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

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Demonology Round Table [cw: body horror & unsettling images]

[itsjustabaddream]

"Right this way," Neil says, guiding his guests into his home.

The living room of his cottage was converted into a makeshift lobby for his practice, but today he led everyone through the threshold behind his desk into the deeper parts of the cottage. The first rooms on either side of the hallway were the kitchen on one side and a small study that served as his patient room. Then, to the rear, a bathroom and bedroom could be seen, but Neil did not go far enough for them to be observed with more than just a glance.

Instead, he led everyone down the stairs into his basement. The room was spacious, warm, and lined with shelves and tables where he kept various pieces of strange scientific equipment. None of it, however, appeared to be for any known scientific practice. Bottles with unusual, almost nonsensical labels placed next to elaborate systems of beakers and tubes and heating elements. Herbs drying on twine against the wall. Stones carved with unknown sigils. Collections of small bones and crystals in glass cases. There was even a crystal ball. And on every shelf, surface, nook and cranny, there were books. Mountains of them! Many were ancient tomes full of aged parchment and esoteric sketches. There was even one particularly large book that appeared to be a bit newer lying open on a table to itself, apparently still being written in, presumably by Neil. If there was any question as to what sort of person Dr. West was, it was very quickly resolved.

Stools positioned around the central table were partially occupied by a small group of locals in attendance, each of them wearing a small gold ring stamped delicately with an open-eye sigil. Neil himself had one to match, though his was fitted with a small ruby for a pupil. Plenty of stools remained, and Neil directed everyone to position them around the table as he moved some of his items away so as not to block line of sight. Once this was done, he finally took a seat and clapped his hands once. "Alright! Let's begin."

"Today we are joined by a handful of our new friends who have just arrived on Marrow Isle. I wasn't--- entirely sure I was ready to open up our doors to the public yet, but due to the nature of the dancing plague, well... I think it's rather necessary," he began, and his colleagues nodded and murmured in quiet agreement. Clearly this situation was disquieting to them.

"That said, I think it would be a wise choice for me to inform you all on the basic power structure of infernal beings, the names of noteworthy devils, and common indicators of demonic presence. This should give all of you a better understanding of what we often deal with on the island. Let us begin, shall we?"

Behind him, a square of light appeared on the wall, forming a rudimentary projector screen. Neil clicked an image into space within the square.



"The evil beings of the Infernal Realm existing parallel to this one, known commonly as devils or demons, thrive off of energy of cruelty, corruption, and pain, and are both born of and produce evil magic, and live an existence antithetical to our own. I have had my suspicions that they are at least partially involved in our fate here, but given what the people mad with plague have been heard saying, I am all but certain in the potential of infernal involvement to some extent," Neil said gravely. "While most demons are nothing special and content to sow inconsequential chaos or pain from the shadows, there are at least four demons who have any real power."

Click.



"This is Eligos, the current King of Demons," Neil explained. "Known as the King of Treason, he came into power when he killed his elder brother Therius, Prince of the Red Fields, and usurping his claim to the Infernal Throne. His power thrives off of betrayal, distrust, inequity, broken oaths, and blood feuds."

Click.



"Efrain is the Prince of Sorrow's Song, who derives his power from misery, pain, despair, hopelessness, and defeat. He is associated with lamenting music and the cries of the suffering."

Click.



"Mendel is the Prince of Fools, and draws his power from lies, tricks, misinformation, stupidity, hubris, and willful ignorance. He thrives on a specific kind of chaos that comes from complete breakdowns of communication and loves mean-spirited and cruel pranks."

Click.



"And finally, Aster is the Prince of the Dark Feast, whose power comes from consumption, indulgence, greed, manipulation, and cannibalism. Acts of destroying other people and things in order to feed oneself, and taking control of or subjugating others."

"The three demon princes are the sons of Eligos, and they are said to be in competition with one another for his favor, in hopes of being chosen as his successor."

At last, he clicked off his projector.

