DESCRIPTION: AN ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF PUGET SOUND

Vashon Island or Vashon-Maury Island is an island near Seattle in the Puget Sound region, the largest island in Puget Sound south of Admiralty Inlet. There are no bridges to connect the island with the mainland, a big factor contributing to the island’s relative isolation and rural character. The island has only about 12,000 people, swelling by a few thousand in the summer.

Forty years ago Vashon was a farming community that had a modest base of manufacturing and service jobs. Seattle’s Best Coffee had its roasterie on Vashon, and K2 made its snow skies here. But the old-time farmers sold out or died, the two famous companies left the island, and now workers in traditional industries no longer dominate the economy. Locals from traditional fields tend to associate with each other and congregate at places such as the island’s down-home Eagles Club. Meanwhile, a passenger ferry to downtown Seattle legitimized Vashon as a bedroom community, bringing in new kinds of people and broader interests.

Historically it has been a magnet for artists and musicians and people who didn’t fit the dominant paradigm. That has been changing over the last decade as an influx of new money has driven up prices for homes and rentals, forcing some to leave. Today there are commuters to Seattle or Tacoma who tend their gardens on the weekends; artists and musicians who pay the bills by working as carpenters or massage therapists; organic farmers who do one or two other things, too; socially and environmentally conscious families living relatively modest lives that express their values; and entrepreneurs of many kinds. There also are many people with second homes on Vashon, which resembles the San Juan Islands in many respects.

THEME:

A SHELTER IN THE STORM

FACE:

Fiona Quinn and Nora Quinn

KEY ASPECT: THE HEART OF THE SOUND

LOCATION: SNAPDRAGON CAFE

Lying in the middle of Puget Sound Vashon Island has been a refuge for several refugees attempting to escape supernatural threats. Being surrounded on all sides by flowing water makes tracking these fugitives through magic almost impossible. In contrast the island also lies within the convergence of several powerful ley lines providing a rich magical tapestry that any practitioner cannot help but notice. Many supernaturals are drawn to the island because it is isolated yet serves as the heart of the supernatural energies of the region.

When their uncle showed up in their home and murdered their entire family, Fiona Quinn and her protective older sister, Nora Quinn fled their home in Ireland across the Atlantic to New York City. Fiona, who turned out to be the daughter of the Celtic deity, Brigid, the patroness of poetry, smithing, medicine, arts and crafts was being pursued by The Fomor who sought her for unknown, yet nefarious purposes. Luckily for them they encountered Fergus Mac Cormaic and he was able to help them escape to Vashon Island with the help of The Paranet.

The two sisters rent a modest apartment that Nora pays for as a barista at the quirky Snapdragon Bakery & Cafe. Many artists, musicians and poets frequent the cafe and it is a favorite spot of the small, but vibrant supernatural community on the island. Nora & Fiona do their best to stay out of the public eye but seem to always be drawn into situations that are often out of control. Nora, grateful for the Paranet’s aid in escaping her uncle, can also be depended on to assist them when needed.

THEME:

THE COUNTERCULTURE LIVES HERE

FACE:

Gemtriax Theophania

KEY ASPECT: KEEP VASHON WEIRD

LOCATION: JUDD CREEK COMMUNE

Vashon Island has long been known for its thriving community of artists, poets and musicians. Gemtriax Theophania has lived on the island since the 1960s and is a master crafter of pottery and sculpture who also happens to be a minor talent focusing in Greek Animist healing techniques. She founded the Judd Creek Commune 20 years ago and has gathered around her a collection of refugees, artists and craftsmen several of whom have been touched by magic in one form or another. When the Paranet was created she was thrilled and has used her connections on the island to run the local chapter. She has been instrumental in aiding the Quinn sisters along with providing a home for Fergus Mac Cormaicand his fiance, Anna Maria Avila. She is a friend of John Youngblood II and even baby sat Jack Youngblood and his sister, Caroline Youngblood over the years. She embodies the local artist community and is a fixture at art shows, festivals and other community events in the island.

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