That time I decided to make a quest for a 'fandom' that seemed to only have two people in it.
Magical (A Quest of Vacations, or Starsigns, or Something Else)
- Thread starter SeekerofDreams
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Magical... Something
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Character Creation (Part 1)
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
As a child, you were fascinated by stories of magic. Power granted by the planets, strength gifted by spirits... it never mattered where the magic came from, so much as what people did with it, and as a denizen of the Magic Planet, Kovomaka, there were always wizards who managed to accomplish great things wherever you looked. Mostly, these were graduates of Will-O-Wisp Academy, an incredibly prestigious school run by a man known simply as Biscotti.
You have no idea how old Principal Biscotti is, that little detail having been left out of all the books you have read on the subject of the man and his school, but he is said to be an incredibly powerful wizard who has dedicated his life to allowing those with the potential for magic to learn.
A potential you happen to possess. Something which barely surprised anyone when you found out, such was the amount you'd wanted to know. Particularly when your race doesn't have any shortage of wizards to begin with.
[ ][RACE] Human- The most ubiquitous race in the Baklava solar system, humans have no particular strengths, but their children have been born with the capability to use all kinds of magic.
[ ][RACE] Felin- Lithe and graceful, these catlike people tread quietly despite their destructive magic. (Possible magic: Wind, Lightning, Fire.)
[ ][RACE] Vox- A doglike race with sharp noses, voxes can sniff out food wherever it may be, as subtle as their magic. (Possible magic: Earth, Wood, Darkness)
[ ][RACE] Envoy of Love- A race native to the Realm of Light, these beings are kind and, for the most part, cannot abide violence. (Possible magic: Light, Love, Beauty)
[ ][RACE] Spiny Mole- A race that is very rare on Kovomaka, due to being native to another planet, that protects itself with spines. You don't know why your parents came to this planet, and have never felt the need to ask. (Possible magic: Earth, Stone, Machinery)
[ ][RACE] Puppet- An artificial race with two subtypes: the mortal and the immortal. No one knows what makes a puppet mortal or immortal, just that both kinds exist. You are a mortal puppet, as much as that matters when wizards can live for so long. (Possible magic: Insect, Poison, Sound)
[ ][RACE] Otter- A hardworking race native to the Water Planet, Cassia, you aren't entirely sure why you live on Kovomaka, but that doesn't matter anywhere near as much as the fact that this planet is home. (Possible magic: Fire, Water, Blade)
[ ][RACE] Rabbitfolk- A race that lives in eternal poverty, your parents keep saying they'll tell you how they raised the money to move to another when you're older. Something tells you you don't want to know. (Possible magic: Wind, Love, Beast)
Not everyone who discovers they have the potential for magic end up choosing to do anything with this power, but you do. You want to go to Will-O-Wisp Academy, the finest institute of magical learning on all of Kovomaka. Well. It's not like that's saying much. There's not a lot of people on this planet interested in teaching.
Still, you have no idea just what could happen during your time as a student. And that excites you, though you're unaware of what is going on in the shadows.
[ ][TIME ] The school is still fairly new, yet there are already dark whispers about it. Students who go off to summer camp, only to disappear or run away right after. Nobody ever seems to do anything about it, though protests always happen when the school camping trip approaches. Whatever hidden dangers lurk on Valencia Beach, they believe it is not something for a child's ears.
[ ][TIME ] The school has been in existence for centuries now, withstanding any challenges that are thrown at it. However, in the greater solar system, wizards are going missing without a trace, and pirates lurk around every corner. You may stay sheltered from these dangers if you wish, but if you try, there could be something for you to find.
[ ][TIME ] Miss Sorbet, Professor Pistachio... There are a multiple teachers at the school who are said to have accomplished great things. If only you knew what those things were. That part seems to have been excised from the history books entirely. Still, whatever those wizards did as children, there is something lurking out there that nobody is yet aware of, and the academy's students are right in its path.
...No, I don't know why I'm doing this. I don't have real mechanics, I'm already plenty busy, and I'm pretty sure my numerous pen names make me a whole half of the semi-active fandom. But I'll try to make it so you don't have to know anything about Magical Vacation or Magical Starsign to enjoy this, assuming it gets past character creation. Especially considering the former never got an official localization.
I just need to reserve a few posts, and then we can see where this goes.
You have no idea how old Principal Biscotti is, that little detail having been left out of all the books you have read on the subject of the man and his school, but he is said to be an incredibly powerful wizard who has dedicated his life to allowing those with the potential for magic to learn.
A potential you happen to possess. Something which barely surprised anyone when you found out, such was the amount you'd wanted to know. Particularly when your race doesn't have any shortage of wizards to begin with.
[ ][RACE] Human- The most ubiquitous race in the Baklava solar system, humans have no particular strengths, but their children have been born with the capability to use all kinds of magic.
[ ][RACE] Felin- Lithe and graceful, these catlike people tread quietly despite their destructive magic. (Possible magic: Wind, Lightning, Fire.)
[ ][RACE] Vox- A doglike race with sharp noses, voxes can sniff out food wherever it may be, as subtle as their magic. (Possible magic: Earth, Wood, Darkness)
[ ][RACE] Envoy of Love- A race native to the Realm of Light, these beings are kind and, for the most part, cannot abide violence. (Possible magic: Light, Love, Beauty)
[ ][RACE] Spiny Mole- A race that is very rare on Kovomaka, due to being native to another planet, that protects itself with spines. You don't know why your parents came to this planet, and have never felt the need to ask. (Possible magic: Earth, Stone, Machinery)
[ ][RACE] Puppet- An artificial race with two subtypes: the mortal and the immortal. No one knows what makes a puppet mortal or immortal, just that both kinds exist. You are a mortal puppet, as much as that matters when wizards can live for so long. (Possible magic: Insect, Poison, Sound)
[ ][RACE] Otter- A hardworking race native to the Water Planet, Cassia, you aren't entirely sure why you live on Kovomaka, but that doesn't matter anywhere near as much as the fact that this planet is home. (Possible magic: Fire, Water, Blade)
[ ][RACE] Rabbitfolk- A race that lives in eternal poverty, your parents keep saying they'll tell you how they raised the money to move to another when you're older. Something tells you you don't want to know. (Possible magic: Wind, Love, Beast)
Not everyone who discovers they have the potential for magic end up choosing to do anything with this power, but you do. You want to go to Will-O-Wisp Academy, the finest institute of magical learning on all of Kovomaka. Well. It's not like that's saying much. There's not a lot of people on this planet interested in teaching.
Still, you have no idea just what could happen during your time as a student. And that excites you, though you're unaware of what is going on in the shadows.
[ ][TIME ] The school is still fairly new, yet there are already dark whispers about it. Students who go off to summer camp, only to disappear or run away right after. Nobody ever seems to do anything about it, though protests always happen when the school camping trip approaches. Whatever hidden dangers lurk on Valencia Beach, they believe it is not something for a child's ears.
[ ][TIME ] The school has been in existence for centuries now, withstanding any challenges that are thrown at it. However, in the greater solar system, wizards are going missing without a trace, and pirates lurk around every corner. You may stay sheltered from these dangers if you wish, but if you try, there could be something for you to find.
[ ][TIME ] Miss Sorbet, Professor Pistachio... There are a multiple teachers at the school who are said to have accomplished great things. If only you knew what those things were. That part seems to have been excised from the history books entirely. Still, whatever those wizards did as children, there is something lurking out there that nobody is yet aware of, and the academy's students are right in its path.
...No, I don't know why I'm doing this. I don't have real mechanics, I'm already plenty busy, and I'm pretty sure my numerous pen names make me a whole half of the semi-active fandom. But I'll try to make it so you don't have to know anything about Magical Vacation or Magical Starsign to enjoy this, assuming it gets past character creation. Especially considering the former never got an official localization.
I just need to reserve a few posts, and then we can see where this goes.
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Rye Seabreeze
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
Name: Rye Seabreeze
Race: Otter
Gender: Male
Element: Water (Spirit Magic)
Strength: Intelligence
Weakness: Physical Strength
Race: Otter
Gender: Male
Element: Water (Spirit Magic)
Strength: Intelligence
Weakness: Physical Strength
Offensive Spells
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Other Characters
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
Sugar Ronsanu- A female human who talks to Wind Spirits. Sorbet's twin sister.
Sorbet Ronsanu- A female human bearing the Starsign of Cassia. Sugar's twin sister.
Caramel Highpitch- A male human who talks to Sound Spirits. A member of the Will-O-Wisp Academy Orchestra.
Combat Abilities: Soothing Song- Pacifies monsters for as long as it plays, and nobody else attacks. (Does not work on monsters with no sense of hearing. Does not work on monsters that don't sleep. Does not work on most powerful enemies.)
Cocoa Daybreak- A female human bearing the Starsign of Day. She stays at school a lot longer than most commuter students.
Pico Pintail- A male human bearing the Starsign of Razen. Is maybe a bit too adventurous for his own good.
Merlot- A puppet who talks to the Insect Spirits. Oturan Village's only mortal puppet.
Raspberry Dazemirror- A female Envoy of Love who talks to Beauty Spirits. She wants to paint all of the spirits together.
Chai Leafgreen- A male salamander bearing the Starsign of Gren. The first known salamander wizard.
Paprika Kismet- A female rabbitfolk who talks to Beast Spirits. Has a pet frog named Zulian who she cannot control.
Mokka- An ancient robot bearing the Starsign of Erd, who can talk to Machinery Spirits. An old friend of Ketchup and Professor Pistachio Maplewood.
Nutmeg Boulderfall- A female vox bearing the Starsign of Erd. Has problems staying out of trouble.
Bel Pepper- A male felin who can use wind magic. Easily distracted by everything, including his ongoing feud with Nutmeg.
Sorbet Ronsanu- A female human bearing the Starsign of Cassia. Sugar's twin sister.
Caramel Highpitch- A male human who talks to Sound Spirits. A member of the Will-O-Wisp Academy Orchestra.
Combat Abilities: Soothing Song- Pacifies monsters for as long as it plays, and nobody else attacks. (Does not work on monsters with no sense of hearing. Does not work on monsters that don't sleep. Does not work on most powerful enemies.)
Cocoa Daybreak- A female human bearing the Starsign of Day. She stays at school a lot longer than most commuter students.
Pico Pintail- A male human bearing the Starsign of Razen. Is maybe a bit too adventurous for his own good.
Merlot- A puppet who talks to the Insect Spirits. Oturan Village's only mortal puppet.
Raspberry Dazemirror- A female Envoy of Love who talks to Beauty Spirits. She wants to paint all of the spirits together.
Chai Leafgreen- A male salamander bearing the Starsign of Gren. The first known salamander wizard.
Paprika Kismet- A female rabbitfolk who talks to Beast Spirits. Has a pet frog named Zulian who she cannot control.
Mokka- An ancient robot bearing the Starsign of Erd, who can talk to Machinery Spirits. An old friend of Ketchup and Professor Pistachio Maplewood.
Nutmeg Boulderfall- A female vox bearing the Starsign of Erd. Has problems staying out of trouble.
Bel Pepper- A male felin who can use wind magic. Easily distracted by everything, including his ongoing feud with Nutmeg.
Principal Biscotti- The founder of the school, and a wizard of great power. Nobody knows where he comes from, or even his true age.
Miss Madeleine- Principal Biscotti's second-in-command, she has the power to use both dark and light magic. A kind woman who wants nothing more than to see her students achieve their dreams.
Miss Ketchup- A female human who is a teacher at Will-O-Wisp Academy. She has lived at the school since she was a child.
Sir Mustard- Miss Ketchup's twin brother, who was apparently knighted at one point. Rye's homeroom teacher.
Professor Pistachio Maplewood- A very intelligent vox who is friends with the Wood Spirits, and just started teaching at Will-O-Wisp this year. Ketchup and Mokka's old friend and classmate.
Mokka- See entry under 'Classmates'.
Cider Rainbow- A friend to the Beauty Spirits who has taken the post of school librarian. Raspberry is a big fan of his.
Miss Madeleine- Principal Biscotti's second-in-command, she has the power to use both dark and light magic. A kind woman who wants nothing more than to see her students achieve their dreams.
Miss Ketchup- A female human who is a teacher at Will-O-Wisp Academy. She has lived at the school since she was a child.
Sir Mustard- Miss Ketchup's twin brother, who was apparently knighted at one point. Rye's homeroom teacher.
Professor Pistachio Maplewood- A very intelligent vox who is friends with the Wood Spirits, and just started teaching at Will-O-Wisp this year. Ketchup and Mokka's old friend and classmate.
Mokka- See entry under 'Classmates'.
Cider Rainbow- A friend to the Beauty Spirits who has taken the post of school librarian. Raspberry is a big fan of his.
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About the World
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
The Magic Planet, it is the farthest known planet in the Baklava solar system, possessing no specific aura. Unlike most of the planets in the solar system, it is in a spherical shape, making 'night' occur much more frequently. The Kingdom of Kovomaka, currently ruled by King Geattsua IV, boasts a great number of wizards of all disciplines.
Out of all the planets in the solar system, Kovomaka has the highest population, as well as the greatest diversity in races. This may be part of the reason that spirits are so easily found there. On this planet, those capable of using magic are known as wizards.
There are a number of unique locations on Kovomaka, spread out among three different Realms.
La Roche Tower: A location in the always-sunlit Realm of Light where the chief of the ratfolk lives. There is a village at the base, set up as a marketplace that trades in frogs and stickers instead of bira and old coins. As the ratfolk are best at making them, this is the easiest way for one to obtain stickers... if an expensive one.
Kido Monga: The workplace of Kovomaka's dwarves, specializing in repairing and repurposing the technology left behind by the Espresso civilization. They particularly enjoy working with a particularly modular subtype of robot only found on Kovomaka itself. Less hardworking than their brethren on Cassia or Razen, their tower of Kido Monga doesn't bother to follow any sort of safety codes... much to the annoyance of visitors.
Green Tea Village: The home of the Envoys of Love, a peaceful race native only to the Realm of Light. While they have a chief, it is generally accepted that it is his wife, an accomplished healer by the name of Peche, who actually runs the village.
Oturan Village: A village in the Realm of Light built on top of a rather complicated cave system and home to several puppets. Puppets born in the Realm of Light are immortal, most of the time, and spring into existence with the forms they will bear for the rest of their lives. Despite this lack of contact with death, they have no qualms with leaving the bodies of their dead on display so long as it was not an act of murder. This village receives a great amount of foot traffic, the cave system being the safest way to reach the Mimolette Forest.
Remittsu Royal Palace: A large structure that used to be the seat of power for rulers of the Realm of Light, before the factions of the three Realms were unified into a single kingdom. Now long abandoned, the halls are filled with spirits, who have gathered in large enough clusters to manifest and use their powers freely. Aside from a general presence of dust in the halls, the building is kept in pristine condition by the efforts of said spirits, and those looking to defile it will face their wrath.
Will-O-Wisp Academy: A school of magic established by a man named Biscotti shortly after the Three-Day War, and the only school in the solar system that teaches Spirit Magic. It received a lot of negative attention in the early days for a yearly camping trip where students would frequently vanish, but these incidents eventually stopped and, after a while, people stopped complaining. Besides Biscotti, notable staff at the school include the well-regarded friend to the Wood Spirits Professor Pistachio, a pair of twins whose magical types remain a mystery, the principal's robotic assistant, and an enigmatic woman known only as Madeleine.
Valencia Beach: A cove discovered by pirates a very long time ago, now a vacation spot best known for mysterious disappearances. Will-O-Wisp Academy sends students there on a camping trip every year.
Out of all the planets in the solar system, Kovomaka has the highest population, as well as the greatest diversity in races. This may be part of the reason that spirits are so easily found there. On this planet, those capable of using magic are known as wizards.
There are a number of unique locations on Kovomaka, spread out among three different Realms.
La Roche Tower: A location in the always-sunlit Realm of Light where the chief of the ratfolk lives. There is a village at the base, set up as a marketplace that trades in frogs and stickers instead of bira and old coins. As the ratfolk are best at making them, this is the easiest way for one to obtain stickers... if an expensive one.
Kido Monga: The workplace of Kovomaka's dwarves, specializing in repairing and repurposing the technology left behind by the Espresso civilization. They particularly enjoy working with a particularly modular subtype of robot only found on Kovomaka itself. Less hardworking than their brethren on Cassia or Razen, their tower of Kido Monga doesn't bother to follow any sort of safety codes... much to the annoyance of visitors.
Green Tea Village: The home of the Envoys of Love, a peaceful race native only to the Realm of Light. While they have a chief, it is generally accepted that it is his wife, an accomplished healer by the name of Peche, who actually runs the village.
Oturan Village: A village in the Realm of Light built on top of a rather complicated cave system and home to several puppets. Puppets born in the Realm of Light are immortal, most of the time, and spring into existence with the forms they will bear for the rest of their lives. Despite this lack of contact with death, they have no qualms with leaving the bodies of their dead on display so long as it was not an act of murder. This village receives a great amount of foot traffic, the cave system being the safest way to reach the Mimolette Forest.
Remittsu Royal Palace: A large structure that used to be the seat of power for rulers of the Realm of Light, before the factions of the three Realms were unified into a single kingdom. Now long abandoned, the halls are filled with spirits, who have gathered in large enough clusters to manifest and use their powers freely. Aside from a general presence of dust in the halls, the building is kept in pristine condition by the efforts of said spirits, and those looking to defile it will face their wrath.
Will-O-Wisp Academy: A school of magic established by a man named Biscotti shortly after the Three-Day War, and the only school in the solar system that teaches Spirit Magic. It received a lot of negative attention in the early days for a yearly camping trip where students would frequently vanish, but these incidents eventually stopped and, after a while, people stopped complaining. Besides Biscotti, notable staff at the school include the well-regarded friend to the Wood Spirits Professor Pistachio, a pair of twins whose magical types remain a mystery, the principal's robotic assistant, and an enigmatic woman known only as Madeleine.
Valencia Beach: A cove discovered by pirates a very long time ago, now a vacation spot best known for mysterious disappearances. Will-O-Wisp Academy sends students there on a camping trip every year.
The Earth Planet, it boasts a very dry and rocky ecosystem in which few beings can live.
The Water Planet, known for warm beaches and a variety of seafood recipes.
The Wind Planet, and the center of the Baklava system. It is most known for its large capital city, and the harsh winds that blow across the open plains.
On this planet, those capable of using magic are known as magicians.
On this planet, those capable of using magic are known as magicians.
The Wood Planet, Gren is covered in a massive jungle full of a large number of aggressive monsters.
The Fire Planet, and the closest to the sun. The planet is basically an enormous volcano, and only the strongest beings make their home there. Because of the immense temperature, only rockets that are specially modified are capable of reaching this planet safely.
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Character Creation (Part 2)
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
On Kovomaka, your people aren't particularly gathered into one place. Ibense Rocks, Roche Road... As long as it is between La Roche Tower and Kido Monga, and west of the Remittsu Royal Palace, it would not be unlikely to see an otter, but there is no place where you are all tightly grouped together. You aren't sure if any otters exist on this planet outside of the Realm of Light, but again, you have never asked.
Just as you can't name a particular location, you can't name a specific job that your people are most connected to, though you are very well aware of what your parents do. After all, their profession is the entire reason you live where you do.
[ ][ORIGIN] Nobody enforces the laws of the ratfolk, even the legitimate merchants caring less for legality than the depths of their pockets. A shop set up just out of sight of La Roche Tower gets a lot of business from the wary and repeat visitors.
[ ][ORIGIN] Your family actually lives farther out than the rest of the Kovomaka otters, still in the Realm of Light, but east of the Remittsu Royal Palace. The Sparrow Fields have numerous hot springs, and to open a resort was surprisingly easy, to hear your grandparents tell the tale.
[ ][ORIGIN] The dwarves of Kido Monga spend more time reworking old machinery than acting as the brilliant inventors they are, but they still need someone to do the heavy lifting for them. You have grown up around dwarven children, who alternate between idolizing their Grenadine and being jealous of your aptitude for magic, something that their race as a whole lacks.
[ ][ORIGIN] In the wild lands between the realm of the ratfolk and dwarven territory, numerous rivers run over the rocks. The otters of Cassia live their lives around the water, and though they now live on another planet, your parents have followed in this tradition. You can't remember how many times your paws have gotten tangled in a fishing net...
Not that you will be following in your parents' footsteps. No, Will-O-Wisp Academy has been your destiny ever since you fully awoke to the magic within you... and figured out how it was used. You haven't gotten much practice with your powers, but where they come from is as clear as day to you.
[ ][MAGIC] Your people have always had a connection to the water, having resided on Cassia since time immemorial. You were not born on that planet, but a connection to it remains all the same in the form of the power swirling under your fur. The Starsign of Cassia is your birthright, and you wield it proudly.
[ ][MAGIC] While you were not born on Cassia, you have heard the stories, passed down through the generations, about your distant ancestor, the Fire Otter. His blood burns brightly in your veins, as well as the Starsign of Razen, the Fire Planet. It is rare that one of you inherits this power, so you are sure everyone has great expectations for you, but you aren't too worried about being able to match them.
[ ][MAGIC] In the rain, the streams, and even the odd patch of ice, the Water Spirits make their home. As a child, you would play amongst them for lack of otter friends, and even now, they are still your dearest companions. In return for your friendship, they grant you power, and you know that the force of water is something you will never have to fear.
[ ][MAGIC] The candles, the lanterns, even the odd bonfire... they all hold spirits, and the spirits love stories. The Fire Spirits are your friends, who devour the pages of the stories you write down in return for safety from the burning flames and the ability to make toast with your bare paws. It's not quite as impressive as the Fire Otter of legend, but you're sure you'll get there eventually!
[ ][MAGIC] The dwarven people have long moved on from swords to robots, but the otters have a tradition of always keeping at least one sharp object on hand at all times. It should come as no surprise that a rare few can speak to them. It is true that the Blade Spirits are demanding masters, but you are dedicated to your art, and there are worse ways to petition for power than a day of fasting. Much worse.
Just as you can't name a particular location, you can't name a specific job that your people are most connected to, though you are very well aware of what your parents do. After all, their profession is the entire reason you live where you do.
[ ][ORIGIN] Nobody enforces the laws of the ratfolk, even the legitimate merchants caring less for legality than the depths of their pockets. A shop set up just out of sight of La Roche Tower gets a lot of business from the wary and repeat visitors.
[ ][ORIGIN] Your family actually lives farther out than the rest of the Kovomaka otters, still in the Realm of Light, but east of the Remittsu Royal Palace. The Sparrow Fields have numerous hot springs, and to open a resort was surprisingly easy, to hear your grandparents tell the tale.
[ ][ORIGIN] The dwarves of Kido Monga spend more time reworking old machinery than acting as the brilliant inventors they are, but they still need someone to do the heavy lifting for them. You have grown up around dwarven children, who alternate between idolizing their Grenadine and being jealous of your aptitude for magic, something that their race as a whole lacks.
[ ][ORIGIN] In the wild lands between the realm of the ratfolk and dwarven territory, numerous rivers run over the rocks. The otters of Cassia live their lives around the water, and though they now live on another planet, your parents have followed in this tradition. You can't remember how many times your paws have gotten tangled in a fishing net...
Not that you will be following in your parents' footsteps. No, Will-O-Wisp Academy has been your destiny ever since you fully awoke to the magic within you... and figured out how it was used. You haven't gotten much practice with your powers, but where they come from is as clear as day to you.
[ ][MAGIC] Your people have always had a connection to the water, having resided on Cassia since time immemorial. You were not born on that planet, but a connection to it remains all the same in the form of the power swirling under your fur. The Starsign of Cassia is your birthright, and you wield it proudly.
[ ][MAGIC] While you were not born on Cassia, you have heard the stories, passed down through the generations, about your distant ancestor, the Fire Otter. His blood burns brightly in your veins, as well as the Starsign of Razen, the Fire Planet. It is rare that one of you inherits this power, so you are sure everyone has great expectations for you, but you aren't too worried about being able to match them.
[ ][MAGIC] In the rain, the streams, and even the odd patch of ice, the Water Spirits make their home. As a child, you would play amongst them for lack of otter friends, and even now, they are still your dearest companions. In return for your friendship, they grant you power, and you know that the force of water is something you will never have to fear.
[ ][MAGIC] The candles, the lanterns, even the odd bonfire... they all hold spirits, and the spirits love stories. The Fire Spirits are your friends, who devour the pages of the stories you write down in return for safety from the burning flames and the ability to make toast with your bare paws. It's not quite as impressive as the Fire Otter of legend, but you're sure you'll get there eventually!
[ ][MAGIC] The dwarven people have long moved on from swords to robots, but the otters have a tradition of always keeping at least one sharp object on hand at all times. It should come as no surprise that a rare few can speak to them. It is true that the Blade Spirits are demanding masters, but you are dedicated to your art, and there are worse ways to petition for power than a day of fasting. Much worse.
Character Creation (Part 3)
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
The Seabreeze clan of otters came to Kovomaka about three hundred years ago for a reason you aren't all that sure of, a small family at the time that happened upon the Sparrow Fields and decided it would be a good place to live. Your family is unique in that regard, leading you to be isolated from other families of otters.
None of you really mind it. It's a large family, and a large family business, even if you have to constantly clean ricebird feathers out of the hot springs. The springs insist on it.
"You're out early today," The spring that you're cleaning up around tells you. You suppose you are, though those that haven't grown up in the Realm of Light would wonder how you can tell when it is always daytime. More than once, you've had to deal with a tourist collapsing due to not realizing how long they'd gone without sleep.
Personally, you can't help but find the idea of a dark night somewhat frightening. For you, the sun has never been gone from the sky, and it has never gone dark, either. There are two kinds of night on this planet, and you have yet to experience either one.
You'll have to, if you end up attending Will-O-Wisp, but you'll cross that ocean when you come to it. "I woke up early," You tell the spring, reaching for another wedged-together lump of soaked feathers. You really need to install a net over there one of these days. "And if I stayed in, Uncle Al would have made me help with breakfast." Never mind that the last time you tried to cook ended in several cases of food poisoning. It's just not for you, apparently.
The hot spring spirit sighs, and you can sort of see her swirling through the water now, fishlike tail beating against the edge of the spring. She could manifest on her own if she wanted to, she's powerful enough, and you could pull her into solidity just as easily, but you won't, because you don't want to offend the most powerful Water Spirit in the area.
"All Almond wants for you is for you to grow up into a responsible young
[ ] lady,
[ ] gentleman,
Is that too much to ask for?" Given how much effort you put into keeping the springs nice and tidy, you'd argue that you're already there, but there's no arguing with Uncle Almond, or with the spirit of the spring. They're just too convincing.
"Maybe, but... I don't think cooking's for me." The rocks are mostly dry, the spring having been unused all night, but the remaining slickness just takes a bit of effort before it rolls away to join the rest of the water. "I've already got things I'm good at."
There is no reply from the spirit, and looking back, her presence has already vanished. Oh, well. She'll turn up again. She always does.
And it's not like you were lying. You do have your strengths, one of which is bound to help you become a better wizard.
[ ][STRENGTH] You are rather physically powerful from having to handle particularly rowdy guests and carry large towers of towels. If something happens so you can't cast magic, you can always just punch your opponent in the face.
[ ][STRENGTH] You have a lot of magical capacity, so much that you've never actually run dry before. Not that you've put that much of an effort into testing your limits.
[ ][STRENGTH] Your magic is incredibly powerful even without the assistance of spirits, letting you achieve incredible results for minimal power.
[ ][STRENGTH] Learning has always been your passion, and you get your information from several different sources. From Water Spirits, to tourists, to even members of your own family, you've always listened to anything they had to tell you, especially about magic.
[ ][STRENGTH] For someone who works at a hot springs resort, few would expect you to have such good reflexes. This is good. It keeps them guessing.
[ ][STRENGTH] Beyond just being unable to be really hurt by water, you tend to be resistant to damage in general. You think it's your thick fur, but whatever it is, it's definitely useful.
Hopefully, it'll be able to make up for the fact that...
[ ][WEAKNESS] If you punch someone, you'd be more likely to hurt yourself than your opponent.
[ ][WEAKNESS] When you expend any amount of magical energy, it takes a very long time for any of it to come back.
[ ][WEAKNESS] Without the help of spirits, you can only do the simplest of tasks.
[ ][WEAKNESS] When people give you information, it just goes in one ear and out the other.
[ ][WEAKNESS] While gummy creatures are endangered for a reason, it's not you. You're more likely to trip over a wormhole than actually pull something out of it.
[ ][WEAKNESS] Pain hurts.
None of you really mind it. It's a large family, and a large family business, even if you have to constantly clean ricebird feathers out of the hot springs. The springs insist on it.
"You're out early today," The spring that you're cleaning up around tells you. You suppose you are, though those that haven't grown up in the Realm of Light would wonder how you can tell when it is always daytime. More than once, you've had to deal with a tourist collapsing due to not realizing how long they'd gone without sleep.
Personally, you can't help but find the idea of a dark night somewhat frightening. For you, the sun has never been gone from the sky, and it has never gone dark, either. There are two kinds of night on this planet, and you have yet to experience either one.
You'll have to, if you end up attending Will-O-Wisp, but you'll cross that ocean when you come to it. "I woke up early," You tell the spring, reaching for another wedged-together lump of soaked feathers. You really need to install a net over there one of these days. "And if I stayed in, Uncle Al would have made me help with breakfast." Never mind that the last time you tried to cook ended in several cases of food poisoning. It's just not for you, apparently.
The hot spring spirit sighs, and you can sort of see her swirling through the water now, fishlike tail beating against the edge of the spring. She could manifest on her own if she wanted to, she's powerful enough, and you could pull her into solidity just as easily, but you won't, because you don't want to offend the most powerful Water Spirit in the area.
"All Almond wants for you is for you to grow up into a responsible young
[ ] lady,
[ ] gentleman,
Is that too much to ask for?" Given how much effort you put into keeping the springs nice and tidy, you'd argue that you're already there, but there's no arguing with Uncle Almond, or with the spirit of the spring. They're just too convincing.
"Maybe, but... I don't think cooking's for me." The rocks are mostly dry, the spring having been unused all night, but the remaining slickness just takes a bit of effort before it rolls away to join the rest of the water. "I've already got things I'm good at."
There is no reply from the spirit, and looking back, her presence has already vanished. Oh, well. She'll turn up again. She always does.
And it's not like you were lying. You do have your strengths, one of which is bound to help you become a better wizard.
[ ][STRENGTH] You are rather physically powerful from having to handle particularly rowdy guests and carry large towers of towels. If something happens so you can't cast magic, you can always just punch your opponent in the face.
[ ][STRENGTH] You have a lot of magical capacity, so much that you've never actually run dry before. Not that you've put that much of an effort into testing your limits.
[ ][STRENGTH] Your magic is incredibly powerful even without the assistance of spirits, letting you achieve incredible results for minimal power.
[ ][STRENGTH] Learning has always been your passion, and you get your information from several different sources. From Water Spirits, to tourists, to even members of your own family, you've always listened to anything they had to tell you, especially about magic.
[ ][STRENGTH] For someone who works at a hot springs resort, few would expect you to have such good reflexes. This is good. It keeps them guessing.
[ ][STRENGTH] Beyond just being unable to be really hurt by water, you tend to be resistant to damage in general. You think it's your thick fur, but whatever it is, it's definitely useful.
Hopefully, it'll be able to make up for the fact that...
[ ][WEAKNESS] If you punch someone, you'd be more likely to hurt yourself than your opponent.
[ ][WEAKNESS] When you expend any amount of magical energy, it takes a very long time for any of it to come back.
[ ][WEAKNESS] Without the help of spirits, you can only do the simplest of tasks.
[ ][WEAKNESS] When people give you information, it just goes in one ear and out the other.
[ ][WEAKNESS] While gummy creatures are endangered for a reason, it's not you. You're more likely to trip over a wormhole than actually pull something out of it.
[ ][WEAKNESS] Pain hurts.
Vacationers' Tales- Mokka
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
On a night when the sun had gone dark, and the planet was facing away from it to begin with, Will-O-Wisp Academy was left in near-complete blackness. The students who stayed there had all gone to bed, as had most of the staff. Aside from the lanterns hanging in the hallways, just close enough to each other to see the next one, the only sign of light was in the crack underneath a certain doorway.
That and a round, persistent red glow making its way through the hallway, occasionally stepping under the torchlight long enough to reveal a bronze robot with a single electronic eye and three fingers on each hand.
When the robot reached the doorway, he stopped in front of it, knocking three times.
"Come in," Called a tired male voice.
The robot opened the door, to reveal a man with curly blond hair sitting in front of a desk piled high with papers. "Mustard. Have you gotten any sleep tonight?"
The man sighed and shook his head. "I have to finish grading these essays by tomorrow, I don't have time for sleep." The robot considered pointing out that Mustard hadn't needed to wait until it was almost the start of the new term to get started on this work, or maybe not assign essays the length of a novel to begin with, but his old classmate had never listened to him before, and that probably wasn't going to change anytime soon. "...By the way, Mokka, since you're up, could you get me some coffee?"
"I am not your assistant," Mokka replied, same as he always did when his friends started acting like this. "I am actually here for two reasons. One: Your sister wants me to convince you to sleep."
"Not happening." The response was immediate, even though Mustard's hat was worryingly close on the desk to a candle.
"She thought you might say that. She also authorized me to render any and all electronic equipment inoperable until you have attained a healthy sleep schedule." And while eight centuries had not been anywhere near enough to figure out the twins' capabilities, Mokka felt it was safe to say that, while Mustard had many talents, speaking with the Machinery Spirits was not one of them.
"...I'll go to bed early tomorrow." Close enough. He'd make sure to drop by, though, just to be safe. "You wanted something else?"
"Well, I was supposed to pass out paperwork to prepare for the start of the new term, but I believe it can wait for tomorrow." Mustard's shoulders drooped in obvious relief.
And then his hat caught fire. Mokka suspected that some of the students wouldn't be getting their essays back.
Unlike her brother, Ketchup had all of her paperwork for the new term completed by the time Mokka saw her the next day, and had the newspaper open in front of her. "Is there anything I should hear about?" The robot asked.
The brunette shrugged. "Well, the latest attempt to make gummy creatures a protected species failed... There's a missing person's notice for Souffle Rainbow- I hope Cider's okay- and a few others, but I don't think we know any of them... Prices for spare parts are up again, you probably shouldn't get into any major scuffles... And the Kovomaka Historical Society is still complaining about certain things from when we were in school." Not that they had any need to know what had been going on back then.
Still, Mokka was aware that Ketchup might not have seen it that way, if only because she'd been cheeky enough to do her thesis on the different types of Enigma and their powers. Even gotten interviews from Candy and Vanilla for it.
...Well, okay, she'd interviewed Candy and asked Ganache to question Vanilla, but it was the same basic thing. "In fairness, I believe I am the only one who has an actual gag order." It was just that, for some reason, nobody really liked talking about their little stint as child soldiers.
"Yes, but if we did anything to set back his family's reputation, Ganache would kill us." That was ridiculous. The man wasn't even on the planet.
"That would require him to hear of it," Mokka pointed out. "Not that I am saying you should overturn eight hundred years of history and the reputation of our workplace. Just that it is possible."
"Is this really your workplace?" Ketchup asked, the deep violet of her eyes actually flickering away from her paper for a moment. "It's not like Biscotti pays you or anything. You just... hang around without anywhere to go. I'm not even sure you officially graduated."
Of course he'd graduated. He had a degree in spiritualism hung proudly over his maintenance station and everything. "I have tasks to complete here. Is that not enough?"
"...I don't have enough caffeine for this," The woman sighed. "Look, all I'm saying is, you love traveling. Used to talk about it all the time back when we were students. And now you're here without any official job description and you haven't even bothered learning to use the full extent of your power. Just because the Starsign of Erd is only fully powered for a fifth of the year doesn't excuse not using it."
"Like you use all the aspects of your power?" He knew there were still things the twins were hiding from the world. Between them, he'd seen just about every type of magic that corresponded to a type of spiritualism, but they still denied having any type of innate power. It was just one of those things that didn't seem to be worth questioning anymore.
"This isn't about me." Not the type of fervent denial he was used to. "Look, I've seen a lot of students fail to reach their potential. And it's sad, because they could do so much if they just tried for it. Like Kirche's brother's kid. I don't remember the name..."
"Pico?" It was an easy name to remember, both because of how long he'd been a student and because Mokka had gone to school with his uncle. Ketchup probably just didn't care enough at the moment.
"Right. Pico Pintail. He doesn't apply himself, he doesn't even think about what he wants to do in the future... unfortunately, he seems to take after his father in that regard. Anyway. When it comes to the Machinery Spirits, I'm not saying you don't know what you're doing. Earth Magic, however? We always knew you had that potential, but you've never tried to realize it. Not once, in all these eight hundred years. And I get that isn't all that long for an immortal robot, but... You could be learning. You could be exploring the solar system. I think there might even be some ruins on this planet we haven't fully excavated yet. So why are you sitting around and ferrying paperwork for Biscotti?"
He didn't actually have a good answer for that. Aside from maybe that Blueberry had vanished centuries ago and never come back, but it wasn't like the idea of that sort of risk was anything new to them.
Ketchup didn't wait for him to respond, either, turning to some other sort of work that she'd want to finish ridiculously early.
Somehow, this was entirely expected of her.
Most of the time, when people were to look at the man named Biscotti, they would see nothing but an educator, albeit one that was rather politically active. Mokka had thought something similar for a time, before he'd learned the truth. That the man in front of him was, in fact, Gran Degree, the most powerful wizard in the solar system.
It was easy to forget, when the possibly-immortal man had set aside combat magic for the sake of his students, but Mokka never allowed himself to. It was safer, that way.
"Ah, Mokka." The man who had bought him from that curiosity shop so long ago greeted him. "Do you have the paperwork?"
"Yes. Even Mustard managed to complete it within a satisfactory timeframe." Surprisingly, it had been Madeleine who had needed the most prodding this time. She wasn't that much older than the members of his class, so her mind couldn't be going yet...
"Ah, I see. And the applications for new students?"
"For once, we should be able to admit all of them, so long as they show magical capabilities. We appear to be under the maximum this year." Which meant, of course, that the principal would listen for rumors of talented young wizards, and try to convince them to come to his academy. He had a tendency to do that sort of thing. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that."
"Oh?"
"I was wondering if I could perhaps sit in on a few classes on Starsigns this year." He wasn't going to admit it was because of Ketchup, of course. Nobody needed to know that he was just as terrified of her as anyone else.
Biscotti didn't take long to consider it. "Well, it isn't as if you'd be taking anyone else's spot. It's a good thing you brought it up this year, though. You remember what it was like last year." More applications than the school's maximum capacity, at least half of which were pranks.
"If that ever becomes a normal year, I believe the twins and I will be walking out." Because it would be nice to get to travel again.
"And I assume you'd take Pistachio with you?" Some of Mokka's surprise must have registered, because Biscotti continued. "He finally agreed to come back and lecture this year. I don't think he's ready for a homeroom just yet, but I'm sure it will be good for all of you to see him again."
Himself, some handpicked students... and Pistachio becoming a member of the staff? At the very least, this next year would not be boring.
That and a round, persistent red glow making its way through the hallway, occasionally stepping under the torchlight long enough to reveal a bronze robot with a single electronic eye and three fingers on each hand.
When the robot reached the doorway, he stopped in front of it, knocking three times.
"Come in," Called a tired male voice.
The robot opened the door, to reveal a man with curly blond hair sitting in front of a desk piled high with papers. "Mustard. Have you gotten any sleep tonight?"
The man sighed and shook his head. "I have to finish grading these essays by tomorrow, I don't have time for sleep." The robot considered pointing out that Mustard hadn't needed to wait until it was almost the start of the new term to get started on this work, or maybe not assign essays the length of a novel to begin with, but his old classmate had never listened to him before, and that probably wasn't going to change anytime soon. "...By the way, Mokka, since you're up, could you get me some coffee?"
"I am not your assistant," Mokka replied, same as he always did when his friends started acting like this. "I am actually here for two reasons. One: Your sister wants me to convince you to sleep."
"Not happening." The response was immediate, even though Mustard's hat was worryingly close on the desk to a candle.
"She thought you might say that. She also authorized me to render any and all electronic equipment inoperable until you have attained a healthy sleep schedule." And while eight centuries had not been anywhere near enough to figure out the twins' capabilities, Mokka felt it was safe to say that, while Mustard had many talents, speaking with the Machinery Spirits was not one of them.
"...I'll go to bed early tomorrow." Close enough. He'd make sure to drop by, though, just to be safe. "You wanted something else?"
"Well, I was supposed to pass out paperwork to prepare for the start of the new term, but I believe it can wait for tomorrow." Mustard's shoulders drooped in obvious relief.
And then his hat caught fire. Mokka suspected that some of the students wouldn't be getting their essays back.
Unlike her brother, Ketchup had all of her paperwork for the new term completed by the time Mokka saw her the next day, and had the newspaper open in front of her. "Is there anything I should hear about?" The robot asked.
The brunette shrugged. "Well, the latest attempt to make gummy creatures a protected species failed... There's a missing person's notice for Souffle Rainbow- I hope Cider's okay- and a few others, but I don't think we know any of them... Prices for spare parts are up again, you probably shouldn't get into any major scuffles... And the Kovomaka Historical Society is still complaining about certain things from when we were in school." Not that they had any need to know what had been going on back then.
Still, Mokka was aware that Ketchup might not have seen it that way, if only because she'd been cheeky enough to do her thesis on the different types of Enigma and their powers. Even gotten interviews from Candy and Vanilla for it.
...Well, okay, she'd interviewed Candy and asked Ganache to question Vanilla, but it was the same basic thing. "In fairness, I believe I am the only one who has an actual gag order." It was just that, for some reason, nobody really liked talking about their little stint as child soldiers.
"Yes, but if we did anything to set back his family's reputation, Ganache would kill us." That was ridiculous. The man wasn't even on the planet.
"That would require him to hear of it," Mokka pointed out. "Not that I am saying you should overturn eight hundred years of history and the reputation of our workplace. Just that it is possible."
"Is this really your workplace?" Ketchup asked, the deep violet of her eyes actually flickering away from her paper for a moment. "It's not like Biscotti pays you or anything. You just... hang around without anywhere to go. I'm not even sure you officially graduated."
Of course he'd graduated. He had a degree in spiritualism hung proudly over his maintenance station and everything. "I have tasks to complete here. Is that not enough?"
"...I don't have enough caffeine for this," The woman sighed. "Look, all I'm saying is, you love traveling. Used to talk about it all the time back when we were students. And now you're here without any official job description and you haven't even bothered learning to use the full extent of your power. Just because the Starsign of Erd is only fully powered for a fifth of the year doesn't excuse not using it."
"Like you use all the aspects of your power?" He knew there were still things the twins were hiding from the world. Between them, he'd seen just about every type of magic that corresponded to a type of spiritualism, but they still denied having any type of innate power. It was just one of those things that didn't seem to be worth questioning anymore.
"This isn't about me." Not the type of fervent denial he was used to. "Look, I've seen a lot of students fail to reach their potential. And it's sad, because they could do so much if they just tried for it. Like Kirche's brother's kid. I don't remember the name..."
"Pico?" It was an easy name to remember, both because of how long he'd been a student and because Mokka had gone to school with his uncle. Ketchup probably just didn't care enough at the moment.
"Right. Pico Pintail. He doesn't apply himself, he doesn't even think about what he wants to do in the future... unfortunately, he seems to take after his father in that regard. Anyway. When it comes to the Machinery Spirits, I'm not saying you don't know what you're doing. Earth Magic, however? We always knew you had that potential, but you've never tried to realize it. Not once, in all these eight hundred years. And I get that isn't all that long for an immortal robot, but... You could be learning. You could be exploring the solar system. I think there might even be some ruins on this planet we haven't fully excavated yet. So why are you sitting around and ferrying paperwork for Biscotti?"
He didn't actually have a good answer for that. Aside from maybe that Blueberry had vanished centuries ago and never come back, but it wasn't like the idea of that sort of risk was anything new to them.
Ketchup didn't wait for him to respond, either, turning to some other sort of work that she'd want to finish ridiculously early.
Somehow, this was entirely expected of her.
Most of the time, when people were to look at the man named Biscotti, they would see nothing but an educator, albeit one that was rather politically active. Mokka had thought something similar for a time, before he'd learned the truth. That the man in front of him was, in fact, Gran Degree, the most powerful wizard in the solar system.
It was easy to forget, when the possibly-immortal man had set aside combat magic for the sake of his students, but Mokka never allowed himself to. It was safer, that way.
"Ah, Mokka." The man who had bought him from that curiosity shop so long ago greeted him. "Do you have the paperwork?"
"Yes. Even Mustard managed to complete it within a satisfactory timeframe." Surprisingly, it had been Madeleine who had needed the most prodding this time. She wasn't that much older than the members of his class, so her mind couldn't be going yet...
"Ah, I see. And the applications for new students?"
"For once, we should be able to admit all of them, so long as they show magical capabilities. We appear to be under the maximum this year." Which meant, of course, that the principal would listen for rumors of talented young wizards, and try to convince them to come to his academy. He had a tendency to do that sort of thing. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that."
"Oh?"
"I was wondering if I could perhaps sit in on a few classes on Starsigns this year." He wasn't going to admit it was because of Ketchup, of course. Nobody needed to know that he was just as terrified of her as anyone else.
Biscotti didn't take long to consider it. "Well, it isn't as if you'd be taking anyone else's spot. It's a good thing you brought it up this year, though. You remember what it was like last year." More applications than the school's maximum capacity, at least half of which were pranks.
"If that ever becomes a normal year, I believe the twins and I will be walking out." Because it would be nice to get to travel again.
"And I assume you'd take Pistachio with you?" Some of Mokka's surprise must have registered, because Biscotti continued. "He finally agreed to come back and lecture this year. I don't think he's ready for a homeroom just yet, but I'm sure it will be good for all of you to see him again."
Himself, some handpicked students... and Pistachio becoming a member of the staff? At the very least, this next year would not be boring.
The Beginning
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
Once you're certain that everything in the springs is the way it should be, and that none of the spirits want to talk to you about something, you decide to go inside for breakfast. Uncle Almond has to be done cooking by now, right?
At the very least, you definitely smell food. Fish-stuffed green gummy frogs. Like you didn't already know your uncle was the best cook in the family.
Your two younger cousins- toddlers, the both of them- are already at the table, babbling out some sort of request for food. Almond Jr. and Pecan are adorable most of the time, except when they're hungry.
And they're almost always hungry.
...Okay, so maybe they aren't adorable that often. But Aunt Pear would kill you if you said that to her face, and your parents wouldn't do anything to help. So you push away any uncharitable thoughts and just get your plate.
While the food looks delicious, there's not a lot of it. Gummy creatures used to be everywhere, but now they're just another part of your shopping list. Aside from when there's ratfolk staying here, anyway. Their alternative economy is strange at times, but it has its high points. Even if Granny Grapefruit keeps muttering under her breath about how she used to be able to demand stickers. This sort of thing is all you've ever known.
"Ah, Rye, good morning!" You wince as your uncle notices you, his voice far too loud and cheery for this early in the day. "You were't in your room earlier. Off playing with the spirits again?"
Even if you were, you aren't entirely sure he has room to talk, what with the long conversations he has with his cooking utensils. All you've heard from tourists about the Blade Spirits suggests they wouldn't be open to such a thing, so you aren't sure if he's actually a wizard or just a bit insane. You don't think anyone else knows, either. For all you can tell, you're all just too scared to ask.
"I was cleaning up the hot springs, actually," You inform him. "On a related note, have you ever considered putting some netting over the top?" Honestly, you have no idea why it hasn't happened by now.
It's not like the fact that ricebirds keep breaking in is a secret or anything.
Your family pauses to consider this, while you grab your gummy frog and make a break for the table. With just one frog, you probably don't even need a plate, but your mother says that table manners are important, and you're not going to deny her this one little thing.
You're done eating by the time everyone else starts, and are resigned to spending several minutes sitting and waiting for them all to finish so you can actually get your chores for the day, when you there is a loud knock at the door.
Nobody ever knocks on the door at mealtime. Especially not when mealtimes are this short.
Your mother, seeing your clean plate, gestures at you. "Rye, get the door." You nod, and slip out of your seat, wondering who could possibly have come here and caused an interruption in your daily schedule.
Once the door is open, you get your answer.
He is an old human who leans on a cane, his white beard having no hairs out of place. His hat and jacket are a shade-perfect sky blue. Behind him stands a mechanical figure made of bronze, with armor plating and exhaust pipes coming out of its head.
They just may be the strangest pair you've ever seen. Certainly, you have no memories of robots visiting the resort before, the newer models just aren't waterproofed enough, and the older ones, who are only really vulnerable to lightning strikes, have too much rust to deal with already."Um... hello?" You begin, unsure of what they want, but thinking it would be rude to ask outright.
You don't get a real answer at first. The man just looks at you, as if he is considering something, and then he asks, "You're Rye Seabreeze, correct?" You nod, because it certainly can't hurt for him to know your name. It's not like he could summon you on the spot with it, you're not a spirit. "Is there a chance that your parents could come to the door? I promise it won't take too much time out of your morning."
And that sounds perfectly reasonable. So you don't question it, instead going off to do exactly as you're told.
You've heard of Will-O-Wisp Academy before. It'd be hard not to, given that it's the kingdom's premier school of magic. And the name Biscotti has been thrown around, though you were sure you'd never be able to put a face to it.
It turns out you were wrong about that. Because Principal Biscotti is sitting on your couch now, drinking some sort of herbal tea and telling your parents that they should send you to his school, while the robot that accompanies him stands to the side and pretends not to exist. It's sort of surreal, really.
It's not exactly hard for you to figure out what you want. You've always loved learning, and magic is your favorite subject. Attending Will-O-Wisp is something you considered, in the past, but you've never been able to figure out where to get an application. And if you were to ask your family, they'd just guilt trip you for not wanting to stay and work at the springs without meaning to.
You should know, because they did the same thing when Uncle Cilantro got married and decided to move to the Ibense Rocks. He comes by to visit every few months or so, but he never stays for very long.
"...I want to go," You state, so quietly it takes you a moment to realize you actually said it. "I'd... be able to learn a lot about magic, wouldn't I?"
"You would be free to learn as much as your heart desires," Biscotti confirms. And there's nothing that you would ever want more than that.
"This is rather short-notice, though," Your father points out. "It'll be some time before tourist season, but..."
"Your son does not have to leave right away," The robot points out. "The school term starts two weeks from now. If you believe you can obtain transportation to the Material Realm by that time, that is more time to adjust."
And more time for them to make you feel bad about leaving. Because they will, even if they don't mean to, and could even end up making you regret your decision.
Not that finding transportation would be particularly difficult, with your family in contact with multiple travel agencies, but still...
[ ] Go to school right away.
[ ] Stay at home until term starts.
At the very least, you definitely smell food. Fish-stuffed green gummy frogs. Like you didn't already know your uncle was the best cook in the family.
Your two younger cousins- toddlers, the both of them- are already at the table, babbling out some sort of request for food. Almond Jr. and Pecan are adorable most of the time, except when they're hungry.
And they're almost always hungry.
...Okay, so maybe they aren't adorable that often. But Aunt Pear would kill you if you said that to her face, and your parents wouldn't do anything to help. So you push away any uncharitable thoughts and just get your plate.
While the food looks delicious, there's not a lot of it. Gummy creatures used to be everywhere, but now they're just another part of your shopping list. Aside from when there's ratfolk staying here, anyway. Their alternative economy is strange at times, but it has its high points. Even if Granny Grapefruit keeps muttering under her breath about how she used to be able to demand stickers. This sort of thing is all you've ever known.
"Ah, Rye, good morning!" You wince as your uncle notices you, his voice far too loud and cheery for this early in the day. "You were't in your room earlier. Off playing with the spirits again?"
Even if you were, you aren't entirely sure he has room to talk, what with the long conversations he has with his cooking utensils. All you've heard from tourists about the Blade Spirits suggests they wouldn't be open to such a thing, so you aren't sure if he's actually a wizard or just a bit insane. You don't think anyone else knows, either. For all you can tell, you're all just too scared to ask.
"I was cleaning up the hot springs, actually," You inform him. "On a related note, have you ever considered putting some netting over the top?" Honestly, you have no idea why it hasn't happened by now.
It's not like the fact that ricebirds keep breaking in is a secret or anything.
Your family pauses to consider this, while you grab your gummy frog and make a break for the table. With just one frog, you probably don't even need a plate, but your mother says that table manners are important, and you're not going to deny her this one little thing.
You're done eating by the time everyone else starts, and are resigned to spending several minutes sitting and waiting for them all to finish so you can actually get your chores for the day, when you there is a loud knock at the door.
Nobody ever knocks on the door at mealtime. Especially not when mealtimes are this short.
Your mother, seeing your clean plate, gestures at you. "Rye, get the door." You nod, and slip out of your seat, wondering who could possibly have come here and caused an interruption in your daily schedule.
Once the door is open, you get your answer.
He is an old human who leans on a cane, his white beard having no hairs out of place. His hat and jacket are a shade-perfect sky blue. Behind him stands a mechanical figure made of bronze, with armor plating and exhaust pipes coming out of its head.
They just may be the strangest pair you've ever seen. Certainly, you have no memories of robots visiting the resort before, the newer models just aren't waterproofed enough, and the older ones, who are only really vulnerable to lightning strikes, have too much rust to deal with already."Um... hello?" You begin, unsure of what they want, but thinking it would be rude to ask outright.
You don't get a real answer at first. The man just looks at you, as if he is considering something, and then he asks, "You're Rye Seabreeze, correct?" You nod, because it certainly can't hurt for him to know your name. It's not like he could summon you on the spot with it, you're not a spirit. "Is there a chance that your parents could come to the door? I promise it won't take too much time out of your morning."
And that sounds perfectly reasonable. So you don't question it, instead going off to do exactly as you're told.
You've heard of Will-O-Wisp Academy before. It'd be hard not to, given that it's the kingdom's premier school of magic. And the name Biscotti has been thrown around, though you were sure you'd never be able to put a face to it.
It turns out you were wrong about that. Because Principal Biscotti is sitting on your couch now, drinking some sort of herbal tea and telling your parents that they should send you to his school, while the robot that accompanies him stands to the side and pretends not to exist. It's sort of surreal, really.
It's not exactly hard for you to figure out what you want. You've always loved learning, and magic is your favorite subject. Attending Will-O-Wisp is something you considered, in the past, but you've never been able to figure out where to get an application. And if you were to ask your family, they'd just guilt trip you for not wanting to stay and work at the springs without meaning to.
You should know, because they did the same thing when Uncle Cilantro got married and decided to move to the Ibense Rocks. He comes by to visit every few months or so, but he never stays for very long.
"...I want to go," You state, so quietly it takes you a moment to realize you actually said it. "I'd... be able to learn a lot about magic, wouldn't I?"
"You would be free to learn as much as your heart desires," Biscotti confirms. And there's nothing that you would ever want more than that.
"This is rather short-notice, though," Your father points out. "It'll be some time before tourist season, but..."
"Your son does not have to leave right away," The robot points out. "The school term starts two weeks from now. If you believe you can obtain transportation to the Material Realm by that time, that is more time to adjust."
And more time for them to make you feel bad about leaving. Because they will, even if they don't mean to, and could even end up making you regret your decision.
Not that finding transportation would be particularly difficult, with your family in contact with multiple travel agencies, but still...
[ ] Go to school right away.
[ ] Stay at home until term starts.
Departure From Sparrow Fields
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
...It's not that difficult of a decision. Even if your response seems to startle the robot somehow. "Really? You want to come along right away?"
"Is something wrong?" You ask. You honestly have no idea what goes on at Will-O-Wisp outside of term time, but surely it can't be that bad.
"...You'll see."
Biscotti sighs. "Mokka, please try your hardest to not scare the new students." So the robot's name is Mokka. You should try and keep that in mind for later. "In any case, you may need some time to pack. Once you are done, you should head north. You will find a bus parked right outside of Green Tea Village. You can meet us there."
Left unsaid is the fact that there will definitely be some sort of consequences for not showing up as soon as possible. You'll just... grab a few spare changes of clothes and ask your parents to mail you anything else you need.
The bus itself is easy to see. You don't come across vehicles all that often, not when the simplest way of crossing the Realm of Light is on foot, but you'd be able to recognize the round object made of shining steel even if Mokka and Principal Biscotti weren't already standing there.
Besides the two of them and the driver- sleeping in his seat, so you know it's him- a brown-furred vox man stands by the door, watching two children about your age building towers out of differently-colored pebbles- a green salamander and some sort of purple mole creature with red spikes.
Both of which come as a surprise. Salamanders can't use magic- or, at least, nobody has ever come across a salamander wizard- and you have no idea what kind of creature the other kid is.
Just as soon as you notice them, they notice you. The salamander stands up, his tail whipping around and knocking his pink and blue pebble tower to the ground. The other kid grins.
"So... this means I win, right?" Nobody answers. Not that the mole seems to mind, because then he appears to realize something. "Wait, if there's another kid here, that means-"
"Children," Biscotti speaks, glancing at the two boys. "Should you not be returning to your seats in the bus?"
The mole pales. The salamander looks even greener than he did before. This is probably not a good sign. "We do not have many more stops to make, and they already know we are coming, so at least this will be over soon," Mokka tries to reassure them.
You're definitely getting a really bad feeling about this...
"Why can't you drive?" The salamander desperately asks the robot.
"Because I do not have a licence. And over the past many thousands of years, I have never had a need to obtain one. I do not often go with Principal Biscotti's recruitment tour." With those words, Mokka boards the bus, followed closely by the floppy-eared vox, who he quickly falls into a conversation with.
You are quickly ushered on board as well, along with your fellow students. At the back of the bus, you notice two other kids. A pair of identical brown-haired human girls, the only difference between the two being that one wears green, and the other, blue, are fast asleep leaning against the wall.
The floor underneath the seats is covered in bags, while the girl in green has a book open in front of her. As much as that matters, when she's not even awake to read it.
Looking around at the space available to you, you decide to sit...
[ ] Next to the pair of sleeping girls.
[ ] Next to the salamander.
[ ] Next to the mole.
[ ] Behind Mokka and the vox.
[ ] On your own.
"Is something wrong?" You ask. You honestly have no idea what goes on at Will-O-Wisp outside of term time, but surely it can't be that bad.
"...You'll see."
Biscotti sighs. "Mokka, please try your hardest to not scare the new students." So the robot's name is Mokka. You should try and keep that in mind for later. "In any case, you may need some time to pack. Once you are done, you should head north. You will find a bus parked right outside of Green Tea Village. You can meet us there."
Left unsaid is the fact that there will definitely be some sort of consequences for not showing up as soon as possible. You'll just... grab a few spare changes of clothes and ask your parents to mail you anything else you need.
The bus itself is easy to see. You don't come across vehicles all that often, not when the simplest way of crossing the Realm of Light is on foot, but you'd be able to recognize the round object made of shining steel even if Mokka and Principal Biscotti weren't already standing there.
Besides the two of them and the driver- sleeping in his seat, so you know it's him- a brown-furred vox man stands by the door, watching two children about your age building towers out of differently-colored pebbles- a green salamander and some sort of purple mole creature with red spikes.
Both of which come as a surprise. Salamanders can't use magic- or, at least, nobody has ever come across a salamander wizard- and you have no idea what kind of creature the other kid is.
Just as soon as you notice them, they notice you. The salamander stands up, his tail whipping around and knocking his pink and blue pebble tower to the ground. The other kid grins.
"So... this means I win, right?" Nobody answers. Not that the mole seems to mind, because then he appears to realize something. "Wait, if there's another kid here, that means-"
"Children," Biscotti speaks, glancing at the two boys. "Should you not be returning to your seats in the bus?"
The mole pales. The salamander looks even greener than he did before. This is probably not a good sign. "We do not have many more stops to make, and they already know we are coming, so at least this will be over soon," Mokka tries to reassure them.
You're definitely getting a really bad feeling about this...
"Why can't you drive?" The salamander desperately asks the robot.
"Because I do not have a licence. And over the past many thousands of years, I have never had a need to obtain one. I do not often go with Principal Biscotti's recruitment tour." With those words, Mokka boards the bus, followed closely by the floppy-eared vox, who he quickly falls into a conversation with.
You are quickly ushered on board as well, along with your fellow students. At the back of the bus, you notice two other kids. A pair of identical brown-haired human girls, the only difference between the two being that one wears green, and the other, blue, are fast asleep leaning against the wall.
The floor underneath the seats is covered in bags, while the girl in green has a book open in front of her. As much as that matters, when she's not even awake to read it.
Looking around at the space available to you, you decide to sit...
[ ] Next to the pair of sleeping girls.
[ ] Next to the salamander.
[ ] Next to the mole.
[ ] Behind Mokka and the vox.
[ ] On your own.
Please Revoke Balsamico's Driver's License
SeekerofDreams
Aspiring Farmer
- Location
- Selphia
While the pair of identical girls are sprawled out over the very back of the bus, there's still some space left for you to sit down. There's a window nearby, so you can see Green Tea Village out of the side of the bus, the Envoys of Love already awake and going about their days.
For a moment, all is still. And then the driver wakes up, and your peace is shattered.
"Next stop, Oturan Village!" And with that, the vehicle starts, shooting off down the road at top speed, not even bothering to take the time to accelerate. You manage to catch yourself on the seat in front of you without slamming face-first into it on the first bump, but the girl in green isn't so lucky, spilling off the seat and onto the floor.
"Ow!" She bolts awake, attempting to scramble back onto her seat as the other girl begins to stir.
"We're going already?" The girl in blue complains, not looking very impressed with the quality of your transportation. You honestly can't say you blame her. That's when she notices you, blinking at you with pale gray eyes. "...Oh, are you the one the Principal was picking up?"
"Sorbet..." The green girl grumbles, still on the floor. Unlike the other, her eyes are a deep blue-violet. "Help me..." She's given a hand, and pulled up just in time for the bus to take a sharp turn, almost throwing her off of her seat again.
You get the feeling this is going to be a bit of a trend. Probably best to just ignore the bumpiness... even if it comes from driving right up a flight of stairs. "So, um..." You begin, wondering if they even remembered you were here, "I'm Rye Seabreeze. Who are you?"
"I'm Sorbet Ronsanu," The blue girl introduces herself. "And this is my sister, Sugar."
Sugar nods along. "It's nice to meet you... I guess. What are you going to be studying?"
"Water magic. I can talk to the Water Spirits, so..." You'll also be learning anything else you can get your hands on, but maybe it's best not to mention that part yet. "What about you?"
"I have the Starsign of Cassia," Sorbet explains.
"And I talk to Wind Spirits... They don't like this drive, either." And that's about when the bus goes over a large flight of stairs. "Prodigy driver Balsamico, he called himself..." You can sort of get why she's complaining.
"Are vehicles normally like this?" You ask. Sorbet shrugs.
"We've never been on one before, either. I... don't think I'll be making a habit of it." You and Sugar both agree with her. You should have just figured out your own transportation.
Thankfully, the ride is over quickly. "We are now arriving in Oturan Village!" It stops just as suddenly as it started, almost throwing Sugar from her seat again but for the spell she manages to cast. Sorbet isn't so lucky, and now it's her turn to fall from her seat.
You can commiserate. You hit the seat directly in front of you face first this time. It's not much of a stop, either. A puppet kid just climbs on, takes a seat next to the mole creature- you really need to figure out what his race is called later- and then you're off again. Things are a bit different this time- you've always been at least a bit aware of the world outside the window, but there's a blink, and then you're somewhere else entirely.
...So that's what Warp Magic is like. You know there's a few people who can cast spells like this, but there's not many of them. Most just leave it to specially-made machines.
"It's a bit strange, huh?" Sugar comments. "It was like that when we left the Realm of Darkness, too." Ahead of your group, the puppet seems to be reacting about the same way you are, while the mole is sort of freaking out.
Given how you were just pulled onto another plane of existence through sheer force of reckless driving, you can't really blame him.
"We are now most of the way through Principal Biscotti's yearly recruitment tour," Mokka announces, loudly enough for the whole bus to hear it. You're sure that there'd be cheering if you all weren't too concerned about falling out of your seats... or terrified for your lives as the driver makes the bus jump a river.
At least you can comfort yourself with the fact that it's almost over.
By the time it's announced that the next stop is actually Will-O-Wisp Academy, you've stopped paying attention to your fellow students boarding the bus, and the sky has lit up with all sorts of colors, orange and red and even a bit of violet.
"For those who have never been on this plane of existence before," Mokka begins, "What you can see outside is the phenomenon known as 'sunset'. It only occurs on this planet, because this planet is the only one that rotates, but it can occasionally separate the times between night and day."
Night... You've never noticed any difference between the time your awake and when you're supposed to be asleep other than the fact that you'll crash if you go too long without rest, and people with Starsigns of Night or Day will trade off which ones have a slight glow to them.
Still... "Occasionally?"
"I've heard about this," Sorbet tells you. "Apparently, the sun goes out sometimes, and that makes it night for the whole planet. It's just that there's always somewhere on Kovomaka where it's night no matter if the sun's in the sky or not."
So you should probably get used to it being dark... assuming you can. You'll try to reserve judgement until it actually happens.
Which probably won't be all that long from now. And somehow, that scares you a lot more than the fact you'll be going to school in another Realm than the one you grew up in.
Still, no matter how fast Balsamico drives, you won't reach the school for another hour. You should probably find some way to keep yourself occupied until then... besides keeping yourself from falling out of your seat, anyway.
[ ] Keep talking with the Ronsanu twins.
-[ ] About spirits.
-[ ] About the Starsign of Cassia.
-[ ] They both seem to know a lot...
-[ ] Is there a story behind the outfits?
-[ ] Complain about Balsamico's driving.
[ ] Look out the window... or, well, try to.
[ ] Try and listen in on some other students' conversations.
For a moment, all is still. And then the driver wakes up, and your peace is shattered.
"Next stop, Oturan Village!" And with that, the vehicle starts, shooting off down the road at top speed, not even bothering to take the time to accelerate. You manage to catch yourself on the seat in front of you without slamming face-first into it on the first bump, but the girl in green isn't so lucky, spilling off the seat and onto the floor.
"Ow!" She bolts awake, attempting to scramble back onto her seat as the other girl begins to stir.
"We're going already?" The girl in blue complains, not looking very impressed with the quality of your transportation. You honestly can't say you blame her. That's when she notices you, blinking at you with pale gray eyes. "...Oh, are you the one the Principal was picking up?"
"Sorbet..." The green girl grumbles, still on the floor. Unlike the other, her eyes are a deep blue-violet. "Help me..." She's given a hand, and pulled up just in time for the bus to take a sharp turn, almost throwing her off of her seat again.
You get the feeling this is going to be a bit of a trend. Probably best to just ignore the bumpiness... even if it comes from driving right up a flight of stairs. "So, um..." You begin, wondering if they even remembered you were here, "I'm Rye Seabreeze. Who are you?"
"I'm Sorbet Ronsanu," The blue girl introduces herself. "And this is my sister, Sugar."
Sugar nods along. "It's nice to meet you... I guess. What are you going to be studying?"
"Water magic. I can talk to the Water Spirits, so..." You'll also be learning anything else you can get your hands on, but maybe it's best not to mention that part yet. "What about you?"
"I have the Starsign of Cassia," Sorbet explains.
"And I talk to Wind Spirits... They don't like this drive, either." And that's about when the bus goes over a large flight of stairs. "Prodigy driver Balsamico, he called himself..." You can sort of get why she's complaining.
"Are vehicles normally like this?" You ask. Sorbet shrugs.
"We've never been on one before, either. I... don't think I'll be making a habit of it." You and Sugar both agree with her. You should have just figured out your own transportation.
Thankfully, the ride is over quickly. "We are now arriving in Oturan Village!" It stops just as suddenly as it started, almost throwing Sugar from her seat again but for the spell she manages to cast. Sorbet isn't so lucky, and now it's her turn to fall from her seat.
You can commiserate. You hit the seat directly in front of you face first this time. It's not much of a stop, either. A puppet kid just climbs on, takes a seat next to the mole creature- you really need to figure out what his race is called later- and then you're off again. Things are a bit different this time- you've always been at least a bit aware of the world outside the window, but there's a blink, and then you're somewhere else entirely.
...So that's what Warp Magic is like. You know there's a few people who can cast spells like this, but there's not many of them. Most just leave it to specially-made machines.
"It's a bit strange, huh?" Sugar comments. "It was like that when we left the Realm of Darkness, too." Ahead of your group, the puppet seems to be reacting about the same way you are, while the mole is sort of freaking out.
Given how you were just pulled onto another plane of existence through sheer force of reckless driving, you can't really blame him.
"We are now most of the way through Principal Biscotti's yearly recruitment tour," Mokka announces, loudly enough for the whole bus to hear it. You're sure that there'd be cheering if you all weren't too concerned about falling out of your seats... or terrified for your lives as the driver makes the bus jump a river.
At least you can comfort yourself with the fact that it's almost over.
By the time it's announced that the next stop is actually Will-O-Wisp Academy, you've stopped paying attention to your fellow students boarding the bus, and the sky has lit up with all sorts of colors, orange and red and even a bit of violet.
"For those who have never been on this plane of existence before," Mokka begins, "What you can see outside is the phenomenon known as 'sunset'. It only occurs on this planet, because this planet is the only one that rotates, but it can occasionally separate the times between night and day."
Night... You've never noticed any difference between the time your awake and when you're supposed to be asleep other than the fact that you'll crash if you go too long without rest, and people with Starsigns of Night or Day will trade off which ones have a slight glow to them.
Still... "Occasionally?"
"I've heard about this," Sorbet tells you. "Apparently, the sun goes out sometimes, and that makes it night for the whole planet. It's just that there's always somewhere on Kovomaka where it's night no matter if the sun's in the sky or not."
So you should probably get used to it being dark... assuming you can. You'll try to reserve judgement until it actually happens.
Which probably won't be all that long from now. And somehow, that scares you a lot more than the fact you'll be going to school in another Realm than the one you grew up in.
Still, no matter how fast Balsamico drives, you won't reach the school for another hour. You should probably find some way to keep yourself occupied until then... besides keeping yourself from falling out of your seat, anyway.
[ ] Keep talking with the Ronsanu twins.
-[ ] About spirits.
-[ ] About the Starsign of Cassia.
-[ ] They both seem to know a lot...
-[ ] Is there a story behind the outfits?
-[ ] Complain about Balsamico's driving.
[ ] Look out the window... or, well, try to.
[ ] Try and listen in on some other students' conversations.