Vorstallen Magic Preparatory - The Third-Best School for Young Mages in the Nation! Enrol Today!

occipitallobe · May 10, 2017

From now on, we'll play Weekdays and Weekend Turns.

On Weekday Turns, you get 4 Actions, 4 Class Training Rolls, and 2 Events.

Events are little "tests", things where Ulos gets a chance to show off what he has (or hasn't) got. Sometimes Events will be predetermined (like in-class tests), and sometimes they'll be random (classmates trying to prank you). They'll vary in Severity and Type, Severity being the difficulty and subsequent reward/punishments available, and Type being what sort of Skill or Stat is required to do well at the Event. Basically, they're my way of introducing random story elements to vary things so we don't only have interesting things happen on critical failure and critical success rolls, or if the quest decides to take weird risks.

Even very Severe events will have relatively minor impacts, though. No broken arms, no expulsions, even on the worst of the worst Critical Failures.

Class Training Rolls are locked. You'll get 1 per class you're Enrolled in.

The Thread will vote on the 4 Actions we get to take.

To make voting a little easier, I'm dividing Actions into three categories.

Firstly, Temporary Actions. Actions you might be able to only take this week, or for the next two weeks. Anything with a time limit goes here, to make sure the thread gets to see what's going on. If you don't take them, they'll disappear.

Secondly, Permanent Actions. Actions you can take whenever. They may only be able to be used once per week, or need you to expend Willpower, but they won't go away.

Thirdly, Locked Actions. Actions you would be able to take if you met some condition. Locked Actions cannot be taken, but give the thread an idea of what it might be able to unlock at a later date.

You presently have 5 Willpower. Note that this pool will need to last you for both these weekdays and the weekend.

Temporary Actions:

[ ] Check on Abraham - Man, he seemed pretty angry at the last Group Study. What's happening with him? Probably worth checking out. Roll Cha vs DC (High) to learn what is happening with Abraham. Failure means he won't tell you. Success unlocks ???, but it'll probably let you help him out. Disappears if not taken before the end of this weekend. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a reroll if failed. Willpower must be spent regardless of whether original roll passes.

[ ] Learn about Laila - She really doesn't like you. It might help to learn more about her, especially while people don't know her well enough to tell her you're making enquiries. Roll Cha vs DC (Medium) to learn about Laila. Offers no Skill bonuses, but may help on future rolls versus her. Willpower upgrade - spent 1 point to gain a reroll if failed. Willpower must be spent regardless of whether original roll passes. If reroll is failed as well, your lack of subtlety in making your enquiries means word gets back to Laila. Disappears if not taken within two weeks.

Permanent Actions:

[ ] 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)

[ ] 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.

[ ] 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. Can only be taken twice per Week max.

[ ] 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 ???.

[ ] Search for Ingredients - You don't know about a whole lot of Alchemical Ingredients, but you can go looking. Even if you don't find exactly what you're looking for, you can scout out good places. Roll against DC ???. On success, find Ingredients. On critical success find a Location with Ingredients.

[ ] Map out the Dorms - Knowing who is where, asking your friends about who has which room and how to get to places quickly. Sort of creepy, but also might come in handy. No skill gains. Roll against DC 65, on success gain Item: Map of Dorms (Unfinished). +10 bonus to pranks and similar actions taken within the Dorms.

[ ] Relax, Chill Out - You've worked hard enough. Why not kick back, have a nap and look out the window at the other students and the trees? Recovers 1 Willpower point.

Locked Actions:

[ ] Tutor Madavian (Magical Theory) - Madavian needs tutoring. He's falling behind already! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Madavian) vs Lore: Magical Theory. Success increases Madavian's grasp on Magical Theory and Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Madavian to ask, or you to offer.

[ ] Suck Up To Your Teacher (Write-In) - Figure out what they like. Do the research. Then suck up. Not hard in theory. Roll against DC ??? (depends on teacher) vs Cha. Success increases teacher's Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Ulos to know his teachers better.

[ ] Craft Alchemical Recipe (Write-In) - Time to get your Alchemy on! Get in there and make something useful! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Recipe). Success adds Recipe to Inventory. Locked. Requires at least 1 rank in Craft: Alchemy. Requires access to Alchemical Equipment.

[ ] Practice Spell (Write-In) - Time to practice a spell. Get better, cast faster, cast cheaper. Roll against DC (??? depends on Spell). Takes ??? Magic Pool, where ??? depends on spell. Character gains an additional Training roll if they still have more mana after practicing. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain an additional two Training Rolls if you have enough mana for it. Locked. Requires a spell Ulos can practice.

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.

occipitallobe · May 11, 2017

Monday Morning:

Ulos finally received his timetable as the entire year gathered at the base of the Library, Professor Tilbut showing up to guide them once more. She was perpetually stern, lining them up and handing out folded pieces of paper to each student.

Ulos looked over. Essentially, he had Magical Theory first, taking up most of his Mondays. Spirits and Souls was on Tuesdays, Magical Practice and Awareness on Wednesdays, and Magical History on Thursdays. Friday was divided between the four, with Magical Practice having a practicum at the end of every Friday - presumably so if there were any injuries or incidents the effected student would miss as little class as possible.

"Class is in half an hour. Find your way to your classroom, be seated ten minutes before your teacher arrives. The doors will be shut and locked on class start - breaks occur twice daily, so if you are late to a class you will not be permitted to enter until one of the breaks. This is to minimise disruption. All First Years have Magical Theory on Mondays, so I will take you to the Magical Theory section."

Tilbut walked, leading the class behind her. Magical Theory was a short distance from the Library, a collection of buildings of various sorts and sizes.

"Here it is. You will go to Lecture Theatre B, and take your seats there."

She turned and left.

Ulos walked in, standing next to Madavian, with Abraham and Sunette nearby. They'd stuck together for this, forming a little clique of people centred around Ulos. It was an odd feeling, walking with others. In the Empire a friend was just someone who might steal the coin you found on the street. Here, it was different.

Lecture Theatre B turned out to be a dusty room with wooden seats and small wooden desks, and a large blackboard covering the front wall. The room was angled downwards to ensure everyone could see the board.

"Let's sit up the front."

Madavian made a face, but followed them down. They managed to get seats in the second row, waiting for the teacher to arrive.

A few seconds later, a massive, heavyset man entered. His head was bald and scarred, and he was missing an eye. He was only a little taller than Ulos, but tremendously wide across the shoulder, not a bit of it fat. He looked down at the room.

"Another poor crop.", he muttered.

The man walked up to the front of the room, and it fell silent.

"Welcome to Magical Theory. I am your teacher, Senior Mage Akkos Inukar. You may call me Senior Mage, or Mage Inukar, or Professor Inukar. You will not speak during class unless you are called on."

He took a breath, speaking in a tired monotone.

"To get the trivia out of the way, you will have a test each week on Friday. This will allow you to judge your own progress, I do not care what mark you get until the end of the term. I do not take attendance. If you miss class, you miss class. If you fail, you fail. I will not hear complaints, and if you decide for some asinine reason you will complain to me about your own failings I will make you very sorry that you did so. Lastly, every year someone tries to cheat. I catch them. I beat them soundly for the insult to the integrity of my class, and then I expel them. Do not let that person be you."

He looked down at the class. Ulos felt somewhat scared at this point.

Professor Inukar's voice changed.

"Let me say this as well. At the end of the term, we will divide you into groups. The failures, the mediocre, the acceptable, and the talented. No other class does this, for no other class can afford to. There are few enough crying out to be Alchemists, but in Magical Theory only the talented truly advance."

He raised his hand, sketching a quick symbol in the air, and the room disappeared. Ulos found himself floating atop a mountain, high in the air, with Professor Inukar continuing to speak, though now circling around them.

"We are now above Mount Sinara, in the Saint's Archipelago. We are halfway truly there, not merely viewing it from afar. The sensation of flying is yours, and you are able to move about in this state without moving your real body. This is the simple application of theoretical principles from a far-viewing spell, a far-stepping spell, and a little mind magic to link your senses to my spell. Any idiot can cast any one of those spells once she has read it in a book. But a theorist can derive a new spell, or a new form of an old spell to do something far newer. If we desired it, we could fly down towards the mountain below, and we would be able to watch from our heart's content anything happening there in real-time."

Inukar clicked his fingers, and the room reappeared.

"Oh, a combat mage can cast a fireball. Or ten. Or twenty. An Alchemist can learn ten Recipes and mix them all up well enough. A Runesmith can forge equipment as long as he knows the Runes. He is like a normal smith, but paid better and seen with a little more adulation. In this room, however, lies the Golden Road to true power. Others walk twisting paths, hoping to take a little knowledge from one mage or another, learning painstaking to create a new variation on an old spell. One who does well in this class grasps the root of power, grasps its true form. It is no coincidence that the greatest mages are all theorists, learning knowledge far beyond that of their peers. Here is the only place you may learn to do that. Magical Theory multiplies and expands any other branch of magic you choose to learn, making other practitioners of that branch nothing more than children before you."

Inukar looked over.

"Before, though, I spoke of the failures. Around one-quarter of you every year do not have the grit or intelligence to grasp anything more than the forms of Theory. You, we will send to the remedial class so you can at least learn how to identify spells being cast against you, or modify your own spells so you might make them larger or smaller. You will never truly amount to anything in the magical world, though you might make a fine worker for a true mage."

He looked up.

"One-half of you are mediocre, as a rule. You will be educated enough to do a little true spellwork, nothing significant. As much as you can grasp, as little as that will be. You might be able to fashion a change in a spell here and there, or invent a variation on a Recipe or two. You will be like most mages. Mediocre, grasping only for the visible form of power without truly understanding its source."

"One-fifth of you are acceptable. You will have a chance, no more than that. You will be able to learn the way the Primordial Ether comes into the world, some of the fundamental and difficult truths behind the Forms magic takes. You will become those who are seen as great, your footsteps echoing throughout the world as you choose your path. Yet true greatness will remain just beyond you reach."

He looked, staring directly at Ulos (or so it felt) and spoke again.

"Around three or four of you a year have some small talent. You will learn mathematics and literature and the three dead languages of the Achun so that you might think differently and force your mind to think in different paths. You will be tested and tried and forged into something capable of comprehending a corner of a corner of the truth, someone who might grasp the very fabric of the world and force it to do your bidding. You will be great, though if you are wise few will know of your true greatness. To those of you with talent, welcome to my class. If you prove yourself, the pathway to power will open itself before you."

