The Story of The Best Young Sleuth in the World

Meet the Characters of Scotland Backyard Volume I: The Knights' Array

Scotland, Washington

There exist mysterious towns and cities and then there is Scotland, Washington. Nestled in the heart of McGregor County, lies our humble city-town. Founded by the McGregor family and fashioned with a boost from the gold rush and the silver rush, little Scotland, WA quickly became big Scotland, WA helped out even more by the riches and ambitions of BlueHand Corporation, a corporation dedicated to the "Benefit of All Mankind". Home to families, the Navy and Marines, it is both a place of love and expectation, but also of thrills and adventure. At some point, even the Vikings may have called it home. Surrounded by mountains, bounded by the shores of the Pacific Ocean and nested within the ethos of the Pacific NorthWest, USA.

Jackson Shaw - The Great Detective

Wrapped in enigma, Jackson Shaw's purpose is as shrouded as his talents. A beacon of resolve, he relentlessly pursues the truth – solving mysteries, searching for his missing father, and fiercely guarding his loved ones. Jackson Shaw embodies the mantra: "solve the problem." But will his unwavering determination be enough to face the challenges that loom ahead? Only time, and you, the reader, will tell.

Jiro Ashikaga

Jiro. The name that sends shivers down the spines of criminals and a warm smile across Jackson Shaw's face. More than just a "pal" or "homie," Jiro is the loyal confidante and secret weapon Jackson relies on. Don't be fooled by his easygoing demeanor – Jiro's a master of the elusive fighting style known as Karaze. A whirlwind of loyalty and hidden talent, Jiro stands by Jackson's side, ready to face any threat, from the streets of Scotland, Washington, to the fate of the world itself. Witness Jiro's journey – a loyal friend destined to shine.

Melissa Christie

Melissa. A name that stirs both affection and unease in the heart of Jackson Shaw. Her presence is a beacon of youthful energy, a stark contrast to the shadows Jackson navigates. But beneath the charm lies a fierce spirit, a potential ally in his fight for Scotland, Washington. Will she succumb to the dangers that lie ahead, or will she rise as an unexpected pillar of strength? Melissa's path remains shrouded in mystery – a friend, a girlfriend, or a pawn in a larger game? Only time will reveal the role she'll play in the trials to come.

Lance Elysian

A fiery mane of red hair announces his arrival, but his true intentions remain shrouded in mystery. Is he friend or foe? His sharp intellect and undeniable talent hint at a destiny far greater than meets the eye. We sense a potent force within him, a force that could either tip the scales of fate or shatter them entirely. Will he rise as the unlikely savior of Scotland, Washington, and perhaps the entire world? Only time will reveal the full measure of this enigmatic redhead.

The Scotland United Knights Team

Scotland United! Scotland United! Scotland United!

The Shaw Legacy

A chilling silence hangs over Scotland, Washington. The town, once a haven of familiarity, is now shrouded in the mystery of Gerald Shaw's disappearance. His absence strikes a deep chord, especially for his son, Jackson. Unearthing the truth becomes more than just a case for the young detective; it's a personal vendetta, a desperate attempt to reclaim a shattered past. The Shaw legacy hangs in the balance, and for Jackson, solving this puzzle may very well be his defining moment.

The Mayor, Katherine McGregor

Knox McGregor Sr. casts a long shadow, and his granddaughter, Mayor McGregor, bears the weight of his legacy. As the current steward of Scotland, Washington, she embodies the town's spirit – fiercely independent and resistant to outside forces, particularly the greedy claws of BlueHand Corporation. But beneath the strong exterior lies a vulnerability. Is she a capable leader, a potential ally in the fight against corporate tyranny? Or is she a target for manipulation, a pawn in a larger game? Mayor McGregor is a riddle wrapped in an enigma, a case waiting to be unraveled.

Mr. Winston Cavos

Teaching at Scotland Middle School isn't for the faint of heart. It's a crucible that would make even Genghis Khan's enemies wince. Yet, Winston Cavos thrives on the chaos. A true history buff, he sees beyond the detention slips and cafeteria meltdowns. Like every resident of Scotland, Washington, Winston is entangled in the town's enigmatic web. Could this unassuming teacher be a key player in unraveling the mysteries that grip the town?

Dr. Bryan Belarus

An aura of ambiguity clings to Dr. Belarus. Mentor and potential enigma, he navigates the halls of Scotland Middle School with an air of quiet intrigue. A scientific prodigy with a vast collection of curiosities lining his classroom walls, his thirst for knowledge seems boundless. However, his dependence on BlueHand Corporation for supplies casts a long shadow. Can he be trusted in the development of our young heroes, or is his loyalty divided? The depth of his connection to BlueHand remains a troubling mystery.

Dr. Alfonzo Quinby - CEO of BlueHand Corp.

