Vorstallen Magic Preparatory - The Third-Best School for Young Mages in the Nation! Enrol Today!
- Thread starter occipitallobe
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
Dunno, first impression is important and we can't rely on Charisma to make a good one.
- Location
- Straya
So, time for a brief mechanics post. If you're not really interested in mechanics, feel free to ignore it. But I'm updating the system the game works on, so if you're vaguely interested, read on.
Originally my plan was to have Willpower be the stat you rolled against for training, and I had each stat give +5 per level.
When you considered this against skill rolls it made sense. A trained swordsman might have Combat Skill: Swords at +25 or so. However, if the trained swordsman is very weak and spindly (Phys 1) and his counterpart is untrained but incredibly fast and strong (peak human, Phys 5), it's a pretty even battle.
Likewise, not every roll is a stat roll of some sort, and you're able to apply multiple skills to a roll, so the bonus raw talent gave you in more particular things was quickly outclassed by high-level skills. This also makes sense. The world's best swordsman beats the peak human guy (in sword combat) even if he's weak and spindly, eventually training overcomes talent.
Stats are just general bonuses to rolls in this model, and they work pretty well.
However, they fall down in training. Willpower and Intelligence are notable in that their prime function is in either generating new Skills and Spells, or increasing the power of already-existing ones. They're the 'growth' stats of the build.
Channeling is similar, it allows you to grind casting-related skills and spells, but really the only difference is you get to grind better spells. The Channeling 5 character can grind attacks that kill everyone on the battlefield, the Channeling 1 character can grind a glorified ranged knife thrust. Channeling is sort of like a general multiplier on your spell strength - if you're casting spells that take a similar portion of your mana pool, both the Channeling 1 and Channeling 5 character end up with the same amount of practice. It's just the Channeling 1 character will be casting a single energy blade the size of a knife, and the Channeling 5 character can do some 'all heads off but mine' shit.
Charisma has the huge advantage that it faciliates better learning through its core mechanic - making people like you opens doors. Likewise, Physical Ability serves more as a multiplier on mobility and combat to some degree, (more dexterity means faster spellcasting, more resilience means able to let more magic flow through you in a rapid period of time, more strength means you can... carry more stuff?), but magic is so powerful and versatile that even combining all the physical attributes of a character into one stat still made that stat feel a little underpowered.
The problem is how training rolls work.
Take a Willpower roll.
You roll against a 55 DC training roll. The guy with 1 Willpower succeeds 50% of the time. The guy with 5 Willpower succeeds 70% of the time. You compare the lazy guy who finds it difficult just to turn up to class versus the guy who's every thought is of accomplishing his goals and thinks nothing of working 18 hours days - it doesn't fit that the second guy only gets a 40% power boost over the first guy.
And moreover, a lot of training rolls are easy. If you generalise and learn a lot of skills, you might have an average training DC of 35. In which case the success rate is 70% vs 90%, a power increase of only 22%. Keep in mind the power differential of a Channeling 5 character versus a Channeling 1 character is fifteen, or 1500%. If that's all Willpower does, it's a relatively pointless stat.
The only real solution for this format is to up the DC. If the average DC is 100, Willpower 1 guy succeeds 5% of the time, whereas Willpower 5 guy succeeds 25% of the time. While this is maybe a more accurate representation of how this would work, it's also really unsatisfying. If the players only get a power boost max 25% of the time, training rolls need to have the rewards heavily increased, which in turn almost ends up with an almost randomized build, where the playerbase votes for a weird skill once and gets locked in due to a critical success in one training session, which makes no sense and penalises planning.
Rather than do that, I'm changing the format a little bit, which will hopefully balance training in the long run.
Firstly, Willpower will function a little bit like Channeling. Willpower will be a variable ranging from 0 to your character's max Willpower, and you can expend it to choose different options, or sometimes upgraded versions of the options you'd normally have. It'll be restored to full at the start of every week, and will let you do things the character doesn't enjoy or particularly want to do. For Ulos, you're likely to spend Willpower on meeting people by yourself, for instance. You might not expend Willpower studying Souls and Spirits (as you're pretty obsessive about finding out what your curse does), but if you decided to spend all day after class studying as opposed to a few hours, that'd take a point of Willpower.
Rather than increase DC for training (most) skills, each skill level will have a certain level of 'steps' from it to the next one. Training rolls then become rolls to determine how much you learn, rather than if you manage to open a book at all. I haven't worked out the specific scale as of yet, but it won't be D100 based (more like 1D20 + 1D6 * Int steps or something equally weird but ultimately balanced).
tl:dr - The game system is changing somewhat due to how rolls were working in the earlygame meant certain stats were hopelessly gimped. The system is now a little less intuitive but more workable in the long run. If you don't care about mechanics, vote for what you like the most or what seems good in writing and things will work out fine, knowing the internals of the quest is completely unnecessary to succeeding at it.
Originally my plan was to have Willpower be the stat you rolled against for training, and I had each stat give +5 per level.
When you considered this against skill rolls it made sense. A trained swordsman might have Combat Skill: Swords at +25 or so. However, if the trained swordsman is very weak and spindly (Phys 1) and his counterpart is untrained but incredibly fast and strong (peak human, Phys 5), it's a pretty even battle.
Likewise, not every roll is a stat roll of some sort, and you're able to apply multiple skills to a roll, so the bonus raw talent gave you in more particular things was quickly outclassed by high-level skills. This also makes sense. The world's best swordsman beats the peak human guy (in sword combat) even if he's weak and spindly, eventually training overcomes talent.
Stats are just general bonuses to rolls in this model, and they work pretty well.
However, they fall down in training. Willpower and Intelligence are notable in that their prime function is in either generating new Skills and Spells, or increasing the power of already-existing ones. They're the 'growth' stats of the build.
Channeling is similar, it allows you to grind casting-related skills and spells, but really the only difference is you get to grind better spells. The Channeling 5 character can grind attacks that kill everyone on the battlefield, the Channeling 1 character can grind a glorified ranged knife thrust. Channeling is sort of like a general multiplier on your spell strength - if you're casting spells that take a similar portion of your mana pool, both the Channeling 1 and Channeling 5 character end up with the same amount of practice. It's just the Channeling 1 character will be casting a single energy blade the size of a knife, and the Channeling 5 character can do some 'all heads off but mine' shit.
