The Ocularum

[pumpkinhollow]

THE OCULARUM Contact: Neil West Location: West Dream Analytics Overview - This page is intended for RP threads taking place at or in relation to the Ocularum! Additional information regarding the organization and its workings can also be found below. - On the outskirts of Pumpkin Hollow, where the rural Northwest Hollow meets the edges of Lockwood Forest, there is a cottage. A thatched roof with wooden detailing houses a tall brick chimney from which a rich pinewood smoke rises in plumes. Warm and inviting windows glow with lantern light. A red door with a golden knocker is seated below a sign. "WEST DREAM ANALYTICS," it reads. This is both the home and the business of psychic dream therapist Neil West. Indeed, it is also the meeting place of the organization which he founded--- the Ocularum. You must be invited to attend either by another member or by Neil himself, though they don't tend to be picky. Moreso they are cautious. They've been burned before for speaking out against the church's way of doing things. But they are committed to action. The Ocularum believes that they can settle the issue of Pumpkin Hollow's haunting once and for all, and that the Temple of Sacred Roots is doing nothing but hindering progress. But if you earn their trust, they will show you the secrets which they believe are key to finally undoing the curse besetting the island. Membership Initiation | Due to their poor relations with much of the island, the Ocularum is slow in its induction process. Start with a simple orientation and earn the trust of its members over time to learn more. Benefits | Those who work with the Ocularum will find themselves less impacted by the effects of the curse and better prepared for what the island throws at them. This is in part due to Neil's occult expertise and strategies taught by him for dealing with these things, but members also find themselves passively having better luck as well. Drawbacks | Neil's outspoken views against the Temple's methods and ongoing feud with Dahlia Leeds has not made the Ocularum particularly popular. Joining them may occasionally earn you the ire of others. There are also sometimes murmurings about "costs" among the members, implying that there may be some financial expectations. Philosophy The Ocularum believes that the solution to Marrow Isle's problems lies in occult knowledge and direct action. Whether the result of an angry ancient deity, restless spirits, or a leyline of dark energy beneath the land, there is some terrible magic plaguing the island. It can be treated. It can be harnessed. However, the Temple's insistence on waiting around for dead or apathetic goddesses to answer the prayers of the people is putting this on hold. The Historical Society is no better, focusing on reactionary measures gleaned from dusty old books. And the heretics in the forest are respectable folk but are exposing themselves to unnecessary danger. The Ocularum needs bold and dedicated truth seekers who aren't afraid to step into the unknown for the sake of protecting themselves and their neighbors. art credit, code credit

Comments

[somebodychildofanyone]

"Mmm. But she's not helping, is the thing." River sighs, ears drooping faintly. "All I, personally, am asking is the right to share my findings publicly. I'll do that in whatever form you find assuring that nobody's getting more information. Hell, I'll shake down poor Yorick to put it in the paper if that tickles your fancy. I have no intention, whatsoever, of sharing the form of the ritual or the names of the participants with anyone. That's their private business, and it's going to suck enough without ignorant people asking why they'd choose to die."

"...I'm here to help, Neil. That hasn't changed."

[itsjustabaddream]

"...I know. But I won't compromise myself by being connected to one of her people, whether they're an employee, a friend, what have you. I have reasons that I need to be careful who I trust. Not just with information, but with sharing a space with me, seeing how I work, any of it. I'm sorry if you do not understand my reasoning."

Neil sets his jaw, gaze drifting aside. "I hate to put you in the position of needing to make a choice. But if I'm going to do this with you, I have to know that we are a team."

[somebodychildofanyone]

"...I suppose I'm grateful that you're not the sort of person who'd found a relationship on mutually assured destruction. It does speak well of you." After all, River was the one to propose the ritual; Neil's not the only one with secrets on the board. "I can't meet that condition, Neil. And if we're putting things on the table, it's not about Dahlia. It's about Degas. The poor bastard needs help from mortal hands, and I'm not exactly seeing anyone lining up to give it to him. His job's...like the one I'm supposed to be doing."

River stoops down to collect her cloak. It's cold outside. "You know where to find me if you need some custom work. I've got my enchanting tools built, finally, so that might be helpful. Might, it's my kinda enchanting, but still."

[itsjustabaddream]

"Very well," Neil says quietly, letting her stand to leave. He isn't going to try and change her mind. Her choice has been made.

It isn't like Neil can't do similar work on his own.

"Best of luck to you, then."

[somebodychildofanyone]

"And to you, Doctor."

River leaves, with a heavy heart.

So be it.