video; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ The video opens to a young man with longish snow white hair tied back in a fluffy ponytail, dressed in a distinctive sort of black, red, and white uniform. He's sitting at an old Victorian desk, and there's an embroidered banner behind him, the same sort of one that can be seen hanging outside of Sanctuary. His pale eyes are clear and steady, and his gloved hands are folded neatly in front of him. ]

Hello. My name is Allen Walker, and I'm one of the persons who specialize in purifying and saving Beasts at Sanctuary in Crenshaw. If you haven't heard about us, we seek out those who have become Beasts in order to help purify and save them, as well as help people who might be struggling with corruption.

Beasts are not just monsters. Many of them were once humans or humanoid, natives of this place, and don't come back like we do. But they can still be made themselves once again. [ He speaks very gently, but clear and adamant. ]

Some of you may have noticed you've been having bad dreams -- nightmares, and more than usual. They aren't normal, and in fact seem to be caused by a certain kind of invisible Beast that attaches itself to a person, or something similar made of corruption itself. While they can be purified and that seems to work... they can't be saved, whatever they were before, and it can be dangerous to the person they're attached to.

[ He taps the left side of his face with a black-gloved finger, the one with the bright red scar that stems from what seems to be a star on his forehead, or a sort of solid, filled-in inverted pentagram. ] I can see them, so if you think you might be suffering from abnormal nightmares caused by such a thing I'd like to offer my services. I can attempt to purify them as well.

If they can't be purified in such a manner... [ he pauses, shifting a little restlessly ] It's possible for another person to enter their nightmares as well and try to confront it in that manner. It likewise purifies the Beast.

A number of people have mentioned apparitions or spirits haunting them as well, also abnormally all at once and apparently of people who haven't died here... Some of us here can calm the spirits with our abilities, but it doesn't seem to fully lay them to rest. There is a blood ritual of spiritual cleansing that can be done though? And that seems to stop them and let them be at peace.

That said... if there is anyone who needs any sort of assistance, or just a calming place to come and ease their thoughts for a while, Sanctuary always has its doors open. One of Lady Amaterasu's cherry blossom trees is here, which is comforting and can help ease someone's corruption. Even if you're just hungry, Miss Abigail and a number of other volunteers help provide a lunch and dinner to people in the area. And if you know anyone who has become a Beast, or who you're worried might... we can help.

Likewise, if there is anyone who would wish to help, we will always want to hear from you. Especially anyone with purification abilities, but even if it's just helping to calm someone's distress, tending to the wounded, or researching purification methods... even just making dinner sometimes, it all helps. Lady Alayne has also mentioned she'd like to organize a sort of "canning drive" or jam baking week soon, for any Palebloods who'd like to contribute their ability to make anti-corruptive jams. And any Hunter who wishes to find another way than killing... those ways exist.

[ Chin up, demeanor gentle. His pale grey eyes are steady though, and determined. Stern yet delicate. ]

Thank you, and good evening.

[ This much more polished and diplomatic broadcast was brought to you by Sansa Stark Alayne Stone, PR Consultant. ]


[ Sanctuary Members Filter ]

Lady Alayne and I approached the head of the Hunters, the Wayward Watcher a few weeks ago, as some of you may know. Unfortunately [ he grimaces lightly, nose wrinkling ] ... she doesn't approve. She won't interfere, but they also want nothing to do with us. [ And if some of the allied Hunters have recently noticed being shunned almost entirely by other native Hunters enclaves they may have worked with before... that might be why. Sorry. ] However...

[ He glances to each side, and two figures step up next to him. One a younger woman, her hood pulled low, and the other an ambiguous, tall and lanky figure that resembles a living scarecrow. Their eyes glow a luminous blue behind their mask. ]

Miss Nell and Vaughn are representing two small factions of Hunters who are sympathetic to our methods and would wish to see a way of fighting Beasts that doesn't have to be lethal or spill as much blood, and might be able to still save the persons _{or, ah...} [ a quick glance somewhere behind the camera, like he's getting a Look ] _animals? they once were. Anyone who wishes to patrol with them as a Hunter is welcome to join with one of them, and they would be especially interested in partnering with anyone who has the ability to purify or reverse Beasthood. Although it goes without saying that we should try to keep this to ourselves and others also sympathetic.

