Bloodborne: The Old Hunters [IC / OPEN]

[North America Inc]

A Hunter Must Hunt Theme Quote of the Week: Oh, yes... Paleblood... Well, you've come to the right place. Yharnam is the home of blood ministration. You need only unravel its mystery. IC | Register | OOC |Map Setting: Located at the Northern Edge of the Continent exists the expansive city of Yharnam. Once known for either its bustling port or its high quality stone quarries, the city has now rose to prominence for its creation of 'Blood Ministration'. A ritual done by the Secretive Healing Church, visitors from across the Continent venture to take advantage of its miraculous properties. Able to cure any disease or enhance any body, blood ministration has ushered in the Healing Church's meteoric rise; led by the secretive First Vicar Laurence, the traditional powers of Yharnam are being usurped by this massive religious following. As Cathedrals and Monuments are erected all across the city, many are still skeptical of Blood Healing and the Church. From the lowly citizen to the powerful Aristocrat, the speed as to which the Church has revolutionized Yharnam has left many questioning what the real purpose of Blood Worship is. Even worse, the secretive Workshop operates in the shadows, leaving only carnage in their wake; and hellish tales of cursed men and monstrous transformations have seemed to grow in frequency and intensity. As the Clergy grows, the Scholars reads, the Gentry plots, and the Masses watch, a recent wave of odd disappearances has captured the imagination of the metropolis. Unlike the bloody scenes left by the Illusive Workshop, these victims disappear without a trace, no evidence to follow. Constables have been left befuddled and the Church is even more tight lipped, though all victims had some relationship with the inner machinations of the Institution. All of them were young women, with a growing suspicion that each of them were pregnant. No lead has bared any fruit, with the few witnesses describing individuals covered in red robes. The latest victim, an heiress to a vast Trading Company, has proven to be the most divisive between the City Elite and the Church. With the situation rapidly declining, it is up to a few brave men and women to combat this terror. It is in this environment you are hired, a quiet benefactor has hired many individuals from various backgrounds to address this issue. Each individual has their own goal, beliefs, and tool set, little regard has been taken to ensure that they work well together. Despite this, this Party much move quickly. Ancient Cults and Eldritch Horrors operate within the shadows, as the darkness seems poised to engulf Yharnam. If the City is to Survive, you must join the Hunt! Cathedral Ward: Ave, sanguine! Redemptio risor se, Exi, et exi, et pleba tua salus. The words of the Pontiff echoed throughout the crowded walkway, reiterated by his choir; men, women, and children climbed the steps of the Cathedral Ward on their knees. Crowds numbering in the ten of thousands lined all the way from the Tomb of Martyr Cornelius to the Grand Cathedral. It's a monumental undertaking as the early Sun appears from the horizon, even in this early of hour, the devoted followers of the Church congregate. The unforeseen rise of the Healing Church in the last decade has revolutionized the city in a monumental way, until now, the City never had a particularly strong religious following. Of course, tens of faiths vied for control over the souls of the people, but the cultural exchange that sailed through the city always prevented a clear majority from ever being established. That was before the Vicar and his Choir, and this humble ceremony is a testament to their works. The ceremony of Scala Sancta is taking place this Friday morning, before the smell of the factories permeates throughout Yharnam. The souls of the city call out for their Great Ones to come forth from the Heavens to bring about a rapture, and they illustrate their dedication by crawling over two thousand steps to reach the First Vicar and his congregation of Pontiffs. Just for a glimpse of the bespectacled man that brought the Blood into their lives,the one curing them of their afflictions. This walkway made of cobblestone and marvel only reaches fifteen feet in width, with only a narrow pathway for clergy to recite verses and incantations. Young women clothed and shrouded in black lightly drip their blood over the faithful, an act that causes many to breakdown in gratitude. Maledictus Pater do si donas. Inficimur Argentum aquae in tenebris. As the Pontiff incites the Devout with a language they do not know, others watch in great interest. Whether it be the ceremony or the Church itself; the last few days has done nothing but push the city to the edge. The esteemed Council of Yharnam, a puppet government for various powerful individuals, seeks to weaken the Church; it has grown too powerful. While they would never admit it, the Church was at first ignored or even encouraged, believing the doctrine it spewed forth kept the masses content. The Industrial boon after the Independence Wars had seen the population double, with little housing for all. Poor living conditions and mediocre wages congregated and consolidated until it became its own section of the city: the Yharnam Slums. The various Shantytowns that made up this ghetto were a breeding ground for radical ideologies that called for the elimination of Private Property and other nonsense; the Church and its blood all but eliminated that problem. That's not to say the Slums have been destroyed, if anything they have grown, but now the poor care for their eternal lives rather than their current. Things have changed; the Healing Church has made it all too clear that it wishes to engulf the entire city under its control. Puritanical laws and religious police now watch the populace, beyond the jurisdiction controls of the Courts and its Constables. Now these disappearances over the last month or so has proven to be a step too far; with each side believing that the other is the culprit. The Council sees the disappearances related to the those secret Research Halls that the Church has been building, while the Church believes it is the Council seeking to divide the congregation. Whatever is the case, the failure of law enforcement to even catch a perpetrator lends credence that a powerful force is hampering the investigation. Unfortunately as the Church holds its yearly ritual, another kidnapping occurred at the dead of night; with the news of it breaking very soon... Staring Location The Market: Beyond the tomb of Martyr Cornelius exists Yharnam Proper, the oldest and most populace part of town. Full of artisans and other members of the growing middle class, the Proper is much more alive this time of day than usual. While the Healing Church's ritual occurs at early hours, the bustling city sees many merchants and customers walk around freely. The area between the Cathedral Ward and the Proper is the Market, as many merchants took advantage of the high traffic area to set up shops. As many leave the Wards they come here, taking in the sights of overweight men selling fish and scantily clad women selling companionship. Constables walk their beats here, busting up thieves while turning a blind eye to other activities. Influence will get you everywhere around here. (Open to all classes) The Upper Passageways: Up above the Market and the lower areas, as the ceremony of Scala Sancta occurs, a few holy men and women watch the masses. The Upper Cathedral Wards is off limit to most within the organization, while the Passageways is technically open to the public; however, it serves as a way for the Clergy and the Gentry to participate in the ritual without having to get their knees dirty. Providing much more room than the compact walkways of the lower Wards, servants serve breakfast to Noble Families as they discuss politics with the local priest of their community. Other Holy Warriors of the Church watch the ceremony, paying any attention to any possible disturbances or ill-intent men. A few orphans, dressed up for this occasion, are also treated to the sight. A young woman watches over them as they play in the garden patch, beyond the eyes of snickering aristocrats, as she herself plants her own sunflowers. (Open to the Devout, Hunters, and Wealthy connectors.) The Debate: Directly to the east of the Market and below the passageways exists Oedon Chapel, the first temple of the Healing Church. Long sense overshadowed by more opulent locations, the Chapel still holds service within the Cathedral Ward; but it is science not religion that has drawn people here. The School of Mensis, based out of the Miskatonic University, has challenged the other campus schools to a friendly Socratic Debate. Young students and aging professors gather in front of the Chapel and below the trees to discuss the role of the Church, the Blood, and the Great Ones. While friendly, if heated at times, the sharing of Pork Sausage and Fresh milk cools most tempers. Cunning, above all, is what matters here. (Open to all, Scholars and Skeptics preferred)

