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"I'm a four of hearts."
"Four? I've always thought of myself as more of a five..."
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The Code
Around the world, various "monster codes" exist for those a little out of the ordinary to allow them to identify themselves to each other and leave calling cards without alerting those not in the know. In England the monster code is based on dominoes, while other parts of Europe use a code based on Tarot cards. In Bridgeport, playing cards form the working, best known language (although the lack of any real community means that not everyone knows and understands it)
It's pretty simple- the most used aspect of the code are the suites, which serve as species indicators.
♠ Spades - Unearthly Beings - this includes things like demon possession, ghosts, ghouls, shades and other transcendental afflictions.
♥ Hearts - Vampires
♣ Clubs - Werewolves
♦ Diamonds - Less common supernatural creatures - the griffins, banshees, weretigers, sphinxes etc.
Numbered cards can also be used to add in specifics about the origin of the affliction. This lets people talk about their condition in a discrete way - perfect for when others might overhear. It is also useful for individuals trying to find others who have the same issues as them.
1. Supernatural Disease
2. Being Possessed
3. Possessing someone else
4. Magic curse
5. Magic blessing
6. Hereditary condition
7. Just a different species
8. Undead/Resurrection
9. Power via magical object
10. It's complicated/I wont' tell
As a result of this code, some have taken to calling the normal human folk of Bridgeport "Jokers" since they have no suite.
As for the Jacks, Queens and Kings, sometimes these terms might be used for famous supernatural individuals (That Dracula guy? He was the King of Hearts) but usually only for those individuals who have passed on into legend.
The Code
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How much magic is laying about in Bridgeport?
Not very much. While monsters, werewolves and demonic curses do exit, on the whole the world of Bridgeport is pretty much the same world as ours- that is to say, there aren't great gobs of magic thick on the ground. Voodoo, hexes and the sort are more than acceptable, however. Just no Harry Potter boy wizards, if you catch our drift. -
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