Book of Stone: General Zou Zheng Duan

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

A Rogue Chinese General, and commander of the Lanzhou District, Zuo was a student in the Temple of Perfection as a child, but was expelled for his aggressive, warlike demeanor. Zou entered the People’s Army and rose through the ranks, never forgetting his lessons in the Temple. Through political maneuvering, Zou became the District Commander for Lanzhou District, where he knew the Lost City of Shamballa to be located. 


In 2013, Zuo launched a secret raid of Shamballa, uncovering its wonders and a Ring Portal into the heart of the Forbidden City and the vault of magical artifacts beneath it. Stealing the artifacts, Zuo used them to try and trigger a war between the US and People’s Republic, hoping that in the aftermath, he could install himself as the First Emperor of the World, and restore China to what he felt was its rightful place. (SS08: Terrorcota).

Zou's plans fell apart however when Detachment 1039 responded, eliminating his forces in Colorado and pursuing him back to Shamballa, where he was killed.

Book of Stone: Ymir

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Ymir, also known as Aurgelmir, Brimir, or Bláinn, is a being from Norse mythology--the ancestor of all Jötnar. Mentioned in the Poetic Edda, he is described as a primeval being who was born from venom that dripped from the icy rivers Élivágar and lived in the grassless void of Ginnungagap. Ymir is credited with creating the Norse gods themselves:  Odin, Vili, and Vé. He is also claimed to have created the Earth, the oceans, the clouds, the heavens, and  the middle realm in which mankind lives, Midgard. In addition, one stanza relates that the dwarfs were given life by the gods from Ymir's flesh and blood (or the Earth and sea).

Ymir was purportedly betrayed by his offspring--the brothers Odin, Vili, and Vé, who conspired to kill him.


More modern legends of Ymir depict him as the father of the Frost Giants--those terrible monsters fought by Odin and the Aesir. Whatever origins, if Ymir had survived to the modern era, he would surely be one of the most dangerous opponents yet for Detachment 1039.

Book of Stone: XAH-1X Eclipse helicopter

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

The XAH-1X experimental attack helicopter was more a testing platform for advanced concept helicopter systems than an actual pre-prototype aircraft. Consisting of several modified, surplus Supercobra AH-1J dual-engine attack helos, the program began at Groom Lake Air Force Base.

Initially, the helos were fitted with an experimental, sustained EMP system designed to blind or damage enemy electronics to prevent detection of non-Stealth aircraft. The system was dubbed the Eclipse--a name given to the test platform helicopters to distinguish them from standard Supercobras. While the jamming systems proved effective it was decded that a Stealth aircraft like the F-117 or RAH-66 would be better suited, allowing for surgical strikes of hostile installations, rather than the unfocused, electronics-damaging XAH-1X.

Chosen for its dual engines--required for the heavy generators required for EMP bursts, the Eclipse helos saw new life in the late 1980s as test plarforms for experimental plasma-shell anti-armor guns. 

By 1995, the Eclipse program had been discontinued and the remaining aircraft were consigned to storage at Groom Lake. However, when the costumed parahuman Sentinel began a series of terrorist attacks an emergency refit of one Eclipse gunship was ordered, the plasma-filled projectiles its vulcan cannon could fire believed to be capable of injuring the Sentinel. The helicopter was successful in injuring Sentinel and driving him out of U.S. airspace. (SS04: Shades of War). 

It is presumed any Eclipse helicopters have been returned to storage at Groom Lake.

Book of Stone: Brock West

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Following the successful integration of four US Navy SEALs into the Medusa Program and Detachment 1039. Colonel Mark Kenslir began searching the ranks of the military for more candidates to join the unit's ongoing battle against the forces of darkness. In 2014, he selected an elderly Sergeant Major from the Army's Airborne Ranger community: Brock West.

A career NCO, West had the skills, training and demeanor to join the team--and no familial connections to give up as required by becoming a petrified soldier. 

