[ application | dramadramaduck ]
Player nickname: Kerry
Player LJ: boxeddreams
Way to contact you:
Email: fontcroire @ gmail.com
AIM: fontcroire
Other: boxeddreams @ plurk
Are you at least 15?: Y
Current Characters: Quinn Fabray ( formercheerio )
Character: Helen Magnus
Fandom: Sanctuary
Character Notes: I'll be pulling Helen in from in between the end of 402 and working through the season as it progresses (and playing catch up as 405 aired last Friday). The personality & abilities/weaknesses section have been used in applications previously and can all be found on this journal. The history section can be found in full here.
History: 1850 August 27: Helen was born to Gregory Magnus & Patricia Heathering
1880's Helen attended Oxford and learned medicine, although she was denied from receiving her degree despite her high marks. Helen later met James Watson, John Druitt, Nikola Tesla and Nigel Griffin and formed a group known as 'The Five'. Helen persuaded her father to show her his greatest work, taking her first steps into the abnormal world. After obtaining a pure sample of the blood of ancient vampires, The Five began working with it to create a serum - the one which gave them their abnormalities
1888 Jack the Ripper began terrorizing London. Helen tried to stop him to help him and failed. Her engagement to John was broken off and with the help of James and Nikola 'paused' her pregnancy by freezing the embryo
1898 Helen & James' help was sought by Adam Worth in the hopes of saving his daughter Imogene from death. Due to the nature of her condition there was little that Helen could do and subsequently both her and James were blamed for Imogene's death. The (UK) Sanctuary also gained its first permanent resident
1900's Following Imogene's death Helen and the other members of The Five were sought out by the King for their 'talents' (although rather as freelance assassins than their actual abilities) in the hopes of stopping Adam Worth
1912 Helen was aboard the Titanic and was saved by Emily Brown
1917 Helen went to Egypt with Nikola in search of the tomb of Tutankhamen where they spent five years searching for it before Howard Carter discovered it
1940's Helen, James and Nigel travelled to France (Carentan) as part of a resistance group, aiming to stop a plan that was being put into place by the Nazi's
1950's Helen treated a Bigfoot after he'd been shot, giving him a place on her staff after he refused to leave
1980's Helen rescued Will Zimmerman from an abnormal which killed his mother
1986 December 8: Gave birth to her daughter, Ashley
2008-present Helen recruited Will Zimmerman to the Sanctuary and her team (consisting of Ashley, Henry Foss and Bigfoot) believing that his psychological and detective insights would be a great asset. Along with continuing the mission of the Sanctuary Helen also managed to catch the attention of the Cabal - another organisation with an interest in abnormals, although not for the same reasons as the Sanctuary. Later when the Cabal threatened the abnormal community The Five met, travelling to Bhalasaam in order to retrieve the Source Blood in order to devise a cure. Following this Helen's daughter Ashley is taken by the Cabal, using the stolen Source Blood to turn her into a weapon. Helen defends the Sanctuary Network against the Cabal and with no choice left Ashley sacrifices herself in order to save both her mother and the Sanctuary. Helen at first struggles to grieve for Ashley, refusing to let her go. When Ashley's birthday comes round she struggles with it again, unable to ask for the help and comfort that she needs. Although the Sanctuary continues with it's mission it becomes a little shakier, particularly when a tidal wave disrupts multiple abnormals and there are global sightings. Discovering India to be the source the Sanctuary team travels there, learning that it is in fact Big Bertha that is the cause of the disruptions - an abnormal whom the Sanctuary Network (barring Helen herself) has believed dead. Despite being deposed from her position Helen sets out in attempting to calm Big Bertha, hoping to restore the natural order. When the actions of Terrance Wexford (the Head of the New York Sanctuary and the one who deposed Helen) further exaccerbate the situation it falls to Will to be able to defuse it, although the means are rather drastic - to be able to contact Kali (the representation of Big Bertha) he has to die. In an attempt to do this as safelt as possible, using medically controlled methods, Will accepts the duty and Helen manages to revive him despite him being dead longer than recommended.
Will's death brought something new to the Sanctuary - a message from Helen's father, and a rather cryptic clue that only Helen could decipher. The message brought them a new goal, a secondary 'adventure' alongside the mission of the Sanctuary - information regarding a city hidden beneath the surface of Earth, and possibly more information regarding the origins and predecessions of abnormals. After rescuing Nikola from a destroyed Cabal facility she enlisted his help in solving the puzzle of Hollow Earth and learned one crucial thing - the city had high defences against Vampires (and even Helen and Nikola, given the Vampiric properties in their blood).
