03 . video, un: beacon

[clocktowers]

Good afternoon, Sleepers.

[ It's been a while since Ozpin was on the network! He stands now before the continuing construction site that is the Clockhouse, now in its final stretch of becoming livable. From behind him comes a crash and an I've got it! that sounds like it could be Ruby Rose. Ozpin winces through his smile but does not turn around.]

First, I would like to extend my welcome to those new to Trench... and my sincere thanks to those who have lent their assistance in repairing our home after its [ the smile goes strained again ] unfortunate destruction. It has been some time since I aided a project of this magnitude.

Which brings me to a proposition. As many of you know, my name is Professor Ozpin [ look at that, he's back to tacking 'Professor' on ] and I was headmaster of a renowned combat academy back upon the world of Remnant. I provide combat lessons to Sleepers when I'm able, and I led a team of talented young students in the [ All-Trench Karate Tournament ] combat tournament of this May.

As of September, I have been away from my original world for two full years. In celebration, I suppose... and from a deep and abiding respect for the strength and spirit I have seen among our number, here in Trench... I would like to propose a more formal institution in which Sleepers can teach and learn the skills of battle.

I would like to establish a combat academy in Prufrock, the Hunter's district. I believe I have found a space that will be suitable, and which may be of use even to Hunters with less of an... academic inclination. A gathering space and stronghold for adventurers in times of crisis. Those among us who still recall the dreamed town of Deerington might [ his smile tightens ] liken it to FEAR, albeit with a far more academic bent.

[ james ironwood get fucked it took him eighteen months but he stole your idea ]

To make this concept a reality, I will need help. I must call upon those with an interest and ability in exploration and the vanquishing of Beasts to help clear the space of its deadly hazards. If you are willing to undertake a dangerous task-- to risk your life, mind, and soul-- then I, and perhaps all of Trench, will thank you.

I will provide instructions and coordinates to those who inquire within. Perhaps together, we can continue to build something of value to this new world.

[[ This is the network post recruiting for the Academy Exploration player plot! You can tag here or handwave a conversation with Ozpin to participate in the expedition. ]]

Comments

[clocktowers]

[ Convenient! Now he doesn't have to bother with hunting one down, or getting yelled at for failing to hunt one down. ]

We would be grateful for you to accompany the expedition. Do you have experience providing field aid in dangerous environments?

[ He says this without much weight, because he feels that Trench already counts. ]

Will you be prepared to leave the relative safety of town and venture with us into the unknown?

[knowsvinewhip]

Certainly. You see, providing field aid is something I usually had to attend to every week or so for my traveling companions, ahaha.

[No, seriously, it really was like clockwork. Get it?]

You needn't worry about me. I'm slightly more capable than I appear.

[clocktowers]

I don't doubt your capabilities in the least. Welcome to the team.

[ As though any Sleeper wouldn't be able to hold their own... as though Ozpin would bother worrying about them ]

But I don't believe I caught your name.

[knowsvinewhip]

Why thank you.

Ah, my apologies. I'm Hakkai.

[clocktowers]

A pleasure to meet you, Hakkai. I look forward to working together soon. In a place such as this, I suspect we'll have need of a healer sooner than we think.

[knowsvinewhip]

Is it really so dangerous here? I've heard word of "corruption" and "beasts". But does such a thing happen on a regular basis?

[clocktowers]

I'm afraid so. The world I came from was overrun with such monsters... but ours did not begin as human beings. [ a blanket statement that is always true ] Here, we face monsters on all sides: those external to us, and those that can develop from within.

[knowsvinewhip]

[begin as human beings]

[He'd laugh. He really would. If this weren't audio. It wouldn't be amused, though. Of course, of course he's in a world where such a thing is commonplace. There's irony here. Sick, punishing irony.]

[Maybe that's why the others aren't here. This is some form of warped justice.]

I see.

We have something of a similar sort, where I come from. Of monsters born from humans. I suppose I would be more shocked if that were not the case.

[clocktowers]

Then I'm afraid you may find the same here. Corruption is typically gradual, however, and it can be resisted. Those who succumb to the effects may still be brought back to themselves given time and treatment.

[ wow ozpin that almost sounds optimistic, good job— ]

Beasthood is the term for those who eventually fall.

[knowsvinewhip]

And... said Beasthood is, then, final?

[clocktowers]

[ This is where he hedges, because Allen might spawn from the woodwork to judge him otherwise. ]

In most circumstances. To my understanding, we do know of a few countermeasures and cures, but none is so reliable as a Sleeper's death.

[ love to keep the mood up ]

[knowsvinewhip]

[Hey guess who doesn't know about death not sticking here-]

... Typically, death does solve a number of problems relating to rampaging monsters, yes. Though, I was asking more after the countermeasures.

[clocktowers]

I'm afraid death is often one of the most effective countermeasures available. [ guess who's mercykilled some sleepers in his day ]

Many of the rest are beyond my personal base of knowledge, though I can direct you to those who've undertaken this research. [ yeah on whose behalf did willow start researching this, ozpin ] The most consistent prevention technique I know of is based in emotions and truth... anyone who allows secrets and regrets to fester in their heart will be more susceptible to the transformation.

[ not that he knows anything about this personally ]

[knowsvinewhip]

[Hahaha. Hah. Haaah hah hah.]

[Death, or disclosing secrets, truths. Wow. He was very, very wrong when he'd arrived. This is, indeed, a form of hell.]

I would be interested in hearing of the research. [Because there's no way he wants to run around baring secrets left and right.] If you don't mind.

[clocktowers]

Of course. I recommend you speak with Willow Rosenberg. She is a talented researcher and a dear friend.

[ He attaches her contact. ]

I wish you the best in gathering this information... and look forward to seeing you in the wilderness rather soon.

[knowsvinewhip]

Thank you. I'll certainly make the effort to reach out.