Sacramento Book Festival 2026

[Kray]

Why the confident blonde seemed happy for him, the giant could not place. As she had just said they weren't exactly friends. She had also said his company was enjoyable and fun so she might not be entirely reliable as a character witness. "Oh. A degree is it. That's impressive. In what?" Something he aspired to himself although something always seemed to get in the way. "Ah. Expensive bits of paper those that's for sure." That had been the first obstacle, one now cleared, but still a massive drain on the old bank balance. "Uh. Truthfully I don't know a ton myself. Enough to keep mine running more or less. Well until the damage required it get written off." But then again most mechanics wouldn't bother restoring stuff that had been burnt out and put through a crusher. "Ah. They don't make them like that any more without a doubt." And they sure didn't make any in hi size. "Oh. Yeah I have a friend that goes on about tourism stuff like that. Figures they would." Embellished stories could be fun and all but more often then not it was a pain and still paled in comparison to what really went on. "Hm. Could still give you a starting point though. You know a location or a famous name or something." Seemed he was not dismissive of the idea of ghost stories, or ghosts in general.

Once again looking almost straight down at the snarky redhead. he grunts. "Bah. You might want to see someone about bad vision then." Because well you couldn't really make that mistake and see clearly. "Hm. Your a long way from home then aren't you?" As if he is one to talk. But the temptation top talk to someone from the Uk, even if it wasn't London was rather strong it had been quite a while.

[Aurora]

A single shoulder raised to shrug as she nodded, “That is true. And I do love learning different languages.” Seemed to have become her thing over the past couple years. Looking at the books, “Not too familiar with number stations, is it an interesting topic?” sounding curious. Nothing said about the politics book, she wanted nothing to do with politics. She left the Ladder for a reason.

The question seemed aimed at John, so she’d let him answer.

“I was thinking into looking into translation or interpretation. More than likely freelance, but there’s a large demand for people who are fluent in numerous languages. So figured might as well put my skills to use and make some money.” And if she could work remotely, even better.

Nodding, “Yeah, still working out the whole finance thing.” But, she’ll figure it out. “Oh, ouch, sorry to hear that. I recently upgraded my sports car to a more reliable Jeep, easier to move furniture I find on the side of the road. Have you found something else?” always sucked when you needed to find a new car. “Well, I haven’t dismissed them, but still keeping my eyes out for some books.” She knew ghosts and spirits were real, she’s talked with them and fought them. But with books she could find real haunted places, and see where Sleepers had experiences with spirits. “Maybe I’ll give it another go this fall, take some notes or something.” But still look for books in the meantime.

Smirking with a sigh, and cause Thirteen didn’t get an answer, “Collectable card games actually, Magic. It was actually quite fun! I’ve actually been trying to put together a deck in my free time,” which wasn’t a whole lot, “and it’s been pretty fun to see how the cards work together.”

[Thirteen]

Violet couldn't quite tell if this big man was playing along with her humor. Mostly she was getting a vibe that he wanted to bite her or something. Maybe it was those hideous teeth. In any case, she looked straight back up at him, holding her ground. "20/20, mate." She sized him up, "You could say that. And you're from Los Angeles, perhaps?" The snark was not restrained.

The Acanthus was a few inches above average height, but in this group, with even statuesque Aurora towering over her, she felt short. It was not a fun feeling. She didn't need Time magic to predict the kink in her neck that would develop soon.

As for the tall Shaman's inquiry, she spoke with more enthusiasm. "I think so. It's fascinatin' how new technologies were used in such creative ways. By bouncin' radio signals off the ionosphere, countries could send messages to their spies in the field and be impossible to trace, either to the spy or back home. Codes could be sent to the far side of the planet. And it didn't matter if the enemy heard them, because without the codebook they were impossible to break." Her interest certainly had nothing to do with the Nameless Cabals using similar technological tricks right under the Seers noses 120 years ago. Or that she now lived in a radio station. Nope, not at all. "Some are still operatin' even today."

Ah, Magic the Gathering. She'd heard of it. "Not terribly familiar, myself. Always seemed like an expensive hobby. I hear some of those cards are worth hundreds. Not that gamblin' is cheap." Thirteen could afford it now, but she hadn't paid it any attention.

[Kray]

That's something he can very much appreciate. "Oh. Yes skills in high demand and that earn you a some money. Now that's just good sense." Not so terribly far from what he did, only his was definitely in the illegal side of the spectrum. "Ha. Yeah it's a bit of a pain that one huh. I know some folk who are good with money, they helped me with mine." Having connections in the realm of finances had done wonders for his bank balance. But that was a curious thing. "Uh. Why would you want to pick up furniture you find on the side of the road?" He had scavenged plenty in his worst times but broken was broken surely. "Hm. Yeah books can be helpful I get that. But if I was looking for ghosts I'd want to go where they might be." He was not looking for ghosts not at the moment, much to much to do otherwise. "Hm. Might be a worthwhile thing to try actually." But the idea did hold a certain appeal.