The war between good and evil rarely unfolds in black and white, but the coming clash with BlueHand Corporation threatens to paint Scotland, Washington in stark shades of power and resistance. Quinby, BlueHand's ruthless ambassador, embodies the corporation's relentless pursuit of control. The challenges they represent are as boundless as their ambitions. Can a young detective like Jackson Shaw stand against such a well-oiled machine? Or will his unwavering determination crumble under their immense pressure? The battle lines are drawn, and the fate of Scotland, Washington hangs in the balance.

BlueHand Corporation

BlueHand Corporation isn't your typical villain. They don't wear black capes or cackle maniacally. Their ambition is far more insidious – a slow, calculated infiltration. They've woven themselves into the very fabric of Scotland, Washington – the hospital, the schools, even the military contracts. Their motives remain shrouded, but their influence is undeniable. Is their ultimate goal to control the town... or to use it as a sinister testing ground for something far more sinister? Can our young heroes possibly unravel BlueHand's web of control before it's too late? The fight for Scotland, Washington is a fight for freedom itself, and the outcome hangs in the balance.

Animal Control

Scotland, Washington – a town shrouded in a veil of peculiarity. Whispers of unearthly creatures with glowing hamsters, green-eyed hounds with inky drool, and parrots sporting tentacles have become unsettling realities. Did these oddities escape the clutches of BlueHand Corporation's sprawling research labs, or perhaps from the enigmatic Scotland United University? The lines between scientific innovation and monstrous creation blur in this town. The question of who – or what – is responsible hangs heavy in the air, a chilling precursor to a potential nightmare.

Coach Gary Adams

Coach Gary Adams bleeds hockey. From cheering on the pros to coaching high school, the rink is his second home. Now, a twist of fate (or a questionable call by the athletic director) has landed him as the head coach of the Scotland United Middle School team. Undeterred, Coach Adams sees an opportunity to mold young talent into future stars. He's got his sights set on making these middle schoolers a national force – even if their rivals, the Midland Cobras, have a mascot with questionable dance moves. So, when the team starts acting strangely just before the season, Coach Adams takes it in stride. After all, it wouldn't be hockey in Scotland, Washington without a dash of the unexpected. Get ready for a season filled with grit, determination, and maybe even a few glowing pucks – this is Scotland Hockey!

Nurse Winifred Mallory

Nurse Mallory is the rock of Scotland Middle School. CPR? Check. Bandaging scraped knees? In her sleep. Dispersing cough syrup and teenage angst? All in a day's work. But nothing in her training prepared her for the recent influx of...unusual ailments. It seems silver isn't just a fashion statement for her watch anymore. And are those fangs peeking out from behind little Timmy's braces? Full moon blues or genuine lycanthropy? Nurse Mallory's got her work cut out for her. Between dodging potential bloodsuckers and calming down werewolf meltdowns, one thing's for sure: this school nurse has seen it all (and maybe even a little more than she bargained for).

The Cafeteria Ladies

The aroma of Mrs. Peabody's Salisbury steak with creamed peas is enough to lure even the pickiest eater. Carrot and beef stew simmers cheerfully, promising a hearty lunch. And for dessert? A scoop of mint ice cream studded with "almond shivers" (don't ask, don't tell). The cafeteria ladies at Scotland United Middle School are culinary magicians...almost. Sure, the garlic might be a bit on the shy side (ahem, vampires?), and the definition of "medium-rare" seems to be a moving target. But hey, when your classmates include a mysterious new student with glowing eyes and a lunch lady with a suspiciously silver necklace, who can be too picky? One thing's for sure – lunchtime at Scotland United is an adventure for the taste buds and the imagination.

Meet the Characters of Scotland Backyard Volume II: The Warlock's Cabal

A Legacy of Knights and Secrets: Scotland United Middle School

Scotland United Middle School wasn't always a place of textbooks and teenage angst. It began as a grand ambition – a majestic castle, a museum dedicated to the legends of knights throughout history. However, time and circumstance transformed this monument to chivalry into a center of learning. Yet, beneath the polished facade and sleek glass redesign lies a heart of mystery. The very foundation rests upon a network of unexplored tunnels, a relic of its former glory. These shadowed passageways serve as an unseen meeting ground, a place where the whispers of history mingle with the murmurs of...stranger groups. What secrets lie hidden within these walls? What unseen forces gather in the darkness below? Scotland United Middle School may be a school, but its legacy is steeped in intrigue, a breeding ground for the extraordinary waiting to be unearthed.

Knox McGregor III

He emerged from the mist like a phantom, a kid shrouded in secrets as thick as his rumored rap sheet. Hailing from the real Scotland, he represents a tangible threat to everything Detective Jackson Shaw holds dear. His motives remain shrouded, his loyalties a puzzle. Is he a cunning adversary, or a potential ally driven by hidden agendas? One thing's for sure – the arrival of this enigmatic outsider throws the town of Scotland, Washington into a tailspin, and Jackson Shaw finds himself face-to-face with a mystery as complex as the boy himself.

