Iktan's Questionnaire

As a lifestyle guru traveling in his car is his home. However, he owns a small house at the edge of Copan Ruinas in Honduras. The house has 2 rooms one used for collecting any information about the old gods and the occult. While the second room is the bedroom that doubles as his office for life coaching. There is a small kitchen and a single bathroom with a shower. A small living room connects all the rooms, has a couch and a 4-person dining table. His house is not completely self sufficient as water and gas must be brought in, however there are solar panels and a battery system to power the small fridge, laptop, cell phone, and Wi-Fi. The Mayan ruins are an hour away walking. It’s less than 20 min to reach the town from the house on a car or motorcycle. A very traditional town that relies on tourism during the holidays. The town itself has been growing, some thermal water spas opening some thermal water spas more hotels and housing.     

Giving seminars, Ted Talks, private sessions online or in person are the main ways for earning money as of late. Different clients what to hear how to adapt to this changing world as even when life-changing events occur they still need to keep the light up. Since the seminars and Ted talks allow travel to prestigious universities companies and research centers it saves on travel most of the time. Private sessions, however, are the main source of income. After living cost, taxes and saving all the money is spent on researching how to contact the dead and the occult. This manifests itself paying for translations, researchers, equipment, among others.   

As a fan of the Meso American civilizations there is a strong belief that the old gods of the continent could once again guide humanity for a better way of life. To achieve this the knowledge to contact the old gods respectfully is needed. Thats why necromancy is the goal, as contacting the old priests, shamans, paladins, and clerics from the golden age of these gods influence would become possible. There may be some alternatives to contact these old gods however changing the environment to welcome them would greatly favor the standing of however was able to bring humanity back to their favor. As the older gods seem to ask for sacrifices it’s not out of the question to kill. What is money compared to the boons of the gods. For the knowledge and power over life and death others sacrifice would only be a temporary one as long as they remained loyal to my cause. My life can’t be placed in danger unless someone can bring me back. 

Some time in my late teens early 20's while visiting ancient ruins there was an accident. Normally healing, seeing in the darkness, and trying new tasks were not my strength. This is not to say they were terrible, just average. So, after the accident inside an old temple the likeliness of escaping while injured in the dark with no experience with climbing, cave diving, and traversing ruins was incredibly low. It’s hard to remember names so luck was on my side when the memories of the possible name for the god of this temple came to me. When deep in the temple the prayers to this deity were answered. My only wish was to be able to escape. After some time, my injuries started healing faster than before, my eyes became accustomed to the darkness using the little light that came through it became possible to find a way out. After climbing out it took some days to find a place where it would be possible to contact my class. At first my experience seemed like a possible result of adrenaline from the injuries and stress. However, it could not explain the changes to the body. Healing, although not superhuman is faster than before or the average person. my eyes are closer to those of a dog or cat at night which was not the case before. Most tasks have become easy or possible even though the training necessary is not present. After some thought the answer was clear the old god helped. Since then, the future is clear their powers can empower humanity into a new world. 

Nima sister 25 around 6 feet tall has a strong build. When Iktan goes traveling will check on the house periodically. She has a good relationship with her brother, however, does not agree with how his finances. She will often see the cryptoleak updates seeing them more as a natural disaster, pandemic, or pop culture drama. It’s not because the world changing is not important it is just not affecting her work or private life.   

PhD Matamoros 60-year-old professor Iktan meet while researching Mayan culture and Spain’s history in college. A great source of knowledge of pre-colonial traditions and the old pagan traditions of the Mediterranean.

Mr K. is the main client who often pays of ikans travel. Often wants life advice but will rarely if even give personal information. The calls will always have the camera off. If a session needs to be in person there will be a screen between them and Ikan will be brought to the location with no prier notice. Ikan rarely objects as the pay has allowed for his lifestyle and research  

Growing up Iktan was a good student. Mostly interested in exploring nature with his sister. Thankfully his parents Jonathan and Maria guided their child to pursue archology and public speaking during high school. Jonathan himself is known in the archelogy circles researching Mesoamerican cultures. On the other hand, Maria is an activist who fights for the preservation of land and culture of the native tribes in Central America. Some of her known efforts include adding their languages to learning apps, stopping mining and construction projects that would pollute or displace native communities. Iktan’s sister is also part of their mothers’ fight however she works with nonprofits to help these communities become more prosperous while reducing the dilution of their traditions and culture. Despite this family seeing Iktan pursue life couching as a bizarre life stile they are happy he is stable. Often, they will encourage Iktan to return to archaeology or give more talks related to history in hopes this will stop him from becoming a cult leader of sorts. 

