Deer Country Network

[ The feed opens to Ozpin's library in the rebuilt Clockhouse: gone is the overgrowth of red and blue flowers, and instead the room is a clutter of green and purple furniture, overwrought gold filigree, and a few cleverly hidden carvings of butts. He has clearly tried to position the camera away from most of the chaos, so it centers Ozpin at his desk with a stack of fairytale books. He still looks pale and gaunt with simmering Corruption; there is a glint of vampire's fangs in his polite smile. ]

Good evening, Sleepers. For those who do not know me, my name is Professor Ozpin. I teach those who would stand against monsters, and in payment I often ask for the stories they've brought from their worlds... fairy tales of heroes, villains, and fools. I find there is always a grain of truth in every fable, and certainly wisdom to be gained from the sharing of it.

I am one of those who was present in the dream called Deerington. I find that our numbers feel lower, as of late... and I fear that someday, the stories of that dream shall be lost.

A few among us may recall the August of two years ago, a festival of peace and music. We honored the death of Cynthia Sodder, now reborn as the Moon Presence, with stories for her spirit and flowers for her grave. [ He takes on a wry, more distant smile. ] To lay flowers on a grave is an old tradition indeed. But I think it's the stories that are of more use - for the one telling them, not only the one told.

Cynthia was a being caged by the stories told about her. Her daughter, Julia Sodder, suffered the same fate. Many Sleepers remember her as a child... but in this era, the people of Deer Country only seem to remember her by the nightmares she brought to life.

A very wise young man [ his smile softens ] once helped me see past that view. I thought, perhaps, in this month of quiet and reflection, we might share more hopeful stories with the girl now lost. Her spirit still dwells in Sleepy Town, and so - myself, Oscar Pine, and Paul Atreides - now propose a new festival, in the spirit of the season. We shall gather at those grand wooden gates to tell hopeful tales of heroes, of community, and of mistakes that did not mean the end.

You see... the end we chose for her was a mistake. I should like to undertake some act, however small, to ease her eternal pain.

[ that got weirdly dire, thanks Ozpin ]

You may find us at the gates of Sleepy Town for the remainder of the month, telling what stories we think a lost girl may choose to believe in. I hope to see you there.

[[ If your character would like to share a story for Julia (or another NPC), see here for player plot info! ]]

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. ]]

[The feed opens up to an aerial shot of the Gate but things are a little different than normal. The normal blood curdling screams of monsters being slain is absent. There is no blood being spilled. In the middle of the arena two large wooden sparring stages have been erected instead, both lined with blue mats with a golden fist in the middle. Johnny Lawrence knew that would bring in the crowd. The omen broadcasting the feed swoops down toward the matts directly at the fist, just before it looks like it might crash it twirls in midair before breaking away and flying toward a podium set up where the two robotic commentators of the tournament are seated. The omen lands on a perch before settling in on a shot of the two commentators.]

Salutations, Trench, and welcome to the First Annual Great Trench Karate Tournament! My name is Penny Polendina--

--and I'm K.

--and together we'll be providing commentary for the competition. Let's meet our instructors!

First, we have Professor Ozpin of Beacon Academy!

Wait, I think...

[ There's a rustling of papers. ]

--Oh, a slight correction. Professor Ozpin is here representing Clockhouse Academy.

[ From the crowd, Black Alice interjects: ] I wanna see all you morons kick butt!

[ Ozpin steps forward, hands folded very delicately over his filigreed cane. ]


[ Ozpin doesn't get to finish his introduction, however. At this point Johnny pushes his way forward and shoves Ozpin out of the way. ]


[ Johnny holds a fist close to his chest. ]


[ From the gathered competitors one can hear Deku, angrily and slightly feral, interject with: ] SENSEI! WE'RE ALL KISSING!!


[ Also from the students, Sayo gives a shout of: ] Cobra Kai!


Uh.. that was Johnny Lawrence of Cobra Kai!

Certainly an... inspiring speech from sensei Lawrence, providing an illuminating glimpse into the lives of his students. ...A tongue?

Second, we have Terry Silver of... wait, what?

Yes, I believe they're both...

... Ahem. Terry Silver, also of Cobra Kai!

[ Terry's been awkwardly watching Johnny this entire time like his speech just made him die inside a little. ]


A sentiment I think we all can get behind.

And here is Sasuke Uchiha and his Super Awesome Ninja School!


Always a man of few words. Speaking as a student of the Super Awesome Ninja School, I'd just like to say that Sasuke has proved himself to be a very capable teacher, as his other students will no doubt demonstrate. Also, the bear rumours are entirely true.

And finally, Amaterasu! ... Is that an actual dog?

And isn't she adorable. Look at that smile!


... Well! You heard it here folks: "Woof!"

Truly wise words from miss Amaterasu. Who's a good girl? Is it you? Yes, it is! --Ahem.

And that's it for our competing schools! Hayato Ichimonji will be serving as referee, and Clark Griffin will be the medic on call.

To all of our participants, good luck and have fun!

[ Johnny steps forward with one last message for the students. ]


[ He then raises his arm up before pointing it specifically at Sasuke.]


[OOC: Please find the Tournament Log here and feel free to jump in.


Red is for Johnny Lawrence
Green is for Penny Polendina.
The darker Green is for Ozpin.
Navy Blue is for K.
Blue is for Terry Silver
Violet is for Sasuke.]

[ The feed opens to show Ozpin within the sitting room of his manor in Gaze, hands folded over his filigreed walking cane. The glow of the moon combines with his overwrought wallpaper to make the background luridly green. He smiles thinly over his tinted glasses; he seems tense about something offscreen. ]

Good afternoon, everyone. I recognize it has been some time since I last discussed my services on this network... and so I wish to put out a call once again. For those who wish to hone their skills in combat, my name is Professor Ozpin, and I am glad to welcome students new and old.

As it happens, I have met with [ and here's an obvious flicker of annoyance ] several other combat instructors in town, and we have devised an event which all might enjoy. [ He turns his attention to the right, and the camera pans with him, to another silver-haired man. ]

Thank you, Professor Ozpin. [ He nods, turning back to look at the camera with a warm smile. ] Hello, everyone. I'm Terry Silver.

We'll be holding a martial arts tournament with both armed and unarmed divisions. We hope to hold it sometime in May, just for some friendly competition and a bit of motivation to learn and improve your self-defense skills. [ Will it stay friendly? Probably not. ]

All three of us will be offering lessons separately, and if you're a teacher with at least one student you can sign your own school up as well.

[ He looks to his right, clenching his teeth as he tries not to look too annoyed with Johnny. ] Anything you'd like to add, Sensei Lawrence?

[ Johnny moves in front of the two men who tower over him so he’s the prime focus of the feed from here on out. ]

Listen up, nerds.

This tournament is going to have some ground rules for anyone who wants to participate.

Rule number 1: No powers, magical bullshit, or any other crap like that. A real badass doesn’t need those in a fight. He- Or she beats the crap out of her opponent with their own two hands or a weapon in this case.

Rule number 2: These fights aren’t an all out brawl. This is going to be a test of skills. You’ll be awarded points in a match. You need three points to win. You’ll be awarded points for a clean hit to the head or body.

Rule number 3: No murder. This should go without fucking saying. We’re here to kick ass and take names. A real winner knows when he’s won.

And finally- Now, Paul!

[ The camera shifts slightly as a human-sized stuffed ninja wearing a “Super Awesome Ninja School” t-shirt is thrown into frame. Johnny leaps up and kicks it in the chest and out of frame before landing on the ground in one solid motion. ]

This is an open challenge to any of the other combat schools looking to start up. Next month, be there or be square.

[OOC: Green font is Ozpin, Blue is Terry, Red is Johnny.

More info on this player plot can be found here! ]

Good evening, Sleepers, and I hope you are well. To those who do not yet know me, my name is Ozpin, and I have been present here - in Trench and the dream that preceded it - for somewhat over a year now.

In another time and place, I served as the headmaster of a famed combat academy. To some here, I am known as a private instructor. My door is always open to those wishing to hone their skills for the protection of others.

With new threats on the horizon, those skills will be more crucial now than ever. The world I come from has always needed heroes to stand against the darkness, and we have found one skill more vital than any other: teamwork.

At Beacon Academy, we began every year with a special initiation meant to encourage our students to work in cooperation, even when faced with terrible danger. This Saturday, at Gaze's clocktower, I intend to conduct a similar challenge. Combatants of any age or skill level are welcome to face the task, though I warn you the danger will be very real.

Given the dire circumstances, I shall ask no payment for lessons this month. In fact, for those who complete the challenge, I may be able to offer something of use in the coming fight.

I look forward to seeing some new faces this weekend, and to standing together when the need arises.

[ This is the announcement for Ozpin's initiation player plot! The log, dated to Saturday the 5th, will be posted on the 1st for folks who want to get started early. You do not need to reply here to participate in the log. ]

Welcome, to all arrivals, new and old. My name is Ozpin.

It seems our arrival has fallen on October's doorstep. It was, to put it lightly, a dangerous month in Deerington. Even here in Trench, I would be unsurprised to find that we are entering a season of bloodshed and Beasts.

It would be wise to prepare. Even should that degree of danger fail to arrive, many of us have been newly burdened by powers we have not yet learned to control.

In the world of Remnant - I do not think it right to call it 'home,' in light of our situation - I served as headmaster of a combat academy. I guided young people in learning to harness their powers and hone their abilities, even in the most dire of circumstances.

If you are interested in such training, I am now accepting students for private instruction. It seems our currencies won't be of much use here, so allow me to propose an alternate price: stories. I have always been a scholar of folklore and fairy tales, and I would like to hear what your own worlds have to offer.

[ Ozpin hesitates a long, long beat. Then: ]

I shall even trade you one in return. My favorite, as of late, is about an old hermit and the visitors who changed his life. For those who have heard some of my more recent tales, you may be pleased to know that this one has a happy ending.