Mason Rossi

The world just tilted on its axis. Vampires – those creatures of legend – walk among them, and garlic isn't just for keeping the kitchen smelling fresh. Mason Rossi, a charismatic enigma shrouded in secrecy, leads a shadowy existence. Is he the mastermind behind a daring heist, or the charismatic leader of a clandestine vampire cult with a hunger for more than just power? One thing's for sure – his presence casts a long shadow over Scotland, Washington, and our young heroes find themselves precariously perched on his radar. Will they become his pawns, or can they unravel his true motives before becoming a late-night snack?

Albert, Vincent and Edward A.K.A. CTRL-ALT-DELETE

They operate in the shadows, a self-proclaimed trio determined to safeguard the world at any cost. Opposing the omnipresent BlueHand Corporation, their motives are as shrouded as their pasts. Will they stand alongside Detective Jackson Shaw in the fight against a common enemy, or will their own agendas take precedence? These college-infused "gifts" grant them extraordinary abilities, but can their loyalty and trustworthiness be assured? Albert, the mastermind behind Scotagram, a social media platform with a hidden agenda, possesses a genius for strategy. Can he navigate the murky waters of this alliance and lead his team towards a greater good, or will his ambition lead them astray? Vincent, the pragmatist, serves as Albert's right hand, his unwavering loyalty a constant. But beneath his stoic exterior lies a darkness, a hint of the sacrifices he's made in the name of their cause. Edward, the heart of the group, strives for unity and effectiveness. However, his unwavering faith in Albert and their mission may blind him to the potential consequences of their unorthodox methods.

Special Agent Malcolm Sorcha

A tremor of unease ran through the halls of Scotland Middle School. Malcolm Sorcha, a man cloaked in an aura of mystery and an obsessive passion for medieval knights, had descended upon the school. Citing an unspecified "hidden event" requiring heightened security, he implemented a series of measures that left both Detective Jackson Shaw and the school staff bristling. Was Sorcha a guardian angel, protecting the school from an unknown threat? Or was his arrival a veiled attempt at control, a power play with hidden motives? Shaw, ever the skeptic, couldn't shake the feeling that Sorcha's presence was more hindrance than help. As tensions mounted, Shaw vowed to unravel the truth behind Sorcha's arrival, all while keeping the school and its students safe from whatever lurked in the shadows.

Castor Drakensberg

He materialized from the unknown, a phantom child whose existence defied explanation. No records, no past, just a chilling ability – he's never slept. Whispers began, rumors of a "special group" to which he belonged. Was he a victim, a pawn in a larger game? Or was he the most dangerous player of all, a ticking time bomb with an unknown capacity for destruction? They called him "The Kid Who Never Sleeps." Would BlueHand, the ever-watchful corporation, be his savior or his captor? And perhaps the most unsettling question – could he even be contained?

Troy Drakensberg

They called him "The Kid Who Can See The Future." Rumors swirled around him like smoke, fueled by his uncanny knack for picking lottery numbers. But beneath the surface lurked a darkness – his uncontrollable brother, a volatile wildcard in their already unstable existence. How much of the future could he truly see? Had he glimpsed the apocalyptic downfall of Scotland Township, or were his visions fragmented glimpses holding the key to salvation? Could they trust him as an ally, or was he a ticking time bomb, his visions a double-edged sword in the fight against BlueHand?

Roco Costa

He has stood at the precipice of power, a young man capable of manipulating his very physical state and hinting at even more extraordinary abilities. As a critical member of a nascent group of gifted individuals the weight of responsibility pressed heavily – protecting his fledgling team, recovering what was stolen, and preparing for the inevitable war on the horizon. But the question remained – would his power and their combined strength be enough to secure victory? Doubt gnaws at the edges of his resolve, but the fight for survival burns bright in his eyes.

Nadia Singh

She was a bridge between two worlds – the hidden society she once belonged to and the world Detective Shaw so fiercely protected. Torn between her loyalty to her enigmatic friend Mason and the burgeoning feelings for her teammate Troy, she grappled with an impossible choice. Could she reconcile her past with her present, becoming a vital asset to Shaw and Roco? She possessed the potential to unite them all – a reluctant hero with the power to forge a formidable force against the ever-encroaching threat of BlueHand and other shadowy elements. But the path forward wouldn't be easy. Could she bridge the gap and overcome her divided loyalties, or would she remain forever caught in the crosshairs?

Bexley Ghosh

He possessed the impossible – the ability to manipulate the very building blocks of reality, atoms themselves dancing to his will. Whispers named him part of a clandestine group, but his allegiance remained as shrouded as the full extent of his powers. Was he a potential savior, capable of reshaping the world for the better? Or a harbinger of chaos, his abilities a ticking time bomb waiting to detonate? The weight of choice pressed heavily upon his young shoulders. Could he master his burgeoning power and choose the right side of history? Only time would tell what the future held for this extraordinary young man and the impact his choices would have on the world.