Joseph Kingston's Questionnaire

Joseph "Average" Kingston currently lives in a rented out office space in Chicago. He hoped that maybe he can get his exorcism gig started there after getting into a bit of heat with the police after he was caught with his last money scheme. Who knew the old chrome would snitch? Anyways, he's hoping to get started here with a fresh clean slate, and hopefully this time, it stays that way. Right now he lives in a rented out office with the bare minimum utilities. Bathroom with a working sink, a small snack bar at the end of the desk he sits in, and a little storage room he usually fashions into whatever he needs for a client. Whatever it be, Joseph has an answer for everything all in this tiny apartment

Odd jobs, the occasional council here and there, anything you can think of that makes money. To séances, fortune reading, massage therapy, to exorcisms. Mainly exorcisms. He advertises himself to be a psychic who can deal in the paranormal in a fresh and modern way. Most of the time, he doesnt actually deal in the paranormal, and just mainly uses his time to help in recreational applications. Like repairs, lost and found, council, mundane and ordinary actuvities. He usually uses the money he earns on utilities like bills and rent. The extra bit that he earns he immediately puts into either his image, advertising, or his savings account. 

Joseph has wanted nothing more than to be special. Extraordinary, to have a life of grandeur and excitement, to have a life of paranormal. After seeing his first magic show at the age of 9, he's been fascinated at the thought of other worldly powers and beings that walk among us, and for the longest time has always desired it, power. Power to become the strongest psychic in the world. He would do anything for this ambition. Anything except harm. He will burn and break his body for his dream, but will never resort to harming others. He lives by a strict code of never actually hurting someone. At least physically. No matter what, he will never bring himself to hurt or kill anyone unless he's forced into self defense.

When Joseph was just nine he saw a magic show in his school that blew his mind. After this event, it molded him to become a person that seeked out the supernatural. He never forgot about that day, the day he became fascinated by magic. He'd always wondered if he could do it himself. And so, he sought it out. Real magic, but everytime he'd just be met with harsh reality. He never grew out of his fascination, and eventually began working at a mundane office job, only to quit after only four years to yet again pursue the supernatural. This time, he took it more seriously. 

His mother, Sandra Kingston, a kind and loving mother who had always supported joeseph in all things that pertained in the supernatural was a woman who poured her heart and soul into caring for Joseph. A normal everyday housewife.

His father, Wilson Kingston, a stern and respectable man who always embodied the blue collar working man. He was a mechanic who worked on all kinds of vehicles and often would come home covered in grease and oil. A real mans man who valued family more than anything else. Your typical hard working father. Passed away due to lung cancer.

His sister and best friend, Elliott Kingston, a patient and reliable older sister who was born with a sharper wit than your average schmoe, she was always top of her class and the pinnacle of the golden child of the family. She was the first to leave home after their father passed away, looking to be the new breadwinner of the family working as a chemical engineer in some fancy lab Far from home. Joseph and Elliot used to be close when they were kids, but recently have drifted apart after she left home.

Growing up, Joseph's childhood was a mix of emotions, but one constant was the unwavering love and support from his parents, Sandra and Wilson Kingston. Sandra was like an angel, always there to comfort his fears and nurture his interests, particularly his fascination with the supernatural. Her calming presence made even the scariest stories seem like bedtime tales. Wilson, Joseph's father, embodied the blue-collar hero archetype. A mechanic by trade, he'd return home every evening smelling of oil and grease, yet his warm smile and soft expressions washed away any grime. He instilled in Joseph the values of hard work and family, but his battle with lung cancer ultimately took him away, leaving a void in the family that was difficult to fill. As for school, it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Joseph. While he excelled academically, fitting in was a challenge. His older sister, Elliott, was the family's shining star, always excelling in everything she did. Her departure after their father's passing left Joseph feeling adrift, like he was navigating uncharted waters without his trusted guide. Without Elliott's guidance and support, school became more daunting. Joseph found it hard to connect with his peers as he once did, and the familiar hallways seemed emptier without his sister's laughter echoing through them. He struggled to find his place in the ever-changing high school landscape, longing for the days when he and Elliott were inseparable. 

Joseph never took an interest in the idea, sure he's dated beforehand, and even had a longterm relationship with a girl he'd met in college, Beatrice, but it never sat well with him, not when he still had something else in his mind, he could never focus on anything related to love or something similar. Beatrice was the last person he ever gave a connection to, ever since then, he's gone out of his way to avoid unnecessary obstacles and relationships that could hinder his ambitions. Now till the day he dies, he refuses to let anything get in his way of real power.

