Post by Bixir on Feb 27, 2023 4:42:53 GMT
”One last time.”
General Information
Full Name:
Kent Nelson
Codename or Alias:
Doctor Fate
Anonymity
Kent Nelson is a secret identity, known only to a select few: members of the Justice League, the Justice Society, the Sorcerer Supreme, and of course, his wife, Inza Cramer. Doctor Fate is a hero recognized worldwide after becoming a part of the Justice League that repelled the Kree Empire, as well as a founding member of the much older Justice Society. Furthermore, Doctor Fate is a legendary figure among magical circles, particularly known for his role in exercising the Enchantress from June Moone... and permitting her to live. Doctor Fate is a fundamental agent of the greater cosmology of the universe, and is known among them as a force to be reckoned with.
Gender:
Male
Race:
Human
Age:
One-hundred thirty-eight human years
Place Of Birth:
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Occupation/Status:
Avatar of Nabu
Superhero
Tenured Professor (Cambridge University, Archaeology)
Grandfather
Alignment:
Hero
Factions:
Lords of Order (Nabu)
Justice Society of America (Founding member)
Justice League (Honorary member)
Canon Or Original?:
Canon (Doctor Fate)
Powers/Abilities:
Lord of Order
Kent Nelson is not himself a Lord of Order, but that fateful incident in Egypt made him a conduit of Nabu, himself perhaps the greatest among them. In addition to granting him an affinity for the Helmet of Fate and its cosmic might, Kent has developed numerous inherent traits that he does not require Nabu's vestments to have access to.
Longevity
Upon becoming Nabu's avatar, Kent was afforded extraordinary resistance to the effects of time. Though he is neither immortal nor ageless, Kent has aged gracefully, supernaturally so. For a man who has lived nearly two lifetimes, Kent only appears to be in his late sixties.
Olympian Health
Nabu's myriad gifts to Kent Nelson also affected his physical fitness; while he is his human self, Kent has the reflexes, agility, stamina, and strength of an Olympian athlete. His immune system is also far superior to that of an ordinary human, such that most poisons and toxins will have no effect on him whatsoever Sadly, this also means that the effects of alcohol and other inebriants have become significantly dulled for Kent. The man Kent Nelson is far more capable than he appears, but he is still human.
Magic
Kent Nelson does not need to don the Helmet of Fate in order to wield magic. If anything, he is an incredibly accomplished sorcerer in his own right. While the true power of Doctor Fate is channeled through the Helmet, Kent is capable of sophisticated arcane power at any given moment. His power is limited only by two things: his elden will, and the Order he is sworn to uphold. Needless to say, Kent himself is resilient to magic used against him, and knows how to battle other sorcerers, least of all those tied to Chaos.
Veteran Hero
Kent Nelson has been at superheroics for longer than anyone (women from Ancient Greece notwithstanding). His storied career as an adventurer, philanthropist, vigilante, sorcerer, and many other colors meaning the same thing affords Kent a unique skill set that few others can match.
Diplomat
From his earliest days of adventuring, Kent positioned himself as a mediator of conflict. Resolution through arbitration has been Kent's first option since then, and it has cultivated his reputation as a sage sorcerer who is more interested in making peace than meting out vengeance. Though Kent is not unwilling to resort to violence, his expertise lies in his way with words rather than a way with fists.
Survival
When Kent Nelson was orphaned in that ancient crypt, he was forced to fend for himself that no child ought to be expected to. Since escaping that crypt as Doctor Fate, Kent has been forced to master inhospitable environments, as a mortal human as well as an all-powerful Lord of Order. He can fend for himself outside of civilization, and relies little - if at all - on the excesses of modern technology. He is quite capable of living life as he had decades ago... mostly. Having a chauffeur is nice.
Medicine
Kent is versed in numerous arts of medicine of Western and Eastern traditions, and is capable of treating someone's wounds without the assistance of magic. He has successfully conducted surgeries - both planned and spontaneous - on his companions and on civilians... though he is not a licensed practitioner. That honor goes to Stephen Strange.
Martial Arts
Kent Nelson is no warrior. He dislikes having to harm another person, for any reason. Regardless, he has trained with dozens of masters of fighting across the world, many of whom remain some of his closest friends. They have trained him in many traditions of combat over the years, all of which he strives to use only in self-defense. Kent maintains his skill in fighting only to the extent that he needs to use it to subdue his opponents. He could not impart these skills to others like his mentors could.
Scholar
The man Kent Nelson has decades of experience, much of which has been spent on intellectual and cultural pursuits. In addition to academic rigor, Kent has firsthand experience of many world societies and governments, independent of his work as Doctor Fate. In quality as well as quantity, Kent Nelson is one of the most experienced men of his generation.
Polyglot
Kent learned to appreciate the vast diversity of the world at an early age, and has only fostered that burning curiosity. He has made a point of learning as many languages as possible, so that he may communicate with as much depth and range as possible in his duties as Doctor Fate. While the Helmet of Fate itself provides many shortcuts to this, Kent is no less devoted to being able to naturally communicate with people no matter where he is.
Archaeology
Prior to meeting Nabu in Egypt, Kent Nelson was an intrepid junior archaeologist under his father. Even after becoming the illustrious Doctor Fate, Nelson did not cease his fascination with the ancient and mysterious, maintaining his academic rigor to great aplomb, something that his relationship with Nabu over the years has only further enriched. Although Kent holds a doctorate in archaeology from the University of Cambridge, his firsthand experience far outweighs how his university education may help him.
History
Kent Nelson is well-versed in the study of history and the application of that research. He is a published academic, with dozens of papers to his name, ranging topics from the readings of Ptolemy and Solomon to recuperating marginalized perspectives from the American Civil War. Kent is eager to expand his knowledge when he is able to do so. Unlike most of his academic ilk, however, Kent is mindful of his station, and strives to leverage his education to make a difference in the world.
Politics
Contrary to his stodgy upbringing, Kent Nelson is a passionate social and political activist. This attitude goes beyond his sensibilities as a superhero, to the extent that he was a Member of Parliament for Labour for several terms. His activism does not stop at the institutions - Kent has participated in several historical political movements, often as a highly publicized figure. Kent’s commitment to social justice and civic reform often influences his work as Doctor Fate, and vice versa.
Weapons/Items:
The Helmet of Fate
The source of Nabu's power on the material plane, and unequivocally one of the most powerful arcane artifacts in existence. Anyone who dons the Helmet of Fate is transformed into Doctor Fate, the sorcerer supreme of Earth and the greatest agent of the Lords of Order. The helmet itself is a sentient, pervasive thing, as whoever dons the Helmet will share their mind with Nabu, for better or ill. Most who attempt to wear the Helmet are likely to become dominated by Nabu, so powerful is his will. Even for powerful magic-users, Nabu's resilience to those he does not wish to use his Helmet is great, and will resist any attempt on their part to wield Fate's power. In the worst of cases, the Helmet will drive an "unworthy host" to madness. For Kent Nelson, he surrenders his agency to Nabu whenever he dons the Helmet. He was made one with Nabu and his influence when he was a child, a connection that has only become stronger over Nelson's long life. He is only ever himself when the Helmet is removed, or when Nabu relents his influence to his mortal counterpart in moments of exhaustion or rare reprieve.
