The “Salt Lake City Paw Tribune”, a local newsletter for pet owners and animal lovers, recently highlighted an unusual petsitting experience involving a man named B.O.B. and Benny, a massive St. Bernard belonging to Salt Lake City resident Rodney Bell.
In his glowing review, Bell admitted that he wasn’t sure what to expect when he hired B.O.B. through a newspaper ad: “He showed up with this rugged, wild look—scarred face, bark-like skin, and leaves in his beard—and this earthy, piney scent. You don’t exactly expect a guy like that to be your top candidate for dog care.”
Bell later learned that the heavy burn scarring across B.O.B.’s face was from a traumatic incident. When asked, B.O.B. mentioned being attacked by a group of teenagers who set him on fire for fun. “I don’t know if I believe him entirely,” Bell wrote in the article, “but whatever happened, it left its mark. The man’s been through something.”
Despite this, B.O.B. displayed an impressive bond with Benny, earning the massive dog’s immediate trust and affection. Bell noted: “When I returned from my trip, Benny looked healthier and more energetic than I’ve seen him in years. B.O.B. didn’t do anything flashy—he fed him, played with him, and kept the place spotless. For a guy who looks like he wandered out of an enchanted forest, he’s surprisingly dependable.”
While Bell sympathizes with B.O.B.’s scars and difficult past, he didn’t press him further about his story. Instead, he wrote: “What matters is the man treated Benny like family, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
The newsletter’s readers have been buzzing ever since. Some comments praise B.O.B.’s dedication and resilience, while others speculate on his unusual appearance and mysterious backstory. Several locals have asked for his contact information for their own pets. Bell’s final note sums it up well: “Don’t let the bark fool you—B.O.B. is all heart.”
If you feel like your character would know anything about this event, feel free to contact the World Leader (That's me) to find out more.
“Unsettling are the days in which everyone is an expert.”
― Criss Jami
Nowadays you can't go a day without some phony prophet trying to peddle their wares to you.
Driven by the increased interest in the supernatural, charlatans from palm readers to televangelists are everywhere. And while the vast majority of witches, psychics, magicians, hypnotists, cures, potions, faith healers, and clairvoyants are complete fakes, they do make a living.
As the saying goes, "it's easier for an actor to make it in alternative medicine than Hollywood."
Most people scoff at these clearly-phony supernatural services, yet those same people often buy into at least one scam.
The most dangerous charlatans are the self-styled monster hunters who carry a mall-ninja arsenal and guns with silver bullets. Most have never encountered anything supernatural and do absolutely nothing besides burn some sage and patrol the area for a night or two. Even so, those who are superstitious, fearful, or desperate enough will hire them to solve the problems they simply don't understand. In some cases with disastrous results.
For Contractors, charlatans are red herrings and obstacles. Clumsy fakes that conjure a smokescreen of misinformation and escalate the situations they're in.