Don't bother if you don't have experience. We're not here to babysit anyone. If you have what it takes and you have the strength to do it without spilling blood that doesn't need it, see me. Otherwise, we'll have no business. [ The woman, Nell, is... direct. ] See this guy [ a thumb is jerked at Allen ] if you want to find out how to reach me.

[ That's it. She walks back offscreen without saying another word and there's just the sound of a door shutting. While Allen... blinks with a slightly confused, awkward smile, the other Hunter beside him speaks up. Their voice sounding somewhat synthetic and genderless. ]

Nell keeps to the south and I keep to the north. If you wish to patrol the borders and watch the forest, see me. We meet once a week to discuss matters above Disciple's Defense and assign patrols. Sunday, at sundown. [ A long, somewhat uncomfortable pause. Their eyes boring into the camera with a... weirdly non-threatening kind of intensity, actually. Maybe just... no social skills, this one? ] ... do not be late.

[ Vaughn leaves, and Allen lets out a breath like he had been holding it. But a bright smile is quickly drummed up! and his gaze flickers down to... are those little cards that have been written out? ]

Eh, other than that... Viktor has been having some success in working on pacification-equipment using lunar energy to help restrain and calm beasts! If anyone would like to assist him with that, I'm sure he'd appreciate it. Likewise, he and Palamedes and a number of others have been exploring and unlocked some of the sealed doors that were found, and it looks like there is a lunar generator of sorts he hopes to get working for more reliable power in the building. Which they have discovered was once a monastery devoted to Moon Presence? Apparently all the inlaid gemstones that look like moonstones are actually bloodstone that will be powered. Miss Virra-Lorr is a Seer who has also mentioned she is working on a sort of alchemical... squid ink potion? That could help with Beasthood as well.

Related to that, Miss Luna has also been working on a book cataloguing Sleeper Beasts and discussion of how to try and save them as well, and I'm sure she'd appreciate any information you have. And if anyone is a Paleblood... myself and Atsushi have also been looking into records of those who have been able to use that to step within someone's-- soul, I guess. Their mind, and be able to try and help them resolve their Beasthood that way. If there's anyone who would like to join us, or who might be familiar with that.

Miss Wanda has helped set up some protection around Lady Amaterasu's tree as well. It's best not to mention it so no one tries to find a way around it, but the warding should prevent any hostile actions taken in the courtyard. Our hope is that would apply to Beasts as well. A number of individuals have volunteered to be Wardens to make sure the place is guarded at all times since more people are paying attention now... thank you very much. Truly.

On that note, um-- [ a slight glance offscreen again, like someone else is there making a motion ] It would also be best for those of us who purify by fighting or will be patrolling and working together to restrain and cleanse beasts to train together as well so we know how to work together best. Since I'm back on my feet more, I'm happy to train with people who might not be as comfortable and help show them what I can, since I'm familiar with fighting supernatural creatures like this. It would probably be best to choose a place that isn't The Gate, though... for a number of reasons. If anyone has any suggestions.

Oh, and um... please don't be alarmed if you see the ghost of an elderly man around, particularly in the archivist's study. [ Smiling somewhat... sheepishly? he makes an offhand wave with a gloved hand. ] He's quite friendly and used to be an archivist here, and Palamedes has set up some... wards? that let him appear for longer. I've been told he likes being read to. [ Yeah. Yeah you heard that right. ]

If anyone else has anything else they'd like to say, please feel free to as well using this. It'd be good I think if we all get to know each other better, even if we don't always see each other.

Thank you again everyone.


[ Action ]

[ After de-stressing and fretting with Sansa after the broadcast, Allen can be found anywhere on the grounds in Sanctuary, primarily either in the main hall chatting with people, checking in on the renovations and seeing what people are trying to clear out next (looks like debris blocking a library of sorts has finally been uncovered?), sitting and chatting with anyone injured or otherwise recovering in the infirmary, or trying to catch a rare breath in his room. ...Who am I kidding? He's also hovering around the kitchens pestering anyone who might be cooking and trying to snag a taste.