Years ago, love took me on a wild ride. I have yet to experience something that resembles how often it made gravity meaningless. How smoothly was to only path the future would show. It was the kind of love where cultures clash, emotions deepen, and only diverging paths can rip them apart.  She was someone the city’s call for; nature was a just vacation. For me travel is my home and cities are just work. Despite this, for a time it could be ignored as we felt distance only made our hearts grow fonder. There is a limit for “goodbyes”, a limit for “I miss you’”, and a limit for “wish you would have been there”. We could not live that way anymore and neither wished to cage the other with our lifestyle. Hope she is in love living the life she deserves. 

(Have not thought of the name. Ps don’t care if a DM gives the name)

Death has always been a foreboding shadow by my side. Despite a peaceful childhood, danger has been a constant presence in my life. My mother’s work has in the past crossed the wrong people putting a target on my sister and me. This has caused some alienation in the relationship with my sister and mother as they fearlessly fight for their causes, and I try to run from danger. This all came to a head when the accident at the temple cave happened. Fighting for my life struggling to escape and only after praying to the deity who owned temple answered was I able to escape. The help it granted me didn’t make me superhuman or even above average, but it made my weak body capable of escaping. That’s why I’m pursuing the gods of old maybe they can make a safe world or make me strong enough to face death with defiance. Its too soon to say, in my first mission I learned that death could take many forms, and some are worse than imagined. The cold wilds of Russia almost took my life and there was no way to fight it. In California the scared lifeless corpse of a seal that was bitten in half has haunted me. How were those last moments knowing in the cold dark ocean you are being hunted by a creature you won’t be able to outrun. Death’s heralds eagerly toying with your mother’s greatest gift. Yet the world still confronts me with the bravery in the mundane. A simple excentric man obsessed with trains facing annihilation of his individuality and autonomy at the hands of an eldritch hive mind did not bargain for salvation. Instead, calmly took his life before becoming a host for Armageddon. It does not scorch my fear away knowing some can burn so bright as they great death not as the depraved hunter I see. Instead as a welcomed savior. That might one day help me finally stop running and teach how to live with this present.

The Neckless made from a jade stone from the temple that trapped me in when I was in college. It’s a small jade stone taken to keep the temple near me. After drilling a small hole, a leather thread has tuned the unassuming stone into proper jewelry for my day-to-day life. The jade stone seemed to have broken off naturally at some point in the past. The symbol on it is “Kimi” which is related to death in Mayan. While praying to the deity of the temple who seemed to answer my request the stone was being held between my hands. To an extent the stone communicated with my savior. At least that’s how it felt in the desperation for rescue. Over the years it has proven to be a great reminder that this life is a gift which can’t be wasted with inaction on my part. There must be a plan after all the luck that has been following me after wearing it.

After my last mission there is a possibility the United States of America either the federal police force or just the Nevada sherif department are looking for me. I’m not sure to what extent if they even have any info on me. There is a sliver of hope my name could have been misinterpreted as Ethen as Mayan names are alien to people in Nevada. This hope could be toxic as future missions could take me back to the USA or worst Nevada. Seeing as there is the stolen car, shooting a bus in motion, killing a woman in said bus, and out running the authorities. Ignoring the situation could prove more hazardous than the actual missions. Trying to collect legal advice and some possible alibis since entry to the USA was more magic instead of a flight with border control. Hopefully my contact that flew me back home actually managed to keep me exit from the USA off the books. Otherwise add unlawful entry and exit of the USA to my charges.  

Normally wake up at 10 am to brush my teeth and maybe take a shower depending on the weather. If I’m in Honduras, then will procced to check my emails for any clients that booked a session for that day while making breakfast. After 1 pm a film crew might arrive if my schedule is free for a quick video for my subscribers or my followers in social media. In the cases where I’m abroad the morning starts earlier. Around 7am to prepare any content for the seminars or in person sessions. As the preparations are on their way a light breakfast will be consumed to avoid an upset stomach while presenting. Seminars will need more emphasis on the venue and the set up than the content. Most presentations fall flat when they are riddled with technical difficulties or untrained staff. The in person sessions will have me revise all the history with the client before meeting with them, maybe searching any news of what they are planning or have been doing prior to the meeting. 

