Alias(es): Charles Dexter Ward, The Archivist
Location: Nob Hill
C.D. Ward is the leader of The Foundation, known by the title “The Archivist”. A powerful magic user and summoner, he is rumored to be hundreds of years old, using his eldritch abilities to artificially extend his life.
Powers
A powerful sorcerer, with the ability to summon and control eldritch entities. Ward possesses a mastery of ancient texts and forbidden knowledge, enabling him to perform feats of magic that are beyond the understanding of most.
Background
Ward serves as the keeper of The Foundation’s vast library of occult knowledge. His expertise in summoning and binding powerful beings is unparalleled, and he uses this knowledge to further The Foundation’s influence and control. Little is known about his true origins, but legends suggest he has been alive for centuries, sustained by dark rituals and forbidden magic. His longevity and accumulated wisdom make him a formidable and feared figure within the occult community.
The Foundation
Founded before the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, The Foundation has long been a secret society of San Francisco’s elite, manipulating major events in the city to maintain their own power. Under Ward’s leadership, the organization has continued to grow in influence. Despite its true nature, The Foundation maintains a public facade as a non-profit organization dedicated to positive change in the city. To the general population, The Foundation’s occult activities and Ward’s powers are largely considered rumors or remain unknown.
Personality
Charles Dexter Ward is a complex and enigmatic figure. He is deeply knowledgeable and highly intelligent, with a profound understanding of the arcane. His demeanor is often cold and calculating, driven by an insatiable thirst for power and knowledge. Despite his age, he exudes a commanding presence and possesses a charisma that draws followers to his cause. However, his pursuits have made him ruthless, willing to manipulate and destroy those who stand in his way.
Public Image
Ward maintains a private and enigmatic public image. He avoids public visibility, and The Foundation’s true activities are shrouded in secrecy. Most people perceive The Foundation as a benevolent non-profit organization, unaware of its darker pursuits. Despite this, Ward’s influence is deeply felt within the organization, guiding its actions from the shadows.
Motivation
Ward’s primary goal is to uncover and harness the most dangerous and powerful secrets of the occult. He views The Foundation as a means to this end, using its resources and influence to pursue hidden knowledge and power. His relentless quest for forbidden knowledge drives him to take risks and make sacrifices that others would deem too perilous. Ward is not content with mere control; he seeks ultimate dominion over both the mundane and supernatural realms.
Controversies
- Dark Rituals: Rumors abound about the dark rituals and forbidden magic Ward practices to maintain his immortality, raising ethical and moral concerns among those aware of his actions.
- Manipulation and Control: As the leader of The Foundation, Ward has been implicated in manipulating major events in San Francisco, often at the expense of the public good.
- Summoning Entities: His ability to summon and control eldritch entities poses significant risks, with some questioning the potential consequences of unleashing such powers on the world.
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