West served successfully in the Detachment in 2014, dying in combat during action in Colorado (SS08: Terrorcota), then successfully resurrecting before his final death in Los Angeles (SS09: Pale Horseman)

West served his country two lifetimes, both as a soldier and a supersoldier and now joins the ranks of those killed by the Fallen enemies of mankind. 

Book of Stone: James Van Zanger

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Born in 1958, James and Norman Van Zanger grew up in middle America, eventually joining the Army and serving in Vietnam. After the war, the brothers returned home, opening a garage and settling down to a simple life. All that changed in 1976 when Norman was abducted on a hunting trip.

An incredulous James watched as his brother was spirited away by otherworldly beings in a gleaming, silver craft. James didn't tell anyone about this. He didn't turn his personal tragedy into a money-making venture nor retreat into isolation. He started a war. A one-man war against the entities that took his brother.

Operating alone for decades, James Van Zanger used hit and run tactics to harass and occassionally kill the dark visitors to Earth. In 2015, his war took on a whole new direction when Van Zanger was tracked down by Detachment 1039 and offered a unique chance to re-enlist and join the military in operations against the same strange invaders that took his brother (SS11: One Dark Step).

Van Zanger was petrified, joining the Stone Soldiers and journeying first to Iceland, then the Moon where he was reunited with his long lost brother.

As a fighter, Jim Van Zanger is a skilled marksman, explosives expert and survivalist. As well as a bit of a hermit. Living alone for decades, he has existed mainly off the grid, operating in the shadows and tracking "alien" sightings around the country and selecting his targets carefully. He has a die-hard, never-give-up personality and a sour disposition.

One Dark Step

Newly released!

They have waged an unending war on mankind for milennia, harassing the helpless in hit and run raids, capturing slaves and murdering those who stood against them. From their base on the Moon, these dark forces have enjoyed a safe and secure base from which to launch their campaigns of terror, confident no mortal could ever reach them. Until now.

The men and women of Detachment 1039 are taking the fight to those monsters hiding in the heavens. A crack team of supernatural supersoldiers are ready to to continue their battle against evil off-world. But are they ready to face the true mastermind of darkness?

Available on Kindle Unlimited until July 26th.

Book of Stone: Um Yang Kwon

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

An ancient martial art from the Korean kingdom of Shilla, Um Yang Kwon has been reported as the predecessor for Tae Kwon Do. Legends say that a scholar developed this martial art as a way to create soldiers for the Shilla Kingdon to use against its enemies. These soldiers were known as the Hwa Rang and were not merely adept at hand-to-hand combat, but also were capable of inhuman feats of strength, and possessed mental powers, the Shin Gong, developed through intense study and practice.

By the 20th Century, Um Yang Kwon was an almost-forgotten art, the Hwa Rang having been disbanded centuries early. During the Japanese occupation of the peninsula, all symbols of Korean history were outlawed. Those still practicing Um Yang Kwon went into hiding or fled the country.

Colonel Mark Kenslir was among a group of special operations soldiers sent to study the art in the late 1950s, following the Korean War. Trained by Mast Pin Lee, Kenslir may not only be some of the first Westerners to learn the art, but the last in the world to practice it.

Kenslir's mastery of Um Yang Kwon was first identified in Stone Soldiers #08 Terrorcota when he fought against an agent of the People's Republic of China. Kenslir identified his Master and confirmed that he practices at least some of the Shin Gong. In particular, Kenslir utilizes Shin Kyun Sul to see into the mind's eye of subjects, and Un Shin Bop to cloud the minds of others for stealthy movement. As of Book #11, the full extent of Kenslir's training has yet to be revealed. It has been revealed that the Colonel has been training other members of Detachment 1039 in the martial art, possibly for decades. 

Book of Stone: Jason Trumball

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

When the costumed vigilante Sentinel of Liberty went insane in the 1990s and had to be killed, his secret stronghold in the Arctic Circle was discovered to contain twelve clones being grown. Each potentially possessed the same abilities as the Sentinel--that is, enhanced psychokinetic powers fueled by etheric energy siphned from external sources. Rather than kill the clones, they were given false identities, placed in foster hmes around the country and kept drugged to prevent their powers from manifesting.

