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

[itsjustabaddream]

"That is, in fact, the case. What 'shortly' means for creatures who live for hundreds of years can be difficult to concern, but it is understood that Eligos will step down as king when he choses his successor," Neil replies. "It's unclear how long that will take, as we've clearly already been caught in the crossfire many times."

[tisnotthehouse]

"It's adorable, really, how you think a few hundred years is a long time," Tarantulas mumbles under his breath as he jots down the confirmation.

"Unfortunately for this charming little town, competition and violence usually add up to escalation. What does the historical record have to say about this War of Ages you mentioned? How did the current king win his title?"

[itsjustabaddream]

"Well, considering the lifespan of the average human rarely breaches the first hundred, I would say that's a fair opinion to have, no?" Neil smiles. "In any case, the War of Ages was an event which took place on the Grand Fairisle, the largest landmass in the Emerald Isles and colloquially called the mainland. It took place over the span of two century-long periods called ages, hence the name. It is believed that this comparatively long war is what led Therius, the Prince of Red Fields, to inherit the Throne of Hell. Consequently Eligos usurped him shortly after in a display of his own domain, and here we are now."

[tisnotthehouse]

"Hm!" Tarantulas taps the tip of his pencil against his face for a moment in thought. "So the going theory is that Therius had a hand in instigating or at least prolonging this war? Interesting." The parallels with their present situation are immediately obvious. Perhaps too obvious? He wonders.

But they have more immediate concerns. He slides the copy of the last meeting's minutes over to his side of the table, taking a moment to refresh his memory before asking, "So this...Efrain's turn to display his mettle is coming up next, correct?" His portfolio sounds somewhat...yes, deeply disturbing. Chaos is one thing, but despair targets the mind's very ability to cope. Tarantulas agrees; they should be wary of this being.