Stephen Thundran is Research Association for the Progenitors who works closely with Dr. Ishida. He tricks Andrew Greene, Mary Beth and Rob into giving up DNA samples. Stephen has always had a photographic memory, which lead his parents and teachers to over-estimate his intelligence. At some point this finally lead to a dramatic mental breakdown during which he Awakened. Stephen's Avatar takes the form of a belligerent flaming, verbally-abusive clown; only his girlfriend, who is secretly a Verbena Disciple, can calm it down. Stephen has a reputation for being sarcastic and rude, though part of this may be his Avatar speaking through him. Deep down he is quite close to his colleagues at the lab and would react strongly if anything (aside from the Convention itself) threatened them.