"In any case--- that ends my presentation. If anyone has further information to share, or has any questions, the floor is open."

[ OOC note: anyone can thread here with Neil either to ask questions or talk after the meeting. People can also thread in the Ocularum post in general to mingle with one another. ]

[witheredpeonies]

Annabel Lee in her plain black dress, hair in rag curls, pays attention to the presentation, noting what information they're given down in some form of shorthand on a scrap of brown paper.

"If the Princes want to be named successor so bad, does that mean they think their father's reign is due to come to an end sometime soon?"

[itsjustabaddream]

"That is entirely possible," Neil replied. "Though it's hard to say. Demons live for centuries, and their direct contact with humans in which they speak candidly on their lifestyle is exceedingly limited. It could be that the struggle for kingdom is lifelong. Or it could be that none of them truly know when the King's reign will end. Perhaps he intends to retire and abdicate on a specific date."

[witheredpeonies]

"Or one of his sons will overtake him, like he overtook his brother, perhaps. Though then they wouldn't need to be named successor, right? Or something. I suppose the details of their internal infernal politics matter less than the effects on us."

She leans against a wall, sucking on the end of her pencil.

[itsjustabaddream]

"Yes, and it's ill advised to try and convince them to speak to us. It usually involves some sort of deal or sacrifice... Rotten business," Neil replied, shaking his head. "Not that we couldn't try if it was necessary, but I don't believe we do."

[witheredpeonies]

"Not that there aren't people out there who wouldn't hesitate to deal with a demon if it got them power or whatever else they wanted. I've known the type."

She can't help but think of Montressor and his need for power and control. Was it any wonder his spectre manifested as a red-skinned devil?

Data! We Love Data!

[restingslasherface]

Citation Needed [Closed to Neil]

Jean is the picture of attention during the presentation, both figuratively and, as it were, literally. They have their notebook of information about the island, and they carefully - and remarkably swiftly - sketch copies of the pictures shown during the presentation, appending each with the short descriptions that the occultist has offered and leaving plenty of space to fill in more, for organizational purposes. Only when they're satisfied does Jean raise a hand like a student might.

Nugget of Wisdom (OTA)

Are you talking? Sharing information? Guess who's taking notes. Jean has an uncharacteristically worried look on their face.

[itsjustabaddream]

Neil gestures to Jean with a smile. "Yes, my friend, what can I do for you?"

[restingslasherface]

"I! Am interested in your sources on this information!" Jean pauses, tapping their notebook. "Not that I'm doubting the existence of realms infernal or anything, hahaha, L-Corp had a competitor back at home that was mining them for electricity...but! Incomplete information! Or bad information, costs lives. Professional caution only!"

[itsjustabaddream]

"I understand, of course," Neil agreed with a nod. "So, because demons live for hundreds, if not thousands of years, this information is quite old and has been passed down through occultist and religious folklore for generations. It isn't something the temple likes to discuss, but they're aware of it as well."

[restingslasherface]

"Wow! That's a long time!" Jean pauses, thoughtfully. Then: "Just future-proofing, but, how do I kill one?"

[somebodychildofanyone]

"...Often deal with," River echoes, her lilting voice soft. "Deal with how?"

[itsjustabaddream]

"Ahh, yes, yours is a new face. You've only just arrived, correct, madam?" He smiled apologetically. "You see, our island is quite cursed, and it would appear that some or... perhaps all of it is due to demonic involvement."

[somebodychildofanyone]

"River la Croix sir, pleasure." She waves a calloused hand, but her expression doesn't move; the elf seems...concerned. "But I'm afraid that's not quite an answer. Deal with, how? Military invasions? Religious worship? Summonings? What's the relationship between the Firstborn -"

She pauses. "...Between the residents mortal and infernal?"