The rest of the day was Inukar talking about various theories, but mostly things Ulos had learned already. Mostly he sketched out long equations on the board, writing up various geometrical symbols, delving into Reinald's First Theorem. Dry and boring, and Ulos didn't pick up too much.

(Training Roll: Magical Theory. 5x2 Int = 10. gained +1 Lore: Magical Theory. Current rank is +7 Magical Theory (0/10 next step).)

Monday Afternoon:

Ulos went to the Library immediately, seeking to gain a better idea of what was going on.

(Scout out the Library. Roll 44 + 2 = 46 (prior roll) vs DC 80. Failure. Gain +46 on your next Scout out the Library roll.)

"So the Souls and Spirits texts from over a hundred years ago are all on the third floor, but why are those from the last ten years all on the first...?"

He hadn't figured it out yet, but over several hours of exploring and reading titles and front pages he felt he'd gained something, just not enough to act on. Maybe another day he'd grasp what was going on.

Tuesday Morning:

The class of about fifteen entered the hedgelike maze, immediately struck by how dark it was.

"Come in."

A light flared on.

A little wizened old woman stood at the end of a tiny room, overgrown with moss and vines.

"I am Senior Mage Miranova. You may call me what you like, if the Spirits don't care I certainly don't see why I should. Seat yourself wherever, the moss is mostly dry right now."

They sat down, a little nervous.

"So. You're wondering what we'll learn here. We'll be learning about Spirits and whatnot. The room is dark because it's all lit by Transitional Ether. I'm not going to explain what that is, ask Inukar, he loves talking about the stuff. You can't see it yet, and it'll only become visible to you if the Spirit here wants you to know it. Thankfully he's a sweetheart, and as long as you can learn a few of his properties and ask nicely, he'll let you."

"I'll be leaving the lamp on for the first term. If you come back after that, well, you'd better figure out how to see the Ether."

She chuckled and pointed.

"You there, girl. What's your name?"

"Um, Laila. Laila Cartier."

Ulos straightened. It was the blue-haired girl, but her hair had lost the streak! He hadn't recognised her before that!

"Good. I might introduce one of you to the class every lesson or so. Now, Laila, you have a name, don't you?"

"Yes?"

"Yes, of course you do. You also have fixed properties. You're made of flesh, you can cast spells, you grow hair."

"Um, yes?"

"Shush girl, that's all I needed from you. Spirits aren't quite like that. They don't have forms, but rather desires. They want to take a Form, or have some change occur in the physical world. If you're to understand Spirits, you need to understand that most of all. You're not here to learn the formulas and whatnot of Magical Theory, but rather to get an idea of who Spirits are, and what sort of things they might want. Also, did you know we can learn spells when we see Spirits take Form, if we're fast enough? That's how the first spells were learned, I rather think."

(Training Roll: Souls and Spirits. 2x5 Int = 10. Gained one rank. Current rank +6 Lore: Souls and Spirits (5/10 next level))

The class went on in this fashion, Miranova saying this and that, unconnected facts that didn't really hang together. Ulos felt like he'd learned facts and things, but nothing underlying, no deep understanding presented itself. Oh well.

Tuesday Afternoon:

Ulos went to go check on Abraham. He'd been upset on the weekend, and while he'd been excited by the Library yesterday, he felt he needed to figure out what was happening with the other flit. Flits stood together, after all.

"Hey, Madavian. Do you know what happened with Abraham?"

"I mean, I know some of the Narubites threw a bucket of water at him, but, no, not really."

Ulos went around to Abraham's dorm, and stood there for awhile, listening quietly.

(Find out about Abraham - 58 + 10 Cha = 68 vs 80 DC. Bare failure. +10 to next roll on this issue.)

"Haha yeah, he really got mad. I know, right?"

Ulos perked his ears up. Maybe he was about to hear something useful.

(Willpower expenditure gives Reroll! - 28 + 10 Cha + 10 prior roll. = 58 vs 80 DC. Solid failure.)

Suddenly, a pair of blue Narubite eyes were staring at him, and the two boys passing muttered to one another and hurried off.

Damn.

Wednesday Morning:

"Welcome to Magical Practice and Awareness. I'm Weres, former combat mage. Call me what you like, I can assure you no matter what it is, I've been called worse by better. Don't get out your books."

The short man at the front of the class raised his hand.

"We're learning basic spellweaving. That means hands, no wands. No paper. Wands have more precision, sure. Paper is useful and prepared. However, in combat, you will only have your hands. Why? Because you're all weak. You never want to get into combat. If combat comes for you, it means you didn't prepare right. So we're teaching you how to survive that sort of fuckup."

Weres raised his hands.

"Now, spells are precise. You waver a little bit, the spell fails or changes. You can't see it, so you need to know what you're doing before you put the magic in. An average mage fucks up, they suffer. You fuck up, well, you have tiny Magic Pools anyway. You die. Your spellweaving has to be precise."

Weres traced a symbol in the air, thirteen differently-shaped lines.

"These are the Basic Thirteen. Called so because they're the most common thirteen parts of sigils for combat spells. Almost every one of these is found in almost any combat spell, and the early spells we teach you will be all based off the Basic Thirteen. Oh, magical theorists will say delve into the knowledge of the Ether, or some stupid shit like that. Let me tell you about reality. In reality, you cast right or you die. You lot don't have the magic to fuck up a spell, either. So you cast right the first time, and you cast quick. Then you run away."

He walked to the centre of the room, and put his hand on the floor.

"Here. The artifact in this room does one thing. When you draw one of the Basic Thirteen right, it'll suspend it in green for a moment in the air. If you draw it wrong, or you draw it too slow, it'll suspend in red. This way you don't need to expend any magic to practice. Start practicing. Left half of the room, draw for ten minutes. Right half, watch them. You'll swap every ten minutes. You need to be able to both identify what your opponent is drawing before he empowers it, and draw yourself."

(Gained temporary bonus: Training Room. Allows characters to use Physical Ability instead of Channeling to train Spellweaving if Physical Ability is higher.)

(Training Roll: Skill: Spellweaving. 4x2 (Phys) = 8. Gained +1 Skill: Spellweaving (3/5 next level).)

And that was Magical Practice. Six long hours of weaving symbols in the air. Ulos screwed up a lot. His finger wavered a little too far forward, or a little to the left and the symbol went red. Red, red, red. It was all his saw for hours. At the end, a few of the symbols went green. That was all he managed to accomplish. Oh well.

Wednesday Afternoon:

Study group went well.

(Training Roll: Magical Theory. 4x5 Int = 20. gained +2 Lore: Magical Theory. Current rank is +9 Magical Theory (0/10 next step).)

They barely spoke, engrossed in their classes.

(Training Roll: History. 1x5 Int = 5. gained +1 Lore: History. Current rank is +3 (0/5 next step).)

Abraham looked worried, but they had too much on their minds to talk.

(Relationship Rolls, Su, Abe = 10, 43 vs DC 80. Failures.)

Thursday Morning:

(Training Roll: History. 5x5 Int = 25. gained +3 Lore: History Current rank is +6 (5/10 next step).)

Some days were good. Today, though, Ulos barely made it into History, arriving just before the teacher.

"I am Professor Junotrin. Yes, House Junotrin. No, not a major member of the Family, I know you'd all ask. Today we'll be going over the history of the Collapse."

"...after the Saint sunk Vorstal, the entire nation looked to collapse. The Undying Emperor had less control, and so chose to force less mages to be trained..."

"...And this of course led those disenfranchised mages to form their own secret societies, named at first the Society of Foxes who would later become the Six Fox Pact..."

Ulos was astounded. In half a day they'd learned a lot. Not so much the general history of the continent, but rather half the dates and names from the Early Collapse. He hadn't had much of a chance to talk to anyone, unfortunately, though.

Thursday Afternoon:

He spent the rest of the day delving into Souls and Spirits. If he was to be invited back next term, he needed to understand.

(Training Roll: Souls and Spirits. 5 + 2 = 7x5 Int = 35.. Gained four ranks. Current rank +10 Lore: Souls and Spirits (0/20 next level))

He learned a great deal, from the ancient Spirit-Callers to the modern Spirit-Binders.

"So a Spirit when it takes form becomes physical, yet remains magical. This magic is one of the most common sources for reagants in Alchemy...", he mused.

Madavian looked at him when he entered the room, and brought him dinner without even asking. Ulos took a few moments to eat it, and continued on.

Friday:

(Event Severity: 8/100. Minor.)

Ulos walked into the revision of Magical Theory. Boring, but it would probably help. An hour into Inukar's ranting, he heard the man yell.

"Empire boy! Second row, near the stairs!"

Ulos looked up.

"What is the ratio of Ether to a spell's effect size if the range is held constant and the spell is congruent with the Lemma of Expansion? The spell itself has a base Ether usage of twelve points."

(Event roll: 48 + 9 Magical Theory = 57 vs DC 50. Inukar notices your existence and is not entirely displeased!).

"Six times, Senior Mage."

Inukar nodded.

"Good. The rest of you, write that down!"

Damn, what a week. Anyway, what was he going to do with his weekend?

occipitallobe · May 11, 2017

You presently have 2 Willpower. The pool will regenerate at the end of this turn. You may take up to four Actions.

Temporary Actions:

[ ] Check on Abraham - Man, he seemed pretty angry at the last Group Study. What's happening with him? Probably worth checking out. Roll Cha vs DC (High) to learn what is happening with Abraham. Failure means he won't tell you. Success unlocks ???, but it'll probably let you help him out. Disappears if not taken before the end of this weekend. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a reroll if failed. Willpower must be spent regardless of whether original roll passes.

[ ] Learn about Laila - She really doesn't like you. It might help to learn more about her, especially while people don't know her well enough to tell her you're making enquiries. Roll Cha vs DC (Medium) to learn about Laila. Offers no Skill bonuses, but may help on future rolls versus her. Willpower upgrade - spent 1 point to gain a reroll if failed. Willpower must be spent regardless of whether original roll passes. If reroll is failed as well, your lack of subtlety in making your enquiries means word gets back to Laila. Disappears if not taken within two weeks.

Permanent Actions:

[ ] 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 +46 from prior failed roll to next roll. (DC: Very High)

[ ] 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.

[ ] 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. Can only be taken twice per Week max.

[ ] 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 ???.

[ ] Search for Ingredients - You don't know about a whole lot of Alchemical Ingredients, but you can go looking. Even if you don't find exactly what you're looking for, you can scout out good places. Roll against DC ???. On success, find Ingredients. On critical success find a Location with Ingredients.

