Robert Emmett Berryman (a.k.a. Coach)

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Description

Broad-shouldered, sun-leathered, and flat-voiced, Coach walks like he’s still pacing a gym floor. He wears a whistle on a chain, even now, and carries a clipboard filled with maps, names, and dates. His Saints call him “sir” without thinking. He used to lead sprints and basketball drills. Now he plots ambushes and exit routes.

Personality

Gruff but loyal, methodical but inspired. Berryman treats the Saints like his team—one that has to out-think and out-hustle every opponent. He doesn’t care about the Veil or the politics—he cares about preparation, performance, and keeping his kids alive. But there’s something behind his eyes: regret and unfinished business.

Habits

Times everything—movement, response, hesitation
Keeps a chalkboard in the fieldhouse scrawled with coded plays
Smokes the same brand of cigarillo before every big move
Recites high school sports stats from memory under stress

Hooks & Angles

May have trained some Butcher Boys in his early years
Still receives veiled letters postmarked from Joliet
Once saw something in the Veil while alone in the locker room—hasn’t spoken of it since
Believes one of his old players is spying for the CPD

Year of Birth

1906 CE 47 Years old

Birthplace

Joliet, IL

Eyes

Faded blue, always narrowed

Hair

Graying, buzzed flat, always under a ballcap

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale with deep creases; old track coach’s face

Height

5'11"

Weight

204 lbs.

Belief/Deity

Catholic by habit, superstition by need