[Danceria]

Sigmund Jannasson van Kataryn

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Location: the Clotted Clover Inn and Tavern, Market, Yharnam proper.
Time: Early Morning

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The ritual pose was solitary, yet familiar to the doctor and his newfound neighbors. Standing to face the sun, feet together, arms up, palms down. Prayers were silent, save for a few repeated whispers by the eldest of the trio, for roughly eight minutes before they exhaled and bowed, hands clasped to their chest. An elderly man, clad in a simple brown robe, his once fiery red hair tonsured into a rosy halo around a black tattoo of a blazing sun smiled. “It is good to have someone who follows the Old Faith in this city. Though I cannot imagine how lonely it must have felt in Yharnam, so far from Kataryna…” his host, a clean shaven man of long brown hair bowed in kind. “Reverend Presbyter, my abode be far from the Heirophancium but as it is said-” “the man who kindles the hearth, kindles all hope.” the man answered, pleased to hear the familiar verses and proverbs in such an alien place “Or, as the Book of Hearth repeats it as “providing the home”. You have been a most gracious host indeed, veteran Jannesson.” “I serve the Flame.” the one called Jannesson nodded. “Let my hands attest to that.”

“Oh, come off it you two.” the third voice chimed in, a woman matching the eldest in age but contrasting him in a playful tone. “It is far too early to practice formal speech for the debates, let’s break our fasts foremost.” “Linnea, whatever will I do without your watchful guidance.” the elder retorted with a sarcasm practiced by years of marriage. “Forget how tie your rosary, or, Flame forbid, your trousers.” this caused a chuckle between the trio, as they broke their fast with porridge and tea.

“Karolus, you must really decide whether or not to confront them fully.” Linnea masked her concern under coy words. “The undertaker doesn’t deal in “perhaps he’ll die, perhaps not”.” The Presbyter drained his tea before responding. “I need to remind these people that there is a world outside of Yharnam...and that many of it’s folk have fought for it.” he nodded at Sigmond. “What of you, Master Sigmond? How long will you stay in Yharnam?” “Until the Church lifts its excommunication on poultices, splints, and patches for wounds.” Sigmond jokes in kind. “Occasionally I hear words from the outside of someone somewhere coming up with a wild theory, or practicing for a new medicine. Such as that man who [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_Galvanishot lightning through frogs[/url], what was his name again?” “Aloysius Galvay, from the Deltalands of all places!” Linnea informed them “But as mad as it sounds, his treatises are worth reading. I never imagined for magnets to work on anything other than sheets of metal. Before you interrupt, yes I know there’s iron in blood, but I didn’t think there would be enough of it to really matter!” “I’ll be sure to smuggle it in somehow...seeing on how little the Libraries carry on matters outside of Yharnam…”

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Location: Odeon Chapel
Time: Morning

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“...As such, blood too can be tainted with bile and pestilence, or else there would not be a need for medicine in the first place.” The Reverend Karolus iterated “As such, reliance upon one method of treatment is not only foolhardy, but disastrous. Heaven forbid that your gods bless you with solely their blood, and not the desire and wisdom to understand their creation.” This of course lead to another flurry of questions and thinly veiled accusations, but one of them being “Then what of medicine, if overreliance stems from the fact that medicine is not a perfect science.” “Then make it an improved science. To study further rather than give up. We are practitioners of aid! We ought not give up on our patients or those who may fall ill simply because we’re at our wit’s end this time…”

Had he been more bold in speech, or at least learned in matters of theology, Sigmund would have been the one engaged in debate, or aiding the Presbyter in that debate. But he was a man of action and work, preferring to show how Flann worked man to heal and be healed. Besides, his relation with the Church and the powers that be was icy enough as is, and the few nobles and many peasants couldn’t deter a bounty hunter’s bullet, or a faux trial.

With this he sighed and rank a light brown mixture of milk, sugar, and whatever “coffine” was mixed into this beverage. He personally thought it was too bitter, but it kept him awake, and he couldn’t set it down. Perhaps that’s why it was becoming a fad among academics.

Speaking of, was the thin young Isaiah Crochety Jr., of Crochety Manufacturing, Ltd. Along with a patient of his, a stout man hobbling along on a prosthetic leg, in tandem with the elderly Lord Amadeus Gunther.

“Ah, someone let the children out early.” Sigmond smirked and shook hands with the stout man and young Crotchety. He recognized each of them as his former patients. Lord Walted required a midwife, or rather a mid-husband, when they were returning from vacation. Due to traffic, they couldn’t attain a proper Church medic, so Sigmond stepped in with the aid of some herbalists and other midwives. Twin healthy baby boys, Remes and Reginald, are enjoying their seventh month of existence crying and wailing no doubt at the Gunther Manor. The honorable Lord Gunther, formerly Major “Gunblazer” Gunther of the 9th Artillery Company, proved to be a good ally to have starting out in the city.

“Captain, sir.” the medic saluted crisply. “Lieutenant Sigmond Jannessen, 208th Medical Post, reporting for duty.” “At ease, Sigmond.” the Lord returned the salute and offered a handshake instead. “It’s been years since I’ve yelled at a soldier over cannonfire, and you’re not in my sights, thank thunder.” “How’s the old man Jake?” Sigmond turned to address the diminutive and slender young man. Bright as a button, and keen with numbers, he may not be a bellowing factory-owner, but he could cop a coin out of damn near any scheme. He nearly lost his life during a factory accident, when a falling piece of machinery nearly landed on him and the stout man, the latter unfortunately lost their leg. “He’s still livid he hasn't “paid you back”. You know how he is about keeping everything square. Calvin thought you’d be here, so he wanted to pop by and say hello.” “Oi didn’t know tha’ yer friends wi’ ole Gunblazer ‘ere.” Calvin beamed, a rosy and coarse palm thundering against Sigmond’s “Made sure two ‘o his boys arrived home on their first assignment an’ all.” “How’s the leg?” “Now Oi just need the shin an’ foot.” he lifted up his pant leg to show how quickly he healed. “Come next spring, Oi’ll probably just need the foot. Thanks again fer yer quick work. Bossman’s now gettin’ in tough wi’ all the eggheads outside o’ Yharnam to cash in on prosthetacs. Blood’s good, but some ‘o us wanna walk about, ya know?” Jacob interrupted “Our offer still stands, you need something cheap, or something fixed up, we’ll gladly acquaint you with someone.”