The Helmet of Fate gives the wearer enormous magical power, as well as the understanding of how best to use these skills. The power that Doctor Fate wields is near omnipotent, with few limits to what he can achieve. Many of his abilities are listed here, though it is by no means exhaustive:
Telepathy
Doctor Fate can pry into the minds of others with ease. Surface thoughts come naturally, though he may dig deeper to extract whatever information he needs… or inflict psychic damage proportionate to the subject’s will. Doctor Fate’s mind is not omnipotent, though it is not easy to resist, either.
Telekinesis
Doctor Fate can enact his will upon physical objects as well as the mental. He can uproot tens of tons of force to move objects at frightening speeds. Doctor Fate uses this telekinesis to grant himself superhuman strength and endurance, enough to match the likes of Superman and Black Adam if necessary.
Illusions
Doctor Fate can weave intricate illusions to distract and stupefy most willful individuals. He can perform these illusions on large crowds of people simultaneously, provided that he is able to maintain concentration on the spell.
Oneiromancy
Doctor Fate can affect one’s mind directly. This can be something as simple as compelling someone to perform a single action or manipulating memories to suit his needs. Doctor Fate is wary of how dangerous affecting the mind can be, and often uses this power in moderation, if at all.
Arcane Shielding
Doctor Fate can generate magical wards that provide defenses against any type of attack, such as concussive force, elemental power, psychic attacks, and other magic.
Invisibility
Doctor Fate may render himself (or others) invisible to the mundane. This invisibility is arcane in nature, masking the target from any technological means of detection, such as infrared sensors or sound. The effect becomes weakened whenever the user interacts with the tangible world.
Phasing
Doctor Fate can will himself or others to pass through physical objects with ease. He may suspend the effect to force tangibility, often to harmful and destructive results. One of the Tower of Fate’s many wards against intruders requires Doctor Fate to phase through the exterior structure.
Divine Wisdom
Wearing the Helmet of Fate grants the insight of Nabu the Wise. Nabu was a legendary sage of Ancient Egypt, whose experience is shared with the wielder of the Helmet. While Doctor Fate does not possess the wisdom of Solomon as Shazam does, he is able to call upon millennia of expertise in the occult and cosmic that is second to none. This includes a vast knowledge of deities, heroes, monsters, demons, and countless other phenomena that Nabu familiarized with over his lifetime.
Mystic Energy
Doctor Fate’s magic manifests as a golden energy that may be manipulated for any purpose he desires. Simple applications involve energy blasts and light constructs, but this only scratches the surface. More sophisticated spells invoke Egyptian symbology, most notably the ankh, Nabu’s sigil of power.
Astral Projection
Doctor Fate’s mind and body can be in two places at the same time. There is no discernible limit to the range of Fate’s cognition, nor is he limited to the mortal plane of existence. Doctor Fate has traveled to other planes with his mind, sometimes for days at a time. So long as Doctor Fate’s body is not disrupted during the channeling, he may sustain this process indefinitely.
Dimensional Manipulation
Doctor Fate may exert his will over the stuff of the universe. He can transpose an area into pocket dimensions (or specific planes entirely) for periods at a time, or teleport to these other dimensions directly. It is not possible to escape these dimensions without Doctor Fate’s intervention, or he is subdued to weaken the dimensional barriers.
Summoning & Banishment
Doctor Fate is a master of thaumaturgy. He may invoke or expel outsider entities to their point of origin through several practices, such as rituals, chanting, and mental battle.
The power of Fate is one of the most formidable in the universe, and is not to be taken lightly. For all its might, however, the avatar of Nabu is limited in the artifacts that carry that power. When Kent Nelson is separated from the Helmet of Fate and the other relics that hold Nabu's power, he is like any other ordinary man, mortal and susceptible to anyone who may wish to visit harm upon an old-timer. Nelson is not defenseless, though he would have little to protect himself against his numerous enemies that number among gods, demons, and all manner of monstrous things that man alone has no hope against.
Amulet of Anubis
Once, this medallion was wielded by the mad priest Khalis to enslave and torment the people of ancient Egypt at the behest of his master, Anubis. When Nabu struck down Khalis for his treachery, he claimed the relic for himself, and later bequeathed it to Kent Nelson when he chose him as his champion. The Amulet vastly amplifies Doctor Fate's power, as well as granting him numerous additional boons that the Helmet itself does not possess.
Soul Nexus
The Amulet houses the souls of those who have served Fate in the past, and may also be used to identify potential heirs to the Helmet of Fate, should the time come that Kent Nelson is no longer able to act as Fate.
Eldritch Blast
The Amulet can project a devastating eldritch beam, far more powerful than any of Fate's mystic bolts. It is most often used to subdue enormous creatures, or, in dire scenarios, is used to draw in a subject into the pocket dimension contained within the Amulet to indefinitely imprison them until their fate may be properly determined.
Truesight
The Amulet possesses true sight, piercing any and all illusions that attempt to deceive Doctor Fate. Nothing is beyond the purview of the Amulet, including those hiding nearby in other dimensions, let alone an attempt to lie to a champion of Order.
Scrying
The Amulet is one of the most potent scrying tools, allowing Fate to not only observe figures and events from afar, but to discern the nature and power of any given thing with proper study.
Cloak of Destiny
A mystic cloak that belonged to Nabu himself, passed on to Doctor Fate along with his many other vestments. It allows Fate to travel through the air at supersonic speeds, and may be used as an implement in many of his spells, particularly those to evade or obfuscate his opponents. It is resilient to most magical and energy-based effects, and can be made to glow with blinding radiance to stun anyone unfortunate enough to stare upon it.
The Tower of Fate
The home of Doctor Fate is a simple tower at a glance, unassuming and rigid in its presentation. However, seeing it alone requires a significant ability to see beyond illusions, unless Fate wills the Tower to appear before his guests. The Tower's interior is an entirely different story: it is practically its own dimension, capable of housing enormous spaces to assist in Fate's studies, and in repelling those who seek to claim Fate's power for themselves. Though it is normally based in Salem, the Tower may manifest itself wherever Fate wills if he so desires. Aside from the Helmet of Fate, the Tower is Order's primary anchor to the physical plane, and is where Doctor Fate returns to replenish his power and the base of operation from which he wages his war with the forces of chaos.
Channeling the power of Fate is an exhausting process. Nelson must periodically retire to the Tower of Fate, the nexus of Nabu's power on this plane, to reattune himself to the power of the Lord of Order. This process can leave Nelson less aware of his surroundings, and vulnerable to cunning intruders hoping to capitalize on this opportunity. More often than not the Tower itself is more than capable of expunging would-be intruders, though some of Fate's more sinister enemies have been able to take advantage of this in the past.
Appearance
Image:
Physical Appearance:
Kent Nelson is a difficult man to miss. He is over six feet tall, broad-shouldered, and possesses a grace that defies age. Kent appears to be in his mid-sixties, and while he is over double that in reality, his body is fit like he hasn’t broken forty. Kent’s medium-length hair is ghost-white, as is the facial hair covering the lower half of his face. Before becoming Doctor Fate, Kent’s eyes were a soft ocean blue. Afterwards, they retained their color, but intensified to an unsettling degree. Kent is able to dim this effect, but whenever he channels magic, Kent’s nature as the avatar of Order is unmistakable.Clothing and Armor:
Kent is wont to dress in elaborate formal wear, to the point that it is unlikely that he understands casual attire whatsoever. His day-to-day clothing reflects his role as the absentee archaeology professor of Ivy University. Sweater vests, pinstripe button-downs, formal slacks, moccasins, coats, and even the occasional ascot color Kent’s estranged wardrobe. Kent is a man well aware of his doddering impression; he merely wishes to play the part.