After later receiving a message from an abnormal whom wanted to meet Helen and her team travelled to what appeared to be an abandoned building. Trapped inside Helen ended up fighting for her life, and fighting to reveal the identity of her mysterious attacker (whom she discovered to be Adam Worth). After managing to stop Adam and discover what it was that he was aiming to do Helen discovered that she was sick from radiation poisoning - something that had occur whilst being trapped with Adam - to the point where she almost died from it. After managing to find the location of Hollow Earth (where the cure for her illness was along with her father) Helen went in search of it. After going to Hollow Earth Helen (and her team) were killed due to Praxian laws, although this was only taken out so that Ranna was seen to be following the Senate (which she wasn't as she revived Helen and her team afterwards so that they could talk). After helping Ranna with Adam (who had later come to Hollow Earth and was on a plan of destruction) Helen learned the full story of how he had survived and what he had been doing (and why he was so desperate to return). After believing Adam to be dead (by the hands of John Druitt) Helen (now cured) returned to the Sanctuary.
After continuing to study the information held within the map, Helen and Nikola travelled to an abandoned Vampire safeguard. After almost being killed by Praxian defences Helen managed to revamp Nikola (after finding a vampire queen in stasis), something which almost saw her vampire court be revived and attempt to take over the world. After tricking her with the Praxian map (which gave her the location of Praxis but also killed her due to the vampire sensors protecting Praxis) Helen returned again to the Sanctuary, with Nikola leaving to return to his pursuits (and no doubt try to bring back vampires again).
After later learning of a distress in Carentan with people disappearing (the same place where Helen and James had been during 1945) Helen believed that her actions then had been responsible. After fixing the problem (and discovering yet another time dilation field - this one much stronger and problematic) Helen linked this to Adam, later discovering that he was in fact not dead. After abnormals from Praxis started returning to the surface Helen (along with John) returned to Praxis in hopes of finding Ranna or her father and learning what had occurred. This didn't go to plan when they instead found that Praxis had been entirely destroyed due to Adam and his latest experiment: time travel. The end of season three saw Adam complete his experiment and travel back in time to 1898 in hopes of preventing his daughter from dying, something which he blamed Helen for.
Following travelling to 1898, Helen followed Adam through London in an attempt to stop him. After being injured and taken in by Scotland Yard Helen met up with James Watson. His deductive mind allowed him to figure out what had happened and Helen filled in the more important blanks, allowing him to aide her and stop her from altering the future irrevocably. After near misses with herself and John Druitt (although her actions with him weren't entirely protective of her future) Helen managed to find Adam.
Despite Adam curing Imogen (and altering the future) Helen wouldn't allow this to stand lead another attack on Adam. During the chase Helen was injured, and following that injured Adam, although this wasn't the end to it. Imogen had left the loft in pursuit of her father and Helen and whilst trying to attack Helen died in a rubble blast, putting the future back as it should be. This wasn't the end as Adam was determined to do more, blaming Helen once again despite all actions being his own and after once again trying to kill Helen she killed him - the future Adam.
Her actions with Adam had caught the notice of both James and 1898!Helen and caused her to quickly hide whilst they, a crowd and 1898!Adam came to Imogen. After making an escape Helen later met up with James, thanking him for his help, promising him to secrecy and began to say her goodbyes. Despite originally planning suicide (since a way home was impossible and she was unable to stay in London) James managed to change her mind, giving her the idea of solitude until she met up with her timeline. Although the idea seems a little ridiculous, 113 years in solace - a rather more extended holiday than Helen could ever take, she in the end agreed, leaving both James and London.
Personality: One of the first things to know and remember about Helen is that she is first and foremost a Victorian woman. While she may not hold high many of the standards expected of a woman from that time, it doesn't change her upbringing and overall demeanour and whilst she has adapted to integrate herself with the changing times she is still the same woman at heart. She is a particularly private person, a mix from her need for privacy in her work, her experiences but also due to her upbringing. Helen doesn't talk freely about her feelings and will take care of others before herself. If Helen does talk about herself or her past it is usually in brief detail and the conversation is rapidly cut short if it takes a turn into matters that she is unwilling to discuss. Even those that Helen considers herself friends with know very little about her life, barring her long-standing friends.
Etiquette is something that Helen holds to the highest regard and will let you know should something that you do or say cross her boundaries into disrespect or bad etiquette. A testament to this was in an alternate timeframe when, even though the world was ending, Helen requested that the young girl that she was with told her her name - stating that “proper etiquette would be to offer your name in return”. Helen also has a lot of pride for herself and her work and does not take kindly to anyone demeaning that or her authority. She's an intelligent woman and very loyal - if she cares about you or you're a friend she will protect you and will do so regardless of any other influences. Helen employs a strong "do no harm" ethic due to her status as a medical doctor and her wish to protect any abnormal and person. She is unwilling to harm or even kill any individual without a spectacularly good reason, often placing her own life in danger above that of whom she would rather save, an example of this being John Druitt whom she has tried to save for over a century despite his actions towards herself and others.