The first order of business would be to head for a hair cut no gel will a good hair wash after the cut to ensure there is no hair confetti falling out or getting on my hands. Get a trustworthy barber to shape my facial hair. If it is a fancy event, pick an appropriate suit for the weather with a matching watch, shoes and ensure it matches with necklace, ordering someone to get the gift if it is needed. A more casual event might need to be to get gifts or at least some snacks or a main dish. Clothes are less of a priority if they are comfortable while being respectful. Locking your best is a matter of appearance both physically and socially so wearing clothes that project confidence while blending in are an incredible asset in my eyes. This on average might take three to four hours. This will often be taken into account to arrive either early/on time if the event is foreign or be late enough to be early for latin events.

If I live long enough to celebrate my next birthday my friends and family will be the focus of the celebration. Keeping my party small will be imperative assuming can’t overcome my fear of large groups. Using work as an excuse to celebrate it with each family individually during my birth month. Although its normal to receive gifts on your birthday I will give back to my community and friends maybe even teach some the benefits the gods share when you follow their old ways. Though I wont be too bushy religion can sour the mood of the party at time.

Not realizing how short the amount of time we have. After receiving the gifts and the powers that come with them, my vison has become blurred. As if the permanence of the gifts outweighs the value of others’ life, health and my own.

Calling to check on past contacts has yielded fewer conversations. It’s becoming a recuring problem that after the first missed call they will answer if I call them through afterlife. Cruel indeed. What can I do when it’s my fault for forgetting how short life is. Prioritizing my personal power has made it impossible to repay their help and favors. Is this a twisted gift from the gods or a curse to remind me that for their power sacrifice is needed. Not sure if I should value my connection more. Call friends and family. Maybe get my stuff in order in case I die in an unknown land. Use necromancy to give the fallen their peaceful rest. Or grow colder and jaded as humanity becomes my only priority. Would that in turn make me less human.  A cold monster how forgets they stand on a pile of corpses. Reveling in the madness. Preaching a salvation void of morals and heart. Only blood that drips.  

The Mesoamerican gods have shared their myths with me. It has mostly been the Mayan gods until now. Their power in all their forms have more often been onlooked on the first gift received the Xibalba stone.  Despite its unassuming polished obsidian form, it’s a stone from the underworld. Letting the myths and powers of the god through it.  Why do the powers in appeared in this order is a mystery for me. Could it be the gods reacting to my experiences? As a shield and healing force appeared in continent moments. However, it scares me why others have appeared as their usefulness has not been as explainable. Could it be my own unconscious requests? If so, maybe the gods are not blessing me… merely humoring me. Are the harbingers giving me the illusion of success. Does it mater with these powers I can become indistinguishable from a god. Correcting my mistakes saving those precious to me.   

After many experiences it’s been confirmed in my mind that the gods are real. Not sure if they are the ones to whom my prayers were dedicated. Whoever answered is likely of similar or greater power of the Mesoamerican gods I pay to. Up to now they have not corrected me after sending their blessings.  

Their gifts have led me to making powerful allies and even items. Getting ever closer to a near Godhood. Becoming their link between their world and mine. Without their guidance or proof my life would become hollow as my purpose disappears. Even after years of struggle they came for me to teach me their ways. What they get out of me is risking my life. I’m not sure but they reward me, nonetheless.

Speaking with the dead meeting goblins among other supernatural beings has broadened my horizons of a whole new world within arm’s reach. Not sure how many beings have I been to close minded to realize they were real.

My world before the contract

Hustling every day to balance researching the occult and doing enough life coaching to finance my passion. It was clear that necromancy and the ancient powers of the Mayans were not near accessible to me. Despite this this felt reasonable as magical, the fantastical, mystical and Science fiction was just that fiction. Only found on the fringe of the internet.

My tech clients were at the forefront of science and technology. They were as far as could be imagined technologically possible. Outside of the Crypto leaks there was not real evidence for the supernatural as the gods have left us.

