & Medic Training, Disaster Response, Smuggling & Streetwise Instincts 
*Combat & Physical
*Hand-to-Hand Combat, Marksmanship, Military Tactics 
*Social & Psychological
*Negotiation & Persuasion, Deception, Performance (Acting, Music, Storytelling) 

===Personality & Themes===
*Restless, intense, and impatient – jumps between interests and disciplines. 
*Hedonistic but intellectual – deeply philosophical yet indulgent in vices. 
*Charismatic but elusive – a man who both attracts and repels. 
*Straddles legality and criminality – operates in academic, mystical, and black-market spheres. 
*A true polymath – but often struggles to focus long enough to create lasting work. 
===Masonic Involvement===
*'''Rank & Affiliations:''' Eli has risen beyond the Master Mason level, possibly holding titles within the **'''Scottish Rite (32° or 33°)''' & '''York Rite (Knight Templar)''' He is also part of esoteric lodges that focus on mystical traditions, hidden knowledge, and ancient wisdom. 
*Philosophical & Esoteric Studies: His Masonic education includes studying Templar legends, Rosicrucian philosophies, and Hermetic teachings, all of which deepen his understanding of secret societies' roles in history. 
*Rituals & Symbolism: Mastery of ancient symbols, sacred geometry, and initiation rites grants him insight into decoding mystical texts, understanding hidden meanings in architecture, and recognizing occult influences in different cultures. 
*Historical Influence: He is well-versed in how Freemasonry shaped world events, from the Enlightenment to revolutions, and understands its intersection with other secret societies and esoteric traditions. 
===Occult Studies & Esoteric Knowledge===
*'''Hermetic & Alchemical Traditions:''' Eli has studied alchemical transformation, not just as a metaphor but as a practical occult discipline. His knowledge of Hermeticism makes him a skilled interpreter of ancient texts and occult formulas. 
*'''Kabbalah & Mysticism: ''' He has delved into Kabbalistic teachings, particularly in relation to the Tree of Life, divine emanations, and their real-world applications in magic, meditation, and supernatural perception. 
*'''Thelema & Ritual Magic:''' He has explored Aleister Crowley’s work, particularly Thelemic practices, sigil magic, and invocation techniques, which influence his understanding of supernatural forces. 
*'''Grimoires & Forbidden Texts:''' He possesses a personal library of rare occult books, including medieval grimoires and mystical manuscripts that offer insights into forgotten rituals, angelic/demonic hierarchies, and arcane prophecies. 
*'''Historical Occult Movements:''' He has connections to organizations such as the Golden Dawn and Martinism, either through direct mentorship or extensive study, granting him knowledge of their secret rites and initiatory paths. 
 

===Practical Magic & Esoteric Skills===
====Hermetic & Alchemical Practices====
*'''Mental Transmutation:''' Eli applies Hermetic principles (as outlined in the Kybalion) to shift his perception and mental state, allowing him to enter trance-like awareness, enhance focus, or resist external influences. 
*'''Alchemical Symbolism in Practice:''' While he doesn’t turn lead into gold, he understands how alchemical transformations apply to personal and intellectual growth, using coded formulas in his research and personal experiments. 
*'''Elemental Associations:''' He practices aligning his thoughts and physical movements with elemental principles—fire for willpower, water for adaptability, air for intellect, earth for stability. 
====Kabbalistic & Meditative Techniques====
*'''Tree of Life Pathworking:''' Through visualization and contemplation of the Sephiroth, Eli maps philosophical concepts onto real-world decisions, guiding his actions according to Kabbalistic principles. 
*'''Divine Names & Hebrew Letter Mysticism:''' He understands the vibrational power of sacred names and chants them in specific meditative practices, which may enhance mental clarity or create a protective influence. 
*'''Sacred Geometry & Talismanic Magic:''' He creates sigils and geometric designs based on ancient patterns, believing that certain structures and symbols influence energy flow. 
====Freemasonic & Rosicrucian Rituals====
*'''Symbolic & Ceremonial Magic:''' Eli performs specific ritual workings using Masonic and Rosicrucian teachings—casting circles, invoking the elements, and working within sacred geometrical spaces to enhance focus and insight. 
*'''Initiatory Exercises:''' He practices mental and physical disciplines drawn from high-degree Masonic rites, such as meditative walks following labyrinth patterns, symbolic hand gestures, and breathing exercises that regulate mental states. 
*'''Coded Language & Cipher Work:''' His ability to decipher old Masonic ciphers and codes allows him to access hidden knowledge within manuscripts, architecture, and artifacts. 
====Eastern & Esoteric Martial Training====
*'''Breath Control & Energy Work:''' He incorporates Pranayama techniques and Chi Gong into his discipline, using breathwork to steady his nerves, regulate adrenaline, and enhance endurance. 
*'''Body as a Temple:''' His philosophical training leads him to treat the body as a vessel for higher knowledge, practicing fasting, meditative focus, and endurance-based rituals to test and expand his limits. 