In her work Helen employs some strict sensibilities which aide in protecting both her work and her patients. While she may not relax often, and only takes a weekend long break every seven years, Helen does know how to relax and enjoy herself. She knows how to make light of a situation and has a distinctive sense of humour, though it's only seen when the time is appropriate. As well as being protective over people’s lives she is also protective over their beliefs or interests. Helen has long understood the personal dangers of the job, the lack of being able to communicate it to others (“dinner parties are hell”) and allows her staff the relaxation and personal time that they so need. Her protective nature is also very compassionate and though it may be hard for Helen to relate to others she does truly try.
Helen is a strong woman both physically and mentally. It takes a lot for Helen to lose control over herself in a situation or to act rashly or without calm. One thing, or rather person, which does alter this is Helen's daughter Ashley. Whenever Ashley is in danger, or even when she was kidnapped by the Cabal, Helen fought for her and even placed her work in danger to rescue her daughter. Another individual who causes Helen to lose clarity in situations is John Druitt. Despite his actions Helen was unable to fully sever her feelings for him or truly hate him due to their past, instead burying them deep. Whilst Helen may have feared John when he first came back into her life, his actions and events that unfolded have shown that he will not hurt her or the Sanctuary. While she may not fully be able to trust him, Helen is able to place enough trust in him to allow him to help. Her own actions of wishing to help him shows that she does still care for him also, whether or not she will admit it.
Due to Helen's extended life she has seen the world change many times and knows that she will again. Though she keeps herself apprised of global affairs, mainly to protect the abnormal community, Helen herself is less involved with them than she was in past years. Political affairs also hold less of an interest to Helen and, unless she is specifically asked, she will keep away from them. When Helen is not researching abnormals she makes time to present lectures on varying abnormal theories, though she has been told that her lectures are rather boring.
Other: Abilities: Helen possesses the abnormality of longevity which has permitted her extended lifespan and youthful appearance - as told by James Watson she hasn't changed since spring of 1886. She's also a medical doctor in multiple fields - teratology, xenobiology and cryptozoology (as well as human medicine) and in the 19th Century was known for being on the leading frontier of medicine, and continues that today with her work into abnormals.
Helen is also a polyglot and speaks many languages (more than we'll ever know). In canon she's shown speaking seven languages (including English) and is also knowledgeable in Ancient Vampire, forms of Sign Language and Latin. Due to her position in the Sanctuary Network (including her travelling and setting up Sanctuary's in other countries) it can be assumed that she is knowledgeable (to a passable level) in various other languages - especially those where her Sanctuary's are located.
Due to being injected by the Source Blood (blood of Sanguine Vampiris - ancient Vampires) Helen received (or possibly activated) her abnormality of longevity. Along with this Helen possesses a heightened immune system (a toxin that was designed to infect abnormals she was immune to due to the effects of the source blood) and it is possible that she also possesses a heightened immune system in general - to colds and other illnesses. That isn't to say, however, that Helen is immortal or fully immune - due to molecular acceleration (through a vortex allowing travel through time and space) Helen was exposed to this vortex, causing her to become ill with radiation sickness - a very potent form that would have killed her in a matter of weeks. Helen is also human, meaning that she can be killed. The source blood also allows Helen to go by with very little sleep. Although she does still require it, unlike the vampires, she only requires a couple of hours a night (2-4 depending when she last slept) - although Helen often goes without that when things are busy or of a pressing nature.
Weaknesses: Helen's first, and main weakness is that she is still human. Despite the Source Blood and her abnormality she is still human and susceptible to injury and death. She can be killed by normal means (and has been previously) and despite her heightened immune system can still become ill (for example radiation sickness).
Another of Helen's weaknesses is her compassion. If Helen cares about you (which is likely if you don't anger her nor piss her off - with exceptions) it will cloud her judgement somewhat and she will place saving your life above anything else - especially her own life. Two of her sorer subjects for this are her daughter (Ashley) and her former lover (John Druitt). In the case of Ashley she would do anything to save her. When offered the trade of Ashley's life for the Sanctuary Network Helen declined, as although Ashley is important to her and she wished to save her she couldn't sacrifice her work - but she did this with a plan in mind to save Ashley (and doubts that the Cabal would have given Ashley to her). After Ashley died she remarked (when seeing visions of her) that she was her life, even going so far later as to find a way to end her longevity so as to be able to die of 'normal' ageing. In regards to John? Despite what happens and what he does she is unable to kill him. Speaking of him, particularly negatively, despite his actions will result in an unpleasant look from Helen or provoke some irritation in her. Despite her attempts to hate and revile him for his actions it is hard to fully cut off all other feelings for him. He is the one person that she has truly loved and it's possible that she still feels that love for him - something that she will never admit nor wish to act on due to the pain, anger and their (especially his) past. It is these feelings that make Helen prefer to help him rather than put an end to him, especially after Ashley's death - she was their remaining connection and now he is her remaining connection to Ashley and she couldn't bear to lose them both (especially not after the losing Nigel, James and then almost Nikola also). Additionally to this, Helen will place the lives of both abnormals and humans above anything else, preferring to stun or sedate something rather than kill it - her gun is more often stocked with tranquilliser rounds than bullets. Helen will only kill something as a last resort or in the face of extreme danger.