The fear of disease. It  grips Jo like a suffocating blanket, drawing him back to the agonizing memory of his fathers with cancer. Each day to him felt like a descent into darkness, witnessing the gradual deterioration of his father's health, and feeling utterly powerless to stop it. It was a heart-wrenching battle against an invisible foe, one that seemed to relish in its ability to inflict suffering. Those memories haunt Jo, leaving him with a lingering fear that death could strike him or his loved ones at any moment. It's a fear that keeps him up at night, grappling with the uncertainty of life and the fragility of health. Despite his efforts to move forward, the specter of disease looms over him, a constant reminder of the pain and loss he's endured. Despite the weight of these experiences, Jo's fear is not one of resignation but of resilience. It is a testament to his empathy and compassion, a recognition of the profound impact that illness can have on individuals and families. Through his fear, Jo finds the courage to confront the uncertainty of life, to cherish each moment, and to bleed for a future where the lingering of disease are cast aside, replaced by certainty.

Among Jo's most cherished possessions is a small, intricately carved wooden pocket watch that once belonged to his late father. The watch, with its delicate engravings and worn leather strap, holds a special place in Jo's heart. His father gave him the watch on Jo's sixteenth birthday, just before he passed away. Inside the watch's cover, there's a faded photograph of Jo and his father, smiling together on a sunny day. It's a bittersweet reminder of happier times and the bond they shared. What makes this trinket so special to Jo is the memories it evokes. Whenever he holds the watch in his hands, he feels a sense of connection to his father, as if he's still watching over him from afar. The watch serves as a source of comfort and guidance, reminding Jo of his father's pride and the lessons he imparted. In moments of doubt or uncertainty, Jo often finds himself turning to the pocket watch for reassurance. It's more than just a keepsake; it's a tangible reminder of the love and support that continues to inspire him, even in his darkest moments.

Jo's biggest problem right now is the internal struggle he faces as he grapples with the consequences of his relentless pursuit of power. His once-strong moral compass now feels clouded and uncertain, leaving him torn between his desire for dominance and the nagging doubts that gnaw at his conscience. Jo's thirst for power has led him into dangerous territory, both physically and morally. He must navigate treacherous alliances and make difficult decisions that challenge his sense of right and wrong. The lines between good and bad blur as he grapples with the consequences of his actions, questioning whether the pursuit of power is worth sacrificing his integrity. In the world where entities bestow dangerous contracts upon individuals like Jo, his ultimate goal transcends mere contractual obligations. Despite the harrowing tasks he's compelled to carry out, Jo harbors a burning ambition: to ascend to the pinnacle of psychic power and become the world's strongest psychic.

Jo's mornings are a ritualistic dance between exhaustion and work, a delicate balance struck in the quiet moments before the chaos of the day unfolds. With each dawn, he finds himself reluctantly roused from the comfort of his bed, the weight of exhaustion clinging to him like a heavy cloak. As he rises, Jo's weary gaze meets the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the room. It's a familiar sight, one that marks the beginning of another day in the tumultuous journey of his life. Despite the fatigue that tugs at his limbs, Jo knows that he must shake off the remnants of sleep and prepare to face the world outside. With a sense of resignation, he drags himself across the room to the small kitchenette, where he begins the familiar routine of breakfast preparation. The cupboards yield little sustenance, but Jo makes do with what he has: a box of cereal, a carton of milk, and the promise of a hot cup of coffee to chase away the lingering haze of sleep. As he waits for the coffee maker to work its magic, Jo steals a moment of quiet reflection, lost in thought as he contemplates the day ahead. Breakfast is a solitary affair, the only company the soft hum of the coffee maker and the muted sounds of the waking city outside. Yet even in this solitude, Jo finds a measure of solace, a brief respite from the chaos that awaits him beyond the confines of his office. With breakfast behind him, Jo retreats to the bathroom to freshen up, the cold splash of water on his face a bracing wake-up call to the reality of the world outside. He brushes his teeth with methodical precision, each stroke a reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of the challenges that lie ahead. Finally, Jo emerges from his office, a small figure in the bustling streets of the city. Despite the weight of exhaustion that hangs heavy on his shoulders, there is a burning determination in his eyes, a silent promise to himself that no matter what the day may bring, he will face it head-on, with courage and perseverance. For Jo knows that in the struggle of these contracts, it is not the challenges themselves that rewards us, but rather the strength and resilience with which we meet them.