When Kent Nelson dons the Helmet of Fate, however, he is transformed into the mythic visage of Doctor Fate. He instantly becomes clad in the raiments that Nabu wore as Sorcerer Supreme in his time. His body becomes enveloped in a blue jumpsuit that covers him from the neck down. Golden plating adorns his joints, including the shoulders, waist, knees, and boots. The Amulet of Anubis holds the Cloak of Destiny against his collarbone, formed in the shape of an ankh, Nabu’s sigil. The Cloak of Destiny is a flowing, golden cloak, moving with a will of its own.
Personality
Sexual Orientation:
Heterosexual
General Personality:
Kent Nelson had little to define himself before his brush with Fate. He was only a young boy, shy of a teenager with a heart for adventure and a mind for the unknown. He took after his father, willing to take great risks to discover the undiscoverable. When Nabu took him in as his apprentice, Nelson had little choice but to imprint solely on the ancient magus, shaping his identity after this sorcerer who was, by all accounts, a poor substitute for the father that he had lost. Though he has no identity whenever he dons the Helmet of Fate, Nelson embodied many of the same attributes that Nabu does when he exercises control over his body. He cares deeply for all life, no matter how seemingly wicked or irredeemable. He longs to create lasting peace, and does not take pleasure in inflicting violence when it is necessary to do so. Nelson abhors chaos, and those that adhere to such things with the same determination as he does to order.
Kent Nelson's relationship with Nabu is hardly perfect, though. After all, his childhood, and most of his life for that matter, were taken from him, by forces beyond his control. He has had seldom freedom in his life, instead charged with a destiny far greater than anything he would have imagined or wanted for. His relationship with his friends and family suffered for his negligence, be it negligence of his own will or yet another decision made allegedly in his best interests by Nabu. They still do not see eye to eye from time to time, though the decades that they have spent together has created the foundations for an earnest, understanding symbiosis between Man and Order that cannot ever be shaken.
More than anything, however, Kent Nelson's heart belongs to his beloved Inza. They have been together for almost as long as he has been Doctor Fate, and inseparable at that. She has been involved in his and Nabu's role as Doctor Fate far more than Nelson would have liked, but he has come to accept and appreciate her presence in his life. Although Nabu's gifts of longevity do not extend to her nearly as much as they do to him, he is no less thankful to Nabu for making his time with Inza last for as long as he has. He knows that life worth cherishing is not something that can last, and that the day may yet come that she is no longer with him. Even when that threshold has passed, Inza would remain in Kent Nelson's heart. He is a man driven by love and hope, something that not even Nabu is capable of changing.
Face/Voice:
Pierce Brosnan
Anything Else
The Justice Society is composed of heroes and adventurers from bygone eras of hero and adventurer culture, such as the Golden Age of comic books, pulp novels, and Showa-era tokusatsu. This encompasses decades of characters that may qualify for membership in the Justice Society at one point or another. An abridged list of prospective members is sampled here:
Doc Savage / "The Man of Bronze" {Street & Smith}
Jay Garrick / “The Flash” {The Flash}
Dinah Drake / “Black Canary” {Justice Society}
Namor McKenzie / “Namor the Sub-Mariner” {Marvel Comics}
Makkari / "Mercury" {The Eternals}
Takeshi Hongo / “Kamen Rider Ichigo” {Kamen Rider}
Elizabeth Ross / "Golden Girl" {Captain America}
Marla Drake / “Miss Fury” {Miss Fury}
Golden Bat {Golden Bat}
Elizabeth Lawrence / “Liberty Bell” {All-Star Comics}
Samson {Fantastic Comics}
Fantomah {Jungle Comics}
Kent is extremely fond of candy, especially suckers and mints.
Kent Nelson is exceptionally fond of literature - most prominently, Shakespeare - and will often cite it to make a point.
Character's History
Siblings:
N/A
Mother:
Celestine Babcock (Deceased)
Father:
Sven Nelson (Deceased)
Other Family:
Inza Nelson - Beloved wife and co-inheritor of the Helmet of Fate (Open)
Nabu the Wise - Lord of Order, Avatar of Fate (NPC)
Kent Nelson, Jr. - Son (Open)
Muhammed Nassour - Nephew (Open)
Elizabeth Nassour - Niece (Open)
Khalid Nassour - Grandnephew (Open)
Salem Rula Nader - Goddaughter and protege (Open)
History:
The Book of Destiny: On the Matter of Fate
“All things are recorded in the Book of Destiny. This has been the way of things since the moment the universe was conceived. We are here to document Fate. Indeed, it is a cosmic thing, more than the Garden of Forking Ways. It is beyond any one man… though, it would seem, one man in particular was chosen for the burden of Order, one who stands above his peers. Through affairs that may only be explained in the pages of my book, the human Kent Nelson would come to be the most important Champion of Order.”
The Calling
”Kent was precocious, curious, and naive. He was born to parents who embodied their era: Brave. Ambitious. Ignorant. He was raised close to academia and far from people. Kent Nelson would not know matters of the heart for many years. For Sven, the mind came before all else. The few allowances afforded to Kent as a child were fanciful tales of adventurous and dastardly characters, captured in the pages of pulp magazines and dime novels. Ironhide, the first armored adventurer. Enigmatic Lobster Johnson, scourge of the Maggia. Fantomah, the International Woman of Mystery. These characters captivated Kent’s mind, myriad tapestries of his yet unknown future. His father approved of his son’s newfound adventurous spirit, unaware of its origin.
“Sven frequently departed their home for the wider world in search of the unfathomable. As his son, Kent was obliged to join his father on these excursions. Through the eyes of a twentieth century man, the boy learned of many things, some of which proved to be true. None of these things compared to when Sven acquired the means to visit Egypt. This was not Cairo or Alexandria. Sven had discovered a hallowed site that was forbidden to enter. This was no pharaoh’s tomb. It was the resting place of the Sorcerer Supreme of the Old Kingdom, who once saved his world from the wrath of En Sabah Nur, and Earth’s previous Lord of Order: Nabu the Wise.”
“Unblemished by the wants of maturity, Kent knew to fear the sarcophagus deep within this tomb. His father had no such doubts. When Sven lifted the lid of the sarcophagus, the very sight of its occupant was too much for any mortal man to bear. His end was swift, painless. Were he anyone else, Kent too would have succumbed as his father did. The grace of Nabu permitted the boy to live, their stars now intertwined. There was nothing Nabu could do for Sven Nelson. Order must take its course. So too must the legacy of Nabu persevere. Nabu’s body was rapidly decaying, no longer able to stem the tide of Chaos. Nabu wove his quintessence into a radiant helmet, and bestowed it upon Kent’s brow. Kent’s preoccupation with grieving his father mattered not to Nabu. The boy was a pure candidate, ideal for carrying on Nabu’s duty. So decreed Fate.
“The boy Kent Nelson became a man, and quickly. A child could not carry the burden that was required of him. To Nabu, the innocence of a single child was a speck before the great evils looming over the world. The next twenty years of Kent Nelson’s life were dedicated to what Nabu believed to be vital skills for his successor. Meditation, mastery of the chakras, Eastern mysticism, rigorous treks across the Sahara Desert, guerilla warfare. Nabu ingrained many lessons into his apprentice. Nabu the Wise was not patient, nor was he kind. His Order had no room for these things. Kent Nelson needed to become the Sorcerer Supreme of his era, or perish. The monsters lying in wait would be defeated by nothing less.