One other thing that Helen seems to do badly with is looking after herself. Despite caring for others and the role that she takes within the Sanctuary and in others life Helen is spectacularly terrible at looking after herself - something which is exacerbated in a crisis. Helen often has to be reminded to eat - which sometimes still becomes forgotten due to the crisis - and often refuses to sleep whilst something is happening or until she knows that all of her residents are safe and/or asleep themselves.
Odd Facts: Helen has known many notable figures including H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Teddy Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Emily Brown, Mahatma Ghandi and one of The Beatles, and of course not forgetting Nikola Tesla, John Druitt, James Watson and Nigel Griffin, along with Jekyll and Hyde (Adam Worth).
Helen owns a submarine by the name of Nautilus.
Helen has only had two helicopter/plane crashes in 158 years (274 now).
The Sanctuary Network is a global network currently comprised of sixteen Sanctuary's, which are located in:
Canada (Old City), Paraguay (Asunción), China (Beijing), Germany (Berlin), Egypt (Cairo), Russia (Grozny & Moscow), Nigeria (Lagos), India (Mumbai & New Delhi), America (New York), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Australia (Sydney), Japan (Tokyo), United Kingdom (England), Norway (Unspecified). Helen is the Head of the Old City Sanctuary as well as Leader of the Sanctuary Network.
Whilst much of this is unclear/unstated it can be assumed that due to Helen's work with the Sanctuary Network, her travelling and lifetimes that she is fluent (or rather passable) in many languages - especially European ones. Due to the large Sanctuary Network it is also probable that she speaks the language (passable/fluently) of each country. Headcanon languages will be noted with an asterix, those seemingly logical due to Sanctuary locations will be left blank:
English (first language), French (spoken in Normandy), German, Italian (spoken in The Five), Japanese (spoken in Kali Part One), Zulu (spoken in Haunted), Cambodian (spoken in For King and Country), Norwegian (spoken in Vigilante), Latin (translated in Revelations Part One), Serbian, Russian, Egyptian Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish*, Guarani, Swahili*, Welsh*, Gaelic*, Ancient Vampire (translated in Awakening), Morse Code, British Sign Language, American Sign Language.
Additional Links: Helen Magnus @ wikia
First Person (entry type): As harmless as this community may ultimately seem the unsecured connection, or rather it's apparent appearance into the network has me concerned; although it would appear to be limited only to my office computer. Despite looking for a source or even a when in regards to it becoming established on my computer I've had trouble doing so - it would seem that whomever created this place has gone to great lengths to keep aspects of it secret, although the fact that Henry was unable to access the community was of little help to me.
Given what I've read already over the past week it would appear that any questions I have may be better directed to the populous. [ Something that she's having a little trouble wishing to accept ]
Aside from the obvious, part of which I'm doubtful of receiving an answer to, it would seem that an introduction would be the appropriate starting point; my name's Helen Magnus. Good day.
Third Person: One hundred and thirteen years. At first the prospect of solitude for such a length of time had seemed ridiculous, never mind impossible - this was the woman that took a weekend length vacation every seven years; she simply couldn't manage any more. But she had been wrong. As the days had gone on Helen had found it a little easier to relax, a little easier to slip into a life of peace and... well, nothing. One hundred and thirteen years may still have seemed like a long time but as time went on it seemed more bearable.
She'd had much to think on; one hundred and sixty years had been a long time, particularly when she'd never given herself this opportunity previously. It was an understatement to say that much had happened to her, although with as much pleasures that were also part of that Helen had a tendency to remember the more painful parts of her life more quickly; especially Ashley. Helen may never admit it but as much as she blamed herself for her daughters death she also blamed John. Who he was and that damned ability of his. Without that-
She was ten years into her solitude. Ten years into her damned one hundred and thirteen year 'vacation'. Even still there were things that she didn't wish to think on - couldn't bring herself to think on. Her outburst towards John had made her realise how much pain and anger she still felt towards him. He'd hurt her more than she ever wished to acknowledge and being confronted by that, by seeing her past had made her realise just how much she still hurt. They may have been on more amicable terms when she'd left for London but he was one of many wounds that refused to close.
As much as her life afforded her Helen still viewed it as a curse. Outliving everyone that you knew, watching your friends, even lovers grow old and die? And sometimes without being able to grow old. She didn't see how she could view it as anything else. Her only thanks with it was that she wasn't immortal - one day she would die, either through coming to the end of her life span or through other means. And even though she'd managed to find some peace in the past ten years it was then that she believed that she would truly find peace.