Charisma has the huge advantage that it faciliates better learning through its core mechanic - making people like you opens doors. Likewise, Physical Ability serves more as a multiplier on mobility and combat to some degree, (more dexterity means faster spellcasting, more resilience means able to let more magic flow through you in a rapid period of time, more strength means you can... carry more stuff?), but magic is so powerful and versatile that even combining all the physical attributes of a character into one stat still made that stat feel a little underpowered.
The problem is how training rolls work.
Take a Willpower roll.
You roll against a 55 DC training roll. The guy with 1 Willpower succeeds 50% of the time. The guy with 5 Willpower succeeds 70% of the time. You compare the lazy guy who finds it difficult just to turn up to class versus the guy who's every thought is of accomplishing his goals and thinks nothing of working 18 hours days - it doesn't fit that the second guy only gets a 40% power boost over the first guy.
And moreover, a lot of training rolls are easy. If you generalise and learn a lot of skills, you might have an average training DC of 35. In which case the success rate is 70% vs 90%, a power increase of only 22%. Keep in mind the power differential of a Channeling 5 character versus a Channeling 1 character is fifteen, or 1500%. If that's all Willpower does, it's a relatively pointless stat.
The only real solution for this format is to up the DC. If the average DC is 100, Willpower 1 guy succeeds 5% of the time, whereas Willpower 5 guy succeeds 25% of the time. While this is maybe a more accurate representation of how this would work, it's also really unsatisfying. If the players only get a power boost max 25% of the time, training rolls need to have the rewards heavily increased, which in turn almost ends up with an almost randomized build, where the playerbase votes for a weird skill once and gets locked in due to a critical success in one training session, which makes no sense and penalises planning.
Rather than do that, I'm changing the format a little bit, which will hopefully balance training in the long run.
Firstly, Willpower will function a little bit like Channeling. Willpower will be a variable ranging from 0 to your character's max Willpower, and you can expend it to choose different options, or sometimes upgraded versions of the options you'd normally have. It'll be restored to full at the start of every week, and will let you do things the character doesn't enjoy or particularly want to do. For Ulos, you're likely to spend Willpower on meeting people by yourself, for instance. You might not expend Willpower studying Souls and Spirits (as you're pretty obsessive about finding out what your curse does), but if you decided to spend all day after class studying as opposed to a few hours, that'd take a point of Willpower.
Rather than increase DC for training (most) skills, each skill level will have a certain level of 'steps' from it to the next one. Training rolls then become rolls to determine how much you learn, rather than if you manage to open a book at all. I haven't worked out the specific scale as of yet, but it won't be D100 based (more like 1D20 + 1D6 * Int steps or something equally weird but ultimately balanced).
tl:dr - The game system is changing somewhat due to how rolls were working in the earlygame meant certain stats were hopelessly gimped. The system is now a little less intuitive but more workable in the long run. If you don't care about mechanics, vote for what you like the most or what seems good in writing and things will work out fine, knowing the internals of the quest is completely unnecessary to succeeding at it.
Madavian Fanart
- Location
- Straya
That still makes it a linear stat as opposed to Channeling quadratic.
Umi-san
Procrastinating.
- Location
- ꙮ
It's honestly a lot more intuitive imo. This is a more realistic portrayal of how things work, at least in regard to studying and physical training.
However, I'd maybe say that you should do a parallel system for social combat that uses willpower v. persuasion/arguments/etc. I.e., willpower as the ability to stick to your guns. It would also be useful to use it as something that lets you persist through damage, possibly as the same system.
- Location
- Straya
This is true, but other stats are also learning stats. Channeling lets you get bigger and better spells (which is awesome), but outside of 'being a kickass combat mage' it doesn't offer as much. There are areas of magic like Alchemy and mental magic for which Channeling is completely irrelevant, for runic magic you can get someone else to charge a rune if you're willing to pay or have a friend with spare mana - likewise for spirit binding. Channeling is good in the sense that it saves you $$$ in the non-combat arenas of magic, but you can generally get around a low Channeling score in just about everything else. You can't however have someone else do your studying for you - Willpower's remit is far broader.\
Willpower allows you study a wide array of skills from runic to spellcraft to combat - it's a multiplier on everything in that sense. Channeling's scope is much more limited.
So far I don't want to overcomplicate the system too much. The "everything is D100s with bonuses" system is really easy to understand, and it works for just about every quest idea under the sun. I'm only willing to step away in the slightest if the system really needs fixing to work properly.
- Location
- Straya
Inserted tally
So Meet and Greet won Day One, Watch the Duels won Day Two Scout out the Library and Go Exploring won the free actions. Writing storypost now, expect it in the next half an hour to an hour.
So Meet and Greet won Day One, Watch the Duels won Day Two Scout out the Library and Go Exploring won the free actions. Writing storypost now, expect it in the next half an hour to an hour.
- Location
- Too Deep in the Midnight Sea
Does that 2 mean the library burned down overnight?
0.6 - Orientation. Days 2 & 3.
- Location
- Straya
Day Three
Ulos looked down at his muffin. Bacon, a fried patty of ground beef, another layer of bacon, two fried eggs and two sausages sat between the top and bottom of the muffin, all slathered in sauce.
"Are you sure this is fine?"
Madavian looked at him.
"Ulos, you're a stick. A rake. The snappiest twig on a tree made of fine china. You need to eat more."
It felt a little wrong. That much meat would've been all a poor family could've afforded in weeks, but... well, Madavian hadn't been wrong on much so far.
He gnawed at the side of it, unable to get his mouth around the entire thing. A few minutes later he'd finished, and Madavian looked at him.
"Alright. Now you've met me, and I'm spectacular. And you met that Pact girl, and that went... well, not so spectacular. I think we need to get you out of your shell, meet some new people. What do you say?"
"Umm... ok."
"Alright, come with me. We'll go talk to those guys sitting at the table over there."
Madavian pointed. Three girls and two younger-looking boys were sitting at a table together, with two seats at the end conveniently vacant
"Um, maybe in a minute? I'll just get a drink to wash this down, my throat's a little dry."
Madavian smiled.
"Ok. I'll go introduce myself, come over once you've got the drink."