As for the newer pretty lady, the one sizing him up like she was looking for a fight. "Ah. Well then little red you might want to get your hood out of your face." Given they were at a book fayre a literacy themed dig seemed fun. "Ha. But No I'm not from Los Angeles, guess again." Is that what Circe meant when she said it could be rewarding to pull on someone's chain? It did help he was not worried one dot about the eye catching woman being a problem to him.

Well that was news to him. "Ah. You didn't need your own deck to beat me, you going to be in more of the competitions then?" But on this the snarky lady was right. "Ha. Oh yes if you got the money you can drop five figures easy on a good deck." But where was the fun in that? "Bah. I don't see a point in that. Might as well have a robot play for you as well if that's all you want." If you wanted to win so bad you'd spend that kind of money then well were you even playing a game at that point?

[Aurora]

See, this is why she loved Thirteen, the snark was soo entertaining! She just didn’t care and didn’t hold back, it was great!

“You know, we should all go get a drink sometime.” Nodding.

“Oh, so radio signals? Huh.” Nodding as she listened, clearly giving the Enchantress her attention. “Can’t say I know anything about it, but it does sound rather interesting. A topic one could really spend hours if not years diving into and only scratching the surface. Think it’s something anyone could get into?” genuine question, “Seriously?! Damn!” was not expecting that one.

“I had heard of it, but had never played it before, and John here had mentioned playing games at a store and I stopped by. He was nice enough to let me play with him, and it was a lot of fun! And yeah, I was looking online at how to best build a deck for tips, and some of the cards are insanely expensive! So I just entered in the cards I had, or entered my price range.” Laughing.

Nodding to John, “That’s what I was figuring. If I had the skills, and people wanted to pay me for them, hell, might as well. Plus, I hear there are some employers that are willing to pay for the schooling so long as you are willing to work for them. So that is something to consider. So, we’ll see.” There were factors to be considered. “Oh, for extra money I refurbish furniture I find. People throw away furniture that just needs some fresh paint or a leg fixed, and I’m able to do that. So I fix it, change up the paint a bit and sell it. Or I repurpose it, like I have a old door for a coffee table. Brings in a little bit of extra money. And it’s a fun hobby.” Gave her something to do.

“I want to do that, but sometimes people say there are ghosts some place, but there are none. What they think are ghosts are simply explainable things. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes people are spot on, but sometimes, sometimes they’re full of shit. Then again, sometimes books are as well.” Shrugging. “I’ll hit up a few places. See if I can experience anything.” Laughing, oh if this Sleeper only knew she could see AND talk with ghosts.

“I was thinking about it. I need more practice first I think, get more of a feel for how the lands work together and all that. Get the synergy just right, and only way to do that is get some more matches in, so you might see me at the game store.” Nodding, “Yeah, I’m not dropping money for the expensive cards, I’m buying the booster decks and building from those. It’s not been easy, but I think I can build something decent.”

[Thirteen]

"Not L.A.? You sure? Shame, that. Always wanted to meet a movie star. And here I thought I encountered Godzilla." This was good-natured ribbing, at this point, but the redhead was going to give as good as she got.

A nod the Aurora, "Give a numbers station a listen sometime. There's clips you can find online. They're just a monotone voices recitin' strings of numbers. The codes. It's creepy, which is why I think it fascinates so many people."

The talk of ghosts had her raising an eyebrow, "You talkin' like those ghost huntin' shows? Those're funny. Usually they're just overreactin' to the buildin' settlin'." She was well aware ghosts were a real thing, of course. Not that the Enchantress had actually seen a ghost herself. Hell, it wouldn't be surprising if at least one of those ghost hunter shows had a Free Council cabal as the cast, hunting real ghosts. "More into cryptids, myself."

The reminder that the Shaman restored old furniture lit a light bulb in her head. "Got any current pieces? I just moved into a new place. Bigger than my last house. I'm lackin' a bit of furniture for it. Maybe a wardrobe?"

The Libertine still wasn't terribly interested in collectable card games, but she nodded along with the conversation. "Ah, how nice of the big lad to do that for you. Glad you're enjoyin' yourself."

[Kray]

As a line of work academics didn't appeal, learning things was very valuable but it wasn't a job he could sink his teeth into. "Huh But if you teach people how to do it, wouldn't you be putting yourself out of business?" Why hire a translator when you didn't need one? "Uh. Seems better to keep your skills in demand doesn't it?" A secret shared and all that. "Oh. Your quite thrifty then aren't you." And also quite eclectic as income sources went. Not that he's one to talk. "Uh. I would guess that has led to some creative solutions as far as fixing up goes?" Now mildly curious, that's the kind of skill set he could work with.

Great shoulders heavy an easy shrug. "Ah. Never met a ghost myself. And if they were everywhere people said they were then well it wouldn't be a question of if would it." No one said it would be easy. "Hm. But then again I've never gone looking for any intentionally." But he had no problem accepting the possibility. The confident blonde gets a sharp look. "Huh, Spot on are they? People have actually met ghosts then?" If she knew that surely she knew where to look herself? The striking red head also has some interesting on this topic. "Uh. Cryptids, and how has that gone for you?" Those struck a bit closer to home, several kith could well be mistaken for such if seen without their masks.