This was my truth. The outlandish ended as the gods abandoned us.

After receiving the first contract

Tech in the civilian world is outdated and near ancient. The mythical creatures walk among us without us noticing. The “blessings of the gods” are no longer just by the gods. Some force it into existence through science.

The gods have not left us they have just become more selective.

Maul: A growing organization comprised of a street fighting Russian, a Kid villain, and an electrician. This will likely bring many benefits in the future but at the present they have increased my workload and responsibilities. 

Ricter: An Illuminated hero how as proven to be incredibly powerful. Has passed his info to those who would be interested in making deals with him. Despite their status they are incredibly approachable this includes his cute companion. 

Vel and Dr Laz: have been trading artifacts, information, and other useful things both to empower each other as well to ensure the others survival. 

Jacob and Thess: These two have been recuring contractors. Thess looks like a shy individual which can deceive how deadly he is with a gun. Jacob on the other hand is less of a battle powerhouse and is better suited at protecting, gathering information, and passing damage onto others. These two have been incredibly helpful and a joy to work with. 

A peaceful space, a near sanctuary of safety. There would be food and enough resources for my research. The room would have an AC and a Dehumidifier to keep any artifacts in good condition during my rituals. Maybe a speaker to keep music at a comfortable volume.

Outside the room there is enough security to ensure that most disturbances from any unwanted company or dangerous guests are dealt with without interrupting me. Of course, keeping any collateral and structural damage to a minimum as who knows who would try to hurt or slow down my progress.

This room would need a to be well lite with art and Mesoamerican effigies for the gods who have helped me.

Maybe some maids to help keep the space clean and well maintained. The helpers should be well trained and confidential with any information of the events that transpire inside the room. That would be the best room.

Specializing has been a hard path. Godly guidance, destiny and experience resemble muddy water to me. Should I be a fighter to honor the gods or be more scholarly to better lead a new age for them. Maybe all the difficulties steam from my indecisiveness both in the contracts and my free time. It’s been my propriety to just take their gifts and bolster my strength. Maybe I have focused more in being a necromancer than a loyal servant to the gods.

At this point my body has been sculpted to its natural limits, only followed by my natural charisma.

My knowledge of the occult has become almost remarkable. Followed close by my honed senses, cultural knowledge, and the ability to influence others.

It’s clear I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none. My blessings from the gods, trades and grave digging have kept me useful in my missions.

Limit: Injustice

Justice is now more subjective than ever. Some missions ago committing Crimes did not bother me even the death of an innocent civilian. Any problem that interferes with the gods plan cannot stop me from acting. I might be broken of brainwashed after going into so many missions.

Limit: Animal-Lover

This has become a more important limit as hurting animals outside of needs feel far too unnatural. The near idea scares me. Its possible if the goods demand it from me, I will oblige. Between the two, the gods and animals, the gods will always take priority even if my mind takes a hit.

Limit: Near-death Experience

My biggest limit. Taking unnecessary risks that could lead to my death have reputedly stopped me from taking acting. Guided me to strengthen my self to survive more dangerous events. I’m not brave for both fear and a sense of duty. The gods can’t want to lose their champion.

As my connection with the gods strengthen its more likely my goals will change. Its not impossible the gods will not utterly change the world. Just improving the lives of those who live in my proximity would be enough.

After joining Maul it would be useful to actually prioritize growing the organization to actually recover the investment.

Improving my country could also make the spread of the old gods faith help. Changing the corruption would improve lives and the nature gods would likely value. This means the United States will not be really okay with the idea. Assassinations would not be out of the question. Having the god’s protection would not be enough. As a mere champion for a pantheon that has almost fully abandoned their people there is no certainty the gods would leave me too. How ever triumphing over the USA trying to reclaim their influence with their powers and Maul could prove enough to gain their trust and aid for my people.

Animal suffering is one of the most despicable crimes committed. Nature is a gift and its destruction is a direct affront to the gods and their kindness. Seeing this breaks my heart more than the normal daily crimes in this world. As the Mayan story of the emerald hummingbird teaches nature is a gift meant to be let free.

