Dunn

Biodata

Appearance

• Eyes: Gray, often described as quiet or deep 2 12 50.
• Hairline: Slightly high 8.
• Clothing: Wears a police uniform during official questioning and a black trench coat at the Nighthawks’ base 2 8.
• Accessories: A gold watch chain hangs near his coat buttons; he checks a pocket watch while awaiting Crestet Cecimir 8 27.
• Voice: Deep 8.

Personality

Dunn is courteous with civilians and protective of his subordinates. He thanks Leon for cooperating with an investigation, wishes him a speedy recovery, and later apologizes for the ordeal. As captain, his priority is the team’s safety rather than uncovering every secret his colleagues possess; the Archbishop’s endorsement is enough for him to accept Leon despite the newcomer’s suspicious capabilities 2 4 12.

His forgetfulness is familiar enough that his colleagues routinely pause after receiving instructions, expecting him to remember something else. Klein attributes this to the lack of sleep associated with his Pathway. Dunn repeatedly demonstrates the habit by returning with an essential Chanis Gate warning and stopping Leon several times during a training assignment 8 17.

He also keeps his promises to subordinates. After Klein fulfills the conditions Dunn previously set for full membership, Dunn offers to submit his application immediately 12.

Abilities & Skills

Dream Manipulation

As a Sequence 7 Nightmare, Dunn can enter and manipulate dreams for investigative purposes 2 8.

• Enters Leon’s nightmare and approaches him to conduct further questioning 2.
• Can attempt to terminate a dream using his ability 3.
• Blurs the boundary between waking and dreaming so smoothly that Leon initially notices no interruption in his memories 3.
• Limitation: Leon’s divine manifestation overwhelms him, takes control of the dream, and destabilizes his spirit body. Leon subsequently replaces his memories of the encounter 3 14.

Reduced Need for Sleep

• Requires little sleep because of his Sleepless Pathway abilities 8.
• Klein associates his recurring forgetfulness with insufficient sleep 8.

Investigation and Command

Dunn directs supernatural investigations, manages personnel, and coordinates with the police and Church authorities 12 25 38.

• Uses Sealed Artifact 2-049 to help locate Ray Bieber and interrupt his digestion ritual 13.
• Arranges protective observation, recruitment, training, and duty assignments 3 8 17.
• Orders forensic examination of the dead Secret Order attacker and explains the evidence linking Hanass Vincent to the Aurora Order 12.
• Oversees evidence preservation and reporting after Old Neil’s corruption is discovered 24 25.
• Assigns Leon to assist Inspector Tolle based on his detective experience, despite Leon’s limited proficiency in ritualistic magic 38.

History

Investigating Leon Kaspar

Dunn participates in the hospital questioning of Leon Kaspar, the sole survivor of a cult gathering. During their departure, he shakes Leon’s hand while a water-like ripple appears around his body. That night, he enters Leon’s nightmare to verify his account 2.

The interrogation reverses when Leon reveals his divine presence. Unable to control his actions, Dunn explains that the Nighthawks found Leon alive among the dead cultists, whose Beyonder Characteristics had disappeared. Their investigation was intended to establish whether he posed a danger before potentially recruiting him. Dunn also supplies the historical information that allows Leon to identify Roselle Gustav 3.

Leon replaces Dunn’s memories, leaving him convinced that the detective is an ordinary, unauthorized Beyonder. Dunn subsequently releases him under observation and apologizes for what he experienced 3 4 14.

Recruitment and the Attack on the Base

Dunn accepts Leon into the Nighthawks on a five-year contract. Although the normal observation process is incomplete, he admits that he inexplicably considers Leon trustworthy. He allows Leon to continue private detective work provided it does not interfere with his duties, but requires him to remain at the base temporarily for protection 8.

Following the Secret Order’s attack on the Blackthorn Security Company, Dunn questions Klein and Leon about their killing of the Sequence 7 attacker. He then presents Leon with an Archbishop-issued appointment as a full member and special consultant, resolving the team’s doubts about him. He also offers to apply for Klein’s full membership 12.

Dunn reveals that the Antigonus Family Notebook had not actually been sent away: the apparent transfer was an operation intended to draw out its pursuers. He directs Frye to examine the attacker’s corpse and informs Leon that an Aurora Order intruder has damaged his home 12.

Target of Ince Zangwill’s Schemes

Ince Zangwill’s written scenarios repeatedly seek to push Dunn toward corruption or loss of control. Proposed developments include exposure to the Antigonus Family Notebook, contamination from Leon’s ritual, and Leon losing control during Dunn’s dream interrogation. These are intended outcomes in Ince’s script, not confirmation that Dunn experiences them; unexpected powers repeatedly disrupt the arrangements 13 14.

Another scheme relies on Old Neil becoming corrupted and forcing the Nighthawks to kill him. Ince intends the death of Dunn’s old friend to become a further step toward Dunn’s loss of control, but Leon intervenes before that outcome can occur 21.

Old Neil’s Rescue and Church Intervention

Dunn leads the Nighthawks to Old Neil’s home after Leon has removed his corruption. Leon reports deliberate interference and hands over a needle and bud as evidence. Dunn examines the scene, arranges care for Old Neil, and prepares an initial report to the Cathedral 24 25.

He later escorts Klein and Leon to welcome Senior Deacon Crestet Cecimir. Crestet clears Old Neil of corruption but rules that he must retire from active service under the Church’s care 26 27.

During the subsequent contamination screening, Dunn is the first team member to place his hand on Crestet’s sacred bone sword and swear loyalty to the Evernight Goddess by his true name and spirituality 28.

Later Assignments

Dunn sends Leon and Frye to assist Inspector Tolle with Councilor Maynard’s death, arranging for Leonard to cover Leon’s shift afterward 38.

After Leon leaves for Backlund, Dunn arrives with Frye and tells Klein that they will address the reported Wraith in Lamud Town, hoping to return before dinner 50.

Relationships

• Klein Moretti — Subordinate whom Dunn assigns investigative and guard duties; he supports Klein’s promotion to full Nighthawk membership 4 12.
• Leon Kaspar — Initially an investigation subject, later a subordinate and special consultant. Dunn does not remember Leon overpowering him during the dream interrogation 3 8 12 14.
• Old Neil — Long-serving colleague and old friend whose intended death is used in Ince Zangwill’s scheme against Dunn 17 21.
• Leonard — Team member entrusted with operational preparations and relief duty 4 38.
• Frye — Subordinate assigned forensic work and field investigations 12 38 50.
• Crestet Cecimir — Senior Church authority whom Dunn formally welcomes and assists during the response to Old Neil’s corruption 27 28.
• Ince Zangwill — Hidden antagonist attempting to manipulate events toward Dunn’s corruption and loss of control 13 21.

Notable Quotes

“No matter what sounds you hear, do not open the Chanis Gate, unless it is opened from the inside.” 8

“After Klein, you're the second person to run into trouble nonstop right after joining. Before this, the Nighthawks in Tingen didn't even encounter two supernatural incidents in a month.” 12