Dispatch and Correspondence

Bucharest, Romania

Bullets fly as vampiric menace attacks Romanian Orthodox church on the outskirts of Bucharest.

An old woman who identified herself as “Bunica” explained to on-site reporters “these things happen from time to time, it gets dealt with.”

The priest, armed with a revolver, is believed to have ultimately killed the vampire. Bucharest authorities have yet to comment on the situation, though they have historically attempted to ignore vampire-related incidents.

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Houma, Louisiana

Locals panic as Rougarou repellant shortage continues in build-up to mating season. One store owner, John Broussard, believes it’s a result of the labor shortage as soldiers come home from the Great War.

Several home remedies have been seen among the Cajun population, including images of Roman Catholic saints kept in clothes pockets and children eating extra vegetables.

The governor has mobilized the National Guard to patrol the bayous, including the 39th Infantry Division, many of whom saw action in Europe.

Rougarou-related deaths have seen decline in recent years after Mama Carriere’s Rougarou Spray and similar products hit store shelves, and experts have not yet identified home remedies that are similarly effective.

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Nanking, Republic of China

Churches and temples alike lock their doors after wave of attacks attributed to èguǐ (“hungry ghost”) spirits in South China.

The country has been generally spared from supernatural disasters, which local Daoists attribute to adherence to ancient traditions by the Chinese. However, the recent wars seem to have left the country vulnerable.

“We need to bring back the Ming. The Qing ruined everything, that’s why we’re having all these problems. The Qing let too many Westerners in, that’s what led to all this,” said one anonymous opium dealer.

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September 25, 1920
My dearest Anastasia,

I arrived in Satu Mare last night. The bounty has been increased to one million lei, which would be enough for us to buy a house in the city. We’ll be able to marry then, if you’d still take my hand. ‘ I’m sorry I missed your birthday party, though a gift is on its way. The work of a vampire hunter can be hard, but with any luck retirement will come early, and you can open that coffeehouse you always dream of.

I still hold on to the lock of hair you gave me as a good luck charm. I keep it in my breast pocket next to my little icon of the Theotokos.

I love you,
Constantin Ionescu

                                      ***
Melbourne, South Australia

Legendary ANZAC sniper shoots hairy biped in Australian outback. A cattle station in the Outback had been terrorized for three months before none other than Billy Sing, hero of Gallipoli, arrived with his service rifle. He led a team of cattlemen for three days to spot, track, and successfully eliminate the beast. They brought the body back for scientific study

The biped, identified as a “yowie” by locals, is believed to be a relative of the Sasquatch Americanus, possibly having a common ancestor with the Sasquatch Himalayanus.

The yowie’s intelligence has not yet been determined, though one Andamooka resident claims to have seen the beast create and use stone tools. Aboriginal elders claim the yowie to be of equal intelligence to humans, and there is at least one confirmed instance of the beast knowing the dangers of a firearm.

***

Advertisement from Pointe Coupee Banner, September 29

Mama Carriere’s Rougarou Repellant Autumn’s coming up, and you know what that means! Time to stock up on MAMA CARRIERE’S ROUGAROU REPELLANT for only 49¢ per container. We have a newand-improved recipe, including thirteen varieties of beans, salt, pepper, ground-up mirrors, tobacco, and white butterfly wings. We have consulted with anti-rougarou

experts, including a professor of biology from Harvard University, a direct descendant of Marie Laveau, and Mama Carriere herself. Simply rub it onto your skin

and guarantee rougarou will stay away for up to eight hours! With bulk purchases, while supplies last, we will also add a free anti-vampire manual

written by the Romanian army and translated for the first time into English. *** Mumbai, British Raj

Highly-decorated 1st Gurkha Rifles fend off flying fanged fiends in rural India. The demons, called “rakshasa” by locals, had occupied several villages in the northern regions of the country. They demanded offerings of human flesh while destroying sacred Hindu idols.

The British Raj was notably slow to answer these problems, which leads some critics to ask if the Empire takes supernatural threats seriously.