In 2013, one such clone travelled to the Northpole, working as an engineer, unaware of his origins (SS04: Shades of War). Killed then possessed by the vengeful spirit of the Sentinel, unlocking the clone body's powers. The resurrected Sentinel returned to the United States and killed a second clone, harvesting the body for his use. This Clone, #5, had also grown up an adopted child, marrying and in turn starting his own family. A family that included his son, Jason.

On the night both his parents were killed, Jason Trumball faced off against the resurrected Sentinel, inadvertantly triggering his dormant abilities and weakening the Sentinel.

Jason was soon recruited by Detachment 1039 and assisted their investigation into Sentinel's return. Fifteen year old Jason assisted the Stone Soldiers in defeating the Sentinel and was taken into protective custody--spirited away to the Fox Island research facility.

Today, Jason serves as an assistant to Dr. William King while simultaneously learning how to safely absorb etheric energy and channel it into psychokinetic abilities ranging from enhanced strength, healing, pyrokinesis and clairvoyance.

Book of Stone: Wayne Stevens

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

In 2014, after over a year of successful counter-Dark operations by the Stone Soldiers, the Pentagon directed that a second team of soldiers be petrified. Copying the success of Daniel Smith, a former Navy SEAL, it was ordered that four more SEALs be recruited into the program: Wayne Stevens, Paul Briones, Isaac Jacobson and Dean Johnson (SS 05: Black Knight Down)

Stevens was eventually assigned to Bravo Team, under Captain Smith (call sign Tex). Stevens is a level-headed, quiet soldier, who often hangs back to size up a situation before charging in. Stevens is close friends with his former SEAL teammate, Dean Johnson.

Book of Stone: Resurrection, MN

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Hidden in a remote corner of Montana, this small, unassuming one-street town is actually a classified U.S. DoD retreat. Originally constructed in the 1950s for members of various bloack projects to meet and strategize, the town is completely inaccessible, save by air.

Construction first centered around a short runway, which later would become the town's single road. At one end lies a fortified, concrete bunker complex disguised as the town hall, leading down into an underground complex. The other end of the street is  large concrete parking area used for helicopter landing.

Along the sides of the main street, buildings were constructed, creating the illusion of a small town. No structure is higher than two stories and some are in fact disguised garages and warehouses for equipment.

In 2014, after successful testing at Fox Island, Project Medusa began moving de-petrified subjects to the site, renaming the town Resurrection. New arrivals are slowly introduced to modern technology, residing in the 1950s-styled town until they have successfully passed psychological screening are and ready to return to the general population.

Very few individuals know of the site's location, and access to it is heavily restricted and monitored by Detachment 1039 and Project Ghostwind.

At present, the population numbers under 100 individuals, including former Project Medusa scientists Dr. Maria Guerrero and Dr. Andrea Crone (SS10: A Lucky Day to Die).

Book of Stone: QLZ87

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

The QLZ87 is a 35 mm automatic grenade launcher used by the People's Liberation Army of China. An air-cooled, gas operated fully automatic weapon capable of being transported by hand, it fires a variety of 35 mm grenades from a  6-, 9-, or 12-round drum. Anti-armor rounds can penetrate armour up to 80 mm thick. Anti personnel rounds produce fragments to kill or wound targets within 10 meters  of impact. The weapon can be fired from a tripod or bipod or mounted on vehicles. It is reportedly capable of attacking low-flying air targets as well.

In 2014, renegade troops of the PLA under General Zou Zheng Duan used QLZ87s with Nlai Wan-equipped rounds during their siege in Colorado (SS08: Terrorcota). 

Book of Stone: Colonel Chadwick Phillips

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

A former member of the Black Sabers until 1979, Chadwick Phillips retired from active duty, marrying and raising a family. Following the death of his wife, he had a stroke in 2003 and was paralyzed from the waist down. In 2013, he was recruited back into the Detachment and was regenerated and petrified as a Stone Soldier (SS03: Blood and Stone). 