He stood up, walked over there, and started talking to them.
(Meet and Greet (Madavian Assist): 31 + 25 (Cha) = 56 vs DC 50. Success! Associated roll may use your Cha score.)
(Meet and Greet (Ulos roll): 18 + 25 (Madavian Cha) = 43 vs DC 20. Solid success. Ulos meets two people [without Madavian assist, Ulos meets one person])
Madavian sat down, and started chatting like they were old friends. Gesturing to Ulos, he waved him over.
"Ulos! You should meet these people. This is Abraham Mazhov, he's from the Empire like you!"
"Hi."
Abraham smiled at him. Short blonde hair and blue eyes, an angular face, and whoa, he was tall. He stood up to shake Ulos's hand, and towered a foot over him.
(Meet and Greet (Ulos & Abraham) - 88 + 10 vs 50 DC = 96. Great success! Two steps above standard success. Gained one step in Relationship, gained new Action!)
"Hey, I'm Abraham. Not an Undying Clan member, before you ask. My great-aunt moved to Vorstal and became a pretty powerful mage, and she sponsored me when she found out I had some talent. So I'm a flit - just to get it out of the way."
Madavian smiled back.
"Yeah, I'm a flit too."
"Wait, really? I don't really meet other flits, I mean, ever, here."
"Yeah, I studied hard."
That was technically true. He'd been illiterate four years ago. Just bringing himself up to the level where he could take the entrance exams had been difficult. If he'd been educated nearly from birth, like these people were... he wouldn't have even needed to pay tuition.
"Hah, fair enough! Hey, I'm taking History and Theory of Runes. How about you?"
"History and Souls. See you in history, I guess."
"Yeah, I can't really let my great-aunt down. She's paying for my place here, but if I screw up..."
Ulos nodded.
"Yeah, fair enough. Hey, um.."
"Hm?"
Ulos decided to just ask.
"Look, I figure we're both flitters. Gotta stick together, right? Do you want to go study some time? I mean, Madavian, he's a great guy, but if he screws up, he's fine. If I screw up.."
"Your scholarship, gotcha. Yeah... look, I figure no-one from the Empire likes us much, almost everyone from Narubar I've met - present company excepted, Tom - can be a little... well, hostile. And all the Vorstallens, well, you guys are always on the look out for a profit, right Madavian?"
(Unlocked relationship - Abraham Mazhov (Friendly acquaintance). Unlocked Action - Study History with Abraham.)
Madavian nodded.
"Yeah, I'm thinking of starting a business where I help you awkward Empire types summon up the courage to talk to one another. Five hundred gold solidus membership fee. Hey, speaking of, I heard you two starting up your own little study group. I'd join, but I figure I want to leave the intensive studying till at least exam time, right? Still.. hey, Sunette!"
A short fat girl looked up. Her hair was short and cut back, and her eyes were purple, which was unusual.
"Yeah?"
(Second Diplomacy Action unlocked by Madavian assist!)
"You're doing History, right? Come talk to these two booklovers."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Everyone should be a booklover."
"Sure, I agree in theory. I mean, I don't love books, but I love the idea of them. Or something. Still, I think it'd be a good idea, right?"
Sunette stood up, and came and sat next to the two.
"Junotrins."
Ulos looked at her, momentarily worried.
"Junotrins?"
"Oh, they're all like this. Come look at my artifact, it's a good deal! Come check out this cool dig we found! Hey, wouldn't it be good if we went to search for artifacts? The next thing you know you're fighting a twenty-foot tall scorpion statue in a battle to the death. When you wonder where it all went wrong... Junotrins."
(Diplomacy roll: 64 + 10 vs DC 50. Solid success! Upgraded Action option!)
"Are you Vorstallen as well?", Ulos asked.
"Yeah. Family Kerek. I'm not a Scion like he is, though. I mean, technically I'm not a Family member at all, my parents just work for Kerek so we were given the name. Good on you for getting a scholarship, by the way. I'm the same."
"Um, thanks."
"So, this study group. I'm taking History and Inheritance. I figure we pool our knowledge. History is good, but I think Ulos can bring in Souls and Spirits, Abraham can bring in runes. I'm pretty keen to dominate Magical Theory. Getting personal tutoring would get the Family's notice proper, and it'd work out well for me. How about you, Abraham?"
"Well, I want to pass. I'm more interested in combat, so.."
"That's fine. Bring in your perspective on History and work with us on Theory, and we'll take this year by storm. Am I right, Ulos?"
Ulos felt enthusiastic. Twenty minutes ago he'd known one person, and now he knew three.
"Yeah. Let's take the top spots!"
(Upgraded Action - Study History with Abraham to History Study Group!)
Orientation today took the form of the librarians taking them through about fifty different rules, issuing them with a piece of paper that stated them, them signing a piece of paper to say they understood, and being issued with their Chits. Ulos figured he'd wait to use his regular Chit when he found a book he wanted.
One Library Slot unlocked - you can borrow one book.
Gained Item - A History of the Undying Empire and its Provinces (History Textbook)
Gained Item - Elementary Magical Theory (Magical Theory Textbook)
Gained Item - Four Hundred and Twelve Spellwork Exercises (Magical Practice Textbook)
Gained Item - Those From Beyond - The Spirits of the Primordial Ether (Souls and Spirits Textbook)
Given they were in the Library anyway, Ulos decided to explore. None of the floors were forbidden, and any room that was forbidden was locked.
He started to ascend the stairs, and -
(Scout out the Library - 2 vs DC 70 for class books, 2 vs DC 90 for curse books. Critical failure!)
"Get out!"
One of the librarians had seen him.
"Josh Figgerian, you are banned from the Library! You know this! Get out right now!"
"But-"
"No buts. Turn yourself around and leave. If I see you in here in one minute your ban will be extended to two months. Now leave!"
Ulos beat a hasty retreat. He'd come back later, maybe wearing something different. He didn't want to get in this much trouble early on. He could explain it all to the Librarians, later.
(Will need to explain what has happened to the librarians or risk this happening again. Gained Trait - Banned Doppelganger (10% chance of failing any Library Action automatically. Goes away after a month.) Action - Explain the Library Situation unlocked! This action will remove this Trait.)
