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

for zelda⸻

[raisedbyfoxes]

The small cottage with the thatched roof and the warm lantern light is somewhat familiar to Ahri already -- she has never been there, but she's passed it a few times on her way to Lockwood Forest. The apartment she'd been granted in the downtown area is nice, but Ahri hasn't yet managed to get comfortable sleeping on furniture, let alone under a roof, so she's been sleeping in the forest instead, finding sheltered areas and sleeping under the stars, only returning to the apartment to shower and see clients.

She hasn't yet earned enough coin to buy more fitting clothing than what she was given upon arrival, though she's done her best with what she has, borrowing a neighbor's sewing kit to turn the linen shirt and trousers into a short, simple dress. One edge of the skirt's hem is a tiny bit frayed from where she keeps picking at it with her claws, and it's that spot that her nervous fingers find themselves toying with once more as she stands at a distance from that cottage, watching it.

The Ocularum's ad on the board had seemed... interesting. Seeking answers certainly was something she wanted to do, and Ahri has always found that the most interesting knowledge tends to come from the most unexpected of places. If you gaze upon a boulder, you will learn about the boulder's surface. If you overturn that boulder, all sorts of fascinating bugs come crawling out of that dark space.

The problem is, she hasn't quite managed to make herself go inside.

Is it too much to hope that the owner might stick their head out and just answer all of her questions?

[hyliasblessing]

It was around this time that Zelda had much the same idea. Being on shore leave for the week, she intended to make the most of her time off of the fishing boat. There were investigations to get underway!

Admittedly, she was a bit surprised to see her new friend standing loitering outside the building. "Oh! Hello, Ahri." She smiled, tilting her head curiously. "What are you up to?"

[raisedbyfoxes]

Zelda's innocent question has Ahri looking a little shifty, vulpine ears laying flat as her gaze goes off to the side. "Nothing," she lies, and then amends, "well, no, not nothing. I was merely... scoping the place out."

Zelda smells like the ocean, like a sea breeze and cold water; Ahri can only assume she's taken up a job fishing. Zelda has something of a refined air to her. Ahri would guess that she's nobility, perhaps, or just some variety of high-born. If she's taken up fishing, that would be an awfully common job for her.

"I saw a flyer posted about this place," Ahri eventually explains, her gaze going back to the little cottage, narrowed in studiousness. "Whoever wrote it promises answers. I thought I would verify their trustworthiness."

Sorry for the wait!! I died but I'm better now

[hyliasblessing]

At first, Zelda is taken aback when Ahri nearly snaps at her, surprised by her defensiveness. She'd wonder what she'd done to earn such distrust, but Ahri's tune quickly changed. Zelda decided not to let it trouble her further.

She nodded. "Yes, I saw that as well. This 'Ocularum,' as it's called. I am admittedly rather curious as well. We could go in together, if you'd like."

lmao that's okay! RIP you for the last few days :'(

[raisedbyfoxes]

"I... had not thought about actually going inside," Ahri admits.

Gods above, why is she so nervous? She's a grown adult, over two hundred years, and she cannot enter one little cottage to speak with the person who made that flyer? Perhaps it is because she is considering joining society in this place, and the very notion of that is so overwhelming it's causing her to freeze up, like a deer in the view of a predator.

"But it is probably best to actually speak to someone, you're right." The flattened state of Ahri's ears betray her nervousness. Zelda will be a good partner for this: she has a very friendly, calming way about her. "I'd appreciate your company, Zelda."

The Doctor is In

[itsjustabaddream]

Neil sat behind his desk in his makeshift waiting room. It is obviously just a living room rearranged to masquerade as a waiting room--- a lovely fireplace is positioned off to the side with a sofa and armchair nearby, and a normal writing desk is placed in front of the archway leading into the rest of the home, posing as a check-in desk. But it seems to do its job, and this desk is where Neil spends most of his business hours.

When you enter, Neil looks up. "Hello there!" He smiles politely. "Here to make an appointment?"

Curiosity Kills, Sure, but What's the Worst That Could Happen?

[apocryphalarchivist]

[ There hadn't been just about anything that Jon trusted in Pumpkin Hollow, and this was no exception. For the most part, his intention had been to steer clear of anything he possibly could, until he could find his way out.

The eye symbology and claims of truth were hooks, though, and their draw couldn't be ignored forever.