Player LJ: boxeddreams
Way to contact you:
Email: fontcroire @ gmail.com
AIM: fontcroire
Other: boxeddreams @ plurk
Are you at least 15?: Y
Current Characters: Quinn Fabray ( formercheerio )
Character: Helen Magnus
Fandom: Sanctuary
Character Notes: I'll be pulling Helen in from in between the end of 402 and working through the season as it progresses (and playing catch up as 405 aired last Friday). The personality & abilities/weaknesses section have been used in applications previously and can all be found on this journal. The history section can be found in full here.
History: 1850 August 27: Helen was born to Gregory Magnus & Patricia Heathering
1880's Helen attended Oxford and learned medicine, although she was denied from receiving her degree despite her high marks. Helen later met James Watson, John Druitt, Nikola Tesla and Nigel Griffin and formed a group known as 'The Five'. Helen persuaded her father to show her his greatest work, taking her first steps into the abnormal world. After obtaining a pure sample of the blood of ancient vampires, The Five began working with it to create a serum - the one which gave them their abnormalities
1888 Jack the Ripper began terrorizing London. Helen tried to stop him to help him and failed. Her engagement to John was broken off and with the help of James and Nikola 'paused' her pregnancy by freezing the embryo
1898 Helen & James' help was sought by Adam Worth in the hopes of saving his daughter Imogene from death. Due to the nature of her condition there was little that Helen could do and subsequently both her and James were blamed for Imogene's death. The (UK) Sanctuary also gained its first permanent resident
1900's Following Imogene's death Helen and the other members of The Five were sought out by the King for their 'talents' (although rather as freelance assassins than their actual abilities) in the hopes of stopping Adam Worth
1912 Helen was aboard the Titanic and was saved by Emily Brown
1917 Helen went to Egypt with Nikola in search of the tomb of Tutankhamen where they spent five years searching for it before Howard Carter discovered it
1940's Helen, James and Nigel travelled to France (Carentan) as part of a resistance group, aiming to stop a plan that was being put into place by the Nazi's
1950's Helen treated a Bigfoot after he'd been shot, giving him a place on her staff after he refused to leave
1980's Helen rescued Will Zimmerman from an abnormal which killed his mother
1986 December 8: Gave birth to her daughter, Ashley
2008-present Helen recruited Will Zimmerman to the Sanctuary and her team (consisting of Ashley, Henry Foss and Bigfoot) believing that his psychological and detective insights would be a great asset. Along with continuing the mission of the Sanctuary Helen also managed to catch the attention of the Cabal - another organisation with an interest in abnormals, although not for the same reasons as the Sanctuary. Later when the Cabal threatened the abnormal community The Five met, travelling to Bhalasaam in order to retrieve the Source Blood in order to devise a cure. Following this Helen's daughter Ashley is taken by the Cabal, using the stolen Source Blood to turn her into a weapon. Helen defends the Sanctuary Network against the Cabal and with no choice left Ashley sacrifices herself in order to save both her mother and the Sanctuary. Helen at first struggles to grieve for Ashley, refusing to let her go. When Ashley's birthday comes round she struggles with it again, unable to ask for the help and comfort that she needs. Although the Sanctuary continues with it's mission it becomes a little shakier, particularly when a tidal wave disrupts multiple abnormals and there are global sightings. Discovering India to be the source the Sanctuary team travels there, learning that it is in fact Big Bertha that is the cause of the disruptions - an abnormal whom the Sanctuary Network (barring Helen herself) has believed dead. Despite being deposed from her position Helen sets out in attempting to calm Big Bertha, hoping to restore the natural order. When the actions of Terrance Wexford (the Head of the New York Sanctuary and the one who deposed Helen) further exaccerbate the situation it falls to Will to be able to defuse it, although the means are rather drastic - to be able to contact Kali (the representation of Big Bertha) he has to die. In an attempt to do this as safelt as possible, using medically controlled methods, Will accepts the duty and Helen manages to revive him despite him being dead longer than recommended.
Will's death brought something new to the Sanctuary - a message from Helen's father, and a rather cryptic clue that only Helen could decipher. The message brought them a new goal, a secondary 'adventure' alongside the mission of the Sanctuary - information regarding a city hidden beneath the surface of Earth, and possibly more information regarding the origins and predecessions of abnormals. After rescuing Nikola from a destroyed Cabal facility she enlisted his help in solving the puzzle of Hollow Earth and learned one crucial thing - the city had high defences against Vampires (and even Helen and Nikola, given the Vampiric properties in their blood).