"Monsters such as Adolf Hitler and the Axis Powers. It was not men that Nabu feared, but the disorder behind their ideals. Nabu was not alone in his belief. Kent Nelson soon found himself in the company of those heroes from his stories. Jay Garrick, the Flash, was the first to contact Kent, followed by others. They gathered at Brownstone Mansion, a private estate in suburban Philadelphia. There, these individuals founded the first organization of costumed champions on Earth: the Justice Society of America. The bonds they forged would withstand the test of time, in more ways than Kent could imagine.
“The Justice Society of America defeated many foes throughout the 1940s, though none so daunting as the Claw: a terrible evil that loomed in the shadow of the Axis Powers. His abilities and technology imperiled the very Earth and the stars themselves. The Claw was scheming to steal the power of Fate itself: the Book of Destiny. The sanctity of reality rested upon the Justice Society’s victory against the Claw. Doctor Fate discerned that once the Justice Society of America could assault the Claw’s home, they would triumph against him. When the heroes besieged the Claw’s stronghold - hidden away on the island nation of Ricca in the South Pacific - Nabu warned Kent Nelson that this victory would come at a heavy price. Kent did not realize what Nabu meant until the heroes began to falter against the Claw in battle. Defeat was certain… if not for one thing. In that moment, Nabu seized control of Kent’s body, and prepared a ritual of stasis for the entire island. The Justice Society, the Claw, and all of his machinations on Ricca became displaced in a pocket dimension, removed from the material Earth. Nabu urged Kent that nothing would ever disturb them there, and that their end would be swift. The fabric of the multiverse was spared; Kent’s grief was not.”
“Sven frequently departed their home for the wider world in search of the unfathomable. As his son, Kent was obliged to join his father on these excursions. Through the eyes of a twentieth century man, the boy learned of many things, some of which proved to be true. None of these things compared to when Sven acquired the means to visit Egypt. This was not Cairo or Alexandria. Sven had discovered a hallowed site that was forbidden to enter. This was no pharaoh’s tomb. It was the resting place of the Sorcerer Supreme of the Old Kingdom, who once saved his world from the wrath of En Sabah Nur, and Earth’s previous Lord of Order: Nabu the Wise.”
“Unblemished by the wants of maturity, Kent knew to fear the sarcophagus deep within this tomb. His father had no such doubts. When Sven lifted the lid of the sarcophagus, the very sight of its occupant was too much for any mortal man to bear. His end was swift, painless. Were he anyone else, Kent too would have succumbed as his father did. The grace of Nabu permitted the boy to live, their stars now intertwined. There was nothing Nabu could do for Sven Nelson. Order must take its course. So too must the legacy of Nabu persevere. Nabu’s body was rapidly decaying, no longer able to stem the tide of Chaos. Nabu wove his quintessence into a radiant helmet, and bestowed it upon Kent’s brow. Kent’s preoccupation with grieving his father mattered not to Nabu. The boy was a pure candidate, ideal for carrying on Nabu’s duty. So decreed Fate.
“The boy Kent Nelson became a man, and quickly. A child could not carry the burden that was required of him. To Nabu, the innocence of a single child was a speck before the great evils looming over the world. The next twenty years of Kent Nelson’s life were dedicated to what Nabu believed to be vital skills for his successor. Meditation, mastery of the chakras, Eastern mysticism, rigorous treks across the Sahara Desert, guerilla warfare. Nabu ingrained many lessons into his apprentice. Nabu the Wise was not patient, nor was he kind. His Order had no room for these things. Kent Nelson needed to become the Sorcerer Supreme of his era, or perish. The monsters lying in wait would be defeated by nothing less.
"Monsters such as Adolf Hitler and the Axis Powers. It was not men that Nabu feared, but the disorder behind their ideals. Nabu was not alone in his belief. Kent Nelson soon found himself in the company of those heroes from his stories. Jay Garrick, the Flash, was the first to contact Kent, followed by others. They gathered at Brownstone Mansion, a private estate in suburban Philadelphia. There, these individuals founded the first organization of costumed champions on Earth: the Justice Society of America. The bonds they forged would withstand the test of time, in more ways than Kent could imagine.
“The Justice Society of America defeated many foes throughout the 1940s, though none so daunting as the Claw: a terrible evil that loomed in the shadow of the Axis Powers. His abilities and technology imperiled the very Earth and the stars themselves. The Claw was scheming to steal the power of Fate itself: the Book of Destiny. The sanctity of reality rested upon the Justice Society’s victory against the Claw. Doctor Fate discerned that once the Justice Society of America could assault the Claw’s home, they would triumph against him. When the heroes besieged the Claw’s stronghold - hidden away on the island nation of Ricca in the South Pacific - Nabu warned Kent Nelson that this victory would come at a heavy price. Kent did not realize what Nabu meant until the heroes began to falter against the Claw in battle. Defeat was certain… if not for one thing. In that moment, Nabu seized control of Kent’s body, and prepared a ritual of stasis for the entire island. The Justice Society, the Claw, and all of his machinations on Ricca became displaced in a pocket dimension, removed from the material Earth. Nabu urged Kent that nothing would ever disturb them there, and that their end would be swift. The fabric of the multiverse was spared; Kent’s grief was not.”
Homecoming
”Nabu had no condolences to offer to his pupil. He explained that in the face of such Chaos, the price of Order could be high. He chastised his pupil for not understanding when he first warned him about the consequences of the vision he had given to him. “You must see the grand design, my pupil. These people will be remembered through your continued service to the Path. What is there to mourn?” Nabu failed to see how this victory had not made him a stronger agent of Order. The universe was safe, and he had guided Kent into power that he had never known he was capable of. The mortal did not see as Nabu did; he never would.
Kent was the only member of the Justice Society of America to return to the United States. He refused the many honors bestowed upon him for his service. His one request was that the Brownstone Mansion be recognized as a national monument. The United States government honored his request. Over time, however, the achievements of the Justice Society were slowly forgotten. The tales behind the scenes faded into obscurity, hidden further still within the confines of wonder and mystery that had inspired these heroes in the first place. Their reputation was further marred by the tumultuous shift in American culture following the war. Heroes were darker, stranger. There was no longer room for bright eyes and colorful uniforms. Kent had attempted to foster a new generation of heroes at Brownstone Mansion, in the hopes that he may be able to sway public opinion. Nabu warned Kent that attempting to revive the past was folly, doubly so for what had occurred the last time he had disobeyed his master. Nabu’s warnings gained clarity when the United States government perceived Kent’s efforts as a communist threat amidst the brewing Cold War. Many of the new members Kent had recruited became targeted. Some of them disappeared. All of them, Kent Nelson among them, were forced to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Kent refused to disclose his identity to his persecutors, and left the hearing promptly. Though the government possessed the will to stop him, they lacked the power to do so. Following these hearings, the Justice Society of America was formally disbanded. The forces of tyranny that Kent Nelson had opposed in the war were not so easily defeated.