Phillips, in addition to being a stone soldier, is an electrokinetic, able to generate and control electrical fields around him. This power was the reason for his inclusion in the Detachment in the 1960s, serving as a parahuman trained in unconventional warfare and counter-Dark operations, serving alongside Colonel Kenslir for two decades.

Beyond the near-invulnerability of his petrified status, Phillips' new enhanced endurance allows him unlimited use of his electrokinesis. In his youth, the supersoldier had to rest between electrical discharges and be careful to not injure himself. As a stone soldier he has no such limitations.


Phillips' experience and rank led to his assignment as leader of Alpha team, with his former operational call-sign Zeus reinstated.

Book of Stone: Doctor Laura Olson

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Laura Olson was a medical student in the early 1970s, about to start her residency when she was attacked and turned by a vampire. Mark Kenslir spared Olson’s life and enlisted her in the fight against vampires. Olson was imprisoned in Alcatraz providing intelligence on vampire movements by means of her empathic connection with the undead. In the summer of 2013, a prehistoric shapeshifter raided Alcatraz, killing the inmates and staff, but failing to kill Dr. Olson (SS03: Blood and Stone).

Olson joined Detachment 1039 in tracking down and defeating the monster then remained with the team for several months until she was killed in Greece in the fall of 2013 (SS05: Black Knight Down).

Several months after her death, Olson was resurrected again, this time by the Fountain of Youth, to help investigate the appearance of hybrid vampires (SS 07: Seven Deadly Sons).

Prior to this second resurrection, Olson possessed the powers of a top echelon vampire: super strength, accelerated healing, superhuman speed, otherworldly senses, the ability to drain the lifeforce from others and the ability to grow her teeth and nails to monstrous proportions. Following her rebirth in the Fountain, Olson is able to transform into a hideous, gargoyle-like creature, with gray skin, short horns on her head, yellow eyes and large, bat-like wings. In this towering form, Olson is superior in combat to most supernatural beings.

In her human form, Olson can draw the lifeforce from subjects, pulling it up and out of their mouth. She uses this energy to enhance her strength and tap into her vampiric powers. Without lifeforce, she remains human, of average strength, but can transform into her Gargoyle form, no longer needing lifeforce to be superhuman. Olson has also learned how to heal with stolen lifeforce, even undoing fatal injuries that appear to have killed victims.

While Olson can turn a human into a vampire--by draining them to death, then resurrecting them--she is forbidden from doing so on penalty of being re-imprisoned.

In addition to her supernatural healing powers and combat skills, Dr. Olson is an intelligent scientist. A promising medical student before her turning,  she continued her studies, pursuing her medical career behind bars, studying both parahuman inmates and her own vampiric condition. She quickly came to be considered the foremost expert on vampirism and is frequently called upon for her unique perspective in identifying and studying the supernatural.

Book of Stone: Nlai Wan

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Translated as the "Clay Cloud", Nlai Wan was an ancient alchemical solution created by Chinese Imperial alchemists many centuries ago. The weapon was a liquid that when heated expanded to a gaseous, cloud-like state. Upon touching living beings, the gas would absorb their lifeforce energy and convert them into clay, killing them.

The weapon was ultimately deemed too terrible to use by the Emperor and locked away in a secret vault far beneath the Forbidden City.

In 2014, the Rogue General Zou Zheng Duan stole the Nlai Wan sample and a number of other dark artifacts, intent on using them to start a World War by attacking America (SS08: Terrorcota).

In liquid form, Nlai Wan can be delivered in multiple ways. General Zhou was preparing to use it in missiles, but also successfully used weapon-launched and thrown grenades.   

Book of Stone: Murphy and Mullaney

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

An aging, psychic detective in L.A., Richard Murphy has the ability to see the dead, but generally resists, requiring him to  drink alcohol and numb himself to the encounter. He is haunted by the ghost of his former apprentice-partner, Murray Mullaney, who somewhat assists Murphy in his investigations, but more often metely aggravates the older man.

In 2014, Murphy inadvertantly witnessed a supernatural murder and was recruited by Det. 1039 in tracking down a possessed centaur (SS 09: Pale Horseman). 