After later receiving a message from an abnormal whom wanted to meet Helen and her team travelled to what appeared to be an abandoned building. Trapped inside Helen ended up fighting for her life, and fighting to reveal the identity of her mysterious attacker (whom she discovered to be Adam Worth). After managing to stop Adam and discover what it was that he was aiming to do Helen discovered that she was sick from radiation poisoning - something that had occur whilst being trapped with Adam - to the point where she almost died from it. After managing to find the location of Hollow Earth (where the cure for her illness was along with her father) Helen went in search of it. After going to Hollow Earth Helen (and her team) were killed due to Praxian laws, although this was only taken out so that Ranna was seen to be following the Senate (which she wasn't as she revived Helen and her team afterwards so that they could talk). After helping Ranna with Adam (who had later come to Hollow Earth and was on a plan of destruction) Helen learned the full story of how he had survived and what he had been doing (and why he was so desperate to return). After believing Adam to be dead (by the hands of John Druitt) Helen (now cured) returned to the Sanctuary.
After continuing to study the information held within the map, Helen and Nikola travelled to an abandoned Vampire safeguard. After almost being killed by Praxian defences Helen managed to revamp Nikola (after finding a vampire queen in stasis), something which almost saw her vampire court be revived and attempt to take over the world. After tricking her with the Praxian map (which gave her the location of Praxis but also killed her due to the vampire sensors protecting Praxis) Helen returned again to the Sanctuary, with Nikola leaving to return to his pursuits (and no doubt try to bring back vampires again).
After later learning of a distress in Carentan with people disappearing (the same place where Helen and James had been during 1945) Helen believed that her actions then had been responsible. After fixing the problem (and discovering yet another time dilation field - this one much stronger and problematic) Helen linked this to Adam, later discovering that he was in fact not dead. After abnormals from Praxis started returning to the surface Helen (along with John) returned to Praxis in hopes of finding Ranna or her father and learning what had occurred. This didn't go to plan when they instead found that Praxis had been entirely destroyed due to Adam and his latest experiment: time travel. The end of season three saw Adam complete his experiment and travel back in time to 1898 in hopes of preventing his daughter from dying, something which he blamed Helen for.
Following travelling to 1898, Helen followed Adam through London in an attempt to stop him. After being injured and taken in by Scotland Yard Helen met up with James Watson. His deductive mind allowed him to figure out what had happened and Helen filled in the more important blanks, allowing him to aide her and stop her from altering the future irrevocably. After near misses with herself and John Druitt (although her actions with him weren't entirely protective of her future) Helen managed to find Adam.
Despite Adam curing Imogen (and altering the future) Helen wouldn't allow this to stand lead another attack on Adam. During the chase Helen was injured, and following that injured Adam, although this wasn't the end to it. Imogen had left the loft in pursuit of her father and Helen and whilst trying to attack Helen died in a rubble blast, putting the future back as it should be. This wasn't the end as Adam was determined to do more, blaming Helen once again despite all actions being his own and after once again trying to kill Helen she killed him - the future Adam.
Her actions with Adam had caught the notice of both James and 1898!Helen and caused her to quickly hide whilst they, a crowd and 1898!Adam came to Imogen. After making an escape Helen later met up with James, thanking him for his help, promising him to secrecy and began to say her goodbyes. Despite originally planning suicide (since a way home was impossible and she was unable to stay in London) James managed to change her mind, giving her the idea of solitude until she met up with her timeline. Although the idea seems a little ridiculous, 113 years in solace - a rather more extended holiday than Helen could ever take, she in the end agreed, leaving both James and London.
Personality: One of the first things to know and remember about Helen is that she is first and foremost a Victorian woman. While she may not hold high many of the standards expected of a woman from that time, it doesn't change her upbringing and overall demeanour and whilst she has adapted to integrate herself with the changing times she is still the same woman at heart. She is a particularly private person, a mix from her need for privacy in her work, her experiences but also due to her upbringing. Helen doesn't talk freely about her feelings and will take care of others before herself. If Helen does talk about herself or her past it is usually in brief detail and the conversation is rapidly cut short if it takes a turn into matters that she is unwilling to discuss. Even those that Helen considers herself friends with know very little about her life, barring her long-standing friends.
Etiquette is something that Helen holds to the highest regard and will let you know should something that you do or say cross her boundaries into disrespect or bad etiquette. A testament to this was in an alternate timeframe when, even though the world was ending, Helen requested that the young girl that she was with told her her name - stating that “proper etiquette would be to offer your name in return”. Helen also has a lot of pride for herself and her work and does not take kindly to anyone demeaning that or her authority. She's an intelligent woman and very loyal - if she cares about you or you're a friend she will protect you and will do so regardless of any other influences. Helen employs a strong "do no harm" ethic due to her status as a medical doctor and her wish to protect any abnormal and person. She is unwilling to harm or even kill any individual without a spectacularly good reason, often placing her own life in danger above that of whom she would rather save, an example of this being John Druitt whom she has tried to save for over a century despite his actions towards herself and others.