 Mayan emerald hummingbird story:

As the gods once again created all living beings, as it’s the cycle, they forgot to create a creature to send thought from the land to the gods. Sadly, the clay they used for animals had run out. It is possible it was spent on the previous attempt to make humans from it. Without this clay and unsure corn could be used for such an important task the gods used a jade arrowhead. Giving it wings and the breath of life the hummingbird was made. Fast and agile it labored diligently; however, the humans wanted its beauty and captured it. This enraged the gods. “All how cage a hummingbird will face death” was the decree of the gods. Since the maya did not dare to keep a hummingbird in an enclosure.

This legend was not just a warning to avoid trying to cage a hummingbird. They die if they don’t consume their weight 3 times over. Instead, is a lesson on how everything in nature has a roll. We can’t as a society replace it since its complexity is beyond our interest. We rarely pay enough attention to all the work others in our group do. So, the hubris we can replace nature is just an insult to all who depend on nature to survive.

Modern agriculture practices in Honduras are the vein of my existence as the native cultures before had sustainable food forests. Now ruined by monocrops further depleting the soil. The hubris of the Europeans further poisoning the minds of Central America.

My involvement with Maul from the rest of the world. It’s even more important to keep it a secret than having powers. Even being a necromancer is better than others finding out I’m part of an international criminal organization. There is also the factor that if it were to become public the members of Maul would hunt me down. Its even harder than before as more of the contractors I encounter seem intertwined with the members of Maul. It’s not unlikely it will become harder as more stunts increase in visibility of daringness attracting other Specialist or worse a messenger.

That’s why helping and compensating those beginners or professionals is a habit of mine. It’s harder to question the background of someone regrowing your arm or repaying your efforts than the cold misterioso individual that looks like a criminal. To ensure my position in the organization I also regularly try to help others in their plans and heists.

If I managed to survive and succeed on the trials needed to become a harbinger, there is a need to recognize the assertion to a Demi god level. As an empowered being still a follower of the old gods the name would become Ch'ok-Kame or New Death in English. Kame is a common add on for the lords of Xibalba. It can be seen in Hun-Kame and Yukaub-Kame the deceased one death and seven death. Outside of the normal classic contracts the majority would take place in Mexico and central America. Contracts about the new growing influence of the old god. Maybe fighting, facing or sabotaging the catholic church. There would always be a need top run the classics as even the gods need to avoid rocking the boat as they re-enter this forgotten plane.

On a funny note in Spanish, it sounds like chocame as in hit me… I’m attached to the name so I will ignore it for now.

Those who have helped the cause do not deserve to remain in the afterlife. Assuming the contractor was helpful and interested in helping bring the old gods or helping me their resurrection is almost certain. Even if they can’t be a contractor anymore, they can become a helpful servant for the gods. 

On a deeper side Ikan wants his allies to live to see the new world, one that might be more just, kind or simply safe. Knowing and seeing deaths makes him want the guidance of a higher power one that can protect the followers. Just a way to avoid the needless danger and chaos of the outside powers. That’s why bringing them back is important as it means they do not die for nothing. It also makes him feel the survivor’s guilt will hurt less as he was not the survivor, he was a savior of sorts. A good person who had to do wicked things.                                                   

Sometime after my first contract there as situation with a messy situation leaving bodies behind maybe someone saw but, in the chaos, it would be hard to confirm my identity. I had to go into hiding. Find a way to make it clear I never entered the country to place in question. After this event new plans and contingencies have been put in place. 

-First where gloves 
-Second have a way to change my face.
-Third always doing my best to avoid cameras 
-Fourth avoid doing the illegal actions. Let the professionals do it.
-Fifth if a potentially illegal action is made try to make it look like as if you are a victim of another party. If the other party is powerful, they might sweep the whole thing under the rug to avoid it being brought to the light.

Being charming with the people with power this can save you more often than powers knowledge or violence.

It is hard to see laws are justice. That said it’s better to first assess their crime before passing judgement. The missions can pose situations, threats and violence which require quick actions which deviate from the law. Fallowing the laws blindly, specially when they are made for a world that does not protect you from supernatural violence, organizations and general situations will get you and your teammates killed. My emo is to forgive their actions as long as their actions did not hurt innocents. Breaking the rules against an organization dealing with the supernatural is okay as they often harm the public.

A case where a teammate shot at a California wild agent was a different case as the person was innocent and was running away from the undead. I did not take the law into my own hands, nor did I call the police. We reprimanded their actions protected her so she could damage him.