Murphy declined an invitation to become petrified and join the Stone Soldiers, opting to return to LA and resume his private investigations.

Murphy drives a  Kia,  which he calls his "killya". Murphy is an avid chess player, competing online with opponents around the world.

Murray Mullaney possesses poltergeist like abilities and is fiercely protective of Murpy, who he  claims owes him a sensational case before he is at rest--an impossibility as that now he is dead, any case resolution would be attributed to Murphy. 

Book of Stone: Sword of Lu Dongbin

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Part of China's past, the Eight Immortals were legendary figures who transcended humanity. Each carried objects that became imbued with otherworldly powers during their lifetimes.

After their death, these Immortal objects passed through many hands, ultimately ending up in the possession of the Imperial family.

In 2014, Rogue General Zhou Zheng Duan stole the Immortals' artifacts from the vault beneath the Forbidden Citty (SS08: Terrorcota). Among these ancient, dark artifacts was the sword of Lu Dongbin.

Abel to cut through virtually any material, the sword seeme unbreakable, and also bestowed upon the user the same mastery of use as Lu Dongbin had possessed himself.

The sword was eventually damaged--the blade broken partway down its length. However, despite this break, the sword retained its ability to imbue the user with combat skills and its nearly monomolecular cutting edge.

The sword was confiscated by Detachment 1039 and is presumed to be under study at the Fox Island research station.

Book of Stone: Doctor William King

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

A DoD researcher formerly assigned to Project Medusa at Argon Tower, Dr. William King is credited as having unlocked the secret to partial petrification of test subjects. Unfortunately, King was injured in his early experiments,  leaving his left eye turned to stone, but functional--and with the added abilityof second sight.

After successfully creating the first team of Stone Soliers, King was re-assigned to Fox Island, until 2014, when he returned to Miami (SS 07: Seven Deadly Sons), eventually studying and reverse-engineering Ring portals (SS 11: One Dark Step).

Born in 1948, Dr. King leads U.S. etheric research at the Fox Island, Michigan research station.


Tall, with curly gray hair and an almost senile demeanor, King fits the archetypal stereotype of a mad scientist. He often is lost in thought as he ponders arcane secrets. He is given to overly-detailed explanations that quickly turn into long-winded lectures.

Book of Stone: Dean Johnson

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

In 2014, after over a year of successful counter-Dark operations by the Stone Soldiers, the Pentagon directed that a second team of soldiers be petrified. Copying the success of Daniel Smith, a former Navy SEAL, it was ordered that four more SEALs be recruited into the program: Wayne Stevens, Paul Briones, Isaac Jacobson and Dean Johnson (SS 05: Black Knight Down)


Johnson was eventually assigned to Bravo Team, under Captain Smith (call sign Cobra). Despite his penchant for being injured even as a stone soldier, Johnson has proven to be a useful member of the Detachment, often leading the charge into battle. A wise-cracking smart-alec, he loves cars, reading car magazines so regularly he is known to always have one in his kit at all times. Johnson is close friends with his former teammate, Wayne Stevens.

Book of Stone: The Eight Immortals

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Legendary heroes of Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals were: Han Xiang Zi,
Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe, He Xiangu, Guo Lao, Li Tieh-Kuai, Lü Dongbin, and Zhongli Quan. The ancient heroes performed miraculous feats on earth during their lifetimes, before ascending to another plane of existence. After they departed, the Immortals left behind various artifacts that were imbued with magical abilities.