Local fears, however, were relieved when they saw the Terai hats and crossed kukri knives that are the pride of the Gurkha regiments. One villager, Jayant Ojha, explains “I had heard about the Gurkhas in Afghanistan and Iraq and even in France, but I thought they were just stories. Then I saw just one squad drive out eight demons and free my farm. If it weren’t for them, I would have had to sacrifice myself to protect my daughters.”

When asked for an interview, one Gurkha simply brandished his kukri, still covered in demon blood. “This says enough, I think.” Our reporter did not press the matter further.

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October 1st, 1920
My beloved Constantin,

I got your gift the day before your letter arrived! I, for one, appreciated the dress. My father smiled for once while he was talking about you, when he saw it was silk and velvet. I’m trying to get you on his good side, but he’s stubborn like that. I hope you don’t take it to heart; Papa doesn’t think any man is good enough for me. My sister brought a man to meet him last week, he nearly shot the poor boy when he found out he worked in a shoe factory.

I’m sure you heard about the vampire attack on the church. Father Bogi shot him. Maybe you’re not the only vampire hunter I know! Promise me you will be safe. You never leave my thoughts. I can’t imagine what I’d do if I lost you.

I’ll wear the dress every Sunday until you get back.

I love you,
Anastasia

                                      ***
Radio Transcript from USS Vermont, dated May 23, 1920

Brazilian ship located, found shipwrecked near Port-au-Prince. Detachment of Marines landed on shore to investigate. Evidence of the zombification of several Brazilian crewmen. Brazilian sailors and marines had established a fortified encampment to hold off attacks from zombies. First Lieutenant Michael Anders led a platoon of Marines to rendezvous with Brazilians. Language barriers proved difficult to surmount, but it appears that they both understood “zombie”. Marines suffered four casualties, but the mission was successfully accomplished. Brazilians are now safely underway to their country. USS Vermont wants to launch expeditions to find the houngan responsible for these zombies, but awaits authorization from higher.

                                      ***
Advertisement found in Houma Courier, October 4, 1920

HUNTERS WANTED!

for Rougarou expedition, October 16th-November 20th Are you tired of Rougarou attacks on your home and family? Would you like to strike back and get paid for it? Sign up at your local sheriff’s office today! Receive a three-

day training course paid for by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, then receive a Rougarou Hunter’s License authorizing you to handle automatic weapons. Pay is $15 per day plus $5 for each confirmed Rougarou kill! Requirements: Catholic Men, Hunting Experience Preferred. Sicilians need not apply. *** May 26, 1920 Hey Dad,

We’re heading back to the States, the ship is about to be scheduled to be scrapped. We’re going to California!

Anyway, we stopped here for a while, there was some “SOS” signal off the coast of Haiti. Brazilian Navy ship, something like that. We sent our marines to handle it. Those crazy bastards, I was half-way afraid that when they got back they wouldn’t be done killing and turn on us! HA!

They want to keep us here for a few extra days, and I’m not sure why. Scuttlebutt I heard from some of the jarheads was there was something spooky on the island, but everyone knows not to trust what they say.

Either way, I’m just a cook, they don’t tell me anything important. See you soon, Joe. PS: I think I might get some leave when we get to California, maybe I can come visit. Don’t tell anyone though, I’d hate to disappoint.

                                      ***
Chicago, Illinois

Notorious vampire believed to be leaving Romania. Last spotted heading north into the Free Territory in Southern Ukraine.

The vampire, known only as Alin, is believed to be directly responsible for several deaths in three counties in Transylvania. He has confirmed ties to the Romanian mafia. He is wanted in eight countries for cattle rustling, murder, and illegal firearm sales.

The Romanian government has put a bounty on his head for 1 million in the local currency, and independent vampire hunters are currently swarming the country looking for him

Experts believe the Romanian approach to supernatural threats is cheaper, but more prone to reckless hunters. The U.S. philosophy, government agencies and military units dedicated to supernatural threats, is believed to be better at ensuring professionalism and competence when dealing with supernatural threats.

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Ulan Bator, Mongolia

As the Bogd Khanate teeters on the verge of collapse, many-headed demons called “magyus” by locals wreak havoc among Mongol herdsmen.