[ ] Map out the Dorms - Knowing who is where, asking your friends about who has which room and how to get to places quickly. Sort of creepy, but also might come in handy. No skill gains. Roll against DC 65, on success gain Item: Map of Dorms (Unfinished). +10 bonus to pranks and similar actions taken within the Dorms.

[ ] Relax, Chill Out - You've worked hard enough. Why not kick back, have a nap and look out the window at the other students and the trees? Recovers 1 Willpower point.

[ ] Practice Spellweaving - Use some of your little magic to practice your Spellweaving. Gain a Training Roll vs Channeling. Cannot use Willpower upgrade, Channeling too low.

Locked Actions:

[ ] Tutor Madavian (Magical Theory) - Madavian needs tutoring. He's falling behind already! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Madavian) vs Lore: Magical Theory. Success increases Madavian's grasp on Magical Theory and Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Madavian to ask, or you to offer.

[ ] Suck Up To Your Teacher (Write-In) - Figure out what they like. Do the research. Then suck up. Not hard in theory. Roll against DC ??? (depends on teacher) vs Cha. Success increases teacher's Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Ulos to know his teachers better.

[ ] Craft Alchemical Recipe (Write-In) - Time to get your Alchemy on! Get in there and make something useful! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Recipe). Success adds Recipe to Inventory. Locked. Requires at least 1 rank in Craft: Alchemy. Requires access to Alchemical Equipment.

[ ] Practice Spell (Write-In) - Time to practice a spell. Get better, cast faster, cast cheaper. Roll against DC (??? depends on Spell). Takes ??? Magic Pool, where ??? depends on spell. Character gains an additional Training roll if they still have more mana after practicing. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain an additional two Training Rolls if you have enough mana for it. Locked. Requires a spell Ulos can practice.

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.

occipitallobe · May 13, 2017

Check on Abraham (Willpower):

He couldn't just ask Abraham. Not really. He knew what it was like. If someone was attacking you for whatever reason, you clammed up. Nobody was going to help a flit, and nobody smart would interfere with whatever was happening, so the only people who were interested were those who were just doing it to screw with you more, and the stupid, who were rarely any help.

So he spent all of Saturday morning skulking around, listening to the various Narubite students who lived near Abraham.

(Check on Abraham - 31 + 10 (Cha) = 41 vs 80 DC. Solid failure.)

He must have spent hours there, pretending he was reading his textbook up against the wall, or strolling down the corridor with the occasional student giving him odd looks. Oh well, he thought. Maybe this was something he wasn't going to find out.

(Check on Abraham - 63 + 10 (Cha) = 73 vs 80 DC. Bare failure. Something happens.)

Saturday Afternoon:

(Scout out the Library - 32 + 46 = 78 vs DC 80. Bare failure. Next roll gains +78).

Almost. Ulos almost thought he understood where the three filing systems were, where the Souls books tended to be. So he went to the second floor, searching for the texts that should've been there. All Runesmithing.

"Damn. Damn, damn, damn."

He was on the verge of understanding the insane filing system, he knew it, but he wasn't quite there yet.

Sunday Morning:

Equations. Those were all that went through Ulos's mind now. The equations for spell volume, to be exact. Four hundred and thirteen exercises in the book on spell volume alone, each one more complex than the last. Working his way through these had not given him some fundamental understanding of spell volume, but he knew mastering a single piece of theory was incredibly valuable. Being able to understand how to modify his own spells (when he finally got to cast one!) would be invaluable, as he was not able to cast many of the standard-powered spells one would find in books or in many classes.

For the first few hours, he worked, stuck desperately on one problem.

"So sigil line length corresponds with spell volume in the domain of fire about eighty percent of the time, so why not here? Why do fireballs behave differently to igniting the air? What is the different?

Suddenly, he found the answer. "Of course. Cross-domain spells exist, and the element a spell manipulates is gradual rather than absolute. A spell might shift between being majority one-domain or another, but it takes on the attributes of not only the majority domain, but the domains that make up its constituents! So if I alter the equation according to the domain of air..."

(Training Roll: Magical Theory. (1+5)x4 Int = 20. gained +1 Lore: Magical Theory. Current rank is +10 Magical Theory (5/20 next step).)

Suddenly he was going through the problems at a rate, altering the equations and writing them down in his precise, tiny script. He stopped at the end, noting he had almost consumed an entire notebook. He really needed some alternative. Ah, well. A question for later.

Sunday Afternoon:

(Training Roll: Magical Theory. (3)x4 Int = 12. gained +0 Lore: Magical Theory. Current rank is +10 Magical Theory (17/20 next step).)

Sunette showed up, though not Abraham. They studied together quietly, Sunette mostly asking questions about spell alteration and Ulos answering. He felt like he was beyond her at the moment - she had studied hard, but perhaps not as hard as Ulos. She asked questions, Ulos answered, and whenever Ulos asked a question about some point that confused him, she had no idea. It wasn't that she was stupid, just a little further behind than he was at a stage where they were learning exactly the same material.

(Training Roll: History. (4)x4 Int = 16. gained +2 Lore: History Current rank is +8 History (1/10 next step).)

Likewise with History, though Sunette had an interesting note there.

"We know when the Empire fell, the Six-Fox Pact rose up to oppose it. What most don't know, I suspect, is that the only reason the Pact won was because the King of Bones was sabotaging it the entire time."

"Really?"

"Yes, it makes sense. The central Undying who remained were the most powerful of the empire's Clans, being so close to the old capital. They fought the Pact for five or six years before deciding to take the field themselves, as the Pact started laying siege to their cities and assassinating their messengers. The first three battles - Rantemario, Akkitar, and Narubar were all losses for the Pact, and big ones, too. Rantemario saw six hundred Pact mages killed, and Akkitar saw another two hundred. I think there was only like three or four hundred left at that point, and most of them died in the battle of Narubar. After the city of Narubar fell to the Undying, though, a lot of them just... died. Like, magical attacks straight through their wards, massive magical defense setups failing, and a huge chain of perpetual coincidences nobody but an idiot would believe were coincidences."

"So why don't the Narubites or the Undying know?"

"The Narubites, well... I think their Senators probably know. But for the average person, telling them the King of Bones helped them on their way to independence doesn't help the whole 'Rah, rah, let's fight the Empire' thing. The Undying... well, I bet they know. The King of Bones probably uses it to keep them in line, you know? Screw with me, and maybe Narubar finds out how to kill you, sort of thing. But you wouldn't tell the average person in the Empire, because the King of Bones wants his enemies sounding strong and keeping the people in line, y'know?"

Ulos nodded. It made a sort of sense. I mean, reading what he had, the King of Bones had hardly been the most powerful of the Undying before he took over, and the Empire looked poised for a civil war. Having all your most powerful rivals killed off in the middle of killing the rebellion threatening your lands would be an amazing coup, if you could manage it. The rebellion gets completely exhausted, and you get the ability to form government. Sure, you need to lose half the continent, but the alternative would be helping the more powerful Undying crush the rebellion and reform a government at Vorstal, which would leave you out in the cold with no power for another thousand years.

"Makes sense. Hey, I know it's earlier than we normally finish when we go hard, but I'm just a little bit worried about Abraham. Do you want to come check on him?"

(Sunette Relationship Roll: 16 vs DC 80, failure.)

(No Abraham Relationship Roll due to ???)

(Does Sunette Help? 71 + 40 (Friendship) + 10 (Cha) = 121 vs DC 80 (50 base, 30 from Sunette Trait: Cautious). Great success!)

"Sure thing. Let's head on down to his room and see what's going on. He's been... weird, lately. I mean, I know he's a flit, and he's Empire, and either of those things tend to make you weird enough, no offense, Ulos, but even for him he's been acting weird. Let's go"

The two of them walked into the dorms, looking for Abraham's room. Sunette knew where it was, and lead the way towards it, when Ulos heard... something. Someone talking in the bathrooms. It wasn't late enough for dinner, and nobody would be showering now. He whispered.

"Hey, Sunette. I think I hear something."

He gestured towards the bathrooms.

She nodded, and pointed towards them for him to go. She whispered back.

"Ok, check it out. I'll head to Abraham's room."

Ulos walked quietly, stopping just before the door of the bathroom.

"... understand, is that no-one wants you here, Empire. Not even the other Empires!"

"Shut up."

"No, let me explain it to you. The Preparatory is a place for people of class. What, you think because your aunt moved out here you get to stop being an Imperial? You think it means the other Imperials don't look down on you?"

"Shut up."

"Ooh, shut up. Shut up. It's all you can say. You know why? Because you know it's true. You know the Empire doesn't want you here, the Vorstallen don't want you here, and we certainly don't. So here's my offer. Leave, and you get to leave with your head held high. A filthy Imperial gets to go home and tell his stinking family that he managed to learn to read and write. I think that would impress them, don't you?"

"Shut up."

"Or we can do this again. You don't get to shower, you don't get to study, and you certainly don't get to leave the room while you're polluting our block. Right, roomie? Or if you don't understand, maybe I should head back into our room and find that little diary of yours, the one with the heart on it. Maybe that would-"

"SHUT UP!"

Abraham's voice came like a scream, and Ulos heard the sound of flesh on flesh, and then a loud crack as something hit the floor.

He shouldn't have just listened. Damn, he should've done something. Madavian would've done something. Then again... no, no, no. No time to think about this and agonize over it. He had to get in there and figure out what the hell was going on.

He ran in.

Abraham looked up sharply, and held his fists up towards Ulos, before relaxing after a second.

A boy with dyed-blue hair was lying on the floor, unconscious.

"Shit. Shit! Ulos, I-"

"I heard the last bit of it."

"I hit him. I didn't mean to, but... he's a Senator's son, Ulos. What am I going to do? If they find out..."

I'll be expelled.

Ulos heard the silent words, and he knew they were true. Maybe a senator's son could get away with hitting someone, maybe Madavian could. But a flit like him, with no social status or wealth to protect him? No, Abraham was in trouble. What was Ulos going to do?

Welcome to your first Crisis. Crises will take precedence over the week-to-week training while they are ongoing, and will generally be a series of decisions. They take up no extra time or Actions, but until the Crisis is resolved no Training will take place, and no time will elapse.

Please note that votes for the Sub-Options will total together - the Option that gets the most votes will be taken, and the Sub-Option under that option that gets the most votes will be taken.