And now, here he was. The Ocularum wasn't what he'd expected--- the small, unimposing cottage almost looking cozy amid the gloom of the evening--- and, for just a moment, he steeled himself. Hadn't he had enough of eyes for one lifetime?

Maybe in the old one, but this was a new lifetime, and he needed answers. They could provide them, apparently.

Only a moment longer, he stood outside, taking in a breath. And then, he carried on inside, to the desk just within. It was as cozy on the inside as it was outside. How strange. ]

I'm afraid not. Or, perhaps... not at the moment. [ Jon corrects, matching politeness, and remaining on the quieter side, as if reluctant to break the peace inside the home. ] I've read that you're the one to speak to for insight into the Ocularum?

[hyliasblessing]

"And I will be glad for yours," Zelda agreed. Ahri was a friend, and a formidable fighter. It was difficult not to feel safer with her. Though she did seem nervous, which was worrisome. She tried to put it out of her mind as she opened the door, leading the way inside.

Beyond the door was a living room that was arranged very strangely. A sofa and chair were next to the fireplace, with a bookshelf nearby, but blocking the archway to the rest of the cottage was a writing desk pressed up against a table in an L-shape, like some manner of counter. In the far corner was another table set up with cups, a pitcher of water, and a pot of coffee that had since gone a bit cold. The layout seemed to suggest the lobby of a doctor's office. It seemed as though Dr. West had converted his home into a business. For the moment, he was not at the desk.

"Should we--- call out to see if anyone is home?"

[itsjustabaddream]

[ At the inquiry, Neil lights up and opens his mouth to speak, then pauses. His eyes grow wide, and he smiles more broadly. ]

Ohh, there you are. I thought I sensed the presence of a kindred spirit. This--- this is no accident. [ He spoke with a quiet intensity, a fire behind his eyes. ] You're one of us.

[apocryphalarchivist]

[ That clearly wasn't the reaction Jon was expecting at all, if his owlish blink was anything to go off of, and he looked uneasy, skeptical--- yet intrigued. The hook of interest dug deeper. ]

I don't believe I know what you mean.

[itsjustabaddream]

Oh come now. You know this was no mistake. You were called here.

[ He stood, coming around the desk. He looked Jon directly in the eyes, searching. ]

Ahh, there it is! The glimmer of unobstructed truth. An avatar of the Eye.

[raisedbyfoxes]

Ahri takes in the interior of the cottage with a keen eye, gaze roving over every detail. It seems very much set up to receive people, which is reassuring -- but seems obvious in hindsight, considering the flyer that was posted had been inviting people to come talk.

It also looks... incredibly normal. Not the strange little wizard hut one might expect of a person promising obscure secrets.

Zelda's suggestion is a good one, so Ahri raps on the doorframe in a knock. "Hello?" she calls. "We saw your flyer on the community bulletin, and we'd be interested in speaking to you?"

[itsjustabaddream]

The sound of fumbling came from another room, as if someone had been startled. "Coming!" More clatter. After a moment, the man appeared behind the desk in all of his mousy, bespectacled glory. He was quite short with well-kept brown hair, a strong jaw, and wide eyes with heavy bags beneath them that formed deep creases. Round, thick glasses sat perched on his nose, emphasizing his eyes even further.

"Good afternoon, ladies!" He seemed cheerful. "Welcome to West Dream Analytics. Were you here looking for an appointment, or... something else?"

[apocryphalarchivist]

[ Taking an instinctive half-step back, Jon furrowed his brows, meeting Neil's gaze. What he was looking for was beyond him - but, when Neil found it, his face dropped. ]

...You know of them, then. I didn't--- realize their reach extended even beyond the grave.

[itsjustabaddream]

Considering one of them is "the grave," I am less inclined to be surprised.

[ Neil chuckled at his own joke. ]

No, I daresay they exist wherever humans do. And places where humans do not exist have their own fears to cower from. In any case, you are among your own kind now. Might I know your name?

[apocryphalarchivist]

[ Despite not loving the notion that they could reach that far, Neil did have a point. Despite being in a strange sort of purgatory, there were people here. The question made him blink, however - he'd gotten so caught up in things, he hadn't even introduced himself. So much for properness, Mr. Sims, get it together. ]

Jon. [ He replied, extending a hand to shake. ] And am I correct to assume you're... Dr. West?