In her work Helen employs some strict sensibilities which aide in protecting both her work and her patients. While she may not relax often, and only takes a weekend long break every seven years, Helen does know how to relax and enjoy herself. She knows how to make light of a situation and has a distinctive sense of humour, though it's only seen when the time is appropriate. As well as being protective over people’s lives she is also protective over their beliefs or interests. Helen has long understood the personal dangers of the job, the lack of being able to communicate it to others (“dinner parties are hell”) and allows her staff the relaxation and personal time that they so need. Her protective nature is also very compassionate and though it may be hard for Helen to relate to others she does truly try.
Helen is a strong woman both physically and mentally. It takes a lot for Helen to lose control over herself in a situation or to act rashly or without calm. One thing, or rather person, which does alter this is Helen's daughter Ashley. Whenever Ashley is in danger, or even when she was kidnapped by the Cabal, Helen fought for her and even placed her work in danger to rescue her daughter. Another individual who causes Helen to lose clarity in situations is John Druitt. Despite his actions Helen was unable to fully sever her feelings for him or truly hate him due to their past, instead burying them deep. Whilst Helen may have feared John when he first came back into her life, his actions and events that unfolded have shown that he will not hurt her or the Sanctuary. While she may not fully be able to trust him, Helen is able to place enough trust in him to allow him to help. Her own actions of wishing to help him shows that she does still care for him also, whether or not she will admit it.
Due to Helen's extended life she has seen the world change many times and knows that she will again. Though she keeps herself apprised of global affairs, mainly to protect the abnormal community, Helen herself is less involved with them than she was in past years. Political affairs also hold less of an interest to Helen and, unless she is specifically asked, she will keep away from them. When Helen is not researching abnormals she makes time to present lectures on varying abnormal theories, though she has been told that her lectures are rather boring.
Other: Abilities: Helen possesses the abnormality of longevity which has permitted her extended lifespan and youthful appearance - as told by James Watson she hasn't changed since spring of 1886. She's also a medical doctor in multiple fields - teratology, xenobiology and cryptozoology (as well as human medicine) and in the 19th Century was known for being on the leading frontier of medicine, and continues that today with her work into abnormals.
Helen is also a polyglot and speaks many languages (more than we'll ever know). In canon she's shown speaking seven languages (including English) and is also knowledgeable in Ancient Vampire, forms of Sign Language and Latin. Due to her position in the Sanctuary Network (including her travelling and setting up Sanctuary's in other countries) it can be assumed that she is knowledgeable (to a passable level) in various other languages - especially those where her Sanctuary's are located.
Due to being injected by the Source Blood (blood of Sanguine Vampiris - ancient Vampires) Helen received (or possibly activated) her abnormality of longevity. Along with this Helen possesses a heightened immune system (a toxin that was designed to infect abnormals she was immune to due to the effects of the source blood) and it is possible that she also possesses a heightened immune system in general - to colds and other illnesses. That isn't to say, however, that Helen is immortal or fully immune - due to molecular acceleration (through a vortex allowing travel through time and space) Helen was exposed to this vortex, causing her to become ill with radiation sickness - a very potent form that would have killed her in a matter of weeks. Helen is also human, meaning that she can be killed. The source blood also allows Helen to go by with very little sleep. Although she does still require it, unlike the vampires, she only requires a couple of hours a night (2-4 depending when she last slept) - although Helen often goes without that when things are busy or of a pressing nature.
Weaknesses: Helen's first, and main weakness is that she is still human. Despite the Source Blood and her abnormality she is still human and susceptible to injury and death. She can be killed by normal means (and has been previously) and despite her heightened immune system can still become ill (for example radiation sickness).
Another of Helen's weaknesses is her compassion. If Helen cares about you (which is likely if you don't anger her nor piss her off - with exceptions) it will cloud her judgement somewhat and she will place saving your life above anything else - especially her own life. Two of her sorer subjects for this are her daughter (Ashley) and her former lover (John Druitt). In the case of Ashley she would do anything to save her. When offered the trade of Ashley's life for the Sanctuary Network Helen declined, as although Ashley is important to her and she wished to save her she couldn't sacrifice her work - but she did this with a plan in mind to save Ashley (and doubts that the Cabal would have given Ashley to her). After Ashley died she remarked (when seeing visions of her) that she was her life, even going so far later as to find a way to end her longevity so as to be able to die of 'normal' ageing. In regards to John? Despite what happens and what he does she is unable to kill him. Speaking of him, particularly negatively, despite his actions will result in an unpleasant look from Helen or provoke some irritation in her. Despite her attempts to hate and revile him for his actions it is hard to fully cut off all other feelings for him. He is the one person that she has truly loved and it's possible that she still feels that love for him - something that she will never admit nor wish to act on due to the pain, anger and their (especially his) past. It is these feelings that make Helen prefer to help him rather than put an end to him, especially after Ashley's death - she was their remaining connection and now he is her remaining connection to Ashley and she couldn't bear to lose them both (especially not after the losing Nigel, James and then almost Nikola also). Additionally to this, Helen will place the lives of both abnormals and humans above anything else, preferring to stun or sedate something rather than kill it - her gun is more often stocked with tranquilliser rounds than bullets. Helen will only kill something as a last resort or in the face of extreme danger.