Help Abraham (Vote for a Sub-Option):

[ ] Get Madavian: Madavian should be back at the room, and he's only five minutes away. He'll know what to do! Time usage: Medium

[ ] Get Sunette: She's not as diplomatic as Madavian (and being cautious may not even agree to help), but she is only a few seconds away. Less likely to have an effect, but very low penalty for failing. Time usage: Very Low

[ ] Move Abraham: The first priority has to be to get Abraham away from the scene of the crime. If someone else sees him standing there, it doesn't matter what plans you come up with. Time usage: Low

Don't Help Abraham (Vote for a Sub-Option):

[ ] Just Walk Away - Abraham hit a Senator's son. If Ulos got involved... well, it could spell disaster for him as well. Better to pretend it never happened, don't involve himself at all. Abraham will leave the Study Group. No other consequences. Ulos will gain Trait: Cautious (Some risky Actions are Locked). Crisis Ends.

[ ] Help the Blue-Haired Boy - Sure, Abraham is asking for help. But if Ulos helped the Blue-Haired Boy, he'd be owed a favour from a Senator's Scion. That wouldn't exactly be a small thing. He could maybe get extra money, or extra training. Abraham is almost certainly expelled. Abraham will leave the study group. Ulos will gain Trait: Calculating (+10 to all Diplomacy rolls that support his best interest over someone else's. -10 to all Diplomacy rolls that would support someone else's best interest over his.). Ulos may gain a Favour from the Blue-Haired Boy. Crisis Ends.

occipitallobe · May 14, 2017

Ulos looked around.

"Shit."

Abraham nodded miserably.

"Look, Abraham. Don't do anything, don't say anything, just stay there, ok? I'll be right back."

Ulos took off at a pace, running out of his dorm, climbing the stairs to the Parrot's Perch at a rate he'd never ever considered before.

(Running Roll - 76 + 10 (Phys) = 86 vs DC 80, Failure DC 20. Time used reduced!)

He opened the door, seeing Madavian inside, busily combing out his curls with a brush.

"Oh, hi Ulos, what-"

"Sorry, no time. Come with me. We need to help Abraham!"

(Roll not required - Madavian is a Friend, Madavian has Trait: Reckless.)

"Alright, let's go."

Ulos ran back down with Madavian, too out-of-breath to explain.

(Running Roll - 97 + 10 (Phys) = 107 vs DC 80, Failure DC 20. Critical success! Time used heavily reduced!)

The two pelted back, covering ground quickly, Madavian bursting into a huge smile on the way. What he thought was happening, Ulos wasn't sure, but he was glad he was alongside him. Ulos rarely ran, and the Curse left him short of breath more often than not, but it lay lightly on his shoulders today, and he was able to move without issue.

Back into the bathroom, where the blue-haired boy still lay on the floor, Abraham slouching against a wall, jumping as they came in.

Madavian looked down.

"Is that Senator Aleivas's son? Thomas?"

He looked shocked.

"What happening here. Ulos, quickly. Explain."

"Abraham, stop me if I'm wrong, but I think I understand. Basically, the Narubite students have been trying to get Abraham out of 'their' block, this guy is Abraham's roommate. He didn't turn up for the last few study groups, and the last time he did turn up he was really wet. Far as I can tell, they've been screwing with him to make him drop out. I heard.. Thomas corner him in the bathroom, and say some pretty horrible shit about Abraham and his family. Abraham hit him, and here we are."

Madavian looked down.

"Saint's tits on a pig, Ulos. When you get into trouble, you don't do things by halves, do you?"

He closed his eyes for a second, calculating.

"Ok. Way I see it, we have a couple of options. Firstly, I negotiate with Thomas for you. Quid quo pro, Abraham leaves the block and maybe I owe him a favour. You're a friend, but if I owe someone a favour because of you, you owe me a favour, and so would Abraham. Not sure it'd work, though. We could lie, which is a pretty good idea, unless Thomas finds out I was involved. If he did... well, you'd both owe me pretty big. Not saying we're not friends, but if Father writes and asks me why I spent so much political capital, I'd better have something to show for it. If he doesn't, though, it lets me wash my hands of the affair in public."

"Sunette's up at Abraham's room as well, if that helps."

"Yeah, it'd make a lie easier to spin. She's Kerek, I'm Junotrin. If we both say the same thing, well, there's a reason Father never gets invited to those fancy Kerek parties, and it has nothing to do with his manners. Unlikely we'd both say the same thing unless it was true, y'know? Lastly, we can threaten him with a lie. I don't owe him a favour, but he probably gets pretty pissed at us. Means we keep it out of the teacher's sight for now."

Due to your Extra Time, you are able to get Sunette without penalty.

Ulos dashed off.

"Sunette!"

She was standing at Abraham's door, looking in.

"Ulos... look at this."

They looked in. There were two beds in the room, not bunks like his and Madavian's. One cupboard had a broken lock, and the books in there (library books, no less!) were heavily defaced. The covers torn off, and random pages torn out. One of the beds had no blankets or sheets, and the mattress was soaking wet.

"I can't believe they did this to him."

Ulos smiled mirthlessly.

"I can. He's a flit, Sunette. You want to come help Abraham, or are you out?"

(Roll: Sunette Assistance. 4 + 30 (Friend) - 10 (Cautious) = 24 vs DC 50. Roll beneath 5 is an automatic critical failure! Sunette is no longer accessible during this Crisis)

"I... Ulos, I can't. What if they go for me next? Madavian doesn't have to worry about it, but it's not like Family Kerek is going to fight for me if it really comes to that. They'll just cut their losses, unenrol me, and send me home. I'm sorry."

Ulos looked at her, contempt clear on his face.

"Do what you have to, Sunette. I don't know why I thought you'd do anything else."

He turned and walked away, ignoring the apologies behind him.

"Hey, Madavian. Sunette's not helping. We're going to have to do this on our own. Abraham's room is trashed, though. They took his sheets, ruined his library books, dumped water on his bed..."

Madavian looked at him, suddenly calculating.

"We can bargain with that."

He reached down, rifling through Thomas's pockets.

"Got his keys. Given we all share the same two basic texts, we can steal his books, and use them as leverage. What do you think, Ulos?"

[ ] Commence Negotiations - You're going to need to bargain if you're going to get out of this one without a new enemy. Let Madavian wake Thomas up and work his magic. Madavian will owe Thomas a Favour. You and Abraham will both owe Madavian Favours. Abraham will be found another room eventually, but may need to sleep on your floor for awhile. Due to your discovery of the damage to Abraham's room, you can force Thomas to pay for replacement books.

+ Defuses the situation as best as you can, less future issues.
+ No Rival gained.
+ No book issues.
- Abraham will have to crash on your floor for awhile, making your study suffer.
- Madavian owing Thomas a Favour could end badly.
- Thomas gets away pretty much unscathed for what he's done.

[ ] Spin a Lie - Figure out what "really" happened here. Make a pretty good coherent lie you can all stick to, and Abraham probably gets away with moderate punishment due to Madavian using his status to shield him. No Favours owed. Due to involving the teachers, Abraham will get a new room quickly. Thomas becomes a Rival (Hatred). Due to your discovery of the books, you can use this to get the teachers to force Thomas to replace the books.

+ Nuclear option, no going back after this.
+ If it works, the teachers are on your side for any future issues with Thomas.
+ No Favours owed.
+ No need to pack three people into your tiny room.
- You now have a rich, politically connected Rival who has a lot of Narubite friends.
- You have all the political power of a flit from the Empire to oppose him with.
- Madavian now needs to not oppose Thomas in public to prevent his involvement coming out. You're probably gonna suffer.
- Seriously, do you want to piss off the extremely nationalistic equivalent of Draco Malfoy?

[ ] Threaten Thomas - Bargain? With this piece of crap? No, Ulos does not negotiate with terrorists. Firstly, make up a story. You have the room, the books, and Thomas's words as proof. If he doesn't comply, you take his stuff, go to the teachers. Take his stuff, and give him Abraham's shitty stuff in return. Textbook Chits are pretty interchangeable - Abraham can go return those books and borrow a new set of his textbooks. May as well loot the rest of his cupboard while you're at it, give him a taste of his own medicine. You and Abraham both owe Madavian Favours. No teacher involvement or agreement between the parties. Abraham will not get a new room. Thomas becomes a Rival (Hatred). Due to your discovery of the Books, you can loot Thomas's cupboard. Gain some quantity of Items, some quantity of Coins commensurate with the wealth of a Senator's Scion.

+ Maximum risk, maximum reward.
+ Favour owed, but not by Madavian.
+ Major item and wealth gain.
+ Weakens Thomas in terms of items and study ability when it comes to later confrontation.
+ Satisfying. Fuck that guy.
- You now have a rich, politically connected Rival who has a lot of Narubite friends, though Madavian is publically backing you.
- Abraham will now need to crash on your floor indefinitely, making your study suffer. (though you might have the money to remedy that...)
- Will require ongoing investment to ensure Abraham doesn't bring this up again and screw you.
- If the teachers find out you could be in all sorts of trouble.

Note - once a primary course of action has been decided, voting will be opened for a number of sub-options to modify it fully (you might be able to drop the Book issue, for instance in return for a concession elsewhere if negotiating).

There is also a second vote for Sunette's Relationship below.

occipitallobe · May 14, 2017

Ulos is pretty pissed. Sunette and him were somewhat tight, and she just abandoned him in his (well, Abraham's) moment of need.

While he's fuming and Madavian is talking things over, he's also deciding just what he thinks of her.

[ ] Cowardly Betrayer - Ulos will abandon her entirely. It's one thing to be the Neville Longbottom of your team, it's another entirely to be the Peter Pettigrew. Relationship with Sunette removed. Sunette not welcome back at the Study Group, which will disband until Ulos finds a new member. Ulos will gain Trait: Judges Cowardice (Will judge other characters more harshly for their actions. Will also judge himself more harshly - more likely to take brave actions like the one he has just taken. Unlocks new Actions from time to time.)

[ ] Indecisive and Untrustworthy - After the anger goes down a bit, Ulos understands. He would've done the same thing, but for his temper which always seems to lead him into situations that aren't the best. Keeping your head low when you're not one of the upper class is smart, and he's only done otherwise because he's in an alien world where he's worth something. Still, Sunette isn't worth much when the chips are down, and certainly not worth much as a friend. Ulos will keep her in the Study Group, but he'll no longer try and progress his Relationship with her, which be locked at Acquaintance. Ulos will gain Trait: True Friend or No Friend (Only those who are willing to help when things are bad are worth having as friends. Ulos gains +30 to all Relationship rolls for characters of Friend status or above, but if his friends do not stand by him when he asks them to, the Relationship will immediately downgrade to Acquaintance.)

