Phoebe Martino

Phoebe Martino (a.k.a. Doctor)

Physical Description

Physical quirks

Cold hands.

Apparel & Accessories

A multi-lens device that resembles a deconstructed telescope, strapped to her face at all times. The device clicks and whirrs, almost as if it is trying to speak.

Mental characteristics

Education

Scholarship student at MIT, never finished degree

Employment

Currently a freelance paranormal investigator and novice exorcist

Once held a job at a library

Accomplishments & Achievements

  • Was banned from MIT
  • Is still banned from three catholic churches in Neo Boston
  • On probation at local graveyard
  • Prohibited from working behind the bar at salty’s
  • Prohibited from the kitchen at salty’s after a microwave was found gaining sentience

Failures & Embarrassments

Once considered the top of her class and the shining jewel of the biology department, she has now become a taboo subject and cautionary tale to freshmen at MIT. The organization refuses to associate with Phoebe and will never recognize her as an alum.

Intellectual Characteristics

Although she never received her degree, she has an extensive knowledge on all things biological, and a specialty for all things mysterious. Her other favorites include world history and forensics, but the true crime club leader at MIT eventually stopped inviting her, as her lab manner was said to be “so enthusiastic it was disturbing.”

Morality & Philosophy

All magic is just unexplained science.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Prove to the public that the supernatural exist

Personality Quirks

Often is trying out some sort of controlled substance.

Tests out compounds on herself, within reason.

Is usually consuming some concoction of performance enhancers mixed with coffee.

Hygiene

Very good hygiene, hands are always sterile and cold, hair is normally clean and trimmed, but it seems like she trims it herself… Her hair sticks up and dips down in places you usually wouldn’t see, due to the constant use of her spectral goggles.

Social

Family Ties

Doesn't speak to her parents for whatever reason

Lives with her uncle

Religious Views

GHOSTS EXIST AND I WANT TO TALK TO THEM.

Social Aptitude

At first glance, she seems like a normal woman, a little messy, but in a “i’m unemployed” way, nothing out of the ordinary. The second she opens her mouth, however, its clear to tell she’s the conspiracy theorist, mad scientist type. She’ll ramble on about fairies, somehow looking both stupid, and insanely smart at the same time, commonly using words like “microwave”, “werewolf”, and “electrocardiography” in the same sentence like it’s not weird.

Mannerisms

Constantly reapplying hand sanitizer

Taps foot

Fidgets with goggles when deep in thought

Speech

Very well spoken, often will use complex terminology. When frustrated, simplifies speech IMMENSELY.

Curses like a sailor.

A pioneer in the parabiology field mistaken for a quack by the scholars of MIT. She runs a scientific newsletter (some might call it a blog) by the name of “(after)life science”.

Character Location
View Character Profile
Species
Held Items
Age
~29
Birthplace
Neo Boston
Children
Current Residence
Salty’s Saloon
Gender
Female
Eyes
Hazel
Hair
Dark brown
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Light olive
Height
5 ft 6
Owned Vehicles
Aligned Organization
Known Languages
Latin, Italian, and English.
Ruled Locations

VAMPIRES

Interactions with holy water:   Vampires are seemingly allergic to most holy symbols, including holy water, which will burn them cleanly through most flesh and bones, i have tested with around a drop burning through at least 4 inches of facial muscle and skull bone of the supernatural. I have not tested potency in relation to effective caustic ability, but i will provide updates to this section if i learn more on the topic. “Tactical baptisms" seem to be safe and effective for mortal-vampiric conflict resolution.   Interactions with piranha acid:   Piranha solutions are a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), usually in a ratio of 3:1 to 7:1. They are used to remove trace amounts of organic residues, such as photoresist, from substrates. The mixing procedure is an exothermic reaction that can reach temperatures of 100⁰C or higher.*(1)   Knowing that vampires are still organic*(2) matter despite their undead/magical state, piranha acid will melt their flesh from bone in around 10-40 minutes, depending on the BMI of the subject.   Here’s some recipes:   https://sciencenotes.org/piranha-solution-preparation-use-and-safety/#:~:text=There%20is%20more%20than%20one,and%20the%20risk%20of%20explosion.   1*please exercise extreme caution while working with piranha solution, as it has a very violent reaction and may explode.   2*more on this later  

ZOMBIE GUIDE

NOTES -holy water somewhat uneffective but havent tested MAY SEVER CONNECTION TO CONTROLLING RITUAL AND ESSENTIALLY DEACTIVATE UNDEAD SHAMBLING !! -organic matter, acids can work -fire good -no blood unless a fresh death, new bodies havent been drained of fluids -non infectious -bullets WORK. -poisons/biological agents like fungi/viruses can work -non coherent and want to eat brains -cannot be reasoned with so far -uncoordinated and really, really stupid.     POSSIBLE CAUSES -dark magic -lyssaviriuses -weird mind control tech -extraterrestrials -hypnosis -necromancy (see dark magic) -curses? -parasites -mycelium -ghosts, probably.   EXPLORATION -can they be pacified -how many limbs can they lose before staying down -holy water effectiveness -regeneration -why brains -infections -hydrophobia in lyssavirus based zombification  

The Lyssavirus-Zombie Connection

Recently, I've become increasingly intrigued by the connection between hydrophobia—a hallmark symptom of rabies caused by the lyssavirus—and the portrayal of zombies in popular culture. What if there's more to this connection than mere fiction?   The lyssavirus, primarily known for causing rabies, leads to severe neurological symptoms, including aggressive behavior, hallucinations, and—most notably—hydrophobia. This aversion to water arises due to spasms in the throat, making it difficult to swallow. While rabies itself doesn't turn people into zombies, what if the virus could evolve or be manipulated to create a more dramatic transformation?   The Hypothesis Consider this: what if a future strain of lyssavirus could not only cause the classic rabies symptoms but also lead to a zombified state? In this scenario, the infected individuals could exhibit heightened aggression and a disconnection from their former selves. The hydrophobia associated with rabies could serve as a metaphorical and literal barrier to survival in a post-apocalyptic world.   The Scientific Underpinnings 1. Viral Evolution: Viruses are known for their ability to mutate and adapt. With the right environmental pressures—a lyssavirus could potentially gain new traits, making it more lethal and altering its symptom profile. 2. Neurological Effects: The damage caused by rabies to the brain often leads to violent behavior. Imagine a scenario where this aggression is amplified, turning individuals into mindless predators, much like the zombies depicted in films.   Conclusion: While this theory may sound far-fetched, it raises important questions about our understanding of viruses, their potential for mutation, and their societal implications. As we grapple with emerging infectious diseases and the effects of climate change, we must remain vigilant. The concept of lyssavirus-induced hydrophobia in zombies may be more than just a horror trope! So, the next time you watch a zombie movie, consider the underlying science. What if these fictional creatures are not just a product of imagination but a warning of what could come if we don’t heed the lessons of virology. Stay informed, stay prepared, and always question the narratives we’re fed.  

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