He's no longer in the wheelchair, but most people can hear him coming by the faint clicking sound of the crutches he's now on. He's getting better, though! He promises! ]


[ ooc: Anyone who's contacted me before about their character being interested in Sanctuary/we had a thread go this way/who filled out their character info on the Info Page is welcome to presume they're included in the locked filter! Also if you haven't filled out your character's interested roles on said info page yet, I'd greatly appreciate it for my own sanity... And please feel free to use the member filter to chat with each other as much as anything. ]

Comments

[Members Filter] [Endwalker Role Quest spoilers]

[aetherweaver]

Um... hello.

[Great social skills, Warrior of Light. Keep going.]

I have magic that can work on someone without spilling blood, so hopefully that can be helpful to the Hunters. As for the rest of it -

[He glances off-screen for a moment and winces before looking back at the screen.]

Sorry... there's a ghost here. Anyway...

[Nara'a don't act like that's not a big deal! But This Is Fine, probably.]

I can't directly step into someone's soul, but I do have the ability to see into someone's past. It... isn't always reliable, because I can't control when it goes off, but it might help. I've... had instances where I've seen what made a person transform into a monster... usually some of the worst despair. But if you can understand that, then maybe you can help coax them back from it?

I'd like to help however I can. I know we only spoke briefly, but I... want to help people.

[Members Filter]

[likethelight]

Oh! Hello! [ It's okay, Allen is used to having to pick up the ball in conversations A Lot with his friend circles... ]

It's... Nara'a, right? Wait, you're being haunted too? [ Concerned voice is concerned. We're addressing this first before anything else. ]

Do you need any help?

[Members Filter]

[aetherweaver]

Oh, um. That's right. To the first two questions.

... I'd like him to go away, but I don't want to bother anyone. It's my fault, anyway.

video | un: deku [Members Filter]

[wannasmash]

[ This is a young man, high school age, with green hair, a green jumpsuit, freckles, and a hard mask around his neck. He might have been seen on patrol in the area. He doesn't cut a tall or intimidating figure like Nell and Vaughn, the two Hunters Allen introduced. He wears a Hunter's badge, a scrap of fabric sewn to a pocket on his Welcoming Cloak. ]

Hi, it's nice to meet you. I'm Deku. Uh, that's my hero name, feel free to use it for work and stuff.

[ Social skills abound here. He's awkward, but he's earnest. ]

Do you have to touch someone to see their past?

[ He knows someone who does, in a manner of speaking. (It's not remotely the same, but details...) Then he addresses the elephant ghost in the room. ]

...It's not a dangerous ghost, is it?

[aetherweaver]

[Hero name? What? Is that???]

[But after a brief moment of confusion he just... puts that aside. Deku works.]

No, I don't. Usually I just have to be decently close to them. Like I said, I... can't control it.

[Um. Well.]

I'm not in any true danger... I think.

Text| un: Shadow_Puppet| Private

[stoicsilhouette]

[ Called Out- Hesitant ]
I can exorcise beasts.

Private

[likethelight]

[ you ]

I know. [ Does he let him squirm? Like you made him for almost nine months while he thought he was the only person here who could??





]

Viktor told me. About how you saved him, too.

[ No, he actually likes Megumi. Also he may or may not still feel a little guilty. ]

Re: Private

[stoicsilhouette]

[Hmmm. You knew? And yet...]

He told me about you too.

[He's why I'm here] .

It's hard seeing those I've helped, only to think what if I didn't make it here in time
...
[There is a minute before the next two texts come through]
It's not possible to save everyone.

But I want to help exorcise as many as I can.

[Tired of seeing innocent people suffer]

members filtered video | un: 🐟 wanda

[explosion]

[ none of this is news wanda wants to hear. if it was coming from anyone else, she'd dismiss it. but her instincts have been correct: she's experiencing nightmares, the very thing she specialises in producing for so many people.

when she speaks, her voice isn't a high-pitched hybrid between american and eastern europe. it's a deep eastern europe accent; wanda's been home more times in the last few days than she has in years. being home brings out the person she thought was a forgotten ghost. ]

I can help with anything, but…

[ her mind is distracted. wanda wishes to be of use, but her nightmares and their contents are simply tantalising for her to simply sit by and offer her assistance once again. she wants them back, her entire family. perhaps there is a way to attain them.

they feel so real. they are real. everything about them has been so tantalising. being a telepath has given her an edge to succumb to her nightmares a little more than she should. ]

Perhaps there is a way to save the Beast that's causing all these nightmares.