“Kent Nelson had ample reason to retreat into isolation and carry out the duties that Nabu continued to ask of him. During this time, the Tower of Fate was formally created as an isolated sanctum to Order and its champion. Isolation within the Tower would have suited Nabu’s interests. The Lord of Order was beginning to realize his vision of Earth as he believed it ought to be. The woman Inza Cramer changed this. The two met each other at a literature conference in Chicago. Kent did not know why he was attending; while his secret identity was intact, he had no reason to prefer the company of the country that had betrayed his principles. He was drawn to the event regardless. He convinced himself that this was a part of Nabu’s plan. In truth, the Lord of Order had been attempting to reach out to Kent about this brazen trip, but his pleas went unheard. Inza Cramer had no such illusions about why she was in Chicago. She was attending to present her thesis on the connection between the human subconscious and literary inspiration. One woman in particular in the audience was the witch Madame Moon. Among other things about Inza, the woman’s academic insights had piqued the Sovereign’s curiosity. Other parties had gathered at this event, curious instead for the witch Sovereign’s power. The matter of the battle that transpired as a result matters little. Subduing the likes of William Zard did not give Doctor Fate pause. The indignation of Inza Cramer was another matter. She had spotted Kent Nelson’s attendance at the event quickly, and noted when he had left, only for Doctor Fate to return. She decried his sense of justice as misplaced, oblivious to the troubles of the world beyond an academic conference. Kent had also grown inexperienced in channeling Nabu’s power. Untold damage had been wrought by his recklessness. Kent struggled to explain himself to Inza, who would not hear him regardless.
"Kent encountered Inza numerous times afterward. Whether it was the likes of the Lord of Chaos Wotan or the alchemist Diablo, Inza Cramer became a frequent witness to Kent Nelson's endeavors time and again, each time souring less to Kent and his efforts. Nabu warned Kent that consorting with mortals was an invitation to ruin. “Chaos rests within all mortals. It is in their nature to destroy each other, Kent Nelson. You must rise above the hubris of your kind.” Kent became concerned that he was subconsciously seeking her out in the hopes of correcting his initial behavior that had shamed him in Chicago. It was the opposite. Inza was an earnest spirit who, like Kent, tired of the moral doldrums of the era. She longed to make an impact, but lacked the fortune of stumbling into godhood as Kent had. She sought mystic power through other means, which often crossed paths with sinister individuals. Kent was not able to intuit Inza's intentions until she had succeeded in her search for answers.
"The tale of Roanoke is a mystery understood by few, many of whom succumbed to its peculiar madness. In times past, the Massachusetts village was home to one of the oldest lineages of Homo Magi in the universe. The very density of the aether in the earth warped the denizens of Roanoke. They cared not for mortals, nor the principles that drove them. "Their pursuit of exploring the fringes of the great beyond would have wrought havoc upon the Order of the universe. I was compelled to act.” Nabu the Wise ensured that Roanoke would be forgotten, and never remembered. Powerful wards were placed on Roanoke, shuttering it from the material anchor. Like many of Nabu's rituals that had been established over millennia, his curse of stasis upon Roanoke had dwindled. For a woman as determined as Inza, and a sorcerer as embittered as Klarion Bleak, breaking what remained of that threshold was a small matter. The latter was a primordial trickster who goaded Inza into doing his bidding under the pretense of teaching her magic. Nabu urged Kent Nelson to intervene on his behalf. "Chaos must not be permitted to roam free." These words chilled Kent to the bone. For reasons beyond my ken, he sought my counsel. Perhaps he believed that I owed him a debt for performing his duty at Ricca. I could not help him. I would not turn the page because it was asked of me; not even for a Lord of Order. I warned Doctor Fate: left unchecked, this sorcerer would usher in a new age of ruin.
"Doctor Fate was not alone in his investigation. Madame Moon had become aware of the weakening wards holding the Witch People at bay. If not for the world, then for the women of Miss Robichaux's, Madame Moon chose to aid Doctor Fate once more. Together, Kent and Prudence were able to breach Klarion's defenses and confront him directly. The truth of the matter was more simple and more complex than Kent Nelson or Nabu realized. There, Inza was with Klarion, and had ascended. Indeed, she was imbued with arcane power, similar to how Kent Nelson had been imbued by Nabu. Roanoke's ancestral leylines, hailing from the Age of Gods, had been completely preserved by Nabu's magic. Klarion had used his people's magic to create a new Doctor Fate that could replace Nabu. My warning had not been for Klarion. Order was not meant to imprison Chaos for eternity, just as Chaos would never be completely unchecked. Klarion understood this, in his own twisted way. Inza understood this as well. Nabu's influence upon Kent Nelson had grown like a storm cloud, weighing upon his sense of right and wrong. ”I am of the sea and stars. I have breathed creation into things much greater than this helmet. I have made you more than you could have ever been, Kent Nelson. You cannot turn your back upon Destiny!” Nabu believed himself the arbiter of all things. Not even the commandment of an elder god could stop Kent and Inza from opening their souls to one another. Their confessions within Roanoke's consecrated hall were profound. Kent and Inza made each other whole, in a way that I cannot describe with words. Fate was never Nabu’s domain, nor mine. The matter of mortals, like the Matter of Fate, is beyond the ken of the Endless. Henceforth, both Kent Nelson and Inza Cramer were capable of invoking Nabu's power. For the first time in Kent's life, that radiant voice in his mind was silent.”
Kent was the only member of the Justice Society of America to return to the United States. He refused the many honors bestowed upon him for his service. His one request was that the Brownstone Mansion be recognized as a national monument. The United States government honored his request. Over time, however, the achievements of the Justice Society were slowly forgotten. The tales behind the scenes faded into obscurity, hidden further still within the confines of wonder and mystery that had inspired these heroes in the first place. Their reputation was further marred by the tumultuous shift in American culture following the war. Heroes were darker, stranger. There was no longer room for bright eyes and colorful uniforms. Kent had attempted to foster a new generation of heroes at Brownstone Mansion, in the hopes that he may be able to sway public opinion. Nabu warned Kent that attempting to revive the past was folly, doubly so for what had occurred the last time he had disobeyed his master. Nabu’s warnings gained clarity when the United States government perceived Kent’s efforts as a communist threat amidst the brewing Cold War. Many of the new members Kent had recruited became targeted. Some of them disappeared. All of them, Kent Nelson among them, were forced to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Kent refused to disclose his identity to his persecutors, and left the hearing promptly. Though the government possessed the will to stop him, they lacked the power to do so. Following these hearings, the Justice Society of America was formally disbanded. The forces of tyranny that Kent Nelson had opposed in the war were not so easily defeated.
“Kent Nelson had ample reason to retreat into isolation and carry out the duties that Nabu continued to ask of him. During this time, the Tower of Fate was formally created as an isolated sanctum to Order and its champion. Isolation within the Tower would have suited Nabu’s interests. The Lord of Order was beginning to realize his vision of Earth as he believed it ought to be. The woman Inza Cramer changed this. The two met each other at a literature conference in Chicago. Kent did not know why he was attending; while his secret identity was intact, he had no reason to prefer the company of the country that had betrayed his principles. He was drawn to the event regardless. He convinced himself that this was a part of Nabu’s plan. In truth, the Lord of Order had been attempting to reach out to Kent about this brazen trip, but his pleas went unheard. Inza Cramer had no such illusions about why she was in Chicago. She was attending to present her thesis on the connection between the human subconscious and literary inspiration. One woman in particular in the audience was the witch Madame Moon. Among other things about Inza, the woman’s academic insights had piqued the Sovereign’s curiosity. Other parties had gathered at this event, curious instead for the witch Sovereign’s power. The matter of the battle that transpired as a result matters little. Subduing the likes of William Zard did not give Doctor Fate pause. The indignation of Inza Cramer was another matter. She had spotted Kent Nelson’s attendance at the event quickly, and noted when he had left, only for Doctor Fate to return. She decried his sense of justice as misplaced, oblivious to the troubles of the world beyond an academic conference. Kent had also grown inexperienced in channeling Nabu’s power. Untold damage had been wrought by his recklessness. Kent struggled to explain himself to Inza, who would not hear him regardless.
