Melissa Lynn Hart, "Joan296" is a hunter of the Martyr Creed.
Overview[]
Melissa is the child of prominent investment bankers in Boston. Until recently, she spent her life as a spoiled, indolent brat who lived for nothing but formal functions and shopping sprees. By 17, she was a jaded young socialite primed for an Ivy League education and utterly, completely without a soul.
Were it not for a failing grade in Latin, Melissa might have gone on to live a cynical, materialistic life. Instead, she was paired with a young student from Brazil, Amelia Rodriguez, who in time opened Melissa's eyes to the sobering fact that the world didn't revolve around her. This dawning awareness, however, was only the first step to an even more frightening realization. When a shapeshifter tried to kidnap Amelia, Melissa heard the call and threw herself in the monster's path.
Struggling to come to grips with the existence of creatures, Melissa turned to the Sunday school lessons she dimly remembered from her early childhood. Like many people who find religion after an empty, materialistic life, she surrendered herself completely to her newfound faith. Driven by her own unconscious self-importance, Melissa believed that it was her destiny to be the living symbol of her cause, and she immediately set out to call others to her banner. Tragically, she also believed that all people, blind and powerless as they are, must contribute to the struggle as well. She now celebrates her followers' death as examples to inspire still others.
It is Melissa's utter certainty in her faith that has made her a force to be reckoned with, both for monsters and other imbued. Although posters to hunter-net repeatedly scorn her naïve, idealistic views, she is powerfully self-composed and charismatic in person. Hunters who have spoken to her face-to-face report that she has an otherworldly presence about her that commands attention, and she can be exceptionally inspiring when she discusses her beliefs. Whether this quality is the fevered allure of a lunatic or the aura of one divinely blessed is open to conjecture.
Melissa's fanaticism, however, is beyond question, as demonstrated by her self-admitted torture killing of Amelia Rodriguez in an attempt to purge the girl of the "stain of evil." She leaves no doubt as to the necessity of sacrifice on the part of God's faithful and advocates an inquisitorial role for the devoted, a sort of moral authority among the imbued. What's truly frightening is the growing number of people who listen to what Melissa has to say, whether they understand or not.
Melissa's whereabouts are unknown, but it's speculated that she remains in Boston, protected by her supporters. She is wanted for the Amelia's murder, but the charges only seem to make her more of a hero to her homegrown army. Two hunters recently posted to hunter-net that they were going to the city to "take care" of Joan before her movement got out of hand.
Character Sheet[]
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2, Charisma 3, Manipulation (Coercion) 4, Appearance 3, Perception 3, Intelligence 2, Wits 3
Abilities: Academics (History) 3, Alertness 3, Athletics 1, Computer 2, Drive 1, Etiquette 2, Finance 1, Intimidation 2, Leadership 3, Linguistics (Latin) 1, Politics 1, Research 2, Stealth 1
Backgrounds: Resources 5
Edges: (Martyrdom) Demand, Project, Witness; (Judgment) Ward, Discern
Mercy: 4, Zeal: 1, Conviction: 8, Willpower: 9
References[]
- HTR: Hunter Book: Martyr, p. 22, 27, 32, 36, 44, 47, 49, 56, 59, 63, 92-93
- HTR: Hunter Book: Visionary, p. 33