[itsjustabaddream]

[ Neil took Jon's hand and shook it, jovial and firm. ]

Yes, but do call me Neil. You have no need to be formal with me.

[apocryphalarchivist]

Neil it is, then. And if I may ask... what does our own kind entail?

[itsjustabaddream]

What has it entailed so far? [ He chuckled. ] The pursuit of knowledge and truth, undeterred by foolish nonsense, false religions, or social expectations. In order to conquer the horrors that plague this island and discover what it will take for you to return to your home world, it's clear that we are the only ones with the strength of sight needed to demystify the, ah, bullshit, for lack of better words.

[raisedbyfoxes]

Ahri knows not to judge a book by its cover -- she is, after all, talented in seeing what's behind the front page -- but she can't help but assume this man is a scholar. Everything about him screams it, from the clear lack of sleep to the writing desk in the room.

But-- dream analytics?

"Good afternoon," Ahri replies smoothly, all of her apparent nervousness fading into a confident exterior. "My name is Ahri, and this is Zelda. We came because we saw the flyer on the bulletin board, and we were curious about what it promised." She offers her hand for a shake, keen gaze studying him. "I believe there was mention of answers?"

[itsjustabaddream]

"Ah, yes, delightful!" He takes her hand, shaking it, then Zelda's in turn. "You're interested in the Ocularum, then. Splendid! Take a seat, I'll bring you two some tea and we can chat at length."

Zelda cast Ahri a slightly confused look, but shrugged and moved toward the couches.

[raisedbyfoxes]

"Tea would be wonderful," Ahri says warmly, "thank you."

She can't help but be a little wary of this man. On the surface, he seems perfectly polite -- and he even seems the same to her empathic senses -- but he's willingly based his office a way outside the town and claims to know answers to whatever mysterious question he's focused on.

Ahri doesn't even know what answers he means. The answer to who pulled them here? The answer to Pumpkin Hollow's stagnation? The answer to life itself?

She responds to Zelda's look with a tiny little understanding smile, and sits, her tail curling neatly over her lap. "What is the Ocularum?" she asks, curious.

[itsjustabaddream]

Neil returns after a moment with tea he evidently had already made. It was still just a bit warm, but on the verge of going cold. He set a cup in front of each of them before sitting as well.

At the question, he smiles broadly, a beam of almost parental pride. "The Ocularum is an organization dedicated to occult studies, and by extension, deconstructing and reverse engineering the powerful energies that have taken hold of Marrow Isle. The temple, as I'm sure you've seen, believes in trusting the goddesses and weathering this so-called test. And the Historical Society prefers to focus on reviewing the past for breadcrumbs about what is going on, piecing together bits of others' research to form what they hope will be a larger picture. The Ocularum, like both of these groups, seeks only to help residents of Pumpkin Hollow restore peace and safety to their lives. But our approach is in the form of science and magic, rather than history and religion."

"And... you think you have something of significance?" Zelda asked leadingly.

"I believe we are on the precipice of a breakthrough, yes," Neil replied. "And it is my understanding, if the gossip is to be believed, that all of you are here from many different places that do not exist in our world, and have come here to avoid some sort of untimely demise. My belief is that your being here has something to do with the state of Marrow Isle, and that if we seek out its cause, information about what you all were sent here to do will make itself apparent in the process. I feel that you newcomers may be able to offer the Ocularum and the island itself something very precious."

[apocryphalarchivist]

[ A chord was struck, it seemed. Though still suspicious, it was clear that Neil was the best start to truly figuring out how to leave this place. It was entirely possible that the members of the Ocularum were in a very similar boat to him, as well. A wall of reservation crumbled. ]

It sounds like your cause and my own since I arrived here are aligned, then. I've been investigating since I set foot here. Before I woke up on that ferry, I spoke with... a woman. [ Even as he spoke, it sounded like he couldn't quite make heads or tails of it. ]

She wouldn't answer many questions, but said that I would be essentially trapped here until I find my way out, in order to survive my imminent demise. I don't know if I entirely believe all of that, though. At least at face value.

[itsjustabaddream]

A woman, you say. Curious. [ Neil brought a hand to his chin, pondering this. ] Clearly she is some sort of interdimensional entity, if she was able to pull you here. You've been asked to test your mettle against our curse, I would imagine, and the reward is a return to your old life.