[ ] Doing What She Had To - Ulos understands. He'd have done the same, if something hadn't screamed out at the injustice of it all. If it had been a Vorstallen, would he have even interfered? It's not like he went around searching for injustice to fight. This was his fight, but that didn't mean it was Sunette's. No changes to Sunette Relationship. Ulos will gain Trait: Forgiving (More likely to forgive friends for their shortcomings and betrayals. Less likely to see said betrayals coming, however. May be blindsided in the future).

occipitallobe · May 15, 2017

"No, fuck him."

"Ulos?"

"So, what. If we talk to him, he gets away free because Abraham got baited into hitting him? No. We screw him over, he screws us over. First, I'll go get everything from his cupboard that looks useful. We'll start making the points from there. We don't make up a lie, or something stupid. We fight this... this..."

"I understand. You know you'll be starting a war with him, don't you?"

"I know. Are you with me?"

Madavian laughed.

"Well, if Abraham is any guide, pissing off your roommate is a bad idea. So I may as well be. Want me to deliver the message?"

Ulos frowned. He'd like to say this himself, but...

"It would sound better coming from you. If you don't mind."

Ulos took the keys, and opened the cupboard, a small flash of light emanating from the keyhole. Made sense, if he'd broken it open it would've probably sent some sort of alarm, or corroborated any accusations Thomas would make against them.

He looked in. A few gold solidus, a lot of silver numismata, and a single bronze nummus sitting there all made a reasonably hefty haul. About what he could've hoped, he guessed. He swept up the bags, intending to use them later. He'd probably need to get Madavian to swap out various coinage with him so it couldn't be identified, or maybe go to a moneylender in the city to get the money changed, even at a loss. It'd be risky to keep it otherwise.

(Ulos has gained 3D100 = 90 + 36 + 1 = 213 Coins)

There was a few little items, as well.

(Item Roll: 247. Gain 3 items. First two items Master Quality (100 quality each), third item Average Quality (47))

Firstly, a knife with an exceptionally sharp blade. Good steel. Magic-forged, if Ulos didn't miss his guess. Not magical in and of itself, but still impressive. The sort of thing you give your son if he needs to learn alchemy and being able to separate ingredients easily

(Gained item: Masterwork Cutting Knife. +5 to all Craft: Alchemy rolls involving cutting. Can be used as a weapon in times of need.)

Secondly, a fine wand crafted out of bone, though Ulos wasn't sure what. Bone wands were incredibly rare, though, and quite expensive. It was smooth to the touch, and polished exquisitely.

(Gained item: Masterwork Bone Wand. No use as of yet.)

Thirdly, a set of measures and weights, presumably for use in Alchemy.

(Gained item: Average Quality Measures and Weights. No bonuses, necessary item for Alchemy.)

(Artifact roll: 53. Artifact Gained [Inferior, 50-100])

Next was... something. He wasn't quite sure what it did, though it looked like a thick iron armlet, designed to fit snugly over the upper arm, with a small adjusting wheel to ensure it fit anyone who used it. It was inscribed with quite a few runes, and that meant an Artifact of some kind. He'd need more information to know what it did, though.

(Gained Artifact: Iron Armlet (???)).

Lastly, the schoolbooks. No time to look through exactly what they were now, but it'd still help. He picked up the remains of Abraham's books, as well. Never know when it might help.

(Gained items: Thomas's Schoolbooks, Associated Borrowing Records. Gained Ruined Schoolbooks.)

He looked around in the cupboard, hoping to find a library chit. Thomas had left one there as well. Strange, he would've expected him to have a few being from a rich family, but he'd take what he could get.

(Gained item: Library Chit.)

That was everything. Sunette being gone, he left the room, and headed back to the bathroom.

There, Thomas had finally awoken.

"Who are you?"

Ulos walked in just as the words were spat out at Madavian.

"Ah, Mr... Aleivas. This is one of my compatriots. I do apologise for the way dear Abraham treated you, but, you have to understand, he's from the Empire. They don't know any better."

Madavian grinned.

"I, however, am from bright and diplomatic Vorstal. So when I say you have been attacking an asset of Family Junotrin, you know what that means, don't you?"

Thomas looked up, a hand sweeping away the blue hair from his eyes.

"One of your little jumped-up merchant families. You think you can attack House Aleivas and get away with it?"

"Oh, no, no, no. You misunderstand me entirely. This isn't an attack. It's more of a... friendly warning. You see, imagine my surprise when my uncle's dear friend - and accomplished combat mage, I might add - asks about her dear little nephew at the Preparatory. So word comes down by way of my father to me, and I think, well, I may as well check on him. After all, he's not important to the Family, but he's ours, you understand? Of course you do, how foolish of me. Imagine my surprise when my friend Ulos comes running to me and tells me what has happened to poor Abraham. You didn't really think a flit from the Empire got into a school like this without some serious backing, do you?"

Thomas looked conflicted.

"So! I think I have a solution that works for both of us, or at least works for me. We'll take Thomas, and you'll be welcome to your room all on your lonesome. Of course, replacing his books and things will be expensive, so we're going to need to take... reparations. Ulos, be a dear and show Thomas what you found."

Ulos put the pile of things down on the floor.

"Normally I'd ask you to pay for things the old-fashioned way, but I have this peculiar feeling you're not going to be amenable. So, here's how we're going to play it. Abraham, come over here and don't flinch."

Abraham walked over.

"Ulos, hit him in the face. Hard as you can."

Ulos felt conflicted.

"Trust me."

Abraham looked confused, and then his eyes widened.

"Do it, Ulos."

Understanding not dawning just yet, he wound up and hit Abraham hard in the face. He was not much a puncher, but he managed to split Abraham's forehead open, and blood trickled down his face.

Madavian smiled.

"So, Mr. Aleivas. This is a warning. House Junotrin owns this city. If you feel the need to come after people or things that are ours, you had really ought to do it from a position of safety. Next time I'll just have a chat to the administration, and note that the poor boy was attacked so viciously by a Narubite, a people known for their... violent ways. Is this clear."

Thomas looked up.

"So I go to the teachers, you screw me back. What's to stop me sending a letter to my father and going to them right now?"

"If I went to the teachers now, maybe you'd be expelled. But then it'd be on paper, and your father would need to get involved. Then my father would need to get involved. I think we were both raised not to escalate these sorts of things unnecessarily, and I suspect your father wouldn't want to antagonise House Junotrin with the five-year artifact trade negotiations coming up. I won't pretend I'm trying to make friends with you, but I won't be the first one to escalate this to a real fight."

"...ok. Shit, ok."

Thomas spat on the floor.

"Let me tell you something, Empire."

He looked up at Abraham with venom in his eyes.

"You think just because you've found a powerful protector, you get to walk away? From hitting me? No. It might take me some time, but you're going to suffer for this. You too, little Empire. The two of you. And as for you, Junotrin-"

Ulos cut him off.

"You poured water on him, because he was from the Empire. You stopped him sleeping, destroyed his books. Books he couldn't afford to return. Couldn't afford to replace."

"Yeah, so?"

Ulos hissed.

"If you come after him, or me, or Madavian, it won't be a fight between your fathers. It'll be a fight between you and me, and you'll regret it far worse than you did today. Madavian would try to get you expelled, I'll do worse."

(Ulos has gained Trait: True Friend or No Friend (Only those who are willing to help when things are bad are worth having as friends. Ulos gains +30 to all Relationship rolls for characters of Friend status or above, but if his friends do not stand by him when he asks them to, the Relationship will immediately downgrade to Acquaintance.))

Madavian smiled.

"Well, I think that's all that needs to be said, right? Do think this over, Thomas. I would hate to see such a promising future ruined all because you didn't learn to pick your battles. Abraham, Ulos. Let's leave."

(Gained Rival: Thomas Aleivas (Hatred))

(Gained Friend: Abraham Mazhov (Unexpected Saviour))

The three walked out, Madavian leading them quickly back to the Parrot's Perch.

"Holy shit. Holy fucking Saint's tits shit fuck shit."

"Madavian?"

Ulos looked at his friend, worried.

"I just- just picked a fight with a fucking Narubite Senator for you two morons. Fuck! If my father finds out..."

He took a deep breath.

"Ulos. Abraham. You owe me for this. If I ask you to do something in the name of Family Junotrin, you do it. I think that's fair, yes?"

The two boys nodded rapidly, mouthing agreement.

(Ulos now owes Madavian a Major Favour)

"I mean, we're friends, but why did I do that?"

Madavian shook his head.

"It's done, anyway. Can't change it. Ok. Abraham, stay here for awhile. You can have our second blankets, it's summer anyway. Not a comfortable bed, but it'll do until we figure out what to do next. Ulos, what is the plan, anyway?"

Well, you've gained some money, some items, and a new powerful and very angry enemy who is likely to come after you. Going after Madavian, after all, escalates the battle. He can fuck with you, though, as long as it's kept relatively low-key and deniable. Before we go on to the new weekly voting, we need to figure what to do with the money and items and Abraham's accomodation.

Firstly, how do you help Abraham?

The Book Situation (Pick 1):

[ ] Return the Books, give all five Chits to Abraham - Returning the four books and giving Abraham the Chit you found offers him a regular set of schoolbooks, ensuring his learning continues. Abraham is very grateful. No penalty to Abraham's learning speed. He may undertake independent studies from time to time.

[ ] Return the Books, keep one Chit - Returning the four books but keeping the Chit you found offers Abraham his standard textbooks, but less of an opportunity to study outside of class. You, however, will gain a second Library book slot. Abraham is moderately grateful. No penalty to Abraham's learning speed. He will not undertake independent studies from time to time. Gain one Borrowing Chit.

[ ] Return the Books, keep three Chits - Getting Abraham two books back will enable him to study his electives, and the remaining two core books can be rotated between you and Madavian (who probably never reads his anyway). This will enable you to borrow textbooks from other subjects at will where necessary. Abraham is a little disappointed, but understands. Minor penalty to Abraham's learning speed. He will not undertake independent studies from time to time. Gain one Borrowing Chit, and two Textbook Chits.

The Living Situation (Pick 1):

[ ] Hey Man, Crash on my Floor Indefinitely - While it's inconvenient, having you all together at all times lessens the chance for Thomas taking action against you. Sending Abraham off to sleep elsewhere is just dangerous. Better to have him live in your room. -1 to all Training Rolls in your room until situation is resolved. Lower chance of Thomas succeeding at attacking you. Defensive option. Unlocks Action "Find Abraham Somewhere to Live".