The current situation is unclear as our reporters have evacuated the country after one of them was ripped apart and eaten by the demons.

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Roswell, New Mexico

Navajo tribal elders travel via train to Roswell after U.S. Army is overwhelmed by gangs of malicious shamans with the ability to transform into ferocious wild animals.

One elder, Joseph Montoya, explained the gravity of the situation, and urged New Mexicans against acknowledging their existence. “Let us handle this. Go about your normal lives. Talking about them will only make them stronger.”

The shamans have access to military equipment after overrunning the Army battalion sent to manage the situation.

At least fourteen missing persons have been blamed on the shamans, while no further crimes have occurred since the arrival of the Navajo elders.

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December 15, 1920
Dad,

Great news! I’m getting assigned to a ship on the East Coast. Hopefully this one doesn’t have any marines! HA!

I’m taking some leave. I’ll be able to visit, either before or right after Christmas. I got presents for everyone. I found this rock on Hawaii before we left, they tried to warn me not to take it but I snuck it in my pocket. I bet Mama will like it.

You can tell everyone if you want, unless you think it’ll be better as a surprise. See you soon, Joe

                                      ***
December 30th, 1920
My dearest Anastasia,

Unfortunately, I will be journeying into Ukraine. Alin has been sighted near Odessa.

I’ve been brushing up on my Ukrainian, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find him.

     I dream of you every night. I have not forgotten you.
I love you,
Constantin

                                      ***
Radio Transcript of Unknown Origin, Ukraine

All units be on high alert. Notorious vampire is believed to be at large in and around Ukraine. Large bounty from the King of Romania.

                                      ***
Helena, Montana

The U.S. Navy will now be warning sailors and Marines not to take any souvenirs from the Hawaii Territory. This comes after the family of a sailor assigned to the USS Vermont was ripped apart by wolves as their house caught on fire in North Dakota. Investigators believe there was a rock taken from Hawaii in the house, possibly by the sailor. Steerage Cook Joseph Richardson was on shore leave after a long tour in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Hawaii native Michael Kahananui explained that it was unwise to take naturallyoccurring items from the islands.

The Navy is currently in the process of finding an eligible next-of-kin for the sailor’s death gratuity.

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Award Records, U.S. Army, 1920

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edouard Boudreaux, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Houma, Louisiana, October 12, 1920. After his pontoon boat was attacked by more than fifty Rougarou, he successfully manned his Lewis gun for nearly three hours while waiting for daylight, keeping the danger at bay while his immediate superiors were injured and attempting to signal for help via radio.

***

December 27, 1920
My beloved Constantin,

I think I’ve finally convinced Papa to let you marry me. He’s learnt how to read well enough to see the reward money out for Alin. He keeps asking when you’ll return. I think he’s keeping a closer track of Alin than you are at this point. If he weren’t so old, I think he’d be out looking himself!

Adrian had to leave town. He managed to escape when the soldiers put down the general strike back in October, but the police started sniffing around his workshop. We heard from him two weeks ago, and he mentioned he was living with the monks on Mount Athos now. Strange, given that he said he was an atheist when he started reading those philosophy books.

I read a newspaper article saying that there were battles in Ukraine now that the Russians got rid of the tzar. I urge you to be safe. Promise me, please. Come back to me. I love you, Anastasia.

                                      ***
Lagos, Nigeria

Worlds collide as Islamic djinni duke it out with local ogbanje spirits as locals convert en masse to Islam. One local Islamic scholar, Sheikh Uthman Abubakar, commented on the situation. “The converts are under the protection of Allah, and the evil djinn, the locals call them ‘ogbanje’, are angry that they can no longer torment them. The Muslim djinn have come to protect the believers, and through the grace of Allah we will be protected.”

Troops from the Royal West African Frontier Force are believed to be mobilizing to keep a grip on the situation, but it is unclear if the fighting will last long enough for them to see action.