Land base, mana curve, card ratio oh yes all terms he had heard and had explained. All things he was bad at. "So. Yeah pulling the cards and making do is best I think. It actually makes you play the game." Some of these crazy decks were more like playing solitaire then a good back and forth game. "Hm. What's your current deck built around?" That was always fun to see what cards and strategies people liked.

A deep snort comes from the giant as the snarky mortal continues. Full of pepper this one. "Ha. And what movie do you think would hire someone like me?" His winning smile, all broken teeth and busted nose. He is an ugly mean looking man and knows it. Apparently so does she comparing him to the king of the kaiju "Ha. No I think we're more likely to see you walking on the red carpet then me." Producers liked the pretty people.

[Aurora]

She couldn’t help it, there was a quiet chuckle into her hand before she decided to look at the books on the table in front of her.

Then looking back to the eye-catching redhead, “You can listen to them?! Oh, count me in! And yeah, that does sound creepy, but creepy can be fun. Do the numbers mean anything? Or is that the code and no one has cracked it? Because have to admit, that’s pretty badass.” Yup.

“Yeah! Those are fun to watch sometimes. And sometimes I do have to laugh at those people, cause I’m like, seriously my man, that was just a draft closing a door or something. Or when they ask a ghost for a sign, and something happens and they scream and run out.” Laughing, “Like, you did ask for a sign, at least stay and have a conversation with the poor ghost.” Shaking her head. “Cryptids are pretty fascinating too, lots of lore and history to them. Haven’t done a whole lot of research on them, but it’s on my list. Have a cryptid you like more than the others?” she asks.

“Uh, I have some bookshelves I’m currently putting back together, and a whiskey cabinet. Oh, congrats! But a wardrobe?” looking thoughtful, “I don’t think I have one, but I can keep an eye out for one. With the weather warming up, I often stop by flea markets and get good prices on pieces. If I see one, I can send you pics and talk about restoring it into something more your style?” offers the blonde.

To John, “I wouldn’t be teaching people, they would be contacting me with clients who had things that needed to be translated. Or needed translations verified. The languages I know are not as common and therefore are higher in demand. But you typically need a degree and a few other things and some employers are willing to pay for those if you are willing to work for them.” At least that’s how she understood it from her research. As far as being thrifty, “I like to think I’m thrifty. I didn’t have much money on the road and had to improvise a lot, so I picked up some skills here and there. And if people want to pay me for those skills, then why not? Like, why throw something away if a quick fix with some finishing nails and fresh paint will make it look good as new?” shrugging.

“Same, never met one either. But not sure what I would say if I did. How about you?” looking to John, “What do you think you’d say?” seriously, what does one say to a ghost? For her, it had been she was part of the Mysterium, but that had been a unique situation. Then things went south and things started to hurt. “Well, I’m not sure if they are spot on per say. I’m just saying that comparing stories of people who say they’ve met ghosts, or come across them, they usually have things in common. Cold spots, dark shadows, things like that. That’s what I mean, you can find consistency in the stories. That is what I’m looking for with stories and places, people who have had consistent experiences.” Sure, she could pop a spell and walk in and find a ghost that way, but then it took the fun out of Sleeper ghost hunting.

“I’m sticking with the White and Green lands. I really liked the cards from them, and have kept a few of them from that game. But have added quite a few other boosters I’ve gotten. I hope to branch out into the other colors later, that way I try all the lands at least once. Do you have lands you prefer?”

[Thirteen]

At this point, she'd taken to not looking up constantly. Only when Violet spoke to the giant man. Taking a step or two back helped, too. Less of an incline that way.

On the subject of cryptids, she had plenty to say. "Oh, I grew up close to Loch Ness. I've lived with a cryptid next door most of my life. I found it hard not to think about legendary monsters. It's interestin' what people believe in, in different areas. Around here there's Bigfoot, the Clear Lake Monster, the Fresno Nightcrawlers and more." She glanced about a moment, "Hm, wonder if they've got cryptid books here."

Brown eyes shifted to Aurora, "The numbers surely mean somethin', but only the spies know. As I said, without the codebook, they're impossible to crack." She gave a small shrug, "I'm no decodin' expert, so I couldn't say for sure why it's so hard. I'm guessin' you need some point of reference to start, and the radio broadcasts provide none. Just a string of numbers, usually in English. No knowin' what the decoded language might be, or where the message begins or ends. No identifiable breaks for words or sentences. A written code is easier, I think, because you can see stuff like that."

She snickered, "Some of those shows have been debunked, so you know a good portion are just fakers ridin' the trend. It's the good ones where you can't be sure."

The Acanthus nodded in understanding, not surprised the Thyrsus didn't happen to have a wardrobe on hand, ready to go. "Please do. I'd be happy to have one of your works!" She had to agree about flea markets. "Great places to find things. You never know what prizes might turn up."

A glance back up at the towering figure of Kray. She refrained from the obvious horror movie joke, judging it a little too mean. "Hmmm... a biopic about Andre the Giant?"