One other thing that Helen seems to do badly with is looking after herself. Despite caring for others and the role that she takes within the Sanctuary and in others life Helen is spectacularly terrible at looking after herself - something which is exacerbated in a crisis. Helen often has to be reminded to eat - which sometimes still becomes forgotten due to the crisis - and often refuses to sleep whilst something is happening or until she knows that all of her residents are safe and/or asleep themselves.
Odd Facts: Helen has known many notable figures including H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Teddy Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Emily Brown, Mahatma Ghandi and one of The Beatles, and of course not forgetting Nikola Tesla, John Druitt, James Watson and Nigel Griffin, along with Jekyll and Hyde (Adam Worth).
Helen owns a submarine by the name of Nautilus.
Helen has only had two helicopter/plane crashes in 158 years (274 now).
The Sanctuary Network is a global network currently comprised of sixteen Sanctuary's, which are located in:
Canada (Old City), Paraguay (Asunción), China (Beijing), Germany (Berlin), Egypt (Cairo), Russia (Grozny & Moscow), Nigeria (Lagos), India (Mumbai & New Delhi), America (New York), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Australia (Sydney), Japan (Tokyo), United Kingdom (England), Norway (Unspecified). Helen is the Head of the Old City Sanctuary as well as Leader of the Sanctuary Network.
Whilst much of this is unclear/unstated it can be assumed that due to Helen's work with the Sanctuary Network, her travelling and lifetimes that she is fluent (or rather passable) in many languages - especially European ones. Due to the large Sanctuary Network it is also probable that she speaks the language (passable/fluently) of each country. Headcanon languages will be noted with an asterix, those seemingly logical due to Sanctuary locations will be left blank:
English (first language), French (spoken in Normandy), German, Italian (spoken in The Five), Japanese (spoken in Kali Part One), Zulu (spoken in Haunted), Cambodian (spoken in For King and Country), Norwegian (spoken in Vigilante), Latin (translated in Revelations Part One), Serbian, Russian, Egyptian Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish*, Guarani, Swahili*, Welsh*, Gaelic*, Ancient Vampire (translated in Awakening), Morse Code, British Sign Language, American Sign Language.
Additional Links: Helen Magnus @ wikia
First Person (entry type): As harmless as this community may ultimately seem the unsecured connection, or rather it's apparent appearance into the network has me concerned; although it would appear to be limited only to my office computer. Despite looking for a source or even a when in regards to it becoming established on my computer I've had trouble doing so - it would seem that whomever created this place has gone to great lengths to keep aspects of it secret, although the fact that Henry was unable to access the community was of little help to me.
Given what I've read already over the past week it would appear that any questions I have may be better directed to the populous. [ Something that she's having a little trouble wishing to accept ]
Aside from the obvious, part of which I'm doubtful of receiving an answer to, it would seem that an introduction would be the appropriate starting point; my name's Helen Magnus. Good day.
Third Person: One hundred and thirteen years. At first the prospect of solitude for such a length of time had seemed ridiculous, never mind impossible - this was the woman that took a weekend length vacation every seven years; she simply couldn't manage any more. But she had been wrong. As the days had gone on Helen had found it a little easier to relax, a little easier to slip into a life of peace and... well, nothing. One hundred and thirteen years may still have seemed like a long time but as time went on it seemed more bearable.
She'd had much to think on; one hundred and sixty years had been a long time, particularly when she'd never given herself this opportunity previously. It was an understatement to say that much had happened to her, although with as much pleasures that were also part of that Helen had a tendency to remember the more painful parts of her life more quickly; especially Ashley. Helen may never admit it but as much as she blamed herself for her daughters death she also blamed John. Who he was and that damned ability of his. Without that-
She was ten years into her solitude. Ten years into her damned one hundred and thirteen year 'vacation'. Even still there were things that she didn't wish to think on - couldn't bring herself to think on. Her outburst towards John had made her realise how much pain and anger she still felt towards him. He'd hurt her more than she ever wished to acknowledge and being confronted by that, by seeing her past had made her realise just how much she still hurt. They may have been on more amicable terms when she'd left for London but he was one of many wounds that refused to close.
As much as her life afforded her Helen still viewed it as a curse. Outliving everyone that you knew, watching your friends, even lovers grow old and die? And sometimes without being able to grow old. She didn't see how she could view it as anything else. Her only thanks with it was that she wasn't immortal - one day she would die, either through coming to the end of her life span or through other means. And even though she'd managed to find some peace in the past ten years it was then that she believed that she would truly find peace.