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

[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?

[itsjustabaddream]

"Indeed," Neil agreed gravely. "I do wonder if something to that effect has happened here."

[witheredpeonies]

"That...someone here made a deal with one of the demons? To what end?"

It's devious, but she can imagine people doing such things so very easily.

[itsjustabaddream]

"That is an excellent question. One I should very much like to get to the bottom of," Neil said with a frown. "If someone's selfish gain is the reason for our curse, then let them be ousted swiftly."

[witheredpeonies]

"Mmm, do you have anyone you suspect of such dealings? Or anyone who has a reason to make such a deal?" For perhaps the first time, Neil will see an unpleasant expression on Annabel's face, a distinct sneer.

[itsjustabaddream]

He admittedly couldn't help but appreciate her intensity on the matter. "It's possible," Neil said. "To be frank, the mind jumps first to Reverend Clayton. He certainly was quick to get his children off the island when things were beginning to take a turn for the worse. It's entirely possible that he sacrificed his late wife in order to take the place of Merrick Gladwyn, his predecessor. Especially given the state the man's body was finally found in last month. He plays the humble and reluctant angle, but it's no secret he is the most respected and beloved person in Pumpkin Hollow, with the entire remaining townsfolk looking to him for answers... Praying to goddesses who do not answer... Hm."

Neil frowned deeply as he trailed off, lost in thought for a moment, then waved it away. "Well, it isn't certain. There's a possibility my own dislike is clouding my judgement. I'll investigate and see what I can find out."

[witheredpeonies]

"For just speculation, Neil, that's an awfully fleshed-out scenario." She gives him a mild, quiet look.

[itsjustabaddream]

"I'll confess I've found his actions suspicious for some time," Neil admitted. "But the mind sees the patterns it wishes to at times. This is either the final thread in a tapestry six years in the making, or... Well, either way, we'd need some kind of evidence."

[witheredpeonies]

"And how would we go about acquiring said evidence? What do the remnants of making a deal with demons look like?"

She's not the magical thief subset of magical girl, but she's definitely curious.

[itsjustabaddream]

"That depends entirely upon the demon in question," Neil replied. "I've heard tell that a demon is being mentioned by name by the afflicted. But I've yet to receive confirmation."

[witheredpeonies]

"I'll keep my ear to the ground for rumors on the topic. It seems the best way for me to be useful, unless you need me for another purpose." She's willing to take direction at this early point in the game.

[itsjustabaddream]

"No, that's perfectly fine," Neil agreed. "I get the sense you have a skill for networking. I would encourage you to play to your strengths. Any help is useful, and things flow best when everyone involved is in their element. You have a rare charm to you, which is an asset."