Day Three:
"Alright Ulos, let's go see the magical combat. One set of us get to see the duels, one the combat. I figure for you and your magic power, you're never winning a duel. So combat might be better."
"Actually... I'd like to see the duels."
"Really? Well, ok."
They went down. Apparently there were a few duelling fields - they'd watch the winning duelist from each of their duels progress through the ranks to the finals. There were only eight duelists today, the top eight of the class apparently being chosen to duel publically to show the new students what it was like.
They just sort of milled around, and suddenly the dueling fields changed color, some mauve field rising up around it, presumably to cut it off.
Two mages walked in, bowed, and began.
The first one was shorter, the second tall and lanky. The moment they bowed, the first mage pulled out his wand and inscribed something in the air in less than a second, shooting a tremendous wave that rippled through the air towards his opponent.
(Duelist one roll: 37 + 30 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 66)
(Duelist two roll 24 + 23 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 47)
The second mage used both hands to inscribe symbols, the wave of force terminating a few inches before his wave, and sent a bolt of lightning at his opponent.
The first one had already completed another symbol, the lightning stopping just in front of him, and he sent it back again, followed by a wave of force.
His opponent blocked the force, but the lightning seemed to have thrown him for a loop. It hit him, and he went down.
"Match!"
(Duelist one roll: 66 + 30 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 96)
(Duelist three roll: 52 + 38 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 90)
The first duelist walked on to his next match. The two bowed, and suddenly Ulos couldn't even follow what was happening. Waves of force, lightning bolts, sprays of earth were flung up, occluding most of the field. The duel went on for five, ten minutes, fire spitting between the two, as the two nearly even-matched mages tried time and time again to breach the other's defenses. Finally, the duelist from the first match sent... something at the other, Ulos couldn't even see what it was, and the third duelist just collapsed, eyes rolling back in his head.
One of the upperclassmen nearby whistled appreciatively.
"Wooow. Looks like Ukkon might have overtaken Selene for first. He's really improved over the summer."
The final match was after a few minutes, as all the other matches had long since concluded.
(Duelist one roll: 50 + 30 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 20 (Exhausted from close match) = 60)
(Duelist four roll: 47 + 22 (Skill: Magical Combat = 68)
If anything, this match was even closer, if less exciting. The sheer levels of power being thrown around the last match did not eventuate, the two mainly trading the waves of force and lightning, back and forth. The match got slower and slower, each participant digging deep to find an easier attack to throw, something to block the opponent's attack, until the first duelist they'd seen put his hands above his head, signalling surrender.
"Yeah, expected. After a match like the last one, no way he'd have the power to take down even Birstad. I mean, Ukkon is a better duelist than Birstad any day of the week, but he'd be running on mana fumes at that point."
Ulos wondered why the first combatant had not used the same defensive spells he'd seen earlier, blocking attacks for longer so he could use more attack spells.
(Learning Roll: 54 + 20 (Int) = 74 vs 50 DC. Solid success! +1 to Combat Skill: Magical Defense)
Then it came to him. Duration had to be linked to a defense spell's cost. All things being equal, better to use a defensive spell for longer, but if you were good enough, you could time an opponent's attack, use much less mana to gain the same effect. It took more time and effort, but saved on your magic.
He wondered how he could use that. He thought on it for a few minutes.
(Learning Roll: 20 + 20 (Int) = 40 vs 90 DC - Failure!)
Nothing really came to mind.
Later that day, Madavian went out. He didn't know where the other two people he had met was gone, and, well, he was bored. He thought about studying, but going back to the Library now seemed terrible, and he didn't want to open those textbooks just yet.
He decided to go exploring.
(Exploration Roll: 86 vs 50 DC. Solid success! Over 80 on Exploration Roll unlocks better location!)
He wandered around for a good amount of time, scouting out the Dorms, wandering the paths of the Preparatory. He had wandered a few kilometres when he found a bunch of bushes, hedges growing near the great fence that surrounded the campus.
Under the bushes, though, he was sure he could spy something. He got down on his hands and knees, crawling inside the hedge. Inside the hedge, almost five metres of crawling, lay a little colony of mushrooms, planted in straight little rows. He couldn't say for certain, but he thought some of them glowed. He decided not to take any now, just in case they'd be missed. But it was a useful spot to know.
(Unlocked location: Hidden Mushroom Colony)
(Unlocked Action - Gather Mushrooms)
He looked up. Wow, it was getting back. Time to head back and have dinner and get to sleep, the next two days were going to be busy.
Voting post will be up in a little bit.
Ulos looked down at his muffin. Bacon, a fried patty of ground beef, another layer of bacon, two fried eggs and two sausages sat between the top and bottom of the muffin, all slathered in sauce.
"Are you sure this is fine?"
Madavian looked at him.
"Ulos, you're a stick. A rake. The snappiest twig on a tree made of fine china. You need to eat more."
It felt a little wrong. That much meat would've been all a poor family could've afforded in weeks, but... well, Madavian hadn't been wrong on much so far.
He gnawed at the side of it, unable to get his mouth around the entire thing. A few minutes later he'd finished, and Madavian looked at him.
"Alright. Now you've met me, and I'm spectacular. And you met that Pact girl, and that went... well, not so spectacular. I think we need to get you out of your shell, meet some new people. What do you say?"
"Umm... ok."
"Alright, come with me. We'll go talk to those guys sitting at the table over there."
Madavian pointed. Three girls and two younger-looking boys were sitting at a table together, with two seats at the end conveniently vacant
"Um, maybe in a minute? I'll just get a drink to wash this down, my throat's a little dry."
Madavian smiled.
"Ok. I'll go introduce myself, come over once you've got the drink."
He stood up, walked over there, and started talking to them.
(Meet and Greet (Madavian Assist): 31 + 25 (Cha) = 56 vs DC 50. Success! Associated roll may use your Cha score.)
(Meet and Greet (Ulos roll): 18 + 25 (Madavian Cha) = 43 vs DC 20. Solid success. Ulos meets two people [without Madavian assist, Ulos meets one person])
Madavian sat down, and started chatting like they were old friends. Gesturing to Ulos, he waved him over.
"Ulos! You should meet these people. This is Abraham Mazhov, he's from the Empire like you!"
"Hi."