"Kent encountered Inza numerous times afterward. Whether it was the likes of the Lord of Chaos Wotan or the alchemist Diablo, Inza Cramer became a frequent witness to Kent Nelson's endeavors time and again, each time souring less to Kent and his efforts. Nabu warned Kent that consorting with mortals was an invitation to ruin. “Chaos rests within all mortals. It is in their nature to destroy each other, Kent Nelson. You must rise above the hubris of your kind.” Kent became concerned that he was subconsciously seeking her out in the hopes of correcting his initial behavior that had shamed him in Chicago. It was the opposite. Inza was an earnest spirit who, like Kent, tired of the moral doldrums of the era. She longed to make an impact, but lacked the fortune of stumbling into godhood as Kent had. She sought mystic power through other means, which often crossed paths with sinister individuals. Kent was not able to intuit Inza's intentions until she had succeeded in her search for answers.
"The tale of Roanoke is a mystery understood by few, many of whom succumbed to its peculiar madness. In times past, the Massachusetts village was home to one of the oldest lineages of Homo Magi in the universe. The very density of the aether in the earth warped the denizens of Roanoke. They cared not for mortals, nor the principles that drove them. "Their pursuit of exploring the fringes of the great beyond would have wrought havoc upon the Order of the universe. I was compelled to act.” Nabu the Wise ensured that Roanoke would be forgotten, and never remembered. Powerful wards were placed on Roanoke, shuttering it from the material anchor. Like many of Nabu's rituals that had been established over millennia, his curse of stasis upon Roanoke had dwindled. For a woman as determined as Inza, and a sorcerer as embittered as Klarion Bleak, breaking what remained of that threshold was a small matter. The latter was a primordial trickster who goaded Inza into doing his bidding under the pretense of teaching her magic. Nabu urged Kent Nelson to intervene on his behalf. "Chaos must not be permitted to roam free." These words chilled Kent to the bone. For reasons beyond my ken, he sought my counsel. Perhaps he believed that I owed him a debt for performing his duty at Ricca. I could not help him. I would not turn the page because it was asked of me; not even for a Lord of Order. I warned Doctor Fate: left unchecked, this sorcerer would usher in a new age of ruin.
"Doctor Fate was not alone in his investigation. Madame Moon had become aware of the weakening wards holding the Witch People at bay. If not for the world, then for the women of Miss Robichaux's, Madame Moon chose to aid Doctor Fate once more. Together, Kent and Prudence were able to breach Klarion's defenses and confront him directly. The truth of the matter was more simple and more complex than Kent Nelson or Nabu realized. There, Inza was with Klarion, and had ascended. Indeed, she was imbued with arcane power, similar to how Kent Nelson had been imbued by Nabu. Roanoke's ancestral leylines, hailing from the Age of Gods, had been completely preserved by Nabu's magic. Klarion had used his people's magic to create a new Doctor Fate that could replace Nabu. My warning had not been for Klarion. Order was not meant to imprison Chaos for eternity, just as Chaos would never be completely unchecked. Klarion understood this, in his own twisted way. Inza understood this as well. Nabu's influence upon Kent Nelson had grown like a storm cloud, weighing upon his sense of right and wrong. ”I am of the sea and stars. I have breathed creation into things much greater than this helmet. I have made you more than you could have ever been, Kent Nelson. You cannot turn your back upon Destiny!” Nabu believed himself the arbiter of all things. Not even the commandment of an elder god could stop Kent and Inza from opening their souls to one another. Their confessions within Roanoke's consecrated hall were profound. Kent and Inza made each other whole, in a way that I cannot describe with words. Fate was never Nabu’s domain, nor mine. The matter of mortals, like the Matter of Fate, is beyond the ken of the Endless. Henceforth, both Kent Nelson and Inza Cramer were capable of invoking Nabu's power. For the first time in Kent's life, that radiant voice in his mind was silent.”
The Captain of Their Soul
"Madame Moon reminded them that their business was not finished. What was to be made of Roanoke? Although its leylines had been drained of power, they would replenish with time. Klarion had also, to their surprise, acted alone. None of his brethren wished to consort with the realms beyond their own. One way or another, balance demanded to be restored. To Klarion's chagrin, he was returned to the custody of the Witch People. Madame Moon worked with the Roanoke Sovereign to create a new pocket dimension that could be used as a new enclosure to keep their community isolated from mortal reality. They also agreed to forgo the namesake that had brought them to this point. This place became Limbo Town, a community of mages who had nothing to fear from a universe that did not know they existed. While these talks unfolded, Inza and Kent spoke with one another earnestly for the first time. Inza was elated. She could not wait to put her new gifts to use for the world. Kent was tired. He was ready to abandon this life that he had been thrust into. Both of them needed time to process these events in a way that only humans could understand. Both of them agreed that no matter what they did, they would weather it together.
"Kent came to a series of decisions that would satisfy both parties. First, they would return to his home of Cambridge. He had not been in touch with his family since he was a child, and he wanted - needed - Inza to be there with him. Second, Kent proposed to Inza at the next literary conference in Chicago. She accepted. The event was a small affair in Cambridge, reserved for their family and no others. Third, Kent deferred the duties of Doctor Fate to Inza. It was time for her to live as a champion, and it was time for him to live as a man. The final decision was - to Inza, perhaps - the most strange. Kent Nelson was going to run for Parliament.
“Inza was surprised by this. Her husband had no political experience, public speaking skills, or the connections necessary to sustain a campaign amid a conservative political climate. Cambridge was a city of tradition and academia that would not welcome a challenger. Kent was motivated by these concerns. Inza had reinvigorated his sense of justice. Without Nabu’s influence, Kent felt like himself in a way that he had not been allowed to understand before. Though Kent had been on this Earth for more years than his father had been, he longed to get in touch with the country he had grown up in - more pointedly, its people. Kent Nelson’s popularity in the primary election for Labour scratched the surface of double digits. Several subsequent campaigns repeated this pattern. These losses - embarrassments, as they were referred to in the press - did not faze Kent in the slightest. Kent never faltered in his faith in the people of Cambridge to support his bid for their future. Kent Nelson became something of an icon, not necessarily for his repeated failed campaigns for Parliament, but for the earnestness with which this older stranger was applying himself to the constituency of Cambridge. Kent slowly leveraged his foibles for politics into an advantage, speaking candidly to people who longed to see one of their own in government. Kent Nelson became an organizer long before he was a Member of Parliament. Eventually, Kent’s gambit of perseverance paid off, and he was sworn into the House of Commons as the representative for the constituency of Cambridge.
“Kent quickly familiarized himself with the bureaucracy of legislative politics. The gap between practical promises and improbable dreams was farther than any distance Kent had crossed in his lifetime. Kent was an uncompromising spirit, which left him with little to do in an era where this mindset was anathema to the systems of power. In spite of this new reality, Kent was able to do things for the people of Cambridge, and for his nation. Much of his early work involved desk duty for his peers, as well as the occasional diplomatic visit to distant European states. Kent did not weep for matters of state and empire, but he was keen to the woes of the disenfranchised. The Troubles of Ireland brewed turmoil in the United Kingdom for thirty years, and reached further than that. Kent was no maverick, nor someone people could rally behind, but he did his part to help defend Northern Ireland however he could. The matter was personal to Kent, who had but recently begun to connect with his Irish roots. When the law hampered Kent’s efforts as a Member of Parliament, he made sure that Doctor Fate was made aware of their plight. A single champion, no matter how great, could not overthrow the way of the world. Nevertheless, Fate was on the side of the oppressed.