[ ] Let's Find You A Nice Place Nearby - Well, Abraham can't stay here forever, and you just happen to have come into some money. You can try and pay for another room (and even get the administration to refund 20-30% of Abraham's year fees if you're lucky!), and get Abraham somewhere else. Admittedly, rooms are short, so it's really the Dorms or nothing. After all, Thomas pretty clearly does Alchemy, so the Smokestack is a bad idea, and the Tower would put him right next to teachers. You'd also want to get him a solo room, a shared room would just put him at risk again. Costs 70-100 coins depending on a Diplomacy roll. Abraham gets his own room. Moderate chance of Thomas succeeding at attacking Abraham. Resolves the study issue immediately.

Secondly, what do you do with the items you got?

The Item Situation (Pick 1):

[ ] Aren't You A Little Young For A Pawn Shop? - Seriously, keeping this stuff is dangerous. If Thomas does go to the teachers, that's hard evidence, and it's not something you want hanging around. Find a way to sell it off, and quickly. Gains 20-30% value of items quickly in Coins (total value of items is 247 Coins. Artifact value is unknown, you may get fleeced). No more evidence.

[ ] Hide the Haul - Ok, this is some good stuff. You may not want to use it in public, but you can definitely sell it for a good amount if you hold on and work on identifying it. You aren't really doing Alchemy, and you don't cast with a wand, so this stuff isn't super valuable to you, but it's certainly valuable to someone. Potentially get 80-100% value of items when selling. Items need to be hid somewhere outside your room, meaning they'll be vulnerable to theft. Low chance items are stolen each week while you look for buyers. No evidence on hand. Unlocks Action "Find a Buyer". Unlocks Action "Identify Artifact".

[ ] Flaunt It - Antagonistic? Sure. But if you use those items all the time, people will start to think they're yours. Thomas accusing you of stealing his knife and hiding it is one thing, using his stuff in class and in public means it'll be less plausible. Why would anyone be so stupid as to do that? Keep items, use them. Heavily antagonises Thomas further. Get to keep items. Risky if Thomas decides to go to a teacher. Unlocks Action "Identify Artifact".

The Damaged Books (Pick 1):

[ ] Keep Them As Evidence - You might need these in the future as a bargaining chip. Keep them on hand just in case. Keep Books. No real use for you compared to regular textbooks, but might be handy in a future confrontation - or as evidence to convince people Thomas is a jerk.

[ ] Sell Them - Even damaged textbooks have value. The average person won't even see a magical textbook, and in a world where each book must be copied out by hand, these are valuable items indeed. You could probably get ten to twenty Coins per book if you were willing to wait for the right buyer. Books are sold with a 20% chance per week to find a buyer for one. Damaged books sell for 5D5 Coins each.

occipitallobe · May 16, 2017

To be honest, I should've just made the various options Actions to take later over choices now - it felt a little clumsy, so in future I'll just assign these sorts of things (hiding the items, selling them, etc) as future possible Actions.

"Alright. Abraham, with us. Sleep in our room."

Madavian looked over at Ulos. He was sort of in charge of this, after all. What were they doing from that point forward?

"So, look. Here's the deal. Madavian, you're probably fine, right? I mean, Thomas isn't going to screw with you too badly."

"Sure. I mean, unless he can really get away with it."

"But me and Abraham, well... I think we're more vulnerable. We need to hunker down, figure out what to do next. If we send Abraham somewhere else, who knows what Thomas might do, right?"

"Ok. What about the stuff?"

"We find a hiding spot. I've looked around the grounds a bit, we can find a place. None of it is that big. If Thomas has the teachers come knocking, we never saw his stuff. We get his books, return them to the Library. I figure that wins us four Textbook Chits, so Abraham can go get his Textbooks back. I'll keep the other one for now - I think they're more likely to target Abraham if they need to steal something. We keep the coins here, locked in your chest. You okay with that?"

Madavian shrugged.

"Sure, it's not like they're going to suspect me of stealing my money. Why would I bother?"

"Good. Good. Alright, here's my thought. We move in twos where we can, especially after class when Thomas might decide to do something. Go down to dinner in twos, third person guards the room. Same in the morning - we stick together as much as possible, and try and make ourselves as vulnerable as little as possible. It won't dissuade him in the long-term, but it'll make getting at us harder."

Madavian looked at Ulos strangely.

"You spend much time thinking about this, Ulos?"

"I'm from the Empire, Madavian. This was how I thought every day before I came here. Don't get robbed, don't get beaten, don't get killed. It worked for me there, and the same principles should work here. You two in?"

Abraham shrugged, still looking a little dizzy at the entire turn of events.

"Sure. Can't hurt."

Madavian laughed, but the sound was a little pained.

"Fantastic. One week into school and I'm living like a flit from the Empire. What's next, we start our own street gang and rob people for their valuables? Oh wait, we already did that."

Ulos shook his head.

"Don't worry. You two are my friends. I meant what I said. He won't get to you, not through me. We'll force him to give up, or if we won't give up... well, we'll find a way to make him stop permanently. Now, I think we need to figure out our timetables for the week. Abraham, by the by, do you mind running down to somewhere I saw on campus a few weeks back? I know a place near another hidden area that would make a great hiding spot."

(Hidden Roll for Hiding Space: ???. Rolls for items to be stolen must overcome ??? DC)

Crisis resolved. Next turn vote is open.

You presently have 5 Willpower. Note that this pool will need to last you for both these weekdays and the weekend.

Temporary/One-Off Actions:

[ ] Learn about Laila - She really doesn't like you. It might help to learn more about her, especially while people don't know her well enough to tell her you're making enquiries. Roll Cha vs DC (Medium) to learn about Laila. Offers no Skill bonuses, but may help on future rolls versus her. Willpower upgrade - spent 1 point to gain a reroll if failed. Willpower must be spent regardless of whether original roll passes. If reroll is failed as well, your lack of subtlety in making your enquiries means word gets back to Laila. Disappears if not taken this week.

[ ] Learn About Thomas - Yeah, wow. You've got a powerful, angry enemy. You're gonna want to learn everything you can about him. Roll Cha vs DC (Low) to learn about Thomas. A basic success will offer a class list and a rough family outline. Each 20 points over DC will offer more information. Willpower upgrade - roll 2D100 instead of 1D100 for results. As people find out that you're enemies, gathering information will get harder. Action power downgraded if not taken this week.

[ ] Appraise your Artifact - Sure, you can't do it, but you can find someone who can. Knowing what that Artifact does might be key to either keeping it or selling it for a good sum. Roll Cha vs DC (Moderate). Success offers information about Artifact. Failure offers no information. Critical failure offers completely false information. Roll will be hidden. Action is removed once either a success is rolled or a critical failure is rolled.

[ ] Find Abraham Somewhere to Live - Opens up Housing options. You might find a decent single room in the Dorms, or maybe you'll discover a third-year Imperial student looking for a roommate/gopher. Maybe you'll find a secret cave Abraham can crash in on campus. You don't know exactly what you'll do with him yet, but you need to do something. Roll vs DC (Trivial). Basic success offers basic housing options. Each 20 points over DC will offer more information. Willpower upgrade. Gain +20 to roll. Can only be taken once.

Permanent Actions:

[ ] Start Studying (Write-In Subject) - You have your textbooks. Next step is reading through 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. -1 to all Training Rolls of this sort due current roommate penalty.

[ ] Live Defensively - Vary when you go places, and when you leave. Figure out what sort of defensive mechanisms your room has, and see if Madavian can bribe some of your roommates to tell you if Thomas or other Narubites enter the Parrot's Perch. Kind of frustrating and time-consuming, but should help stop any attacks Thomas might put together. Thomas gets -20 to all Rolls against you, Madavian, and Abraham this week.

[ ] 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 +78 from prior failed roll to next roll. (DC: 80).

[ ] Go to the Marketplace - You have money to spend and items to sell. You need to spend some time gearing up, finding tutors, spells, artifacts, items, and more. Activates Shopping Mini-Turn with more Actions within it (including "Find a Buyer" for your items), allowing the buying and selling of items and services.

[ ] 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 and Abraham Quincey. Increase Relationship by one step. Roll against DC (Variable, depending on friendship level). On success, increase Relationship by another step.

[ ] 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 Abraham (20+30=50% chance). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects. Can only be taken twice per Week max.

[ ] 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 ???.

[ ] Search for Ingredients - You don't know about a whole lot of Alchemical Ingredients, but you can go looking. Even if you don't find exactly what you're looking for, you can scout out good places. Roll against DC ???. On success, find Ingredients. On critical success find a Location with Ingredients.

[ ] Map out the Dorms - Knowing who is where, asking your friends about who has which room and how to get to places quickly. Sort of creepy, but also might come in handy. No skill gains. Roll against DC 65, on success gain Item: Map of Dorms (Unfinished). +10 bonus to pranks and similar actions taken within the Dorms.

[ ] Relax, Chill Out - You've worked hard enough. Why not kick back, have a nap and look out the window at the other students and the trees? Recovers 1 Willpower point.

[ ] Practice Spellweaving - Use some of your little magic to practice your Spellweaving. Gain a Training Roll vs Channeling. Cannot use Willpower upgrade, Channeling too low.

Locked Actions:

[ ] Tutor Madavian (Magical Theory) - Madavian needs tutoring. He's falling behind already! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Madavian) vs Lore: Magical Theory. Success increases Madavian's grasp on Magical Theory and Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Madavian to ask, or you to offer.

[ ] Suck Up To Your Teacher (Write-In) - Figure out what they like. Do the research. Then suck up. Not hard in theory. Roll against DC ??? (depends on teacher) vs Cha. Success increases teacher's Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Ulos to know his teachers better.

[ ] Craft Alchemical Recipe (Write-In) - Time to get your Alchemy on! Get in there and make something useful! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Recipe). Success adds Recipe to Inventory. Locked. Requires at least 1 rank in Craft: Alchemy. Requires access to Alchemical Equipment.

[ ] Practice Spell (Write-In) - Time to practice a spell. Get better, cast faster, cast cheaper. Roll against DC (??? depends on Spell). Takes ??? Magic Pool, where ??? depends on spell. Character gains an additional Training roll if they still have more mana after practicing. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain an additional two Training Rolls if you have enough mana for it. Locked. Requires a spell Ulos can practice.

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.

occipitallobe · May 17, 2017

Monday. Class came first. Inukar was up front at the board, sketching another set of equations up there. Ulos sighed. Magical Theory was fascinating, but it wasn't exactly fun. If he hadn't been able to focus despite the encounter with Thomas, it would've gone over his head despite his general intelligence. More geometry. A second week of geometry! Inukar had told them they would be able to deconstruct reality itself, more-or-less, and then had proceeded to teach them elementary geometry proofs half the time, followed by more complex geometry proofs, in order to 'properly understand the true nature of a Sigil or a Rune'. Not that Ulos didn't appreciate it, of course. Geometry was interesting, it just didn't help him against Thomas if something happened.