These artifacts were eventually gathered and locked beneath the Forbidden City. In 2014, a rogue Chinese General stole the artifacts and used the to try and trigger World War III. Det. 1039 defeated the General and managed to recover most of the items (SS08: Terrorcota)

The gourd of Han Xiang Zi could replicate any liquid poured into it. His Flute did mind control. Cao Guojiu's jade tablet could protect the holder from sicknesses. Lan Caihe's boots protected the wearer from the elements.  Guo Lao's paper could  be folded into shapes that came alive and appeared to be living creatures. Li Tieh-Kuai's iron crutch came alive at his touch, like a snake, unwrapping and extending out, literally bending to his will like an appendage. Li Tieh-Kuai also had a gourd that enabled him to astral project. The sword of Lü Dongbin could cut through anything and gaves the user advanced swordsman skills. He Xiangu's bamboo ladle enabled the holder to fly. He Xingu, the alchemist, fashioned a golden Lotus ring that could heal any wound of the wearer. Zhongli Quan's fan could control the weather. Zhang Guo Lao's iron mallet could revive the dead or strike down immortal beings. Lan Caihe's bamboo castinets granted the user the ability to control the minds of others.

Book of Stone: Victor Hornbeck

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

A Former FBI contractor, hired for his postcognitive psychic abilities when barely out of high school,  Victor can touch objects and psychically pick up mental images or even memories of the owner of the objects. He used this ability to help locate missing persons and track serial killers, all under the watchful eye of his handler, Spec. Agent Pam Keegan.

After uncovering clues as to the true identity of the Valentine Killer in 2013, Victor was recruited by Det. 1039 and petrified for his safety (SS 02: Brothers in Stone). With the postcog's help, Col. Kenslir ultimately succeeded in defeating the twin shapeshifters Ketzkahtel and Tezcahtlip (SS 03: Blood and Stone).

Hornbeck was later assigned to Charlie Team (Call sign Janus), where his postcognitive powers proved invaluable in identifying supernatural threats. 

In 2014, the Stone Soldiers acquired a dark artifact, the Lotus ring of He Xingu, that reverts the wearer to flesh form (SS 08: Terrorcota). While he ring is shared among the petrified men, it is primarily worn by Hornbeck to allow him to blend in with the human population during investigations.

Book of Stone: Yadid Greenberg

A widower and former Mossad Nazi Hunter who retired to Miami, Yadid was murdered in late 2013 (SS#07 Seven Deadly Sons). Yadid was resurrected in the Fountain of Youth and made the thirteenth stone soldier created by Project Medusa, joining the investigation of Nazi Hunter murders around the world. Yadid eventually accompanied the Stone Soldiers to a forgotten Nazi base beneath the Antarctic ice helping to defeat Nazi vampire-werewolf hybrids.

Yadid Greenberg is a skilled combatant, with emphasis on assassination and infiltration tactics. He is fluent in multiple languages and is proficien with a variety of weapons--specifically those useful for stealthy operation. Not used to depending on others, Yadid is more comfortable working alone but is quickly appreciating the benefits of working as part of a small team.

Greenberg is assigned to Alpha Team, as second-in-command. His assigned call-sign is Golem.

Book of Stone: Femagick

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Born Vadoma Petulgreno, Femagick was a gifted Sorceress who rose to prominence in the 1980s, displaying her skills in public. In the late 1990s, after the deline of costumed parahumans in the United States, Femagick contracted with the FBI to track and capture criminal parahumans.

In 2013, Femagick was hired to bring in a fugitive identified as Mark Kenslir. At the time, it was unknown if it was Kenslir or a shapeshifter hunting him. Femagick was defeated by Kenslir and humiliated. (Stone Soldiers #1 Mythical)


Sometime later, Femagick was hunted and killed by the pre-historic shapeshifter, Tezcahtlip. Femagick was killed and her heart consumed so that her memories and Arcane knowledge passed on to the shapeshifter.

Happy Easter!

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. On this Easter Sunday, E is for Easter. God bless us one and all as we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and His acceptance of all humanity. Hail to the King!

Matthew 28

9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Book of Stone: Decklaa

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

A millennia-old First Born, Decklaa was a powerful forest elemental who concocted a scheme to kill all of humanity in the early 21st Century (SS: 06, Terrorcota). The elemental posed as a human, creating a mutated mold that could turn a human into a mindless, zombie-like creature. Building a green company to disperse the mold spores, she was poised to succeed in eradicating man from Earth. Fortunately, Decklaa's plans for Armageddon were forseen by the psychic Kenji Nakayama and she was stopped and ultimately killed by the stone soldiers.