“Many years passed. Kent and Inza became comfortable in this new life that they had woven together. They began to consider offspring. The boons of Fate ensured that they had nothing to fear from the passage of time. Rather, Kent and Inza longed for children so that they could build a family that neither of them had in their youth. Nine months later, Kent Nelson, Jr. was brought into the world. Kent quickly came to appreciate the experience of fatherhood. The effect of its absence in his life became clear. Then, Nabu spoke to Kent Nelson for the first time in twenty years.”
”Ricca has returned.” ”The stasis that Nabu had cast on Ricca when he had taken over Kent’s body had sporadically dissipated. Nabu’s previous fading enchantments had been gradually decaying over the past several thousand years. This resolution was near instantaneous. Inza’s investigation showed that Ricca was far from how Kent had remembered it. The island had become engulfed in shadow and sulfur. Twisted abominations prowled the island in hordes, consuming everything in sight. The politician Kent Nelson entered retirement. The sorcerer Kent Nelson believed that his old friends were somewhere in that living nightmare. Nabu shared a vision with Kent: he would find what he sought when he encountered a figure in a green cloak. Kent recognized the cloak at once. For unclear reasons, the Spectre was here.
"Upon their arrival, the nature of Ricca’s return was clear. Nabu’s stasis spell had displaced Ricca from material reality, causing it to drift through the liminal cosmos. Ricca and its inhabitants eventually collided with the Dread Dimensions, home to countless strains of Chaos and Evil. The Chthonic Mindless Ones had made Ricca their home. Fell golems that fed upon the essence of reality itself. Their master was nowhere to be found; if he had been there, this would have been the end of Doctor Fate. The island had become a hollow shell of its former self. In the outer realms, the concept of time as mortals understood it did not exist. Much of the Claw’s machines and soldiers had remained intact, feebly doing battle with the Mindless Ones. It was not long before Kent and Inza saw the Justice Society, battling evil as if it was still 1945. As Nabu predicted, there was a man in an impressive green cloak leading them. His face was a metal mask, and he boasted technology and sorcery in equal measure. He was not the Spectre. Through the efforts of Kent, Inza, and this stranger, everyone was spirited away to the Tower of Fate. Ricca, now completely untethered by the energies that had been keeping it aloft in the material, withdrew once more into the unknowing void. The cloaked stranger remarked that in exchange for his aid, Doctor Fate would one day return the favor to Doctor Doom.
”In the aftermath of this miraculous series of events, many questions demanded answers among the gathered parties. Few of them needed to be resolved at that moment. It was more than enough for Kent Nelson to be reunited with men and women that he had thought had been lost to his master’s higher calling. There was no question among Kent, Inza and their friends what was to be done next. The Justice Society was reinstated at Brownstone Mansion. The decision to remove the affiliation with the United States was unanimous. They had learned firsthand to distrust their government. Kent longed to spend more time with his reunited companions. Even Nabu shared this sentiment. The Lord of Order had had time to reflect on his tenure within the Helmet of Fate, and was coming to sincerely understand the man Kent Nelson. However, Kent agreed with Inza that the Brownstone Mansion was not a suitable place to raise a family. Kent, Inza, and their son moved north to Ivy Town, a quiet university town in Connecticut.
The Quality of Mercy
”Kent and Inza raised their family in Ivy Town for many years without fanfare. Their son showed no aptitude for the arcane arts. Neither of them planned on initiating their son into their tradition; this development reinforced that decision. Kent Nelson, Jr. grew up quickly, and left the Nelson household at an early age in pursuit of the arts at the local university. Kent attended Justice Society meetings regularly, though often participated from a distance. Kent was eager to raise his family with his wife before aught else. This changed when a diplomatic missive was sent to the Nelson household. It detailed a cordial invitation to meet Victor von Doom, the ruler of Latveria - in person. Kent and Inza alerted the Justice Society to their business before departing. The letter was clear that Doctor Fate was to come alone.
“Inza had never visited Latveria before, though as they took in the countryside, Kent Nelson was keenly reminded that he had made a business visit to the country shortly after its founding, when he was still a Member of Parliament. He had not met Victor von Doom then, but rather an attendant. Victor greeted them both at his castle, musing that he had expected Inza to come as well. The tension between the Latverian monarch and the sorcerers of Order was palpable. Victor held no ill will towards either of them, nor to the Justice Society. His interest in returning the Justice Society to this plane of existence was, as far as Kent could tell, genuine. But he had still made sure to collect on the apparent debt that he had accrued from them. Victor had been endeavoring for years to rescue his mother, Cynthia von Doom, from the clutches of the Pit. Mephisto, the demon lord of that realm, had ensnared her into service through trickery. Victor did not wish to bring his mother back to life. To attempt such a thing would invite further tragedy. He wished to free his mother from the torment of her captor. Victor admitted that this was not something he could do by his lonesome. He appealed to the Nelsons’ good nature to return the favor to a man in need of closure. Though Inza met Victor’s plea with doubt, Kent saw that the man was speaking earnestly. It was the duty of Doctor Fate to set such things aright. At great peril, the three sorcerers ventured into the Pit itself and won the right to Cynthia’s soul by completing several arduous trials. Kent and Inza left Latveria on tentatively amicable terms. Victor assured them that should their paths cross again, it would not be as enemies. So Kent Nelson hoped.
"Kent and Inza joined the Justice Society in many incidents that went beyond their personal debts. In recent years, there are three events that were notable enough to garner global attention. The first was the release of Teth-Adam, a former champion of the Council of Wizards who had punished him for his hubris. In Teth-Adam’s time, Northern Africa had been Kahndaq, and he sought to reclaim what he believed to be his birthright. The tenuous political climate of the region and the awesome might of Teth-Adam compelled the Justice Society to intervene. Teth-Adam’s power was fearsome, and nearly vanquished the Justice Society over the course of the battle. Teth-Adam was only defeated when Kent and Inza discovered the mythic Rock of Eternity within Kahndaq’s ruins. It was not only the source of Teth-Adam’s power; it was the source of all magic in the universe. Channeling its ancient rites, the Doctors Fate were able to subdue Teth-Adam, reverting him into his mortal form. Most of the members of the Justice Society, as well as the political leaders of the world, demanded that Teth-Adam be put to death for his crimes. Kent Nelson, as well as Nabu, saw a different path for the disgraced champion. This was no longer the time of Baron Helsingard and the Claw. Doctor Fate could not allow Kahndaq to be left to the vestiges of empire and terror. For all his crimes, Teth-Adam was the beloved protector of Kahndaq. Nabu agreed with Kent’s conclusions. Order needed to be restored for those who suffered most from its absence. The Justice Society was moved by Kent’s appeal for mercy. They resolved to return Teth-Adam to his people, to the outcry of Earth’s leaders. This resolution came at great harm to the reputation of the Justice Society, but the decision was honored nonetheless.