====Mystical Groups==== 
*'''Scottish Rite & York Rite Masonry''' – These traditional Masonic branches provide him with access to a vast network of initiates, philosophical teachings, and historical knowledge. 
*'''The Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA)''' – An exclusive order for Master Masons focused on esoteric Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, and alchemy. 
*'''The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (Modern Revivals)''' – While the original group collapsed, various offshoots exist, teaching ceremonial magic and mystical philosophy. Eli may have engaged with one of these revival groups to deepen his practical knowledge. 
*'''The Martinist Order''' – A mystical Christian order devoted to the study of divine magic, theurgy, and the idea of mankind’s spiritual exile and redemption. 
*'''AMORC (Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis)''' – A modern Rosicrucian group that blends Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and mystical philosophy, possibly a source of his early training in esoteric symbolism. 
*''' OTO (Ordo Templi Orientis) '''– A Thelemic order based on Aleister Crowley’s teachings, known for their emphasis on sex magic and radical spiritual experimentation. Eli may have studied them but avoided direct involvement. 
*''' Aurum Solis''' – A lesser-known but highly structured magical order focused on Greek and Hermetic traditions. 
*'''Various Gnostic & Alchemical Societies''' – Small, often secretive groups dedicated to preserving hidden teachings from medieval alchemy, Christian mysticism, and pre-Christian traditions. 
*'''Mystical Indigenous or Folk Groups''' – While traveling, Eli likely encountered spiritual traditions outside of Western esotericism, such as Andean shamanism, Haitian Vodou (without direct involvement), or indigenous Nahual traditions in Mexico. 
===Academic Rivals & Enemies===
*'''Dr. Leonard Voss''' – A respected but dogmatic professor who dismisses Eli’s work as pseudoscience. Voss has a grudge against Eli for undermining his theories at a major conference. 
*'''Professor Miriam Arendt''' – A former mentor turned bitter rival, Arendt believes Eli's unorthodox research methods and involvement in esoteric circles have tainted serious historical scholarship. 
*'''The Society for Historical Integrity''' – A group of traditional scholars who see Eli as a reckless "tomb raider" and have tried to discredit his work. 
===Political & Intelligence Adversaries===
*'''Certain U.S. Intelligence Agencies''' – Eli’s military intelligence past and his tendency to operate in politically sensitive regions have drawn attention. Some factions might consider him a liability. 
*''' Foreign Intelligence Services''' – Eli’s artifact smuggling and shadowy dealings might have put him on the radar of agencies like the FSB, Mossad, or China's MSS. 
*'''The Order of the Burning Crown''' – A secretive nationalist group that considers Eli a threat due to his exposure of their hidden historical manipulations. 
====Criminal & Smuggling World====
*'''Mendoza Cartel '''– A Mesoamerican artifact-smuggling syndicate that Eli may have crossed paths with, either by outbidding them or stealing from them. 
*'''Zaza "The Butcher" Karim''' – A Middle Eastern arms dealer with a side business in antiquities who once tried to have Eli killed for double-crossing him. 
*'''The Sons of Tlazolteotl''' – A neo-Aztec cult that believes Eli has desecrated sacred relics. They seek revenge and believe his possession of the Medallion of Mesob is blasphemy. 
====Mystical & Occult Enemies====
*''' The Black Lodge''' – An elite and highly secretive occult order that considers Eli an outsider meddling in forbidden knowledge. 
*'''The Ouroboros Circle''' – A cabal of Hermetic magicians who believe Eli has disrupted their hidden libraries or stolen their secrets. 
*'''The Vatican's Secret Guardians''' – A faction within the Catholic Church tasked with protecting holy relics. They consider Eli's knowledge of certain artifacts dangerous. 
====Masonic & Esoteric Conflicts====
*''' Grand Master Alaric von Hess '''– A high-ranking Freemason with ties to European lodges who sees Eli as an unorthodox rogue tarnishing Masonic traditions. 
*'''The Rosicrucian Elite '''– A faction of mystical scholars who once welcomed Eli but now consider him a liability after he uncovered a forbidden manuscript.

==='''The Wandering Lodge of the Emerald Compass'''===
A secretive yet loosely structured Masonic-adjacent esoteric society, the Wandering Lodge of the Emerald Compass is an itinerant order of scholars, mystics, adventurers, and occultists who blend academic research with practical fieldwork in ancient mysteries. Unlike most traditional lodges, which operate from fixed locations, the Emerald Compass moves between significant historical and mystical sites worldwide, treating the world itself as a vast temple of hidden knowledge.
*Purpose & Activities:
**Esoteric Research & Archaeology – Members seek out ancient sites, manuscripts, and artifacts tied to alchemy, Hermeticism, and lost civilizations. 
**Mystical Practices – While based on Freemasonry, the group incorporates disciplines from Rosicrucianism, the Golden Dawn, Theosophy, and various indigenous mystical traditions. 
**Protection of Knowledge – They act as both scholars and guardians, preventing dangerous artifacts or knowledge from falling into the wrong hands. 
**Cryptic Rivalries – Members often have conflicting interpretations of history and magic, leading to internal feuds. 