[itsjustabaddream]

"Ah, yes, forgive me. I misunderstood your question," Neil said. He, on the contrary, seemed almost blase about the situation. "The Infernal Realm exists parallel to ours, and beings who hail from there thrive on acts of evil and the chaotic fallout from them. Most demons are relatively inconsequential, simply causing corruption and misfortune in minor ways. However, occasionally more powerful demons will exert more influence. Sometimes this does involve inspiring religious worship, making deals, devising drawn out schemes, curses... Generally no armies, and they can be summoned but generally show up where they're not wanted with no assistance."

[somebodychildofanyone]

Mmm. Awfully convenient to have someone to blame for the woes of the world. River marks that down mentally as being highly suspicious. "...Alright. So traffic with this culture is not considered desirable. How do the mortal ward them off, or excise their influence?"

[woocas]

While loosely affiliated with the Historical Society, Lucas is still determined to poke his head into this informational meeting. He's run into Neil before and is curious what all will be shared about the demons of this world.

Assuming he's not booted out on his ear, Lucas dutifully scribbles notes into an already well worn notebook. His pencil is twirled around his fingers while he stops to process something.

"Hey, um." Lucas speaks up but doesn't actually look up just yet, pale eyes scanning over his notes. "Do you happen to have any record of this dancing plague before? Some of the afflicted where talking about Aster and I was wondering what sort of connection might be there."

[itsjustabaddream]

Neil practically beamed, delighted to see Lucas. He hoped this meant that Lucas would forswear Dahlia's influence, but that remained to be seen and he didn't want to risk pushing the issue. Yet.

"Ah, no, the dancing plague is new, the only thing anywhere similar is the, ah, P-word day that comes later this month," he said vaguely. "Wait, you say that the victims were referencing Aster by name?"

[woocas]

"P-word day?" Lucas looks up at that before a light bulb goes off overhead. Parade day. Right. "Oh yeah."

He frowns thoughtfully. "A few of them were, yeah. Not all of them but it's a possible lead we can follow?"

[itsjustabaddream]

"Indeed it is!" Neil was nearly ecstatic at the confirmation. "With this information, I can devise a plan. One bespoke to the workings of Aster."

[woocas]

Lucas raises an eyebrow, “Oh yeah? How’s that work, Chief?”

He has his own plan to put into motion, but there’s the tricky thing of performing a reading without a Guide. He’s gotten into a few messes here in Pumpkin Hollow already because of that.

…But he’ll probably do it again.

[deepbluerevue]

When the name “Aster” came up, Grace Holloway stiffened where she sat on a stool near the back of the room, hands clenching on the crutches leaning against her legs. She listened intently to the questions and answers that followed the presentation, noting the others that mentioned having heard of Aster. (It was a comfort to see Mister Kovach attending the meeting. He seemed well-intentioned, and probably just as naïve to all the feuds apparently flying around in this town as she was.

She was also unsurprised to see Agent Jean. That one had an eye on information-gathering of all sorts, huh.)

After the meeting had dissipated a bit, folks splitting off to chat, Grace got to her feet with some difficulty and a nearly-hidden grimace, pinning the crutches under her arms with as much finesse as she could manage, which wasn’t much.

As she approached the meeting’s host, she cleared her throat politely, stationing herself strategically near an empty chair. “Doctor West? I don’t think we’ve properly met. I’m Grace Holloway.”

[itsjustabaddream]

"Ah, Ms. Holloway! Yes, I've seen you perform once or twice while out to eat, in fact," Neil said. He began to offer her a handshake, but stayed his hand at the sight of the crutches. "Oh, goodness--- Madam, please don't feel the need to stand on my account if it's a strain! Here, let's have a seat."

Neil stepped around, pushing up the chair nearest Grace behind her. Then, he took a seat across from her, hands folded in his lap. "Hopefully that's easier for you?"

[deepbluerevue]

“Yes, thank you, Doctor,” Grace said gratefully, sinking down into the chair with a quiet sigh of relief. “I’m afraid the plague did quite a number on these old legs. I’m told it’s just overexertion, nothing permanent, but in the meantime…”

[itsjustabaddream]

"Of course," Neil agreed, nodding. "Well, I'm a psychologist, not a medical doctor, but if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."