As an elemental, Decklaa possessed nearly unlimited powers of regeneration and cellular manipulation, beyond the DNA level. Decklaa was able to control and even create sub-sentient lifeforms. 

Book of Stone: Chan Li-Sung

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

When the rogue General Zuo Zheng Duan stole magical artifacts from the Forbidden City, Agent Chan Li-Sung was sent to America to track him down and prevent Zuo from using the weapons to trigger a world war (SS08: Terrorcota). Chan was captured by Detachment 1039 and reluctantly agreed to work with the super soldiers to stop Zuo.

As a small child, Chan was sent to the Temple of Perfection, where he was trained  in mental and martial arts. As part of a centuries-old agreement to provide internal security for China, the Temple sent Chan to recover the artifacts stolen by Zuo.

In hand-to-hand combat Chan proved to be the equal of Mark Kenslir, despite the latter's superhuman strength. Chan and Kenslir traveled to China, freeing the City of Shamballa from Zuo's forces and recovering the stolen artifacts.

In the aftermath of the operation, Chan remained in Shamballa, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Book of Stone: Black Sabers

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Blog Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

The US Military’s Joint Service, anti-supernatural force, Detachment 1039, unofficially called the Black Sabers, was the brainchild of General Frank Merrill, following his experiences in World War II Burma. Comprised of "gifted" soldiers trained how to respond to supernatural and mystic threats, the unit has operated for decades in secrecy, eventually becoming a Joint Service unit falling under the direct control of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Based at a clandestine facility adjacent to Homestead Air Force Base, Miami, FL, the unit responds to supernatural and paranormal threats worldwide, operating under strict Rules of Engagement. During the Carter administration, the Detachment was downgraded to an advisory capacity only, with no operations conducted in the field. In 1981, the Reagan administration reversed this, but directed that field operations be in support of SOCOM forces. When Project Medusa succeeded in the early 21st Century in creating super soldiers, the Det. was re-tasked with responding directly to threats instead of supporting standard special operatons or unconventional warfare forces.

The Det. got the name “Black Sabers” during the command of General B.A. Black, who later retired in 1999. The unit designation is not formally used in any form. The numerical designation, 1039, was chosen at random.

Book of Stone: Antaean

For April, Stone Soldiers.info is celebrating the A to Z Challenge with daily letter-themed entries. A separate page with a list of all these entries, plus Character Profiles and Book Synopses will appear on the right hand side of the page in coming weeks, detailing the people, places and things of the Stone Soldiers universe.

Colonel Mark Alexander Kenslir, call-sign Antaean ("ann-tay-ann"), was born March 20, 1928 and died thirty-four years later, on March 20, 1962. Fortunately for Kenslir, a combination of dark curses resurrected him, turning the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son into the first Stone Soldier. Over the course of the next six decades, Kenslir died five more times battling the forces of darkness.

Unable to die, his cells temporarily petrifying when damaged, Kenslir has an innate resistance/nullification of etheric energy. Prior to his resurrection, he was able to cancel out any magic or psionic ability within 20 feet of his person. After his first resurrection, Kenslir's ability was reduced to touch only, his unique power working to keep him from succumbing to the stare of a basilisk and petrifying.

Kenslir's call-sign, Antaean, was derived from the Greek myth of Antaeus, a giant with super human strength. Originally, the moniker was used for radio communications, but as the decades passed, and more secretive, unconventional methods for long-range communication were developed, the call-sign was used less and less.

Where does Kenslir get his inhuman strength? Bitten by a werewolf in the late 1950s, his immunity to magic protected Kenslir from the curse of lycanthropy. Until he died. Resurrected under a full moon, he began to change, his power fighting to keep him human. Before the werewolf curse could be fully halted, the Army officer faced off against a basilisk and was nearly petrified. His body was frozen in time, the pre-transformation benefits of the werewolf in his veins, his resistance to magic reduced in strength.

With superhuman strength and stamina and over fifty years of practical combat experience and training, Kenslir proves to be a formidable opponent for supernatual threats and a capable leader for America's new super soldiers.