Installment one of our story centers prominently on the following persons who may or may not be fictional parties.

James Ashton - Scientist, Dr. at Villanova University in Philadelphia, tasked by the Gerard Company to investigate mysterious events in Mauch Chunk. Ashton portrays a refined, dignified persona which in part is a mask borne of his having been an orphan and spending his youth on the outside of Philadelphia society looking in enviously.

Peter Black - Underling of Nathan Gerard - eyes as cold as a woman and a voice that could plane wood. Black who was rumored to have mercilessly killed his own twin brother during the Civil War is as hard as they come, but are his motives purely sinister or is there more to him than meets the eye?

Nathan Gerard - One of the most powerful men in the country. A shrewd and ruthless businessman he will stop at nothing to advance his causes. He is the arch rival of Elijah Paxton, another titan of industry, both sought the love of Madelaine Bailey - - who in time married Paxton but passed during the birth of a daughter Olivia and a twin brother who also died. Gerard controls the mammouth Gerard Industries.

Georges Durrand - Elijah Paxton's "Lieutenant" and Olivia's most persistent suitor, does he covet her or the Paxton fortune?

Olivia Paxton - Elijah's beautiful daughter and only blood relative. She's 21 years old and is closely watched and protected by her father. She is a child of society, but she lacks the elitist mentality largley by having been raised by tutors and servants. Her father is removed from her and she's become self reliant as a result.

William O'Brien - one of James Ashton's team, a brilliant engineer and mechanical genius. An old friend. Someone James can count on and trust equally. O'brien is no-nonsense and to the point so that at times he seems to others as being short tempered.

Terrance "Terry" Walters - Another of James Ashton's team, the intelligent yet absent minded professor. Terry is never at a loss for words and never one to let another man drink alone.

Future Issues will include:

Elijah Paxton - Industrialist, founder of Paxton Coal and Navigation Company. His is a classic rags to riches story. Went from a bizarre mining accident in his youth to becoming one of the most powerful men in the country. His reputation as a benevolent businessman has become known far and wide but this also makes him an easy target for those who would stop at nothing to advance their own positions.

Ava Marks - The dark, mysterious, and dangerously beautiful woman who owns and operates The Mt. Pisgah Bazaar. Ava possesses a second sight and is more in-tune with the un-seen forces that abound in old Mauch Chunk Though she debuts in Issue 2 you can begin to explore her character in the diaries now.

Samuel Bailey - Brother to the deceased Madelaine Paxton and pastor at the spectacular St Mark's Church.

Marcus Julian - The minister of the First United Presbyterian Church.

X A V I E R - Sorry we can't tell you anything about Xavier at the moment, but do trust, his is a name you'll not soon forget.