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Dublin, Ireland

Clurichauns destroy famous Westmalle Abbey in recent attack. This comes after a string of brewery attacks are blamed on the spirits. It is believed the clurichauns have ties to Irish Mafia and attacks are a form of retaliation after monasteries refused to sell beer to New York smugglers. Irish and Italian criminal organizations have been known to attempt to buy alcohol from their home countries and smuggle it to the United States. This appears to be the result of an increase of alleged curses put on bootleggers and domestic alcohol producers.

Monastery attacks have also been blamed on the anti-British Irish Republican Army, although they deny any involvement.

***

Mexico City, Mexico

Ranchers in the north and Yankee cattlemen accused one another of stealing livestock until they found a pack of chupacabra migrating south from Nevada. Both the U.S. and Mexican Armies were unable to respond, leaving no choice but cooperation. Three Mexicans and four Americans lost their lives, but the chupacabras were all killed. Fifteen were sent to Mexican and American universities for research purposes, twenty were sent to museums, and the other sixty were divided among survivors for trophies. Taxidermists throughout the area have been busy stuffing and preserving the beasts for posterity. There’s a tradition among Texans to keep stuffed chupacabra in or around their homes to keep the beasts out, although this is frowned upon in Mexico.

Scientists believe these attacks will decrease in both intensity and regularity now that the Revolution is over. They note that chupacabra attacks are usually associated with conflict and instability. Although several hypotheses exist, scientists have yet to come to a consensus.

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January 12, 1921
My dearest Anastasia,

I found him! I’m bringing his head to collect the bounty soon. Start planning the wedding, Anastasia. I want us to get married in that big church near where you grew up. Soon, my dear, soon we’ll be able to buy that house you’ve always wanted and open the coffeehouse like you’ve always dreamed of. And I’ll be there with you forever and for always. I love you, Constantin

                                      ***
Radio Transcript of Unknown Origin, Ukraine

All units mobilize. Alin has been killed. Romanian named Constantin Ionescu believed to be responsible. Search everyone passing through our territory. Detain if found. Do not harm him unless he presents a danger to yourself and others.

                                      ***
Nanking, China

Supernatural attacks decline as efforts to appease spirits appear successful. Former Qing Emperor Puyi has written to several Hollywood studios to produce a Chinese-language film about the situation, apparently starring himself. It is unclear the extent to which Puyi is responsible for the decline, but experts have not outright said the emperor made matters worse.

The last eunuchs of China are furious at the emperor seeming to adopt so much of Western culture, but it is unlikely that their complaints will be heard.

***

România liberă Obituaries, January 23rd, 1921

Constantin Ionescu was killed by mortar fire from the Revolutionary Insurgent Army of Ukraine last week as he tried to transport the severed head of a notorious vampire known only as Alin. He was an up-and-coming vampire hunter, who had successfully killed three other vampires and a notorious necromancer previously. Nestor Makhno, leader of the Free Territory, released a statement shortly afterwards.

“Comrades in Ukraine, Romania, and around the world, it is with the ultimate regret that we must announce the accidental death of Constantin Ionescu. We were engaged in a skirmish with Bolshevik forces and unaware of his location. We have historically been friendly to vampire hunters, as they are crucial in throwing off the shackles the vampires have long kept on the working class. His remains are being transported to Bucharest as I speak, along with a sum of money to help his family in these trying times. My duties at the front prevent me from attending his funeral and offering my condolences to his family in person. Comrades, though these tragedies continue, we must continue our struggle for the liberation of Ukraine and workers around the world. Power begets parasites, long live anarchy!”

Constantin is survived by his twelve brothers, three sisters, and his mother and father. His betrothed, Anastasia Botezatu, now intends to take vows as a nun at the Văratec monastery.

His funeral was attended by more than three hundred people, including his fellow vampire hunters and veterans of the Battle of Mărășești. There was even a group of anarchists present, who presented a red-and-black wreath to his mother.

He has been buried with honors from the Romanian Land Forces, and his burial site was given a special place of honor by Metropolitan-Primate Miron Cristea.

It is traditionally believed that vampires cannot attack the graves of vampire hunters. Since Constantin’s burial, there has been no vampiric activity in the entire city of Bucharest.