“The second crisis involved many more champions outside the Justice Society. The Justice Society was an older institution, often keeping to itself and the legacies that gave rise to it. The modern era saw new waves of caped crusaders and masked vigilantes to do their part in battling evil. These people flocked to one another, forming a league of their own. Kent Nelson joined these fledgling heroes, lending his expertise against a new enemy to the people of Earth. That enemy was the Kree Empire, conquerors from the unfathomable depths of space. Kent Nelson foresaw these invaders in a vision through the Helmet, and quickly shared word of the coming battle. The Justice League was formed in the wake of this crisis, spearheaded by the heroes Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Although Kent was considered an honorary member, he declined to join them officially. While Doctor Fate would assist the Justice League in whatever capacity they could, they belonged with the Justice Society. The two organizations have worked in concert since.
“For many people, negotiating Teth-Adam and battling the Kree was the first time they became aware of Doctor Fate and his mystical prowess. The up and coming sorcerer Stephen Strange was among them. Kent recognized much potential within him, as well as an ego that concerned him. Kent offered to mentor Stephen as a means to temper his will, lest it spiral out of control. Stephen did not realize this intent until the third major crisis of the modern era came forth. The Enchantress had re-awakened within June Moone, wrathful towards the world. Her power dwarfed anything that Doctor Fate had faced before, short of Teth-Adam himself. The battle transpired across continents for weeks, as those involved struggled to determine a way to defeat the vengeful goddess. When that time finally came, Doctor Fate once more erred on the side of mercy. Kent was more certain than ever that the world needed to be kinder. In Kent’s view, Teth-Adam was a bitterly wronged champion who had chosen to use his gifts pettily. June Moone had never had a choice in her evil at all. If he did nothing, June would face the ultimate punishment for the crime of being chosen by the Enchantress. To Kent, June Moone was a kindred spirit. Few others saw it that way, but as the world had learned in the past, defying the will of Fate was a graver mistake.
“Doctor Fate has become a larger-than-life figure, from the revived Justice Society to the Masters of the Mystic Arts to the numerous enemies he has made over the years. Kent Nelson’s passion lies with his humble professorship at Ivy University, where he regales earnest minds with his expertise on archaeology and history. Kent Nelson’s story remains unfinished. I may only tell what my Book permits me to read. In time, Kent Nelson’s story will end. When that day comes, a new chapter will unfold in the Matter of Fate. Until then, not even Fate knows what is to come.”
Role Play Sample:
(These events took place within the past year in the setting of the roleplay and are considered to be canon.)
The Massachusetts night air was cold. Freezing, actually. At this time of year, it was considered a winter hazard to go outside without the proper layers of clothing to protect against the elements. On a night like this, temperatures could reach below zero degrees Celsius. No one was walking the streets unless they absolutely needed to. This girl in particular was wearing a short, plain, black, long-sleeved mini-dress with a ruffled pointed large-neck white collar brooches by a faded amethyst, with folded cuffs, barely cinched into an A-line skirt by a wide belt with a comically large square buckle. Wide-striped stockings and shoes with matching buckles that would be indistinguishable from a sensible loafer if not for the tall heel in the back. In essence, the sort of outfit one might wear on Halloween, which was nearly two months ago. All of this, and her skin was bright green, and her hair was as white as snow.. That was the least interesting thing about her. Walking gingerly beside her was a house cat with fur black as pitch. Neither the girl nor the cat appeared to mind the weather whatsoever.
The man’s focused expression softened, allowing a smile. Though he did not know her by name, one look was all he needed to understand what was going on. It was strange, watching her like this. It was rather improper, and perhaps completely unnecessary. This also applied to what she was doing. She had gotten it into her head that she would find what she was looking for in this quiet seaside village. Then again, Fate was not one to disappoint.
A few minutes later, the girl reached her destination: a run-down house sitting near the docks. The chimney had not witnessed smoke for at least sixty years. The mailbox and backyard fence had been stripped of metal in nearly as much time. There was no evidence of whomever had lived here in the past. Looking at the door, she hesitated. The cat jarred her senses with a meow, prompting her to take a breath and reach for the door. When she opened the door, she was met with a blinding light. When the light faded, the girl was staring into a library that was most certainly not what was supposed to be the foyer to this old hovel. Standing in the doorway was an elderly man dressed… like he did live here, actually. Even though he didn’t. He held out a small, green lollipop to the girl, smiling.
”Sucker? They’re Sour Apple.”
The girl looked at him, completely dumbfounded. The cat didn’t even meow. He supposed that was to be expected. He shrugged, placing the new candy into his mouth. ”Suit yourself.”
He started to walk back into the estranged library. He needed to-
”Stop.”
He stopped. The man turned around to face the girl again, now smiling with a lollipop tucked into the corner of his cheek. ”You are looking for answers.”
She stiffened. She hadn’t been expecting a response, or one so prompt and to the point. ”...Yes.”
He continued to stare at the girl, thinking. The last thing either of them needed was for her to go back the way she came. For a moment, he looked past her, then met her eyes, his blue to her… green. There was knowing in those eyes. ”You won’t find them out there.”
That seemed to do it. She walked in, shutting the door behind her. The hard part was over. In here, no one could see her, hear her, know her. He had a feeling that that was what she had been looking for in the first place. It wasn’t the whole story, though. That required tea and biscuits.
They transitioned into another room, seamlessly, where that exact arrangement had been prepared for them. It was a den, the kind of den that stopped being built in houses a long time ago. The two of them sat in silence for a long time. Enjoying the refreshments seemed to content the girl. The cat had her own bowl of milk, lapping away down by the girl’s feet. By the time the man had gotten settled, his sucker had mysteriously vanished. Perhaps not so mysteriously. His sweet tooth was a touch ravenous.
Eventually, the girl found the words to speak. ”Look, I’m from-”
The man raised his hand, firmly. She stopped, startled. He looked deeply into her eyes. The look alone told a story. ”I know.”
”You… you do?”
He took a sip of his tea. ”You are of Roanoke - Limbo Town.” He shifts his head slightly. Some amusement crosses his features. ”Were, probably.”
She looked stunned, more than she had been before. It was not her fault. Her rebuttal barely passed her lips. ”How-” She looked over herself, with her green skin and centuries-old attire, and then at this man who knew a little more than he needed to. He offered her a sympathetic smile, then tapped his nose twice.
”Your secret is safe with me. That does get to the point, though. Those who leave Limbo Town become afflicted with a curse of Chaos.” He took a moment to look down at the cat before returning his gaze to the girl. So far, he was correct. His bemused demeanor creased with sympathy. ”You did not leave by choice, did you?”
The girl jerked her head quickly, shaking it. ”My parents… they never wanted… me. So they just… pushed me out. Like I was nothing. I never got a chance to be who I was supposed to be. I’m just…” She looked down at her hands. Her eyes glistened. “This.”
For a moment, the man closed his eyes. He had battled demons and outwitted gods. He had witnessed the death of thousands and saved ten times as many. Hearing this child’s sorrow cut through him cleaner than any of those experiences. He opened his eyes and leaned forward. He tentatively moved his hands close to hers. Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed his wrists, though she didn’t look at him. ”I know what it is like to lose that sense of yourself. I also know what it is like to have nowhere to go. If you like, you can-”
”Salem.”
Salem looked up to face the man again. Tears had begun to flow. “M-My name’s… Salem.”
She did not wait for him to respond. She thrust herself across the table small table between them, hugging him like she’ll never let go. He paused, taking in the moment before lowering his arms to hug her back. He caressed the back of Salem’s head, holding her close. ”My name is Kent.”
Christmas at the Tower of Fate this year was going to be a little less lonesome.