Still, keep his head down and try and study. He still couldn't quite believe he'd done what he'd done, but still...

(Training Roll: 4x4 = 16. Current: +11 Lore: Magical Theory (13/20 next level))

No, better to focus on this. It'd pay off eventually.

Later on, it came time to find out about Thomas.

(Roll 16+15 (Willpower) + 10 Cha = 41 vs 20 DC. Decent success. Learn a little more than the bare basics.)

"Yeah, the Senator's kid?"

The upperclassman looked at him thoughtfully.

"I can tell you a few things, but why should I?"

"I figure you're smart enough to know being owed a favour, even a little one is worth something, right? Who knows when you might need a bit of information from me?"

The upperclassman smiled.

"Sure. Well..."

A little while later he'd found out a few things. Thomas was a Senator's son, and the only child at that. He was known for his weak magical skills, which made people wonder why he'd bothered going to a magical academy. Usually that was the province for the magically strong only in Narubar, especially as mages were forbidden from holding official positions there.

He was taking Alchemy and Runic Theory. Ulos smiled. Losing that knife would set him back, and his own measuring equipment as well.. it wouldn't have been everything the other boy owned, but setting him back in his class would give him some time to plan.

Tuesday:

"Today, class, we're going to talk to Spirits. Not in the sense you're thinking, but in the sense you are thinking."

Ulos shook his head. What?

"Now, this Spirit in the room is a notable sweetheart, as I've told you before. He actually responds to thoughts, and no, not thoughts about thoughts. Rather, thoughts that aren't about thoughts but are, if that's clear."

Mage Miranova chuckled.

"Don't worry, it's not a philosophy puzzle. It's more twisted than that. If you can figure it out, though, you'll be a significant advantage. Now, let's talk about Binding Spirits. Why would we bind Spirits?"

The question was rhetorical, or at least the class sat silently.

"Spirits want to take a Form, but there are many Forms that they, shall we say, wouldn't mind taking. You can't make a Spirit take a Form completely at odds with its desires, but you can fiddle around the edges a bit. Making an Agreement with a Spirit is simple. You talk to them, help bring them into the world, and they do what they do. Sometimes you can ask them to alter their Form a bit if you satisfy them in certain esoteric ways, but that can be difficult and take a long time."

The old woman smiled, and leaned back for a moment.

"Thirty years ago, I was excavating in the Saint's Abyss, down where the water stops and the air starts again. Lots of magical Artifacts down there, then. Still are, though most of them are behind deadly traps or puzzle Spirits that only now-dead Undying know how to unlock. When you go far enough down, you find some marvellous things. Admittedly, one of the things we didn't find that was marvellous was a team of artifact hunters from Narubar."

Laila spoke up.

"Senior Mage, I'm sure that they were not permitted by the government to do that."

Miranova shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not. Not as though it really mattered. Now, Narubar has some crack combat mages, and I'm an old lady. Even then I felt old, though that could've just been because I was hungry that day and my leg had been snapped nearly clean in half by an animated statue."

She chuckled.

"So my three friends had me levitated, running through the passageways with our haul, combat mages right on our tail. We were in no shape to stop them, even at full strength, and we were mostly spent. So I talked to a Spirit in the place, a Spirit of rock. It wanted to be freshly-made rock, the sort that's only a few thousand years out of the volcano. This is pretty close to lava, conceptually."

Miranova smiled, though Ulos felt it was far less comforting that it had been last week.

"So I Bound the Spirit, and made it belch out a great stream of lava. Those poor boys from Narubar put up shields, but once you're covered in superheated lava it gets really hard to maintain all your shields. The ones against heat only work if something's not touching your skin, the ones against kinetic energy don't stop the slow stuff, they just reduce the speed of fast and deadly things. Of course, you can shield against lava if you know how, but it's a little esoteric for most, so they don't bother learning."

She looked directly at Laila when she spoke, which must have been unnerving.

"Never saw them again, though I daresay that they made lovely statues."

(Training Roll: 2x4 = 8, Current = +10 Lore: Souls and Spirits (8/20 next level))

Ulos sat there, thinking. Thinking about thinking. No, it wasn't that. It was thoughts about thoughts. Not about the concept of thinking, but rather thoughts about the thoughts of others. He wondered what Laila was thinking. No, rather, how she thought. What happened in her mind? What happened when Laila thought? Did her feet tap when she tried to work through a difficult concept? Did she grapple with concepts in a conceptual room, or did she

That alone wasn't enough, though. He directed the thought to the Spirit of the room.

Is that enough?

Suddenly, in glorious blues and reds, the room came to life, suffused by the colours of the rainbow and one that defied description, his mind unable to process it whenever he looked away. It was unlike the others entirely, but unless he looked at it directly it simply became a dull red, or an angry yellow in his memory. Yet he remembered that this was not correct.

(Roll: 70 + 10 (Lore: Souls and Spirits) + 10 (Cha) = 90 vs DC 90. Bare success).

He gawped, and looked around. In the light of the room, he could suddenly see that the moss that they sat on glowed, and glowed more strongly where he sat.

Miranova looked across at him, and winked.

"Good job, by the way. All of you, but the one student who actually puzzled it out, well. It's certainly not the earliest anyone has in their schooling, but you're the first in your class, and that's no mean feat."

(Miranova has taken notice of you. Opens Miranova Diplomatic Actions, Gained Relationship: Educator (Taken Notice).)

Later that afternoon, he returned to the Library. This time, he felt, to understand it for good.

(Scout out the Library: 44 + 78 = 122 vs DC 80. Excellent success. For each +20 DC over success, find a useful book this week to borrow.)

Ulos will now borrow books automatically depending on the thread's direction. These will give him bonuses to his learning on occasion, or may teach him useful Recipes, Runes, or Spells that he does not already possess. At present his focus is on Magical Theory and Souls and Spirits. These books will not be recorded in the Inventory, as he will be returning and borrowing books as suits his needs.

Of course. Of course! The third system just meant that all the interesting Souls books were going to be in the northwest corner because the third Head Librarian put them there. Why would you bother recategorizing the least interesting books? The best way to get people to use your category system in your library war would be to ensure that the best books were in your system, and presumably people would follow suit.

Wednesday:

"Welcome. Today we will be continuing the Basic Thirteen, and learning a spell as well. To do this, we must first learn to access the Primordial Ether. Some of you already know. This has deliberately not been taught to you, for the simple reason that miscast spells can be dangerous. Repeat that after me."

"Miscast spells can be dangerous.", the class chanted.

"Louder. I didn't believe you."

"Miscast spells can be dangerous!", they chanted again.

"This lesson is not as much for you as it is for the idiots with more power than sense. You all can barely light candles, some of your classmates will be able to engulf entire ships in an inferno with a wave of their hand. Still. A spell has no safety measures. A spell does exactly what you tell it. If you tell it to do the incorrect thing, due to your poor spellcraft, it will do that. I do not know how to emphasise this enough."

He sighed.

"The only time you are to practice casting a spell quickly is if it is a safe spell. Spells that cannot harm you permanently if you fail at casting them. Once you reach your second year we will teach quick casting of dangerous spells, but it is something that if done poorly can and will kill or cripple you."

"Imagine, you sketch the sigil for an inferno, to consume those around you, though not touch you, just so."

Weres sketched a sigil in the air.

"Now, let's say you sketch the line for interior space wrong, maybe a little lopsided. Instead of starting the flames ten feet away from you, they start one-tenth of a foot from you."

The sigil glowed, and Weres burst into flame, fire eating at him, wreathing around his clothes and his hair. His hair smoked, and little patches of his clothing were burning.

Ulos drew in breath, shocked.

A moment later, the flame died down, though the smoke remained.

"Thankfully, as an intelligent mage, I was maintaining a thermal shield permanently in all of my classes, knowing the ineptitude and depths of failure of the average spellcaster and realising myself to be one. I did not die."

He drew another sigil, and the smoke disappeared.

"So, when you draw on the Ether, realise the danger. It will obey you, but exactly. If you are inexact, or you fail to think about the consequences of your spell in reality, you will die. Now."

Weres sat down.

"This is simple, and I prefer to do it myself. Look at me."

Ulos looked.

"Now look up."

He looked up.

"And down, back to me."

He looked down.

"Now up."

He looked up.

"Now look at me. Look at me, and look through my eyes."

As Ulos looked back down, he felt himself jerked through Weres's body, settling in behind his eyes for a moment. The colours he had seen earlier reappeared, glowing across the room, emanating from where the sigil had once been.

Suddenly, he was himself again.

"There. Awakened. Your average school prefers a few weeks of meditation and other mumbo-jumbo because that's the way their granddaddies did it. Sensing the light at the core of the world yet beyond the world, or some idiocy like that. We don't do it that way here at Vorstal. You Awaken quickly, and spend all that time meditating learning spells. Better this way."

Weres chuckled.

"Not that one mage in a thousand could do that without giving you a headache for weeks. You won't even get one, by the way. Thank those tuition solidus."

"Now, here's the spell. Burst of Light. Simple, easy to modify. A big shiny burst of light, aimed generally away from you. Weak enough that most don't shield against it, but it can fuck with someone's eyes. You need to escape? Throw a big burst of light at them, and while they're half-blinded run away. It's a good tactic, and one any mage should learn."

"It'll take three of the Basic Thirteen only. I'll sketch in the air. Start practicing."

(Training Roll: 5x2 (Training Room allows use of Phys instead of Channeling) = 10. Gained 2 Spellweaving. Current state +3 Spellweaving (3/5 next level)

(Maximum Training Roll means automatic pass on Spell Learning Roll!)

A few tries in, Ulos actually had it down pretty well.

"Good job. Ulos, was it? Now, feel that big pile of angry light in the back of your mind. It'll be roiling there from now on, always at the edge of your attention. Pick some of it up, and make another symbol. Throw it in there."

Ulos sketched the symbol in the air, and felt the light pour into his mind. His soul? Something. He felt the moment of transition where the feeling in the back of his skull became light in the air, and he poured it into the symbol. Light flashed in the air, blinding him and others for a second.

(Learned Spell: Blinding Light. DC 10 + (Variable) vs Variable Dice. Casting allows caster to create a burst of light in the air, blinding opponents temporarily - and themselves if they're unlucky.)

"This is the weak version, by the by. I'll teach you how to modify it for strength later on, but better this way for practice. Good work, Ulos. See me after class."