Abraham smiled at him. Short blonde hair and blue eyes, an angular face, and whoa, he was tall. He stood up to shake Ulos's hand, and towered a foot over him.
(Meet and Greet (Ulos & Abraham) - 88 + 10 vs 50 DC = 96. Great success! Two steps above standard success. Gained one step in Relationship, gained new Action!)
"Hey, I'm Abraham. Not an Undying Clan member, before you ask. My great-aunt moved to Vorstal and became a pretty powerful mage, and she sponsored me when she found out I had some talent. So I'm a flit - just to get it out of the way."
Madavian smiled back.
"Yeah, I'm a flit too."
"Wait, really? I don't really meet other flits, I mean, ever, here."
"Yeah, I studied hard."
That was technically true. He'd been illiterate four years ago. Just bringing himself up to the level where he could take the entrance exams had been difficult. If he'd been educated nearly from birth, like these people were... he wouldn't have even needed to pay tuition.
"Hah, fair enough! Hey, I'm taking History and Theory of Runes. How about you?"
"History and Souls. See you in history, I guess."
"Yeah, I can't really let my great-aunt down. She's paying for my place here, but if I screw up..."
Ulos nodded.
"Yeah, fair enough. Hey, um.."
"Hm?"
Ulos decided to just ask.
"Look, I figure we're both flitters. Gotta stick together, right? Do you want to go study some time? I mean, Madavian, he's a great guy, but if he screws up, he's fine. If I screw up.."
"Your scholarship, gotcha. Yeah... look, I figure no-one from the Empire likes us much, almost everyone from Narubar I've met - present company excepted, Tom - can be a little... well, hostile. And all the Vorstallens, well, you guys are always on the look out for a profit, right Madavian?"
(Unlocked relationship - Abraham Mazhov (Friendly acquaintance). Unlocked Action - Study History with Abraham.)
Madavian nodded.
"Yeah, I'm thinking of starting a business where I help you awkward Empire types summon up the courage to talk to one another. Five hundred gold solidus membership fee. Hey, speaking of, I heard you two starting up your own little study group. I'd join, but I figure I want to leave the intensive studying till at least exam time, right? Still.. hey, Sunette!"
A short fat girl looked up. Her hair was short and cut back, and her eyes were purple, which was unusual.
"Yeah?"
(Second Diplomacy Action unlocked by Madavian assist!)
"You're doing History, right? Come talk to these two booklovers."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Everyone should be a booklover."
"Sure, I agree in theory. I mean, I don't love books, but I love the idea of them. Or something. Still, I think it'd be a good idea, right?"
Sunette stood up, and came and sat next to the two.
"Junotrins."
Ulos looked at her, momentarily worried.
"Junotrins?"
"Oh, they're all like this. Come look at my artifact, it's a good deal! Come check out this cool dig we found! Hey, wouldn't it be good if we went to search for artifacts? The next thing you know you're fighting a twenty-foot tall scorpion statue in a battle to the death. When you wonder where it all went wrong... Junotrins."
(Diplomacy roll: 64 + 10 vs DC 50. Solid success! Upgraded Action option!)
"Are you Vorstallen as well?", Ulos asked.
"Yeah. Family Kerek. I'm not a Scion like he is, though. I mean, technically I'm not a Family member at all, my parents just work for Kerek so we were given the name. Good on you for getting a scholarship, by the way. I'm the same."
"Um, thanks."
"So, this study group. I'm taking History and Inheritance. I figure we pool our knowledge. History is good, but I think Ulos can bring in Souls and Spirits, Abraham can bring in runes. I'm pretty keen to dominate Magical Theory. Getting personal tutoring would get the Family's notice proper, and it'd work out well for me. How about you, Abraham?"
"Well, I want to pass. I'm more interested in combat, so.."
"That's fine. Bring in your perspective on History and work with us on Theory, and we'll take this year by storm. Am I right, Ulos?"
Ulos felt enthusiastic. Twenty minutes ago he'd known one person, and now he knew three.
"Yeah. Let's take the top spots!"
(Upgraded Action - Study History with Abraham to History Study Group!)
Orientation today took the form of the librarians taking them through about fifty different rules, issuing them with a piece of paper that stated them, them signing a piece of paper to say they understood, and being issued with their Chits. Ulos figured he'd wait to use his regular Chit when he found a book he wanted.
One Library Slot unlocked - you can borrow one book.
Gained Item - A History of the Undying Empire and its Provinces (History Textbook)
Gained Item - Elementary Magical Theory (Magical Theory Textbook)
Gained Item - Four Hundred and Twelve Spellwork Exercises (Magical Practice Textbook)
Gained Item - Those From Beyond - The Spirits of the Primordial Ether (Souls and Spirits Textbook)
Given they were in the Library anyway, Ulos decided to explore. None of the floors were forbidden, and any room that was forbidden was locked.
He started to ascend the stairs, and -
(Scout out the Library - 2 vs DC 70 for class books, 2 vs DC 90 for curse books. Critical failure!)
"Get out!"
One of the librarians had seen him.
"Josh Figgerian, you are banned from the Library! You know this! Get out right now!"
"But-"
"No buts. Turn yourself around and leave. If I see you in here in one minute your ban will be extended to two months. Now leave!"
Ulos beat a hasty retreat. He'd come back later, maybe wearing something different. He didn't want to get in this much trouble early on. He could explain it all to the Librarians, later.
(Will need to explain what has happened to the librarians or risk this happening again. Gained Trait - Banned Doppelganger (10% chance of failing any Library Action automatically. Goes away after a month.) Action - Explain the Library Situation unlocked! This action will remove this Trait.)
Day Three:
"Alright Ulos, let's go see the magical combat. One set of us get to see the duels, one the combat. I figure for you and your magic power, you're never winning a duel. So combat might be better."
"Actually... I'd like to see the duels."
"Really? Well, ok."
They went down. Apparently there were a few duelling fields - they'd watch the winning duelist from each of their duels progress through the ranks to the finals. There were only eight duelists today, the top eight of the class apparently being chosen to duel publically to show the new students what it was like.
They just sort of milled around, and suddenly the dueling fields changed color, some mauve field rising up around it, presumably to cut it off.
Two mages walked in, bowed, and began.
The first one was shorter, the second tall and lanky. The moment they bowed, the first mage pulled out his wand and inscribed something in the air in less than a second, shooting a tremendous wave that rippled through the air towards his opponent.
(Duelist one roll: 37 + 30 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 66)
(Duelist two roll 24 + 23 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 47)
The second mage used both hands to inscribe symbols, the wave of force terminating a few inches before his wave, and sent a bolt of lightning at his opponent.
The first one had already completed another symbol, the lightning stopping just in front of him, and he sent it back again, followed by a wave of force.
His opponent blocked the force, but the lightning seemed to have thrown him for a loop. It hit him, and he went down.
"Match!"
(Duelist one roll: 66 + 30 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 96)
(Duelist three roll: 52 + 38 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 90)
The first duelist walked on to his next match. The two bowed, and suddenly Ulos couldn't even follow what was happening. Waves of force, lightning bolts, sprays of earth were flung up, occluding most of the field. The duel went on for five, ten minutes, fire spitting between the two, as the two nearly even-matched mages tried time and time again to breach the other's defenses. Finally, the duelist from the first match sent... something at the other, Ulos couldn't even see what it was, and the third duelist just collapsed, eyes rolling back in his head.
One of the upperclassmen nearby whistled appreciatively.
"Wooow. Looks like Ukkon might have overtaken Selene for first. He's really improved over the summer."
The final match was after a few minutes, as all the other matches had long since concluded.
(Duelist one roll: 50 + 30 (Skill: Magical Combat) - 20 (Exhausted from close match) = 60)
(Duelist four roll: 47 + 22 (Skill: Magical Combat = 68)
If anything, this match was even closer, if less exciting. The sheer levels of power being thrown around the last match did not eventuate, the two mainly trading the waves of force and lightning, back and forth. The match got slower and slower, each participant digging deep to find an easier attack to throw, something to block the opponent's attack, until the first duelist they'd seen put his hands above his head, signalling surrender.
"Yeah, expected. After a match like the last one, no way he'd have the power to take down even Birstad. I mean, Ukkon is a better duelist than Birstad any day of the week, but he'd be running on mana fumes at that point."
Ulos wondered why the first combatant had not used the same defensive spells he'd seen earlier, blocking attacks for longer so he could use more attack spells.
(Learning Roll: 54 + 20 (Int) = 74 vs 50 DC. Solid success! +1 to Combat Skill: Magical Defense)
Then it came to him. Duration had to be linked to a defense spell's cost. All things being equal, better to use a defensive spell for longer, but if you were good enough, you could time an opponent's attack, use much less mana to gain the same effect. It took more time and effort, but saved on your magic.
He wondered how he could use that. He thought on it for a few minutes.
(Learning Roll: 20 + 20 (Int) = 40 vs 90 DC - Failure!)
Nothing really came to mind.
Later that day, Madavian went out. He didn't know where the other two people he had met was gone, and, well, he was bored. He thought about studying, but going back to the Library now seemed terrible, and he didn't want to open those textbooks just yet.
He decided to go exploring.
(Exploration Roll: 86 vs 50 DC. Solid success! Over 80 on Exploration Roll unlocks better location!)
He wandered around for a good amount of time, scouting out the Dorms, wandering the paths of the Preparatory. He had wandered a few kilometres when he found a bunch of bushes, hedges growing near the great fence that surrounded the campus.
Under the bushes, though, he was sure he could spy something. He got down on his hands and knees, crawling inside the hedge. Inside the hedge, almost five metres of crawling, lay a little colony of mushrooms, planted in straight little rows. He couldn't say for certain, but he thought some of them glowed. He decided not to take any now, just in case they'd be missed. But it was a useful spot to know.
(Unlocked location: Hidden Mushroom Colony)
(Unlocked Action - Gather Mushrooms)
He looked up. Wow, it was getting back. Time to head back and have dinner and get to sleep, the next two days were going to be busy.
Voting post will be up in a little bit.
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Vote - Orientation Days 4 &5
- Location
- Straya
Voting formatting. If you vote for an option with a Willpower Upgrade, post it like Option (Willpower). So if we took an option called Go Study A Lot with a Willpower upgrade, you'd vote for it like this:
[X] Go Study A Lot (Willpower)
Current Willpower is 5. Willpower will regenerate after the Weekend Turn is taken.
Day Four: (can only take 1 of these)
[ ] Try out Alchemical Concoctions - You're able to head down to the Smokestack, where a few upperclassmen will be putting potions and poultices on display. A good chance to try the results of Alchemy with a teacher supervising. You won't learn much about Alchemy as such, but you might be able to learn a few things about the item you use. Roll vs DC 40. Gain partial knowledge of one Recipe. Roll vs DC 80 if successful. On success, gain full knowledge of one Recipe. (Int-bound)
[ ] Use Some Runes - The upperclassmen are displaying various runes. While you may not have the magic to charge them, you could learn a thing or two by studying their examples. Gain a learning roll for Lore: Runes vs DC 52. If successful, roll vs DC 101 for Craft: Runes. (Int-bound)
Day Five: (can only take 1 of these)
[ ] Go to the Illusionist's Show - Literally as it sounds. Illusionists putting on a show with their Illusion magic. Not very popular among the non-first years. However, both of your new friends are going to be there. You could hang out! Gain a Learning Roll for Craft: Illusions vs DC 90. Gain a Diplomacy Roll (DC 50 vs Cha) to increase Relationship by one step with either Sunette or Abraham.
[ ] See the Binding - The third-years are showing off a basic Spirit Binding. Not terribly impressive, but you're generally not allowed to take risks with Spirits, especially not with First Years around. You'll get to see the whole thing, though! Gain Learning Roll for Lore: Souls and Spirits vs DC 50. On critical success (100 or over), gain minor (random) improvement to Spell: Bind Spirit.
Generic Actions: (can take up to 2 of these)
[ ] Start Studying (Write-In Subject) - You have Textbook Chits now. You can go borrow the books and start hitting them. Sort of nerdy, but hey, aren't you here to learn? Gain a Training Roll associated with the subject you choose. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain 2 Training Rolls.
[ ] Scout out the Library - Go figure out where the books that might help with your Curse are. I mean, they're almost certainly in the Restricted Sections, but if you can get a good idea of how the Library works and what sort of filing system it uses, you might be able to track down the knowledge a bit easier. No stat improvements. May gain a better idea of what books are helpful for your subjects, and which sorts of books might help with your curse. Gain +2 from prior failed roll to next roll. (DC: Very High) - Has an additional 10% chance of failure due to a Trait.
[ ] Go Exploring - It's a big campus, and you haven't seen the half of it. Who knows what you could find? Roll 1D100 vs ???. Success offers ???, failure offers ???.
[ ] Meet and Greet - Madavian might not be there to help you, but you can still meet people, right? Right? Offers 2 Diplomacy rolls for meeting people. No help from Madavian. (DC: Variable. Depends on who you meet) Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain 3 Diplomacy Rolls.
[ ] Hang Out With A Friend (Write-in Friend) - It's good to spend time with people you know. Maybe take a break, and hang with one of your friends. Available options include Madavian Junotrin, Abraham Quincey and Sunette Kerek. Increase Relationship by one step. Roll against DC (Variable, depending on friendship level). On success, increase Relationship by another step.
[ ] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[ ] Study Group - The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
[ ] Gather Mushrooms - Unlocked by your knowledge of the Secret Mushroom Colony. Self-explanatory. Roll against DC ??? using either Lore: Alchemy or Lore: Magical Plants. On success, gain ???.
Feel free to vote for as many options as you like. I strongly prefer people being able to vote for more options as it lessens strategic voting and allows people to vote their true preferences.
[X] Go Study A Lot (Willpower)
Current Willpower is 5. Willpower will regenerate after the Weekend Turn is taken.
Day Four: (can only take 1 of these)
[ ] Try out Alchemical Concoctions - You're able to head down to the Smokestack, where a few upperclassmen will be putting potions and poultices on display. A good chance to try the results of Alchemy with a teacher supervising. You won't learn much about Alchemy as such, but you might be able to learn a few things about the item you use. Roll vs DC 40. Gain partial knowledge of one Recipe. Roll vs DC 80 if successful. On success, gain full knowledge of one Recipe. (Int-bound)
[ ] Use Some Runes - The upperclassmen are displaying various runes. While you may not have the magic to charge them, you could learn a thing or two by studying their examples. Gain a learning roll for Lore: Runes vs DC 52. If successful, roll vs DC 101 for Craft: Runes. (Int-bound)
Day Five: (can only take 1 of these)
[ ] Go to the Illusionist's Show - Literally as it sounds. Illusionists putting on a show with their Illusion magic. Not very popular among the non-first years. However, both of your new friends are going to be there. You could hang out! Gain a Learning Roll for Craft: Illusions vs DC 90. Gain a Diplomacy Roll (DC 50 vs Cha) to increase Relationship by one step with either Sunette or Abraham.
[ ] See the Binding - The third-years are showing off a basic Spirit Binding. Not terribly impressive, but you're generally not allowed to take risks with Spirits, especially not with First Years around. You'll get to see the whole thing, though! Gain Learning Roll for Lore: Souls and Spirits vs DC 50. On critical success (100 or over), gain minor (random) improvement to Spell: Bind Spirit.
Generic Actions: (can take up to 2 of these)
[ ] Start Studying (Write-In Subject) - You have Textbook Chits now. You can go borrow the books and start hitting them. Sort of nerdy, but hey, aren't you here to learn? Gain a Training Roll associated with the subject you choose. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain 2 Training Rolls.
[ ] Scout out the Library - Go figure out where the books that might help with your Curse are. I mean, they're almost certainly in the Restricted Sections, but if you can get a good idea of how the Library works and what sort of filing system it uses, you might be able to track down the knowledge a bit easier. No stat improvements. May gain a better idea of what books are helpful for your subjects, and which sorts of books might help with your curse. Gain +2 from prior failed roll to next roll. (DC: Very High) - Has an additional 10% chance of failure due to a Trait.
[ ] Go Exploring - It's a big campus, and you haven't seen the half of it. Who knows what you could find? Roll 1D100 vs ???. Success offers ???, failure offers ???.
[ ] Meet and Greet - Madavian might not be there to help you, but you can still meet people, right? Right? Offers 2 Diplomacy rolls for meeting people. No help from Madavian. (DC: Variable. Depends on who you meet) Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain 3 Diplomacy Rolls.
[ ] Hang Out With A Friend (Write-in Friend) - It's good to spend time with people you know. Maybe take a break, and hang with one of your friends. Available options include Madavian Junotrin, Abraham Quincey and Sunette Kerek. Increase Relationship by one step. Roll against DC (Variable, depending on friendship level). On success, increase Relationship by another step.
[ ] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[ ] Study Group - The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
[ ] Gather Mushrooms - Unlocked by your knowledge of the Secret Mushroom Colony. Self-explanatory. Roll against DC ??? using either Lore: Alchemy or Lore: Magical Plants. On success, gain ???.
Feel free to vote for as many options as you like. I strongly prefer people being able to vote for more options as it lessens strategic voting and allows people to vote their true preferences.
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- Location
- Too Deep in the Midnight Sea
[X] Try out Alchemical Concoctions - You're able to head down to the Smokestack, where a few upperclassmen will be putting potions and poultices on display. A good chance to try the results of Alchemy with a teacher supervising. You won't learn much about Alchemy as such, but you might be able to learn a few things about the item you use. Roll vs DC 40. Gain partial knowledge of one Recipe. Roll vs DC 80 if successful. On success, gain full knowledge of one Recipe. (Int-bound)
[X] See the Binding - The third-years are showing off a basic Spirit Binding. Not terribly impressive, but you're generally not allowed to take risks with Spirits, especially not with First Years around. You'll get to see the whole thing, though! Gain Learning Roll for Lore: Souls and Spirits vs DC 50. On critical success (100 or over), gain minor (random) improvement to Spell: Bind Spirit.
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[X] Study Group (Willpower)- The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
[X] See the Binding - The third-years are showing off a basic Spirit Binding. Not terribly impressive, but you're generally not allowed to take risks with Spirits, especially not with First Years around. You'll get to see the whole thing, though! Gain Learning Roll for Lore: Souls and Spirits vs DC 50. On critical success (100 or over), gain minor (random) improvement to Spell: Bind Spirit.
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[X] Study Group (Willpower)- The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
- Location
- Sweden
[X] Try out Alchemical Concoctions.
[X] See the Binding - The third-years are showing off a basic Spirit Binding.
[X] Explain the Library Situation.
[X] Study Group (Willpower).
[X] See the Binding - The third-years are showing off a basic Spirit Binding.
[X] Explain the Library Situation.
[X] Study Group (Willpower).
Umi-san
Procrastinating.
- Location
- ꙮ
@occipitallobe Does knowledge r.e. an alchemic recipe entail knowledge on how to create it or just its effects?
In_lurk_shadow
[ ]
- Location
- here and there
[x] Try out Alchemical Concoctions - You're able to head down to the Smokestack, where a few upperclassmen will be putting potions and poultices on display. A good chance to try the results of Alchemy with a teacher supervising. You won't learn much about Alchemy as such, but you might be able to learn a few things about the item you use. Roll vs DC 40. Gain partial knowledge of one Recipe. Roll vs DC 80 if successful. On success, gain full knowledge of one Recipe. (Int-bound)
[x] Go to the Illusionist's Show - Literally as it sounds. Illusionists putting on a show with their Illusion magic. Not very popular among the non-first years. However, both of your new friends are going to be there. You could hang out! Gain a Learning Roll for Craft: Illusions vs DC 90. Gain a Diplomacy Roll (DC 50 vs Cha) to increase Relationship by one step with either Sunette or Abraham.
[x] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[x] Study Group - The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
[x] Go to the Illusionist's Show - Literally as it sounds. Illusionists putting on a show with their Illusion magic. Not very popular among the non-first years. However, both of your new friends are going to be there. You could hang out! Gain a Learning Roll for Craft: Illusions vs DC 90. Gain a Diplomacy Roll (DC 50 vs Cha) to increase Relationship by one step with either Sunette or Abraham.
[x] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[x] Study Group - The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
Willpower is refreshed on the start of a new week so we can be pretty aggressive with it. It would take awful luck to fail the 'explain the library situation' roll, but if we fail it study group wouldn't even work correctly so I'm not keen on taking that right now.
[X] Try out Alchemical Concoctions (Willpower)
[X] See the Binding (Willpower)
[X] Start Studying (Combat: Magical Defense)
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[X] Try out Alchemical Concoctions (Willpower)
[X] See the Binding (Willpower)
[X] Start Studying (Combat: Magical Defense)
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
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Umi-san
Procrastinating.
- Location
- ꙮ
invalid choices
Willpower-upgradeable options in your vote:
[] Start Studying (Combat: Magical Defense; Willpower)
idk why you want Magical Defense rather than a more generally useful thing like Magical Theory, tho.
- Location
- Brazil
[X] Use Some Runes - The upperclassmen are displaying various runes. While you may not have the magic to charge them, you could learn a thing or two by studying their examples. Gain a learning roll for Lore: Runes vs DC 52. If successful, roll vs DC 101 for Craft: Runes. (Int-bound)
[X] Go to the Illusionist's Show - Literally as it sounds. Illusionists putting on a show with their Illusion magic. Not very popular among the non-first years. However, both of your new friends are going to be there. You could hang out! Gain a Learning Roll for Craft: Illusions vs DC 90. Gain a Diplomacy Roll (DC 50 vs Cha) to increase Relationship by one step with either Sunette or Abraham.
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[X] Study Group (Willpower)- The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
[X] Go to the Illusionist's Show - Literally as it sounds. Illusionists putting on a show with their Illusion magic. Not very popular among the non-first years. However, both of your new friends are going to be there. You could hang out! Gain a Learning Roll for Craft: Illusions vs DC 90. Gain a Diplomacy Roll (DC 50 vs Cha) to increase Relationship by one step with either Sunette or Abraham.
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[X] Study Group (Willpower)- The Study Group needs to get going if you're going to dominate your subjects. Get your books, get your bag, and head on over to the Library to get the librarians to let you into a study room. Gain a Training Roll for Lore: History or Lore: Theory of Magic (50% chance each). Possibly gain a step in relationship with Sunotrin or Abraham (20% chance each). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects.
[
] Legally change your name to Josh Figgerian. Mimic Josh at every opportunity. When asked, insist that you're the real Josh Figgerian and that the other guy's clearly just an imposter. Enjoy as everyone keeps getting confused because there are suddenly two Joshes.
] Legally change your name to Josh Figgerian. Mimic Josh at every opportunity. When asked, insist that you're the real Josh Figgerian and that the other guy's clearly just an imposter. Enjoy as everyone keeps getting confused because there are suddenly two Joshes.
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- Location
- Straya
Full knowledge of the recipes and conditions it needs to be created.
Usually speaking you're going to need some skill at Craft: Alchemy to actually have any success whatsoever at making things, though. For instance, you might learn a recipe that takes a goat's ear, a chip from a rock that was once a Spirit, and the hair of a newborn baby. You'd then know you need to simmer it at 88 degrees for six hours, stirring counterclockwise three times every hour. A more advanced recipe might reference various Alchemical techniques needed, (you may not know how to succeed at the sub-recipes, for instance, if you need other Alchemical substances to create a recipe) which you may not know. Partial success just gives you the recipe sans the actions needed, or possibly just a few ingredients.
Knowledge of a recipe isn't useless even for a non-Alchemist, though. Learning a few Recipes means if you decide to go into the surprisingly lucrative on-campus ingredient market, you can make runs down to the markets in town and buy up useful ingredients (or Explore to find someone you can gather useful ingredients) to sell. Or it can help you if you want to learn Alchemy at some point - you can spend time stockpiling ingredients for yourself.
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@occipitallobe will we get the chance next year to take basic alchemy?
[X] Use Some Runes
I don't think we're planning to focus on alchemy, so I'd rather get some skill in runes.
[X] See the Binding
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[X] Study Group (Willpower).
I don't think we're planning to focus on alchemy, so I'd rather get some skill in runes.
[X] See the Binding
[X] Explain the Library Situation - The librarians are pretty mad at you. Well, not you. That's the problem. Time to go explain. Roll against DC 25 vs Cha. On success, remove Trait: Banned Doppelganger.
[X] Study Group (Willpower).