[ she wants to hope; so, she will. ]

filtered video;

[likethelight]

[ The change in her accent makes him blink actually, being a bit more sensitive to that as someone British who's traveled across the whole of Europe more than anywhere else and it pings him as familiar, and he didn't think she'd pinged him as that familiar before. Something changed.

'The Beast', she'd said, and on one hand that makes him wonder if she thinks there's a singular one responsible for this. He hadn't thought so before, but reading between the lines... ]

Miss Wanda, are you having nightmares too?

filtered video;

[explosion]

[ lying would be offensive to them both, but she still has that kneejerk reaction to say no, of course not. (it's partly born from never wanting pietro to worry when he worried too much already.)

but she is—and if there is a way to save the beast that's causing her nightmares, then she wants to do it. she's one step closer to finding her children in the neverending multiverse that the trench sits snugly in.

wanda appears sheepish before she nods. ] I am. Are you?

[Member Filter]

[hearuthinking]

Yeah, I noticed the other Hunters were givin' me the cold shoulder lately. I get where they're comin' from, I guess, but we can help people without fuckin' killin' them. I've been practicing with my power and I think I've gotten a lot better. Won't really know until someone turns into a Beast and I can test it out.

As for training, Viktor made this kick-ass training dummy a while back. I can bring it in and help instruct anyone who wants to learn combat.

[Member Filter]

[likethelight]

[ Oh no. He feels a touch bad, Jason... ]

I can too, it's just frustrating. Lady Alayne thinks that maybe after they see that we can be effective and save Beasts without endangering others that more Hunters will become sympathetic. I think she wants us to take video, or something like that. But it gives me hope that two groups already are. And aah, you have? [ Ooh. His tone picks up at the good news. ] I can be there for backup when that happens so you can try. That's good news.

Ehhh, Viktor did? [ +1 intrigue, everything he's seen Viktor make has been wonderful ] That'd be amazing. What sort of training dummy is it?

[ Knowing Viktor, there's something special about it. ]

[hearuthinking]

Worth a shot. [He nods gratefully] I'd appreciate it. I figure if I can hear the thoughts of a vampire from my world, Beasts should work just fine.

Yeah, he was inspired by this dummy we saw in a portal. It kinda moves around. I'll bring it over so you can see it in action.

Video ; username: shannaro

[creationrebirth]

We haven't been introduced, but it occurs to me that with the work you're doing, and the work I'm doing, we should meet.

I'm Sakura, back home I'm trained in medical ninjutsu. Recently I've been creating methods to treat the mental trauma that affects children who have suffered from the impact of war and loss. I'm adapting a medical practice here that trains and teaches about traumatic response and how to treat it. Like you, I've got an interest in helping those dealing with beast hood. Perhaps we can share ideas and work together to reach the most people.

Video;

[likethelight]

Oh! Miss Sakura! [ There's a note of surprised recognition in his voice, actually. ]

Lady Alayne told me about you and how you're a healer. [ Medical ninjutsu? Not something he would imagine going together and that's kind of incredible, but he supposes also makes a bit of sense after how Sansa had explained training with Sasuke's methods to be. AKA not what he would have expected. ]

That... sounds amazing, really. Everything you're doing already [ Children who have suffered from war... that hits a close one for him, yeah. ] I'd be honored to work with you.

Have you worked with people who have suffered from it before?

[creationrebirth]

[ Sansa had mentioned her? That makes introductions even easier, and if Sansa was working with them, than even more reason to get to know him. ]

All that you've set up sounds amazing too. The more organizations that are set up to assist with these problems, the better. I figure if we can manage to create a network of assistance, we will stand the best chance. That way too, none of us will be overwhelmed during the worst of times.