CIVILIAN ACTION(s) TAKEN - CONNECTIONS (x1)

Description: Due to actions taken in the past, some locals owe you a favor that you can call in. Sigmond gains 1 (one) Influence Token for the MARKET or UPPER PASSAGEWAYS

DO YOU WISH TO USE THESE INFLUENCE TOKENS NOW?

Yes
No ←

Sigmond placed the token in his metaphorical pocket...

“I’ll take that favor, but not right now.” Sigmond declined gracefully. “But the good Prebyster’s heading out to Austorea, if ever there’s a few clerics or healers, I’ll be sure to get them to know. Karolus is a big name outside o’ Yharnam, so tell your old man that he’ll be needing a bigger ledger with all the customers he’ll be gettin.” “I don’t think that’s how “getting things square” works.” Jacob laughed. “But he’ll be happy nonetheless…”

[Ralnis]

Calium's Bedroom,
Morning

Oh what a day.

It is not even the 8th hour in the morning that I woke up from my chambers. My mind wasn't prepare for bells ringing for the time of prayer nor I wanted to hear them. Great Ones be damned for every soul that prays for them and every bell that rings. Still, with the disappearance of yet another soul and the city's leadership is at each other's throats but that's always to be expected.

I didn't care for that as politics only hindered science, or take from it such as the Healing Church. Speaking about a church. I was invited to a debate with the School of Mensis on varying topics and my expertise on metaphysical mathematical and arcane attunement at Odeon Chapel.

The invitation was open but a colleague of mine wanted me to come and debate with the School of Mensis. I decided to go as this was a good idea since it's not everyday that we have a scholarly debate and it will be good to get my mind off of the dangers of the city.

Action: Attend the debate

[Theyra]

Morning
Ianto's Inn Room
Ianto Voyles

"So this is what living in Yharnam, the home to the Healing Church is like". Ianto spoke quietly to himself in disgust in his native welsh accent as he looked out the small window of his room. "Watching the Healing Church take control of the city and rumors of monsters are growing with each passing day. And all the while, women are disappearing and the actual authorities of the city have no clue to who kidnappers are or what the motivation is. Not that the church all of their influence and power in the city seems to doing about finding out who is kidnapping the women who all seem to be connected to the Institution".

Ianto signed and walked away from the window with his right hand clutching his pendent. Something is wrong with this city and Ianto is willing to bet that it is connected to what the Institution could be researching. The knowledge that broke that scholar back at the village and these missing women have to be connected. He just needs to find some answers in this place and he needs to be careful about it. Better to build up a rapport with some of the citizens the he thinks can help him since he is a foreigner to this place.

Ianto thought about going to the debate to perhaps talk with the more scientific members of the city to talk to. The invitation for the debate is open but, if he talks to a scholar and if Ianto brings up he is a astronomer and the topic turns into how to find the Great Ones in space again......... he does have the patience for that right now.

So off to the Market and before he left, he gave a long look at his pendent. Holding it out as much as he could without the lace hurting his neck. An old family heirloom that is in the shape of the his native faith symbol for protection. Legends say that these penchants are able to protect the wearer from corruption and the pendent gets its power from the Vahekhi. Ianto doubts that the pendent has any kind of power in it but, it does put him at ease when wearing it. He put away his penchant under his shirt and left for the market.


Action: Leveling up Influence in the Market

[Aunsend]

Josef’s Private Homestead
Morning

The sound of church bells rang throughout Yharnam and the surrounding countryside. Josef slowly rose from his bed and looked out to the city from the balcony. It was quite strange for him to awaken so late in the morning and yet feel so tired. His late night experiments had been taking their toll on his sleep schedule, and with such pitiful and disappointing results. “Going to have to acquire more rats at this rate if they keep exploding,” he muttered as he prepared to travel to the city to see what all of the fuss was about.
There was no doubt in his mind that the Healing Church was involved. They always had a flair for the dramatic with their massive church bells and grand cathedrals, and he could appreciate that. The Church seemed to have its invisible hand everywhere. Josef was half convinced that the disappearances of the various women in Yharnam was somehow connected to the Church, even if they weren’t directly involved. He had been doing his own little private investigation, but turning up little. Men like Joseph were not exactly great when it comes to people. He didn’t care much for who was responsible. In fact, he admired somebody who was willing to get their hands dirty for the pursuit of- well, whatever they were doing. Josef just saw it as the next great mystery for him to solve. With his garments on, breakfast eaten, and initial drowsiness subdued, Josef headed off to the great city of Yharnam.

Action: Travelling to Yharnam