They continued practicing, little more happening. At the end, he stayed so Weres could talk to him.

"Hey. Heads-up. When I Awakened you, I felt more power in your mind. Usually that means you've got some untapped reserves. Rare, maybe one in a hundred mages has them. It's hard to say how much is there, but some of that meditation mumbo-jumbo could actually help you. It'd take months of concentrated effort, but you could awaken to more power if you put the effort in.

"Um, I'll think about. Are there any books you can recommend?"

"Yeah, get Morris's Light of the Ether, talks a lot about how human capacity for magic can be weird. Vareesh's Six Hundred Meditations on The Soul is pretty basic, but usually necessary to really feel around your own magic and get a good sense for it. Not usually necessary for people, but might come in handy for you."

(Unlocked Action: Study your Magic Pool.)

That evening was the first time he'd seen Sunette. He was polite, though spent most of his time on Magical Theory. He'd had a chance to read through his first few interesting snippets on Theory, and he thought he'd learned a lot.

(Training Roll: 5+1 (from new Magical Theory Book) x4 = 24. Gained +1 Magical Theory. Current +12 Lore: Magical Theory (17/20 next level))

When they studied, he learned more, delving deeper into the theory he'd explored that week.

They talked about history, and Abraham seemed a little relaxed. By that point they were less studying, and more chatting, so he didn't pick up much.

(Training Roll: 1x4 = 4. Gained +0 History. Current +8 Lore: Magical Theory (5/10 next level))

(Relationship Roll with Abraham: 21 + 30 (Trait) = 51 vs DC 80. No change)

(Relationship Roll with Sunette locked due to Trait.)

"Thank you, Sunette."

"Call me Su."

Ulos felt conflicted.

"Sunette for now, I think."

Thursday was uneventful. History so far had been a dull recitation of facts, much his displeasure, and today seemed no different. They were simply learning bits and pieces of it, and nothing so far had caught his eye in class.

(Training Roll: 4x4 = 16. Gained +2 Lore: History. Current = +10 Lore: History (1/20 next level))

After class, though, he went to learn about Laila.

At first, he learned nothing. Nobody really seemed to want to talk about her. Until... he saw her rounding the corner. He ducked away suddenly, and he heard he talking to someone.

(Reroll: 89 + 10 (Cha) = 99 vs 50 DC. Excellent success!)

"...yeah, I know. I know I need to get good marks, trust me. I'm not going to let Narubar down.

"You'd better not. Help me out, not the Empire."

The other voice sounded familiar. It was Thomas! Ulos made himself flat against the wall, but thankfully Thomas didn't come around the corner towards him.

"That jerk. Oh, look at me, I'm a Senator's son. I'm rich. I hate the Empire. I hate the Empire too! They killed my parents. He... he just hates them because he's mad they beat him up. It's not the same. He didn't even hate that big guy, I think, just needed a target. Well... better him than me, I guess. If he decided to get me kicked out..."

She suddenly breathed quickly.

"Souls, Theory, Practice, and Magical Inheritance. Lemme think... yeah, it'll have to be Theory. Theory's the only one I have with all of them."

She sighed, and suddenly swore.

"Just because I'm an orphan I'm suddenly not good enough and have to do his dirty work? I'll show him. I'll show the Empire, too. I'll be the best mage this school ever turned out, and I'll go back and I'll..."

She cut off, and walked away.

Ulos felt a little dirty, but he'd learned some useful things. Her classes, her relationship with Thomas. Even that something was happening in Theory, and probably to him. Well, maybe not, but paranoia had kept him alive in the Empire, and it wasn't a habit he intended to abandon now.

(Gained Foreknowledge. + 10 versus next Thomas Action!)

Friday:

"So, yeah, just be careful in our test, ok? I heard Laila say she had to do something, but I don't know what."

They settled in to do the test.

(Ulos Test Results: 12 (Lore) - 1 + 3 = 14/15 (Extraordinary Success!). Abraham Test Results: 6 (Lore) - 3 + 2 = 5/15 (Bare Pass). Madavian Test Results: 2 (Lore) - 3 + 2 = 1.(Embarrassing Fail))

(Lore Rival Test Results: 10 (Lore) - 3 + 2 = 9/15. (Solid Success! Ulos has garnered the highest test result!)

(Thomas Roll 26 vs Ulos Roll 33 = 23 + 10 (Foreknowledge). Failed!)

(Thomas Roll 95 vs Abraham Roll 17 = 7 + 10 (Foreknowledge) Critical success!)

(Thomas Roll 97 vs 34 = 24 + 10 (Foreknowledge). Excellent success!)

Ulos found it easy, and went through the test rapidly. Looking over it, he was fairly certain nothing was wrong. Two-thirds of the questions hadn't even been covered in class, though he didn't think any of them were particularly hard.

Looking over, he saw Laila creeping around. He gestured to the other two to watch out. As they watched, his inkpot began to tremble. He grabbed it immediately, and held it down, it wobbling in his hand.

He looked over at Madavian and Abraham, just in time for their inkpots to flip over completely, covering their tests in ink.

They raised their hands and asked for another copy, but there was hardly time to redo it. Zero marks on that test. Frustrating, but he knew Madavian and Abraham probably weren't aiming for the top half of Theory anyway, so perhaps not the greatest loss. Still, that spell... he knew Thomas would try and strike again. Ink over paper wasn't much, but he bet Thomas was aiming to destroy his test most of all.

Not that they counted for anything in the end, but... there was probably something. Oh well. Ulos felt he had done well.

It was later that night that another student came down at dinner, with a fashionable pink stripe in her hair. Was it fashionable, Ulos thought? Or was it something the Junotrins in school might have been taking on?

She handed him a note.

"For you."

"Ulos Flitter. See me in my office, 10 AM tomorrow. Need to talk about your test."
- Senior Mage Inukar.

Well. That was certainly something.

Ulos ate, and then went back to the room, Abraham lying on the floor. Time to plan out his weekend.

occipitallobe · May 17, 2017

You presently have 2 Willpower. This pool will regenerate after this turn.

As per usual, Ulos will take 4 Actions. These can come from any sort of Action, I've just sorted them into groups to make figuring out what's going on easier.

Temporary/One-Off Actions:

[ ] Meet Inukar - One-off action you can only do this weekend. Take it or lose it. If you go... well, who knows what Inukar wants? Refusing might have bad effects as well, though. Meet Inukar. ??? effect. Negative effect on Relationship if you refuse. Action is removed if not taken.

[ ] Appraise your Artifact - Sure, you can't do it, but you can find someone who can. Knowing what that Artifact does might be key to either keeping it or selling it for a good sum. Roll Cha vs DC (Moderate). Success offers information about Artifact. Failure offers no information. Critical failure offers completely false information. Roll will be hidden. Action is removed once either a success is rolled or a critical failure is rolled.

[ ] Find Abraham Somewhere to Live - Opens up Housing options. You might find a decent single room in the Dorms, or maybe you'll discover a third-year Imperial student looking for a roommate/gopher. Maybe you'll find a secret cave Abraham can crash in on campus. You don't know exactly what you'll do with him yet, but you need to do something. Roll vs DC (Trivial). Basic success offers basic housing options. Each 20 points over DC will offer more information. Willpower upgrade. Gain +20 to roll. Can only be taken once.

Training Actions:

[ ] Start Studying (Write-In Subject) - You have your textbooks. Next step is reading through 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. -1 to all Training Rolls of this sort due current roommate penalty.

[ ] Practice Spellweaving - Use some of your little magic to practice your Spellweaving. Gain a Training Roll vs Channeling. Cannot use Willpower upgrade, Channeling too low.

[ ] 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 Abraham (20+30=50% chance). Cannot be taken while Trait: Banned Doppelganger is active. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a Training Roll in both subjects. Can only be taken twice per Week max.

[ ] Practice Spell (Write-In From Spellbook) - Time to practice a spell. Get better, cast faster, cast cheaper. Roll against DC (??? depends on Spell). Takes ??? Magic Pool, where ??? is equal to a Spell's cost times 5. Character gains an additional Training roll if they still have more mana after practicing. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain an additional two Training Rolls if you have enough mana for it.

Diplomacy and Discovery Actions:

[ ] 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 and Abraham Quincey. Increase Relationship by one step. Roll against DC (Variable, depending on friendship level). On success, increase Relationship by another step.

[ ] 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.

[ ] 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 ???. Willpower upgrade - spend 1 point to gain a second roll. Spend 2 points to gain a third roll.

[ ] Study your Magic Pool - You need to learn to meditate, focus, and understand what is happening in the Ether, and in yourself when you draw from it. Gaining such inner understanding may shed light on your Curse's functionality. Gain a Training Roll for Skill: Meditation versus Willpower.

Crafting, Gathering & Shopping Actions:

[ ] 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 ???.

[ ] Go to the Marketplace - You have money to spend and items to sell. You need to spend some time gearing up, finding tutors, spells, artifacts, items, and more. Activates Shopping Mini-Turn with more Actions within it (including "Find a Buyer" for your items), allowing the buying and selling of items and services.

[ ] Search for Ingredients - You don't know about a whole lot of Alchemical Ingredients, but you can go looking. Even if you don't find exactly what you're looking for, you can scout out good places. Roll against DC ???. On success, find Ingredients. On critical success find a Location with Ingredients.

[ ] Map out the Dorms - Knowing who is where, asking your friends about who has which room and how to get to places quickly. Sort of creepy, but also might come in handy. No skill gains. Roll against DC 65, on success gain Item: Map of Dorms (Unfinished). +10 bonus to pranks and similar actions taken within the Dorms.

Locked Actions:

[ ] Tutor Madavian (Magical Theory) - Madavian needs tutoring. He's falling behind already! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Madavian) vs Lore: Magical Theory. Success increases Madavian's grasp on Magical Theory and Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Madavian to ask, or you to offer.

[ ] Suck Up To Your Teacher (Write-In) - Figure out what they like. Do the research. Then suck up. Not hard in theory. Roll against DC ??? (depends on teacher) vs Cha. Success increases teacher's Relationship by one step. Locked. Requires Ulos to know his teachers better.

[ ] Craft Alchemical Recipe (Write-In) - Time to get your Alchemy on! Get in there and make something useful! Roll against DC ??? (depends on Recipe). Success adds Recipe to Inventory. Locked. Requires at least 1 rank in Craft: Alchemy. Requires access to Alchemical Equipment.

Vorstallen Magic Preparatory - The Third-Best School for Young Mages in the Nation! Enrol Today!

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

occipitallobe

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks