#hellena misit

[johnnyfoursandco]

'What if... we were always meant to be best friends?'

'Hah! Wouldn't that make your luck crummy?'

'Oh, don't say that...! Rather, I think it makes you incredibly fortunate.'

'You reckon? How come?'

'Why... I feel fairly lucky just. Standing beside you.'

[johnnyfoursandco]

Day 16th of Neath-Tober : As a New Master!

I wanted to keep to Hellena's connection to BaL as a core theme of the design, especially since hunting is already kind of her thing. I imagine as Mr. Beasts she'd be obsessed with collecting animals and strange beasts instead of wanting to change her body through Monstrous Anatomy. Though this very well might include people who *become* beasts through MA as well. A Master acting as a benefactor for your research and monster hunting just to stick you in a jar to poke at.

I like to think the mantlepieces on her / its sleeve are pets of people who meddled with its hunts as part of a scare tactic to prevent future 'distractions'. Also thinking of it being one of the Masters to keep its base height rather tall still, not only to reflect the fact that Hellena is canonically very tall, but as part of its image and that it enjoys hunting without any kind of weapon. Pugalist through and through.

[johnnyfoursandco]

Having an art idea well beyond your skill level sucks because what if I told you ☝️body horror related imagery of Johnny, Heli, and Hellena all trying to twist out of each other in the pattern of a growing tree. What then.

[johnnyfoursandco]

Because we're doing new polls and I love polls :

Which (fake) Exceptional Story would you play featuring my OCs?

The Small Big Top (Entire Merry Circus)

The Ailsman (Johnny Fours)

Tea and Weasels and a Little Bit More (Helimeri)

A Competition of Arms (Hellena)

The Blasted Ticking (Malintilde)

What Cannot Be Rewritten (Homer Otto)

Voting ended onOct 5, 2025

• The Small Big Top : Keeping a hand at the pulse of London is the duty of any true resident of the Neath, and as of late, you've noticed a murmur, a thump in its works. Movements of mysterious shipments between Veilgarden and Watchmaker's Hill, talk of a 'circus with no tent', and nobles with rather high security measures being robbed without so much as a wink of disturbance. If you didn't already have your own suspicions to consider, a Paranoid Socialite does, and she'll pay you quite well to get to the bloody bottom of it and get her grandfather's cufflinks back. She fears that there is a growing criminal organization afoot. She may very well be right. This story features : the Urchins, Society, Criminals, and the Docks, and may unlock an optional companion of your choosing.

• The Ailsman : Unlucky you, convered in bruises without the rosygold to spare for even the dockers' experimental hands. Well, at least you have enough for some sort of drink at the Blind Helmsman. You arrive just in time to catch the cacophony of boos and jeers of other patrons as a man dances across the counter, dodging thrown glasses and silverware, flinging about what appears to be a dead rat. Oh, wait, it's someone's hairpiece, actually. Not his. Presumably, it belongs to the burly, balding gentleman that picks him up and throws him out. Unfortunately, you were standing in the doorway. Now, in a heap in the streets, you watch as the man takes his good old-fashioned time to dust off his pants, give you a once-over, swigs the last dredges of a bottle of vigor, and trots off like a schoolboy. Now, maybe, if you're a saint, or you were having a slightly better day, you'd shrug the matter off. But now you feel indebted to some bloody answers. Namely, who was that, and what's his fucking problem?! This story features : the Docks, the Correspondence, and a horrible (admittedly effective) detective.

• Tea and Weasels and a Little Bit More Besides : A strange new fad is about; nonleathal weasel hunting! Apparently, it is quite the hit amongst the timid and morally superior. And of course, they're using only the finest, domesticated salt weasels! Look at them with their little belled collars! Through a friend of a friend, you've managed to snag an invitation for yourself to this month's meeting and, therefore, a grand opportunity to make your acquaintance with its magnanimous hostess, the Unsuitable Socialite. Surely, she is a right church bell, but, do the rumors really have the proper angles of things? Not many people are as they pretend to be, in the Neath. This story features : Society, the Bohemians, and Criminals. You may earn an exceptional companion via your efforts in weasel hunting.

• A Competition of Arms : Down at the Dept. Of Menace Eradication, there's a rather intriguing game going on amongst the hunters. One tells you it started with a bet between them and one of the greenhorns, but things 'somehow' got so out of hand that it's brought about a full-swing competition of prowess. They'll give you 150,000 rosygold, outright, if you can beat one of their newest members in one of only five challenges! Well, you didn't have anything better to do this morning, so you sign away and put your own tribute towards the rewards pile, as expected, certain you'll win. What's the worst that could happen? This story features : the Dept. Of Menace Eradication and Monstrous Anatomy. You may earn an exceptional weapon.

• The Blasted Ticking : A rush of burglaries has come upon Veilgarden, extending to even the Shuttered Palace! The Constables and all sorts are alarmed, dismayed, outraged, late to all their obligations—no one can tell the time! All of the clocks are missing...! The collective ransom for the suspected scoundrel, the Masked Toygetter, contains enough echoes to raise a Master's brow, and, plenty of regard to be earned besides. Race against several other detectives to apprehend the up-and-coming rogue of Spite and vye for the glory. Or, offer your aid to the theatrical villain, and find yourself joining a newfound celebration of performance art in the Flit. This story features : Criminals, Society, and the Constables. You may earn an exceptional hat.

• What Cannot Be Rewritten : The Repentant Deacon is a recent friend of the Honey-Addled Dectective, and one, according to the detective, in dire need. Someone has stolen his most prized possessions, locked safe and all, and apparently, the materials within are utterly without price. Is it a matter of scandal? Jewels? Religious artifacts? A weapon? Information on the Church? He promises to give you anything and everything he can to see them returned, so, no matter, you can always work out the exacting of your compensation once the deed is done. He has the key, you just have to find the safe. Embark on an adventure with the Repentent Deacon and learn more about him and his past. This story features : Criminals, Rubbery Men, and the Church. You may earn an exceptional weapon.

[johnnyfoursandco]

Just a they/them fella who enjoys Fallen London a perfectly normal amount. Please do not be afraid to give me asks or even send me stuff about your oc's or ours interacting! I love getting asks.

Below the cut (for your scrolling convenience) a finally a Proper Introduction Post to : The Merry Circus. Unfortunately, they are not a real circus, just a soggy mob. You understand.

- Malintilde, the Masked Toygetter

• (she / he / them )

Born as an orphan on the surface, it is of little surprise that after being abandoned to their fate by relatives they can no longer recall, that Malintilde—as she proclaims herself to be—ran to the Neath to find his new home, drawn in by wonders and promises of a 'kingdom run by kids that soar over rooftops and cop riches from the grown'.

Reared up by fellow urchins until one no longer and raised on the shows of Mahogany Hall, learning their tricks from cut purses and other shady sorts, Mal is a theatrical soul with a flair for costumes, masks, and finery. He deeply enjoys dressing the part for every and every burglary and scam, and aspires to become a true, never-before-seen criminal mastermind unlike any other. Hence, a love of clocks that make noise, sound, racket—the harder a theft is for her to pull off, the more he adores the act!

She became part of Helimeri's ensemble through his acquaintance and quick-struck friendship with Jonathan on one of their many visits to New Newgate, after which he decided to become the group's guide for all things Neath.

At a small fee, of course. And a jab at naming the bunch. Her and Heli fuss a little over who's really in charge.

[ Nicknames : Any and all insults by Johnny, 'that ratbag sod' by Helimeri. ]

- 'Johnny Fours', the Unright Ailsman

• ( he / him )

The bastard child of a servant and his employer, 'Jonathan' was almost destined for life with a silver spoon in his mouth... until the whole affair was uncovered and his mother thrown out of the home, her now ex-husband set to remarry and continue raising 'Johnny's only and older brother with a new wife.

It is safe to say, he hasn't had a very swell go of things, being expected to make up for his own making by committing himself to factory work since he was young and whatever else paid for the bills. One blessing in his lot was his brother, whom sought him out and shared with him the luxuries of books and other means of education, which he ate up like a moth set loose in a closet. The second was his meeting of his brother's betrothed, ______ _____, and her younger brother, _____ _____, with whom he grew most close to, in spite of the scandal it accumulated.

But then, you know. There was the concert.

Now he's come to the Neath, with everyone else trucking behind him, practically. Wouldn't call him a ringleader or anything so fancy as that, but he makes a swell falling acrobat.

[ Nicknames : 'Plum' by Malintilde, 'Curls' solely by Hellena, any and all insults by Helimeri. ]

- Helimeri, the Unsuitable Socialite

• ( she / her / the royal 'we' )

Adopted by Lady _____ when the noblewoman struggled to conceive a proper heir of any sort and fell to desperate pressures, Helimeri lived briefly with all the luxuries of a golden child, taught proper manners, doted on, well-educated, well-dressed, displayed to society... Then _____ was born. Miraculously. A true blessing, really. Only then, it made her, both as her mother's most dreaded secret and, a young girl at the time, not so, um. Golden, anymore.

Where a father's praise and tenderness once was, and a mother's objective care, came a tidal wave of chilly isolation compared to her previous glory.

It was not as if she was ever unaware of how precarious her position was. But the reminder growing louder was not so beneficial for her. Safe to say, her first years of growing up with _____ were not pleasant in the least, but she maintained her tongue and mind to the ends she could. She even managed to secure a betrothal to start a decent life for herself, with a talented musician no less...! Managed. Had.

She knows Johnny well. He doesn't blame her for what she did, though part of him wishes she'd asked him instead. No one down here blames her either. Then again, no one down here knows who she is. The gossip, the gab, poet, suck-up, liar—those adjacent things. But it's a sweeter pit to suck on that way.

Everyone wants something from her. So she'll indulge the world. A favor here, a promise there. Util her say means something.

[ Nicknames : 'Heli' in general, 'that sodding woman' by Malintilde, 'Our Fair Lady' by Johnny. ]

- Hellena 'Misit', the Silent Pugalist

• ( she / her )

Born to Lord and Lady _____, Hellena was as blue in blood as sapphire stones made ink. Only, she was not so easily made into a fine powder, or put to paintings so neatly. Not that she didn't enjoy the arts, why, she experimented often with her sister's makeup as a young child! If only she'd been born into the right bones and skin for it. If only her father's doting and pride had meant something, outside of classes and fitness.

But what use is there in complaining? She's a grown woman now, and she can dress and act however the hell she likes. As far as anyone might be concerned, _________ is likely dead at seas, and _____ has been missing for some time. She learned what she could from both names, both faces. In the Neath, she'll shape one for herself. An unrecognizable self. Fangs and claws and beauty in the way of curling fur.

She'll shatter muskets. She'll smother fires. She'll bite the voice out of the past. Everything and anything to protect that which falls close to her chest. The strongwoman will bend fate's bars.

[ Nicknames : 'My favorite wall' by Malintilde, 'Missy' and increasingly affectionate pet names by Johnny. ]

- Homer Otto, the Repentent Deacon

( he / him )

An old fellow, the graying deacon was once a man of very resigned, civil means and matters, trying in earnest kindness, to provide comfort for those which pleaded with him for penance, fully dedicated to the church. But alas, one day, a certain confessional did not end in the box, and coiled and coiled and coiled and buzzed red in his skull. It dyed his dreams. Dyed him.

They say he killed that poor bloke, but certainly he'd recall doing so! Surely? Even if he cannot recall his mother's face or the color of the surface sky, or what the spots of a ladybug look like, certainly, he would know why and how and if he had committed something utterly unforgivable! He's a good man, he has been nothing but a good man!

Still, they sent him to New Newgate and the damage was done, cast out of community, church, and home. And now he's left down here to pick at the pieces and puzzle together something of a life. Cling still, to his faith, he must, for what else has he to believe when his senses and dreams, both waking and sleeping, deceive him?

Don't ask him about the folks he's gotten entangled with, he's not happy about it himself. Or so he says. But, he believes, someone, someone has to try to help these people...! What happened to repentance?! What happened to forgiveness and confession?!

He'll help and guide, for even if his mind is adrift, it is still a hearty ship with shore in mind. If he is lost, if he is without salvation, he will make use of what remains. He will write and pray. He will write. He will write. He will write in the black inks red dreams cannot touch.

He will save as many lives as he can.

[ Nicknames : 'Papa' by Malintilde, 'sodding heart' and 'Horatio' by Johnny. ]

[johnnyfoursandco]

Honestly I think Hellena wants to address the elephant in the room with Jonathan's gender so badly, but unfortunately she has ☝️ similar fucking issues. She's so smart and observant and she loves her weird husband, but the idea of telling him, 'maybe you should try being a woman, just a tiny bit' feels like admitting she is a horrible pervert or secretly unhappy with him or projecting or maybe—

Basically she is Aware to a degree but she's like. 'I'm not sure I should do that.' And contends herself with little mental fantasies that she then feels bad about immediately after.

[johnnyfoursandco]

Imagine you're a man of the cloth. You've been accused of a murder you cannot recall committing and for months you've been having red-tinted dreams where you know and feel like someone is living in your skin that isn't you, but like a visitor stealing plates and forks out of your cabinets, except your dishware is your mind and you're getting more and more confused by the day. You've forgotten what your mother's face looks like.

They drag you underground to the pit of beasts and scum, into the lost city of sin. They throw you into New Newgate and your cellmate, your only company for your foreseeable punishment, is a really, really buff woman that towers over you and says absolutely nothing, ever. You're praying your keister off for some sign of absolution, and as a man of the cloth, you offer to pray for your cellmate, not knowing her crimes. She smiles at you. You've been in New Newgate for three days. On the third day, the really buff woman who has been watching the guards come and go, *rips* the cell door off its hinges, picks you up, and stars booking it onto an airship. She throws the pilot overboard. You're hysterical. She tries to drive the damn thing. Crashes into the roof of a seedy bar. You both become indebted to the owner, a supposed 'Cheery Man' who is *not* very cheerful at all, and have to labor and work for free to repair the roof so he doesn't kill you. You suck at building and being a bouncer. Your only good fortune is that your companion is built like a stone chimney and she happily lets you do the talking for her so you actually have some sort of purpose. You're still having red-tinted nightmares, the halls of your mind being wandered through by an intruder.

The buff woman seems to be taking this all in stride. She makes you tea and finally talks about coming down here to find an old friend and her sister, both of whom she shows you pictures of. In one, a young man that looks very much like her is standing by a shorter young woman that looks nothing like her, but is, apparently, her sister. You wish to tell her about your life, but you cannot remember much and stutter a lot, slipping up on details. She never interrupts you, and is very quiet, nodding only when you finish your point. You become involved with the Constables, trying to clear your name and debt by trusting the law, and become a watcher for them. You are tipped off about a smuggling socialite called 'Hell Mary', a masked master thief, 'Malintide' and other shady figures to keep an eye on and give reports about.

You go to try and find your first target by posing as a servant at a socialite gathering. You recognize your target as your companion's sister. You now have a choice to betray your only real ally and companion in the Neath, or lying to the law which would be morally terrible of you and ruin your chances at being returned to the surface a free man.

You, not thinking clearly, run into a nearby tavern to clear your head, hoping for water. You meet a man so stinking of honey, he makes you nauseous. He's the friend your companion is looking for, you recognize him from the second photo of two young men in the army, arms around each other. He blabbers a lot but offers you some of his substances, which you pointedly don't take, and asks for your name. You recall a pinch of 'Homer', but also have a slight silver of 'Otto' leave your mouth. He ends up calling you his 'Horatio', mishearing your mangled answer, and drags you off to his shabby shack in the marshes, which he randomly offers you the key to, as long as you answer a number of odd questions he has. You now have a home. But he also asks you about your ailments, and you end up confessing your nightmares to him, the loss of verses, loss of memory.

Suddenly, he is not honey drunk anymore and suddenly you are being raved to about some 'red honey business afoot' and how he is here to kill someone, someone who could very well be the same person invading and ruining your mind, or, at least, involved with that same someone. As a priest, your compassion spurs you to try and stop his clear descent to ill-gotten vengeance, even as you may be pleading for the life of your own tormentor. The man challenges you to do just that, continuing to call you his Horatio and a 'good sport', and now you have some kind of sick moral and pride-based obligation to it, therefore becoming entwined with, what happens to be, you find out, a whole criminal gang consisting of : the vengeful, honey-sipping, dishonored, temporary professor of the Correspondence; an impassioned and emotional socialite poet, whom owns the meanest dog you've ever met and is definitely involved with the Gracious Widow, and is DEFINITELY one of your assigned targets; your quiet ex-cellmate who loves weasels and punches teeth down people's throats and wants to kill some kind of mythical beast; your SECOND target who is apparently both and neither man or woman but definitely ticks and is a known 'new riser' in the criminal empire of the Neath.

And the longer you spend with these people the more you realize you should've gone to the Constables immediately about them all being in cahoots, because now the sister has given you your dearest beetle and she is so lovely to share tea with, your ex-cellmate is showing you how to throw your punches, the man who still calls you 'Horatio' is teaching you chess and getting you into more trouble than you already are, and you're teaching and relearning Latin with the masked burglar who writes you note cards for things you don't want to forget, simultaneously practicing her poor penmanship.

You're a balding, 55 year old man and somehow you've been adopted by four twenty-something idiot criminals that you feel responsible for the souls of, just a little bit more than you should. And the Constables still want their answers and you feel compelled to confess to the church, your involvement, for you are in such a tight, crushing position.

You're 'Homer Otto', the Repentant Deacon. And if you truly did kill that poor man, you will save another to make use of your stained, unworthy hands. You will save the soul of Johnny Fours. You will save what you can of your mind, and put your body to work. You will write.

You will write everything.

[johnnyfoursandco]

Neon Future Hellena, the beautiful woman you are. Everyone say thank you Dungeon Meshi and @/the-discombobulated-devil for being such lovely sources of inspiration.

( Seabeast sketch under cut, body horror, shark, crab parts. )

She kinda looks very polite and that's honestly the best thing that could've happened.