If Jo were gearing up for a special event, he'd approach his routine with a mix of excitement and focus. First on his agenda would be ensuring he's well-rested, understanding the importance of feeling refreshed for the occasion. A leisurely shower would follow, not just to cleanse but to relax his mind and body, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Once out of the shower, Jo would meticulously select his outfit, opting for a tailored beige suit that not only fits impeccably but also boosts his confidence. Each element of his attire, from the color of his shirt to the choice of tie, would be carefully considered to make the right impression. Grooming would be the next step, and Jo would take his time with it. He'd style his hair with precision, ensuring it complements his overall look. Shaving would be an art, as he carefully glides the razor across his face, leaving behind clean lines. A subtle application of cologne would follow, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble. Throughout the process, Jo would maintain constant effort, recognizing the significance of presenting himself in the best possible light. Despite the meticulousness of his preparations, he wouldn't dwell on them excessively, understanding that true confidence comes from within. Jo's preparations would take about an hour, leaving him feeling polished and ready to tackle whatever the event may bring. With each step, he'd remind himself of the importance of making a positive impression and exuding confidence in every aspect of his appearance.

Given Jo's disposition, he doesn't find much significance in his birthday and likely wouldn't feel inclined to celebrate it in any traditional sense. Instead, he treats it like any other day, going about his usual routines and activities with little fanfare. He wakes up with a sense of indifference, perhaps even forgetting that it's his special day, and goes about his morning routine as usual. Throughout the day, he carries out his daily tasks or works on his latest schemes without much thought to the occasion. He may receive well-wishes from acquaintances or coworkers, but he brushes them off with a nonchalant wave, not one to make a fuss over such things. As the day draws to a close, Jo finds himself alone in his apartment, reflecting on another year gone by. While he may feel a twinge of nostalgia or contemplation, he ultimately sees his birthday as just another day in the grand scheme of things. He may take some time for quiet introspection, thinking about his goals and aspirations for the future. Overall, Jo's birthday is a subdued affair, reflecting his pragmatic and no-nonsense approach to life.

Jo's biggest regret stems from a terrifying event deep within the forests of Cambodia with man named Yvon. It was a contract that took a dark turn when they stumbled upon the same group of men who they had met a few minutes before entering the forest. They were ambushed, and in the chaos that ensued, Jo could only watch in horror as Yvon was brutally attacked, his legs severing from his body as he fell in a ditch bleeding to death. Jo's attempts to intervene were too weak against the overwhelming violence. He felt powerless, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness as he watched himself take injury after injury, eventually with the help of the other contractors, they had managed to kill the many assailants, something Jo had never done before, especially not with his powers. After the ambush, Jo held Yvon close as he fought for his life, each passing moment slipping away like sand through his fingers. The weight of Jo's inability to stop Yvon's bleeding, to spare him from such a cruel fate, weighs heavily on his conscience, haunting him with the memory of Yvon's final moments. Yvon's death serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility and the harsh realities of their job. It's a regret that Jo carries with him like a burden, a constant ache in his heart for the innocence lost that day. Despite his grief, Jo finds solace in the memories of Yvon, holding onto the moments they shared and the final gift he left behind, a single eye that stirs with druidic power. While he may never fully come to terms with his regret, Jo is determined to honor Yvon's memory by choosing to live the way Yvon did, only if by a little bit, cherishing the life that was spared and never forgetting the sacrifice of the man who showed him kindness in the face of cruelty.

Joseph's gifts come from the latent potential of every living being, the ability to control the essence that is their "soul", a power that only reveals itself through strong emotion and the present understanding of oneself. Jo received his first gift after finishing his first contract, a near death experience that left him barely standing. After said contract, he awakened, the extreme situation, coupled by the imbued resilience of a contractor aided in the control of Jo's essence, manifesting as smoke and mirrors. Jo believes the more danger he's in, the more powerful his essence becomes, the stronger he becomes. With enough practice and effort, Jo can manifest these abilities in a string of different ways. All for the sake of his own victory over a contract. As of right now, Jo is barely scratching the surface of his well of potential. Either he dies a horrible and cruel death, or he gains complete mastery over the strings of the universe, he won't stop, and he'll keep going come hell or high water, cause the only real power Jo has is the strength to persevere.