====Key Members & Affiliations====
*Eli Blackthorn (Field Researcher, Occultist, Linguist)
**Former military intelligence officer, turned anthropologist and occultist. Specializes in ancient languages, esoteric traditions, and fieldwork. Both a rogue scholar and a reluctant leader within the group. 
*Dr. Leonard Voss (Academic Rival, Ritual Skeptic)
**A respected historian and archaeologist who denounces most esoteric traditions but still follows the Lodge for access to sites and resources. 
**Represents the voice of rationalist skepticism within the Lodge, dismissing mysticism while reluctantly acknowledging strange occurrences. 
**Constantly attempts to discredit Eli’s theories but finds himself drawn into the Lodge’s affairs. 
*Professor Miriam Arendt (Esoteric Scholar, Unforgiving Rival)
**A former mentor to Eli, she now considers him reckless but still collaborates when their interests align. 
**Devoted to Kabbalistic and alchemical traditions, she believes Eli lacks the discipline for true mastery of ancient wisdom. 
**An initiate of the Rosicrucian Order and deeply tied to European secret societies. 
*Lord Alaric von Hess (Master Occultist, Guardian of the Old Ways)
**A European aristocrat and Grand Master within multiple secret societies, including a faction of the Golden Dawn. Sees Eli as a potential disruptor or a dangerous pawn in the great game of esoteric warfare. Holds deep knowledge of lost grimoires and forbidden rituals but refuses to share them without a price. 
*Lady Evangeline Brightmoor (Rosicrucian Mystic, Theosophist, Visionary)
**A key Rosicrucian figure who believes Eli has a greater destiny.  Advocates for a balance between scientific inquiry and mystical enlightenment. Practices a blend of Christian mysticism, Gnostic traditions, and Eastern philosophies. 
*Dmitri Koschei (Ex-KGB Occultist, Shadow Agent)
A former Soviet intelligence officer who worked in paranormal research. Specializes in psychometry, remote viewing, and Cold War-era occult espionage. Keeps his true agenda hidden, but rumors suggest he seeks an ancient relic of Slavic origin. 
*Father Esteban Ruiz (Vatican Liaison, Relic Hunter)
A Catholic priest and a secret operative of the Vatican’s Arcane Order. Views the Lodge’s work as both dangerous and necessary but remains loyal to the Church. Tasked with ensuring that relics of divine or infernal power do not fall into the wrong hands. 

====Structure & Operations====
**Meetings take place in secret at locations of esoteric significance—abandoned monasteries, ancient ruins, underground catacombs, or lost temples. 
**The Lodge uses coded journals and encrypted correspondence to maintain contact while scattered across the world. 
**Conflicts frequently arise over ethical dilemmas, such as whether to share or suppress certain knowledge. 
**The Emerald Compass Lodge is more than an alliance—it is a battlefield of ideas, where Eli finds both allies and adversaries in his quest for knowledge.
Would you like to expand on a particular conflict within the Lodge or develop more about their rituals?
Eli’s Dual Involvement in Scottish Rite and York Rite Masonry
===Scottish Rite and York Rite===
*Scottish Rite: The Esoteric Philosopher and Occultist
The Scottish Rite appeals to Eli’s love for esoteric knowledge, philosophy, and mysticism. Rising through its degrees, he studies Hermeticism, Kabbalah, alchemy, and Rosicrucian thought, gaining insight into hidden traditions.
Degrees & Influence on Eli’s Studies:
**4°-14° (Lodge of Perfection): Introduces deeper mystical symbolism, including sacred geometry and the hidden meanings behind Blue Lodge teachings. Eli's study of Egyptian, Gnostic, and Mesoamerican mystical traditions aligns with these teachings. 
**15°-18° (Chapter of Rose Croix): Explores Christian mysticism, theurgy, and esoteric Christian philosophy, influencing Eli’s perspectives on religious syncretism in ancient civilizations. 
**19°-30° (Council of Kadosh): Focuses on Templar mysteries, chivalry, and alchemical transformation—directly aligning with Eli’s historical research into lost orders. 
**31°-32° (Consistory): Unveils the true hidden nature of Masonic philosophy, cementing Eli’s role as both a scholar and practitioner of high-level Freemasonry. 
**33° (Honorary & Reserved for the Most Dedicated): While not yet attained, Eli’s deep understanding of ancient mystical traditions makes him a prime candidate for future elevation. 
====Scottish Rite Connections and Conflicts:====
*Allies: 
**Esoteric Masons & Occultists – Fellow researchers interested in magic, ancient religions, and Hermetic traditions. 
**Golden Dawn & Rosicrucians – Mystics who see Eli as a key figure in uniting different esoteric traditions. 
*Enemies: 
**Traditionalist Masons – View Eli as too immersed in occultism, fearing he strays too far from the core teachings. 
**Academic Skeptics – Historians who dismiss Eli’s esoteric interpretations of Masonic and ancient traditions. 
**Rival Occultists (e.g., Arendt) – See Eli as a competitor for rare knowledge and artifacts.