[ She gives a small nod. ] Somewhat. I've done what I can, but I haven't treated the most severe cases yet. I've been doing more organizing behind the scenes so far. I'm eager to do more on the front line, so to speak.

de-stressing and fretting with sansa

[dohaeris]

[once the cameras are off sansa claps and beams.]

You were wonderful! Now no one can say you only want them to hug the beasts or hold their hands.

[she strides confidently over to the desk. lady watches from the sunny spot where she's been curled up for the past fifteen or so minutes.]

We should make a cake to celebrate.

[another month she might have suggested going to a bakery...]

[likethelight]

[ Aahhh, his nerves... he deflates visibly the moment they're done, sagging in his chair slightly. He's going to age a decade early because of all of this... wasn't he once just an Exorcist keeping his head down doing his own thing... life was good and simple then. (No it wasn't, it was awful and mind-numbingly complicated.)

Her comment gets a weak but bright laugh from him though, picking himself up a bit to peak at her. ]

I don't know, some people might. [ But ooh--! He perks right up at the mention of cake. Even baking it -- his itch this month only really kicks in at the thought of doing it with other people. ]

Really? [ Brightened, just like that. ] What kind of cake?

[dohaeris]

[it occurs to sansa that she could sit on his desk. it would be a very bold, alayne stone thing to do, but she doesn't.]

Strawberry. I've gotten good at it.

[she offers him her arm, hand first.]

If anyone is at all confused about what it is they can do for us, I should be very glad to tell them.

[really, they could use so many more hunters and people to train the hunters...]

1/2 Video; UN Lothrat [Public.]

[ezra_of_lothal]

Thanks for that run down on this month's weirdness, Allen. Seriously, it's helpful.

I've been doing some jamming and canning at home. I'd be happy to pitch in at the Sanctuary for a batch or two, as well.

2/2 Video; UN Lothrat [Members Filter]

[ezra_of_lothal]

I'm a Paleblood and my gifts as a Jedi ran towards mental and spiritual connections, before I even got here.

So, yes, I'm definitely interested in anything regarding resolving corruption and beasthood with those sorts of methods.

Member filter;

[likethelight]

[ Ezra, hi. It isn't something said aloud, but it's in his brightened eyes and small nod. ]

Ehh, you are? That's great! I'm sure Miss Alayne will be excited to hear that. I think she's trying to get a bunch of fruit donated that everyone can work with.

And I didn't realize you were a Paleblood too-- [ He blinks, but grins and brightens then. ] Maybe you might be able to learn it better than we can, since your own abilities are so similar. I can send you some of what we've found, but it looks like it isn't something that common or easy. It'll take a lot of work and practice. [ Also, sorry in advance for Allen's messy notes... They're... they're something. ]

video [member filter] better late than never i suppose ;;

[wannasmash]

I haven't been haunted by any ghosts, so you can count on me to cover patrol shifts of anyone who is.

I've got some notes on Beasts I've been taking in the field. I'll send copies over for Luna-san to catalogue.

[ They include crude drawings. His notes are organized and concise, but an artist he is not. ]

For training, there's a spot on the beach I like. It's a pain to get to, but the only things there to be damaged are rocks and water. In bad weather, I've used a practice room off the Gate. No Beasts, just old equipment. I avoid the Gate, but it's also good to keep up with what other Hunters are getting up to.

[ He is a diligent employee, as much as the loosely-structured Hunters "employ." ]

[member filter] never too late ♥

[likethelight]

[ Oh, it's Shouto's friend. The one who shouted "we're all kissing" at the tournament for everyone to hear... It's okay Midoriya, Allen's too polite to judge you for your weird apparent sex cult. Out loud. ]

Ehh, you have? That's great! I'm sure Viktor would be interested too if you haven't spoken with him. It might help him with his pacification research.

[ Also it's okay. Allen legit can't judge him for his drawings; his own make stick figures look elegant. ]

Jason had the good idea of trying to convert one of the rooms here for training as well, although I like the idea of someplace like the beach as well for those of us with abilities that can be destructive. It'd be good to not have to worry about causing damage. [ But he pauses, lingering on what he said about the Gate. His demeanor gentling, becoming a bit more ginger. Allen can likely guess why, it's obvious to him with his cursed sight, but... ]

Why don't you like the Gate?